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published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXII No. 11834 February 24, 2021 Rajab 12, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Qatar, Egypt hold Qatar, Uzbekistan review ties fi rst meeting since Al-Ula Declaration Difi meet stresses need Two off icial delegations from Qatar and Egypt held their first meeting yesterday in Kuwait to develop mechanisms and procedures for the for healthy marriages future phase, after the Al-Ula Summit Declaration in Saudi Arabia, which was issued on January 5, 2021. O QF member attracts nearly 1,000 attendees worldwide to discuss matrimony The two sides welcomed the measures taken by both countries after signing the Al-Ula statement onsidering the immense pres- as a step on the path of building sure youth around the world confidence between the two Care facing – and the challenges brotherly countries. The meeting they encounter upon entering matri- also discussed the necessary mony – it has become imperative to means and measures to be taken develop policies suitable for helping in order to enhance the course of them construct healthy marriages, joint action and bilateral relations attendees heard during day one of between the two countries, and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed Doha International Family Institute’s to achieve the aspirations of their bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met yesterday with the visiting Deputy Minister international conference. Special guest speaker UN Deputy Qatar’s Minister of Culture and Sports peoples in terms of security, stability of Foreign Aff airs of Uzbekistan, Furkat Sidikov. During the meeting, they Titled Marriage: Formation and Secretary-General Amina J HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser and development. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, a round of Constituents of Stability, the confer- Mohamed al-Ali attending a plenary session. expressed appreciation to Saudi political consultations between the foreign ministries of Qatar and Uzbekistan ence, organised by Doha International Arabia for hosting the last Gulf was held yesterday. The Qatari side was headed by HE the Minister of State for Family Institute (Difi ) – a member of Summit that resulted in the Al-Ula Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al- Muraikhi, while the Uzbek side was chaired Qatar Foundation – brought together Declaration. They also thanked by Furkat Sidikov. The two sides reviewed the bilateral relations. Page 2 nearly 1,000 people from around the Kuwait for hosting the first meeting globe to learn about critical issues af- between them, and expressed fecting marriage. appreciation to the Amir of Kuwait The opening plenary titled Percep- Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber tions First: The Diff erence between al-Sabah for the eff orts of his country Man and Woman set the tone for the to heal the rift and its keenness to Leading fi rms register discussion around the diff erent per- promote joint Arab action. (QNA) ceptions of policymakers, experts, and youth on the topic, and high- More rain, drop in lighted the advocacy measures need- temperature forecast for Milipol Qatar 2021 ed through policies and programmes to address such issues. The country is expected to see The session featured special guest more rain until tomorrow night, with By Shafeeq Alingal European Guarding and Security Serv- speakers Queen of Malaysia Tunku Dr Amal Mohamed al-Malki (left) and panellists during a session. strong winds and a significant drop Staff Reporter ices Company, Fahad Contracting and Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah in temperature also forecast in the Trading and ISC Group Gulf. Iskandariah binti Almarhum al- tainable Development Group. Bannaw, alumnus, Hamad Bin Khalifa coming days. Today’s forecast says A number of leading technology Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskanda They were later joined by Qatar’s University (HBKU), in a panel discus- thunderstorms are expected in the ilipol Qatar 2021 continues to companies from across Europe, the al-Haj, Raja Permaisuri Agong, and Minister of Culture and Sports HE sion, moderated by Shaikha al-Marri, country along with sudden strong draw major Qatari and inter- Eastern Mediterranean region, the Amina J. Mohamed, Deputy Secre- Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, member of the Youth Advisory Com- winds. The weather off ice has also Mnational fi rms with the exhi- Middle East and the Indian subcon- tary-General of the United Nations Dr Sharifa Noaman al-Emadi, ex- mittee at the Ministry of Culture and issued a warning for thundery rain, bition registration evoking a good re- tinent will attend the event while ex- and Chair of the United Nations Sus- ecutive director, Difi ; and Reem al- Sports in Qatar. To Page 5 windy conditions and high seas in sponse. According to the latest fi gures hibiting a wide range of off erings of the off shore areas today. Page 12 available on the offi cial Milipol website, equipment, systems, products and the number of exhibitors in the 13th edi- sector-specifi c advice. Health minister visits Covid rehab centre Tiger Woods in hospital tion of the exhibition has reached 131. The exhibition will be held from aft er ‘major’ car crash The attendees’ list has government March 15 to March 17 at the Doha Ex- entities and major companies con- hibition and Convention Centre. The cerned with homeland security and civil event, one of the leading international defence. These include subsidiaries of exhibitions in the internal security and Barzan Holdings such as Barood Factory, civil defence sectors, was postponed Edraq Healthcare Solutions and Barzan due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Aeronautical, as well as BQ Solutions, The organisers have said this edition of Qatar Cyber Academy and QSUR Trad- the event will be held in an environment ing, Ooredoo Qatar, Rheinmetall Bar- marked by precautionary measures in zan Advanced Technologies (RBAT) and order to reduce health risks. All personal Louis Marine Equipment Sale, GBM Qa- protection systems and equipment will tar, GET Group Holding, KTC Interna- be available during the event. Periodical US golfer Tiger Woods was tional Qatar, Global Armoring Factory, sanitisation will be carried in line with hospitalised yesterday after a car the highest health standards approved crash in which his vehicle sustained by the Ministry of Public Health. “major damage,” the Los Angeles Milipol Qatar 2021 is an important County Sheriff ’s department said. platform that will help the public ac- Woods, the sole occupant, was cess everything related to the fi eld of removed from the wreckage by internal security and civil defence in firefighters and paramedics and taken the Middle East, which is witness- to a local hospital for treatment, a ing rapid growth driven by technical statement said. The extent of his developments as well as the growth injuries was not known. The roll-over of internal health and safety require- HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari visiting the Post-Covid Inpatient Unit established at the collision near Los Angeles did not ments in the wake of the spread of Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) to off er a holistic programme to patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms to help in involve any other vehicles. From a previous edition of Milipol Qatar. Covid-19. To Page 6 their recovery. She visited two patients currently receiving care at QRI following episodes of severe Covid-19. Page 3 Iran uranium stockpile 14 times over limit: IAEA Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium PM to inaugurate Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor today is now more than 14 times over the limit set down in its 2015 deal with world powers, the UN’s nuclear agency reported yesterday. An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report seen by AFP said that as of February 16, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile was 2,967.8kg. The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 300kg of enriched uranium in a particular compound form, which is the equivalent of 202.8kg of uranium in non-compound form. Climate change a threat to world peace: Johnson British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called a virtual meeting of the United Nations Security Council yesterday where he urged The inaugural ceremony of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will be held today under the auspices of HE the Mesaimeer Road to Al Bustan Street and crosses over Halul Intersection on Mesaimeer Road and fellow leaders to take immediate Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. A prestigious Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection on Salwa Road. Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor links the south and north action on the climate crisis or face project of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor extends for approximately parts of Doha without the need to pass through Doha Expressway and 22 February Street. Works worsening global instability. The 25km from Hamad International Airport to Umm Lekhba Interchange on Doha Expressway. The first as part of the Corridor includes upgrading E Ring, F Ring, Mesaimeer, Al Bustan, Bu Erayyen and planet’s warming temperatures 13km phase, from Umm Lekhba Interchange to Bu Hamour Bridge, was opened in September last Lebday roads and sections of Al Markhiya Street. In addition, Ashghal is enhancing 12km of local and were deemed inextricably linked to year. Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor has the longest bridge, and the deepest and longest bi-directional peripheral roads intersecting with the Corridor. The total road works of the project are about 37km. security by most countries. Page 11 tunnel. With a length of 1,200m, Qatar’s first cable-stayed bridge is on the Corridor, and extends from PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 QATAR

QNL president meets Tunisian mnister Education minister meets Tunisian counterpart Official

Amir sends cables of congratulations to sultan of Brunei

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- HE the Minister of State and Thani and HE the Prime Minister President of Qatar National Library and Minister of Interior Sheikh (QNL), Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, met yesterday with the al-Thani sent yesterday cables visiting Tunisian Minister of Higher of congratulations to Sultan Education and Scientific Research Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei on Olfa Benouda Sioud. The meeting the occasion of his country’s touched on means of enhancing co- National Day. operation between the QNL and the educational and scientific institutions HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, in Tunisia. After the meeting, the met yesterday with the visiting Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Olfa Amir greets Tunisian minister toured the QNL to Benouda Sioud and her accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of president learn about its activities, archives co-operation between Qatar and Tunisia in higher education and scientific research, and ways to of Guyana and knowledge services. support and enhance them.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Deputy speaker meets Uzbekistan minister al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to President QU, Education of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali on the occasion of his country’s National Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ministry to hold Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani also sent a similar cable to Prime Minister of Guyana Mark Phillips. virtual programme Amir sends n collaboration with the Ministry awareness among Qatari high school stu- birthday greetings of Education and Higher Education dents regarding different skills needed to Japan emperor I(MoEHE), Qatar University’s Founda- to succeed in STEM and medicine fields, tion Program (FP), under the Deanship such as study skills and test taking strat- of General Studies, is set to organise ‘Al- egies. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Qabas Program Virtual 2021’ under the In addition, it aims to prepare stu- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and theme: “To prepare high school students dents for university life through variety His Highness the Deputy Amir for a successful university experience.” of educational sessions that are offered Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad The student outreach initiative will be in English and develop their English and al-Thani sent yesterday cables held after school hours from March 21 math skills, thereby paving the way for of congratulations to Emperor to March 25 for female high school stu- enrolment in STEM colleges and enhanc- Naruhito of Japan on the dents and from March 28 to 29 for male ing students’ chances for success in their occasion of his birthday. high school students. The goal is to raise future colleges.

HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Sulaiti, met yesterday with the visiting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Furkat Sidikov. During the meeting, they reviewed the parliamentary relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them. Doha pulling out all stops for LDC5 meet Qatar will spare no effort for 5th UN Conference in Doha to be milestone in meeting aspirations of Least Developed Countries: al-Muraikhi

QNA various areas that serve these coun- made to respond to the needs and pri- Doha tries, gave priority to their issues, and orities of the least developed coun- was keen on hosting important Unit- tries, expressing confi dence that this ed Nations conferences in this regard, conference will contribute to meeting atar participated on Monday which had achieved the desired re- their needs and support their march in the virtual Africa Regional sults, such as the Second South Sum- towards achieving development for QReview meeting on the imple- mit in 2005, the Follow-up Interna- the next 10 years, in line with the mentation of the Istanbul Programme tional Conference on Financing for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Devel- of Action (IPoA) for the least devel- Development to Review the Imple- opment, enabling these countries to oped countries, which is held in prep- mentation of the Monterrey Consen- emerge from the list of least devel- aration for the 5th United Nations sus in 2008, the Thirteenth Session oped countries. Conference on the Least Developed of the United Nations Conference on HE al-Muraikhi added that within Countries (LDC5) in Malawi. Trade and Development in 2012, and the framework of this meeting from Qatar’s delegation to the meet- the eighteenth session of the Confer- Istanbul to Doha, Qatar is looking ing was chaired by HE the Minister ence of Parties (COP18) to the United forward to building the next Doha of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan Nations Framework Convention on conference on the experiences gained bin Saad al-Muraikhi. Addressing Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2012, and the successes achieved in previ- the high-level opening session: From HE the Minister said. ous conferences, the most recent of Istanbul to Doha — Towards a New He explained that based on Qatar’s which is the Fourth United Nations Decade of Partnerships for LDCs, HE awareness of the importance of sup- Conference on the Least Developed al-Muraikhi extended sincere thanks porting countries suff ering from the Countries hosted by Turkey, its dis- to Malawi for hosting the meeting, negative eff ects of climate change, tinguished eff orts that contributed to and expressed pleasure for taking part His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim the successful outcomes of the con- in such an important meeting. bin Hamad al-Thani announced, dur- ference represented in the Istanbul HE al-Muraikhi noted that he ing the Climate Action Summit in Programme of Action for the Least would have hoped to attend this September 2019, the contribution of Developed Countries for 2011-2020. meeting in the friendly Malawi, Qatar of $100mn to support the least He looked forward to the Doha Pro- which belongs to the African conti- developed countries and small island gramme of Action for the next decade nent that has distinguished relations developing states to deal with climate to complete the achievement of the with Qatar, were it not for the restric- change. He added that Qatar has con- goals that are still in the process, and tions imposed by the current global tinued its eff orts, within the frame- to be a starting point and a roadmap, health crisis, resulted by the coro- work of international multilateral ac- as the fi rst programme of action that navirus pandemic, whose negative tion, to support all initiatives aimed will address and give priority to ad- impacts aff ected all countries around at fi nding solutions to the crises and dressing the Covid-19 repercussions the world, especially the least devel- challenges that have burdened many on the least developed countries, oped countries, expressing the hope developing countries and the least in addition to bringing the desired that the world would overcome this developed, and cast negative eff ects change in the life of millions of people pandemic soon through co-operation on peace and stability in the world. living in the least developed countries and partnership. HE the Minister stated that despite to ensure the desired development He underlined that the current the diffi cult challenges that the world gains and the transformative change. challenges facing the world affi rm the is going through due to the Covid-19 He hoped to co-operate with all necessity of interdependence and in- outbreak, Qatar is confi dent that the partners to make the Doha confer- tegration among all countries of the Fifth United Nations Conference ence a success, affi rming that Qa- world. on the Least Developed Countries, tar will spare no eff ort for the Fifth Based on the fi rm values and policy which Qatar will host between Jan 23- United Nations Conference in Doha of Qatar in terms of co-operation and 27, 2022, will provide an exceptional to be a milestone in responding to partnership with the international opportunity to not only addressing the aspirations of the least developed community, the State has spared no these challenges but to laying down countries to achieve comprehensive eff ort in standing with brothers and targeted measures for recovery and development in them and to benefi t partners, especially in the humani- building the capacities of least de- from the tremendous energy of hu- tarian and development fi eld. veloped countries to face such chal- man and natural resources of the least In line with the State’s commit- lenges in the future. developed countries for growth and ments to support the issues of devel- He expressed Qatar’s happiness to prosperity. He looked forward to wel- oping and least developed countries, make all eff orts in this conference and coming all the participants to Doha in Qatar carried out its desired role in to be a major partner in the eff orts 2022. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 24, 2021 3 QATAR

Uruguay’s vice-president and speaker hails announcement of Shura elections

HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari during a visit to the Post-Covid Inpatient Unit in Qatar Rehabilitation Institute. Health Minister visits QRI Post-Covid Inpatient Unit

E the Minister of Public tion. This is especially prevalent Health Dr Hanan Mo- for patients who have been in a Hhamed al-Kuwari vis- coma in an ICU.” ited the Post-Covid Inpatient “The timeliness of this facility Unit established in the Qatar has benefi ted several post-Cov- Uruguay’s Vice-President and Speaker of the Parliament, Beatriz Argimon Cedeira, hailed Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) id-19 patients who have relied His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s announcement to hold the Shura to off er a holistic programme to on professional rehabilitation to Council elections in October 2021. This came during Cedeira’s meeting with Charge d’Aff aires patients with more severe Cov- help them recover their mobil- of Qatar’s embassy in Uruguay, Taleb bin Mohamed al-Menakhas. During the meeting, they id-19 symptoms to help in their ity following a protracted pe- reviewed the bilateral relations. recovery. riod of illness with more severe She visited two patients cur- symptoms. We have had several rently receiving care in QRI fol- patients who transferred to QRI lowing episodes of severe Cov- from one of the intensive care id-19. units in a Covid-19 facility. In each case the prolonged ill- Although these patients no NHRC chairman meets president ness and severity of symptoms longer had the virus, the sever- has led to the patients expe- ity of the illness, especially if of Syrian National Coalition riencing reduced lung capac- they were in an induced coma to ity and muscle atrophy result- be mechanically ventilated, has ing in decreased endurance. they are more at risk of serious fore my experience, I was una- led to signifi cant physical de- The patients have been through illness from this disease. In ad- ware that the virus could aff ect terioration that requires special months of hospitalisation, in- dition, I urge anyone who is ex- people in this way and for such a therapies, including physical, cluding periods in intensive care periencing Covid-19 symptoms prolonged period of time.” occupational and speech thera- on a ventilator, and now require to go to their healthcare facility Patients who have been in the py, for the patient to regain basic extensive rehabilitation to build or call the national hotline on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to skills,” added Dr al-Hamad. their strength and regain mo- 16000 to avoid deterioration of Covid-19 can experience post- Dr Rafat Saad, chairperson bility function. Both patients their health condition.” intensive care syndrome (PICS) of the Adult Physical Medicine told the minister that they never The fi rst patient, a 65-year- which involves health problems and Rehabilitation Programme thought anyone could get so ill old male was fi rst admitted with that may persist after discharge at QRI, explained that the Post- with this virus and praised the severe Covid-19 symptoms in from the unit. Covid Inpatient Unit off ers a care they received in QRI. September 2020. He was fi nally Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, Qatar place for patients to recover HE Dr al-Kuwari expressed transferred to QRI for rehabili- national lead for Healthy Age- from the serious complications her joy that these patients are tation in early February 2021 but ing and medical director at the of the disease. now recovering and said: “While still continues to require addi- QRI, advised that post-Covid “The focus is on the recov- the majority of patients recover tional oxygen and experiences patients often face key chal- ery of patients who no longer well from the Covid-19 infec- weakness. lenges during their treatment have Covid-19 but experience tion, there are some who have The other patient, a 56-year- period: “In line with fi ndings resulting healthcare problems, signifi cant long-term health old male, has been in hospital from around the world, we have including delirium, shortness consequences. for over a month and is still ex- experienced that patients with of breath, pulmonary fi brosis, To reduce the risk of chronic periencing extreme fatigue. “I severe Covid-19 symptoms are critical care myopathy and other Covid-19 syndrome, we urge the thank God that I have survived more likely to experience on- debilitating impacts on their public to get vaccinated as soon Covid-19 and pray for strength going general body weakness, health. The unit provides reha- HE the Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri as they have the opportunity to to get me through this next pe- cognitive or brain dysfunction, bilitation sessions to help pa- met in Doha yesterday with the visiting President of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution do so, particularly those who riod of recovery, which is slow and even mental health condi- tients regain abilities and skills and Opposition Forces Dr Nasr Musa al-Hariri. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of are 60 or older and those with because I have very low energy tions after they have recovered to their maximum possible po- co-operation in human rights issues and ways to protect and promote them. chronic health conditions as and my muscles are so weak. Be- from the initial Covid-19 infec- tential.”

The Armed Forces con- Armed Forces conclude Miqdam 4 tactical exercises cluded yesterday the tactical exercises ‘Miqdam 4’, carried out by cadets of the National Service Academy, under the patronage of HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, in the presence of HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant- General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem. The exercise concluded by the implementation of its second phase which aimed at train- ing on defending islands, in- cluding the transfer of forces via helicopters and sailing boats, the implementation of defence works, the establish- ment of fortifications and the creation of engineering obstacles. The second phase also included landing op- erations on the coast of the islands and the implementa- tion of counter-attack, as well as the implementation of the scenario of interruption of supplies to the forces defend- ing the island, and training in joint co-ordination between the National Service and all branches of the Armed Forces and the bodies of the Ministry of Interior and Lekhwiya Force. The Amiri Air Force, the Amiri Naval Forces, the Military Police Forces and the Medical Services Command took part in the exercise with the participation of the Ministry of the Interior, represented by the Lekhwiya Force and the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security. The exercise was attended by a number of senior off icers of the Armed Forces. — QNA Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 QATAR Qatar emphasises equality in tackling Covid-19 pandemic

QNA Representative of Qatar to the milestone in the process of joint Geneva United Nations Offi ce in Ge- collective action to promote the neva, Ambassador Ali Khalfan values of equality and prevent al-Mansouri, during the annual discrimination in all its forms. atar affi rmed the impor- high-level panel discussion on Despite the eff orts made since tance of spreading values human rights mainstreaming the adoption of this declara- Qof equality, co-operation at the Human Rights Council in tion to promote these values, the and transparency in eff orts to ad- Geneva, focusing on the fi ght phenomena of intolerance, rac- dress the coronavirus (Covid-19) against racism and discrimina- ism and discrimination are still pandemic in order to achieve our tion, 20 years after the adoption present and widespread, and they aspiration of overcoming this of the Durban Declaration and have exacerbated recently with crisis, stressing that it is impor- Plan of Action, and the exacer- the emergence of the Covid-19 tant that everyone obtains a fair bating eff ects Covid-19 had on pandemic through many prac- MoPH reports 510 opportunity to get the vaccine to these eff orts. tices that have been reinforced prevent the virus in a safe and ef- As Qatar sought to limit the ef- by hate speech, incitement and fective manner, without any kind fects of the Covid-19 pandemic hostile attitudes against certain of discrimination and away from since the beginning by provid- groups in society, based on their Covid recoveries in nationalism and ethnic affi lia- ing various kinds of international nationality, ethnic origin, and tions. aid, it also sought to support in- even their religion, he added. It also affi rmed the importance ternational eff orts related to fair HE Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri Al-Mansouri stressed the im- of taking into account the needs and equal access to vaccines by portance of taking eff ective and the past 24 hours of specifi c groups to limit the supporting initiatives that help located $20mn to support Global Offi cial Development Assistance decisive measures to put an end spread or reduce deaths due to low-income countries to get Alliance for Vaccines and Immu- (ODA) eligible countries. to these discriminatory practices the pandemic. equal opportunities in obtaining nisation (GAVI) and the Covax The 20th anniversary of the and hold perpetrators account- QNA but these increases appear to be This came in a statement de- them, al-Mansouri said. mechanism to ensure fair and Durban Declaration and Plan of able and ensure that they do not Doha the early signs of a potential sec- livered by HE the Permanent He pointed out that Qatar al- equal access of vaccines to 92 Action represents a signifi cant recur. ond wave in Qatar. For this reason, it is more im- 263 people referred to prosecution he Ministry of Public portant than ever that people Health (MoPH) reported adhere to preventative measures Tamuq faculty ranked top in their fi elds for violations of Covid-19 measures Tyesterday 455 new con- to stop the second wave in its fi rmed cases of the coronavirus tracks. Nine faculty members from Texas A&M edge topics and technologies. The competent authorities referred 263 people to the Public (Covid-19) during the last 24 If the number of positive cases University at Qatar (Tamuq), a Qatar Foundation “We are proud of their accomplishments and the Prosecution for violating the precautionary and preventative measures hours, of which 417 were from and hospital admissions contin- (QF) partner university, were included on a role all of our faculty members play in making enforced by the country to curb the spread of the coronavirus community and 38 from travel- ues to increase over the coming list recently published by Stanford University our university the essential partner it is to Qatar (Covid-19), Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported yesterday. lers returning from abroad who week or two, additional restric- researchers whose study identified the top 2% of and in improving the world around us,” he said. Of these, 241 were referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing are subject to quarantine. tions may need to be implement- most-cited scientists worldwide in all fields. Dr Huang applies mathematics to engineering masks in places where they are mandatory, while 21 were found The MoPH also recorded 510 ed and the country will return Making the list were Dr Tingwen Huang problems, especially those originating in artificial violating the rule limiting the number of people allowed in a vehicle. recoveries from the virus during to some of the early restriction (mathematics), Dr Eyad Masad (mechanical computational intelligence, neural networks and According to the rule, a maximum of four persons – including the driver the past 24 hours, bringing the phases. engineering and civil engineering), Dr Ioannis computer science. – are allowed in a vehicle except when the occupants are members of total number of cases recovered With the recent increase in the Economou and Dr Marcelo Castier (chemical As part of his work, he has developed the same family. in Qatar to 151,225. number of Covid-19 cases in Qa- engineering), Dr Milivoj Belic (physics), and Dr a framework of the smart grid system One person was referred to the Public Prosecution for not installing the All new cases have been intro- tar, it is important for everyone Haitham Abu-Rub, Dr Joseph Boutros, Dr Ali management via neural network-based Ehteraz app. duced to isolation and are receiv- to play their role in controlling Ghrayeb and Dr Hussein Alnuweiri (electrical and approaches, which play a significant role in The measure is in line with a Cabinet decision and Decree Law No 17 of ing necessary healthcare. the virus by following precau- computer engineering). improving the energy eff iciency. 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in Due to the measures put in tionary measures: Dr César Octavio Malavé, dean of Texas A&M Dr Masad’s research has focused on the the country to contain the spread of Covid-19, QNA said. place by the government and the  Adherence to physical dis- University at Qatar, said it is impressive for such development of innovative methods for The authorities have called on the public to adhere to the Covid-19 support of the public in follow- tancing. a small campus to have 15% of its faculty named characterisation of material microstructure and precautionary measures to ensure their safety and that of others. ing preventative steps, Qatar has  Avoid close contact with among the top scholars worldwide in their fields. computational modelling of road performance. succeeded in curbing the spread others, crowded places and con- “Being highly-cited means that researchers This work has improved the design of long- One person faces charges for violating of the coronavirus since its peak fi ned closed spaces where other have demonstrated significant influence in lasting and sustainable road infrastructure, in July. people congregate. their fields and care counted among the world’s and the results of his research have been pledge on holding a social event However, over the past month  Wearing a face mask. top scientific minds,” Dr Malavé said. “Through adopted and are increasing the longevity and Qatar has seen a gradual and con-  Washing hands regularly. their research, our faculty members are solving sustainability of roads in Qatar. The competent authorities have referred one person to the Public sistent increase in the number of Anyone who is experiencing real-world challenges, thereby creating new In fact, Dr Masad has been at the forefront Prosecution for violating the pledge undertaken for holding a social new daily infections. Covid-19 symptoms should con- understanding that is shared with researchers of several Texas A&M at Qatar initiatives event (marriage) by exceeding the number of persons allowed to Additionally, and of great con- tact the 16000 helpline immedi- in academia, industry and governments in Qatar that are advancing safety and sustainability, participate in an event, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said yesterday. cern, is the recent increase in ately. and around the world.” and are integral to standards for world-class This is in line with the Cabinet decision and Law No 17 of 1990 regarding both the number of people ad- This is important as the earlier Academic citations reflect an exchange of ideas infrastructure in Qatar. infectious diseases and the preventative and precautionary measures mitted to hospital with Covid-19 the disease is detected the eas- that expand human knowledge, Dr Malavé Other faculty researchers on the list are experts in force to stop the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), the MoI and the number of people ad- ier it will be to receive the right said, noting that Tamuq faculty are making an in fields ranging from optics and photonics to tweeted. mitted to the intensive care unit treatment and recover. impact locally and globally by making leading molecular thermodynamics to networking and The competent authorities have urged the public to adhere to the (ICU). The MoPH has urged people to contributions to academic discourse on cutting- telecommunications. precautionary and preventive measures in force to protect themselves The data over the next few visit its website for regular up- and others from the spread of the coronavirus. days and week will reveal more, dates and information.

2.1mn prescriptions fi lled from PHCC pharmacies in 2020

uring 2020, 2.138mn medical prescriptions were is- sued from the 27 pharmacies of the Primary Health DCare Corp (PHCC), Dr Mahmoud al-Mahmoud, head of Pharmacy and Therapeutics Supply, said. He told local Arabic daily Arrayah that last year the medication delivery service was also introduced during the fi rst months of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, in co-operation with Qatar Post, with 72,580 medical pre- scriptions delivered. The service was free of charge during the fi rst few months of the pandemic, and it is still available at a charge of QR30, with delivery not later than two working days. The vast majority of the medication delivery orders were for chronic diseases. As many as 4.997mn types of medications were issued last year, adhering to the highest standards of safety and security. Dr al-Mahmoud said that medicines worth QR285mn were disbursed by the PHCC last year, QR23mn higher than in 2019.

Recall order issued for Volvo S60, S80 models of 2001-2003

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co- operation with Domasco (Doha Marketing Services Co), has recalled Volvo S60 and S80 models of 2001-2003 as the front passenger airbag inflator may not function properly due to insuff icient pressure during deployment. The recall campaign comes within the framework of the MoCI’s continuous eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The MoCI urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels: Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, MoCI mobile app for android and iOS: MOCIQATAR Gulf Times Wednesday, February 24, 2021 5 QATAR

Ooredoo Nojoom drive in support of World Cancer Day reaches 3mn points Carrefour kicks off

Nojoom Points donated to Qatar Cancer Society oredoo has announced its No- ‘longest running’ joom Points Donation Drive has Oreached 3mn Nojoom Points donated to Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) in honour of World Cancer Day 2021. Ooredoo has organised the donation World Cancer Day 2021 is ‘I am, I will,’ Society and are proud to work with the drive, which runs until the end of Feb- recognising that each individual’s organisation on this charitable initiative. retail promotion ruary, to encourage Nojoom members commitment to act will lead to pow- Their work within the community is in- to join the commitment with an ambi- erful progress in reducing the global valuable, and we’re honoured to be able  Three months of unlimited deals are coming to Carrefour stores tious target of a total donation of 2mn impact of cancer, and that actions – to support them in any way we can. Nojoom Points to Qatar Cancer Soci- whether big or small – will lead to last- “We’d like to extend our heart- from today until May 24 as part of ‘It’s a Big Deal’ campaign ety. This target has been vastly exceed- ing, positive change. felt thanks to each and every Nojoom ed, with a few days still left to donate, Members are able to donate via the member who has so generously donat- New off ers every week will be available both in-store and online the company has said in a statement. Ooredoo App or the Ooredoo website, ed their Nojoom Points to this worth- QCS actively seeks to raise aware- and can keep track of progress towards while cause, enabling Qatar Cancer ness of the disease, educate commu- the target via the dedicated Donation Society to continue to help those af- nities and promote early detection, as Meter page. fected by cancer, their families and our well as support for those with cancer Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, director of wider communities. And we would also and their families. PR at Ooredoo, said: “We have a long- like to remind members that there is The extended The organisation’s campaign for standing partnership with Qatar Cancer still time to donate!” promotion period allows customers to capitalise on Ministry’s special appreciation for Spectra Global School “unmissable deals” in-store Spectra Global School, Duhail, received special appreciation mathematics domains,” according to a statement from the while adhering from the Private Education Aff airs of the Ministry of Educa- school. to social tion and Higher Education for achieving an outstanding TIMSS, held every four years, shows how well students per- distancing score above the global average (500 points) in Trends in form in grades four and eight in Maths and Science, with 500 requirements, International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2019). points as the centre-point of that scale on which countries Carrefour “The school procured this outstanding score for adopting can compare their performance. Results from the latest Qatar has said. the eff ective teaching and learning methods in science and TIMSS, taken in 2019, were announced recently.

arrefour Qatar has announced four Qatar has said in a statement. and staff .’’ Providing months of sav- that it is launching a three- Laurent Hausknecht, country man- ings, the extended promotion period Cmonth promotional campaign ager of Carrefour Qatar, said: “As a aims to prevent a signifi cant spike in Difi global meet stresses today across its physical and digital proud part of the communities we in-store visits as customers rush to stores regionwide to bring weekly and serve, we know that the pandemic has capitalise on short-term deals, which monthly savings deals on a vast range brought uncertainty into our every- could confl ict with Carrefour’s social of essential items. day lives. But with the launch of ‘It’s a distancing requirements, the state- Called ‘It’s a Big Deal’, the promo- Big Deal’ — the country’s biggest ever ment noted. Customers can make a need for healthy marriage tional campaign supports customers promotion — we’re making one thing welcome saving today by shopping at a time when many are looking to sure: every time you visit Carrefour, in-store or online at carrefourqatar. trim their household outgoings and you’re guaranteed exceptional value com, and can keep up to date with From Page 1 but the next generation.” He added that grocery spend. and choice. Carrefour’s latest off ers on the offi cial marriage is the greatest social educator “Always focused on delivering ex- “This campaign is yet another way Carrefour Qatar Instagram, Facebook, Growing up with separated parents, of children, saying: “There is no other ceptional value through every shop- we guarantee more for you. Moreover, and Twitter accounts. al-Bannaw said she developed a fear place where children can learn the val- ping experience, ‘It’s a Big Deal’ will Carrefour stores across Qatar con- The deals and off ers available will that marriage will lead to divorce. ues as deeply as they can by observing off er customers great promotions and tinue to implement Covid-19 pre- be across essential items, including “I started seeing a relationship men- what happens in their home.” huge savings on food and non-food cautionary measures and protocols meat, fi sh, fruits and vegetables and tor who helped my perception of mar- With social experts, policymakers, items, including electronics,” Carre- to ensure the safety of our customers groceries. riage and family,” she said. “I learned non-governmental organisations, and that each spouse must maintain their hundreds of attendees worldwide, the privacy and personal space to ensure event served as an ideal stage for DIFI that neither oversteps the other. This to present its book on The State of makes them truly partners in the rela- Marriage in the Arab World. tionship.” The book editor, Ahmed Aref, plan- Another plenary session on Mar- ning and institutional development riage and Socioeconomic Challenges manager, Difi , explained that “this focused on wedlock and the socio- book presents a full portrait of the state economic challenges that accompany of marriage across the 22 Arab coun- it, and explored the costs that occur tries from a multidisciplinary per- prior to marriage formation and its im- Special guest speaker Queen of spective. Difi aims by this initiative to pact on marriage rates. The speakers Malaysia Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah increase the knowledge base on Arab included Baroness Emma Nicholson Maimunah Iskandariah binti families and stimulate discussion and of Winterbourne, Member of Brit- Almarhum al-Mutawakkil Alallah action in response to the challenges ain’s Upper Chamber of Parliament, Sultan Iskanda al-Haj. facing the institution of marriage today The House of Lords, UK; Dina Douay, in the Arab world.” director of Women, Family and Child- moud Fahad Alqashan, dean of the Through this global conference, Difi hood Directorate, League of Arab Faculty of Social Sciences, Kuwait aims to advocate for the development States; and Dr Bouchra Tawfi q, direc- University, and family and marital and implementation of policies, inter- tor, National Institute of Social Action, therapist, said: “What we see most ventions, protection programmes, and Ministry of Solidarity, Social Develop- often is not a reluctance to marry, but best practices that preserve the well- ment, Equality and Family, Morocco. rather a delay in marriage. Young men being and stability of marital relations Dr Amal Mohamed al-Malki, founding and women try to fi rst reach their am- worldwide. dean of the College of Humanities and bitions and rather take time to fi nd the Day two of the conference includes Social Sciences, HBKU, Qatar moder- right partner.” four plenary sessions on the Founda- ated the session. Alqashan also underscored the im- tions of a Happy Marriage; Experi- Dr Tawfi q said: “Delay in marriage portance of support systems, particu- ences and Challenges of Cross-Border will ultimately lead to a society with larly at the early stages of marriage. Marriages; Is Technology the Doom of less young people and more elderly “There is a tendency to quickly take Modern Marriage?; and Overcoming people. We have to work together to family problems to court and family the Challenges of Disability and Mar- connect with our Arab and Islamic cul- members often act inattentively,” he riage. ture to keep pace with the occurring said. It also features an Ask the Expert changes and support marriage poli- Another feature of the event was a session, where Mostafa Aboussaad, cies and programmes, so we can bridge keynote address on Building the Case Educational and Social Expert, Ku- this gap and keep societies young and for Marriage by renowned American- wait, illuminates issues surrounding vibrant.” born marriage and family therapist, the challenges in a happy marriage by In a session on Age and Marriage: Kevin Skinner, who discussed the men- responding to questions on the subject Between Early and Late Marriages, Dr tal, emotional, and physical benefi ts of from conference participants. Luay Shabaneh, regional director, UN- marriage. Stressing the importance of The second day of the conference FPA ASRO, commenced the session marriage in social development, Skin- also sees the presentation of Difi ’s re- with statistics relating to the age of ner said: “Marriage is an institution search report on Perceptions and ex- marriage across the Arab region. that will strengthen our entire econo- periences of long-lasting marriage In the same session, Professor Hu- mies. It strengthens not only couples among youth in Qatar.

Green drive

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Public Gardens Section in co-operation with the Australian embassy in Doha has taken part in an event at Al Mamoura Park, as part of the one-million tree planting initiative. Australian ambassador Jonathan Muir, Public Gardens Department assistant director Mohamed Ibrahim al-Sada, and a number of other off icials were present. A number of trees were planted. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 QATAR Sidra Medicine research publishes study on antibodies against coronavirus infection QF entity study can aid in vaccine design and development of antiviral antibody therapies

team of researchers from icine, said in a press statement. had anti-coronavirus antibod- children, had properties allow- Sars-CoV-2, which has already emerging coronaviruses,” Dr Sidra Medicine have “The sites they recognise are ies and where they bound to ing them to bind to proteins of occurred and will inevitably Khan said. Apublished a study about called ‘epitopes’, which repre- the coronavirus particle. This the more virulent coronaviruses continue to occur in the future,” Dr Khalid Fakhro, Chief Re- antibody responses against sent only around seven of nor- helped fi nd important diff er- that can cause Sars and Mers. Dr Taushif Khan, a postdoctoral search Offi cer at Sidra Medi- ‘common cold’ coronaviruses mally several hundred building ences between children and Scientists refer to this prop- fellow at Sidra Medicine and fi rst cine said: “This study is a clear involving over a thousand indi- blocks that make up a microbial adults. erty of the antibodies as ‘cross- author of the study, pointed out. demonstration of how research viduals. protein. It is important to re- “When we took a closer look reactivity’. This may help explain “Antibody binding sites that platforms and technologies en- The study is featured in the alise that which epitopes they at the antibodies in children, why children experience less are similar across diff erent coro- able investigation of virus-host February 22 issue of JCI Insight, bind is very crucial, as this de- we found frequently antibodies severe symptoms when they be- naviruses suggest that the loca- biology at such high resolution, a peer-reviewed medical jour- termines their function and role that bind to exactly the parts of come infected with Mers coro- tions won’t change as quickly. and off er solutions and insights nal. during the course of infection. the viral proteins that are very navirus or Sars-CoV-2. This is because the virus parti- related to the current pandemic “Antibodies play a cru- By studying antibodies against important for the virus to enter “Thorough knowledge about cles need certain sites to interact as well as other coronaviruses cial part in our body’s defence the four ‘common cold’ coro- our cells and cause disease. We where antibodies target the viral with proteins of its human host more generally.” against infectious diseases, naviruses that frequently infect know from other studies that proteins from the diff erent coro- in order to multiply in numbers, “As an academic medical cen- such as Covid-19. Antibodies humans, we were hoping to shed antibodies are not always bene- naviruses can be helpful for vac- whereas other parts of the viral tre, Sidra Medicine is commit- travel through our blood and light on immunity towards hu- fi cial. In some cases, antibodies Dr Nico Marr cine design and the development proteins can handle mutations ted to research at the interface other bodily fl uids. They can man coronaviruses in general,” cause neither harm nor benefi ts of antiviral antibody therapies. more easily. In other words, of clinical care as part of our on- effi ciently recognise and neu- he added. to the body if they target the ing components of our immune It can potentially also help us these insights can help us fi nd going Precision Medicine Pro- tralise microbes that invade our Using state-of-the-art tech- wrong part of the virus. In other system,” Dr Marr said. understand the likelihood and the Achilles’ heel of coronavi- gramme, that will not only help body,” Dr Nico Marr, principal nology, the research team at instances, antibodies can even Another fi nding from the eff ects of mutations in specifi c ruses, to be better prepared for patients in Qatar in the short- investigator and group leader Sidra Medicine were able to enhance disease by accelerat- study was that some antibod- locations of the viral genome new variants of currently cir- term, but will also have a global who led the study at Sidra Med- fi nd out in each subject if they ing viral infection or by hinder- ies, particularly those found in giving rise to new variants of culating strains and even newly impact in the long-term.” MME forms team to Katara Publishing House releases book on diplomacy s part of its publications for by the President of the Italian Red was written by president of the Is- The book also dealt with the con- the year 2021, Katara Publish- Cross and President of the Interna- lamic Committee of the Internation- cept of “humanitarian diplomacy” study protection of Aing House released a book on tional Federation of the Red Cross al Crescent (ICIC) ambassador Ali and the mechanisms of humani- Diplomacy and the Culture of Hu- and Red Crescent Francesco Rocca, Mahmoud Buhedma. tarian action as one of the mecha- manitarian Action, written by Secre- and the second was written by the The book is an attempt to bridge nisms of diplomatic action, and as tary-General of the Qatar Red Cres- former Secretary-General of the In- the various points of view between one of the complementary tools of concrete structures, cent Society (QRCS) ambassador Ali ternational Federation of the Red those working in the diplomatic fi eld political diplomacy, which they can bin Hassan al-Hammadi. Cross and Red Crescent, Chair of and those in the humanitarian fi eld, be viewed as one of the soft power The book included three introduc- the Foundation Kofi Annan Foun- as each team completes the role of tools. tions, the fi rst of which was written dation Elhadj As Sy, while the third the other. It considered that humanitarian artifi cial coral reefs action is the alternative in the ab- sence of traditional diplomacy. The book also discussed the his- E the Minister of Municipal- torical development of Qatari diplo- ity and Environment Abdul- macy, which made it play a role at the Hlah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki regional and international levels as al-Subaie issued yesterday a ministe- well as the foundations upon which rial decision forming a joint working this diplomacy is built. team to study the protection of con- It touched on humanitarian diplo- crete structures and artificial coral macy based on Qatar’s experience reefs under the chairmanship of Dr and its fi rm conviction to uphold hu- Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, head of the man dignity as it is the core of soci- scientific and research team of the ety and its basic building block. Ministry of Municipality and Envi- The book concluded by empha- ronment, and the membership of rep- sising that a deep understanding of resentatives from Qatar University, the role of civil society organisations the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) helps those in the diplomatic fi eld to and the Ministry of Municipality and understand ways to provide aid and Environment. assistance to the community in times The team is tasked to study a tech- of disasters. — QNA nical document issued by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) that fo- cuses on the protection of concrete Major companies structures from rust which leads to deterioration, corrosion and cracks. register for Milipol The team will demonstrate the implementation of the project Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari. Qatar 2021 included in the document to protect concrete installations installations in Qatar in light of stud- From Page 1 in Qatar in light of studies and ies and comparative systems. comparative systems The team will review practical Milipol Qatar 2021 is an important studies and similar technical models platform that will help the public ac- The project presented by HBKU to verify their technical and practi- cess everything related to the fi eld of to the Ministry of Municipality and cal success, as well as the experiences internal security and civil defence in Environment develops a field mod- of countries that have used this sys- the Middle East, which is witness- el consisting of electronic sensors tem, evaluate these experiences and ing rapid growth driven by technical placed on concrete structures to pre- the benefit of their application in the developments as well as the growth dict the occurrence of rust and cor- State of Qatar. of internal health and safety require- rosion in reinforcing iron in its early The team will also study the manu- ments in the wake of the spread of stages due to climatic, chemical and facture, installation and monitoring Covid-19. other factors, thus helping decision- of artificial coral reefs in light of the The Milipol Qatar event will at- makers to treat the defect before it research and experiments conducted tract the most prominent bodies in spreads and causes damages that may in this field, stemming from the min- the public and industrial security require large sums for maintenance istry’s keenness on promoting and sector around the world. The exhibi- and rehabilitation. protecting wildlife, ensuring sustain- tion will showcase the latest innova- The team will demonstrate the im- ability of fish wealth and preserving tive products and services in the ar- plementation of the project included the biological diversity in the Qatari eas of security and safety, protection in the document to protect concrete marine environment. and prevention devices.

Beautification works NBK Automobiles launches special off ers on Mercedes-Benz genuine batteries

asser Bin Khaled (NBK) Auto- tomers more mileage for money and mobiles, the authorised gen- peace of mind.” Neral distributor of Mercedes- Mercedes-Benz invests in develop- Benz in Qatar, has launched special ing the best batteries and spare parts for off ers on Mercedes-Benz genuine bat- the complete model range. Mercedes- teries, the “most reliable and durable Benz genuine batteries have also proved batteries”. their high performance and durabil- Valid for all Mercedes-Benz vehi- ity even in the harshest weather condi- cles, customers can benefi t from spe- tions, the statement notes. cial prices on the genuine batteries “Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles available at all Mercedes-Benz service has built its success by establishing centres, according to a press state- solid, longstanding relationships with ment. its customers, and by off ering a wide Ihab Elfeky, general manager of NBK range of quality products. As a brand Automobiles, said: “NBK Automo- name, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles biles continues its off ers on after-sales is deeply associated with a history of products and services, so that custom- premium quality service and market ers can maintain their vehicles to the leadership. Established in 1957, Nass- highest standards. Mercedes-Benz er Bin Khaled Automobiles is Qatar’s Genuine Parts are well known for their exclusive distributor of three of the Al Rayyan Municipality’s Gardens Section has effi ciency, sustainability and durabil- world’s most respected, iconic brands: carried out some beautification works at Al ity. We are glad to present this special Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Gharrafa Street. Both sides of the streets were off er on Mercedes-Benz genuine bat- and Mercedes-AMG,” the statement decorated. teries, which last longer, giving cus- adds. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 24, 2021 7 QATAR

EAA’s Internet Free Education Resource Bank wins mEducation Alliance award  The open source learning materials project was selected out of 200-plus nominations as part of a global award ceremony

he Internet Free Edu- and hope that our open source cation Resource Bank learning materials will prevent T(Iferb), developed by learning loss to provide stu- Education Above All Founda- dents in underserved contexts Some 60 physicians were divided into six groups to enhance their skills in endoscopy. tion (EAA)’s Innovation Devel- the opportunity to continue opment Directorate (IDD), has their growth across interdisci- been conferred the first award plinary projects.” in the Crisis and Conflict Cat- The awarding body, mEduca- egory by the Mobiles for Educa- tion Alliance was established in tion (mEducation) Alliance. 2010 as a unique, multi-stake- QRCS supports medical Honoured for its contribu- holder convening platform for tions to broadening education government and donor policy- access through alternative so- makers, investors, researchers, lutions, EAA was selected out of and practitioners to work to- a pool of over 200 nominations gether, particularly in low-re- training for Gaza physicians on the occasion of the mEdu- source and developing country cation Alliance 10th anniver- contexts. sary event and 1st annual award projects are relevant to their The Alliance focuses on the atar Red Crescent Soci- lack such practical aspects of show. contexts and learning needs of role of sustainability and the ety (QRCS) is training 60 endoscopy. The event aims to recognise their children. appropriate usage of technol- QGaza physicians in en- He believes this advanced organisations and individuals Resources are designed for ogy in education to improve doscopy under a $60,000 pro- training would improve the working with marginalised and NGOs, schools, educators, par- educational outcomes. gramme. The initiative is part capabilities of graduate physi- difficult to reach communities ents and students in the nearly Today, EAA’s Iferb is a grow- of a project to support specialist cians, qualifying them to adopt across the world. half of global households that ing collection of over 122 PBL surgery services. modern methodologies and Designed as an early emer- are not digitally connected and resources and an Activity Bank Dr Sobhi Skeik, endoscopy guidelines of endoscopy. gency response to the Covid-19 for those that have moved to for Disabilities that can be im- trainer at the Al-Ahli Arab Hos- QRCS pays attention to the pandemic and the unique prob- online schools to supplement plemented using minimal ma- pital, Gaza, pointed out that, for capacity-building of Gaza’s lems posed by long-term school their learning. terials while requiring virtually the past 30 years, endoscopy medical professionals. In addi- closures, the Iferb makes open Janhvi M Kanoria, director no Internet connection. was utilised in such specialties tion to the Gaza Surgical Servic- source, project-based learning of the Innovation Development All resources within the bank like cardiothoracic, laparoscop- es Support project, it enhances (PBL) materials available to fa- Directorate at Education Above were developed by EAA’s IDD ic, cardiovascular, and arthro- surgical specialties like cardiot- cilitate the education journey. All, said: “The reality is that team in collaboration with ed- scopic surgery, ensuring mini- horacic surgery, cardiovascular Iferb’s PBL resources are ex- millions of students worldwide ucation experts to cover circa mally invasive insertion. surgery, and urology. tended, week-long activities have been left without distance 85% of the international learn- “At the training centre, we Also, it sponsors postgraduate that are interdisciplinary in na- learning infrastructure and ing standards of the American, have four stages of training,” he programmes, including Master ture covering several subjects connectivity, and as a global British, Qatari, Australian and said. “There is the theoretical of Health Policies and Manage- with an additional focus on lit- community we must find solu- Indian curricula. background, followed by train- “Then, a biological training terns are engaged in surgical op- ment and Diploma of Anaesthe- eracy and numeracy skills. tions to ensure their access to Currently available in nine ing simulation in which the simulation is done, by apply- erations to watch and learn, and sia and ICU. The projects are designed to learning during and after this languages, Iferb resources were trainees are introduced to ways ing the procedures to turkeys, they observe the patients at the It supports the treatment of be student-led, requiring low crisis. piloted with over 113,000 learn- of dissection, cutting, reloca- as they are physically similar to department. patients with phenylketonuria. parental involvement. “We are deeply honoured to ers through more than 25 pilot tion, stitching, and attachment human muscles and tissues”. According to Dr Skeik, the lo- The overall budget for these Contextualised and adapted be recognised by mEducation partners, ranging from NGOs to in the interior of the body. In the fourth stage, the in- cal medical education curricula activities is $1.4mn. by educators and parents, the Alliance for our contributions schools, across five countries. Aspire Speakers Series focuses DPH-QU hold presentation on sports and mental health on tobacco-free campus spire Zone Foundation order not only with drugs, but (AZF) has held the first also with exercise, is a great Ain a new series of lec- way to help treat patients’ dis- virtual presentation, tures focusing on the relation- eases and allow them to better hosted by the Depart- ship between sports and mental focus toward a better life.” Ament of Public Health health. Against the backdrop of (DPH) at Qatar University’s Providing a platform for ide- Covid-19 , the impact of the College of Health Sciences (QU- as and discussions that attract pandemic on the mental health CHS), highlighted the impor- sports experts from around the of people around the world tance of implementing a tobac- world, the opening event in the has been placed in the spot- co-free campus. Aspire Speakers Series – held in light. The Aspire Speakers Se- Titled ‘Towards a Tobacco- co-operation with Qatar Foun- ries has been launched to bring Free Campus: What Can We dation – welcomed Dr John J together thought leaders and Learn from Regional Experience Ratey, associate professor of promote social awareness of the (the case of AUB)?’, the webi- Clinical Psychiatry at Harvard connection between sports and nar forms part of the “Health Medical School and author of mental well-being. Promoting Universities: QU Spark. Details of the second episode Health-y” virtual initiative The series examines the links Dr John J Ratey in the Aspire Speakers Series that was launched in November between sports and physical will be announced shortly, and 2020. exercise and the human brain – In his talk, Dr Ratey referred the public are being invited to Dr Rima Nakkash, associ- with the discussion being mod- to a story that occurred with a participate in the conversation ate professor at Department of erated by beIN Sports presenter patient who was injured during by asking questions directly to Health Promotion and Com- Andy Kerr and attracting more his participation in a marathon, the speakers in this series via munity Health at American Uni- than 52,000 views. saying: “Treatment for a dis- AZF’s social media platforms. versity of Beirut, was a keynote Snapshot of the off icials during the virtual presentation. speaker who was welcomed by QU’s DPH head Dr Manar Elhas- force which will review the evi- smoke. It reduces people’s ap- in line with thousands of universi- san. dence and plan for all aspects of petite to smoke and supports ties around the world that promote In his presentation, Dr Nak- implementation, enforcement, those who wish to quit, as well health and well-being by prohibiting kash underlined the signifi cance and evaluation. as discouraging non-smokers the use of tobacco products on cam- of a community-based ap- Implementing a tobacco- (especially the youth) to even pus,” Dr Manar said. IMA signs agreement proach in developing a tobacco- free campus aims to build a safe try it. The event concluded with an free campus policy by collabo- and healthy environment that “Today’s talk is relevant and interactive session, allowing the rating across the university. This protects people from involun- timely as an important initiative of audience and students to ask with Qatar University will help build a high-level task tary exposure to second-hand having a tobacco-free campus at QU questions.

he Institute of Manage- nadi Khalife, senior director of positive contribution to regional ment Accountants (IMA) operations, Middle East, Africa economies,” said Dr al-Ansari. “We Tand Qatar University and India, IMA. are delighted to partner with IMA (QU) have signed a memoran- to provide a holistic educational dum of understanding (MoU) to “At QU, we aim to experience which empowers our further academic, educational, nurture the intellectual students by better preparing them and professional initiatives for development of for the workplace when the time both institutions. individuals so they may comes. This initiative will help our The MoU, signed by IMA’s Glo- graduate to be leaders students understand how the role bal Business Development sen- and go on to making a of the CFO is changing and equip ior vice president Jim Gurowka, positive contribution to them with the accounting and fi - CAE, and QU vice president for regional economies” nance skills they will need to suc- Academic Aff airs, Dr Omar Mo- ceed in the future.” hamed A al-Ansari, establishes “Through such partnerships, The partnership, which is in line IMA’s relationship with QU to we are striving to empower fi - with IMA’s Higher Education En- enable ongoing collaboration and nance and accounting students dorsement Programme, will help knowledge exchanges. to pursue globally-relevant and IMA and QU to optimise the higher As part of the partnership, current professional qualifi ca- education and professional devel- QU will begin off ering Certi- tions to enhance their future ca- opment of students in the fi nance fi ed Management Accountant reer prospects. QU is one of the and accounting programme. (CMA) materials to support stu- leading educational institutions As part of the agreement, dents with their respective cer- in the region and we are confi - IMA has committed to provid- tifi cation exams. dent that this initiative will help ing CMA scholarships to the top “The role of fi nance and ac- to bridge the skills gap further 10 distinguished QU students counting professionals is seeing by presenting tremendous ben- from all specialisations within a fundamental evolution in the efi ts to students and the overall the university. current scenario and the need profession in the region.” Furthermore, IMA and QU is to ensure that we have ap- “At QU, we aim to nurture the will be working together to sup- propriate development paths in intellectual development of indi- port and enhance various re- place for those aspiring to build viduals so they may graduate to search programmes for faculty a career in this sector,” said Ha- be leaders and go on to making a members. Off icials during the presentation. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Beach cleanup drive in Gaza Iran starts limiting inspections by UN until US lifts sanctions

AFP between Tehran and major President Joe Biden has lifted three months, it would start Tehran powers go ahead, IAEA director the crippling sanctions im- erasing the recordings. Rafael Grossi has said. posed by Trump. If the sanctions were not But while praising Grossi’s So-called “voluntary trans- “fully lifted in the next three ran said yesterday it had 11th-hour diplomacy, Wash- parency measures”, including months”, the data would be started to restrict some site ington called on Tehran to snap inspections of sites not “destroyed for good”, it said. Iinspections by the UN nu- “fully meet its verifi cation and under regular monitoring – are Biden has signalled readiness clear watchdog in response to other nuclear non-proliferation also suspended. to revive the nuclear deal but the US refusal so far to lift sanc- commitments” under the deal Zarif said the changes would insists Iran fi rst return to all its tions imposed by former presi- while talks were under way. have no major immediate im- nuclear commitments. The Bi- dent Donald Trump. The changes to the IAEA’s pact on the work of the IAEA den administration has said it is The move prompted Britain, monitoring and inspection re- inspectors. “The crux of this willing to join EU-led talks with France and Germany, the three gime, which were ordered by deal is that the data recorded on Iran in search of a compromise. European nations party to the Iran’s conservative-dominated our nuclear programme... will Iran’s supreme leader said 2015 nuclear deal, to say they parliament last year, are the be stored and not handed over on Monday that the Islamic re- they “deeply regret” the deci- latest in a series of retaliatory to the IAEA,” Iran’s top diplo- public could boost uranium en- sion, and that they were “unit- measures Iran has adopted in mat said. richment to 60% if needed. ed in underlining the dangerous response to Trump’s 2018 with- The data “had never been “We will act to the point that nature of this decision”. drawal from the agreement. supplied to the IAEA in real is needed and the country re- “It will signifi cantly con- “The implementation of the time but had been handed over quires,” Ayatollah Ali Khame- strain the (International Atom- law began this morning,” Iran’s on a daily or weekly basis,” he nei said, adding that “we could ic Energy Agency’s) access to Foreign Minister Mohamed Ja- said. bring enrichment to 60%” for sites” and to safeguarding in- vad Zarif told the offi cial IRNA If talks on a US return to the nuclear propellants and other formation, they said. news agency. nuclear deal drag on, that will purposes. Interim arrangements agreed Recordings from monitor- change, however. That would far surpass the at talks Sunday in Tehran meant ing equipment the IAEA in- The Iranian Atomic Energy 3.67% limit Iran had accepted the IAEA would not be “fl ying stalled at Iran’s nuclear sites to Organisation has said that un- under the 2015 deal, but still be Palestinian activists and cleaners clean the beach of Gaza City, yesterday. blind” while “political discus- verify its compliance will now der the new law, if there is still short of the 90% or so required sions” on restoring a 2015 deal be withheld by Tehran until US no lifting of US sanctions after for an atomic bomb.

Former Lebanon MPs skip vaccine Saudi oil minister queue putting funding at risk dies at 90 AFP AFP health ministry, and had not their injections sparked anger Riyadh Beirut broken any rules. But the World on social media, in a country Bank, which is helping fund the with a long reputation for gov- vaccine rollout, said it broke the ernment corruption. ormer Saudi oil minister ebanon was criticised terms of the agreement with “My mom is 84 she is regis- Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yama- yesterday after 16 mem- government. “We would record tered and didn’t (have) her turn Fni, a key player behind the Lbers of parliament jumped it (as a) breach of terms and yet, while all the politicians, 1973 oil embargo, died yesterday the queue for coronavirus jabs, conditions agreed with us for (their) families and friends will aged 90 after a long career that putting World Bank vaccination fair and equitable vaccination,” be vaccinated before her,” said laid the foundations of the king- funding in jeopardy by breaking World Bank regional director one Twitter user. dom’s energy sector. rules for a fair rollout. Saroj Kumar Jha said on Twitter. Lebanon, a country of more Yamani, dubbed by local pa- “What happened today is a “Everyone has to register and than 6mn, began a mass vac- pers as the “godfather of black violation we can’t stay silent wait for their turn,” he added. cination campaign on February gold”, died in London, said state- about,” Abdul Rahman al-Bizri, The World Bank has allocated 14, amid soaring virus cases that owned El-Ekhbariya television, the head of Lebanon’s vaccine $34mn to inoculate an initial threatened an already-fragile without giving the cause. committee, told reporters. 2mn of Lebanon’s 6mn inhabit- health sector. It said he will be buried in the Parliament’s secretary gen- ants. The country has recorded holy city of Makkah, in western eral Adnan Daher said that 16 “Upon confi rmation of (a) 356,597 coronavirus cases, in- Saudi Arabia, where he was born. deputies as well as four parlia- violation, (the) World Bank cluding 4,387 deaths since the In 1973, he was a key player in mentary staff , all aged over 75, may suspend fi nancing for vac- pandemic began. Some 17,000 Opec’s decision to raise oil prices had received a Covid-19 jab in- cines and support for Covid-19 people have had their fi rst in- in protest at Israel’s occupation of side parliament. response across Lebanon,” Jha jection, according to health of- Arab land seized in 1967, sparking He insisted they were all reg- added on Twitter. fi cials, a rate some criticise as Abdul Rahman al-Bizri, head of Lebanon’s Covid-19 vaccination committee, talks during a press a world economic crisis. istered for the vaccine with the News that MPs had received being too slow. conference in Sidon, yesterday. Two years later, he was among oil ministers kidnapped by mili- tants led by the infamous Carlos the Jackal at an Opec meeting in Vienna. Yamani, who served as oil Zuma arms minister from 1962 until 1986, Hearings begin in Liberia war-crimes trial was the fi rst Saudi representa- tive in the Organisation of the deal graft Petroleum Exporting Countries AFP national, has lived in Finland people were killed between prosecution of serious crimes rate of about 10 witnesses a day, (Opec). Monrovia since 2008, but was arrested 1989 to 2003 in a confl ict committed abroad by a citizen the offi cial said, who added that He played a pivotal role in the case to be there in March last year after marked by brutal violence and or resident. The trial began on the testimony would likely be nationalisation of Saudi Arabia’s a rights NGO investigated his rape, often carried out by child Thursday with testimony from harrowing. Finnish court docu- oil industry, led today by energy Finnish court began war record. soldiers. Very few people have a witness for the prosecution, ments consulted by AFP detail giant Aramco. heard hearing witness tes- A case against the 51-year- faced trial for war crimes com- an AFP journalist said. a litany of accusations of abuse “He masterminded the ne- Atimony in Liberia’s old then began on February mitted in Liberia, and none in- The witness said that she and committed or ordered by Mas- gotiations through which Saudi capital Monrovia yesterday, an 3 in the northern European side the country itself. a friend had met Massaquoi as saquoi, including murder, rape, Arabia purchased Aramco from in May AFP journalist said, as part of country, where he is accused Thomas Elfgren, a senior they were leaving rebel territory torture, enslavement and using its American owners – a key a fi rst-of-its-kind war-crimes of responsibility for war crimes Finnish investigator associated in 2000, and that he had told child soldiers. move which assured no loss in trial in the country. and crimes against humanity with the case, characterised them he would take them “to Atrocities against civil- revenue or disruption in the fl ow AFP The court is in the West Af- committed between 1999 and the proceedings as “historical”. heaven”. They were then shot at ians were common during the of oil,” Ellen R Wald, a senior Pietermaritzburg rican state for a case against 2003. But in a historic move, He clarifi ed that they are not and her friend died, the witness war, with drugged-up fi ghters fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Gibril Massaquoi, a former the Finnish judges are also comparable to an international said. An offi cial close to the case chopping off people’s limbs. Global Energy Center, tweeted senior member of the Revolu- hearing evidence on Liberian tribunal however. said that the court will inter- Last week, Finnish judges and yesterday. He had a number of outh Africa’s scandal- tionary United Front (RUF), a soil – the fi rst time war-crimes “At the end of the day, it’s a view three witnesses at an un- lawyers visited remote villages degrees from various institu- tainted former president Sierra Leone rebel group that proceedings have taken place Finnish court which will make disclosed location in Monrovia in northern Liberia which are tions, including Cairo Univer- SJacob Zuma and French also fought in Liberia. in the country. a decision in Finland,” Elfgren tomorrow. Hearings will then central to the case against the sity, New York University and arms giant Thales, accused of Massaquoi, a Sierra Leonean Around a quarter of a million said. Finnish law allows the continue for several weeks, at a former rebel commander. Harvard. graft in a case going back more than two decades, will go on trial in May, the High Court ruled yesterday. Zuma is facing 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering Bazoum wins Niger’s presidential run-off relating to a 30bn-rand ($2bn) purchase in 1999 of fi ghter jets, patrol boats and military equip- AFP been showcased as the fi rst ment from fi ve European arms Niamey democratic transition in the companies. coup-prone Sahel state’s his- Rescue divers conduct search operations for victims of a capsized He allegedly took bribes tory. boat in Lake Mariout, 20kms west of Egypt’s second city of amounting to 4mn rand ormer interior minister Bazoum, 60, who is outgo- Alexandria, yesterday. ($270,000) from one of the Mohamed Bazoum, the ing president Mahamadou fi rms, French defence giant Fcandidate of Niger’s rul- Issoufou’s right-hand man, Thales at the time when he was ing PNDS party, has won the picked up just over 39% of the deputy president. presidential elections with vote in the fi rst round. Judge Nkosinathi Chili at the 55.75% of the second-round Ousmane, 71, became the Nine dead in Egypt High Court in Pietermaritzburg vote, according to provisional country’s fi rst democratically said the matter was certifi ed as fi gures published yesterday. elected president in 1993, only trial-ready and would be heard Opposition candidate Ma- to be toppled in a coup three fi shing trip capsize between May 17 and June 20, hamane Ousmane picked up years later. 2021. 44.25%, Issaka Souna, chair- He won just under 17% in Zuma was not present for the man of the Independent Na- the fi rst round but gained AFP said a six-month-old infant announcement. tional Electoral Commission pledges of support from a coa- Cairo was among the family members The case was postponed last (CENI), said in an announce- lition of 18 opposition parties drowned in Lake Mariout, 20 December, when Thales con- ment attended by senior offi - in the days before the runoff . kilometres west of Alexandria. tested the racketeering charges cials and members of the dip- The world’s poorest na- ine people drowned Six survivors are receiving linked to the arms deal. But a lomatic corps. Niger’s opposition supporters chant slogans as they take part in tion according to the UN’s and at least four were treatment in local hospitals court dismissed the challenge “(These) results are provi- a demonstration in the streets of Niamey, yesterday to protest development rankings for 189 Nmissing yesterday af- while emergency teams have on January 22, a decision that sional and must be put to the against the results of the country’s presidential run-off . countries, Niger is also strug- ter a boat chartered for a fam- been sent to the lake to search Thales said it would not contest. Constitutional Court for its gling with militant insurgen- ily fishing trip capsized near for the missing, the security Both the state prosecution and assessment,” Souna said. rou, said the results were an The elections, which were cies that have spilled over from Egypt’s second city Alexandria, source said. There was no im- defence attorneys had asked the Earlier, Ousmane’s cam- “electoral holdup” and urged held on December 27 followed Mali in the west and Nigeria in a security source said. mediate word on the cause of pre-trial court for extra time. paign manager, Falke Bacha- the public to protest against it. by a runoff on Sunday, have the southeast. State newspaper Al-Ahram the capsize. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 24, 2021 9 WORLD

APPOINTMENT PEOPLE LAW AND ORDER OFFBEAT POLITICS Senate confirms Mexican drug kingpin’s Philippines arrests nine Man causes outage ‘after Nepal top court orders Biden’s UN nominee wife appears in US court women over terror plot sit-ups atop power pole’ parliament reinstatement

The US senate yesterday confirmed President Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of Mexican drug The Philippine military yesterday said it had arrested A man in China scaled a utility pole to do sit-ups Nepal’s top court yesterday ordered the reinstate- Joe Biden’s nominee, veteran diplomat Linda cartel kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, made her a sister and three daughters of a slain leader of the off the top of it, stunning onlookers and causing ment of parliament, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Thomas-Greenfield, to serve as US ambassador to initial appearance in a federal court in Washington Islamist militant group Abu Sayyaf, among a group a power cut to thousands of homes, media said K P Sharma Oli two months after he dissolved the the United Nations, adding a key member to his yesterday, after being charged with helping her of nine women it said were plotting suicide bomb yesterday. The unnamed man was taken away house and called for an early election amid squab- national security team nearly a month after her husband run his drug empire. Coronel, 31, a former attacks. Lieutenant general Corleto Vinluan, who by police following his antics on the outskirts of bling within the ruling Communist party. The ruling confirmation hearing. The 100-member senate beauty queen, was arrested at the Dulles Interna- heads the Western Command of the Philippine the southwestern city of Chengdu, the People’s means Oli, who was elected in 2018 following his backed Thomas-Greenfield by 78 to 20 to be tional Airport on Monday. Authorities said Coronel Armed Forces, said the joint operation had been Daily said. It published a video on the Twitter-like party’s landslide win in an election in 2017, faces a Washington’s representative at the world body relayed messages to help Guzman conduct drug conducted by troops and police in the southern Weibo showing the man suspended about 30 no-confidence vote once parliament re-sits. The and a member of Biden’s Cabinet, comfortably traff icking from 2012 to early 2014, and continued province of Sulu. “This led to the apprehension feet in the air as he did a stomach crunch off the country has been in political turmoil since December exceeding the simple majority needed. All of delivering messages while visiting him in a Mexican of nine female potential suicide bombers who top of the pylon. “The local power company initi- when Oli made a sudden decision to call elections the no votes came from Republicans. Thomas- prison following his February 2014 arrest. Guzman, are related to some of the notorious leaders and ated an emergency power cut...aff ecting tens of 18 months ahead of schedule amid the coronavi- Greenfield, 68, is a 35-year veteran of the Foreign 63, was convicted in February 2019 in a Brooklyn trial members of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” said Vinluan. thousands of households,” the People’s Daily said. rus pandemic that has hit the tourism-dependent Service who has served on four continents, most and was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. He Abu Sayyaf, which is based in Sulu, has carried out Emergency services, including medical personnel, economy hard. Oli’s lawyers said they would honour notably in Africa. is held in the Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado. kidnappings, bomb attacks and piracy for decades. rushed to the scene, the paper in Shanghai said. the ruling.

Malaysia deports Train-truck collision 1,086 Myanmar nationals despite court ruling

Reuters Myanmar’s military-backed Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia news outlet Myawaddy reported that the ships were bringing back Myanmar nationals who were alaysia sent more than not granted permission to come 1,000 Myanmar na- back under the former ruling ci- Mtionals back to their vilian government. strife-torn homeland yester- An immigration offi cial quoted day despite a court order to halt by the outlet said: “We scru- the deportation, a move rights tinised that all of them are the groups said could endanger the citizens of our country.”’ deportees’ lives. Those deported had been de- The 1,086 Myanmar citizens tained for immigration off ences. were sent back on three navy Malaysia does not formally ships sent by Myanmar’s mili- recognise refugees, treating them tary, which seized power in a as undocumented migrants. February 1 coup, sparking weeks Amnesty International, one of protests from pro-democracy of the groups which requested activists. the judicial review, called the Malaysia had initially said it decision to deport without a would deport 1,200. proper assessment of the re- A fire rages after a train-truck collision in Cameron, Texas, US, yesterday. Malaysia vowed not to deport turnees “inhumane and devas- Rohingya Muslims or refugees tating”. registered with the UN High “Using indirect means to push Commissioner for Refugees people back to face grave hu- (UNHCR). But the agency has man rights violations is essen- said at least six people registered tially constructive refoulement,” with it were among the depor- Katrina Maliamauv, Amnesty tees. Malaysia director, said in a state- Refugee groups also say ment. asylum seekers from the mi- “There are still huge, deeply Capitol rioters ‘came ready nority Chin, Kachin and non- concerning question marks over Rohingya communities flee- the status of those sent back to- ing conflict and persecution at day.” home are among those being The rights groups in their deported. court fi ling had said among the Malaysia’s immigration de- deportees were three people partment director-general said registered with the UNHCR and for war’: US senate told the repatriated Myanmar citi- 17 minors who have at least one zens did not include Rohingya parent in Malaysia. AFP painted a picture of offi cers bad- bered” against a violent mob. then-president Donald Trump reforms to be made in order to refugees or asylum-seekers. Concerns over deportation Washington ly outnumbered by armed and Sund resigned his post in the whipped up a crowd of his sup- avoid any repeat of January 6. “All of those returned had of unregistered asylum-seekers co-ordinated insurgents. wake of the riot, which left fi ve porters, urging them to march Senate Homeland security agreed to be sent back voluntar- have persisted, as UNHCR has They pointed to a series of in- people dead including one police on Congress and “fi ght like hell.” committee chairman Gary Pe- ily without being forced by any not been allowed to interview he deadly US Capitol riot telligence shortcomings about offi cer and four others. The riot, fuelled by Trump’s ters, a Democrat, described party,” Khairul Dzaimee Daud detainees for more than a year to on January 6 exposed the threat level including as- Two other police offi cers died repeated false claims that the January 6 as “one of our nation’s said in a statement. verify their status. Tdevastating security and sessments of “remote” and “im- by suicide shortly afterwards. election was rigged, appeared darkest days,” and said the se- He did not respond to queries The Southeast Asian nation intelligence weaknesses, with probable” chances of major vio- House sergeant-at-arms Paul aimed at blocking the certifi ca- curity problems at the Capitol on why the repatriation was car- is home to more than 154,000 military authorities reacting lence on January 6, even though Irving and senate sergeant- tion of Joe Biden as winner of the marked “a systemic and leader- ried out despite the court-or- asylum-seekers from Myan- too slowly to calls for National extremist groups like the Proud at-arms Michael Stenger also November 3 vote. ship failure” that must be ad- dered halt. mar. Guard backup against an over- Boys made clear they were com- stepped down. Washington’s acting police dressed. The Kuala Lumpur High The UNHCR had not been al- whelming mob, security offi cials ing to Washington that day to At a rare joint hearing of the chief Robert Contee said his of- Lawmakers also heard a grip- Court had granted a stay until lowed access to those deported told Congress yesterday. stir up trouble. senate’s homeland security and fi cers were literally “fi ghting for ping account of the unrest by 10am today, when it was sched- yesterday. In the fi rst senate hearing on “These criminals came pre- rules committees, Irving testi- their lives” on Capitol Hill. Capitol Police Captain Carney- uled to hear an application by The US and other Western the security failings, featuring pared for war,” said the US Capi- fi ed that “the intelligence was But he was “stunned at the sha Mendoza, including how she rights groups for a judicial re- missions have been trying to dis- US Capitol Police and Wash- tol Police’s then-chief Steven not that there would be a co- response” by the department of helped keep a group of rioters at view to suspend the deporta- suade Malaysia from proceeding ington police chiefs and con- Sund. Yet “no entity, including ordinated assault on the Capitol, the army, which he said was “re- bay as they forced their way into tion. with the deportation and urged gressional sergeants-at-arms, the FBI, provided any intelligence nor was that contemplated in luctant” to send National Guard the building. Just before the ruling, the the government to allow UNHCR the offi cials acknowledged they indicating that there would be a any of the inter-agency discus- troops to protect the Capitol. “This was by far the worst of migrants were bussed in from to interview the detainees. were blindsided by lack of in- co-ordinated violent attack on sions that I attended in the days Offi cials participating in the the worst,” Mendoza said, not- across the country to the naval They also say Malaysia is le- telligence and response co-or- the US Capitol by thousands of before the attack.” hearing agreed that a thorough ing how rioters deployed “mili- base at Lumut in western Ma- gitimising the Myanmar military dination to the worst domestic well-equipped armed insurrec- The unprecedented breach of review of intelligence sharing tary grade CS gas,” commonly laysia where the Myanmar ships government by co-operating insurrection since the Civil War. tionists,” a situation that left his the citadel of American democ- operations and internal proc- known as tear gas, in the Rotun- were docked. with the junta. In compelling testimony they offi cers “signifi cantly outnum- racy occurred on January 6 after esses is needed to determine da as they fought with police.

Amazon offi cial grilled Covid variants not reason Judge grants bail to for upsurge in cases: India Indian climate activist Reuters Judge Dharmender Rana said Reuters fi cial confi rmed the long-time lines openly fl outed by both fed- New Delhi there was little to hold Ravi, a New Delhi presence of two mutants — eral and state ministers. founder of the local chapter of N440K and E484Q — in those The northern state of Punjab, Swedish climate activist Greta two states as well as elsewhere in which has also seen a rise in cas- New Delhi court yes- Thunberg’s movement, in cus- ndia yesterday said mutated the country and abroad. es, said indoor gatherings would terday granted bail to a tody any longer and criticised the versions of coronavirus were Authorities have also found the be restricted to 100 and outdoor A22-year-old climate ac- authorities for detaining anyone Inot responsible for an up- UK variant in 187 people in India, to 200 from March 1. tivist, saying there was “scanty who diff ered with government surge in cases in two states, a po- the South African one in six and District heads have also been and sketchy evidence” of sedi- policy. tential relief for a country where one case of the Brazilian mutation. permitted to decide on night tion in her eff orts to help farmers “Considering the scanty and mask-wearing and social dis- “There is no reason today for curfews in hotspots, and testing protest in a case that has drawn sketchy evidence available on tancing have largely disappeared. us to believe, on the basis of sci- will be increased, the state’s chief global attention. record, I do not find any pal- Maharashtra in the west and entifi c information, that these minister said on Twitter. Disha Ravi was arrested in the pable reasons to breach the Kerala in the south account for are responsible for the upsurge Punjab is one of the worst per- southern city of Bengaluru on general rule of ‘Bail’ against a 75% of India’s current active of the outbreak,” Vinod Kumar forming states in vaccinating February 13 and charged with 22-year-old young lady, with cases of about 147,000, and both Paul, who heads a government their healthcare workers, accord- sedition for her alleged role in absolutely blemish free crimi- states have seen a sudden rise in committee on vaccines, told a ing to the federal government. the creation of an online toolkit nal antecedents and having new infections in recent days, news conference. India has given nearly 12mn that police said contained action firm roots in the society, and fuelling calls for a faster roll-out “We are constantly watching doses to its health and frontline plans used to foment violence send her to jail,” Rana said in a of vaccines. the behaviour of mutations in workers since beginning the cam- during the farmers’ protest. written order. India has reported more than our country.” paign in mid-January, a pace that Tens of thousands have been Her arrest stoked criticism of 11mn cases — the most in the Though cases have come down will have to be increased sharply camped out on the outskirts of repression of dissent by Prime world after the US — and about sharply since a September peak, to meet the target of reaching Aparna Purohit, Amazon’s head of original content New Delhi in bitter cold since De- Minister Narendra Modi’s gov- 156,000 deaths. Paul said India was still vulner- 300mn people by August. for its Prime streaming service in India, arrives for cember to protest new agricultural ernment which has been trying Actual infections have inched able, especially given that even Health Secretary Rajesh questioning at a police station in Lucknow, Uttar laws they say will hurt them to the for months to end the farmers closer to 300mn in the country previously badly aff ected cities Bhushan said India would very Pradesh, yesterday. The police questioned Purohit benefi t of large corporations. protest. of 1.35bn people, according to a like Pune in Maharashtra were soon start immunising people for nearly four hours over allegations that one of The government says the re- Ravi’s lawyers had said there random study of antibodies done getting hit again. over 50 and those with medical its political dramas on Prime Video hurt religious forms will bring new investment was nothing in the toolkit to by the government. He urged people to wear masks conditions, with greater involve- sentiments and caused public anger. in the vast and antiquated pro- attract the charge of sedition, A top government health of- and avoid social events — guide- ment from private hospitals. duce markets. which carries a life term. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Asia’s post-Covid growth momentum to cement its ESG lead

Led by China, Asia is emerging as the economic power house of the post-Covid world. Asian nations are already the conspicuous choice of global equity investors as the region has had relative success in containing the pandemic and is set to grow faster than the rest of the world in 2021. The Asian growth narrative has now another hard-to-miss dimension: ESG dominance. China, the world’s second-largest economy, and its Asian peers accounted for 75 cents out of each dollar of capital invested in 2020 across emerging-market stocks compliant with environmental, social and governance (ESG) norms, according to EPFR Global data. Taming the Black Swan Globally, governments, corporations, and other groups raised a record $490bn last year selling green, social, and Multilateral diplomacy for sustainable growth in the era of disruption sustainability bonds. A further $347bn poured into ESG- focused investment funds: An all-time high. By Don Pramudwinai Response Fund. This is reminiscent of struggling while Thailand’s main engines assumption of the chairmanships of the Moody’s Investors Service expects sustainable-debt issuance Bangkok Thailand’s hosting of the Special Asean of growth show signs of slowing down, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral, to reach $650bn this year. and Asean-China Leaders Meeting and multilateral collaboration should be part Technical and Economic Co-operation Asia already has the appeal of fast-growing technology the Apec Health Ministerial Meeting of Thailand’s exit strategy. For example, (BIMSTEC) from 2021 to 2022 and of APEC he year 2020 was truly a when Sars hit the region in 2003. It rightly to place Thailand in a better position in in 2022 is most timely. It places Thailand behemoths such as Tencent Holdings and Alibaba Group disruptive time in world demonstrated the necessity and advantages the global value chain, continued regional in a unique position to strengthen linkages Holdings, whose carbon-light digital businesses outscore the history. The fast-spreading of synergising strengths to counter a commitment to developing transportation and play a constructive role in designing commodity and energy producers of Latin America, the Middle TCovid-19 pandemic managed common threat and prepare for any future networks and the harmonisation of a post-Covid economic recovery plan for East, Africa, and Russia on ESG metrics. to halt even the wave of globalisation disruptive challenges. regulations is essential. regional growth that is sustainable and Asia has also emerged as the technology and consumption and compelled governments to go into Throughout the years, Thailand has Meanwhile, the pandemic has spurred healthy. engine of emerging markets in recent years. lockdown. Businesses were forced to close, consistently pursued a common theme tremendous growth in digitisation Under BIMSTEC, Thailand will push More than 98% in some cases leading to furloughs or across all regional frameworks — the need in various areas, including business, for the improvement of land and sea links unemployment, and further widening the to encourage sustainable growth that is telemedicine and remote education. We to strengthen transport infrastructure and Asia, excluding of the weight in the existing social inequalities. Everyone came balanced and remains grounded on basic should take this opportunity to expedite facilitate trade. One of the fl agship projects benchmark gauge to the realisation that business would never human needs and rights. A common resolve cooperation to connect and upgrade our is the 1,360-kilometre trilateral highway Japan, is expected to for information- again be the same, and began to accept the on the part of the international community digital infrastructure and e-commerce. from Tak Province, on Thailand’s western technology concept of a “new normal.” to not over-exploit resources will allow Such trends align with the Thailand border, through Myanmar to the Indian expand 5.7% this year, companies in the The pandemic is a harsh reminder that future generations to enjoy clean, decent 4.0 strategy to transform the country’s border town of Moreh in Manipur State. developing world our life is full of uncertainties and unknown and green social environments in any economy into one that is technology and With regard to maritime connectivity, compared with 4.5% comes from fi ve of parameters. In worst-case scenarios, we region across the world. innovation-driven, with more valued- Thailand plans to link Ranong Province don’t even know what we don’t know, The post-Covid world requires a rethink added industries. The Eastern Economic on the Andaman coast to the port town of for Latin America, the region’s markets leaving us completely off guard once it – a paradigm shift – of how we pursue Corridor (EEC) lies at the core of this Krishnapatnam in India’s Andhra Pradesh, – Taiwan, South happens. economic growth. Our current path has strategy and promotes investment in as an additional channel to promote inter- 3.5% for Eastern Korea, China, India, The damage from these ‘unknown put human activities in direct confl ict with twelve targeted industries, such as next- regional trade. and Hong Kong unknowns’ or ‘black swans’, as called by nature, creating imbalances in the forms generation automotive, smart electronics, As far as Apec is concerned, Thailand Europe, and 3.1% for – according to a some theorists, is increasingly troublesome of climate change, the pandemic, and even and food for the future. intends to move the grouping forward and Bloomberg report. since the world is getting smaller and social unrest. All of these industries bode well for concretise the Apec Post-2020 Vision to the Middle East For most more intertwined. In these conditions, The Thai government recently made job creation and economic dynamism in promote trade and investment. We seek to for a medium-sized nation such as the Bio-Circular-Green Economy, or Thailand and the region, as the EEC has promote digitalisation to boost economic money managers, Thailand, we have always recognised that the BCG Model, our national agenda. It become a notable magnet drawing foreign growth, and improve business inclusivity however, the main reason for buying Asian stocks in their ESG multilateralism, aiming for sustainable will be our main strategy for economic investors due to its logistical facilities and for all groups of the population, particularly portfolios is not the mere presence of technology and consumer growth, will be the prevailing solution in recovery and development after the strategic location. women, people with disabilities, and rural companies: It’s faster growth. response to black swans. pandemic and beyond. Through innovative Thailand’s regional policy also communities. Asia, excluding Japan, is expected to expand 5.7% this year, The idea is that the challenges that hit and sustainable growth strategies that advocates free and multilateral trade. In this era of perpetual change, Thailand compared with 4.5% for Latin America, 3.5% for Eastern us the hardest are usually the ones that adequately meet human’s needs, helping It must be mentioned that the fi nal realises that both our inner strengths and Europe, and 3.1% for the Middle East, according to estimates undermine human security. Therefore, lift millions out of poverty while respecting signing of the Regional Comprehensive international partnerships are vital if we are countries need to work in concert; the planet, we hope to achieve a balance, or Economic Partnership (RCEP) last year to be fully prepared for the “Next Normal” compiled by Bloomberg. otherwise, the problem will just linger, by a middle path, that harmonises production could not have been achieved without and be capable of harnessing external In a wider sense, China is set to post the fastest growth in perpetually shifting elsewhere. This has led and consumption with preservation of the the expedition of negotiations over uncertainties. As the year 2021 is a transition Asia for ESG investments after the country boosted exchange- to our advocacy of sustainable development natural world. RCEP’s 20 chapters during Thailand’s phase towards post Covid-19 recovery, traded fund assets 18-fold in the past two years, according to in all the multilateral institutions we have As other countries also share similar Chairmanship of Asean in 2019, Thailand looks forward to working closely Bloomberg Intelligence estimates in January. either founded or joined, from the League ideas, Thailand looks forward to working which was a huge feat. The agreement with our international partners in making Interestingly, ESG investing is so popular in Japan that even of Nations to the United Nations, and with like-minded partners to transform will widen trade and investment a global rebound and shaping a sustainable Buddhist monks are getting into it. regionally, from Asean to ACMECS and such concepts into concrete deliverables opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to future for our next generation. ACD, to name a few. that will benefi t people around the world access a market of 2.2 billion people or Along with Japan, sales of socially-responsible bonds from The rationale is evident and the benefi ts at large. nearly a third of the world population. The writer is Deputy Prime Minister South Korea overtook China last year. are foreseeable. Non-major powers have to As the current global economy is still With such prospects, Thailand’s and Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Thailand. India has a stated goal of transitioning to clean energy from combine capabilities to enhance political mainly fossil fuels, and expects 40% of India’s power-generation leverage or achieve shared goals that going capacity to come from non-fossil sources within two years solo will not succeed such as climate Here’s, then, the fl ip side of the story. change, sustainable development and, of The region is the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, course, pandemic management. Covid-19 has proven that traditional “great powers” making the stakes for ESG bonds and loans all the higher. have no power over such disruptions and But China pledged last September to go carbon-neutral by 2060. need collaboration and networking to The next month, Japan said it would do so by 2050. South Korea, defeat this common foe. Recognising that too, plans to reach there in 2050 with its “green new deal.” “no-one is safe until everyone is safe” The years sound a bit distant, but the scale of the task means underlines the signifi cance of multilateral funding must ramp up immediately. cooperation more than ever. From an asset managers’ perspective, the heterogeneous When the Cold War ended in the 1990s, economic co-operation became nature of diff erent fund markets in Asia implies that the a prominent agenda, leading to the adoption of ESG has been quite diverse, according to a formation of regional groupings that PricewaterhouseCoopers report. And challenges include lack Thailand joined or played an important of standardised regulations and data availability, as well as the part in founding. These include Apec, absence of suitable benchmarks to measure fund performance. BIMSTEC, ACMECS and ACD. Together with Asean, these frameworks underpinned the notion of ‘prosper thy neighbour’ in Thai foreign policy and have brought about To Advertise many tangible arrangements that have strengthened our resolve and solidarity [email protected] whenever the region encountered ‘black Display swans’ in the past. The Asian fi nancial crisis in 1997 and Sars in 2003 all presented 44466621 44418811 us with valuable lessons. The occurrence of Covid-19 and the Classified way nations should co-ordinate their 44466609 44418811 responses will presumably follow similar patterns in terms of regional co-operation. Subscription For instance, Thailand off ered full support to Vietnam, the Asean Chair, in [email protected] organising the Special Asean Summit and the Special Asean Plus Three Summit on Covid-19 in April 2020. We also proposed CANDID: “The post-Covid world requires a rethink – a paradigm shift – of how we pursue economic growth,” says Don © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved the establishment of the Covid-19 Asean Pramudwinai. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, February 24, 2021 11 WORLD

Italy repatriates envoy, bodyguard killed in DR Congo A military plane left eastern Congo for Italy yesterday, loaded with the bodies of Italy’s ambassador and his bodyguard EU warns six countries in coff ins draped in Italian flags, a day after they were shot dead in an ambush on a UN convoy. Ambassador Luca Attanasio, 43, and his bodyguard Vittorio Iacovacci, 30, were killed while travelling in a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy to visit over Covid travel curbs a school feeding project. WFP driver Mustapha Milambo Reuters missioner Didier Reynders said ing similar measures in France’s the spread of more contagious Europe minister, defended Ber- French President Emmanuel was also killed. Berlin/Brussels had “gone too far”. eastern Moselle region that bor- coronavirus mutations, nine EU lin’s actions. Macron says internal borders The two coff ins were loaded He said the 27 EU countries ders Germany. countries have reinstated border “These measures obviously between EU countries should onto an Italian military cargo should adopt a co-ordinated ap- The French region has expe- controls in what is normally a put a massive strain on border remain open, and clashed with plane in the city of Goma, in he European Commis- proach to all measures taken in rienced a surge in a more easily free travel zone. regions ... but the protection of Germany last year after Berlin eastern Democratic Republic of sion told six EU countries relation to the free movement of transmissible coronavirus vari- The Commission focused on our citizens is paramount,” he closed frontiers during the fi rst the Congo (DR Congo), near the Tto ease travel and border people and goods. ant, as have Austria’s Tyrol and six, including Germany and Bel- said. wave of the pandemic. Rwandan border. restrictions yesterday as unilat- A European Commission the Czech Republic. gium, where additional restric- French Europe minister Germany now aims to avoid The plane then took off for Rome. eral moves to combat the spread spokesman warned that the bloc With EU national leaders due tions on movement include a Clement Beaune told Reuters the strict border measures that DR Congo’s interior ministry of new coronavirus variants had risked “fragmentation and dis- to discuss health, travel and bor- complete ban on non-essential that Berlin and Paris had given were in place in 2020, sources in has blamed a Rwandan ethnic hit the fl ow of goods and risked ruptions to free movement and der challenges tomorrow and trips in and out of the country. themselves 48 hours to co-or- Berlin said as the Czech Republic Hutu rebel militia called the shutting parts of the Franco- to supply chains – something we on Friday, Austrian Chancellor The Brussels-based executive dinate health measures such as asked for EU help to ease Ger- Democratic Forces for the German border. have witnessed again the past Sebastian Kurz called for “com- said quarantine was eff ective in increased testing in the Moselle man border controls. Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) for The EU executive said it had weeks”. mon standards for travel and the discouraging leisure travel and region to avoid shutting their Southern countries like Spain the attack. given Belgium, Denmark, Fin- Berlin, having introduced transport of goods within the EU transport workers should be ex- border there. hope that vaccination passports The FDLR has denied land, Germany, Hungary and checks on its frontiers with the to ensure the functioning of the empted from quarantine or test- “Our cross-border workers could revive their tourism in- responsibility for what it called Sweden 10 days to justify the re- Czech Republic and Austria, single market”. ing. need to move around for their dustry this summer by allowing a “cowardly assassination”. – strictions, which Justice Com- was in talks with Paris on avert- In a patchwork response to But Michael Roth, Germany’s work and daily lives,” he said. people to travel more freely. Reuters

Man admits to car bomb killing of Sri Lankan Muslims Germany ‘in third Malta journalist One of three men accused of protest cremations wave of pandemic’ planting a car bomb that killed Maltese anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 of Covid-19 victims Reuters/AFP in level four moving to level dramatically pleaded guilty Berlin three,” she said. yesterday and was sentenced to “At that stage, we will begin 15 years in jail. AFP His government has rejected to reopen the economy and so- He must also pay €42,930 in Colombo international pleas and recom- ermany is in a third ciety in the more substantial court expenses. mendations from its own ex- wave of the coronavirus way that we are all longing for,” Vincent Muscat received a perts to allow Muslims to bury Gpandemic, Chancellor Sturgeon added, explaining the relatively lenient sentence ri Lanka’s minority Mus- their dead in line with Islamic Angela Merkel told lawmak- situation was “extremely posi- after the judge said he had lims demonstrated in custom. ers in her conservative party, tive and promising” but “still co-operated with police in SColombo yesterday de- The government fi rst banned two sources at the meeting told quite precarious”. the case that had rocked the manding an end to forced cre- burials in April amid concerns Reuters yesterday. Johnson on Monday outlined Mediterranean island nation. mations of Covid-19 victims as — which experts say are base- “We are now in the third a four-step plan to ease lock- The murder of Caruana Galizia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran less — by infl uential Buddhist wave,” they quoted her as say- down measures in England, who exposed cronyism and Khan arrived on an offi cial visit. monks that burying bodies ing and said she warned that with schools opening again to sleaze within Malta’s political Dozens of Muslims carried could contaminate groundwater any easing of lockdown meas- pupils from March 8, and non- and business elite, sparked a mock janazah, or coffi n, de- and spread the virus. ures introduced late last year essential retail from April 12. international outrage and nouncing the Sri Lankan gov- The World Health Organisa- and extended until March 7 Sweden is preparing new protests that forced prime ernment’s policy of banning tion has said there is no such would have to be done carefully measures to try to curb a resur- minister Joseph Muscat to resign. burials of virus victims disre- risk, recommending both and gradually. gence in Covid-19 cases as the Two alleged co-conspirators garding their funeral rites. burial and cremation of virus The closure of all non-es- coronavirus strain fi rst detect- are still awaiting trial over the The demonstration was victims. sential businesses and border ed in Britain spreads rapidly, October 16, 2017 attack, while a aimed at the visit of Khan who Traditionally, Muslims bury controls with Austria and the the architect of Sweden’s pan- businessman, Yorgen Fenech, is two weeks ago had weighed in their dead. Sri Lanka’s majority Czech Republic, where there demic strategy said yesterday. also awaiting trial for allegedly on the plight of Muslims in Sri Buddhists, who are strong back- have been outbreaks linked to Sweden has avoided lock- masterminding the murder. – AFP Lanka. ers of the current government, a more infectious variant of the downs throughout the pan- Khan had welcomed an an- are typically cremated, as are virus, have helped Germany demic. nouncement by Prime Minister Hindus. bring down new daily corona- But health statistics agen- Ex-mayor jailed Mahinda Rajapaksa on Febru- In December, the authorities virus (Covid-19) infections. cy fi gures yesterday showed ary 10 that burials would be al- ordered the forced cremation But a slow vaccination 10,933 new coronavirus cases over arson on lowed, but a day later Colombo of at least 19 Muslim Covid-19 roll-out and the risk of major had been registered since Fri- journalist’s home backtracked and said there victims, including a baby, after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan walks with Sri Lanka’s Prime outbreaks of fast-spreading day, a rise from 9,458 in the would be no change in the cre- their families refused to claim Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa during the welcome ceremony variants already identifi ed in corresponding period the pre- A court in Serbia has sentenced mation-only policy. their bodies from a hospital yesterday at Sri Lanka’s airport in Katunayake. Germany could make any eas- vious week. a former mayor to time in prison “Respect Prime Minister’s morgue. ing of restrictions diffi cult. “The British variant is in- for ordering an arson attack on statement and allow burials,” This stoked dismay and anger Muslim community lead- Muslims have a dispropor- “We cannot aff ord ups and creasing very fast,” Chief Epi- the home of a journalist. said a banner carried by the among the Muslim community, ers say more than half the 450 tionate number of fatalities downs,” Merkel told par- demiologist Anders Tegnell Dragoljub Simonovic, the demonstrators who assembled moderates and abroad, with the Covid-19 victims were from because they don’t seek treat- ticipants, suggesting that she told a news conference. “This former mayor of Grocka, outside at an open space in front of 57-member Organisation of Is- the Muslim minority which ac- ment, fearing they will be cre- wanted any return to normal variant will with fairly high Belgrade, and a member of the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s lamic Co-operation repeatedly counts for just 10% of the 21mn mated if they are diagnosed with life to be done carefully to probability be the dominant ruling SNS party, was found offi ce. expressing concern. population. the virus, they have said. avoid having to reintroduce one within a few weeks or a guilty of ordering the attack lockdown measures if infec- month.” on the house of reporter Milan tions start to rise again. “We have a package (of na- Jovanovic in December 2018. Meanwhile, Scotland will tional measures) being readied He was sentenced to four look to begin a “substantial” that will be presented tomor- years and three months in jail, easing of coronavirus restric- row,” he said, giving no details. a spokesman for the court in Police on rollerblades deploy in Karachi tions from April 26, First The British coronavirus var- Belgrade told AFP. Minister Nicola Sturgeon said iant is thought by scientists to He said the man who threw the yesterday as she laid out plans be a more infectious strain. Molotov cocktail, Aleksandar Reuters it is usually diffi cult to go.” to take the country out of lock- Cases of the South Afri- Marinkovic, received the same Karachi Safety concerns were raised down. can and Brazilian strains have sentence, but in absentia. – AFP when initial footage of the Ka- The head of Scotland’s de- also been detected but are not rachi unit’s training showed of- volved government told law- spreading quickly, Tegnell said. olice in Pakistan’s largest fi cers carrying heavier weapons, makers there were “much In Greece, hospital doc- $54mn of heroin city, Karachi, are deploy- but Ali explained that the unit brighter times ahead”, adding tors went on a day-long strike Ping an armed rollerblading would only carry handguns, re- that restrictions were working yesterday and dozens marched in salt container unit to curb theft and harass- ducing the risk of bullets rico- well alongside a mass vaccina- in Athens to protest “suff ocat- ment on its teeming streets. cheting. tion programme that was “mo- ing” conditions at hospitals on Dutch police seized its largest- Gliding in a circle with their The rollerblading police of- toring”. the frontline of the coronavirus ever haul of heroin after weapons pointed inwards, and fi cers – who follow in the foot- “We can now see a fi rm way pandemic. searching a shipping container lifting and lowering the guns in steps of similar units in Europe out of this if we all stick to- With around 6,000 deaths, filled with Himalayan salt from unison, the 20-member Special and elsewhere – are expected to gether and stick with it,” she Greece has fared better than Pakistan, prosecutors said Security Unit (SSU) clad in black begin offi cially next month, but added. much of Europe in containing yesterday, following close undergoes rigorous training. they were recently spotted out- The fi rst minister, whose the pandemic and prevented collaboration with UK law “We felt we needed to come side the venue of the Pakistan government has devolved pow- its health service, battered by enforcement. up with an innovative approach Super League cricket tourna- ers over health policy, indicat- years of fi nancial crisis, from Law off icials also arrested to control street crime,” said ment. ed the lifting of restrictions on collapsing. five men earlier this month in Farrukh Ali, chief of the unit, And they have already begun non-essential business would But intensive care units at connection with the 1.5-tonne explaining that offi cers on roll- An SSU police off icer holds up her weapon as she rollerblades patrolling Karachi’s bustling be more cautious than plans state hospitals are operating seizure at Rotterdam port, said erblades could more easily chase during practice at the headquarters in Karachi. beachfront. outlined for England by UK at roughly 80% capacity and to have a street value of €45mn thieves on motorcycles through “Seeing them here in clean Prime Minister Boris Johnson doctors want the government ($54.6mn). the city of 20mn. and uneven footpaths, but said said Aneela Aslam, a police- uniforms since the morning on Monday. to create new units for Cov- “It’s the largest seizure ever of Ali conceded that rollerblad- they would be sent to public woman on the unit. “This roll- gives us a sense of security, as “From 26th April, assuming id-19 patients instead of using heroin in the country,” the Dutch ing police could not be deployed places with a higher incidence erblading will really benefi t us. even in daytime, snatchings oc- the data allows, we will move already existing ones, as well as public prosecutor’s off ice said in a across many parts of Karachi of theft and harassment. With this training, we can reach cur here,” said pedestrian Mo- back to levels with hopefully all to hire more staff and to use re- statement. – AFP due to the poor road conditions “This is just the beginning,” narrow alleys very quickly where hamed Azeem. of Scotland, that is currently sources from the private sector. Climate change a grave threat to world peace, UK’s Johnson tells UN

David Attenborough to UN: ‘I don’t envy you’ will say that this is ... green stuff radicalisation when their crops to that posed by World War II, have many of the technologies study by the Stockholm Interna- from a bunch of tree-hugging dry up, or girls whose daily search which took place in his youth. needed, at least for the initial tional Peace Research Institute, AFP/Reuters parture from the traditional fo- tofu munchers, and not suited to for water takes them further and He told the UN Security Coun- changes. which found that eight of the United Nations cus of the Security Council of international diplomacy and in- further from home and they fall cil: “I don’t envy you the respon- “And perhaps crucially, we ten countries hosting the largest averting confl icts or establishing ternational politics. prey to human traffi cking. sibility that this places on all of also have a level of public support multilateral peace operations in peacekeeping operations. “I couldn’t disagree more pro- “When are we going to do you.” and demand for action that I have 2018 were in areas highly exposed ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was chairing a foundly.” something if we don’t act now?” But the new threats “do not myself never seen before.” to climate change. Johnson and veteran natu- virtual session of the council on Johnson stressed that helping he asked, concluding: “Whether divide us”, he said. “They are Britain has committed into “In Afghanistan, for exam- Bralist David Attenborough climate and security, said: “It vulnerable countries adapt to cli- you like it or not, it is a matter of threats which should unite us, law a target of net zero carbon ple, where 40% of the workforce made direct pleas yesterday to is absolutely clear that climate mate change and cutting global when, not if, your country, and no matter from which part of the emissions by 2050 and will host is engaged in farming, reduced the UN Security Council to take change is a threat to our collec- emissions to net zero will aid the your people will have to deal with world we come, for they face us the COP26 climate summit in harvests push people into pov- urgent action on the climate cri- tive security and the security of protection of biodiversity as well the security impacts of climate all.” November in the Scottish city of erty and food insecurity, leaving sis or face worsening global in- our nations.” as prosperity and security. change.” He continued: “The change Glasgow. them susceptible to recruitment stability. He added: “I know that there He evoked the examples of Attenborough meanwhile lik- needed in itself sounds immense, UN Secretary-General Anto- by criminal gangs and armed The meeting represents a de- are people around the world who farmers becoming susceptible to ened the threat to civilisation and of course it is, but we already nio Guterres meanwhile cited a groups,” he said. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 QATAR QMIC launches live intelligent

The live showcase, held on the mobility demo campus of the QSTP, will continue until March 4.  Smart applications demonstrated as part of live deployment provided by the Communica- on QSTP campus tions and Regulatory Authority  Key step towards digitising road infrastructure to support (CRA) in Qatar. autonomous mobility One of the applications pre- sented is an emulation of an ap- he Qatar Mobility Inno- on roads and in cars, V2X tech- proaching emergency vehicle, vations Centre (QMIC) nology can signifi cantly enhance during which an alert would be Tlaunched an intelligent road safety by reducing up to delivered to the drivers of nearby mobility showcase recently to 80% of road accidents, as well as V2X-enabled vehicles so they demonstrate various smart ap- decreasing traffi c congestion. can make way for the approach- plications and services in fi elds Additionally, it is a vital ena- ing vehicle. such as Connected & Automat- bler for realising autonomous Another important use case ed Vehicles, Internet of Things vehicles, as connectivity is be- demonstrates the value for cars (IoT), and Artifi cial Intelligence coming an important sensor to to exchange info with traffi c (AI). complement traditional physical lights at diff erent intersections. The live showcase, held on the sensors. This use case is critical for en- campus of Qatar Science & Tech- In particular, connectivity is abling autonomous vehicles as it nology Park (QSTP), will con- essential for exchanging time- provides the driver/vehicle with tinue until March 4 in order to sensitive info among road users a countdown of time remaining where AI is combined with V2X applications in Qatar in a gradual maximise its exposure to relevant under all weather conditions and for traffi c signals to turn from red to alert cars about the presence manner.” stakeholders and decision mak- without a need for a line-of- to green. of pedestrians crossing a street. “The associated fi eld pilot we ers across diff erent segments in sight visibility. As the vehicle approaches a In addition to these crucial are conducting in Qatar repre- the local market. As part of this showcase, live signalised intersection, this use cases of the V2X, the live fi eld sents a critical phase where many Connected & Automated Ve- V2X fi eld demos are conducted case also provides the vehicle demo includes other vital appli- technology, operational and in- hicles (V2X) is an emerging tech- on the campus of the QSTP, with suggested optimum speed cations, such as “Broken Down tegration challenges are tack- hub for Intelligent Mobility R&D This can potentially be fol- nology in the fi eld of intelligent presenting a variety of real-life for catching a green wave, which Vehicle” alert and “Road Works” led,” he said. “More importantly, and innovations in the region,” lowed by a partial rollout of the mobility. scenarios and applications and can enhance traffi c fl ow and re- alert. signifi cant hands-on experience Abu-Dayya said. technology and services to spe- The technology will enable demonstrating how V2X tech- duce CO2 emissions. QMIC executive director and knowledge are gained, which These solutions and platforms cifi c enterprise user segments, road infrastructure (traffi c lights, nology would benefi t drivers in In an innovative use case that (CEO) Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya will facilitate transitioning to are bound to become crucial before proceeding with a coun- road signs and displays, etc) to these use cases. combines drones and V2X tech- said: “The mobility showcases the large implementation stage building blocks of the intelligent try-wide implementation within communicate seamlessly with Various applications that rely nologies, the QMIC demon- we demonstrated at the QSTP is where the full benefi ts of the mobility infrastructure in Qatar, the next few years. road users to exchange useful on vehicle-to-vehicle commu- strates how a drone can act as a the culmination of many years of technology can be realised.” the QMIC has stressed in a press “The QMIC extends its invita- information and data, and allow nications and others which rely fl ying roadside unit to cover in- intense R&D (research and devel- “This technical-operational statement. tion to all relevant entities that V2X-enabled cars to “talk” with on infrastructure to vehicle com- tersections where a permanent opment) eff ort by the QMIC, and knowledge, together with the The next steps will include would like to experience these other cars and pedestrians in ac- munications are part of the live roadside unit does not exist at the represent an ongoing joint eff ort home-grown mobility platforms completing the technical/usabil- solutions fi rst-hand and are in- cordance with a globally-accept- showcase demonstrated by the desired intersection. by the QMIC and its strategic and technologies developed by ity pilot stage and the expansion terested in exploring potential ed standard or language. QMIC, using an experimental In support of pedestrian safety, national partners to introduce the QMIC, will contribute to of its scope by adding many new areas of collaboration,” the state- Once deployed on a large scale wireless licence in the 5.9GHz the QMIC showcases a scenario pioneering V2X technologies and making Qatar as an important applications and use cases. ment adds. More rain forecast, followed by temperature drop: Met

 Windy conditions will The ‘last cold wave’ continue during weekend  Thunderstorms expected The Qatar Met department today along with sudden yesterday said the Bard Al Ajouz strong winds period, which involves the “last cold wave” of the winter, usually he country is expected to begins at the end of February see more rain until tomor- and continues until the first Trow night, with strong week of March. winds and a signifi cant drop in Translated as the “old woman’s temperature also forecast in the cold”, Bard Al Ajouz is marked by coming days. a sudden drop in temperature In a report on social media after it has risen significantly. yesterday, the Qatar Met depart- The name Bard Al Ajouz comes ment said “it is expected that from a folklore about an old the chances of scattered rain will woman who was in a hurry to continue in intermittent periods shear her sheep, as she was and with variable intensity until confident that the winter had Thursday night (February 25)”. ended. The rain may turn thundery Rain-drenched flowers make for a pretty picture. Suddenly, a cold northern wind in some areas, accompanied by blew and the sheep died. sudden strong winds at times, Left: Rain in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram while the marine warning will continue with the wave height inshore during thundershowers off shore and there is a possibility “Please be careful and avoid all rising to over 8’. today, with the sea level rising to of scattered rain, which may be- marine activities,” it added. Fresh northwesterly winds are 10’. come thundery at times, accord- Doha and other parts of the expected from midday tomor- The detailed forecast says ing to the Met department. country experienced cloudy con- row, becoming strong in some vary between 4’ and 7’, and rise to The maximum will vary be- try along with sudden strong moderate temperature is expect- The temperature is expected to ditions and some rain yesterday. areas and continuing during the 10’ in some areas occasionally. tween 20C and 26C. winds. ed during the daytime along with range from 20-25C in Doha today. “The country is witnessing a weekend. A signifi cant drop in tempera- The Met department has urged The weather offi ce has also is- cloudy conditions at times, and In a tweet yesterday, the cloudy and rainy morning with The wind speed will range from ture is expected from tomor- everyone to be careful and avoid sued a warning for thundery rain, there is a chance of scattered rain weather offi ce said the chances moderate to fresh northwester- 12-22 knots with gusts reaching row evening, with the minimum marine activities during the windy conditions and high seas that may be thundery at times. of rain are expected to improve ly-northeasterly winds reaching 28 knots at times both inshore ranging from 12-19C and drop- warning period. in the off shore areas today. It will be relatively cold by today, which may become thun- strong off shore, marine warnings and off shore, the report states, ping below that in the external Today’s forecast says thunder- The wind speed may go up to night. dery in some areas accompanied still in eff ect,” the Met depart- adding that the wave height will and open areas of the country. storms are expected in the coun- 30 knots off shore and 21 knots Cloudy conditions are likely by strong winds at times. ment said in a tweet. Culture Pass members invited to explore local architecture

Left: A sketch of Annual Marchitecture programme celebrates Qatar’s architecture Amini is the owner of a vast col- local essence, with the Alwadi Ho- It is an architectural experience Msheireb and urban design lection of unique antiques, each tel, Doha MGallery Hotel Collec- as well as a chance to engage with with a story to tell and includes rare tion boasting contemporary style peers and talk about the various Below: Alwadi atar Museums’ (QM) Cul- plore Qatar’s striking architecture items ranging from books, collector that is blended with the history of aspects of Msheireb that make it Hotel Doha ture Pass members can look through tours and workshops dur- items, interior décor accessories, Qatar. unique. MGallery boasts Qforward to tailored virtual ing the month of March. landscape treasures and more.  A Face-to-Face Tour of W  On March 30 at 4pm, Culture a contemporary talks and tours centred on local In line with current restrictions  On March 10 at 7pm, architect Doha Hotel & Residences at 10am Pass Members can take part in the style blended architecture, highlighting the im- to limit the spread of the coronavi- Eduardo Gaitan will stage a Virtual on March 16 will reveal a unique Face-to-Face Design Tour on the with the history portance and symbolism of Qatar’s rus (Covid-19), spaces are extreme- Hub Talk on Reinventing Cities. place where majesty meets met- Architecture of Taste at Port Ara- of Qatar. urban design. ly limited and are off ered on a first The discussion forms part of The ropolitan style, art meets science, bia, Tower 4, The Pearl. “This year, we are excited to off er come, fi rst served basis. Architects’ Hub Qatar’s signature history meets haute couture and Dinara Kasko, an architect and our valued Culture Pass members The programming is dedicated talks that aim to harness the design nature meets nightlife. pastry artist from Ukraine, will lead the opportunity to explore Qatar’s to architecture in Qatar, showcas- and architectural wisdom of the  Custom Design – The Process the tour during which participants modern architecture as part of our ing present-day design elements crowd. will be the focus of the Virtual Hub have the chance to see the unique annual Marchitecture programme and the growth in its architectural Gaitan will talk in-depth about Talk on March 17 at 7pm. application of architecture in pas- dedicated to urban design,” QM’s landscape, creating a built environ- the humanisation of public space Architects Jelena and Kostas of try and to enjoy the taste of art. Museum Aff airs deputy chief exec- ment in the fabric of the city where as the driver of urban sustainability. KJ Group will be sharing their own “We are thrilled to be a part of utive Aisha al-Khater said in a press the old and new retain equal impor-  The Face-to-Face Design experiences on the process of real- Marchitecture 2021 and look for- statement. “Qatar’s unique built tance. Tour taking place at 3pm on March ising a project to exactly suit your ward with great enthusiasm to a environment boasts both old and Marchitecture programming 15 will explore the Alwadi Hotel, specifi c needs and expectations. month of exciting events, both modern design elements that stand includes the following in-person Doha MGallery Hotel Collection at They will be showcasing some virtual and face-to-face, on and in contrast making for a striking ar- tours and online events: Downtown Msheireb. design case studies. around the creative realm of archi- chitectural landscape and city.”  A Face-to-Face Design Tour The MGallery brand is one the  A Face-to-Face Design Tour tecture,” The Architects’ Hub Qatar QM announced the planned on March 6 at 11am, exploring an- AH brands which represents a of Msheireb Downtown Doha on director Omeima Ismaiel said. events and activities for this year’s tiquity in architecture – a personal collection of high-end hotels all March 27 at 5.30am off ers a walking All events and tours are open to “Marchitecture”, an annual month museum of treasures – led by Dr around the world. tour through selected architectural Culture Pass Members. held in collaboration with The Mousallam Sakka Amini, an archi- MG is a collection of 5-star pre- spaces and routes at Msheireb to Priority is given to Culture Pass Architects’ Hub Qatar that in- tect and professor in Islamic archi- mium boutique hotels that provide observe and talk about the design Plus and Culture Pass Family mem- vites Culture Pass members to ex- tecture. a unique experience inspired by the experience. bers.