BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 MPHC posts Azarenka, 2020 net profi t Muguruza set up of QR532mn on exciting semi clash revenues of QR2.4bn at Qatar Total Open

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FRIDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11843 March 5, 2021 Rajab 21, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir attends Qatar Total Open matches Qatar calls for steps to end hate speech against Islam and Muslims

QNA contexts through which Muslims in a Geneva number of parts of the world are ex- posed to practices that violate their rights and freedoms within the frame- atar has affi rmed the responsi- work of the so-called Islamophobia. bility of the international com- “While we condemn in the strongest Qmunity and all governments, terms these practices, we are concerned especially in countries experiencing an that manifestations of hatred and hos- increase and rise of extreme right-wing Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri. tility towards Islam and Muslims are groups, to confront hate speech that embodied in negative stereotypes that fuels feelings of hostility and violence need to take eff ective measures to pre- lead to prejudice and discrimination against Muslims. vent direct and indirect discrimination against Muslims, which leads to their This came in the statement delivered against Muslims, to abolish all restric- exclusion from social, political and by HE the Permanent Representative tions imposed on individuals for mani- civil life, as it often results in adopting of Qatar to the United Nations Offi ce festing their religion, combat nega- legislative and executive measures that in Geneva Ambassador Ali Khalfan al- tive and discriminatory stereotyping contribute to further violation of their Mansouri, during an interactive dia- practised by law enforcement agencies, rights,” he said. logue with the Special Rapporteur on establish and strengthen mechanisms The Permanent Representative noted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended yesterday the competitions of day 4 of the 19th Qatar freedom of religion or belief at the 46th for monitoring and reporting viola- that permitting these practices cannot Total Open 2021 for women’s tennis held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The Amir watched the regular session of the Human Rights tions and holding those responsible ac- express the values of the civilised world match between Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka played in the quarter-finals, which ended with a 6-2, 6-4 Council. countable. nor can it be justifi ed under the pretext win for Azarenka. The Amir watched the match between Czech Karolina Pliskova and American Jessica Pegula, where HE al-Mansouri said Qatar shared He added the report of the Spe- of spreading freedoms as freedom does Pegula secured 6-3, 6-1 win to qualify for the semi-finals. The match was attended by a number of Sheikhs, ministers and the Special Rapporteur’s opinion of the cial Rapporteur clarifi ed the diff erent not mean violating the rights of others. tennis fans, amidst precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of Covid-19. (QNA) Sport Page 1

FM gets call from US Special Envoy for Iran Sheikha Al Mayassa takes part in Zekreet beach cleanup HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani received yesterday a phone call from US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley. During the call, they reviewed co-operation between the two countries and the latest developments in the region, especially in Iran. — QNA QCB announces bank holiday on March 7 Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced that Sunday, March 7, will be an off icial holiday for all banks and financial institutions operating under its supervision, Qatar News Agency reports. In a press statement, QCB said the closure of banks, money exchange outlets, investment and financial companies, insurance firms and insurance broker companies on this date is pursuant to the Council HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), yesterday took part in a beach cleanup organised of Ministers’ Decision No. 33 of at Zekreet by Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP Qatar), in collaboration with QM. “Great achievements start with small steps. We had 2009. The said decision stipulates a great beach cleaning up at Zikreet,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa tweeted. “Be part of the #KeepQatarClean campaign! Start to reduce the use of that the first Sunday of March each plastic, stop littering, join the forces to protect our coastal areas and sea life from plastic waste.” On Wednesday, which was World Wildlife Day, year shall be an off icial holiday for HE Sheikha Al Mayassa had announced the launch of the #KeepQatarClean campaign. “I am pleased to launch the #KeepQatarClean campaign all banks operating in Qatar. The with an aim in mind to preserve Qatar’s natural resources, whilst advocating the importance of protecting and maintaining a sustainable living,” statement added that all these she tweeted. “I am very happy that we are able to realise and grow this initiative as I will be sharing with you interesting facts about Qatar’s institutions will reopen on Monday, archaeological sites and retweet your activities on #KeepQatarClean.” Images courtesy of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa’s Twitter account Page 12 March 8. — QNA Renew health card Myanmar protesters don protective gear online, says HMC Hamad Medical Corporation Upgraded Al Sadd Street opened (HMC) is encouraging people in Qatar to renew their health card through the Hukoomi portal. “In hree lanes in each direction of continuing. Surface water and storm- view of the current Covid-19 public the busy Al Sadd Street are now water drainage network lines along Al health emergency, Hamad Medical Topen for traffi c upon comple- Sadd Street and the implementation Corporation is encouraging tion of the infrastructure works six and protection of infrastructure serv- citizens and residents to renew months ahead of schedule, the Pub- ice lines such as telecommunications their health card and those of lic Works Authority (Ashghal) an- and electricity lines as well as laying their family members online 24/7 nounced yesterday. The development new asphalt layers are completed. by accessing http://hukoomi. is part of Road Improvement Works in Engineer Jamal highlighted the im- gov.qa or this link: https://portal. Various Areas of Greater Doha – Phase portance of upgrading Al Sadd Inter- www.gov.qa/wps/portal/services/ 9. section as well as Al Sadd and Jawaan renewHealthCardPortal,” HMC said According to Ashghal, the scope Streets as they are located in a vital in a tweet. “The measure is taken of overall works to be implemented area that serve many service facilities, for the protection and safety of within the project aim to upgrade Al shops, commercial centres, and edu- our patients,” it added. Those with Sadd Intersection and develop infra- cational and health institutions. queries can contact Nesma’ak at structure utility services in the in- In addition to the upgrading of Al HMC on 16060. tersecting streets as well. These are Engineer Ali Sami Jamal Sadd Intersection, works are under- in addition to upgrading Al Sadd and way to fi nish works on Al Sadd Street Jawaan Street at a length of 3.2km. ment is keen to accelerate the pace of and Jawaan Street which include pro- CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY Overall progress on the project has the project as the main carriageway viding and upgrading service roads as reached 40%. of Al Sadd Street has been opened for well as beautifi cation and landscaping While announcing the opening, Ali traffi c six months ahead of schedule works alongside both streets and on See Pages Sami Jamal, project engineer at Doha after completing all works on Al Sadd the median. All works are scheduled Protesters wearing protective equipment take part in a demonstration against City Projects Section in the Roads Intersection and surrounding streets. to be completed in the fourth quarter 4,5 & 6 the military coup in Yangon, yesterday. Projects Department, said the depart- The works on the service road are of 2021. To Page 3 Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 5, 2021 QATAR

Minister visits schools to check on exam progress Commander of Amiri Land Forces

HE the Minister of Education meets Pakistan Chief of Army Staff and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi visited a couple of schools to check on the progress of the mid-term 2 examinations and their compliance with Covid-19 safety measures. HE the Minister visited Khalifa Model School For Boys and Compass International School, where he reviewed the measures taken to ensure the health of students, teachers and administrative staff , the Ministry of Education and Higher Education said in a statement yesterday. HE the Minister urged school principals to continue adhering to the precautionary measures HE the Commander of the Amiri Land Forces Major General Saeed Hussain al-Khayarin met with and provide an optimal Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Qamar Javed Bajwa. During the meeting, HE al-Khayarin environment to support appreciated the eff orts of the Pakistani Army, stressing the depth of brotherly relations between students during the exams. Qatar and Pakistan. They reviewed, during the meeting, defence and security co-operation relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them. The meeting was attended by a number of senior off icers from both sides. QU Health launches new PhD programme in Health Sciences

new programme at Qatar University and offer the opportunity for clinical and impact on the improvement of the healthcare (QU) merges Biomedical Sciences, population health research, QU has said in system and attract more nationals as well. It APharmaceutical Sciences and Medical a statement. underlines the strong development and di- Sciences into one PhD degree in Health Sci- QU Health developed strategic objectives versifi cation of the research and educational ences with two specialisations: Biomedical for 2020-2025 in close collaboration with the programmes at QU Health.” Ministry launches fi eld and Pharmaceutical Research and Clinical Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical “We are excited about the new develop- and Population Health Research, it has been Corporation, and the Primary Health Care ment and improvements in our PhD pro- announced. Corporation in order to ensure the alignment gramme as we now open more opportunities The programme will now be governed at of goals, eff orts and planned actions within for clinical and population health research. studies to list meadows the QU Health cluster level under a steering the overarching framework of the National This will strengthen the research ties with committee represented by all colleges and Health Strategy 2018-2022. our national and international partners,” said other relevant offi ces. This change will be im- Dr Egon Toft, vice-president for Medical Feras Qasem Alali, director of Research and QNA plemented in Fall 2021 and applied to the cur- and Health Sciences, dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Doha rent cycle of PhD applications. Medicine, said: “The decision of the board of QU Health was launched in January 2017 The objective is to restructure the PhD regents is the result of the development of our to provide closer alignment and integration programmes to meet the needs of the coun- PhD programme from being directed towards between the health entities at QU (College of he Ministry of Municipal- try, minimise overlap and increase effi- primarily laboratory research towards being Health Sciences, Colleges of Pharmacy, Col- ity and Environment, rep- ciency, consolidate the budget for best uti- more directed towards clinical and popula- lege of Medicine, and College of Dental Medi- Tresented by the Depart- lisation, promote interdisciplinary strategy tion-based research. This will have a broader cine) into a theme-based academic unit. ment of Protection and Wildlife, announced the start of fi eld studies to enumerate the mead- 450 referred to ows in the country by specialised fi eld committees formed by the prosecution for Qatar participates in Arab work team for the rehabilitation violating Covid-19 of Qatari mainland. meet on border security The ministry stated that these measures fi eld studies began yesterday in the presence of the fi eld sub- The designated authorities committees formed of environ- The study began by surveying the areas of Mazroua, Al Jameela, Al referred 450 people to the Public mental inspectors affi liated with Khor and Al Shamal. Prosecution for violating the the Environmental Protection preventive and precautionary Reserves & Wildlife Department, Specialised fi eld work teams well as a group of experts and measures enforced by the specialists and experts from the have been assigned to diff er- specialists in vegetation survey country to contain the spread of participating entities, namely ent regions of the country, sup- studies, are being hired, with a the coronavirus. Among them, the Department of Environmen- ported by Qatari environmen- special fi eld survey form pre- 423 people were referred to tal Protection, Natural Reserves, tal inspectors who are familiar pared, noting that the process the Public Prosecution for not and Wildlife in addition to the of these areas and the meadow began by surveying the areas of wearing masks in places where Center for Geographic Informa- names. Consultants in geo- Mazroua, Al Jameela, Al Khor they are mandatory, while 21 were tion Systems. graphic information systems, as and Al Shamal. found violating the maximum number of 4 people allowed in a vehicle including the driver, except when they are members of one family. Six people were also referred to the Public Prosecution for not installing Ehteraz app on their mobile phones. The measure Qatar participated in the fifth Arab conference for heads of borders, airports, and port security, are in line with the Cabinet which took place yesterday via video conference. Qatar was represented by assistant director of decision, Decree Law No. 17 of airport security Colonel Saoud Abdulaziz al-Muslim, and assistant director-general of the coast 1990 on infectious diseases, and guard and borders Lieutenant Colonel Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi. The conference discussed the the precautionary measures in topics on its schedule, as well as the various experiences of the member countries in the field of force in the country to contain the border and airports security. spread of Covid-19. MoPH reports 475 Specialised field work teams have been assigned to diff erent regions of the country. new Covid-19 cases Registration open for HBKU TII’s virtual conference he Translation and In- Translation Conference was terpreting Institute (TII), fi rst launched in 2010 to create a QNA Tpart of the College of Hu- Gulf-based platform to discuss Doha manities and Social Sciences issues related to translation at (CHSS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa both the theoretical and practi- University (HBKU), will hold its cal levels. For the 11th version of he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 475 11th International Translation the conference, it is imperative new confi rmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19), of which 418 Conference on March 24. to focus on the impact of the glo- Twere from community cases and 57 from travellers returning Registration is open to all re- bal pandemic on the studies and from abroad who are subject to quarantine. The MoPH also recorded searchers, practitioners and practice of translation and inter- 318 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the students with an interest in the preting. total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 155,070. All new cases have fi eld. TII has designed this year’s “The conference will focus been introduced to isolation and are receiving necessary healthcare conference format as a series of scholarly interventions and according to their health status. online academic panels, keynote showcase applied research out- Due to the measures put in place by Qatar’s government and the speeches and a specialised we- Dr Amal al-Malki puts that conceptualise the support of the public in following preventive steps, Qatar succeeded binar on interpreting, HBKU has changes brought about or ac- in suppressing the spread of the virus since its peak last July. However, said in a statement. Covid-19 pandemic, Covid-19 celerated by the pandemic, as over the past month in Qatar we have seen a gradual and consistent The conference is being held meets Twitter, conference inter- they relate to intercultural com- increase in the number of new daily infections. under the theme ‘Covid-19 and preters’ experiences, ‘Localising’ munication. TII invites everyone Additionally, and of great concern, is the recent increase in both the Current Changes in Transla- Covid-19, and work-family in- to participate in its 11th Interna- number of people admitted to hospital with Covid-19 and the number tion and Interpreting Studies’. It terface and job outcomes among tional Translation Conference, of people admitted to ICU with Covid-19. The data over the next few will explore how the pandemic translators and interpreters. and we look forward to welcom- days and week will tell us more, but these increases appear to be the is reshaping translation and in- The 11th TII conference will ing an exceptionally diverse au- early signs of a potential second wave in Qatar. For this reason, it is terpreting academically, profes- welcome 17 speakers from more dience, given the virtual format more important than ever that people adhere to preventive measures sionally and socio-economically. than 10 countries, including but of the conference.” to cut off second wave before it gains momentum. If numbers of posi- Among the topics that will be not limited to Qatar, the UK, Early registration is strongly tive cases and hospital admissions continue to increase over the com- closely considered are transla- US, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Al- encouraged, HBKU has said. To ing week or two, additional restrictions may need to be implemented tion theory, the translator train- geria and Slovakia. Dr Amal al- learn more about the programme across the country and we will return to some of the early restriction ing after the Covid-19 outbreak, Malki, founding dean of CHSS, and register, one can visit http:// phases. interpreters’ narratives of the said: “The annual International tii.qa/11th Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 3 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD Foreign ministers affi rm support for Arab rights in Cairo summit

QNA lan, the Arab Foreign Ministers On the peaceful solution of Participants of Arab League Council called for the both sides. The Council tasked Cairo Council reaffi rmed the League the Djibouti-Eritrea border con- the General Secretariat of the Council’s decision at ministe- fl ict, the Council called again development of Arab-African relations as well as ties with Arab League in co-ordination rial level No. 4126 on February for respecting the principles of Japan and the countries of South America with the South American side to he Arab League Council 13, 1982, and its subsequent deci- good neighbourliness and not to set an alternative date and venue at the ministerial level af- sions, which stipulate the rejec- prejudice the existing borders and security. The Council con- ordination with the host country The Council tasked the Gener- for the third meeting of the eco- Tfi rmed support for the tion of all measures taken by the between the two countries, call- demned the attacks carried out and the African Union Commis- al Secretariat of the Arab League nomic ministers of the Arab and Syrian right to restore the entire Israeli occupation authorities ing on Djibouti and Eritrea to by the Houthi militia targeting sion to determine the date for to continue co-ordination with South American countries, after occupied Syrian Golan to the aimed at changing the legal, nat- resolve the border dispute that the security of global oil supplies. holding the summit meetings, the Japanese side to hold the fi fth the apology of Bolivia. lines of June 4, 1967, as well as the ural and demographic situation erupted between them in Febru- On Arab relations and interna- emphasising the importance of session of the Arab-Japanese The Council also mandated need to respect the sovereignty of of the occupied Syrian Golan, ary 2008 in the “Ras Doumeira” tional and regional groupings, the good preparation for them in co- Economic Forum in Japan at a the General Secretariat of the Djibouti and the unity and terri- and consider the Israeli meas- region through direct negotia- Arab League Council stressed the ordination between the League’s date agreed upon by both sides. Arab League in co-ordination torial integrity of its borders. ures to establish its control over tions or international arbitration importance of continuing eff orts General Secretariat, the African The Council also mandated the with the South American side to It also affi rmed support for the it as illegal, null and void, and in mechanisms. Regarding naviga- to remove obstacles that hinder Union Commission and the host General Secretariat of the Arab set a new date and venue for the principle of freedom of naviga- violation of international agree- tion and energy supply security the means of strengthening Ar- country to ensure its success. League to follow up on this is- second meeting of environment tion in international waters in ments, the Charter and resolu- in the Arabian Gulf region, the ab-African co-operation. The The Arab foreign ministers sue and present it to the League ministers of the Arab and South accordance with established tions of the United Nations. council called for ensuring the Council mandated the General also affi rmed the keenness of Council at the ministerial level in American countries, after the rules in international law and The Council condemned the security and safety of maritime Secretariat of the Arab League to the Arab League member states its next regular session. apology of Ecuador. agreements of Law of the Sea, Israeli practices in the occupied navigation in the Arabian Gulf, continue co-ordination with the on strengthening and develop- Regarding Arab relations The Council welcomed Su- and support for the development Syrian Golan represented in the the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea, Member States and the African ing relations with Japan in vari- with international and regional dan’s hosting of the fi rst meeting of Arab-African relations as well seizure and confi scation of ag- and securing energy supply lines. Union Commission in order to ous political, economic, social groupings, the Council called of experts in the fi eld of agricul- as relations with Japan and the ricultural lands and the plunder The Council condemned all implement the decisions of the and cultural fi elds and ben- on the General Secretariat of the tural co-operation between Arab countries of South America. of natural resources. The Arab actions that target the security Fourth Arab-African Summit efi ting from Japanese economic Arab League to continue co-or- countries and South American This came at the end of the foreign ministers stressed full and safety of navigation, mari- that was held in Malabo, Equa- progress and experiences to ad- dination with the Regional Co- countries, and call for active par- 155th regular session of the Arab solidarity with the Syria and time installations, energy sup- torial Guinea, during the period vance development eff orts in the ordinator for South American ticipation in this meeting. It also League Council at the ministerial Lebanon as well as support for plies, oil pipelines, oil instal- from November 17-23, 2016. Arab countries. The Council wel- countries regarding Venezuela’s welcomed the holding of a meet- level chaired by HE the Deputy them in the face of the ongoing lations in the Arabian Gulf and The Council welcomed Saudi comed the holding of the second hosting of the meeting of the ing of senior offi cials of the min- Prime Minister and Minister of Israeli attacks and threats against other waterways, as they threat- Arabia’s hosting of the fi fth Arab- session of the ministerial meet- Council of Foreign Ministers of istries of social aff airs in the Arab Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed them, and considered any attack en the security of Arab countries, African Summit, and the man- ing for the Arab-Japanese politi- Arab and South American coun- and South American countries bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. Re- on them as an attack on the Arab undermine Arab national securi- date of the General Secretariat of cal dialogue in April 2021 through tries that will be preceded by a at the headquarters of the Arab garding the occupied Syrian Go- nation. ty, and harm international peace the Arab League to continue co- video conference technology. meeting of senior offi cials from League’s General Secretariat.

Kuwait imposes curfew amid spike in Covid cases Libya interim PM sends cabinet list to parliament

AFP ernment to take more stringent home, can be fi ned as much as Libya’s designated interim prime month via a UN process aimed House of Representatives, as Fahes Kuwait City measures. “There will be a daily $16,000 and jailed for up to three minister has given the country’s at uniting Libya behind a single the parliament is known. Libya curfew from 5pm to 5am starting months. divided parliament a list of cabinet authority that will oversee the has been split for years between next Sunday, March 7, until April Yesterday, Kuwait recorded names, he said yesterday, as it run-up to a national election in the internationally recognised mobile uwait yesterday an- 8,” a government spokesman said 1,716 coronavirus infections – prepares for a possible meeting December. The cabinet list has Government of National Accord nounced a minimum in a televised statement. the highest count in 24 hours in a frontline city on Monday to been subject to intense negotiation (GNA) in Tripoli and a rival Kone-month curfew aimed He said people may walk to since the start of the outbreak debate a new unity government. among factions and politicians. administration in the east, where station at curbing a sharp rise in coro- mosques to perform prayers dur- – bringing the total number of Abdelhamid Dbeibeh was chosen Dbeibeh did not announce the Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National navirus cases, after it recorded ing curfew hours, while phar- cases to more than 196,000, in- to lead the new government last names he has submitted to the Army (LNA) holds sway. its highest daily infection count. macies and food shops must use cluding 1,105 deaths. closure Kuwait has since February 7 cut delivery services and all public The country had imposed opening hours for non-essential parks and recreational areas will some of the strictest measures in Qatar Fuel (Woqod) has retail shops and banned non-cit- be closed. the Gulf during the fi rst wave of announced the closure of the izens from entering the country, Those who break the rules, the pandemic over the summer, Fahes mobile station at Wadi Al but a steep increase in cases in which also include mandatory enforcing a nationwide lock- Qatar highlights women’s role Banat. “We would like to notify our the past week has forced the gov- use of face masks outside the down with few exceptions. valued customers that the mobile station placed near the Wadi Al Banat Fahes station will be closed in building peace and security with eff ect from March 7, 2021,” Woqod said in a tweet yesterday. Traffic change on Ali Bin Omar Al Attiyah St “Customers are hereby requested QNA of the Human Rights Council. measures against them, and the to utilise the Wadi Al Banat or Al Geneva He said that Qatar would like impact of this on their rights and Mazrouah permanent stations for to emphasise that terrorism and their family relations. their inspection service needs,” it violent extremism have a de- He went on saying that Qatar added. The Wadi Al Banat station atar has renewed its com- structive impact on the fulfi l- also agrees with Special Rap- is located at Building 16, Street 837, mitment to continue ef- ment of human rights, and in porteur on the necessity of de- Zone 70 (GPS 25.38023,51.47026), Qforts aimed at enhancing return, the violation of human porting foreign fi ghters and their while the Al Mazrouah station can the role of women in building rights contributes to providing families from confl ict areas and be found at Building 25, Street 484, peace and security, and respect- an appropriate environment for refugee camps, returning them Zone 71 (GPS 25.439945,51.387135). ing and promoting all their rights. their spread. to their homelands, and taking This came in the speech deliv- Therefore, all eff orts to combat appropriate measures regarding Maritime vessels, ered by the third secretary of the these two phenomena should be them in line with international permanent delegation of Qatar to in line with international human laws and ensuring their rights leisure boats to the United Nations offi ce in Ge- rights standards. and interests. He also stressed operate under neva Abdullah Ali Behzad, during He added that Qatar shares the the importance of increasing the interactive dialogue with the concern expressed by the Special women’s participation in devel- precautionary Special Rapporteur on the pro- Rapporteur about the targeting oping and implementing laws measures motion and protection of human of Muslims and Muslim families, and strategies to combat terror- rights in the context of combat- the discriminatory and exces- ism and violent extremism at all The Ministry of Transport ing terrorism at the 46th session sive use of counter-terrorism levels. and Communications (MoTC) has allowed maritime vessels and leisure boats to operate Ashghal opens upgraded main lanes of Al Sadd Street under Covid-19 precautionary measures. MoTC tweeted that The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a traff ic change for three months from today From Page 1 The scope of works also in- utilities and upgrade the road the capacity should not exceed (Friday) on Ali Bin Omar Al Attiyah Street to the east side with one lane for each direction from Al cludes the construction of 6.4km network in Doha city to cope 50% of the total allowed number Meena Intersection to Muthaf Intersection and two lanes in one direction from Muthaf Intersection Upon completion, the project of pedestrian and cycle paths, with the national economic de- of passengers, subject to a to Rufaa Intersection. The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic is to allow would have delivered develop- landscaping works, and upgrad- velopment and social growth re- maximum of 10. Last month, the works of Central Doha and Corniche Beautification – Package 2. During the closure, entrance ments on a total length of 3.2km ing street lighting systems of quirements in Qatar. The project MoTC had suspended the services and exit for residential and commercial buildings will be provided. Ashghal will install road signs on Al Sadd and Jawaan Streets in both streets. is being implemented by JH Con- for renting boats, tourist yachts advising motorists of the temporary closure and requested all to follow them and abide by the addition to improving the traffi c The works of this project are struction Company under the and leisure boats as part of the speed limit to ensure safety. fl ow in the area at Al Sadd Inter- part of Ashghal’s eff orts to im- supervision of Gulf Engineering plan to re-impose the Covid-19 section. prove the existing services and and Industrial Consultancy. restrictions.

Temporary closure on Al Khor Road Infrastructure work in Al Sadd completed ahead of schedule

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary traff ic closure on Al Khor Community Road – Gate 1 from tomorrow (Saturday) until March 10 from 10pm to 5am. The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic, is to allow road works. Ashghal will install Three lanes in each direction of the busy Al Sadd Street are now open for traff ic upon completion of the infrastructure works six road signs advising motorists of the temporary closure and has requested all to follow them and months ahead of schedule, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced yesterday. The development is part of Road Improvement abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. Works in Various Areas of Greater Doha — Phase 9. Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 5, 2021 COMMUNITY Expat group in selfl ess service to the dead

By Shafeeq Alingal Qatar, the wing members get Muees, Nizar, Ismail Madakkara, Staff Reporter the documents from the hospital Yusuf and Imthiyas Puratheel. and police and take the mortal The committee has a What- remains to the graveyard after sapp group where functions are t was four years ago that In- the last rites. “Our volunteers co-ordinated. “We get notifi ed dian expatriate Khalid found accompany the relatives and last after a death is reported. All of us Ia helpless family after a com- rites are performed with help are employed. Available volun- patriot died while on his way from relatives and the respective teers are assigned and we thank back home from a mosque at communities,” said Khalid. God we can manage things while Najma in Doha. Mahboob said assistance has we do our duties,” Mehaboob Khalid consoled the family been so far given for repatriation said. and volunteered to rush to the or local burial of 3,000 bodies. The Covid-19 pandemic airport where he booked a cargo Most of the benefi ciaries are In- brought tough days for the group to repatriate the body. dians with 50% of them Keral- with death cases reported. “We Khalid, an employee with ites. found even kith and kin remain- Hamad Medical Corporation “Service is also given to expa- ing hesitant to take care of the (HMC), managed to complete triates from Pakistan, Bangla- bodies. But, driven by dedica- the proceedings with the help of desh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and a few tion and passion, our volunteers his friends and the body was sent European countries,” Mehaboob stepped in,” he said. within two days. added while reminiscing a case The humanitarian activists “Soon after I went home, I re- of a Bangladeshi worker whose have received recognition from ceived a call inviting me for tea. body was kept in the mortuary government entities, embassies The young man, who received after relatives could not clear fi - and community organisations. me at the restaurant, told me nancial dues. “We are being praised by all that the man I helped was his The humanitarian activists at a public function before the Covid-19 outbreak. “We helped them meet the and we are getting accolades,” uncle. He told me how invalu- fi nancial requirement and send said KMCC Kerala state com- able my intervention was for wing that repatriates the mortal riate bodies, or perform last rites 1995,” says Mehaboob Nalakath, bassy and customs. We manage the body home within days af- mittee secretary Rayees Ali. family. That day, I decided to remains of expatriates. Popular- for burial in Qatar. “There were chairman of the committee. to complete the process within ter we were approached,” he re- Mehaboob, recently, won actively get involved in helping ly known as Kallu, he is now the individuals and groups helping To repatriate mortal remains, one or two days since our volun- called. the Best Humanitarian award to repatriate bodies,” Khalid re- general convenor of the wing. expatriates to complete the for- offi cial documents have to be teers are aware of the steps and The functions are run by com- by the Indian Community Be- called. Named KMCC Al Ihsan malities. A well set up system obtained, including approval well accepted by the authorities mittee vice president Abdul nevolent Forum in recognition Khalid joined the Kerala Mus- Mayyith Paripalana Committee, was brought in after the com- from the family, hospital, Minis- concerned,” Mehaboob said. Salam Cheekkonn and function- of the services rendered by his lim Cultural Centre’s (KMMC) it helps clear paper works, repat- mittee started functioning in try of Public Health, police, em- While it comes to burial in aries Mansour Ali, Abbas, Abdul group. NU-Q professor edits book on media pluralism, democracy in Latin America orthwestern Univer- adopted policies that infl uence sity in Qatar (NU-Q) the way the media engages with Nprofessor Jairo Lugo- social justice issues, including Ocando has co-edited a book poverty and inequality. “The that looks at how the spread of rise of authoritarianism, pop- populist and nationalist move- ulism, and nationalism in Latin ments in Latin America and America proves that one of the the Caribbean has hindered the fi rst victims of democracy re- process of democratisation and ceding has been the diversity diversity in the region’s media and plurality of voices in the industry. media sphere.” Media and Governance in Lat- In general, the book address- in America: Toward a Plurality of es topics on media and commu- Voices is an edited collection of nications, and media politics in chapters that examine the rela- Latin America, and provides a tionship between media and po- unique perspective on the rela- litical pluralism in Latin America tionship of governments with and how more inclusive media journalism and freedom of ex- are essential to democratic gov- pression in the Global South ernance in that region. “while also questioning and “Our main argument,” Lugo- the Americas in Mexico. challenging theories and per- Ocando said, “is the necessity to With contributions from spectives that at times are as- improve plurality and empower scholars and media experts from sumed to be universal,” said, voices to achieve true diversity across Latin America and Spain, Lugo-Ocando. and strengthen the overall dem- the book includes chapters Lugo-Ocando is the author of ocratic ethos in each one of the on the media and indigenous several monographs and dozens Farewell event held for Indian expatriate countries in the region.” rights, authoritarianism and of peer-review journal articles The book was co-edited by news reporting, media owner- and book chapters examining Ximena Orchard, head of the ship, and plurality and diversity the relationship between media ong-time Qatar resident eral secretary of the ICC, Indian Community leaders Ziad Us- conveyed the message from School of Communication and in the media landscape, among and political pluralism in Latin and prominent Indian ex- Community Benevolent Forum, man, Azim Abbas, Manikantan, president PN Babu Rajan. The Journalism at the Universidad other topics that centre around America. In 2020, he published Lpatriate Divakar Poojary Indian Business and Profession- Nilangshu Dey, Girish Kumar, event was compered by ICC gen- Alberto Hurtado in Chile, Sara the relationship between the three books that explore jour- was given a farewell by the In- als Council, president of Tulu Milan Arun, Vinod Nair, and eral secretary Krishnakumar. Garcia Santamaria, associate media and political governance nalistic practices, ideologies, dian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Koota and Qatar Billawas in ad- Seenu Pillai spoke on the occa- For his outstanding contribu- professor at Blanquerna, Uni- on the continent. and the eff ect political infl uence adherence with the Covid-19 dition to being a sub committee sion. tion to the Indian community, versity Ramon Llull in Spain, According to Lugo-Ocando, has on agenda-setting in the protocols. member of the Indian Sports ICC vice-president Subra- the ICC managing committee and Julieta Brambila, assistant the book demonstrates how newsroom, specifi cally in the Poojary has served as gen- Centre. manya Hebbagelu chaired and presented a memento to Poojary. professor at the University of authoritarian regimes have Global South.

Qatar Environment Day celebrations

World Social Justice Day marked at Loyola

ollowing the path of Ma- issues such as human rights, social justice- access, eq- hatma Gandhi and to gender equality, sustainable uity, participation and rights. Fcommemorate the World development, social protection Students presented their views Day of Social Justice, February and poverty, among others. through posters, cards and 20th, grade V students of Loyola The activity was designed speeches. The event concluded International School performed to forge a better understand- with students taking a pledge ATS colleagues with community friends marked Qatar Environment Day on February 26 by planting saplings. At the event, long-time a virtual presentation on Febru- ing on the importance of the to uphold the principles of so- Qatar resident and well known social worker, Divakar Poojary, was given a farewell. Poojary left for India after 36 years in Qatar. ary 20 to shed light on the need day and make the students cial justice and make the world for social justice by challenging aware of the principles of a better place to live in. IIQS-Qatar names new offi ce-bearers

ndian Institute of Quantity are: Kiran Kumar Podakan- ity manager), Rahul Washikar Surveyors - Qatar Chapter ti (president), Ahamed Zu- (sports and entertainment com- I(IIQS-Qatar), associated to bair A (vice-president), Sunil mittee), Avinash Arvind Gaikwad the Indian Business and Profes- Kamalaksha (general secretary), (head, advisory panel), and Sud- sionals Council (IBPC) under the Nidhi Prashant Micheal (joint heer Edamana (member, advisory aegis of embassy of India, suc- secretary), Venkat Narsima Red- panel). cessfully conducted the nomi- dy (treasurer), Balantrapu Surya IIQS has a strong presence nation process for selecting the Prakash (membership manager in India and Middle East. IIQS managing committee of 2021- 1), Manash Kaushik, Pookoya endeavours to help its members 2022. Thangal P P M (APC/CPD com- and non-members to achieve The new offi ce-bearers mittee), Abdul Basith (public- chartered status. Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 5 COMMUNITY Taking courses outside majors vital for students, says QU director

aking courses outside of faculty and student awards. their majors is crucial for The ‘CCP Excellence in Teaching Tstudents’ intellectual and Award’ is designed to recognise personal growth, said Dr Rana faculty members teaching CCP Sobh, director of Qatar Uni- courses, who demonstrate an ex- versity’s (QU) Core Curriculum emplary implementation of QU Programme (CCP). Educational Excellence Themes. A QU-YSC workshop in progress. All undergraduates of QU – re- The CCP also launched three gardless of their majors – are re- student awards. The fi rst recog- quired to complete 33 credit hours nises students who demonstrate of the CCP before receiving a bac- exceptional abilities in innova- calaureate degree. The new CCP tion and entrepreneurship. The degree requirements encompass a second award recognises stu- QU’s Young Scientists set of college-level courses drawn dents’ ability to integrate knowl- from diff erent disciplines. edge and communicate it through “We strive to off er a com- creative digital products. And the mon academic experience that last award recognises students binds students from diverse Dr Rana Sobh who stand out in their civic en- Center hosts workshops disciplines together,” explained gagement and contribution to the Dr Sobh. “Taking courses from result in some implications on Qatari community outside their majors is crucial for scheduling and sections’ off er- The CCP is the connective tis- students’ intellectual and per- ing by a number of departments,” sue that binds all QU students sonal growth; it helps them be- Dr Sobh pointed out. “The Dean and graduates together. “We for elementary school kids come rounded and gain a broad of General Studies has formed a encourage students to engage perspective on life. Through CCP Restructuring Implemen- academically and socially. We learner-centric, digitally en- tation Task Force (CCP-RIT) to inspire QU graduates to bring QU-YSC also organised technology (ICT) for grade VII who are able to make decisions tion, Culture and Science. riched and entrepreneurial ap- ensure a smooth implementa- about meaningful change for the workshops and activities students. in different fields and sectors QU-YSC works on the prin- proaches and a careful selection tion of changes that minimises nation,” she added. on information and The ICT track, in its second and achieve Qatar National Vi- ciple that scientifi c knowledge of courses, the CCP cultivates a any negative potential impact By adopting a student-cen- communication technology cycle, focuses on teaching stu- sion 2030.” is among the most important range of skills, knowledge, val- of these changes on students’ tred approach in teaching and (ICT) for grade VII students dents programming skills and requirements of life and stu- ues and dispositions that stu- study plans and schedules.” learning, the CCP provides stu- designing sensors throughout “The diversity of these dents from a young age should dents need for their academic In collaboration with the As- dents with the opportunity to U’s Young Scientists diff erent activities and applica- workshops enhances be taught to develop the spirit success, intellectual growth, and sociation of American Colleges explore a wide array of subjects Center (QU-YSC) hosted tions using an electronic smart students’ skills and of innovation, critical thinking, responsible citizenship. and Universities (AAC&U), the beyond their fi eld of study that Qvirtual workshops for sensors development board. encourages them to creativity, teamwork and acquire “The ultimate goal is to pre- CCP has off ered the Core Cur- broadens their knowledge and elementary school students to The YSC will hold a closing think creatively, solve diverse scientifi c skills. pare well-rounded and engaged riculum Certifi cate in Teaching perspective on life. impart technical skills so as to ceremony, where students will problems, and gain QU-YSC follows the STEM graduates who are able to cope CCP courses (CCC) to QU fac- “The journey has been chal- develop a capable and adept present their projects and win- diff erent abilities that methodology in the design and and succeed in an uncertain and ulty members who are teaching lenging, yet very exciting and generation. ning projects will be rewarded. contribute to the creation preparation of various work- ever changing world and in re- CCP courses. The CCC is a pres- fulfi lling. My mandate was to re- Students in grade IV joined A total of 54 students from of a new generation of shops. turn bring about positive change tigious professional develop- invigorate the Core Curriculum YSC’s ‘problem-solving’ track, four diff erent schools in the Al creative leaders who are STEM is an innovative learn- in Qatar and beyond,” she said. ment programme and a fi rst-of- Programme to align it with the in its eighth cycle. Shamal region of Qatar partici- able to make decisions ing system that combines the The CCP has undergone an its-kind in the region. QU transformational strategy. This track focused mainly on pated in the workshops. in diff erent fi elds and four core teaching materials: extensive Academic Programme “A total of 52 instructors have The challenging part consisted acquiring critical and creative QU-YSC director Dr Noora sectors and achieve Qatar science, technology, engineer- Review (APR) and a structured successfully completed the CCC of me trying to balance my desire thinking skills to solve various Jabor al-Thani, said: “The di- National Vision 2030.” ing, and mathematics. enhancement process resulted in in Cohort 1 and the CCP will ac- to propose an ambitious model problems. versity of these workshops This system aims to promote many recent changes that led to commodate the remaining in- in line with the best practices in Students worked on activities enhances students’ skills and She thanked the eff orts of the education and prepare students “New Core Curriculum” degree structors in the pool during Spring general education on one hand, and applications, its types and encourages them to think crea- sponsors and partners, Ras Laf- to deal with modern practical requirements applicable to all and Fall 2021,” said Dr Sobh. and my determination to suggest eff ects. tively, solve problems, and gain fan Industrial City Community reality, by designing activities students admitted to QU in Fall To support the Education Ex- something that would be easily QU-YSC also organised work- different abilities that con- Outreach Programme, Unesco based on dealing with real life 2021 onwards. cellence Themes Framework, the implementable in our QU con- shops and activities on infor- tribute to the creation of a new Offi ce in Doha and the Qatar Na- situations and creative learning “These changes will probably CCP recently launched a number text,” she said mation and communication generation of creative leaders tional Commission for Educa- to solve problems.

BPQ organised a Doha-Kolkata charter flight. (Right) BPQ’s two-time president Jayati B Maitra receives the ICBF Appreciation Award from Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal. Bangiya Parishad Qatar initiatives win praise

angiya Parishad Qatar activities spread across the year. (BPQ), an Indian socio-cul- BPQ also sponsored fl ight Btural organisation, founded tickets for stranded labourers. in 1996, steps into its 25th year in During 2020, the forum also 2021. BPQ was actively involved contributed to the ICBF commu- in various humanitarian projects nity pool fund, sponsored com- during 2020, especially in the munity life insurance scheme for light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the needy, provided food packets according to a statement. for fi shermen in Doha, and sup- The forum arranged a char- ported pandemic-impacted art- tered fl ight to Kolkata from Doha ists from West Bengal. to support the stranded labourers In addition to various philan- from West Bengal. BPQ acknowl- thropic activities, BPQ also or- edged the support of the Indian ganised some online cultural pro- embassy, Indian Sports Centre grammes during 2020, towards president Dr Mohan Thomas, In- upholding the cultural heritage dian Cultural Centre president and tradition of Bengal and India. P N Baburajan, the Indian Com- A tribute to Noble Laureate munity Benevolent Forum (ICBF) Rabindranath Tagore saw the and diff erent levels of West Bengal broadcast of a pre-recorded cul- government, including the chief tural programme. minister’s offi ce, in its ort.eff More than 70 performers paid It was an enormous under- tribute through music, dance, taking and needed meticulous recitation and narration. planning, rigorous communica- The eff orts of BPQ and its tion follow-ups, due diligence to members were highly appreciat- government protocols and pan- ed by several other Indian com- demic guidelines, unanimous munity associations and com- and unidirectional collaborative munity leaders. eff orts of BPQ members — that BPQ’s two-time president showed the path of eff ective Jayati B Maitra was conferred the delivery of all the philanthropic ICBF Appreciation Award. An online event organised by BPQ Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 5, 2021 COMMUNITY LEISURE/HOROSCOPE

Wordsearch Super Cryptic Clues Dilbert

F Minus

ABBEY GABBLE RUBBER CABBAGE CRIBBAGE RABBI BOBBLE LOBBY PEBBLE BLUBBER HUBBUB COBBLE ABBOT GIBBON STUBBLE NIBBLE Across Down DABBLE RIBBON BUBBLE 1 Impeded deer? Poor deer! 2 Lights that fused singe it (7) QUIBBLE BOBBIN JABBER (8) 3 Greek letter taken up? BABBLE HOBBLE WOBBLE 6 Used to be a revolutionary Cheers! (5) tool (3) 4 Check polish once more (6) 9 Record left by girl (5) 5 Action about night flier may Codeword 10 Very young cat I lost in be discussed (7) Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. ancient city (7) 6 County loses its vigour (5) Squares with the same number in have the same letter 11 An unequal share? Cer- 7 Like some beaches in Skeg- Garfield .in. Work out which number represents which letter tainly! (3,4) ness and Yarmouth (5) 12 Irritable youth leader on 8 Bet about northern com- trial (5) poser (6) 13 Is getting in support to put 14 Nasty giant, somewhat up a fight (6) gloomy (7) 15 Some postcodes, say, in 16 Accounts signed initially by port (6) politicians (7) 19 Hat seen at Epsom? (5) 17 Appalled but helping to 21 Ancient city as opposed to make Branagh a star (6) old church (7) 18 Bother with false lashes (6) 23 Awfully isolated, having 19 The fruit of engagements dismissed fifty yes-men (7) (5) 24 Races round island to see 20 Province in actual centre of wrecks (5) Germany (5) 25 American uncle plays a 22 Beginner has left moun- major part (3) tainous area (5) Big Nate

Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles 26 Pointers initially seem un- necessary (8)

Solution Sudoku

Answers Codeword Wordsearch

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a ٩x٩ grid. The grid is also divided into nine (٣x٣) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every .anone is repeated

Colouring Horoscope ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

You like to be honest with those you care about, but today you’re It might feel like your home has turned into Grand Central Station. You might have to do a lot of running around when you probably likely to be a bit too honest. Don’t be too quick to take off ense and Lots of family members present, deliveries made and phones ringing, want to stay home. Obligations to friends and family are likely to watch the tendency to be too blunt. If you temper your honesty and you may just want to watch TV or read a book. This could lead to come up, and even though you’re a bit tired you’ll want to help with some diplomacy, you should get your message across with a some understandable irritation. However, be your usual polite self. If out. The best plan for today is to get everything done as quickly as minimum of hurt feelings. You create win/win situations that way. possible, get a family member to screen your callers. You might be possible and then spend the rest of the day relaxing alone. You can It’s best for all involved. frustrated, but you don’t want to off end anybody. have it both ways! CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Don’t be surprised if lots of people contact you today. Perhaps You could be feeling a bit antsy today and may want to spend time An exciting communication could inform you of an advancement you’re in the mood to gossip or neighbours have news of changes exercising or trying a new sport or game that you’ve never played opportunity that you should explore. While you’d be quick to act nearby. You should be brimming with energy, so you can handle before. This is great. Ask some friends to join you, if possible. Don’t under normal circumstances, Virgo, today you might be more it, but you might find it a bit unnerving if communication gets too push yourself past your limits. This can only bring exhaustion or cautious. You’ve sought recognition for a while, so don’t be too hectic. It’s best just to go with the flow and enjoy situations like this. injury, and it won’t help your fitness level. Exercise within your reticent. Don’t let your insecurity get the better of you. Learn all you You can think about what it all means later. limitations and do it more often. can about the situation and then make an informed decision. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

A friend could ask for a loan and you might hesitate to give him or Today you’re likely to experience a powerful burst of energy that Frustration may be the word for today, Sagittarius. You could be her the money. Follow your instincts. The person probably isn’t too may temporarily turn you into a workaholic. Chores may have piled experiencing a bit of wanderlust. Distant states and foreign lands savvy about money. You might want to participate in some group up around the house that desperately need to be done. You may may beckon to you, but circumstances could make it hard for you to activities, but don’t let people take unfair advantage of you. You’re want to go through them like wildfire. You don’t have to do them all get away. There might also be friction with your partner. Don’t get willing to serve those who need you but discriminate between those at once. Take care of the most pressing tasks and then relax. The sucked into a quarrel. Use your placid nature to get grounded, then who do and don’t really need your help. rest can wait. Ask family members to help. use your practicality to solve the issues at hand. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You’ve probably had a busy week, Capricorn, and may feel out of There might be a lot of work to do at home today. Since certain Too much indulging may leave you with a headache or sorts today. Perhaps you had too much good food last night, stayed family members are conveniently absent, you may feel that the stomachache to the point where you may want to spend most of up too late, or both. It goes against your grain to stay in and rest, but burden falls on you. Don’t be a martyr, however. Just do what you today sleeping. The stress of this condition could cause you to this is the perfect day to curl up with a good book. You’re going to can and leave the rest. Uncertainties about money could also be on snap at family members but remember that they weren’t the ones want some exercise, but don’t overdo it. As you well know, you can your mind but put these aside for now. You’ll be better able to deal who chose to overindulge. Chill out, get some rest, and regain your get too much of a good thing! with them tomorrow. strength. You’ll be back in the real world soon enough. Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 7 WORLD UN report says 17% of food wasted at consumer level

Reuters The report, which was pro- food waste by 2030. report, we see that things are not in 2011 estimated that one-third are associated with food that is house gases into the atmosphere. London duced jointly by the United Na- “For a long time, it was as- so clear cut.” of the world’s food was wasted or not consumed (waste and loss), a “If we want to get serious tions Environment Programme sumed that food waste in the The report estimated that lost every year. similar amount to road transpor- about tackling climate change, (UNEP) and WRAP, also found home was a signifi cant problem 931mn tonnes of food was wasted The FAO has produced a Food tation. nature and biodiversity loss, and n estimated 17% of food that consumer waste was broadly only in developed countries,” in 2019, roughly equal to 23mn Loss Index which shows that Forests are cleared, fuel is pollution and waste, businesses, available to consumers similar in both rich and poor said Marcus Gover, the chief ex- fully-loaded 40-tonne trucks – around 14% of the world’s food is burnt and packaging in produced governments and citizens around Awas wasted in homes, re- countries. ecutive of WRAP, a charity which bumper-to-bumper enough to lost from post-harvest up to, but just to provide food which is the world have to do their part tail outlets and restaurants in The United Nations is produc- works with governments to re- circle the earth seven times. excluding, the retail level. thrown away. to reduce food waste,” said Inger 2019, according to research pub- ing a Food Waste Index (FWI) as duce food waste. “With the pub- The United Nations Food and An estimated 8 to 10% of glo- Meanwhile, rotting food in Andersen, the executive director lished by the United Nations. it seeks to support eff orts to halve lication of the Food Waste Index Agriculture Organisation (FAO) bal greenhouse gas emissions landfi lls releases more green- of the UNEP.

Covid crisis in Latin America made worse US Capitol ups security by inequality: UN

Reuters ies often lack access to basic Santiago services, mean many citizens found themselves unable to after attack warning access food, water and health- atin America and the care necessary to confront the AFP/Reuters Caribbean countries in crisis. Washington Lthe throes of the corona- Poverty meanwhile, has virus (Covid-19) crisis will only crept upward, while advances see their problems made worse in reducing inequality have he grounds of the US by festering inequality, poverty stagnated, exacerbating trends Capitol were ringed with and an ailing social safety net, a seen in the fi ve years prior to Tboosted security yesterday UN agency said yesterday. the crisis. after offi cials warned of an attack The Economic Commission During that period, Latin plot by QAnon conspiracists, two for Latin America and the Car- America and Caribbean econo- months after backers of Don- ibbean (ECLAC) said that social mies grew an average of just ald Trump stormed the Capitol unrest is on the rise across the 0.3% per year overall, while ex- building. region, a sign that immediate treme poverty increased from The House of Representa- action is necessary to aid hard- 7.8% to 11.3% of the popula- tives cancelled their session and hit countries struggling long tion and poverty, from 27.8% to lawmakers were encouraged to before the pandemic hit. 30.5%. stay away following authori- Trump supporters Karyn Carson (left), John Carson, Lois Houser and “The eff ects of the corona- The report also said the pro- ties warning that violent militia Matthew Giannini (right), stand yesterday near the security perimeter virus pandemic have spread to longed closure of schools in the groups and QAnon followers had outside of the US Capitol Building, hoping to see evidence of the all areas of human life, altering region could constitute a “gen- discussed attacking the legisla- inauguration of the former president. the way we interact, paralysing erational catastrophe” that will ture on or about March 4, but by economies and generating pro- only deepen inequality. midday the scene was quiet. Right: National Guard soldiers patrol the compound around the US found changes in societies,” the The pandemic has also There was no sign of protesters Capitol after police warned that a militia group might try to attack the report said. brought a rise in mortality that as armed National Guard mem- complex in Washington. Persistently high levels of in- could push down life expect- bers were deployed in and around equality, the agency said, com- ancy in the region depending the Capitol complex, which has was accelerated on Wednesday The Capitol Police issued their bined with a sprawling infor- how long the crisis endures, the been fortifi ed with high fences to accommodate other activities. own alert. mal labour market that leaves agency said. topped by razor wire. “I don’t think anybody should “We have obtained intelli- workers without protection There have been at least Freedom Plaza, a rallying point take any encouragement that be- gence that shows a possible plot and a lack of eff ective health 21,699,000 reported infections for previous right-wing protests cause some troublemakers might to breach the Capitol by an iden- care coverage have made those and 687,000 reported deaths opposite the Washington, DC, show up that we changed our tifi ed militia group on Thursday, under investigation, including The FBI/Homeland Security problems worse. caused by the novel coronavi- mayor’s offi ce, was empty except whole schedule,” she said. March 4,” they said on Wednes- members of extremist groups like bulletin said that the most vio- Urban slums on the fringes rus in Latin America and the for a lone skateboarder and four A Federal Bureau of Investiga- day. the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and lent groups have also spoken of of many of the region’s cit- Caribbean so far. bicycle police offi cers. tion (FBI)/Homeland Security The warnings said the threats Three Percenters who espouse using explosives, with President Downtown traffi c was light bulletin warned of extremists were more “aspirational” than ultra-nationalist, neo-Nazi and Biden’s yet-to-be scheduled and few pedestrians were seen still motivated by unfounded Re- developed. white supremacist views. plan to address Congress a pos- Curfew in town of abducted students along Pennsylvania Avenue, publican claims of widespread However, FBI and Homeland But security offi cials also said sible target. which leads to the Capitol. voter fraud in the November Security offi cials have admitted that the threat is ongoing and not FBI Director Christopher Wray A 24-hour curfew has been imposed in a northwestern Nigerian The Senate remained in ses- presidential election won by that they were not prepared and confi ned to this week. told a Congressional hearing that town and its market shut after violence marred the reunion of sion and many people were still Democrat Joe Biden. did not give adequate warning The Capitol Police have asked his agents had 2,000 open cases nearly 300 abducted schoolgirls with their parents, local residents at work in the Capitol complex Also driving the possible about the violent January 6 at- the Pentagon to extend the Na- dealing with domestic extrem- said yesterday. of buildings, but House Speaker threat is a belief by followers of tack on the legislature, which top tional Guard’s mission in the city ists, double that from 2017. The girls were abducted last Friday from their hostels by gunmen Nancy Pelosi said that it “made the QAnon conspiracy theory offi cials have called an unprec- for an additional two months, a While security offi cials have known locally as bandits, but were released early on Tuesday after sense” to reduce activities after that Trump could be restored to edented insurrection and an “at- US defence offi cial told Reuters avoided tying the violence to the latest mass kidnapping to target a school in Nigeria. the warnings. the White House on March 4. tempted coup” to prevent Biden yesterday. Trump, who now lives in Florida, Violence erupted on Wednesday when the girls from Government “We’re way ahead of where we Up until 1933, March 4 was the from assuming the presidency. The mission was set to end on they say one driving force re- Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara state were to be returned to were last time because we have date of the inauguration. Hundreds of Trump backers March 12. mains the unfounded claims that their parents at a ceremony in the school’s hall. fences and we have National Last month militant groups forced their way into the Capi- The offi cial, speaking on the his 2020 election loss was due to They had been in the government’s custody in Gusau, the state Guard and the rest,” she told re- “discussed plans to take control tol, shutting down the process condition of anonymity, said the widespread voter fraud. capital, receiving medical care. porters. of the US Capitol and remove to certify Biden as the election request had been received and Trump repeated the claim last The girls were brought back to their school on Wednesday to be At the same time, she played Democratic lawmakers on or winner. would be examined, and added it Sunday in an address to the an- reunited with their parents before violence broke out. down their response, saying that about March 4”, according to the More than 200 have been ar- was highly likely that it would be nual gathering of the Conserva- Angered by off icials’ insistence on a formal handover before parents the House’s legislative calendar bulletin. rested and hundreds more are approved. tive Political Action Conference. could leave with their children, mobs began throwing stones at off icials outside the school. One person was shot in the stomach when security personnel opened fire and was carried away by others in the crowd, an AFP reporter at the scene said. – AFP SpaceX rocket explodes on S Africa’s top judge told to apologise South Africa’s chief justice has been ordered to apologise and ground after successful fl ight retract comments that he made last year, seen as pledging support for Israel in a country that is pro-Palestine. Mogoeng Mogoeng, a devout Christian, sparked an outcry in June AFP enced a rapid unscheduled dis- its three engines as it reached a last year declaring his love and prayers for Israel. Washington assembly shortly after landing,” height of six miles (10km) and South African openly supports the Palestinian cause and in 2019 it SpaceX joked on its website, assumed a horizontal position downgraded its embassy in Tel Aviv. without giving an explanation before becoming vertical again The country’s Judiciary Conduct Committee which probed the hird time’s a charm? Not for the explosion. and returning to Earth. judge’s comments following a complaint, found the remarks SpaceX Starship SN10 explodes at South Padre Island, Texas in this so for SpaceX, whose un- “All in all a great day for the As seen on SpaceX video, it “off ending” and “particularly aggravating”. – AFP still image taken from a social media video. Tmanned rocket exploded Starship teams,” SpaceX said, appeared to have otherwise land- on the ground on Wednesday af- adding that test fl ights helped ed properly after its fl ight. ter carrying out what had seemed with the development of a reus- Then came the explosion. to be a successful fl ight and land- able transport system to carry Musk has been developing the ing – fresh on the heels of two crew and cargo on interplanetary next-generation Starship rocket fi ery crashes. fl ights, to the Moon, Mars and for the purpose of going to Mars Texas power grid operator fi res chief executive It was yet another fl ub involv- beyond. – though two prototypes (SN8 ing a prototype of the Starship “Starship SN10 landed in one and SN9) blew up in spectacular rocket, which SpaceX hopes one piece!” SpaceX founder Elon fashion on their test runs in De- AFP was warned following previous day to send to Mars. Musk tweeted jokingly about an cember and early February. Houston once-a-decade storms in 1989 “A beautiful soft landing,” a hour after the explosion. The tests take place in a nearly and 2011 to better prepare its in- SpaceX commentator said on a “SpaceX team is doing great deserted area leased by SpaceX in stallations for extreme cold, but live broadcast of the test fl ight, work! One day, the true measure South Texas near the border with he polar vortex storm that failed to do so. although fl ames were coming of success will be that Starship Mexico and Gulf of Mexico – the plunged Texas into chaos “Following the 2011 event, out at the bottom and crews were fl ights are commonplace,” he area is vast and empty enough Tcontinues to reverberate the Federal Energy Regulatory trying to put them out. said in a second tweet. that an accident or explosion through the state’s power grid Commission (FERC) and North The rocket exploded a few The latest prototype, named would not likely cause damage or operator, which fi red its chief American Electric Reliability minutes later, lurching into the SN10, for serial number 10, took fatalities. executive on the same day Con- Corporation (NERC) conducted air and crashing back to the off a little before 2320 GMT from Apart from Mars, the rocket, gress launched an investigation an investigation, which found ground. Boca Chica, Texas. if it becomes operational, could into its failures. disturbing similarities between “As if the fl ight test was not The rocket rose into the sky also prove useful for closer trips, The staggering cost of last the power disruptions in 1989 exciting enough, SN10 experi- and progressively shut down especially to the Moon. month’s storm, which killed and 2011,” Khanna said. dozens, left millions without The agencies found “that les- electricity and water and caused sons learned from the 1989 win- Ghana court dismisses the opposition’s election challenge billions of dollars in damage has ter weather event were either prompted ratings agencies to not implemented or not main- Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed the said in its ruling. “We accordingly dismiss the petition downgrade the debt of Texas’s A crew works to restore 5G following an unprecedented winter tained”, Khanna wrote. opposition’s election challenge led by runner-up as having no merit.” electric utilities, at least one storm in Houston. He added that the most recent John Mahama who sought a rerun of the December Ghana’s new parliament was split down the middle of which has already fi led for storm could causes losses of up 7 vote won by incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo. with the two main parties winning 137 seats each. bankruptcy. ERCOT’s board fi red presi- investigation into the failures to $50bn stemming from dam- Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won the Members of the NDC have described both the The board of Electric Reli- dent and chief executive (CEO) that led to the outages. age to property and infrastruc- vote with 51.59% ahead of Mahama of the National presidential and parliamentary election as “flawed”. ability Council of Texas (ER- Bill Magness late on Wednes- Representative Ro Khanna, a ture and lost crops and wages. Democratic Congress (NDC) party, with 47.36%, “Overwhelming evidence available makes it COT) has become a prime target day after an emergency meeting California Democrat, sent a let- Unlike other states, the power according to off icial figures. impossible for us to accept this spurious and hurried for customers’ and politicians’ that gave him 60 days’ termina- ter to ERCOT demanding “all grid in Texas is largely discon- Former president Mahama contested the results, conclusion,” Haruna Iddrisu of the NDC said after the ire over its apparent failure to tion notice, the company an- documents relating to prepara- nected from the national grid in accusing the electoral commission of vote padding election. prepare for the cold weather and nounced. tions, from 2010 to the present, the US, which was done partly in favour of his long-time rival. Ghana stands out as a stable democracy in volatile the enormous bills some cus- The fi ring came hours after for an extreme winter weather to avoid federal regulation and “(The) allegation of vote padding was not proved by West Africa and observers, both Ghanaian and tomers have faced due to a mas- the House Oversight and Re- event”. means it cannot import power credible evidence ... we have therefore no reason to foreign, viewed the polling as generally free and fair. sive spike in energy prices. form Committee launched an The letter said the company in the event of outages. order for a rerun,” Chief Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah – AFP Gulf Times 8 Friday, March 5, 2021 WORLD

CRIME DISASTER TRAGEDY CONTROVERSY PEOPLE New Zealand man charged Strong earthquake Australian teen dies Australia minister ‘sorry’ Duterte critic takes after threat to mosques shakes New Zealand after box jellyfish sting for insulting rape victim stand to deny tax fraud

New Zealand police yesterday said they had A strong 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the An Australian teenager has died after a suspected Australia’s scandal-hit government yesterday An outspoken journalist and critic of Philippine charged a 27-year-old man after he threatened to east of New Zealand’s North Island, prompting box jellyfish sting, authorities said yesterday, in a apologised for calling an alleged rape victim a “lying leader Rodrigo Duterte was in court yesterday attack two mosques that were the scene of mass a tsunami warning that was later withdrawn, the rare case believed to be the country’s first such cow,” sparking fresh claims of a “toxic” culture in the to deny dodging taxes as authorities continue murder by a white supremacist two years ago. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said, although resi- death in 15 years. Health off icials said the 17-year- country’s corridors of power. Prime Minister Scott a crackdown against the country’s independ- Police said an online threat was made this week on dents were asked to stay alert. “There is no longer old was stung while swimming at Bamaga, a Morrison said Defence Minister Linda Reynolds ent media. Maria Ressa, chief executive of news the 4chan website against the Al Noor mosque and a tsunami threat from this earthquake,” PTWC said remote community on the tip of Cape York in Aus- “deeply regretted” the slur against her former staff er website Rappler, testified in court in a case widely the Linwood Islamic Centre, which were targeted in in a statement. There were no immediate reports tralia’s far north, on February 22. He was airlifted Brittany Higgins, who last month came forward with seen as retribution for her criticism of Duterte’s 2019 in New Zealand’s most deadly shooting. Police of damage, but the National Emergency Manage- to a hospital where he died on March 1, according claims of serious sexual assault. “I spoke to Minister administration. Her site was three years ago provided no details on the nature of the threat, but ment Agency (NEMA) advised people in some to police. The Australian box jellyfish, or Chironex Reynolds about this matter,” Morrison said. “She branded a “fake news outlet” by Duterte and she New Zealand media said the threats had included coastal areas to move immediately to high ground. fleckeri, is among the world’s most venomous knows those comments to have been inappropriate has since been the subject of at least 11 investiga- setting off a car bomb on March 15 – the anniver- Local civil defence authorities said the tsunami creatures. It is found primarily in Australia’s tropical and wrong...they were made in her private off ice tions into her business. Ressa has said the cases sary of the 2019 attack. A second person arrested threat would continue for several hours. “Coastal northern waters, where swimmers are warned to in a stressful week.” Higgins, 26, called the insult are payback for her criticism of the president’s yesterday remains in custody and police said they inundation (flooding of land areas) is expected in keep out of the ocean or wear a full-body protec- “incredibly hurtful” saying “that sort of behaviour policies including his war on drugs that has killed are considering further charges. areas under Land and Marine threat,” NEMA said. tive swimsuit during the summer “stinger season”. and language is never excusable.” thousands of people. Myanmar Protest at Sasikala’s retirement decision police break up fresh protests

Reuters activist Maung Saungkha told Yangon Reuters. Police opened fi re and used tear gas to break up protests in olice in Myanmar yester- Yangon and the central town of day broke up demonstra- Monywa, witnesses said. Ptions in several places with Police also fi red in the town tear gas and gunfi re as protesters of Pathein, west of Yangon, and took to the streets again unde- used tear gas in Taunggyi in the terred by the rising death toll in a east, media reported. crackdown on opponents of last In Yangon, hundreds of pro- month’s military coup. testers soon assembled again to The incidents followed the chant slogans and sing. bloodiest day since the military Big crowds also gathered overthrew the elected govern- peacefully for rallies elsewhere, ment of Aung San Suu Kyi on including the second city of February 1, with the United Na- Mandalay and in the historic tions special envoy on Burma temple town of Bagan, where saying 38 people had been killed hundreds marched carrying pic- on Wednesday. tures of Suu Kyi and a banner The United Nations human saying: “Free our leader”, wit- rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, nesses said. called on the security forces to Hundreds of people attend- halt what she called their “vi- ed the funeral of a 19-year-old cious crackdown on peaceful woman shot dead in Mandalay protesters”. on Wednesday, who was photo- graphed wearing a T-shirt that 19 policemen seek read “Everything will be OK”.. Supporters of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader V K Sasikala hold pictures of her and late AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa during a protest in front refuge in India On Wednesday, police and sol- of Sasikala’s residence in Chennai yesterday after she announced her retirement from politics ahead of Tamil Nadu state assembly election. diers opened fi re with live rounds At least 19 Myanmar police have with little warning in several cit- crossed into India to escape tak- ies and towns, witnesses said. ing orders from a military junta “Myanmar’s security forces that is trying to suppress protests now seem intent on breaking against last month’s coup, an In- the back of the anti-coup move- dian police off icial said yesterday, ment through wanton violence adding that more were expected. and sheer brutality,” said Rich- The off icial said that the police- ard Weir, a researcher at Human men crossed over fearing perse- Rights Watch. cution for disobeying orders and A spokesman for the ruling E Sreedharan to be BJP’s would be temporarily housed by military council did not answer local Indian authorities. telephone calls seeking com- “They didn’t want to take orders ment. against the civil disobedience Suu Kyi’s National League for movement,” he said. Democracy party said in a state- ment that fl ags would fl y at half mast at its offi ces to commemo- Kerala CM candidate At least 54 people had been rate the dead. The UN Security killed in total but the actual toll Council is due to discuss the sit- IANS workers at Thiruvalla that this ver that it was his last working ure, the 750-metre fl yover was When asked about his deci- could be much higher, she said. uation today in a closed meeting, Thiruvananthapuram is the diff erence between the BJP day and for the past 24 years supposed to last for over 100 sion to contest the upcoming as- More than 1,700 people had diplomats said. and the two traditional political he has been wearing the DMRC years. sembly elections on a BJP ticket, been arrested, including 29 jour- US State Department said fronts. uniform. It was opened in October 2016 Sreedharan said he is willing to nalists. Washington was “appalled” by ours after E Sreedharan, “While the other two fronts “When we were handed over and within three years, the fl yo- contest from anywhere. “Myanmar’s military must stop the violence and was evaluating 88, often referred to as are engaged in corruption, our work on this project, the state ver started crumbling and had to “My request is, since I now murdering and jailing protesters,” how to respond. H‘Metroman’ yesterday model is what the Metroman government had given us eight be closed. live at Ponnani (Malappuram Bachelet said in a statement. The European Union suspend- said it will be his last work- showed when he fi nished the months to complete the recon- Later the Kerala government district) I would like to contest Activists said they refused to ed its support for development ing day with the Delhi Metro work of a bridge months ahead struction work, but we have got the green signal for recon- from some place near. My cam- accept military rule and were de- projects in Myanmar to avoid Rail Corporation (DMRC) since of the scheduled time and that’s completed it in fi ve months. struction and handed the work paign would not be by meeting termined to press for the release providing fi nancial assistance to work on the Palarivattom fl yo- why we have put him as the chief This became a reality on account to DMRC. each and every voter, instead, of the detained Suu Kyi and rec- the military, offi cials said yes- ver at Ernakulam was complete minister candidate of the BJP. of the work of the Uralungal In 2020 September, the dem- I will ‘reach’ every voter with a ognition of her victory in a No- terday. ahead of schedule, Kerala state Metroman is our CM candidate,” Labour Co-operative Society, olition work began and yester- message,” added Sreedharan. vember election. The support in past years has BJP president K Surendran said said Surendran. which did the work. day Sreedharan completed the Sreedharan sprang a surprise “We know that we can always involved more than 200mn eu- the ‘Metroman’ will be the BJP’s Earlier in the day, Sreedharan, “This is my last day in my of- load test. “It would be handed last month, when he announced get shot and killed with live bul- ros ($240.7mn) in separate pro- chief-ministerial candidate. wearing his trademark uniform fi cial career,” said Sreedharan. over to the state government and his decision to join the BJP, lets but there is no meaning to grammes often running for four Surendran, who is leading of the DMRC, himself told the Built at a cost of Rs420mn they will decide when it should which he did and later agreed to staying alive under the junta,” years. his state-wide rally, told party media at the Palarivattom fl yo- during Oommen Chandy’s ten- be opened,” added Sreedharan. contest the assembly elections. NRIs overstaying due to Stage set for PM speech Court favours curbs on lockdown to get tax relief video streaming services Reuters common, Bhushan said. New Delhi The remarks came as the Su- IANS and genuine cases facing such is- 365 days during the four years preme Court heard a plea from New Delhi sue would be examined for relief. preceding that year and at least Amazon’s head of India content The board has asked all such 60 days in that year. ndia’s top court yesterday for Prime Video, Aparna Purohit, individuals facing problems While the rule is quite fl exible said it favoured a screening for protection against arrest in he Central Board of Direct of double taxation due to their giving ample time visitors not to Imechanism for online video a case involving a controversial Taxes will provide relief forced stay in India in FY21 to face a change in their residency streaming services, dominated political drama Tandav, a Hindi Tto NRIs, foreign visitors provide all information in a new status, due to the pandemic and in the country by Amazon and word for “fury”. facing double taxation for over- Form -NR by March 31. lockdown several overseas visi- Netfl ix and which currently are Tandav stars top Bollywood staying in India due to lockdown Based on information provided tors had to overstay in India even aired freely. actors but has been battling po- and suspension of international in the form, the CBDT will exam- in FY21. This meant that all their The US streaming platforms lice and court cases for off ending fl ights during current fi nancial ine whether to extend relaxation earnings during the stay in the have faced complaints from religious beliefs. year (FY21). in a particular case or for a class country would qualify to be taxed lawmakers belonging to Prime The court will continue to hear The government had earlier of individuals. as per rates applicable to an Indi- Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu the case today. given exemption to overseas visi- The CBDT circular has clari- an resident. nationalist party and others that Bhushan has asked the gov- tors for their stay in India post fi ed that under the provisions This has become a big disin- some of the shows promote ob- ernment and the platform to March 22 to March 31 (FY20) for of Double Taxation Avoidance centive for visitors from low tax scenity or off end religious be- submit details of any regulations determining residential status. Agreements (DTAA), chances countries. liefs. that currently govern online vid- But as lockdown continued af- of an individual getting taxed The changes proposed by “We are of the view there eo platforms. ter that as well and international in two jurisdictions simultane- CBDT in the new circular clari- should be some screening of Content on these platforms is fl ight services resumed a lot later, ously is rare and enough protec- fi es the position of the tax de- these types (of content). What not subject to vetting. the department was sent several tion has been built to protect the partment and will attempt to they are showing? They are But the government has or- representations requesting re- tax liability of taxpayers based on exempt extended stay of foreign showing pornography also,” dered that the platforms classify laxation even for FY21. residency. visitors and NRIs in India due to Supreme Court justice Ashok content into fi ve categories based The CBDT has now issued a As per existing regulations, a lockdown in April and few days Bhushan said. on the age groups it would be ap- fresh circular where it has clarifi ed person is treated to be resident thereafter for determining the Labourers unload loudspeakers for the upcoming mass Traditional fi lm viewing in propriate for. that foreign visitors, NRIs, PIOs of India for income tax purposes residential their status. meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which will India, home to the thriving Bol- Purohit’s counsel told the Su- overstaying in India in FY21 will if he/she is in India for 182 days This will allow overseas visi- be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead lywood industry, has changed as preme Court her case was one not face double taxation (in India or more during the fi nancial year tors not to be clubbed as Indian of the state legislative elections, in Kolkata. fewer people go to cinema halls concerning freedom of expres- as well as country of residency) or if he/she is in India for at least resident in FY21 for tax purposes. and web series have become sion. Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 9 WORLD Pakistan PM to seek vote of confi dence tomorrow

Reuters periority in the lower house of against him if they no longer He alleged that the opposi- Islamabad parliament, the electoral college had confi dence in him. tion parties had gained those for the vote. “This is your democratic votes through unfair means. “I’m going to seek a confi - right ... just raise your hands The opposition denies the akistan Prime Minister dence motion a day after tomor- that you don’t have confi dence, charge. Imran Khan has said that row,” Khan said in a televised and I will go into the opposition Khan’s party, the Pakistan Phe will seek a vote of con- address to the nation yesterday. (benches),” he said. Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), be- fi dence from parliament tomor- The Senate is the upper house The Senate election a day came the largest party in the row after his fi nance minister of Pakistan’s bicameral parlia- earlier was a secret ballot and Senate in Wednesday’s poll. lost his bid for a Senate seat. ment. members of the ruling coali- However, although it gained Khan and his government had He said the vote of confi dence tion are widely believed to have ground, interim results yester- A shopkeeper in Karachi listens to Prime Minister Khan addressing the nation on television, after Foreign been expected to win the indi- would be an open ballot in voted against his candidate, day showed that his ruling coa- Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that Khan would seek a confidence vote in the National Assembly rect election on the seat, given which members of his party and Finance Minister Abdul Hafi z lition was still a few seats short tomorrow. their coalition’s numerical su- his allies were welcome to vote Sheikh. of a clear majority.

EU court orders UK to fi x air pollution Swedish town in shock

Reuters to keep breaches of pollution Brussels limits as short as possible, the court said. It ordered Britain to reduce he European Union’s NO2 pollution to below the EU top court ruled yes- limit. after stabbing attack Tterday that Britain had Failure to do so could see the breached the bloc’s air pollu- European Commission take Police still seeking motive for attack that left seven injured the number to seven. tion limits for years and or- further legal action with the The suspect was a resident of dered it to comply with the imposition of fi nancial penal- AFP/Reuters Police had informed the ar- the area and previously known rules, raising the possibility ties. Vetlanda, Sweden rested man, identifi ed only as a to police, but in the past had only that the country may be fi ned Britain’s environment min- 22-year-old with Afghan citi- been accused of “petty crimes”, even though it has quit the EU. istry said it is considering the zenship, that he is a suspect but including small-scale cannabis Britain left the EU – includ- ECJ ruling. he small Swedish town had yet to question about the ac- use, according to local media re- ing the orbit of the European “Air pollution at a national of Vetlanda was in shock tual act. ports. Court of Justice (ECJ) – at the level has reduced signifi cantly Tyesterday, reeling from a All the injured were men, born Speaking at a press conference end of last year. since 2010, and now we are out stabbing attack that left seven between 1945 and 1985. yesterday, Prime Minister Stefan However, it agreed to apply of the EU we are continuing to injured, while police said it was The suspect was taken to hos- Lofven called it an “attack on in- ECJ judgments in any cases deliver our £3.8bn ($5.30 bn) too early to determine the mo- pital after being shot in the leg by nocent people” but he too noted initiated while it was still an EU air quality plan,” a spokesper- tives of the suspected 22-year- police following the attack in the the investigation remained an at- member. son told Reuters. old Afghan assailant. town in southern Sweden. tempted murder probe. In its fi rst ruling against Road transport is the main The lone attacker went on a “Right now we are a munici- “A lot is still unknown, but one Britain since Brexit took place, source of NO2 emissions, 15-minute rampage in the town pality in shock and given what we thing is certain and that is that the court ruled that the coun- meaning urban areas tend to be of about 13,000 inhabitants on are hearing from elsewhere the every attack against innocents try had “systematically and hit hardest. Wednesday afternoon. whole country is in shock,” Vet- will be met by the joint strength persistently” breached EU lim- Prolonged exposure to air Authorities said yesterday landa Mayor Henrik Tvarno told of all of Sweden,” he said. its for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution can cause diabetes, that the case is being treated as a press conference. Swedish intelligence services in 16 areas, including London, lung disease and cancer. attempted murder, while police “There are so many questions say the possibility of an Islam- Manchester, the urban area of An inquest last year found said they are investigating “po- that we are looking for answers ist extremist attack was consid- Teesside in northeast England, that air pollution contributed tential terror motives”. to. What has happened, what is ered high, with the Scandinavian and Glasgow from 2010 to 2017. to the death in 2013 of London “All victims are from Vetlanda behind this? It is a nightmare,” country having been targeted London also breached the schoolgirl Ella Kissi-Debrah, and they are all male,” said Vet- Tvarno added. A heart-shaped bouquet of roses is seen in the main street of twice in recent years. hourly limits for NO2, and who suff ered from severe asth- landa police chief Jonas Lindell. Yesterday several police offi c- Vetlanda yesterday, a day after the stabbing attack. In December 2010, a man car- Britain failed to take measures ma. “There is, to our knowledge, no ers patrolled the area where the ried out a suicide bomb attack in connection between the perpe- bloody attack occurred the day in serious condition, according later said in a statement that they the centre of Stockholm. trator and the victims.” before. to the local health authority in had requested the district court He died after only slightly in- UK PM urges Britons to lose weight “The motive is an impor- A heart-shaped bouquet of Jonkoping where they were being to remand the suspect in custody, juring passers-by. tant aspect of the investigation red roses and candles was placed treated in hospital. with a hearing expected today. In April 2017, a radicalised “We’ll bounce back better together,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson as it could aff ect the potential near the scene of one of the stab- Public prosecutor Adam Rull- According to media reports, Uzbek asylum-seeker ran over told overweight Britons yesterday, championing his own weight loss charge,” regional police chief bings. man also told AFP yesterday that the suspect arrived in Sweden in pedestrians in Stockholm with a and health eating diet to try to persuade others to get in shape to Malena Grann told a press con- “It’s a small town and we’ve in the event of it being designat- 2018 and was awaiting a decision stolen truck, killing fi ve people. reduce coronavirus risks. ference, adding that the attacker never had something like this ed a terrorist crime, it would be on a residence permit. He was sentenced to life in After being hospitalised with coronavirus (Covid-19) last year, seemed to have acted alone. happen before and I think it’s handled by a special unit within Several thousand young Af- prison. Johnson has often spoken about how he believes his weight was While stressing that the in- shocking,” 54-year-old Vetlanda the Prosecution Authority. ghans have travelled to Sweden to The country has also seen ex- behind how severely ill he became and how since then he has vestigation is in its early stages, resident Ulrika Lovfor told AFP. “They have not deemed it nec- seek asylum in recent years, with tremist violence linked to the started a new exercise regime and no late-night cheese diet. Grann said police had already Three of those attacked were essary for them to take over the many arriving via Iran. far-right. Evidence emerging around the world suggests that people who are questioned witnesses, collected said to have suff ered life-threat- investigation at this stage,” Rull- Initial reports said eight peo- In 2015, a racially-motivated overweight or obese are at increased risk of getting more severely evidence and searched the man’s ening injuries, but were in stable man added. ple had been injured but a police attack at a school left three peo- ill with Covid-19. residence. condition, while two others were The prosecution authority statement early yesterday revised ple dead. “I’ve been doing a lot, in fact everything I can, to lose weight and to feel fitter and healthier. And what I’ve been doing is I’ve been eating less carbs, avoiding chocolate, no more late night cheese, I’ve been getting up early to go for runs and the result is that I actually have lost some weight,” he said on Twitter, unveiling a new scheme to get people fitter. Farmers sound alarm “What we want to do is encourage another 700,000 people around the country who have the kind of problems that I have had to do the same thing, so we’ll be not just fitter but also healthier and happier over wave of suicides and we’ll bounce back better together.” The government, he said, would spend £100mn ($140mn) to help people to access doctors’ appointments, access the right apps to AFP The Co-ordination Rurale help with weight loss and that it was looking at what he called fit Paris farming union estimates that miles schemes as well. – Reuters 1,500 farmers go bankrupt each year out of the 400,000 in group of French farm- France. Prince Philip has heart procedure ers hung infl atable dolls Many producers complain Adressed in overalls from they cannot get a fair price for Britain’s Prince Philip, the 99-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, trees outside parliament in Paris their goods. underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition yesterday to highlight the grow- Others argue that the pres- on Wednesday, Buckingham Palace said in a statement yesterday. ing number of suicides in a pro- sure from environmentalists to Philip was admitted to hospital on February 16 after he felt unwell, fession struggling with debt. cut back pesticide use is harming to receive treatment for an unspecified, but not coronavirus (Covid- According to the MSA social yields. 19)-related, infection. security agency for agriculture Around 70 farmers took part On Monday, he was transferred to a diff erent hospital in central workers, 372 French farmers took yesterday’s protest. London, with the palace saying at the time that he would have heart their own lives in 2015, the most Addressing the gathering, tests and continue to be treated for the infection. recent year for which it provides Co-ordination Rurale’s deputy “The Duke of Edinburgh yesterday underwent a successful fi gures – a rate 20% higher than president, vegetable producer procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s in the general population. Sebastien Heraud, accused the Hospital,” the palace said, using Philip’s formal title. “His Royal Beef producers and dairy French government of abandon- Highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation French farmers stage a protest outside parliament at the Place des Invalides in Paris. They also hung farmers are the worst aff ected, ing farmers to “the gallows of for a number of days.” – Reuters inflatable dolls dressed in overalls from trees (not shown) to highlight the growing number of suicides. the fi gures showed. globalisation”.

Italy delays mayoral, regional votes Italian municipal and regional elections originally planned for late spring will be delayed due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, 11 Turkish soldiers killed in helicopter crash in southeast two government sources said yesterday, amid signs of a surge in cases due to new variants. Mayoral elections in many of Italy’s major cities – including Rome, AFP Osman Erbas was among the “I pray for Allah’s mercy for bassador Nikolaus Meyer-Lan- The Turkish defence ministry Milan, Turin and Naples – will now be held between September Istanbul dead. our nine martyrs ... our pain is drut, whose bloc will be review- said that the accident involved 15 and October 15, the sources said, adding that the decision was Erbas is offi cially listed as the great,” Erdogan’s spokesman Ib- ing its relations with Ankara at a Cougar helicopter. The minis- approved by the cabinet in a decree. head of the Turkish army’s 8th rahim Kalin tweeted earlier. a summit in Brussels later this try provided no details about the A regional vote in Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot, will also be leven Turkish soldiers were Corps. Turkish media reports said month. model. postponed, they said. – Reuters killed when their military President Recep Tayyip Erdog- that Defence Minister Hulusi “Our thoughts are with the The Cougar family of multi- Ehelicopter crashed yes- an off ered his condolences to Er- Akar, Interior Minister Suleyman families of all those aff ected, and purpose helicopters was devel- terday in heavy weather in the bas’s son, Yigitalp, and his family Soylu, and senior military fi gures we wish a rapid recovery to the oped by France and are now pro- Spain destroys thousands of weapons country’s restive southeast, the in a telephone call, the presiden- were travelling to the site of the injured,” the US embassy said in duced by Airbus. defence ministry said. cy said in a statement. crash. a tweet. The accident occurred in a re- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez presided yesterday over a Television images from the The defence ministry said that The European Union and the A Turkish diplomatic source gion where Turkish forces regu- ceremony to destroy more than 1,000 guns and other weapons crash site showed the ground contact with the helicopter was United States immediately of- said that Nato Secretary-General larly conduct military operations seized over the years from Basque separatist group ETA, which blanketed in snow and visibility lost in the Bitlis province, about fered their condolences to the Jens Stoltenberg had off ered his against outlawed Kurdish mili- disbanded in 2018. hampered by thick clouds in the 30 minutes after the aircraft took North Atlantic Treaty Organisa- condolences in a telephone call tias. A steamroller slowly drove over three rows of weapons laid out in mountainous region. off . tion (Nato) ally. with Foreign Minister Mevlut In 2017, a military helicopter the courtyard of a Guardia Civil police barracks south of Madrid, Ruling AKP party lawmaker It initially said nine soldiers “We share the deep sorrow of Cavusoglu. crashed in the southeastern Sir- watched by representatives of terrorism victim associations and law Tolga Agar, who sits on par- were killed and four wounded Turkey for the loss of nine mili- The Nato chief added that the nak province near Turkey’s bor- enforcement agencies which fought against the separatist group. – liament’s defence committee, before revising the death toll to 11 tary personnel in Bitlis,” said the alliance “stood in solidarity with der with Syria and Iraq, killing 13 AFP tweeted that Lieutenant-General later yesterday. European Union’s Turkey am- Turkey”. soldiers. Gulf Times 10 Friday, March 5, 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 Sarkozy conviction is a prized victory for the rule of law

The harsh sentence handed down to former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who was found guilty of infl uence peddling, confi rms anew an ancient truth of politics. Even in the world’s most fi rmly entrenched democracies, corruption remains a curse. Power always gets you more power. It works its magic better than greasing palms with money. The strong don’t need to wave their purse. Five hundred years before the verdict against Sarkozy, Machiavelli famously declared in his Discourses that “Gold alone does not procure good soldiers, but good soldiers will always procure gold.” In other words, clout beats cash. So, power is the hardest currency in politics, creating temptations that cannot be exorcised, but must be contained and The US military and controlled. This is why democracies have devised intricate checks and balances, above all, an independent judiciary – something despots don’t need to worry about. The three-year prison term given to Sarkozy, from 2007 to 2012 the mightiest person in France, shows that the French system is working as designed. The signal sent by the Parisian court could not have come at the Capitol mob a better time. Everywhere, darkness is supposedly descending on democracy. The Covid-19 pandemic is said to undermine the country was fi ghting for. When the like Vietnam, the “War on Terror” social atomisation, it has become separation of powers everywhere, tilting the balance toward a By Charles C Krulak Birmingham, Alabama confl ict fi nally came to its ignominious lacks clear strategic goals and has more diffi cult to experience solidarity. grasping executive, which threatens freedom in the name of safety. end in April 1975, there was no victory lost public buy-in over time. Many of Angst or boredom have affl icted many, Aren’t lockdowns the fi rst step into servitude? to celebrate (and it certainly was not those who have fought it subscribe to and some have found refuge in online Moreover, authoritarianism is rampant in Eastern Europe, and evelations that the insurrection fi reworks that fl ew from the roof of the apocryphal refrain that while the communities espousing extremist strongmen are ruling from Budapest to Beijing and Brasília. Even in at the US Capitol included many the US embassy in Saigon). Unlike military was at war, America was at ideologies. The 2020 presidential the United States, the world’s oldest democracy, former president Rformer and current members previous generations, those who fought Walmart. After serving multiple tours election brought the situation to a Donald Trump spent four years attacking (and stacking) the of America’s armed forces have been in Vietnam were not honoured for their in Iraq or Afghanistan, servicemen and boiling point. A sitting commander- met with alarm. And yet, as a 35-year service and sacrifi ce. Equally important, women who sacrifi ced years of their in-chief openly sought to overturn judiciary and incited a violent insurrection at the Capitol, the seat veteran and retired commandant of the the public backlash against the war lives have received little recognition. a free and fair election with lies and of the US Congress. US Marine Corps, I saw the events of led to the end of military conscription, In his 1973 book, The American Way intimidation, and a small minority of his Against this January 6 as the predictable culmination which fundamentally transformed the of War, the historian Russell F Weigley acolytes answered his call to action. ‘Transparency’ and backdrop, the verdict of a growing disconnect between the US relationship between the military and quoted US General George C. Marshall But Americans should have faith. against Sarkozy, military and civilian society. the American people. The rift created by as saying, “a democracy cannot fi ght Notwithstanding a few outliers, the US ‘accountability’ are which he will appeal, It is a rift with deep historical roots. the shift to an all-volunteer military has a Seven Years’ War,” because any military is unwavering in its support of, spells out a reassuring When the United States emerged grown wider ever since. protracted confl ict eventually will and dedication to, the US Constitution. the new battle cries victorious from World War II, it had met After Vietnam, America’s next major lose the support of the electorate. The Those in its ranks who harbour message in troubled a series of clearly articulated strategic war was Desert Storm, in 1990. Again, longer a war runs – particularly when extremist views will be discovered in the democratic times. Chief financial goals. Whether or not they wore a clear strategic goals were met in a it becomes cross-generational – the and dealt with appropriately. Looking prosecutor Jean- uniform, Americans had been “all in,” dramatic fashion, and US servicemen greater the disconnect between the ahead, recruitment methods will be arena François Bohnert eagerly making the sacrifi ces necessary and women returned to a proud country typical citizen and the soldiers, sailors, strengthened to weed out extremists. highlighted the to defeat the Axis powers. When the war – on the cusp of becoming the world’s airmen, and marines who serve. Recruiters will have to look not only at symbolic significance of a case involving “a former president was over, US servicemen and women only remaining superpower with The War on Terror is an abiding case candidates’ social-media activity but of the Republic who was once the guarantor of an independent returned to a country that was proud of the collapse of the Soviet Union the in point, helping to shed light on the also at their “body paint” (tattoos) and what they had accomplished, united, following year. unrest and extremism that burst into other potential indicators of extremist judiciary.” As the court wrote in its ruling, Sarkozy had “used and eager to move forward. Yet by the end of the Gulf War, public view at the Capitol. A small or racist sympathies. Interviews will his status as former president ... to reward a magistrate who had Once home, many veterans joined globalisation and technological change minority of alienated former and active need to be more pointed, and education served his personal interests.” organisations like the Veterans of had already begun to reshape American service members have concluded that for active members improved. Sarkozy is not the fi rst French president or senior offi cial to Foreign Wars and the American Legion, society. Old-line industries were being something is wrong in the America for While the troubling trajectory of face the bench. Jacques Chirac, president from 1995 to 2007, was where they were surrounded by upended, and many manufacturing which they fought and sacrifi ced. The US military-civil relations has created convicted in 2011 for misusing public funds when he was mayor like-minded people who had served, jobs were disappearing. Although past two presidential elections have fertile ground for some members to be of Paris. François Fillon, Sarkozy’s former prime minister, was suff ered, and sacrifi ced together. Jobs immigration had only a minor eff ect on fuelled this discontent and convinced radicalised, it is important to remember were plentiful, and Americans took the big economic picture, it became a some that they have a duty to confront that the insurrectionists represent an sentenced last June to fi ve years in prison (three suspended) for pride in their country and their military. hot-button political issue for those who perceived domestic “enemies.” Political exception. The US military has defended embezzlement. Christine Lagarde, now head of the European Similarly, in the Korean War less found themselves out of work. At the leaders, meanwhile, have exploited American democracy for centuries and Central Bank, was convicted on charges of “negligence with public than a decade later, though America same time, a new wave of social-justice these sentiments for their own will continue to do so, in keeping with our money” while she was France’s fi nance minister under Sarkozy. was never “all in,” it nonetheless had issues also started gaining momentum advantage. noblest traditions. — Project Syndicate Jérôme Cahuzac, the budget minister under President François clear strategic goals. As in WWII, during this period. As a microcosm The Covid-19 pandemic also Hollande, was sentenced in 2016 to three years in prison for tax US servicemen and women did a of America, the US military was not contributed to a perfect storm. As the  Charles C Krulak, a retired four- fraud. remarkable job and came home to an immune to these political dynamics. economy shed jobs – particularly at the star general, is a former commandant appreciative country. It was against this political, social, lower end of the income distribution of the US Marine Corps and former Now, the frequency of such crimes – and not only in France But then came Vietnam, where most and economic backdrop that America – face-to-face interactions were president of Birmingham-Southern – suggests a depressing pattern: the progressive erosion of Americans never really knew what their embarked on its “long war.” Much no longer possible. With deepening College. public trust across the Western world. These incidents heighten suspicions that politicians use their muscle to benefi t themselves or their parties; hence an endless string of campaign fi nance scandals shaking one democracy after another. Actually, their citizens should take heart. The democratic ship of state is not sinking, but ploughing ahead, no matter how strong the headwinds. The rule of law and the separation of powers, enshrined in every Western constitution, remain strong, even in perilous times when economic and health catastrophes torment the soul and strengthen the grip of the all-providing state. In fact, electorates have become more sensitive to misdeeds in high places. It is a plausible assumption that during the French Fourth Republic (1946-58), let alone during the Third (1870- 1940), former heads of government would not have been given a three-year prison term. “Transparency” and “accountability” are the new battle cries in the democratic arena. — Project Syndicate

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DAY THAT SHOOK THE CAPITOL: A mob of supporters of former US president Donald Trump fight with members of law enforcement at a door they broke open after © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved storming the US Capitol Building in Washington on January 6 this year. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 11 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH The right to life

llah Almighty honoured the Muslim ruler – be they Jews or man and created him with Christians. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn His own Hand and blew al-‘As, may Allaah be pleased with Ainto him from His Spirit. him, narrated that the Prophet, Then, He made His angels prostrate sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: to him and subjected to him all that “Whoever killed a mu‘ahid (a is in the heavens and the earth – all person who is granted the pledge from Him. Moreover, He made him of protection by the Muslims) shall a successor on earth and bestowed not smell the fragrance of Paradise, talents and blessings upon him so even though its fragrance can be that he can dominate the earth. He smelt at a distance of forty years.” preferred him over all beasts and [Al-Bukhari] Moreover, Allah, the animals. Man cannot fulfi l his goals Exalted, says (what means): {So if unless he takes his rights in full. At they remove themselves from you the forefront of these rights, which and do not fi ght you and off er you are guaranteed by Islam, is the right peace, then Allah has not made for to life – an inviolable right. you a cause [for fi ghting] against Allah, the Exalted, says (what them.} [Qur’an 4:90] means): {And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden {But whoever kills a [to be killed] except by [legal] believer intentionally – right.} [Qur’an 6:151]. The right his recompense is Hell, that permits the taking of souls wherein he will abide was explained by the Prophet, eternally, and Allah has sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam become angry with him (may Allah exalt his mention), and has cursed him and when he reportedly said: “It is not has prepared for him permissible to spill the blood of a great punishment.} a Muslim except in three cases: [Qur’an 4:93] the married person who commits adultery, a life for a life, and the This also applies to the one who one who forsakes his religion commits suicide. Allah Almighty Lying: A disease of the heart and separates from the group.” warns us against this, saying (what [Muslim] means): {And do not kill yourselves Out of its great concern for the [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to ying is the complete opposite c) Short-term worldly gains, such ‘alaihi wa sallam: “O Messenger the idols except the largest of them, protection of life, Islam threatens you ever Merciful.} [Qur’an 4:29] of truth. So, anything that as gaining the favours of others or of Allah! What do you think is the the unbelievers entered the temple and those who deem it permissible to kill Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased is untrue and deliberately monetary gains. most dreadful thing for me?” Yoosuf saw the smashed idols. Ibraaheem, may with the severest punishment. In the with him, narrated that the Prophet, Lintended to mislead another continued: “The Messenger caught Allah exalt his mention, had placed the Qur’an, Allah Almighty says (what sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, person is a lie. A lie, therefore, can Forms of lying hold of his tongue and said: “This.” axe in the hand of the chief idol. The means): {But whoever kills a believer said: “He who commits suicide by be anything spoken or written that is The worst form of lying is to do [At-Tirmithi] disbelievers asked: “Who broke our intentionally – his recompense is throttling shall keep on throttling totally or partially baseless, unreal, so upon Allah and His Messenger, Bahz Ibn Hakeem related that the gods?” He said: “Ask the chief idol, he Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, himself in the Hellfi re, and he who made-up, distorted or exaggerated; sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa has the axe.” They replied: “Do you not and Allah has become angry with him commits suicide by stabbing himself for example, if someone were to exalt his mention), which is to falsely sallam, said: “Destruction is for the know that he cannot speak or act?” and has cursed him and has prepared shall keep on stabbing himself in deliberately state that a fi ve foot pole attribute things to them. Allah Almighty man who tells lies for the amusement Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, for him a great punishment.} [Qur’an Hellfi re.” [Al-Bukhari] was a ten foot pole, then this would be Says in the Qur’an (what means): “And if of other people. Destruction is for replied: “This is what I have been telling 4:93] Hence, Allah Almighty legislated a lie. Similarly praising someone out of he [i.e., Muhammad] had made up about him.” [At-Tirmithi] you, so worship Allah rather than these Moreover, it is clearly indicated retribution and the killing of the proportion is a form of a lie. Us some [false] sayings, We would have Sufyaan Ibn Usayd, may Allah be stones that cannot harm or profi t you.” in authentic hadiths that killing a intentional killer as a revenge from Lying and falsehood are widespread seized by the right hand; then We would pleased with him, reported that the believer is one of the gravest sins. him and purifi cation for society. problems and are roots of other have cut from him the aorta “ [Qur’an Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, Virtues of telling the truth In a hadith via Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib, Allah Almighty says (what means): problems that occur on an individual 69:44-46] said: “The biggest breach of trust is Truthfulness is commanded by Allah may Allah be pleased with him, {And there is for you in legal and public level. Lies are spoken and And (what means): “…And do that you tell a thing to your brother who as a part of faith and is an indispensable the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa retribution [saving of] life, O you written in the media and in politics, not conceal testimony, for whoever believes it to be true, whereas you have quality of the believers. It is mentioned sallam, said: “If this world were to [people] of understanding, that you in business and in personal dealings, conceals it – his heart is indeed lied to him.” [Abu Daawood] in over one hundred places in the Qur’an. be destroyed, that would be less may become righteous.} [Qur’an by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, sinful….” [Qur’an 2:283] Some examples are when Allah Almighty signifi cant before Allah than the 2:179] Even in manslaughter, Allah, although the degree, magnitude and And (what means): “And do not mix Is lying ever justifi ed? Says (what means): “That Allah may unlawful killing of a believer.” [Ibn the Exalted, does not exempt the frequency may vary. the truth with falsehood or conceal There are very few justifi cations for reward the truthful for their truth…” Majah] In another hadith on the killer from liability. Rather, He Lying is against human nature the truth while you know [it].” [Qur’an lying in Islam. The Prophet, sallallaahu [Qur’an 33:24] authority of Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri, made it obligatory upon him to set and physiology, and like any other 2:42] ‘alaihi wa sallam, directed us to tell “O you who have believed! Fear may Allah be pleased with him, a slave free and give ransom. If he disease, it has its own unique signs and Hypocrites are liars too, because they the truth, even under the harshest Allah and be with those who are true.” the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa cannot free a slave, he is required symptoms. The act of lying produces lie to themselves. Allah Says about them circumstances of oppression. However, [Qur’an 9:119] sallam, said: “If the inhabitants of to fast for two consecutive months. inner confl icts between various control (what means): “In their hearts is disease, one may choose not to tell the truth when: “O you who have believed! Fear the heavens and the inhabitants of Ransom for manslaughter is centres of the brain. The moment so Allah has increased their disease; He is being oppressed and there Allah and speak words of appropriate the earth all took part in shedding ordained by Islam so that people do one begins to lie, his body sends out and for them is a painful punishment is a real danger to his life if he speaks justice.” [Qur’an 33:70] the blood of a believer, then Allah not take life lightly and to inspire contradictory signals to cause facial because they [habitually] used to lie.” the truth. Shaykh As-Sa’di, may Allah “The patient, the true, the obedient, would cast them (all) in the Fire.” respect for the human soul. muscle twitching, expansion and [Qur’an 2:10] Allah also addressed His have mercy upon him, narrated the those who spend [in the way of Allah], [At-Tirmithi] Also, Ibn ‘Umar, may Undoubtedly, the fi rst thing contraction of pupils, perspiration, Messenger Muhammad, sallallaahu following story: “A cruel king ordered an and those who seek forgiveness before Allah be pleased with him, narrated about which the servants will fl ushing of cheeks, increased blinking ‘alaihi wa sallam, saying (what means): innocent villager present in his court to dawn.” [Qur’an 3:17] that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi render account on the Day of of the eye, tremors of the hand, and an “…Allah knows that you are His be executed due to the villager’s lack of “The believers are only the ones wa sallam, said: “He who helps Judgment is murder. The erudite increased heart rate. These constitute Messenger, and Allah testifi es that the manners. Hearing this, the villager began who have believed in Allah and His in (the spilling of) the blood of a Andalusian scholar Ibn Hazm, the basis of lie detector instruments. hypocrites are liars.” [Qur’an 63: 1] cursing the king in his native language. Messenger and then doubt not but Muslim, even with half a word, it may Allah have mercy upon him, In addition, certain unconsciously The Qur’an on liars The king asked his minister, who strive with their properties and their will be written between his eyes on said: “I do not know of any sin, made movements are noticeable Allah Says (what means): “…Indeed understood the man’s language, to tell lives in the cause of Allah. It is those the Day of Judgment ‘Desperate of after polytheism, greater than in those who lie, like the constant Allah does not guide one who is a him what the man was saying. The wise who are the truthful.” [Qur’an 49:15] the mercy of Allah’.” [Al-Bayhaqi] killing a believer without right or covering of the mouth, touching of the transgressor and a liar.” [Qur’an 40:28] minister, instead of telling the truth, told It is not necessary to relate any The Noble Qur’an prohibits us abandoning prayer.” The Prophet, nose, rubbing of the eye, scratching And (what means): “…Indeed, Allah the king that the man was sorry for his prophetic traditions about the from killing our children out of sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is the side of the neck, rubbing the ear, does not guide he who is a liar and conduct and was praising his greatness truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad, fear of poverty and starvation. A reported to have said: “Every sin etc. One of the clearest signs is that [confi rmed] disbeliever.” [Qur’an 39:3] and pleading for his mercy. The king was sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, as Qur’anic verse reads (what means): may be forgiven by Allah except the liar keeps his palms closed and his Almighty Allah also Says (what aff ected and therefore spared the life of his whole life was nothing but the {And do not kill your children a man who dies as a disbeliever eyes in another direction to the person means): “…The curse of Allah be upon the innocent villager.” Shaykh As-Sa’di epitome of truth. Prophet Muhammad, for fear of poverty. We provide or a man who kills his (Muslim) he is lying to, in an attempt to avoid him if he should be among the liars.” called this: “A lie with wisdom.” sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was for them and for you. Indeed, brother.” [An-Nasa’i] In another eye to eye contact. A liar is aware of his [Qur’an 24:7] To promote harmony between confi rmed as a truthful person even their killing is ever a great sin.} hadith, he, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa body’s signals and fi nds lying easier Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu spouses. For example, if one’s wife asks before he became a Prophet. During [Qur’an 17:31] In another verse that sallam, said: “A servant continues when nobody can see him, such as ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: him if she is beautiful or if he loves her, his prophethood, even his enemies speaks about a common practice to guard his faith (and thus hopes when he is on the phone or writing. “Indeed, truth leads to virtue and there is no harm in answering in the confi rmed that he was truthful and among the Arabs during the pre- for the mercy of Allah) so long as he virtue leads to Paradise, and a truthful affi rmative, even if this is not the case. trustworthy. Some of the disbelievers Islamic era of ignorance, Allah, does not shed blood unjustly.” [Al- What are the motives of a liar? person continues to speak the truth While making peace between two would deposit their belongings with him The Exalted, says (what means): Bukhari and Muslim] A liar tells a lie for the purpose of: until he becomes the most truthful quarrelling parties, so that the ordeal as an indication of their trust in him. {And when the girl [who was] This is Islam. It came to preserve a) Concealing the truth, as he may person. Lies lead to evil and evil leads would not ignite into something worse. buried alive is asked for what sin the human soul and the blood of be afraid of the truth or its punitive to Hell, and a liar continues to lie until The mediator in such a case may falsely Article source: http://www.islamweb. she was killed.} [Qur’an 81:8-9] Muslims, lest people may take consequences by the law or certain he is listed as a high ranking liar before tell one party that the other is speaking net/emainpage/ This equally applies to the non- Muslim blood lightly. individuals. Allah.” [Al-Bukhari] highly of them. Muslims who live under the rule b) Cheating and deceiving others Yoosuf Ibn ‘Abdullaah, may Allah be  To make the unbelievers realise of a Muslim nation and enter into Article source: http://www. and enjoying their misery, as Satan did pleased with him, said that he asked the truth. When Prophet Ibraaheem, an agreement of protection with islamweb.net/emainpage/ with Aadam. Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu may Allah exalt his mention, broke all Usurping other people’s possessions

ccording to the faqihs, matter should ask his forgiveness as sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: but indistinguishable, the mixture is compensation for something. Exalted, Says (what means): {And do usurpation refers to usurping soon as possible, before a time comes “The unjust root (planted in someone’s to be sold and each one of them is to 10. One who may damage the not consume one another’s wealth other’s possessions by force when there is neither dinar nor dirham land without his permission) has be given his share of the price. In this usurped object while having it on unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the Awithout having the right to (i.e. before the Day of Resurrection no right.” [At-Tirmithi and other case, if the value of usurped property behalf of the usurper. rulers in order that [they might aid] take them. when wealth cannot compensate for compilers of Hadith; At-Tirmithi is less in the mixture than its value In all these cases, if the second party you [to] consume a portion of the Usurpation is prohibited according one’s wrongdoing); if the usurper has regarded it as a hasan (good) Hadith] when unmixed, the usurper has to is aware that the object is originally wealth of the people in sin, while you to juristic consensus, for Allah, The good deeds, they will be taken from If so doing will negatively aff ect the compensate the owner for the decrease usurped, he becomes fi nancially liable know [it is unlawful].} [Qur’an 2: 188] Exalted, Says (what means): {And do him according to his usurpation, and land, the usurper has to compensate in its price. for it for obtaining something without Allah Almighty also Says (what not consume one another’s wealth if he has no good deeds, the sins of the for the damage. He has also to remove Among the juristic opinions in this the permission of its rightful owner. means): {Indeed, those who exchange unjustly...} [Qur’an 2: 188] oppressed person will be loaded on the remains of the crop or the structure connection is that whoever takes the However, if he is unaware of that, the the covenant of Allah and their [own] Usurpation is considered one of him.” (Al-Bukhari) so that he may deliver the land in good usurped property from the usurper original usurper shoulders the liability. oaths for a small price will have no the grievous ways of eating up money If the usurped property is condition to its rightful owner. is fi nancially liable for it in case it is If the usurped property is something share in the Hereafter, and Allah will unjustly, for the Prophet, sallallaahu available, he should return it in the The usurper has also to pay a damaged in his possession. that is usually rented, the usurper is to not speak to them or look at them ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his same condition he has taken it, but compensation for using the land There are ten examples of people pay compensation estimated according on the Day of Resurrection, nor will mention), said: “Verily, your blood, if it is damaged, he should return its from the date of its usurpation until who may take a usurped property from to the period of his possession of the He purify them; and they will have a property and honour are sacred to one equivalent. its delivery, as he has unrightfully the usurper: usurped property. This is because painful punishment?} [Qur’an 3: 77] another (as Muslims).” (Muslim) Imam A1-Muwaff aq said: “Scholars prevented its owner from using it during 1. One who may buy the usurped utilities represent assets, so they have In fact, the Divine command He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, unanimously agree that it is obligatory that period. Moreover, if the usurper object from the usurper or the like. to be paid for just like real estate. is so strong and binding, and the also said: “The property of a Muslim is to return the usurped property if withholds the usurped property until 2. One who may rent the usurped All the dealings of a usurper on the punishment of violating it is so severe. not lawful (to be taken) except by his it is still in the same condition and its value and price are reduced, he has to object from the usurper. usurped object are invalid, as they are Moreover, the Prophet, sallallaahu consent.” (Abu Ya’ la in his Musnad’) unchanged.” (Al-Mughni and Ash- pay it back according to its original price 3. One who may be granted the carried out without the permission of ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “If anyone extorts The usurped wealth could be real Sharh AI-Kabir) according to the sound opinion in this usurped object by the usurper gratis. the rightful owner. a span of land unjustly, his neck will estate or a movable property; the Furthermore, the usurper has to regard. 4. One who may take possession of If the usurper does not know the be encircled with it down seven earths Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, pay back the usurped property along On the other hand, if the usurped the usurped object on behalf of the owner of the usurped object and thus (on the Day of Resurrection).” (Abu said: “If anyone extorts a span of land with the profi t he has made through object is mixed with something else usurper such as a trustee or a deputy. is unable to return it to him, he should Daawood, At-Tirmithi, Al-Bukhari) unjustly, his neck will be encircled with it, be it connected with the property that can be distinguished from it - 5. One who may borrow the usurped deliver it to the ruler (or the one in He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, it down seven earths (on the Day of or separated. This is because the profi t like wheat and barley - the usurper object from the usurper. authority) to put it in its right place or also said: “If I gave some one’s right Resurrection).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) is the outcome of what has been taken has to separate what he has usurped 6. One who may usurp the usurped give it in charity on behalf of its owner. to another (mistakenly because of the A usurper has to repent to Allah, unjustly, so it belongs to its rightful and return it. If he has mixed it object from the fi rst usurper. In so doing, the real owner of the latter’s tricky presentation of the case), The Almighty and Ever-Majestic, and owner just like the original usurped with something that cannot be 7. One who may have the usurped usurped object will get the reward of he (the latter) should never take it, for return whatever he has extorted to property. distinguished, such as mixing wheat object at his disposal, such as a charity, and the usurper becomes free I would be really giving him a piece of its rightful owners, asking them for If the usurper has built on the with wheat, he has to pay back the speculator on behalf of the usurper. from the guilt. fi re.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) forgiveness. The Prophet, sallallaahu usurped land or has planted vegetation usurped object in measure or weight. 8. One who may marry an appropriated The usurpation of a property is not ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Whoever therein, he has to remove the building Yet, if he has mixed the usurped object bondmaid from her usurper. limited to taking it by force; it rather Article source: http://www.islamweb. wrongs anyone in a matter that or the crop in the case the rightful with something of inferior or superior 9. One whom the usurper may grant, includes seizing it through unjust net/emainpage/ [originally published concerns his honour or any other owner demands so. The Prophet, quality, or with something diff erent not sell him, the usurped object as a disputes and false oaths. Allah, The by Aljumuah magazine) Gulf Times 12 Friday, March 5, 2021 QATAR

Sheikha Al Mayassa takes part in Zekreet beach cleanup

HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), yesterday took part in a beach cleanup organised at Zekreet by Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP Qatar) in collaboration with QM. Images courtesy of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa’s Twitter account MoI celebrates Civil Defence Day

QNA training and qualifi cation for its Doha employees in co-operation with Ras Laff an College for Emergency and Safety. he Ministry of Interior, Brigadier al-Dehaimi ex- represented by the General pressed his appreciation of the TDirectorate of Civil De- great co-operation between fence, celebrated World Civil De- all parties participating in the fence Day, which falls on March evacuation training, which aims 1. The celebration of this event to increase awareness of safety aims to emphasise the eff orts of procedures and train workers in the civil defence personnel in various agencies on how to face protecting property and lives, fi res and emphasise readiness. strengthening the foundations of He pointed out that the Civil public safety and its refl ection on Defence Directorate participated the national economy. in the exercises at the railway On this occasion, Director- stations under the supervision General of the General Directo- of the Public Transport Secu- rate of Civil Defence Brigadier rity Department to determine General Hamad Othman al- the measures taken to secure the Dehaimi said that the member stations, in co-operation with a states of the International Civil Brigadier General Hamad Othman al-Dehaimi number of concerned authori- Defence Organisation have been ties. The Civil Defence Department keeps abreast of the developments in the country through continuous celebrating the World Civil De- of trade and investment in its the directorate through its deal- He also announced the inau- training and qualification of its employees. fence Day on the fi rst of March various fi elds. ings with various sporting events guration of two new cars for use every year, in appreciation of the Brigadier al-Dehaimi noted in the country and abroad and in rescue and rapid intervention great eff orts made by the civil de- that the General Directorate of added that the directorate also operations. One of these new cars fence agencies to maintain secu- Civil Defence has been an inte- sent a number of offi cers to at- is intended for rapid interven- rity and safety. gral part of the 2022 FIFA World tend international tournaments tion, and another is being used Al-Dehaimi added that this Cup Safety and Security Opera- to gain further expertise, includ- for the fi rst time in Qatar and is year’s celebration will be held tions Committee, in the fi eld of ing to World Cup 2018 in Russia. intended for rescue operations, under the slogan – The Civil securing tournament stadium fa- He said that he was pleased whether from collapses or vari- Defence Force in protecting the cilities and their compliance with with the experience gained by ous accidents. National Economy – to signify internationally applicable safety various teams from helping in Brigadier al-Dehaimi ex- the importance of the work of regulations and their conformity the organisation of the FIFA Club plained that such new mecha- civil defence and its close link with the Civil Defence Law, indi- World Cup in Qatar. nisms help the working teams in with the strength of the national cating continuous co-ordination Brigadier al-Dehaimi praised carrying out their work and facil- economy. between the administration and the role of the Ras Laff an Emer- itate their movement and speed Al-Dehaimi said there is no the authorities responsible for gency and Safety College and its in their response to accidents. It doubt that the economy of any the construction of the World contribution to providing the also meets the immediate needs country or the work of any in- Cup facilities. directorate with qualifi ed engi- of the civil defence work and vestor relies heavily on securing He added that the General Di- neering cadres to work in the fi eld works to strengthen the admin- work fi elds by the civil protec- rectorate of Civil Defence covers of civil defence, who hold a cer- istration’s modern fl eet. tion to ensure continuity and the or secures stadiums and prepares tifi cate in emergency and disaster He concluded his speech absence of any emergency that qualifi ed cadres to deal with management, as well as special- marking the occasion by calling could stop work and risk loss. emergency situations during ists in fi re and safety engineering on the public to pay attention He further pointed out that matches and events, whether in and other specialisations. to the issue of safety and urged this year’s slogan refl ects the role the stadiums or in the headquar- He stressed that the Civil De- them to follow the awareness of civil defence in protecting fa- ters of the participating teams, fence Department keeps abreast messages that the Ministry of In- cilities such as football stadiums, fans’ areas and training grounds. of the comprehensive develop- terior publishes on its website or The General Directorate of Civil Defence has been an integral part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Safety factories, hotels, and buildings, Brigadier al-Dehaimi empha- ments and renaissance in the its platforms on other social net- and Security Operations Committee, in the field of securing stadium facilities and their compliance with in addition to securing all aspects sised the experiences gained by country through continuous working sites. internationally applicable safety regulations.

The Ministry of Municipality Ambassadors in tree planting initiative and Environment (MME), represented by the Public Parks Department, joined hands with embassies of Peru, Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to plant trees while continuing the tree planting initiatives. According to an off icial press statement, ambassador of Peru Jose A Benzaquen Perea, Austria ambassador Karin Fichtinger- Grohe and ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina Haris Lukovac attended the planting initiative in the presence of Mohamed Ibrahim al-Sada, assistant director of the Public Parks Department, and a number of off icials and engineers of the department. Ambassador of Peru Jose A Benzaquen Perea attending tree planting.

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina Haris Lukovac attending tree planting. Austria ambassador Karin Fichtinger-Grohe attending tree planting.