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FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 25 RAMADAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8615 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Somalia, Kenya leaders thank Amir for efforts to mend ties

QNA — DOHA During the phone call, President of Kenya expressed his sincere Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin thanks to H H the Amir for Qatar’s Hamad Al Thani held a telephone efforts and endeavours to heal the conversation with President of rift between Kenya and Somalia, “I congratulate both H E President Farmajo and H E President the Federal Republic of Somalia, which resulted in the restoration Kenyatta, for their wise and courageous decision to restore H E Mohamed Abdullahi of diplomatic relations between diplomatic relations between Somalia and Kenya. Our Farmajo, last evening. the two countries. H H the Amir sincere wishes to the two neighbouring countries and their During the phone call, the expressed his congratulations to people for security and stability. I would like also assure Somali President expressed his President of Kenya for this wise that the State of Qatar will always strive for good relations sincere thanks to H H the Amir decision. and remain a peace maker.” for the State of Qatar’s efforts and H H the Amir also congratu- endeavours to heal the rift lated President of Somalia and between the Federal Republic of President of Kenya for their Somalia and the Republic of decision to restore diplomatic their people for security and relations and means of sup- Kenya, which resulted in the res- relations. stability. I would like also porting and developing them. toration of diplomatic relations In a tweet H H the Amir said: assure that the State of Qatar The message was handed over by between the two countries. H H “I congratulate both H E Pres- will always strive for good rela- Special Envoy of the Minister of the Amir expressed his congrat- ident Farmajo and H E Pres- tions and remain a peace Foreign Affairs for Counterter- ulations to the Somali President ident Kenyatta, for their wise maker.” rorism and Mediation in Conflict for this wise decision. and courageous decision to In a related development, H H Resolution, H E Dr. Mutlaq bin H H the Amir also held a tele- restore diplomatic relations. the Amir sent a written message Majed Al Qahtani during a phone conversation with President Our sincere wishes to the two to President of the Republic of meeting with H E Kenyan Pres- of Kenya, H E Uhuru Kenyatta. neighbouring countries and Kenya, pertaining to bilateral ident in Nairobi yesterday. Amir holds phone Qatar welcomes resumption of relations call with Turkish between Somalia and Kenya “We welcome the announcement of the resumption of relations President QNA — DOHA In a statement yesterday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- between the Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Kenya, QNA — DOHA the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rahman Al Thani said in tweet following unremitting Qatari diplomatic efforts to bring peace The State of Qatar has affirmed that the State of Qatar that this achievement will bring and stability between the two countries. It is a new diplomatic Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin welcomed the announcement will spare no effort in achieving prosperity and development for achievement for the State of Qatar, through which we hope Hamad Al Thani held a tele- of the Federal Republic of peace and stability and both countries. that it will bring prosperity and development to the two phone conversation with Pres- Somalia and the Republic of building bridges through medi- He tweeted: “We welcome neighboring countries, their people, and the entire region.” ident of the Republic of Kenya regarding the ation, activating diplomatic the announcement of the Turkey, H E Recep Tayyip resumption of full diplomatic channels and converging resumption of relations Erdogan, last evening. relations between them, and views, which will enhance between the Republic of They reviewed the stra- expressed its hope that this step international peace and Somalia and the Republic of between the two countries. It that it will bring prosperity tegic relations between the two would bring good and pros- stability. Kenya, following unremitting is a new diplomatic and development to the two brotherly countries and ways perity to the people of the two Deputy Prime Minister and Qatari diplomatic efforts to achievement for the State of neighboring countries, their of enhancing and promoting friendly countries. Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E bring peace and stability Qatar, through which we hope people, and the entire region.” them, in addition to the latest regional and international developments of mutual Amir Cup final to be PHCC celebrates receiving Diamond level accreditation concern. played without fans Amir relieves THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA finance minister The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) The Qatar Football Association team yesterday celebrated receiving the QNA — DOHA announced that the final of the 49th Diamond level accreditation and first in the Amir Cup scheduled for May 14 world, People Centred Care Commitment Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin would be held without fans. award by Accreditation Canada. Hamad Al Thani issued yesterday The decision in coordination with An online virtual ceremony was Amiri Order No. (1) of 2021 the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) attended by Minister of Public Health H relieving Minister of Finance Ali follows the earlier statement by the E Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari and Dr. Mariam Shareef Al Emadi, from his local organising committee, which Abdul Malik, Managing Director of PHCC position. The Amiri Order also initially announced that fans could with senior leadership from both PHCC said that Minister of Commerce attend the final game while adhering and Accreditation Canada team. and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed to strict precautionary protocol. The People Centred Care award dis- Al Kuwari, shall be entrusted in The decision to hold the game tinguishes corporations that demonstrate addition to his duties, to carry out without fans came as part of efforts quality and excellence in the design and the duties of the Minister of to ensure everyone’s safety, in line delivery of patient centred health care, Finance. The order is effective with the restrictions and preventive with PHCC being the first recipient of the from the date of issue and is to measures to limit the spread of the People-Centred Care (PCC) Commitment be published in the official coronavirus (COVID-19), based on Award internationally. gazette. coordination with the MoPH. The The designation places PHCC among highly anticipated game is set to be an elite class of healthcare organizations Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari attending the online virtual ceremony. played at the Jassim bin Hamad globally, demonstrating excellence in key Stadium. areas, including successfully launching respectful and responsive to individual COVID-19 pandemic. The five months initiatives which invite patients to become preferences, but also continuously accreditation process involved hundreds Ramadan Vaccine effective in members of key committees, such as the adopting the perspectives of individuals, of evidence submissions, many virtual Timing Ethics Committee and the Quality Patient families and communities and sees them meetings with the surveyor teams and preventing UK, SA Safety Committee, enabling them to be as partners as well as beneficiaries of hybrid onsite surveys at all health centres. Today's Iftar: part of key decisions in the design and trusted healthcare system. It has achieved highest Diamond level 6:10pm variants: Study development of service. It validates that PHCC has undergone a very lengthy accreditation for an unprecedented Tomorrow's Imsak: Qatar healthcare system is not only and vigorous accreditation process during second time. `P2 THE PENINSULA — DOHA 03:19am A study carried out by investigators and collaborators from Qatar’s healthcare system and research insti- Qatar’s aid to Philippines highlighted on 40th year of diplomatic ties tutes has found that COVID-19 vacci- nation in Qatar is highly effective at THE PENINSULA — DOHA the Qatar Fund For Development aid included food, medicine, tents, and preventing severe illness due to (QFFD), Qatar Red Cross Society blankets to address the immediate infection from COVID-19 variants from Qatar’s commitment to supporting (QRCS), the Embassy of Qatar in Manila. needs of the victims of Yolanda. the United Kingdom and South Africa. nations in times of need makes it a The State of Qatar does not forget its The Qatar Red Crescent Society The research study, which has significant global contributor in the duty towards friendly countries, like (QRCS) and other major charity organ- been published in the New England humanitarian field. Over the years, the Philippines when the need arises izations organized a ‘Day of Solidarity’ Journal of Medicine, the most pres- Qatar and the Philippines have shared to support them during crises such as to help raise financial aid and relief dona- tigious medical journal in the world, a special relationship diplomatically, aftermaths of natural disasters like tions for the victims of Yolanda. analyzed a wide range of clinical economically. typhoons, volcano eruptions, and The fundraising drive raised data from February 1 to March 31 Qatar is home to around 300,000 earthquakes. financial support and relief aids for the compiled in the national COVID-19 Filipinos making it one of the largest Following Typhoon Yolanda in of aid to affected areas. most immediate needs of the victims. databases at Hamad Medical Cor- expatriate communities in the country. 2013, the Qatar Red Crescent Society Also, under the directive of the Amir QRCS also provided shelter repair kits poration, including vaccination In times of need, Qatar has provided (QRCS) donated around $70,000 in H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to families whose houses have been data, antibody and PCR test results, significant relief to many countries, aid, while an appeal to raise a further Qatar sent two planes carrying 80 partially damaged and transitional COVID-19 hospitalizations, and including the Philippines through $2m was launched. The Ministry of tonnes of relief supplies to the Philip- shelters for those who lost their infection severity data. `P2 several government organizations like Foreign affairs sent two planeloads pines on November 13, 2013. The urgent homes. `P2 02 HOME FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021

Qatar, India review OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends trade, investment ties condolences to QNA — DOHA Custodian of the PRAYER Trade volume between the TIMINGS Two Holy Mosques Minister of Commerce and State of Qatar and the PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMINNGG Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Republic of India reached DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Kuwari met via video bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir $8.7bn in 2020. India is FAJR 03.30 am conference with Minister of H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Commerce and Industry, Qatar’s third largest trade Al Thani, and Prime Minister and SUNRISE 04.54 am Minister of Railways, and partner. Minister of Interior H E Sheikh DHUHR 11.30 am Minister of Consumer Affairs of Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz ASR 02.58 pm India, H E Piyush Goyal. Al Thani sent cables of condo- The meeting dealt with of the health conditions cur- lences to the Custodian of the Two MAGHRIB 06.10 pm reviewing bilateral cooperation rently facing the country. Holy Mosques King Salman bin ISHA 07.40 pm in trade, investment, and indus- The two sides stressed Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom trial fields, and the means to during the meeting the impor- of Saudi Arabia on the death of the enhance them, in addition to tance of enhancing cooperation mother of HRH Prince Muhammad discussing trade policies and coordination, in addition to bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al between the two sides and their adopting the appropriate strat- Saud. — QNA efforts in containing the egies that will help the flow of pandemic. goods and services between the H E Ali bin Ahmed Al two countries, something that Attorney-General Kuwari expressed his condo- will help support stability in the lences to the government and Qatari and Indian markets. orders arrest, WEATHER people of India on the victims Trade volume between the State TODAY of the pandemic, stressing that of Qatar and the Republic of probe against Qatar supports India in its fight India reached $8.7bn in 2020. Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari with the pandemic and India is Qatar’s third largest during a video conference meeting with Minister of Commerce and finance minister expresses its solidarity in light trade partner. Industry of the Republic of India, H E Piyush Goyal. QNA — DOHA

After reviewing documents, o o Qatar’s aid to Philippines highlighted on 40 years of ties and their attached reports, the 25 C 37 C Attorney-General ordered the Minimum Maximum FROM PAGE 1 In December last year, Football Association to host our partnerships over the past four arrest of the Minister of Hazy to misty at first becomes hot To ease aid contribution, Qatar’s government sent more team for a training camp in decades. Finance, Ali Sharif Al Emadi, daytime and mild by night. Doha Bank and other financial than 40 tonnes of food and non- Qatar. As you know very well, The Secretary of Foreign to investigate what was institutions and remittance food items to help Filipino fam- it’s so hard to train in the Phil- Affairs of the Philippines, H E mentioned in the reports of W ALRUWAIS : 23o → 33o centers in Qatar waived their ilies affected by Vamco. ippines right now. so we have Teodoro Locsin also asserted his crimes related to practicing W ALKHOR : 23o → 34o remittance fees for a certain Meanwhile, the Philippine decided to do the training camp country’s keenness on deepening public office, which were period to allow the immediate Azkals (the national football in Qatar.” and developing bilateral relations damage to public funds, abuse W DUKHAN : 21o → 34o flow of financial aid to the team) will hold a training camp The team is also slated to with Qatar. The secretary of public office, and abusive of WAKRAH 23o → 34o W : typhoon victims. in Qatar as part of their prepa- play friendlies against Palestine thanked H H, the Amir, for power. The Attorney-General W MESAIEED : 23o → 34o Over the last few years, rations for the Joint 2022 FIFA and Syria during the camp. Qatar’s constant generosity ordered extensive investiga- W ABUSAMRA : 19o → 37o QRCS has implemented many World Cup and 2023 AFC Asia Besides, to mark the 40th towards others, including Fili- tions regarding the crimes relief interventions through its Cup qualifiers in China next anniversary of establishing dip- pinos, especially in difficult times. raised in the documents. representation mission in the month. The camp, which will lomatic ties, Amir H H Sheikh He added that last year, Qatar HIGH TIDE Philippines. These include be hosted by the Qatar Football Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani donated around 50 metric tonnes 1:30– 16:06 responses to Typhoon Haiyan Association, will be held from exchanged greetings with the of rescue and relief equipment 4 COVID-19 deaths, LOW TIDE 9:28 – 20:22 (2013), Typhoon Hagupit (2014), May 18-31, 2021 in Doha. Philippines President H E to the Philippine Red Cross fol- the Surigao earthquake, Philippine Football Feder- Rodrigo Duterte. The Amir and lowing the devastation caused by 593 new cases Typhoon Vinta (2017), Typhoon ation president Nonong Araneta the Philippines President the typhoon that struck the Phil- Mangkhut (2018), and more was quoted during a virtual expressed their satisfaction with ippines. He said his country will THE PENINSULA — DOHA recently, Typhoon Vamco press conference that, “We have Qatar and the Philippines’ always remember and remain (2020). communicated with the Qatar growing relations and grateful for this help. The Ministry of Public Health Five arrested for (MoPH) reported 593 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. violating home Among them 204 were trav- QNTC promotes astro-tourism in Qatar ellers returning from abroad. quarantine A total of 1,321 people THE PENINSULA — DOHA astro-tourism experiences in collab- recovered from COVID-19 yes- QNA — DOHA oration with its partners in the terday, bringing the total The Pink Supermoon illuminated private sector, to shed light on the number of people recovered The competent authorities the skies in Qatar as everywhere hidden gems of natural and heritage in Qatar to 198,227. arrested yesterday five else in the world on the eves of sites in the country. The Ministry also persons who violated the April 26 and 27. It was an astro- These include activities such as announced four new deaths. requirements of the home nomical event that occurs when a moon-lit camel safari and star- The deceased were aged 49, quarantine he committed to the moon is at its perigee, or the gazing in the desert with an 63, 68 and 73 years. Three of following, which they are point in its elliptical orbit at which astronomer guide, safari trips and them had chronic diseases and legally accountable for, in it is closest to the Earth, where the BBQ dinner banquets by the all of them received necessary accordance with the proce- moon was 357,000km away from campfire in in Qatar’s unique medical care. Some 30,557 dures of the health authorities earth. natural wonders which boast a won- doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. Qatar National Tourism Council derful panoramic view. have been administered The arrested persons being (QNTC), with the astro-photog- A bespoke range of these newly during the past 24 hours. The referred to the prosecution were rapher Vinay Swaroop Balla, cap- launched “Arabian Nights” packages total number of vaccine doses identified as Abu Dhar Ahmed tured amazing photos of the pink is expected to attract travellers and administered since the start of Muhammad Muhammad Ali, moon from the top of the Torch visitors from around the world, with the vaccination campaign is Ashishwar Mahato, Leela Nath Tower and many other iconic towers the expected gradual return of the 1,732,471. Dahal, Nasser Abdullah Nasser in Doha to mark the beauty of the global travel and tourism, with the Muhammad Al Dehaimi, and scene. aim to strengthen Qatar’s position Ahmed Nasser Hamad Saleh Coinciding with this astronomical as a preferred tourist destination in A view of Pink Supermoon above Doha Torch Tower. PHCC celebrates Al-Marri. phenomenon, QNTC launched new the Middle East. receiving Diamond level accreditation

Vaccine effective in preventing FROM PAGE 1 Minister of Public Health UK and SA variants: Study H E Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, attending the event, noted that FROM PAGE 1 UK and South African variants. Vacci- this remarkable achievement Professor Laith Abu Raddad, Pro- nation provided a robust protection was made possible thanks to fessor of Infectious Disease Epidemi- against both hospitalization and death the State’s unlimited capabil- ology at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar due to COVID-19, regardless of the ities and support to the health of Qatar Foundation, and lead investi- variant type.” sector, in addition to the com- gator in the research study, explained Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the mitment and enthusiasm of the significance of the findings. National Health Strategic Group on the teams involved in gaining “At the start of the year, the number COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Dis- the achievement. of new daily COVID-19 infections in eases at Hamad Medical Corporation, “Achieving this accredi- Qatar began to gradually increase, a and one of the study investigators, said tation is testament to the trend that continued until mid-April,” the findings were good news that prove tireless efforts of the PHCC said Professor Abu-Raddad. “These the effectiveness of the vaccines. “We team and the dedication to rising numbers were largely driven by know that the UK and South African achieving the highest standard the introduction of new variants into variants are more highly transmissible of care for our communities. the community; first the UK variant, fol- and cause more severe symptoms in The corporation has demon- lowed by the South African variant. infected people than the original strain strated its commitment to While the extensive clinical trials of the we experienced last year, so having delivering the most efficient Pfizer and BioNTech, and Moderna vac- vaccines that are proven to work and compassionate care cines had shown that these vaccines against these variants is incredibly during a challenging period for were 95 percent effective at preventing important. The COVID-19 pandemic is healthcare internationally,” symptomatic infection against the the biggest public health challenge the said Dr. Al Kuwari. original strain of COVID-19, there was world has faced for several decades and Commenting on the a lack of clinical evidence on whether has impacted nearly every country achievement Dr.Malik said, these vaccines were effective against across the globe for more than a year. “Receiving this award reflects the new variants.” The global roll out of vaccines offers the values of PHCC, it recog- He added: “The results of our study hope of a return towards normal life nises the exemplary efforts by are very encouraging, showing that for and this joint research study showing the staff in ensuring that we fully vaccinated people – 14 days after the vaccines to be highly effective at are delivering effective, high receiving the second dose – vaccination preventing severe infection will quality care to our patients. is 89.5 percent effective at preventing reassure people here in Qatar and Today we are delighted to not infection from the UK variant and 75 around the world,” said Dr. Al Khal. only receive this award but to percent effective at preventing infection Professor Adeel Butt, Director of the be able to deliver the best from the South African variant.” Hiam Clinical Epidemiology Research Unit at primary care to our Chemaitelly, Senior Epidemiologist at Hamad Medical Corporation and senior population.” Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and one investigator in the study, said: “Our She added that the corpo- of the lead investigators in the study, findings show that not only do the vac- ration continues to work hard added: “Of most significance is that our cines offer high levels of protection to maintain excellence in all study found vaccination to be 97.4 against severe sickness, they can also its services, to deliver care that percent effective in preventing severe, significantly prevent an individual from understands and exceed critical, or fatal disease due to both the becoming infected with COVID-19." patients’ expectations. FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 HOME 03 HIA advises online check-in, early arrival at airport during holiday season THE PENINSULA — DOHA be removed from bags and placed Passengers have also been in trays for X-ray screening. Small Hamad International Airport (HIA) advised to stay updated on the vehicles powered by lithium bat- has announced it would like to teries, such as hoverboards, are advise its passengers departing travel requirements of the prohibited for carriage. Passengers during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday period countries they are travelling to. are also advised to minimise trav- to check-in online and arrive three elling with pets due to the holiday hours before their flight to ensure peak time. Bag Wrap facilities are a smooth travel experience. Please departure time. For the conven- also available at HIA’s terminal. note that it is essential for departing ience and safety of departing and Passengers departing from HIA passengers to present the green returning passengers during the are advised to download the health status on their EHTERAZ peak travel period, access to the ‘HIAQatar’ mobile app available for application to travel. arrival and departure terminal both Android and iPhone for HIA’s self-service check-in and building will be restricted to trav- updates and to assist in making the bag-drop facilities are also elling passengers. Kindly conduct passengers journey more seamless available, enabling passengers to pick-ups and drop-offs at the with real-time information about check-in, print boarding passes and short-term car park and avoid flight status, baggage claim, time, bag tags; tag their bags, and drop using the curbside. and direction to boarding gates and them at the bag drop swiftly before During security checks, pas- food, beverage and retail offers Amir sends written message to Kenya President proceeding to border control. sengers are requested to ensure from Qatar Duty Free. Arriving HIA recommends passengers that they are not carrying any pro- passengers terminating in Doha Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a written message to President of keep themselves updated on the hibited items such as liquids, aer- must present a printed copy of a the Republic of Kenya H E Uhuru Kenyatta, pertaining to relations between the two travel requirements of the country osols, and gels and to pack any negative PCR test from an approved countries and means of supporting and developing them. The message was handed over they are travelling to for a smooth liquid containers in a clear, re- medical centre. Passengers are also by Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Counterterrorism and Mediation check-in process at HIA. Pas- sealable plastic bag with each being advised to carry printed copies of in Conflict Resolution, H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani, during a meeting with H E sengers are reminded that check- 100ml or less. Electronic items all necessary travel documents Kenyan President in Nairobi yesterday. in closes sixty minutes before larger than mobile phones need to required to enter Qatar. Nord Anglia Qatar Airways launches its mobile students engage app on Huawei’s AppGallery more in STEM, THE PENINSULA — DOHA Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “At creative online Qatar Airways, we continue to Qatar Airways is bringing its award- enhance our digital products and activities: Data winning services to the fingertips of champion innovation with our cus- Huawei smartphone users with the tomers at the forefront of these devel- THE PENINSULA — DOHA launch of its mobile App on opments, and with the current global AppGallery, Huawei’s official app situation, the need for contactless Nord Anglia Education distribution platform and one of the travel is greater than ever. released global figures top three marketplaces globally. "The launch of our mobile app in yesterday showing how its The Qatar Airways mobile app is collaboration with Huawei reflects our 67,000 students use online the ultimate travel companion for a commitment to provide five-star learning to develop critical seamless and safe journey. The airline services to our passengers across all skills centred on problem- collaborated with Huawei to offer stages of their journey.” solving, creativity, wellbeing, mobile users in more than 170 coun- Lu Geng, Vice President Middle and global citizenship. tries an easier way to plan and manage East and Africa, Global Partnerships A record number of stu- their travel while limiting physical & Eco-Development, said: “As the dents, including Compass contact and interactions at all stages heart of our in-house ecosystem, the International School and Nord of their journey. Huawei AppGallery is constantly Anglia International School Innovative features enable flight growing; and we are always working students, accessed Global bookings to over 1,500 destinations to offer the highest-quality apps for Deputy Governor of Eastern Province of Saudi Campus, Nord Anglia’s online worldwide across Qatar Airways’ and all of our users. Nowadays, people rely learning platform, between partner airlines’ network. Passengers on smartphones to fulfil their travel- Arabia meets Qatar's Charge d’Affaires September 2020 and April can check-in, use mobile boarding related needs, minimise contact and Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince 2021. Nord Anglia’s analysis of pass, select preferred seating and make things simpler, and the Qatar Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with Acting Charge d’Affaires a sample of 2.8m online dining, access fast-track luggage, and Airways App helps users achieve this.” at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Saudi Arabia, Hassan bin Mansour Al Khater. learning sessions from over get the latest travel information. Customers can download the 400 activities shows how stu- Qatar Airways Chief Commercial mobile app at https://uqr.to/taq8 During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation and relations between the two countries. dents from its 73 schools worldwide are also engaging in a wide variety of co-cur- ricular activities. Sidra Medicine World’s first WPA Collaborating Center for women, children With schools based in the THE PENINSULA — DOHA Sidra Medicine’s Department of of the Department of Psy- mentioning in this regard that in the world.” Middle East, Southeast Asia, Psychiatry will complement the chiatry at Sidra Medicine said: Sidra Medicine has the honor “The impact of the Covid-19 North America, Latin America, Sidra Medicine’s Department of WPA agenda of improving “I am very pleased that the of having world’s first and only pandemic on mental health China, India, and Europe, Nord Psychiatry has been designated global mental health while also WPA has recognized and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the wellbeing of families Anglia’s analysis shows that as a Collaborating Center of the spearheading the efforts to honored Sidra Medicine’s rep- Fellowship accredited by the is becoming increasingly one in two (50%) students World Psychiatric Association improve the standards of utation in advancing cutting Accreditation Council for evident, and this impact is selected STEM (Science, Tech, (WPA) for child and adolescent mental health care. I am con- edge research and healthcare Graduate Medical Edu- likely to increase and endure Engineering, Mathematics) psychiatry and in maternal and fident they will achieve this by and our work in advocacy, cation International (ACGME- longer than the pandemic itself. activities, making it the most perinatal mental health. advocacy and incorporating academia and the mental I),” continued Prof. Azeem. Opportunities such as this col- sought-after online activity The WPA is a global organ- international guidelines for health care. I would also like Dr. Barbro Fridén, Chief laboration to engage interna- globally for Nord Anglia’s stu- ization representing 145 psy- early identification and timely to acknowledge the vital con- Executive Officer at Sidra Med- tionally in research, devel- dents, particularly students in chiatric societies in 121 coun- care to women, children and tributions of Drs. Felice Watt, icine said: “Sidra Medicine’s opment and the sharing of evi- the Middle East. Shaun Wil- tries and promotes collabo- families in Qatar.” Ahsan Nazeer, and Omar child and adolescent psychiatry dence-based treatments helps liams, Nord Anglia Education rative work in psychiatry. WPA Sidra Medicine now joins Mahmood, and their teams in and maternal and perinatal to strategically advance care Regional Managing Director, collaborating centers are insti- the ranks as one of the eight making this designation pos- mental health divisions are top without duplication of effort Southeast Asia & Middle East, tutions that have national, WPA Collaborating Centers sible for Sidra Medicine.” tier services in Qatar. It is a huge and for the benefit of all. Qatar said, “This research highlights regional and international rec- around the world, and the only “The collaboration with honor for the Department of is a highly multi-national how education technology can ognition as leaders in clinical one designated especially for WPA will help improve the psy- Psychiatry at our organization society, mirrored in the com- be a powerful tool to enhance care, research and teaching. women and children. It will chiatric care of children, ado- to be recognized globally as a position of Sidra Medicine staff student learning and drive the “I would like to congratulate partner with the WPA on a lescents and women in Qatar WPA Collaborating Center for and patients. Our collaboration development of critical skills Sidra Medicine for receiving this number of initiatives including as well as at a regional level. It children and women’s mental with WPA, strategically echoes from problem-solving to cre- prestigious designation as a policymaking and advocacy, will also positively impact the health. This is very much opportunities to learn from and ative thinking. It has an espe- WPA Collaborating Center”, aiming to improve the care of advancement of the education aligned with our organization’s benefit the advancement of cially important role to play in said Professor Afzal Javed, Pres- women, children and and research efforts in this field vision of being the beacon of mental healthcare across cul- the classroom enabling ident of the World Psychiatric families. as we share our insights, skills learning, discovery and excep- turally and geographically teachers to bring learning to Association. “It is my hope that Professor Muhammed and expertise with our WPA tional care, ranked among the diverse nations,” concluded life.” the expertise from Waqar Azeem, Inaugural Chair peers globally. It is also worth top academic medical centers Prof. Azeem. Texas A&M University at Qatar awards 107 engineering degrees

THE PENINSULA — DOHA particularly in the past two years, but congratulated her classmates on their Texas A&M University at Qatar, a Qatar achievements. Foundation partner university, grad- "Today, we accomplished one of the uated 107 engineers yesterday. biggest milestones in our lives,” Ohanian The Class of 2021 included 89 Aggies said. “This is the point where we carry who received bachelor’s degrees in the title ‘engineer.’ We are not only chemical engineering, electrical engi- responsible for advancing technology, neering, mechanical engineering and or creating graphs and codes, drilling, petroleum engineering. Twenty-two designing cars and buildings. We are graduates were recognized as Under- responsible for the safety and well- graduate Research Scholars of Texas being of the public, the environment, A&M’s main campus in College Station, and for the future of our community.” Texas (USA), and 35 students graduated During the ceremony, Amanda with Latin honours. Texas A&M at Qatar Roberts Mather — a Class of 2000 also awarded 18 master’s degrees in graduate of Texas A&M University and chemical engineering. Of the total grad- the assistant director of academic Women made up 57 percent of the graduating class, while graduates represented 19 nationalities. uating class, 57 percent is female and services at Texas A&M at Qatar — 51 percent are Qatari. Graduates repre- inducted the graduates into The Asso- sented 19 nationalities. ciation of Former Students, Texas A&M’s position each holds in the world as a you have reached this day means that remember you are now among more To date, Texas A&M at Qatar has alumni organisation that comprises the part of the global Aggie Network. you are ready to leave university than 500,000 graduates of Texas granted a total of 1,268 degrees. more than 500,000 graduates of the “You have earned a degree from behind and head on to your next A&M University around the world. Hourig Ohanian, a Class of 2021 university and is known worldwide as one of the top engineering programs adventures. With challenge comes Show the world how Aggies live their mechanical engineering graduate, the Aggie Network. in the world,” Malavé said, “and this change, and each of you has shown core values — not just in the work- addressed her classmates and fellow Dr. César Octavio Malavé, Dean of is an amazing achievement. your strength and resilience, and your place, but also in your communities graduates on behalf of the student body. Texas A&M at Qatar, presided over the Throughout your studies, you have commitment to being an engineering and your families. You are engi- She acknowledged the difficulties she ceremony. He congratulated the grad- persevered and you have succeeded. leader in Qatar. neering leaders in Qatar, and we are and her graduates have faced, uates and reminded them of the unique Today is proof of that success. That "As you go forward tonight, so proud of you.” 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 US: N-deal possible despite gaps if Iran takes decision

REUTERS — WASHINGTON Is it possible that we’ll see a mutual return While big gaps remain between to compliance in the next few weeks, or an Washington and Tehran, there understanding of a mutual compliance? It’s possible could be an agreement within yes,” a senior US State Department official told weeks for both to resume compliance with the 2015 Iran reporters on condition of anonymity during a telephone nuclear deal if Iranian author- briefing. “Is it likely? Only time will tell, because as I ities decide to do so, a senior US said, this is ultimately a matter of a political decision State Department official said that needs to be made in Iran,” he added. yesterday. “Is it possible that we’ll see a mutual return to compliance relief from US, EU and UN then implementing it, but the in the next few weeks, or an sanctions. pace would have to accelerate understanding of a mutual Tehran denies having for us to get there in the coming compliance? It’s possible yes,” nuclear weapons ambitions. weeks and no guarantee that the official told reporters on The US official said it might that will be the case,” he said. condition of anonymity during be possible to revive a nuclear All parties to the original a telephone briefing. deal before Iran’s June 18 elec- deal—Iran, Britain, China, Quds Day preparations “Is it likely? Only time will tions but, again, put the onus France, Germany, Russia and tell, because as I said, this is on Iran to make such a political the United States— have joined Members of Kataib Hezbollah paramilitary group wave flags as they take part in a parade ahead ultimately a matter of a political decision. the Vienna talks, with chiefly of the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day today, during the holy month of Ramadan, in Baghdad, decision that needs to be made “We think that it’s doable European diplomats shuttling Iraq, yesterday. in Iran,” he added. because it’s not rocket science. between the US and Iranian US officials return to Vienna It’s not inventing a new deal... delegations. this week for a fourth round of Is it possible to get a deal before The US official described indirect talks with Iran on how the Iranian elections? Abso- recent inaccurate reports about European powers tell Israel to stop to resume compliance with the lutely,” the official said. there being an agreement to deal, which former President However, he said this would release US citizens detained in Donald Trump abandoned in require Iran to avoid asking Iran as an “unspeakable settlement expansion in West Bank 2018, prompting Iran to begin Washington to do more than cruelty” and he said there are REUTERS — LONDON to advance the construction “If implemented, the violating its terms about a year what is envisaged in the separate talks about this. of 540 settlement units in the decision to advance settlements later. agreement while Tehran would “We’re treating it independ- France, Germany, Italy, Spain Har Homa E area of the in Har Homa, between East The crux of the agreement seek to do less. ently,” he said, saying it was “a and Britain urged Israel occupied West Bank, and to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, will was that Iran committed to take “If there is a clear and real- matter of utmost urgency to get yesterday to halt its decision to cease its policy of settlement cause further damage to the steps to rein in its nuclear pro- istic practical view about what the detainees home. And we further building of new settle- expansion across the Occupied prospects for a viable Pales- gramme to make it harder to this means, it can be done rel- want it to be resolved sooner ments in the West Bank. Palestinian Territories,” the tinian State, with Jerusalem as obtain the fissile material for a atively swiftly, both in terms of rather than later “We urge the government European nations said in a the capital of both Israel and a nuclear weapon in return for reaching an understanding and - immediately.” of Israel to reverse its decision joint statement. Palestinian State,” they said. Turkish foreign minister to visit Lebanon’s lights may go off as cash for electricity runs out REUTERS — BEIRUT exacerbated the heavily lawmakers in March, is being and is now acting in a caretaker can’t wait,” Negm said, Saudi Arabia indebted nation’s problems, as reviewed by a constitutional capacity. according to the government Lebanon’s lights may go off this the government struggles to committee, which is studying “We hope that the consti- statement. REUTERS — ANKARA month because cash for elec- find enough foreign exchange whether it is lawful. The gov- tutional committee does not Lebanon usually keeps tricity generation is running out, to pay for fuel and other basic ernment resigned after a take a month to reach its enough fuel for about two Turkey’s foreign minister will a lawmaker said yesterday, as imports. The loan, approved by massive blast in Beirut in August decision because the situation months or so, as it is too costly visit Saudi Arabia for talks next the country grapples with a to hold strategic reserves for week, officials said. deep economic crisis. longer. The minister’s planned Lebanon’s parliament had The economic meltdown, trip will follow Turkey’s talks approved a $200m emergency the biggest crisis since the end this week with Egypt, another loan to finance fuel imports for of Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil US-allied regional power, also power generation in March, but war, has fuelled unrest, locked aimed at normalising ties after a committee reviewing the loan depositors out of their accounts years of tensions and rivalry. has yet to approve it. and hammered the currency, The officials, speaking on “We should not forget that which has lost around 90% of condition of anonymity, said starting May 15, gradual darkness its value against the dollar. that President Recep Tayyip will start,” said Nazih Negm, a Meanwhile, France's foreign Erdogan and the Custodian of member of parliament, according minister yesterday warned Leb- the Two Holy Mosques King to a government statement anese officials that France Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi released after he met the care- would impose additional Arabia agreed in a call on taker finance and energy measures targeting those Tuesday for Foreign Minister ministers. obstructing the formation of a Mevlut Cavusoglu and his The Lebanese have long new government in the crises- Saudi counterpart H H Prince learned to live with regular hit Mideast nation, AP Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to power cuts that run for at least reported. hold talks on May 11. three hours a day in the capital Tweeting ahead of his “With this visit, it is pos- and much longer in other areas, arrival in Beirut, Jean-Yves Le sible to open a new period because the state’s power plants Drian said French travel restric- together,” a senior Turkish cannot meet demand. Many tions on Lebanese officials sus- official said, adding the talks people rely on private pected of corruption or hin- would focus on trade, bilateral generators. dering the formation of the A view shows the Zahrani Power plant, in Zahrani, Lebanon. ties and regional issues. But the financial crisis has Cabinet were "just the start.” Iraq’s prank TV show depicting IS attacks taken off air Israeli forces arrest five AP — BAGHDAD are later freed by other actors But some, like one of the —cries out, screams and even- Palestinians from West Bank playing Iraqi security forces. show’s actors and presenter tually faints as actors playing Responding to viewer outrage, The ambush re-enactments Haddad, said the cancellation Iraqi soldiers burst onto the QNA — RAMALLAH the West Bank and Jerusalem, Iraq’s media regulator cancelled include fake weapons and stunt was unfair as the show also scene and “liberate” her. as part of their repressive prac- a TV prank show that lured explosions while the “militants” depicts the heroism of Iraqi The show was produced by The Israeli occupation forces tices against the Palestinian guests into simulated ambushes threaten to detonate fake security forces. “The decision is the Popular Mobilization arrested five Palestinians people. by militants, forcing partici- suicide vests. The show’s name unjust,” he said. Forces, a government-backed yesterday from different parts of Israel's military and the pants and viewers to relive Tannab Raslan refers to the In one the most contro- umbrella group of mostly Shiite the West Bank. The Palestinian Shin Bet security service said some of the terror and fear that name of its presenter, Raslan versial episodes, cameras follow militias, many backed by Iran, News Agency reported that the yesterday they arrested a Pal- were widespread under the rule Haddad, and a popular Iraqi Iraqi actress Nessma Tanneb as which fought alongside Iraqi occupation forces arrested a estinian suspect in a weekend of the Islamic State (IS) group. game that children play with she is taken to a rural area security forces against IS. Palestinian youth from the drive-by shooting in the West The show, Tannab Raslan, marbles in which a score is outside Baghdad under the Under its terror reign, IS village of Asakrah, east of Beth- Bank that left one Israeli dead was being aired by the local Asia called “tannab.” pretext of meeting a family lib- engaged in abductions, lehem, and two Palestinians and two injured, AP reported. TV as a special during the holy Hidden cameras film eve- erated from IS rule. beheadings and enslavement, from Tubas. Troops and Shin Bet oper- month of Ramadan until Iraq’s rything - and the fear that grips Along the way, she is told especially of women. Thou- In the same context, a large atives raided a building in the Communication and Media the show’s guests is real. The at a mock checkpoint that the sands died in the fight to oust force of the occupation army village of Silwad in the occupied Commission this week ordered show has raised ethics concerns area they are about to enter is the militants from Iraqi ter- stormed the town of Silwad, east West Bank, arresting Muntasser it off the air. and provoked outrage from unsafe and was under attack ritory.Despite the outcry, of Ramallah, arrested two Pal- Shalaby, 44. Shalaby, a Pales- The show — a form of angry viewers who said its by IS militants just three hours Haddad is unconvinced the estinians, raided and searched a tinian from the nearby village reality TV — follows Iraqi content was highly offensive. earlier. Tanneb is visibly con- show crossed any lines and number of Palestinian homes in of Turmus Ayya, had no known celebrity guests, including “The scenes bring back cerned and asks to turn back insists contractual agreements the town, which resulted in ties to militant groups, officials actresses and soccer players, memories of Daesh once again,” but is ignored. would lead to huge penalties for clashes between the Palestinians said. who are invited to what is said Baghdad resident Bashir Al Once she is brought inside the channel. and the occupation forces. Local media reported that described as a “charity event” Saddi, using the Arabic acronym a house, an explosion is heard, The IS group was defeated The occupation forces he also held US citizenship. The but then fall prey under various for the Islamic State group. and actors playing militants in a three-year campaign with launched a campaign of arrests US embassy had no comment scenarios to a staged ambush “Frankly, this is not acceptable, storm the building. Tanneb - assistance from US-led coalition and raids on an almost daily on the report, citing privacy by actors playing militants. They it is inhuman and uncivilized.” who at this point is blindfolded forces. basis in the occupied areas of concerns. Netanyahu challenger Yair Lapid issues call for national unity

AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM Wednesday to form a new government after Netanyahu country deeply polarized, in “From my first day in pol- landing Lapid the powerful post government. failed to meet a midnight large part because of his itics, that’s been my wish, it’s of finance minister. But the coa- Israel’s opposition leader “I believe in the good inten- deadline the previous day. ongoing corruption trial. Four my mission: To find the shared lition quickly crumbled, and yesterday called for a unity tions of my future partners,” Lapid will have to bring consecutive elections over the good. To take Israeli society Yesh Atid has been in the oppo- government and vowed to find Lapid said. “They are different seven parties with vastly dif- past two years —the most from disagreement to sition since 2015 elections. common ground among the people with different views, but ferent ideologies into a single recent in March—have ended agreement,” Lapid said. The centrist party is popular ideologically diverse parties the fact that someone doesn’t coalition. But He has expressed in deadlock. Lapid, 57, entered par- with secular, middle-class seeking to oust Prime Minister agree with us, doesn’t make optimism he can pull off the Lapid has vowed to break liament in 2013 after a suc- voters, has been critical of Benjamin Netanyahu. them an enemy.” task and make history by the stalemate and heal the bitter cessful career as a newspaper Netanyahu’s close ties with Yair Lapid issued the appeal President Reuven Rivlin ending Netanyahu’s record- divisions in Israeli society. He columnist, TV anchor and ultra-Orthodox parties and has in his first speech since he was gave Lapid four weeks to try to setting 12-year term in office. also wants to address deeper author. His Yesh Atid party ran led calls for the prime minister tapped by Israel’s president on form a new coalition Netanyahu has left the economic and social problems. a successful rookie campaign, to step down while on trial. FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 ISLAM 05 Zakat Al Fitr: The obligatory charity akat Al Fitr, or the Zakat of A number of the Prophet’s Breaking the Fast of Ramadan, is Companions, God be pleased Zthe special obligatory alms paid with them — particularly some by all Muslims at the end of the Ramadan fasting month. associated with preserving and It is also called Sadaqat al-Fitr, “the conveying the statements of the Charity of Breaking the Fast” of Prophet (PBUH), like Abu Hurayrah Ramadan, and Zakat al-Fitrah, the Alms of Human Nature, or the Human and Ibn Umar — note that Zakat Creation, because it is a mandatory Al Fitr is a universal Muslim charity due on every Muslim at the end obligation. That is, every Muslim is of Ramadan, regardless of age or gender. Its obligatory payment is liable for its payment. In the words termed fitrah, derived from the Arabic of Abu Hurayrah, it is due on “every term fitr, a word which signifies the Muslim, free or bondsman, male or “nature” upon which God created the human being, related also to the Arabic female, young or old, poor or rich” word for “fast-breaking” (iftar), eating (Bukhari). after a period of abstention from this “natural” and defining human activity. Islamic Law only in that Hanafis dis- (Al-Shawkani, Nayl Al-Awtar). “We used to pay Zakat Al Fitr at the pay more than the minimum Zakat Al Zakat Al Fitr's background tinguish the “obligatory” as two cate- end of Ramadan when the Messenger of Fitr required, if one is able. “Ali, God Zakat Al Fitr comes into existence gories: an explicit prescription of Rev- Who must pay Zakat Al Fitr? Allah, God bless him and grant him be pleased with him, reportedly said as an obligatory alms in Sha‘ban, the elation that relates to the soundness of Every Muslim: A number of the peace, was among us with one sa‘ of that ‘when Allah gives you prosperity, eighth month of the Islamic lunar cal- one’s belief they term fard, obligatory, Prophet’s Companions, God be pleased food, one sa‘ of dates, one sa‘ of barley, you too should give more’ ” (see Zad endar, in 2H, or the second year of the and non-explicit practical instructions with them — particularly some asso- one sa‘ of raisins, or one sa‘ of dried Al-Ma‘ad, also Fiqh az-Zakat, 586). Hijrah, means “migration,” or “emi- they call wajib, mandatory. ciated with preserving and conveying yoghurt. We continued to do this until When Should Zakat Al Fitr Be Paid? gration.” It denotes the migration of So all schools hold Zakat Al Fitr as the statements of the Prophet, on him Mu‘awiyah came to us in Madinah and Scholars have traditionally focused the Prophet, on him be peace, and his religiously compulsory, carrying a be peace, like Abu Hurayrah and Ibn said: ‘I think two mudds of Syrian wheat the question of Zakat Al Fitr’s time for followers away from the persecution strength of legal ruling similar to ‘Umar — note that Zakat Al Fitr is a uni- is equivalent to one sa‘ of dates.’ People payment on its last allowable time. The of the idolaters of Arabia’s central trade scholarly consensus, or ijma‘. versal Muslim obligation. That is, every accepted this.” Most hadith collections Shafi’is, Malikis and Hanbalis say its and holy city of Makkah. From there, Muslim is liable for its payment. In the add to this that Abu Sa‘id then said: “But due time is sunset of Ramadan’s last they went north to the agrarian city of Purpose of Zakat Al Fitr words of Abu Hurayrah, it is due on I continued paying it the same way I used fasting day. The Hanafis and others Yathrib, which then became known as Zakat Al Fitr has two primary pur- “every Muslim, free or bondsman, male to.” (including another Maliki position) say Al-Madinah Al-Nabi, or the City of the poses, one spiritual for the individual or female, young or old, poor or rich” Recall that a sa‘ is a volume measure before the Eid Salah-Prayer. Prophet, shortened to simply The City, worshiper and the other communal. (Bukhari). equal to four double-handfuls and a Some hold that the best time for or Al-Madinah. The Muslim hijri cal- As a worship form, fasting consti- Married Muslim women: The vast mudd is a quarter-sa‘, one double- payment is early on the day of Eid. endar, or Hjrah year, begins with that tutes, if you will, a “spiritual technology” majority of scholars hold that Zakat Al handful. Here’s a chart of volume Others allow payment a day or two migration.) that God has taught the human being. Fitr falls due for every single Muslim, measures used at the time of the Prophet, before. Still others say it is obligatory The obligation to pay the alms of Its purpose is to help someone unfetter with no exception. The Hanafis (and on him be peace. to pay Zakat Al Fitr before the Eid Zakat Al Fitr at Ramadan’s end coin- his or her soul for an interim from the Zahiris) believe that the individual obli- The point most scholars today make Prayer, based on a statement of the cides with God’s revealed com- worldly appetites that preoccupy it, to gation for its payment includes Muslim is that this hadith clearly shows value Companion Ibn ‘Abbas: “It is accepted mandment in 2H for Muslims to memo- free its heavenly nature somewhat from women, married or unmarried, from equivalency, as wheat, at the time, was as Zakat for one who pays it before the rialize the beginning of the Quran's its clay confines so that it may draw their own wealth. The other legal rare in Arabia and deemed of compar- Eid Prayer. It is a charity like other revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, itself nearer in consciousness to God. schools require husbands to pay Zakat atively higher worth. charities for one who pays it after” (Al- on him be peace, 15 years before. It was This, as we’ve just seen, the Quran itself Al Fitr on behalf of their Muslim wives. Traditionally, most scholars did not Shawkani, Nayl Al-Awtar). revealed in the month of Ramadan, the tells us: So that you may be ever The Hanafi position, here, seems approve payment of Zakat Al Fitr in All scholars deem it sinful to delay ninth month in the Islamic lunar year, God-fearing. stronger in light of the hadith just cited, money, but either restricted its payment its payment until after Eid day. by reestablishing a primordial worship Practically speaking, the Arabic but bear in mind that, in the end, the to the food items the Prophet, on him be Abu Sa‘id, God be pleased with him, form, fasting (from dawn to sunset), word that “God-fearing” translates is Zakat Al Fitr payment must still be peace, mentioned, or to food staples said: “We used to pay, during the for the entire month whenever its new the unique religious term taqwa, remitted for each individual. common to the Muslims of the region in lifetime of the Messenger of Allah, God crescent appears. meaning, in its essence, to keep mindful Children: If children possess wealth, which it was being paid. But Abu Hanifah, bless him and grant him peace, on the O you who believe! Fasting is pre- of God so that one becomes habituated Zakat Al Fitr comes due out of their indi- and some other prominent individual day of fast-breaking” (meaning the day scribed for you as it has been pre- to doing what He commands and res- vidual holdings, otherwise the child’s scholars, did allow for payment of Zakat of Eid, without specifying any time scribed for those who have believed olute in holding back from what He guardian pays on behalf of his son or Al Fitr in value. marks, like the Eid Prayer or sunrise). before you, so you may be ever God- forbids. daughter. Some scholars say only a father Payment in value is now widely The point of these late-date pay- fearing.It is for a specified number of As such, the perfection of fasting, as guardian must pay it for his child, accepted among Muslims, with many ments is to ensure the happiness and days. … It was the month of Ramadan the worship rite, demands of one more while it is not due on the orphan (in Zakat-collecting agencies, like Zakat distribution to the poor on Eid day, for in which the Quran was first sent down than merely depriving his or her body Islam, the fatherless). A few scholars rule Foundation of America, converting that their gratification, in compliance with as guidance for all people, having in it of drink, food and passionate fulfillment. that Zakat Al Fitr amounts to only a currency payment into foodstuffs for dis- the Prophet’s instruction, on him be clear proofs of divine guidance and the It aims to train the human spirit to faster’s obligation, as it amends the tribution at the time of Eid to the des- peace. In our current context, distri- criterion for right and wrong. So master the physical nature that frames faster’s mistakes or purifies one’s fast titute, refugees, the displaced and the bution of Zakat Al Fitr to its intended whoever among you bears witness to it. So fasting also requires us to hold our from moral contaminants. egregiously poor. Note that Zakat Al Fitr recipients, the poor, for its intended the month shall then fast it. (Surat al- tongues from unseemly speech (In the But the position that the Zakat Al Fitr must be transported to reach the poor, social reason — to “gratify” them on Baqarah, 2:183-85) past, fasting meant to some no speech payment is due for every Muslim, “young even in other countries, to reach its most Eid day — becomes much easier to Zakat Al Fitr differs from other kinds at all. See Mary, mother of Jesus, peace or old,” is the stronger and more widely desirable recipients on the day of Eid. manage when it is paid early in of alms or charity in that it is imposed on him: Indeed, I have vowed a fast to held opinion. This does not include the Zakat Al Fitr paid in money is Ramadan. on the individual Muslim and not on his the All-Merciful. Thus, I shall not speak unborn child still in the womb, according simply much more useful today than or her measures of wealth or earnings. today to any human being (Surat to the vast majority of scholars, though donations of food items. In addition, Who can receive Zakat Al Fitr? Maryam, 19:26)); and to keep our hands the practice of some of the most prom- most scholars consider the foodstuffs All Muslim scholars agree that poor Obligatory on All Muslims from bad action; as well as to deny our inent Companions, like ‘Uthman ibn mentioned by the Prophet, on him be Muslims are legitimate recipients of The Prophet, on him be peace, spe- hearts impure thought. ‘Affan, God be pleased with him, seems peace, to have been common among Zakat Al Fitr. A poor individual may cifically called the Ramadan Fast- This is fasting in its purity — an ideal, to encourage fathers to pay it for their the community of the time, and, also receive Fitr payments from more Breaking Alms “Zakat,” and the Quran perhaps, no human being can attain. babies unborn. therefore, most beneficial and useful than one giver, without restriction, says:And duly establish the Salah- Zakat al-Fitr, the obligatory alms at the The poor: Most scholars say each to its poor. Thus, they view these items though scholars dislike dividing a Prayer and give the Zakat-Charity. breaking of Ramadan’s month-long fast Muslim bears the obligation to pay Zakat as exemplary suggestions, establishing single payment among many recip- (Surat al-Baqarah, 2:110 and Surat cleanses our fast from the adulterations al-Fitr, even if they are poor, because the relative value and purpose of Zakat ients, as it seems to undo Zakat Al Fitr’s al-Nisa’, 4:77) we have accumulated in the course of the obligation falls on the person and not Al Fitr. In addition, most scholars now objective of sufficing a poor person on The Companions of the Prophet, observing it. on a person’s wealth, unlike Zakat establish the value of Zakat Al Fitr as the day of Eid. Nor can Zakat Al Fitr be on him be peace, report: The Messenger Ramadan’s fast concludes with one Al-Mal, the Obligatory Alms of Wealth. equal to what will “gratify” or “enrich” given to people for whom the payer is of Allah, God bless him and grant him of the two great celebrations in the The only exemption is for one who does a poor person in food for the day of Eid already responsible, such as a man’s peace, “imposed” the Zakat of Fast- Muslim year, Eid al-Fitr, the Commem- not possess food sufficient for the day of based on the cost of a common food wife, child, parents and so on. Breaking (at the close of Ramadan) at oration of Fast-Breaking. Eid, shelter, clothing and similar essen- staple or type in the place where that The majority of scholars say Zakat the measure of one sa‘ (4 double- On this day of joyful prayer and tials. (For a discussion on basic needs see poor person lives. The Hanafi position Al Fitr can be given to the poor and handfuls) of dates or one sa‘ of barley, gathering, every Muslim in every What Requirements Qualify Wealth for here, again, has seemed to carry, in that needy alone, or all eight Zakat cate- on every Muslim, free or bondsman, locality is to receive it with an oblig- Zakat?) Nor does deferred debt exempt the legal school does not rule as to gories. It is a choice. The Hanbalis and male or female. atory charity, communal Salah-Prayer, one from paying Zakat al-Fitr, unless that which type of Zakat Al Fitr is better to Malikis say Zakat Al Fitr belongs exclu- The vast majority of scholars rec- and a feast. debt is due the day of Eid and its payment give — food items (as expressed in the sively to the poor, even if it must be ognise this wording as enjoining an Zakat Al Fitr infuses the fasting and reduces one to an insufficiency of food hadith or analogized based on it) or its sent to another country at the payer’s “obligatory” alms levy. Similar pro- believing poor with the food resources for the day and basic needs, as just value in money. Rather, the Hanafi cost (according to the Malikis). phetic reports use other language that to whole-heartedly glorify God, cele- described. ruling emphasizes the payment method The Shafi’is hold that the same directly “commanded” every Muslim brate the Eid Prayer, and share the day’s The report from the Companion Abu that proves most beneficial to the poor eight categories of eligible recipients to give a required alms payment at the merriment and delight with their Sa‘id Al-Khudri (and other Companions, recipient of the Zakat Al Fitr. for Zakat Al Mal apply also to Zakat Al conclusion of Ramadan. children and families. The Prophet, on God be pleased with them) forms the Fitr, if the person is not distributing his There is a technical difference him be peace, famously said in this basis for the amount and kinds of Zakat More than the minimum or her own payment. between the four major schools of regard: “Gratify [the poor] on this day” Al Fitr. Yes. In fact, one is encouraged to www.zakat.org

Most people do not even live past the age of 83 The significance of Night of Power and yet God Almighty SAJID UMAR until the appearance of dawn.” and their destinies are decreed Paradise, and protection from of their heart is bringing them has gifted mankind (Surah Al Qadr) for the coming year. His Hellfire. It is these nights in closer to their final End. with a single night of he Night of Power, also As this verse teaches us, the God Almighty speaks about which the essence of Tawhid – So, dear brothers and sisters, known as the night of Night of Power is a night that is this in the Qur’an when he says: oneness of God Almighty alone look out and search for the night innumerable blessings, TDecree and in Arabic better and higher in rank than “Therein (the night of – is revived and rekindled in the of Decree and increase your a night worth more than known famously as ‘Laylatul 1,000 months. When calculated Laylatul Qadr) is decreed every hearts of Muslims, as the reali- worship on this night; a night on a lifetime! Can you even Qadar’, is a significant night into years, this adds up to over matter of ordainments.” (Surah zation that their fate and result which peace will descend on the during the month of Ramadan 83 years! Most people do not Al-Dukhan: 4) in the Hereafter ultimately and world, your every supplication imagine that? Glory be to for Muslims all over the world. even live past the age of 83 and Meaning the matters of completely lies with their Lord. will be answered, and your sins God, the Mos For it was on this blessed night yet God Almighty has gifted deaths, births, provisions, Night long prayers are estab- will be forgiven. that the Qur’an was revealed mankind with a single night of calamities, for the whole lished, and fervent supplica- We ask God Almighty to over 1400 years ago, as a innumerable blessings, a night (coming) year as decreed by tions are asked, every tongue allow us to reach the night of 3. Plan your worship guiding light and mercy. worth more than a lifetime! Can God. This night, according to the wet with the remembrance of Decree, to grant us the amazing beforehand so you do not waste God Almighty describes the you even imagine that? Glory Prophet Muhammad, is to be Allah, every heart yearning to opportunity of drawing closer any precious time on those Night of Power in the Quran as: be to God, the Most Gracious, found and searched for during seek His pleasure. Hands are to Him on this great night, and nights. Planning hourly is one “Verily, We have sent it (this the Most Merciful! the last ten nights of Ramadan raised, eyes are overflowing to accept and bless all our of the best techniques. Quran) down in the Night of It is the only night in which and will fall most likely on an with tears, knees are bent, and worship to Him on this night 4. Make heartfelt supplica- Power. And what will make you Angel Gabriel along with all the odd night. foreheads are prostrated out of and all others. tions to God Almighty and open know what the Night of Power other angels descends from the Thus, during these last ten sheer humility, in complete Practical tips: up your heart to Him. Du’aa is is? The Night of Power is better Heavens to the Earth. A night nights, Muslims from all over submission to the Creator. It is 1. Search for the Night of the essence of all worship. And than a thousand months. abundant with blessings and the world, in groups and in sol- a night on which Muslims are Power by looking out for those indeed God Almighty is the Therein come down the Angels mercy showered down upon itude, in public and in private, reminded of the simple fact that signs that are associated with hearer of supplications. and the Spirit (Gabriel) by Muslims by God, as each of in every language known to they are slaves, that their the night. 5. Connect to the Quran Allah’s permission with all them turn sincerely to Him, exist, and every ticking minute Creator is the Almighty and All- 2. Boost your worship to a during these nights and read it with Decrees. (All that night), there seeking His Forgiveness and of the hour, strive to worship Powerful, that this world is per- higher level and spend the entire understanding and meaning. Let is peace (and goodness from Guidance, as the pages of their God ardently and sincerely, ishable, that the Hereafter is night in worship. Aim to excel! it be your shining light in life. Allah to His believing slaves) books and records are opened seeking entrance into His everlasting, and that every beat These are the BEST nights! www.islamicity.org 06 AFRICA FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 Somalia reviving ties with Kenya after nearly six-month break REUTERS — MOGADISHU Jubbaland, one of Somalia’s five “...(T)he Ministry of Foreign tweeted in the afternoon that process in Jubbaland. semi-autonomous states. Affairs looks forward to further President Uhuru Kenyatta In February 2019, Kenya Somalia said yesterday it was “Now diplomatic relations normalization of relations by In November, Somalia “received a special message” recalled its ambassador after restoring diplomatic relations are restored,” Abdirahman the Somali authorities including expelled Kenya’s from Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Mogadishu decided to auction with neighbouring Kenya Yusuf, deputy information min- with regard to trade, commu- ambassador and bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar oil and gas exploration blocks almost six months after severing ister, told a news conference in nication, transportation, recalled its own from that was delivered by the at the centre of their maritime ties, accusing Nairobi of Mogadishu, saying the Gulf Arab people-to-people relations and special envoy of Qatar’s foreign rights dispute. The two coun- meddling in politics. state of Qatar had helped in the cultural exchanges,” it said in a Nairobi after accusing minister. tries had revived ties in Relations between the process. statement. It also acknowledged Kenya of interfering in In November, Somalia November the same year. countries have also been tense Kenya’s foreign ministry the support of Qatar in par- the electoral process in expelled Kenya’s ambassador The two are at present over the ownership of potential said yesterday evening that it ticular in its efforts to normalise Jubbaland. and recalled its own from before the World Court to adju- oil and gas deposits, some of took note of the Somali govern- relations. Nairobi after accusing Kenya of dicate the maritime boundary which lie off the coast of ment’s announcement. State House in Nairobi interfering in the electoral dispute. Somalia: Anti-president soldiers Ethiopia declares Tigray, Oromia to return to barracks after deal groups terrorist

REUTERS — MOGADISHU two-year presidential term extension organisations that has twice flared into violence in the Somali forces who back the opposition capital. BLOOMBERG — ADDIS ABABA have agreed to return to their barracks The agreement included demands or posts elsewhere in the country after that opposition-allied forces return to Ethiopian lawmakers declared reaching an agreement with the prime barracks within 48 hours, that soldiers two political groups as terrorist minister, a spokesman for the loose be apolitical, and a promise that soldiers organisations, as the alliance of opposition forces said who declared support for the opposition government moves to quell yesterday. would not be penalized. instability in the run-up to The spokesman had told Reuters late “Forces should not be used for pol- elections next month. on Wednesday that the dissident forces itics or interfered with,” said Assistant The House of Peoples’ would not relinquish control of parts of Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Representatives backed a gov- the capital until President Mohamed al Cadaala. ernment proposal to outlaw Abdullahi Mohamed stood down. But some other opposition leaders, the Oromo Liberation Army “Now there is peace and agreement,” including the spokesman for the oppo- and the Tigray People’s Liber- Members of a section of the Somali National Army opposed to the president’s Major Diini Ahmed, spokesman for the sition-allied troops, rejected the ation Front in a vote yesterday continued stay in office without a new mandate, hold their position in the Karan opposition-allied troops, told Reuters agreement, raising the possibility that in the capital, Addis Ababa. district of Mogadishu, Somalia, on Wednesday. late yesterday. He said the Prime Min- the standoff could continue. Prime Minister Abiy ister Mohamed Hussein Roble, other offi- Major Ahmed had said late on Ahmed’s office at the weekend cials and some opposition leaders had Wednesday that the agreement had In April, the lower half of the existing attacking anyone. We are against dicta- accused the OLA of carrying agreed that mistakes will be solved and “nothing to do with us.” The crisis flared parliament approved a two-year term torship,” Ahmed told Reuters. out a series of recent attacks that forces will be returned to where they when, amid political wrangling between extension for President Mohamed, com- On Saturday, lawmakers rescinded against civilians that left many had come from, region or barracks”. federal and regional authorities and the monly referred to by his nickname “Far- their approval of the term extension, but people dead and displaced and Officials and some opposition leaders opposition, Somalia failed to hold a maajo”, although the Senate rejected it. some in the opposition remain sceptical put society “in constant antic- signed a 10-point agreement on December election for a new crop of leg- Opposition-backing forces refuse to of Mohamed’s stated willingness to step ipation of danger and fear.” Wednesday aimed at ending the months- islators who were supposed to select a accept Mohamed as president. down and want him to immediately hand Federal troops have been bat- long political standoff over a proposed new president in February. “We are national forces. We are not over power to the prime minister. tling supporters of the dis- sident TPLF in the northern Tigray region since November. The OLA, an separatist Morocco recalls its ambassador to Germany as tensions rise group that broke away from the Oromo Liberation Front AP — RABAT, MOROCCO The German Foreign Min- with a destructive attitude on And the ministry said independence for Western last year, vowed to step up istry did not immediately the issue of the Moroccan Germany exhibited a “con- Sahara after Morocco annexed attacks on Addis Ababa. Morocco’s ambassador to comment on the recall. Sahara.” It accused Germany of tinued determination to counter the former Spanish colony in “The OLA will engage in Germany has been recalled to In March, Morocco sus- “antagonistic activism” fol- Morocco’s regional influence, 1975. UN peacekeepers now total war to remove this ille- Rabat for “consultations,” the pended ties with the German lowing Trump’s decision. particularly on the Libyan monitor a 30-year-old cease- gitimate clique from power Moroccan Foreign Ministry said Embassy due to “deep misun- The ministry also accused issue,” after Morocco was not fire between Moroccan forces and to finally enforce the con- yesterday. derstandings” following German authorities of acting included in important Libya and Polisario supporters. stitutionally enshrined right to The North African king- then-US President Donald “with complicity towards an peace talks in Berlin in January. The UN has expressed self-determination for the dom’s move comes amid rising Trump’s controversial decision individual formerly convicted After Morocco froze rela- concern that Trump’s decision — Oromo people and other tensions with Germany, notably in December to recognise of acts of terror, by disclosing tions with the German Embassy in exchange for Morocco normal- oppressed nations of Ethiopia,” related to the disputed Western Morocco’s sovereignty over the sensitive information commu- in March, Germany’s gov- ising diplomatic ties with Israel — OLA spokesman Odaa Tarbill Sahara. The ministry also cited territory. On Thursday, the nicated by the Moroccan ernment said it saw no reason could thwart negotiation efforts said in an emailed statement concerns about the two coun- Moroccan Foreign Ministry said security services to their for a deterioration of its good in the long-running Western on Thursday. tries’ cooperation against ter- in a statement that “Germany German counterparts.” It did diplomatic relations with Sahara conflict. Many countries, Billene Seyoum, a spokes- rorism and in settling Libya’s has distanced itself from the not name the individual, or Morocco. The Algeria-backed including Germany, support a UN- woman for Abiy, said she conflict. spirit of constructive solution elaborate on the accusations. Polisario Front fought for brokered political solution. wouldn’t comment about a statement from an entity deemed a terrorist organi- Rwanda President Indian virus variant found zation by the parliament. seeks to bring first mRNA vaccine in three African countries Gunmen kill 15 plant to Africa BLOOMBERG — ADDIS ABABA Fearing an influx of infec- soldiers in attack tions and mindful of how trans- BLOOMBERG — KIGALI The coronavirus strain circu- missible the variant is, Nigeria, in southwest Niger lating in India has been detected Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania REUTERS — NIAMEY Rwandan President Paul in three African countries, are among countries that have Kagame said his country is in according to the head of the temporarily banned flights from Unidentified gunmen killed 15 talks to establish the first Africa Centres for Disease India. COVID-19 strains first soldiers and wounded four mRNA vaccine plant in Africa Control and Prevention. detected in the UK and South more on Tuesday in an attack as the continent battles the Authorities in Kenya, Africa have been reported in 20 on an army post in southwest coronavirus pandemic. Uganda and Morocco have and 23 African nations respec- Niger, the ministry of defence “Rwanda is working with reported the presence of the tively, according to said on Wednesday. The attack partners to bring the first variant known as B.1.617, John Nkengasong. in north Tillabery region, mRNA manufacturing facility Nkengasong, the center’s African countries have which borders Mali and to Africa,” Kagame said at a director, said in an online administered 20.2 million of the Burkina Faso, came two days A health worker talks to colleagues as they prepare to receive a virtual event this week briefing yesterday. Five cases 37.6 million vaccine doses they after gunmen killed 16 soldiers coronavirus vaccine at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, organized by the Independent have been found in Kenya and have received, covering 1.1% of in the nearby Tahoua region Kenya, on March 5, 2021. Panel for Pandemic Prepar- one in Uganda, while the the population of more than 1.3 of the West African country. edness and Response. He Moroccan government is billion, Nkengasong said. While The soldiers were part of didn’t give further details. “investigating some cases Morocco and Kenya have dis- shots, the continent’s most pop- issued 1.2 million vaccines, or a special force called Oper- Africa has few manufac- there,” he said. tributed nearly 90% of their ulous nation, Nigeria, has only 29% of its allocation, he said. ation Almahaou. turing facilities of any kind and most that do exist can only package and distribute the inoculations rather than make S Africa’s ANC faces power struggle Egypt to close restaurants, the ingredients needed for the shots. stores early to curb COVID-19 mRNA vaccines differ from as top official defies suspension traditional inoculations in that REUTERS — CAIRO that citizens are not fully com- they use edited messenger REUTERS — CAPE TOWN my suspension is thus wholly top decision-making body will plying with health precau- RNA, or ribonucleic acid, to suspended, until my appeal has meet at the weekend to for- The closing hours of Egyptian tions... we are beginning to see protect the body against path- A top official in South Africa’s been heard, and its final mulate a response. It appealed stores, malls and restaurants that infections are happening ogens. Pfizer Inc., together African National Congress outcome announced,” to Magashule to respect its will be brought forward to 9pm on a familial scale, when one with BioNTech SE, has (ANC) has appealed against his Magashule wrote in a latter to decision and “subject himself (1900 GMT) to help contain the person gets sick (they infect) developed an mRNA vaccine suspension on corruption the ANC. He said he would not to the discipline of the organi- coronavirus for two weeks the whole family,” Madbouly to fight Covid-19, as has charges and attempted to step aside until his appeal was sation.” Ramaphosa replaced starting yesterday, straddling said. Moderna Inc. Their shots have suspend President Cyril heard. Magashule said he was scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma the last days of the Muslim holy While Egypt imposed so far proved more effective Ramaphosa in an increasingly suspending Ramaphosa, who as ANC leader in December month of Ramadan and Eid stricter measures at the start of than those produced by other open power struggle in the faces allegations of vote-buying 2017. His increasingly bold anti- celebrations, the prime the pandemic, closing its air- companies using more tradi- governing party. during the 2017 campaign to corruption campaign has minister said on Wednesday. space and setting nightly tional methods. ANC Secretary General Ace become ANC leader. An ANC ensnared rivals and could help Large gatherings and con- curfews to curb the spread of “I had the opportunity to Magashule, who has denied the spokesman said the president, him consolidate power in the certs will be banned over the the virus, it has remained initiate contacts with different corruption allegations, was sus- who denies wrongdoing and party before a leadership same period and beaches and largely open since June 2020. manufacturers of vaccines pended on Wednesday by the faces no charges, had not been contest in 2022. parks will be shut between May Some venues including specifically focusing on the party once led by late apartheid suspended. “The ‘step aside’ Magashule, a Zuma ally 12-16, Mostafa Madbouly said hotels have been required to messenger RNA technique fighter Nelson Mandela. The resolution is quite clear on who who as secretary general is in in a televised address. operate at limited capacity, and used by Moderna and Pfizer,” move follows an anti-cor- should be asked to step aside charge of the day-to-day The number of new coro- Madbouly said authorities had Kagame said last month. “We ruption campaign launched by or who should voluntarily step running of the ANC, was sus- navirus cases has been steadily fined 1.7 million people 50 have been involved in discus- Ramaphosa in 2018 when he aside. It should be those who pended in line with tougher rising in Egypt in recent weeks Egyptian pounds ($3.20) each sions and I have briefed a few took over as state president are indicted in a court of law,” rules for party officials charged and officials have warned of for not wearing masks in colleagues on our continent with promises to crack down ANC spokesman Pule Mabe told with corruption. He faces cor- infections spreading further as public. The government has but we want to take it forward hard on widespread graft. eNCA television. ruption charges over a contract families meet during Ramadan, been rolling out a nationwide by discussing it with others.” “I am immediately, and for- The ANC said it had noted to audit homes with asbestos which ends next week, with Eid vaccination programme since To date, only about 20 mally, appealing this unconsti- the contents of Magashule’s roofs when he was premier of festivities to follow. January, and Madbouly said million Africans have been tutional suspension, in terms of letter, and the decision to the Free State province. He “As a government and as approximately 1 million people vaccinated against COVID-19. the ANC Constitution, suspend him stood. The party’s denies wrongdoing. officials, we are deeply worried had been vaccinated so far. FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 ASIA 07 COVID-19 spreads to rural India, villages ill-equipped to fight it

REUTERS — NEW DELHI available, although it could A record 412,262 new take months for the World Hopes that India’s rampaging Trade Organization to hammer second wave of COVID-19 is cases and 3,980 deaths out any deal. peaking were set back were reported over the While India is the world’s yesterday as record daily past 24 hours, taking biggest vaccine maker, it is infections and deaths were struggling to produce enough reported and as the virus total infections past 21 doses. Its two current vaccine spread from cities to villages million and the overall producers will take two that were poorly equipped to death toll to 230,168, months or more to boost cope. monthly output to more than Government modelling Health Ministry data 110 million doses from 70 had forecast a peak by showed. million-80 million. Migrant workers board an overcrowded bus to return to their cities and villages after the West Bengal Wednesday in infections that At a meeting with his top government imposed a partial lockdown, in Kolkata, West Bengal, yesterday. have overwhelmed the officials yesterday, Modi healthcare system, with hos- limited public healthcare, stressed that Indian states spreader” events. Several COVID-19. have teamed up with a non- pitals running out of beds and including a dearth of testing must keep up vaccination Indian states have imposed Practising Hindus collect profit organisation to turn medical oxygen. facilities, means the threat is rates and that healthcare various levels of social restric- the ashes of the dead a few some of the city’s ubiquitous A record 412,262 new cases grave in rural areas that are workers involved in the inoc- tions to try to stem infections, days after the funeral for three-wheeled autorickshaws and 3,980 deaths were home to nearly 70% of the 1.3 ulation campaign must not be but the federal government immersion in a river or sea, into makeshift ambulances for reported over the past 24 billion population. In the town diverted to other tasks, the has resisted imposing a one of the rituals that they COVID-19 patients. hours, taking total infections of Susner in Madhya Pradesh government said. national lockdown. believe lead to salvation of the Indian Foreign Minister past 21 million and the overall state, patients were being Although the country has The southern state of soul. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar death toll to 230,168, Health treated outdoors under trees, administered at least 157 Kerala announced yesterday “Our lockers are full. We acknowledged the healthcare Ministry data showed. on blankets on the ground. million vaccine doses, its rate it will impose nine days of cannot store any more ashes. system “stands exposed” after “This temporarily halts Prime Minister Narendra of inoculation has fallen curbs on movement from We used to get around 40 75 years of under-funding by speculations of a peak,” Rijo Modi’s government welcomed sharply in recent days. Saturday. COVID-19 bodies a day. We successive governments since M John, a professor at the US President Joe Biden’s Modi has been widely crit- In the office of a Hindu are now telling relatives to independence from Britain. Indian Institute of Man- announcement that he would icized for not acting sooner to crematorium in Delhi, the take the ashes with them on “It’s very easy to say today agement in the southern state support waiving intellectual suppress the second wave, floor and shelves were over- the same day,” Pankaj Sharma, that we should have put in of Kerala, said on Twitter. property rights for COVID-19 after religious festivals and flowing with earthen pots, a manager at the crematorium, more money. Now that I am in While the capital New vaccinations. political rallies drew tens of plastic packets and steel con- said. government..., I can say it is not Delhi and several other cities Such a waiver would make thousands of people in recent tainers filled with the ashes of With Delhi running short as easy as it sounds,” Jais- have been hardest hit so far, vaccines more widely weeks and became “super people who have died from of ambulances, authorities hankar said on Wednesday. Indonesia begins Thai student jailed for insulting king gets bail, others denied imposing ban on REUTERS — BANGKOK Krisadang Nutcharat, one of her Nampa, had been infected with monarchy, considered by many amassed powers beyond those domestic travel lawyers, told Reuters. the coronavirus in custody. conservative Thais to be of a constitutional monarch A Thai court yesterday granted Panusaya has been on Panusaya, Arnon and five sacrosanct. since he took the throne in 2016 before Eid Al Fitr bail to student protest leader hunger strike during her other protest leaders have been The protests also demanded after the death of his father, Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawat- detention along with another in detention for several weeks the resignation of Prime Min- who reigned for 70 years. REUTERS — JAKARTA tanakul, who has spent eight jailed protest leader, Parit on charges of insulting King ister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a Prayuth’s allies say his party weeks in detention on charges “Penguin” Chiwarak, 22, who Maha Vajiralongkorn, a crime former army chief who first won free and fair elections in Indonesia began imposing a of insulting the country’s king, was hospitalised last week. in Thailand that carries a came to power in a 2014 mil- 2019 and have said any crit- previously announced ban on even as six fellow leaders Parit’s bail hearing was post- penalty of up to 15 years in itary coup. icism of the monarchy for domestic travel yesterday as remain in jail. poned yesterday, according to prison for each violation. Some student leaders have political gain is against the law. it sought to contain the spread Bail conditions require Pan- his lawyers. The groundbreaking dem- accused Prayuth and his mil- The palace has repeatedly of the coronavirus during the usaya, 22, to stay in Thailand, Earlier yesterday, author- onstrations by tens of thousands itary backers of using their declined to comment on the Eid Al Fitr celebrations, when attend court sessions when ities confirmed that another of mostly students last year alliance with the monarchy to protests. millions normally travel to summoned and refrain from activist accused of royal insult, made once-unthinkable calls retain political power. Panusaya was expected to mark the end of the Islamic offending the monarchy, human rights lawyer Arnon for reforming Thailand’s Some also said the king had be freed yesterday evening. fasting month. Police officers were deployed across the capital city of Jakarta yesterday to Australia reinstates social check documents and prevent travellers without special per- distancing curbs in Sydney mission from leaving the city. They were enforcing a ban on travel by air, land, sea, and rail REUTERS — SYDNEY to and from New South Wales announced in April which is while authorities investigated. due to be in place between Australian officials reinstated “With several outstanding May 6-17. social distancing measures in unknowns in the situation in Millions of people in the Sydney as New Zealand partially Sydney it is safest to pause the world’s largest Muslim- suspended the pair’s “travel QFT (quarantine-free travel majority nation traditionally bubble” yesterday, amid fears agreement),” Hipkins said in a “mudik” or return home to an Indian variant case of statement. visit their families for the COVID-19 could spur a signif- The so-called “travel celebrations. icant outbreak. bubble” between Australia and But senior health officials The swift action was taken New Zealand opened less than have expressed concern about a day after a 50-year-old man a month ago. The NSW sus- the emergence of new and became the first reported local pension comes into effect at more virulent coronavirus transmission case in New South midnight. mutations across Indonesia, Wales state in more than a The case of the unidentified including two cases this week month, with the source of his Sydney man, who passed the of the B.1.617 variant, which infection baffling health virus on to his wife, appeared was first identified in India late officials. to be the first time officials had last year and is ravaging the Further testing determined reported the local transmission country. the man was infected with a of an India virus variant in Indonesia has seen the People get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand. variant first detected in India Australia. highest number of coronavirus and genomic sequencing had With many people expected cases and deaths in Southeast linked the case to a returned to gather over the weekend for Asia. Foreign residents in Thailand traveller from the United States, annual Mother’s Day celebra- Despite the risks, some NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry tions, the NSW state gov- people still tried to dodge the Chant said yesterday, but there ernment restricted household rules early yesterday, with can be vaccinated, assures govt was no clear transmission path gatherings to 20 guests and police saying on Twitter that between the two people. limited aged care facility visitors several individuals had tried AP — BANGKOK million Thai nationals and 3 in its vaccination rollout and “We can’t find any direct to two people per resident. to leave the capital city by million foreigners. showed no sense of urgency until link between our case, so what Masks will be mandatory on hiding out on the back of a Thailand sought yesterday to More than 2.5 million for- early April, when new infections we’re concerned about is there public transport and at indoor vegetable truck. assure its foreign residents that eigners in Thailand are from began sweeping through slums is another person that is as yet venues. All the restrictions, “I will still try to return they can get COVID-19 vaccina- neighboring countries, including and low-income areas located unidentified that infected our which cover around 5.3 million home because this has become tions, countering comments by Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. in and around Bangkok’s central case,” Chant said. people in the country’s biggest a tradition even though we some officials suggesting they Many work on construction sites business district. New Zealand’s minister for metropolitan area, take effect have not gone home for two would be at the end of the line and in factories. The rest, about Less than 2% of all Thais have COVID-19 response, Chris at 5pm local time and are years already,” said 44-year for inoculations. 200,000, are mostly profes- been inoculated for COVID-19, Hipkins, said his country was scheduled to last until Monday old Basuki Riyanto, who was Opas Karnkawinpong, sionals legally living in Thailand mostly health workers, but the halting quarantine-free travel morning. contemplating how to get to director-general of Thailand’s and retirees - from Australia, government says it intends to Central Java province Department of Disease Control, China, Britain, Europe, the United vaccinate 70% by the end of the yesterday. made the pledge as Thailand States and elsewhere. year. Until recently, Thailand had “I will try to go ahead fought to control an outbreak in Opas’ comments came after relatively few cases and less than regardless of the conditions if the heart of its capital that has some health authorities had said 100 deaths. It only signed deals there is a closure.” Indonesia sickened thousands of people in foreigners legally living in the for the local manufacturing of has reported a total of the past month, Thais and for- country would have to wait until AstraZeneca vaccines in late 1,691,658 confirmed corona- eigners alike. the entire Thai population was 2020, choosing at first only to virus cases and 46,349 He said at least 70% of Thai- inoculated to get shots. import China’s Sinovac vaccine. COVID-19 deaths. land’s population has to be inoc- With strict travel restrictions The effort gained urgency as Earlier this week, the ulated to create “herd immunity” in place, many foreign residents new cases surged to about 2,000 country’s health minister said and that Prime Minister Prayut would need to make time-con- a day and deaths began the first two cases of the Indian Chan-ocha “mentioned clearly suming and expensive trips escalating. variant had been identified in that everyone on Thai soil, both abroad to get the shots. Yesterday, Thailand reported Jakarta. Thais and foreigners, can access “We have followed interna- 1,911 new cases and 18 new Some 13 cases of the B.117 the vaccines.” tional practice,” he said. deaths, bringing the total number variant first detected in the “Foreigners and diplomats “Thais and foreigners of confirmed infections to 76,811, United Kingdom were previ- will have the same criteria as including diplomats will be with 336 deaths. Of the total People wait in line at a coronavirus disease testing clinic in the ously discovered in the Thais,” Opas said, adding that the treated equally. ” Thailand has cases, 47,948 cases were since city centre in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. country. country had a population of 67 been very slow and haphazard April 1, along with most deaths. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 Will India’s pandemic outbreak Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI be world’s problem?

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] DR. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR At one point India considered MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI itself at the end of the pandemic [email protected] just a few weeks ago. Now, unfortunately the disease has spread and made it a colossal tragedy, but it is also a disaster People wearing protective face masks wait to receive a dose of COVISHIELD, for the rest of the world. Espe- EDITORIAL a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute cially since the coronavirus has of India, at a vaccination centre in New Delhi, India. mutated through double or triple strains of the virus, which in a Companies’ stellar performance way may be the driver behind threat anywhere and every- more Corona deaths this year the latest wave in this huge where, including countries rich than it was in 2020. Truly, the QATAR Stock Exchange listed companies have country. However the frightening in vaccines. risks of allowing the current out- delivered remarkable performance in the first quarter fact here is that what began in In fact, the biggest concern at break of the disease are not of current year. According to the figures released by India may not end there! present in India and elsewhere is limited to the destruction of the Qatar Stock Exchange recently, the combined net Nevertheless, the new and the threat posed by these places like India and those coun- profits of companies listed on QSE have reached current virus strains and perhaps mutated strains (COVID-19) tries alone ... if we realize that! QR10.92bn for the first quarter of 2021, showing a the continuous influx of gath- being the most transmissible and The mutated and emerging growth of 30.74 percent compared to the same quarter erings in this country were the their potential ability to strains may affect further delay in the last year. main reasons for the dangerous overcome vaccine immunity. in distributing the vaccine to Despite testing environment, Qatari companies have and rapid development of the Although nearly every known some countries of the world, managed to deliver profits by optimising their operating The biggest pandemic, not to mention the strain has been identified, including those whose popula- cost and taking other prudent measures. The strong concern at weak procedures of social dis- including those in Britain, Brazil tions are in the midst of vacci- results by the companies listed on the stock exchange tancing or wearing masks. Also and South Africa in India, the nation! Hence, is it real that are results of proactive measures taken by the gov- present in India may be the response to such a Indian mutated strains has India’s problem will be the ernment and capital market regulators to promote and elsewhere crisis was slow, when it claimed become in most of its states the world’s problem? growth of companies, especially smaller companies. victory prematurely! most widespread. At end, it is no coincidence Strong results of the companies have also boosted is the threat Of course, we have no doubt On other hand, the country that these mutations appear in investors’ sentiments. Encouraged by the positive first posed by these that following health instructions has the capacity to manufacture populations that have developed quarter results, the QE Index has surged around 5 and adhering to them, while 70 million doses of the Corona immunity through infection, as percent or 510 points in April and reached very close mutated strains taking the vaccine is the effective vaccine per month, but even with happened in India or Brazil, for to 11,000 mark. Qatar Stock Exchange index dropped (COVID-19) solution to challenge this deadly all those doses directed towards instance. However, it is true also 1.14 points, or 0.01 percent, to close at 10,895.72 points virus, otherwise the situation will its domestic needs, it is not suffi- that mass vaccination has pro- yesterday. Of the total 48 listed companies listed on being the most end as we follow in this country cient to meet the enormous vided a way out of this pandemic Qatar Stock Exchange, 13 firms fall in the Banks & transmissible of consecutive deaths, over- demand and protect its 1.4 billion for some countries, but what Financial Institutions sector. and their crowding of hospitals and their populations and perhaps this rate happened to India now is a stark The companies had also delivered solid performance health institutions and depleted needs to be increased three reminder that there is a long road in 2020, uncertainty and challenges created by the coro- potential ability oxygen supplies. Sadly, here we times. Perhaps the question what ahead for many others ....and if navirus outbreak. The combined net profits of com- to overcome see that this country is in a real I would ask here: Will India con- there is a time to intervene and panies listed on Qatar Stock Exchange reached catastrophe if the countries of siders only the production of the protect society, let it be now! QR31.62bn for the year 2020. vaccine the world do not also rush and vaccine and distributing it locally The Qatar Financial Markets Authority and Qatar immunity. take their hand, as indicators in the coming months, despite Dr.Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a Stock Exchange have taken many initiative in the past point out of the possibility of the agreed external requests and physician, medical innovator to develop and promote capital market. One such ini- entering this country into real demands! and writer. For any queries tiative was trading platform for SMEs. darkness in the coming weeks. Whatever it is, we should be regarding the contents of column The Qatar Stock Exchange had recently launched Therefore I stress here that, out aware that the world is on a can be contacted at: the QE Venture Market (QEVM), which provides a listing of control outbreaks pose a frightening path by recording [email protected] and trading platform for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) that do not fulfil listing requirement of the main market. The QEVM provides an alternative route to market for the SME’s who need the access to capital Facebook confronts human rights dilemma on political speech that being listed entails. The QEVM has given SME PARESH DAVE important to the functioning of govern- owners an opportunity to be listed in the bourse in REUTERS ments. Still, its policing of rule-breaking accordance with lighter and flexible regulations, while The 20-person board, which includes politicians, and political speech more giving further finance sources in order for them to grow legal scholars, activists and a former broadly, has prompted backlash from and expand their businesses Facebook Inc oversight board’s extension prime minister, upheld Trump’s governments and new regulatory The launch of the new market is the result of the of former US President Donald Trump’s threats in India, Hungary and Mexico. strategic initiatives and intense efforts made by the QSE banishment from the social network suspension from Facebook for the Many civil society advocates say the over the past years to develop Qatar’s capital market failed to settle how it will balance time being but said the company company is too ready to silence political through continuous consultations with private and fam- political leaders’ freedom of speech and needed to do far more to prepare for dissent and has no toolkit for dealing with ily-owned companies to identify their needs and offer its responsibility to make sure hateful the many ways authoritarian govern- them suitable solutions and incentives for listing in the rhetoric does not incite violence. volatile political situations. ments are manipulating its services, which market. The measures taken by the government and The 20-person board, which includes also include Instagram and WhatsApp. regulators will ensure that country’s capital market will legal scholars, activists and a former The issue is especially fraught in India, continue grow strong in future. prime minister, upheld Trump’s sus- special,” even as some were still storming where users since last year have criticized pension from Facebook for the time into the Capitol. Trump’s account had 35 Facebook for being slow to police hate being but said the company needed to do million followers. speech and other actions by politicians of far more to prepare for volatile political The board concluded that Trump the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Mean- situations. “used the communicative authority of while, the government demanded that D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The company’s policies on these the presidency in support of attackers,” Facebook remove posts critical of its han- issues have huge importance not just in and his violation of Facebook’s policies dling of the pandemic, including some by EMAIL: [email protected] the United States but in countries against glorifying violence was “severe local lawmakers. including India, Brazil, Myanmar and the in terms of its human rights harms.” It At the heart of the board’s order in the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Philippines. Political leaders there have did not exercise its authority to tell Trump case is the view that every FAX: +974 4455 7758 turned to the social network to stoke hate Facebook it must ban Trump Facebook user, including Trump, deserves MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 or spread misinformation, both with permanently. clarity on actions that will get them deadly consequences, according to But the board chastised Facebook banned forever and steps they can take to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 critical reviews by the United Nations for not having a process for re-applying ensure temporary suspensions are lifted. and other bodies. that or some other test to determine United Nations conventions, which LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 “Facebook has become a virtually when Trump’s privileges should be establish a widely respected though BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 indispensable medium for political dis- restored. It gave Facebook six months to voluntary framework for international course,” the board said in its Wednesday decide on Trump’s status and urged the human rights law, hold that freedom of SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 ruling. “It has a responsibility both to company to develop a policy to handle expression is a bedrock right, and thus allow political expression and to avoid crises in which its existing options people should not be subject to arbi- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 serious risks to other human rights.” would not prevent imminent harm. trary muzzling by Facebook. The email: [email protected] The Oversight Board gave Facebook Facebook said it is reviewing the company committed to upholding such credit for evaluating Trump’s actions feedback. human rights in a corporate policy PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 email: [email protected] during the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol, Trump’s suspension was the first unveiled in March that includes annual which prompted his ban from the service, time Facebook blocked a current pres- follow-up reports. “If you believe in MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 against the Rabat Plan of Action, a glo- ident, prime minister or head of state. In the international human rights law email: [email protected] bally accepted test for distinguishing March, it booted Venezuela President principles that guide the decision, it is incitement of hatred and violence from Nicolas Maduro for 30 days for hard to see how a lifetime ban could ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 what should be protected as free speech. spreading COVID-19 misinformation. EVER be permissible for any content FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] The six-point Rabat plan considers His administration called the penalty violation,” Nate Persily, a Stanford Uni- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 the context and intent of the speech, the “digital totalitarianism.” versity law professor, tweeted on email: [email protected] speaker, the content itself, its reach and As it has become a major infor- Wednesday. the imminence of harm. Trump, pres- mation source, Facebook has mostly But human rights law also holds that SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 ident at the time, told protesters in a given leeway to political leaders because people must be protected from violence FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] Facebook video that they were “very what they say is newsworthy and and other forms of harm.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar I'll be seeking commitments from the G7 members to use /ThePeninsulaQatar their voices and their votes, wherever and whenever possible to support the transition to net zero (carbon emissions), /Peninsula_Qatar kickstart a green industrial revolution, and build economies /ThePeninsulaNewspaper that withstand whatever our changing climate throws at us. Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 ASIA 09 Tokyo set to seek extension of emergency until May 31 REUTERS — TOKYO pandemic. “Based on the environment for all,” Koike told analyses from various angles, an earlier online conference. Japan’s capital will seek to my thinking is that we need an Tokyo added 591 new “The Tokyo 2020 Games are extend until May 31 its state of extension of the state of emer- cases yesterday. About a highly significant event that emergency aimed at curbing gency,” Koike said. 10,500 people have serves as a beacon of hope for coronavirus infections, Tokyo’s neighbouring pre- died nationwide since the world.” Tokyo added 591 Governor Yuriko Koike said fectures of Kanagawa, Chiba the pandemic began. new cases yesterday. About yesterday, a move that could and Saitama will also seek to 10,500 people have died spark more questions about its extend their partial states of nationwide since the pandemic ability to host the Olympics. emergency until the end of May, began. On Wednesday, three Japan had hoped a “short the regional governors agreed even many elderly people still sources had told Reuters that and powerful” emergency in a video meeting with Koike. waiting for inoculations. officials were leaning toward would contain a fourth wave of As mutant virus strains Still, Japan and the Interna- extending the emergency infections just under three become dominant, more tional Olympic Committee (IOC) beyond May 11 in the prefec- months before Tokyo is set to younger people are falling insist the Olympics will go on, tures of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto host the Olympic Games from victim, fuelling concern that the though foreign spectators have and Hyogo, a region that July 23. surge could surpass the third been banned. encompasses nearly a quarter While the measure now wave that crested in January, A decision on the number of Japan’s population. running from April 25 until Koike said. She urged people to of Japanese spectators still Osaka Governor Hirofumi A man wearing a protective face mask, amid the coronavirus disease Tuesday has not damped a curtail movement as a way to awaits, but detailed safety rules Yoshimura will also seek an (COVID-19) pandemic, makes his way at a local shopping street in surge of new infections, con- limit the spread. for the event were unveiled last extension from the central gov- Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday. tinuing it until May 31 leaves a Japan has not suffered as week. “We are now focusing on ernment. Osaka recorded 747 margin of less than two months badly from the virus as other fighting the invisible enemy that new cases on Thursday. before the Games, already post- nations, but its vaccination is the virus, so that we can “I think we cannot help but Yoshimura told a meeting of medical system was being poned by a year over the campaign is lagging badly, with provide a safe and secure to ask for an extension,” experts, adding that the region’s strained to its limit. S Korea raids China rejects G-7 activist’s office criticism on rights over anti-North leaflets AP — BEIJING western region’s predomi- nantly Muslim population. AP — SEOUL China’s government yesterday China also was irked that rejected criticism of its human G-7 governments for the first South Korean police yesterday rights and economic record by time unanimously recom- raided the office of an activist foreign ministers of the Group mended Taiwan be allowed who said he had floated of Seven major economies and “meaningful participation” in hundreds of thousands of accused them of meddling in the WHO. Wednesday’s propaganda leaflets toward its affairs. statement cited Taiwan’s North Korea by balloon in The Foreign Ministry also success in controlling the defiance of a contentious new rejected an appeal by the G-7 coronavirus. law that bans such activities. diplomats for Taiwan, the The Beijing government The issue of propaganda island democracy Beijing says Taiwan, which split with leaflets has emerged as a new claims as part of its territory, to the mainland in 1949 after a source of animosity between be allowed to participate in the civil war, has no right to the two Koreas, with North World Health Organization. conduct foreign relations or A woman gestures to a correctional services department van, after activist Joshua Wong was Korea calling it a provocation The statement on participate in global bodies as sentenced for participating in an unauthorised assembly, outside the court in Hong Kong, yesterday. and threatening to retaliate. Wednesday by G-7 diplomats a sovereign government. The Seoul Metropolitan in London “made groundless “Taiwan’s participation in Police said the raid on the accusations” said a Foreign international organisations, Hong Kong activist jailed for further 10 months Seoul office of activist Park Ministry spokesperson, Wang including the activities of the Sang-hak was related to his Wenbin. World Health Organization, REUTERS — HONG KONG in what was largely a peaceful “Freedom of assembly is not announcement that his group He accused them of “bla- which is composed of sovereign event last June, bar a brief unlimited,” Chan said. launched balloons carrying tantly meddling” in China’s states, must be handled in Hong Kong democracy activist skirmish with riot police in one Wong’s longtime activist 500,000 leaflets, 5,000 one- affairs. accordance with the one-China Joshua Wong will face an addi- neighbourhood. colleague, Nathan Law, who dollar bills and 500 booklets “China strongly condemns principle,” Wang said. tional 10 months in jail for Wong, 24, already in prison has fled the city and lives in about South Korea’s economic it,” Wang said at a press G-7 governments should be participating in an unau- on other illegal assembly con- Britain, condemned the sen- development across the border briefing. working on improving access thorised assembly on June 4 last victions and among 47 activists tence, saying the decision to last week. The officials from the to coronavirus vaccines for year to commemorate the 1989 charged under the city’s ban the vigil last year was They refused to provide United States, Japan, Germany, developing countries instead crackdown on protesters in and sweeping national security law, “unjustifiable”. details, citing the ongoing Britain, France, Italy and of “making accusations and around Beijing’s Tiananmen was sentenced in the district “The court keeps increasing investigation. Canada said they were “deeply interfering with other countries Square. court yesterday. the length of imprisonment for Park, a North Korean concerned” about Beijing’s in a condescending way,” Wang It was the first time the vigil A 15-month sentence was protesters and sees it as a defector who rose to fame treatment of Uyghur and other said. was banned in the global cut to 10 after he pleaded guilty. pathway for a society with because of his campaign to minorities. But they announced “Attempts to disregard the financial hub, with police citing Judge Stanley Chan also fewer conflicts,” Law said in a send leaflets across the border, no formal joint action. basic norms of international coronavirus restrictions on sentenced Lester Shum, Jan- statement. issued a brief statement saying Beijing rejects complaints relations and to create various group gatherings, as they did nelle Leung and Tiffany Yuen “It’s wrong — the only way police had arrived at his office. that it mistreats minorities and excuses to interfere in China’s for all demonstrations last year. to terms of between four and to achieve harmony is to hold He later told reporters that he says camps in Xinjiang are for internal affairs, undermine This year’s protest is expected six months. the powerful accountable. Now would keep launching bal- job training to promote eco- China’s sovereignty and smear to face a similar fate. Twenty others facing the courts are turned into loons despite the law that pun- nomic development and China’s image will never Still, tens of thousands of similar charges are to appear weapons against the ishes flying leaflets, USB drives combat radicalism among the succeed,” he said. people lit candles across the city in court on June 11. powerless.” or money into North Korea with up to three years in prison. “Even if we get three Fiji sequesters years in prison or even 30 Gunmen kill former TV presenter in Afghanistan years in prison... we’ll continue hospital staff to send anti-North leaflets to AP — KABUL, AFGHANISTAN added. The killing heightens Afghan journalists it con- year, three women employed let our ragged, starving com- after virus death worries over the fate of sidered too close to US-backed by media outlets were killed patriots in North Korea know Gunmen killed a former Afghan journalists as US security agencies. In a in eastern Afghanistan. The the truth” about their author- AP — WELLINGTON Afghan TV presenter troops pull out. Many fear statement, Taliban spokesman Islamic State group has itarian government, Park said. yesterday as he was travelling violence will spike and Zabihullah Mujahid warned claimed responsibility for He became the first person The military and police in the in the southern city of reprisals will be taken out Afghan journalists against some of the killings, including to be investigated under the Pacific nation of Fiji have Kandahar, a provincial against those who worked giving “one-sided news in that of the three women. The law since it took effect in surrounded and locked down official said, adding to fears with foreign forces. support of Afghanistan’s intel- majority of the targeted jour- March. a major hospital amid for press freedom in the war- Rawan was a former pre- ligence,” or otherwise “face nalists have been women. In a statement Sunday, concerns of a growing virus wrecked country. senter for the well-known the consequences.” The government blames a Kim Yo Jong, the powerful outbreak. Nimat Rawan was shot at local channel Tolonews. He Afghanistan is considered resurgent Taliban — who now sister of North Korean leader Health authorities say noon, provincial spokesman had been working in the one of the most dangerous control or hold sway over half Kim Jong Un, said North they’re quarantining 400 Baheer Ahmadi said, by two Finance Ministry’s media countries in the world to be a the country — for many of the Korean defectors in South patients, doctors, nurses and assailants who were able to office, media watchdog Nia journalist. Since 2006, as targeted killings. Korea recently “scattered staff within the compound escape with his mobile phone. said in a statement. many as 76 journalists have The insurgents, mean- leaflets against” the North. She until they can determine who Security officials have told No one immediately been killed in Afghanistan, while, claim the Afghan intel- called their action “an intol- had contact with a coronavirus several other journalists in claimed responsibility for the according to Unesco. ligence service is carrying out erable provocation” and said patient who died. the area that extremists are attack, but it comes a day after Last year alone at least 15 these attacks so as to blame her government would look The 53-year-old patient at targeting them as well, he the Taliban issued a threat to were killed, and earlier this the Taliban. into corresponding measures. Lautoka Hospital was just the third person in Fiji to die from the virus but the nation’s leaders are deeply worried Army announces elimination of 2 that the latest outbreak is spreading, especially after two militants in northwestern Pakistan doctors at the hospital tested positive for the virus. QNA/REUTERS — ISLAMABAD soldiers were killed and six Authorities say that wounded in an ambush by militants throughout the country, there Pakistan Army announced the elim- from Afghanistan along the border are currently 28 cases of com- ination of two militants in a security between the two countries on munity transmission. They operation in North Waziristan Wednesday, Pakistan’s military said. have restricted movement in district in the northwestern parts of The soldiers were working on six so-called containment the country. fencing along the border in the Zhob areas, including the capital, In a statement reported by the district, an area of Pakistan’s Balo- Suva. Fiji’s health system is ill- Associated Press of Pakistan news chistan province, the military said equipped to deal with a major agency, the army stated that security in a statement. Zhob sits across from outbreak. forces conducted an intelligence Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika Dr. James Fong, the per- based operation (IBO) in Dosalli, province. manent secretary for health, North Wazirstan after getting Late on Wednesday the Tehrik- said the hospital is closed and reports about presence of militants e-Taliban, a banned militant outfit all medical services are being and managed to kill two of them. operating along the border, claimed diverted to other facilities. He The statement added that three responsibility for the attack in a said those sequestered in the Pakistani soldiers were killed during statement shared. hospital would be provided an exchange of fire with the Pakistan’s Foreign Office said it with food, bedding and militants. had asked Afghanistan to take whatever other supplies they German troops hand over Afghan camp North Waziristan witnessed, in action against the militants. needed. “Right now, we are in early March, similar operations by Pakistan says it is constructing German and Afghan officers shake hands during handover ceremony of Mike Spin Camp to a war with this virus and the the Pakistani army, which resulted a fence along its 2,500 km (1,500 Afghan Defence Forces in Mazar-i-Sharif in the Balkh province on Wednesday. frontline has just extended to in the death of 12 militants. mile) frontier with Afghanistan to Lautoka Hospital.” On Wednesday, four Pakistani secure the area. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 EU mulls COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver

REUTERS — BRUSSELS companies able to rapidly man- ufacture a similar vaccine and The European Union is willing US President Joe Biden secure approval for it. to discuss a proposal to waive voiced support for a Brian Skorney, an analyst intellectual property rights for waiver in a reversal of with the US investment bank COVID-19 vaccines, European the US position, and his Baird, said he believed the dis- Commission President Ursula top trade negotiator, cussion amounted to grand- von der Leyen said yesterday, standing by the Biden adminis- as drugmakers fought their Katherine Tai, swiftly tration, and doubted it would ground and their share prices endorsed negotiations have any broader long-term slipped. at the World Trade impact across the industry. US President Joe Biden Organization. While Wall Street’s main voiced support on Wednesday indexes rose slightly yesterday, for a waiver in a reversal of the vaccine makers’ shares were US position, and his top trade down, albeit well off their early negotiator, Katherine Tai, lows. Moderna was down 2.8% swiftly endorsed negotiations record time - said the proposal at 1548 GMT. Pfizer was down at the World Trade could have the opposite effect, 1.4% and Novavax was down Organization. by disrupting a stretched and 0.4%. In London, AstraZeneca, WHO chief Tedros fragile supply chain. which has sold its vaccine at Adhanom Ghebreyesus reached They urged rich countries cost price, fell 0.8%. for capital letters in a tweet instead to share vaccines more More than 155 million calling Biden’s move a “MON- generously with the developing people have been reported to UMENTAL MOMENT IN THE world. be infected worldwide by the FIGHT AGAINST #COVID19”, And Germany, the EU’s coronavirus and almost 3.4 and said it reflected “the biggest economic power and million have died, according to French President Emmanuel Macron and Commander of the Paris fire department, the Brigade de wisdom and moral leadership home to a large pharmaceutical a Reuters tally. sapeurs-pompiers de Paris, General Jean-Marie Gontier visit a COVID-19 vaccination centre during its of the United States”. sector, rejected the idea, saying But the vast bulk of the 624 inauguration at Porte de Versailles convention centre in Paris, yesterday. WTO Director-General the reasons for the lack of vac- million people who have Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told cines were capacity and quality received at least one dose of the member states that she “warmly standards. vaccine, according to the Our is the United States that has not more widely available. technology, know-how and welcomed” the US move, Health Minister Jens Spahn World in Data website, live in exported a single dose to other Until now, the European personnel. Morgan Stanley ana- adding: “We need to respond said he shared Biden’s goal of wealthier countries. countries, and is now talking Union has been aligned with a lysts noted that there was no urgently to COVID-19 because providing the whole world with The global COVAX facility, about lifting the patents,” the group of countries, many mechanism to force companies the world is watching and vaccines, but a government which is backed by the WHO official said. including Britain and Swit- to teach others how to make people are dying.” Von der spokeswoman said in a and the Global Alliance for Vac- John Nkengasong, head of zerland home to large pharma- their vaccine. Leyen, speaking to the statement that “the protection cines and Immunization (GAVI) the Africa Centres for Disease ceutical companies, that have Von der Leyen said that, in European University Institute of intellectual property is a and aims to supply vaccines to Control and Prevention, urged opposed the waiver. the short run, the EU was urging in Florence, said the EU was source of innovation and must low-income countries, has so patience. British trade minister Liz all vaccine-producing countries ready to discuss any proposals remain so in the future”. far handed out around 41 “The results will not be Truss did not mention the to allow exports and to avoid that address the crisis “in an The International Feder- million doses. tomorrow,” told a briefing. waiver, but said Britain was measures that disrupt supply effective and pragmatic ation of Pharmaceutical Man- French President Emmanuel “What we need now, and working at the WTO to resolve chains. A European Commission manner”. ufacturers and Associations said Macron said he was “very much urgently, is vaccines that we can the issue. Switzerland said spokeswoman said this “That’s why we are ready to a waiver would encourage new in favour” of opening up intel- put in the arms of people while Biden’s announcement was an comment was not aimed at any discuss how the US proposal for manufacturers who lacked lectual property. However, a developing our own manufac- important one, but that many country in particular. a waiver on intellectual essential know-how and French government official said turing capacity.” South Africa questions remained open. South Africa and India have property protections for oversight. the lack of vaccines was the and India made the initial Vaccine-making is compli- said they will revise their waiver COVID-19 vaccines could help One of those firms, result of a lack of production waiver proposal at the WTO in cated, as shown by the pro- proposal ahead of the next WTO achieve that objective.” But Moderna, had already waived capacity and ingredients, not of October, gathering support from duction problems experienced meetings on the topic later in drugmakers - who have pro- its patent rights in October, and patents. many developing countries, by several manufacturers, and May and on June 8-9. duced coronavirus vaccines in yesterday noted the lack of “I would remind you that it which say it will make vaccines would also require a transfer of

Germany to allow AstraZeneca Johnson faces test in COVID-19 vaccine Hartlepool by-election for all adults REUTERS — LONDON town three times before the REUTERS — BERLIN vote. The northern English town of He again pushed his Germany will allow Astra- Hartlepool was voting for a message that only the Conserv- Zeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine to new member of parliament atives can create new jobs in be administered to adults of yesterday, a test of Prime an area where the demise of all ages and aims to offer 12-18 Minister Boris Johnson’s heavy industry has left many year olds a vaccine by the end handling of the COVID-19 unemployed. Boats are seen in the only channel that allows access to the harbour in St Helier, Jersey, yesterday. of August as it seeks to speed pandemic and the future of the The vote is one of dozens up its rollout, Health Minister opposition Labour Party’s new of elections taking place yes- Jens Spahn said yesterday. leader. terday, ranging from those to The country’s 16 regional Britain withdraws patrol boats from Johnson’s governing Con- local councils to parliamentary health ministers have agreed servative Party hopes to break votes, in Scotland, England and with Spahn to reverse a pre- Labour’s decades-long hold Wales, gauging support for vious decision to restrict the Jersey after post-Brexit fishing row over Hartlepool, a former Britain’s two main parties and AstraZeneca shot to people industrial port town, to bolster in Scotland’s case, the depth of over 60 years old. He also said REUTERS — LONDON Offshore Patrol Vessels would Hugo Lehuby, spokesman a 2019 election victory in which backing for its leading party’s that the current 12-week gap prepare to return to port in the for the Normandy Regional he won votes from traditional push for independence. between first and second Britain withdrew its Royal Navy UK as the “situation is resolved Fisheries Committee, said talks opposition supporters. Both parties have sug- doses of AstraZeneca vaccina- vessels from the waters off for now”. between island officials and rep- If the town does elect the gested these polls, especially tions could be shortened. Jersey yesterday but said it “We are pleased that French resentatives of the fishermen Conservative candidate, farmer in Hartlepool, will feel very “Both these measures would remain on standby to fishing boats have now left the were not positive. Jill Mortimer, it will also raise different. serve to further to accelerate support the Channel island after vicinity of Jersey,” a spokes- “We’re getting deeper into questions over the leadership The coronavirus crisis has our vaccination campaign a dispute with France over post- woman for the government said. deadlock,” Lehuby told Reuters. of Keir Starmer, elected last curtailed campaigning and overall,” said Spahn. Initial Brexit fishing rights escalated “We remain on standby to “Either this gets resolved, or year as a new face to lead overshadowed traditional supply shortages and bureau- rapidly. provide any further assistance retaliatory measures are taken.” Labour to electoral success election topics such as wider cratic hurdles meant Germany, France and Britain both Jersey requests.” British Prime Jersey officials have said the after a disastrous showing in health policy, education and which has Europe’s biggest deployed maritime patrol Minister Boris Johnson, who led accord stipulates licenses take 2019. transport. economy, got off to a slow start vessels to the area after a flotilla the 2016 Brexit campaign, had into account how much time a Governing parties in Britain Labour fears the Conserv- with its inoculation strategy. of French trawlers sailed in cast the trade deal as a way to vessel spent in Jersey’s waters rarely win new seats at so- atives will be boosted by the The move, already adopted protest to Jersey’s main harbour take back control of the United before Brexit. called by-elections to the West- rapid roll-out of the govern- in several German states, and a French minister suggested Kingdom’s destiny after Brexit. The European Commission minster parliament, and a Con- ment’s COVID-19 vaccination would be on a voluntary basis earlier in the week that Paris Yesterday, he had said the said that until further justifica- servative victory over Labour programme and the loosening and family doctors would might cut electricity to the two vessels would remain off tions had been provided by candidate Paul Williams would of coronavirus restrictions. decide how best to administer island. Jersey as a precautionary Britain, Jersey officials should suggest that the often gaffe- Instead it has been pushing the vaccine, Spahn said. French fishermen say they measure, according to his office. not be attaching new conditions prone Johnson was also man- its message that the Conserv- Dozens of countries are being unfairly deprived of An official from the French to the issuance of licenses. aging to shrug off allegations atives enjoy “one rule for paused the use of the Astra- access to rich fishing grounds off presidency said the deployment “Full compliance with the of cronyism, which he denies. them, another for the rest of Zeneca vaccine in March or the coast of Jersey, a self-gov- of patrol vessels from both TCA (Brexit trade deal) is “Hi folks, I’m urging eve- us” particularly over how restricted them to older adults erning British Crown France and Britain was aimed essential in this process,” Com- rybody to get out today and Johnson paid for the lavish after reports of very rare, but Dependency. at preventing clashes between mission spokeswoman Vivian vote for Jill Mortimer in Har- refurbishment of his serious, blood clots. Several of Jersey says it is following the trawlers on opposing sides of the Loonela told a news briefing. tlepool,” Johnson said on apartment in Downing Street, them have now resumed use rules for issuing licenses set out row. The fleet of about 50 fishing Twitter, a personal message something Britain’s election either fully or with restrictions in Britain’s post-Brexit trade A France is angry that on boats left the shores of Jersey, that underscores how much watchdog is investigating. after health regulators said the deal with the European Union. April 30 Jersey issued 41 licenses which lies 14 miles off northern firepower the Conservatives Johnson says he has paid benefits of the shot outweigh Britain said it backed Jersey. The with what the Paris government France and 85 miles from Brit- have channelled into winning the cost and obeyed the rules. any risks. EU called for calm. called unilaterally imposed con- ain’s southern coast, in the early the race. Starmer says Labour is Spahn also said Germany After the French fishing ditions, including the time afternoon. They had arrived at “I think she’s got a fantastic fighting for every vote in the aimed to offer 12-18 year olds boats left the area, the British French fishing vessels could dawn, with some crew holding plan for change and elections and has promised to a vaccine by the end of August. government said its Royal Navy spend in Jersey’s waters. red flares aloft. improvement in Hartlepool,” take responsibility “whatever said Johnson, who visited the the results are”. Ireland urges UK against prosecution ban for N Ireland army veterans REUTERS — DUBLIN announced next week. investigation unit to re-examine former pro-Britain foes, said a ban Dublin had strongly advised all unsolved killings, he added. A on prosecutions would be “a The Irish government has urged London “against any unilateral UK government spokesperson did cynical move that will put British Britain not to seek to shield former action on such a sensitive issue,” not respond directly to the report forces beyond the law.” The soldiers who served in Northern a spokesman for Foreign Minister but said the current system was nationalist SDLP party also said Ireland during the sectarian Simon Coveney said yesterday. “not working for anyone, failing they would strongly oppose any conflict from prosecution, Deputy Prime Minister Leo Var- to bring satisfactory outcomes for legislation. Allegations over unre- describing reports of such plans adkar said ministers were “deeply families, placing a heavy burden solved crimes from Northern Ire- as deeply alarming. alarmed” by the reports and on the criminal justice system, and land’s ‘Troubles’ — three decades The Daily Telegraph news- would not support such a move. leaving society in Northern of sectarian confrontation paper reported late on It would also breach a 2014 Ireland hamstrung by its past.” between Irish nationalist militants, Wednesday that the British gov- agreement between Dublin, Northern Ireland Deputy First pro-British “loyalist” paramili- ernment is set to introduce a ban London and the parties in Minister Michelle O’Neill, whose taries and British military that on prosecutions of its veterans Northern Ireland that sought to Irish nationalist Sinn Fein party killed around 3,600 people — People walk outside a polling station during local elections, in who served in the UK province deal with legacy issues by estab- heads up the devolved power- remain a contentious issue 23 Hartlepool, Britain, yesterday. under new legislation to be lishing an independent sharing government with their years. FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Russia authorises single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine for use REUTERS — MOSCOW Arab Emirates, Ghana and other export intentions from some countries, the RDIF said. Interim European officials. The Russia has authorised the results are expected later this European Medicines Agency has one-shot Sputnik Light version month. According to authorities, not yet approved the shot and of its COVID-19 vaccine for use, around 8 million Russians have Austria on Tuesday said it would the Russian Direct Investment so far been fully inoculated with only buy Sputnik V after EMA Fund (RDIF) said yesterday, a the flagship two-dose Sputnik approval. move that could help vaccine V, named after the Soviet-era “The single-dose regimen supplies go further in countries satellite that triggered the space solves the challenge of immu- with high infection rates. race in a nod to the project’s nizing large groups in a shorter Developed by Moscow’s geopolitical importance for time, which is especially Gamaleya Institute, the Moscow. important during the acute slimmed-down vaccine, which Russian scientists last month phase of the spread of corona- the RDIF said is 79.4% effective said Sputnik V was 97.6% virus, achieving herd immunity against COVID-19 and costs effective against COVID-19 in a faster,” said RDIF head Kirill under $10 a dose, has been ear- “real-world” assessment based Dmitriev. marked for export and could on data from 3.8 million people. He added that the two-dose increase the number of people The slower pace of vacci- Sputnik V vaccine would remain US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denis Shmygal pose for a with partial immunity. nation in Russia compared to the main source of vaccination picture during a meeting in Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday. One of its main potential other countries with domesti- in Russia, which has already uses is as a vaccine that can be cally produced vaccines has authorised two other vaccines shipped to a country in the grip provoked questions over its for use. Blinken reaffirms support for of an acute outbreak which needs to be subdued quickly. “The single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine demonstrated Ukraine amid Russia tension 79.4% efficacy according to ana- lysed data taken from 28 days AP — KIEV ‘(in) 10 years’ has to end.” Blinken after the injection was admin- US Secretary of State Antony The top American said Ukraine’s “Euro-Atlantic istered as part of Russia’s mass Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s aspirations” were discussed with vaccination programme support for Ukraine at a meeting diplomat met with Zelenskyy and that the U.S. was between 5 December 2020 and yesterday with President Volo- Zelenskyy during his “actively looking” at strength- 15 April 2021,” the RDIF said in dymyr Zelenskyy in the wake of one-day visit and ening its security assistance to a statement. Kiev’s heightened tensions with reiterated the US Ukraine, but didn’t give details. A Phase III clinical trial Russia, fueled by Moscow’s commitment to Zelenskyy also said the mil- involving 7,000 people was recent troop buildup near their itary support and the financial under way in Russia, the United border. Ukraine’s “sovereignty, support from the US “is The top American diplomat territorial integrity and increasing,” but didn’t met with Zelenskyy during his independence.” elaborate. one-day visit and reiterated the Both noted that while Russia Top EU court should strike down US commitment to Ukraine’s has pulled back some of its forces “sovereignty, territorial integrity from the border, a significant and independence,” while also battle against Russia-backed sep- number of troops and equipment Polish moves to discipline judges underscoring the importance of aratists in the east and in the halls is still there. Blinken said Wash- Ukrainian efforts to tackle wide- of government in Kiev. ington was watching the situation REUTERS — BRUSSELS Brussels accuses PiS of under- the disciplinary chamber spread corruption and carry out Ukraine has seen an increase “very, very closely,” as “Russia mining basic democratic prin- pending a final ruling on reforms. “Ukraine is facing two in hostilities in the east in recent has the capacity, on fairly short The European Union’s top court ciples, including by tightening whether it offers sufficient challenges: aggression from months. Ukraine’s military says notice, to take aggressive action should rule that measures state control and influence over guarantees of judicial inde- outside, coming from Russia, and 35 of its soldiers have been killed if it so chooses.” “I can tell you, introduced by Poland’s ruling Polish media and courts, charges pendence. However, the in effect aggression from within, by rebel attacks this year, a sig- Mr. President, that we stand Law and Justice (PiS) party to that Warsaw rejects. chamber has continued to work coming from corruption, oli- nificant rise from the latter part strongly with you,” Blinken said. discipline judges contradict EU An advocate general to the despite the ECJ ruling. garchs and others who are of 2020. Russia, which claims it In Brussels yesterday, Nato laws, a court adviser said court said Poland’s broad new Commenting on the putting their interests ahead of has no soldiers in eastern Secretary General Jens yesterday ahead of a final ruling definition of disciplinary opinion, Poland’s Deputy those of the Ukrainian people,” Ukraine, fueled the tensions this Stoltenberg also said the due in the coming months. offences was causing a “chilling Justice Minister Sebastian Blinken told a news conference year by massing troops and con- 30-nation military alliance The EU executive sued effect” among judges by weak- Kaleta accused the EU of after meeting with Zelenskyy. ducting large-scale military exer- “needs to stay vigilant and closely Poland at the European Court ening their protections and “double standards” and the By visiting so early in his cises near the border. monitor the developments” in of Justice (ECJ) in 2019, saying independence. court’s advocate general of dis- tenure, before any trip to Russia, Zelenskyy has made it clear and around Ukraine. “We have its new disciplinary regime Poland also failed to ensure seminating “lies” in seeking to Blinken signaled that Ukraine is that he wants significant action seen some reduction in the infringed on judicial inde- the impartiality of its new Dis- block Warsaw’s overhaul of its a high priority for President Joe — “a clear signal about the number of Russian troops, but pendence by exposing judges ciplinary Chamber at the judiciary. The eurosceptic PiS Biden’s foreign policy. His visit European and Euro-Atlantic tens of thousands remain, and we potentially to political Supreme Court, said the remains popular in Poland, was highly anticipated in prospect,” as he said Monday on also see that Russia has kept a lot interference. advocate general, whose helped by its mix of tough- Ukraine, with hopes for increased Twitter, referring to Ukraine’s of weapons, prepositioned The case is one of multiple opinions are usually followed talking nationalism and military aid and strong support aspirations to join Nato and the equipment, and they’re also rows that have erupted between by the court in its final ruling. increased social spending. It for Nato membership being European Union. “Postponing imposing restrictions in the Black the EU and the ruling nation- The Luxembourg-based ECJ won re-election in 2019 for voiced on the front lines of the these issues for ‘later,’ ‘some day,’ Sea,” Stoltenberg told reporters. alists in Warsaw since 2015. has already ruled to suspend another four-year term. Serbians queue to get COVID-19 vaccine and with it a shopping voucher 25 dead during Brazilian police REUTERS — BELGRADE “This is actually ingenious, as it motivates people so well,” raid in Rio Dozens of people gathered at a said Nikolina, a woman in her major mall in Belgrade 30s. To speed up vaccinations, AP — RIO DE JANEIRO RIO yesterday hoping to be among President Aleksandar Vucic on the first to get a COVID-19 Wednesday also said he had Police targeting drug traf- vaccine and with it a shopping asked the government to make fickers raided a slum in Rio de voucher, in the latest initiative a separate one-time payment to Janeiro yesterday and at least by authorities to encourage everyone older than 16 who one officer and 24 suspects more Serbians to get inoculated. receives one or both shots by died after being shot, author- Since last December, Serbia May 31. COVID-19 infections ities said. has vaccinated 29.81% of its pop- have gradually declined in A police helicopter flew ulation of around 7 million with recent weeks to a daily total of low over the Jacarezinho favela at least one dose. The gov- around 1,200, and the gov- as heavily armed men fled ernment now wants to accel- ernment is keen to bring them police by leaping from roof to erate the programme, including down further to allow it to open roof, according to images drop-in vaccination centres and up the economy further. shown on local television. facilities in shopping malls. Restaurants, cafes, bars and Service on a subway line was “People should be respon- clubs are restricted to serving temporarily suspended “due sible... and seize the opportunity outdoors only, but markets and to intense shooting in the (to have a vaccine)... as we reach shops are open and there are no region,” according to a out to them,” said doctor Zoran restrictions for travelling inside statement from the company Vekic, who coordinated yester- the country. Serbia last month that operates it. day’s event. In the Usce shopping increased its 2021 budget deficit Jacarezinho, one of the mall, people crowded to get their to 6.9% of economic output, up People wait to get shots of vaccines against the coronavirus disease in the Usce shopping mall, in city’s most populous favelas, shot and be among the first 100 from 3%, to mitigate the effects with some 40,000 residents, Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday. to receive a voucher worth of COVID-19, including pay- is dominated by the Comando 3,000 dinars ($30.74) from the ments and subsidies to citizens, steady supply of vaccines since manufacturers; Pfizer/BioNtech, Sputnik V. COVID-19 has killed Vermelho, one of Brazil’s mall’s management and pensioners, and businesses. December, allowing people to China’s Sinopharm, Astra- 6,478 people in Serbia and leading criminal organizations. retailers. Belgrade has also secured a pick between four Zeneca/Oxford and Russia’s 695,875 were infected. The police consider Jaca- rezinho to be one of the group’s headquarters. Yesterday’s operation was Gridlock in Athens as transport staff strike over labour reform aimed at investigating the recruitment of teenagers to REUTERS — ATHENS forced to drive to work, clogging “(The bill) constitutes... a direct hijack trains and commit other major traffic arteries into the attack on employees and their crimes, police said in a Traffic was gridlocked in parts of sprawling city of almost four rights... at a time when the statement. Athens and some flights disrupted million. country is in a deep health and They said the criminal gang yesterday as Greek transport State TV ERT journalists also economic crisis largely due to the has a “warlike structure of sol- workers joined a 24-hour public walked off the job yesterday. choices of the government,” diers equipped with rifles, gre- sector strike to protest over Police estimated about 6,500 ADEDY said in a statement. nades, bulletproof vests, planned labour legislation. striking workers gathered outside The government has rejected pistols, camouflaged clothing Unions in Greece say they parliament, many waving red the claims, saying the changes and other military oppose the government labour flags and banners reading ‘we aimed to increase flexibility for accessories.” bill because it restricts employee won’t become slaves of the 21st workers and accusing the main The Candido Mendes Uni- rights at a time when workers century’. political opposition for misrep- versity’s Public Safety Observ- risk job losses due to the corona- Greece’s main civil servants resenting what it seeks to do. atory said that at least 12 police virus pandemic. The government union ADEDY, which called a Government spokeswoman operations in Rio state this year says the changes would give 24-hour strike to coincide with Aristotelia Peloni said the draft have resulted in three or more workers more flexibility. May Day celebrations, says the legislation tries to address deaths. With the subway, trains, legislation seeks to raise the eight workers’ real problems as labour Observatory director Silvio public buses at a standstill and Medical workers shout slogans during a rally organised by the hour working day to 10 hours, market changes were taking Ramos said yesterday’s raid ferries to the islands docked at communist-affiliated trade union PAME commemorating May Day, abolish the five-day working place fast with digital platforms was among the deadliest in the ports, many commuters were in Athens, Greece, yesterday. week and collective agreements. and work from home modes. city’s recent history. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 Biden to push his big infrastructure plan in GOP stronghold

AP — WASHINGTON economy. Benefits everybody. Hurts nobody.” Republican law- President Joe Biden was to push makers have doubled down on the case for his $2.3 trillion Biden proposing to pay low taxes as a core pillar of their infrastructure plan in the for his plan by undoing ideology and partisan identity. reliably Republican state of the 2017 tax cuts signed Several GOP senators favor Louisiana — directly chal- into law by President spending $568 billion on infra- lenging GOP lawmakers who structure over five years, a small say that low taxes for corpora- Donald Trump and fraction of what the Democratic tions and the wealthy will fuel raising the corporate tax president has proposed - a sign economic growth. rate from 21% to 28%. of how difficult a deal might be. Biden was leaning into the Biden contends his Senate Minority Leader stagecraft of the presidency yes- programs would bolster Mitch McConnell of Kentucky terday by choosing to speak in said that Republicans would the city of Lake Charles in front the middle class and rather finance infrastructure of a 70-year-old bridge that is make the country through user fees such as tolls 20 years past its designed stronger than tax cuts and gasoline taxes, though he lifespan. for big companies and declined to specify which fees Even as he engages with CEOs. he would back. Republicans in Washington, “We’re open to doing a Biden is trying to sell their roughly $600bn package, which voters on the idea that higher deals with what all of us agree corporate taxes can provide Biden hinted at the theme is infrastructure and to talk $115bn for roads and bridges when answering questions from about how to pay for that in any and hundreds of billions of reporters after a Wednesday way other than reopening the dollars more to upgrade the speech at the White House that 2017 tax reform bill,” McConnell US President Joe Biden is welcomed by Senator Bill Cassidy, Senator John Kennedy and Mayor of electrical grid, make the water also emphasized his separate said this week at the University New Orleans LaToya Cantrell as he arrives at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in system safer, rebuild homes and $1.8 trillion plan for education of Louisville. Kenner, Louisiana, US, yesterday. jump-start the manufacturing and children to be funded by The Biden administration is of electric vehicles. higher taxes on the wealthiest banking that its message could He’s proposing to pay for his Americans. play in Louisiana, which last flooding. Hurricanes battered a Republican, and Shreveport lie awake at night dreading each plan by undoing the 2017 tax “What’s going to grow backed a Democratic presi- Lake Charles, a city of 78,000 Mayor Adrian Perkins, a forecasted storm.” cuts signed into law by Pres- America more?” Biden said. dential candidate in 1996. Lou- residents, twice last year over Democrat. There is general agreement ident Donald Trump and raising “What’s going to help you and isiana has been barraged by 30 the course of six weeks. Biden “The unfortunate truth is among Democrats and Repub- the corporate tax rate from 21% your security more? The super extreme weather events over also plans to tour a water plant that our aging infrastructure licans in Washington about the to 28%. Biden contends his pro- wealthy having to pay 3.9% less the past decade that caused in New Orleans. and local government budgets need for infrastructure grams would bolster the middle tax or having an entire gener- $50bn worth of damage. Biden His infrastructure package cannot withstand the strain of spending. But there are signif- class and make the country ation of Americans having asso- is seeking $50 billion to make received support in a news- increasingly frequent storms,” icant hurdles for Biden’s pro- stronger than tax cuts for big ciate degrees?” “Guess what,” infrastructure better able to paper editorial last week by they wrote. “As mayors of great posal to garner Republican companies and CEOs. he added. “It grows the withstand storms, winds and Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, American cities in the South, we backing. Officials make recommendations for protecting 30% of US land, water South Carolina House votes to add REUTERS — WASHINGTON focused policies. after his first 100 days in office. ranchers, farmers, and forest Natural Resources said they firing squad to Biden administration officials “The President’s challenge The report does not offer owners; supporting tribally led were concerned that the gov- yesterday took their first step is a call to action to support specifics about which areas conservation efforts; and ernment could designate strict execution methods toward carrying out the presi- locally led conservation and could be set aside for conser- investing in resilience and res- protections on some land that dent’s campaign pledge to restoration efforts of all kinds vation or whether they would toration projects, including a remained “productive.” AP — COLUMBIA conserve 30% of American land and all over America, wherever be protected from productive Civilian Climate Corps. Democratic lawmakers and water over the next decade, communities wish to safeguard use or resource extraction. The report also calls for a praised the report and the The South Carolina House outlining six categories for how the lands and waters they know It outlines six priority areas new interagency working group change in direction from the voted yesterday to add a firing it should be used. and love,” the officials wrote in of focus for the government for to develop a conservation Trump administration, which squad to the state’s execution The “America the Beautiful” a report to President Joe Biden’s land that could ultimately get “atlas,” which would establish sought to open up more federal methods amid a lack of lethal- report by Interior Secretary Deb National Climate Taskforce. federal protection or a baseline of information on land and water for drilling, injection drugs - a measure Haaland, Agriculture Secretary In one of his first executive investment. lands and waters that have mining, grazing and other meant to jump-start execu- Tom Vilsack, Commerce Sec- orders, Biden set a goal to This includes: creating more already been conserved or activities. tions in a state that once had retary Gina Raimondo, and protect 30% of land and water parks and green space in restored to be able to track “The days of looking across one of the busiest death White House Council on Envi- to safeguard sensitive lands and “nature-deprived commu- progress toward the 2030 goal. the great American landscape chambers in the nation. ronmental Quality Chair Brenda wildlife from extraction and nities,” outdoor recreation Republican lawmakers and seaboards and seeing The bill, approved by a Mallory calls on the adminis- development by 2030. access, preserving fish and oppose the so-called “30x30” nothing but fossil fuel profits are 66-43 vote, will require con- tration to back locally led con- He directed Cabinet wildlife habitats and corridors, goal. At an event this week, over,” said US Representative demned inmates to choose servation projects across the members to draft recommen- incentivizing voluntary conser- Republicans on the House of Raul Grijalva, chairman of the either being shot or electro- country with investments and dations for carrying this out vation efforts of fishers, Representatives Committee on natural resources committee. cuted if lethal injection drugs aren’t available. The state is one of only nine to still use the electric chair and will become Violence continues at only the fourth to allow a firing squad. South Carolina last exe- cuted a death row inmate 10 some Colombia protests, years ago. The Senate already had capital calmer approved the bill in March, by a vote of 32-11. The House only REUTERS — BOGOTA in Pereira near the viaduct, made minor technical changes where three people were to that version, meaning that Protests in Colombia headed injured by firearms,” city police after a routine final vote in the into their ninth day yesterday commander Coronel Anibal Vil- House and a signoff by the as local authorities in the small lamizar said in a video message Senate, it will go to Republican city of Pereira offered a reward late on Wednesday. Gov. Henry McMaster, who has for information after three A reward of up to 50 million said he will sign it. people were shot in connection pesos (around $13,000) is being There are several prisoners with overnight demonstrations. offered for information leading in line to be executed. Correc- The protests were originally to the arrest of those respon- tions officials said three of called in opposition to a now- sible, Mayor Carlos Maya said South Carolina’s 37 death row canceled tax reform plan, but in a message on Twitter. inmates are out of appeals. But demonstrators have since Elsewhere, 12,000 people lawsuits against the new death broadened their demands to marched in Medellin on penalty rules are also likely. include government action to Wednesday, the mayor’s office “Three living, breathing tackle poverty, police violence said in a statement. human beings with a heartbeat and inequality in the health and Demonstrations were that this bill is aimed at education systems. Marches largely peaceful, with clashes Demonstrators take part in a protest demanding government action to tackle poverty, police violence killing,” said Democratic Rep. around the country have been between protesters and police and inequalities in the health and education systems, in Bogota, Colombia, yesterday. Justin Bamberg, rhythmically marred by violence and 24 later in the day in the city’s thumping the microphone in people have died, mostly dem- Parque de los Deseos. day,” Lopez said in a statement, by the human rights deaths in connection with dem- front of him. “If you push the onstrators. International organ- After a violent night in adding a further 23 civilians and ombudsman as presumed onstrations while Human Rights green button at the end of the izations have warned against Bogota earlier in the week, six police had been hurt but responsible for 11 of the two Watch (HRW) said it has so far day and vote to pass this bill excessive use of force by police. things were more peaceful, injuries initially appear minor. dozen officially confirmed confirmed 11 were connected out of this body, you may as “The national police roundly Mayor Claudia Lopez said. The national police or deaths. Local advocacy group to protests, out of 31 reported well be throwing the switch reject the acts which happened “We had a much calmer ESMAD anti-riot unit are listed Temblores has reported 37 to it. yourself.” US targets Central America officials over corruption Data tools boost US campaigners push for racial equity REUTERS — WASHINGTON bating impunity.” by President Joe Biden to lead US officials see corruption Zuniga was referring to a diplomatic efforts to curb REUTERS — NEW YORK involved in the project. Racial The Biden administration plans as one of the main drivers law sponsored by then-US unauthorized migration, and inequities have topped national to release by the end of June a for the flow of migrants, Representative Eliot Engel and Mexican President Andres Americans lobbying in support discussions in the United States list of corrupt Central American enacted by Congress in Manuel Lopez Obrador. She of racial equity can use a data over the past year, with Black officials who may be subject to along with poverty, gang December that requires the plans to visit Mexico and Gua- tool launched yesterday to illus- Americans losing their jobs, busi- sanctions, a US envoy told violence and the fallout State Department to assemble temala on June 7 and 8. trate inequalities faced by their nesses and lives at a greater rate Reuters, as Washington seeks from hurricanes last year. within 180 days a so-called Harris and Lopez Obrador communities around housing, than whites during the corona- to cut back on a root cause of Engel List of corrupt actors in are expected on Friday to wages and more. virus pandemic. increased migration to the the Northern Triangle. discuss how to stem the Racial Equity Data Lab draws The average white family US-Mexican border. the flow of migrants, along The administration, he said, movement of migrants, many upon the National Equity Atlas, has roughly six times the wealth Ricardo Zuniga, President with poverty, gang violence would comply with that con- of them from Central America, which provides racially disag- of the average Black family — Joe Biden’s special envoy for and the fallout from hurricanes gressional requirement. Those to the US-Mexican border. gregated data on poverty, air about the same ratio as before Central America’s Northern last year, and want to make targeted could then be subject Among Harris’ initiatives is pollution, unemployment, home the civil rights movement of the Triangle countries of Gua- sure a $4bn aid package being to bans on travel to United to try to get US companies to and business ownership and 1960s, US Treasury Secretary temala, Honduras and El Sal- put together for the region does States, seizing of US property invest more in the impover- other economic indicators at the Janet Yellen said earlier this vador, also said the adminis- not fall prey to graft. and prohibitions on Americans ished Northern Triangle. state, city and national level. year. tration was considering further “That’s the mandate from doing business with them. But Zuniga said a lot of US firms “Community-based organ- On his first day in office, sanctions against officials in Congress. We have a respon- he declined to name those who are interested in doing more izations that work in the most President Joe Biden issued an the region for alleged graft sibility and we’re going to meet might be sanctioned. business in the region but that impacted communities often executive order to create a under the Global Magnitsky it,” Zuniga said in an interview Zuniga spoke just days “there is investment hesitancy” lack access to data describing the Working Group on Equitable Act. on Wednesday. “That tracks ahead of a virtual meeting because of local corruption, conditions they’re working in,” Data to improve the data US officials see corruption with our commitment to between Vice President poor infrastructure and other said Sarah Treuhaft of Poli- available to the federal gov- as one of the main drivers for defend those who are com- Kamala Harris, tasked problems. cyLink, a research group ernment “to measure equity”. Business 13 FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 Huawei Cloud, Bespin Global partner to provide cloud and intelligence to Qatar enterprises Our strategic partnership with Bespin Global will enable Huawei Cloud to provide our Middle East clients with value-added services with the highest levels of performance, economic efficiency, security, support and cloud management. Omar Akar, Managing Director and VP of Cloud Business | 14 and AI Business Group, Huawei Middle East QSE 10,895.72 -1.14 (-0.01%) FTSE 100 7,076.17 +36.87 (0.52%) DOW 34,365.85 +135.51 (0.40%) BRENT $68.11 (-1.22)

G20 commits to ‘full financing’ of Bank of England expects best year for UK economy WHO scheme for COVID-19 vaccines since 1941, says official REUTERS — BRUSSELS AP — LONDON Leaders of G20 nations are to commit for the first time to fully fund a World Health Organ- The Bank of England has kept ization scheme to distribute COVID-19 interest rates on hold as it vaccines and drugs to poorer nations, the draft forecast the fastest annual pace conclusions of a summit show, in a move that of growth for the British would unblock nearly $20bn. economy since early on in World The document, subject to changes before War II, largely as a result of the a global health summit to be held in Rome rapid rollout of coronavirus on May 21, also says that leaders of the world’s vaccines. 20 largest economies are committed to urgent In a prepared statement yes- action this year to boost manufacturing terday, the nine-member Mon- capacity for anti-COVID technologies, but etary Policy Committee said it growth will help reduce the omits mention of vaccine patent waivers. will maintain the bank’s main anticipated peak in unem- According to the draft, leaders will for the interest rate at 0.1 percent. The ployment from 7.75 percent to first time express an explicit commitment “to unanimous and widely antici- 5.5 percent. fair and full financing of the Access to pated decision means that Bailey cautioned against COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) Containers that are part of a shipment containing one million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines interest rates will remain at the euphoria, noting that the pan- strategy”, which is the WHO’s scheme to unloaded from an airplane at Viracopos International Airport, in Campinas, Brazil, recently. lowest level in the bank’s 327- demic will leave a long-term make COVID-19 vaccines, drugs and tests year history. “scarring” effect on the British available to everybody in the world. distribution of shots. The four-page draft doc- address production problems which it deems Alongside its decision, the economy. He also warned of The scheme was launched in April 2020 ument is still missing parts on some contro- are mostly caused by shortages of raw mate- bank’s rate-setting panel said “downside risks” to the eco- and is still vastly underfunded. Of the over $34bn versial issues, including on “bottlenecks and rials. However, EU Commission chief Ursula growth is likely to be greater nomic outlook from a potential it has been seeking to develop, procure and dis- barriers to equitable access” for which par- von der Leyen said yesterday she would be than it previously thought as resurgence of the virus and the tribute anti-COVID vaccine and drugs across agraphs have been reserved in the commu- open to discuss the US proposal. lockdown easing and vaccines possibility that new variants may the world it is still missing $19bn. In previous nique but with no draft conclusions yet. The draft statement says G20 leaders free people to spend savings built be resistant to the vaccine. statements, G20 leaders said they would address Vaccine patent waivers are considered a want to boost global and regional manufac- up during the pandemic. “Let’s not get carried away,” global financing needs but refrained from way of allowing equitable access, but there turing capacity and will support efforts “New COVID cases in the Bailey said. “It still means that making any firm financial commitment. is no mention of that possible measure in the “further enabling access to health technol- United Kingdom have continued two years of output growth have G20 leaders also commit in the draft “to draft statement at the moment. ogies”. In November the G20 said it would to fall, the vaccination pro- been lost to date.” If pre-pan- global sharing of surplus vaccine doses”, but On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden, only support “voluntary licensing” of vaccine gramme is proceeding apace, demic trends persisted, that the document does not clarify whether excess in a dramatic turnaround from traditional US intellectual property. The draft statement also and restrictions on economic would equate to around 3 vaccines bought by wealthy nations would policy, said he would back waivers of intel- says that G20 leaders support a “fully funded, activity are easing,” Bank Gov- percent of output lost during the be shared through the WHO scheme for vac- lectual rights in a bid to boost global production independent and effective WHO”. ernor Andrew Bailey (pictured) pandemic. cines, known as COVAX, or through bilateral of vaccines. The statement drove down share The G20 also plans new measures this year told reporters in a conference Though few expect the bank deals or regional mechanisms such as one prices of pharmaceutical companies. to set up early warning and alert systems for call. After suffering its worst to raise interest rates anytime set up by the European Union, which critics The European Union has repeatedly threat detection “with clear triggers for swift recession in over 300 years, the soon, it signaled yesterday that say may hamper COVAX’s efforts for a fair opposed such a waiver, saying it would not global response”, the draft document says. UK economy is projected to grow it is willing to ease its quanti- by 7.25 percent in 2021, up from tative easing program by slowing the bank’s previous forecast of the rate of its monthly bond pur- 5 percent. That would be the chases, though the total remains Airbus sees China muscling in on rivalry with Boeing by 2030 greatest economic rebound since unchanged. 1941 when the UK was on a war The bank’s brighter outlook BLOOMBERG the firms’ narrowbody models, China is finally close the Atlantic Council thinktank. footing, according to Bank of comes despite a tough winter with the first C919 single-aisle to success in its long- “We will go from a duopoly to England statistics that date back period when lockdown restric- Airbus expects China to become jet set to be delivered by the end delayed attempt to a triopoly on the single aisle to 1700. tions were reimposed in the face a legitimate rival in global of the year. probably by the end of the Because it anticipates growth of a particularly acute second planemaking by the end of the Airbus Chief Executive build a challenger to decade.” Adding a third player will occur earlier than expected, wave of the virus. decade, upending the long- Officer Guillaume Faury said the firms’ narrowbody would increase price pressure it has revised down its forecasts Though the UK had Europe’s standing duopoly between the yesterday it’s hard to predict models, with the first on the two incumbents and risk for next year. It is now expects highest virus-related death toll European company and US how quickly China will be able C919 single-aisle jet them being shut out of sup- 5.75 percent growth in 2022, at more than 127,500, new cases rival Boeing. to establish itself as a credible plying China’s state-owned instead of the 7.25 percent pre- are now at their lowest levels China has long been a big player, but over time Com- set to be delivered by airlines. viously predicted. since last summer and the customer for both manufac- mercial Aircraft Corp. of China, the end of the year. Airbus in particular has If growth returns as quickly vaccine rollout has been lauded. turers, accounting for a fifth of or Comac, is likely to take a benefited from its presence in as the central bank expects, the By Wednesday, around 52 Airbus deliveries last year. The share of the market. China in recent years, amid British economy will make up percent of the British population country is finally close to “It will start slowly, reaching believe it will progressively escalating tensions between the all the ground lost during the had received at least one dose of success in its long-delayed at the beginning probably only become a decent player,” Faury Asian country and then-US pandemic by the end of this year. vaccine with around a quarter attempt to build a challenger to the Chinese airlines, but we said in an online event held by President Donald Trump. The bank also said economic getting two. Google says 20% of workers will US unemployment claims fall to a pandemic low of 498,000 be remote, many more hybrid AP — WASHINGTON part because many affluent households have built up savings AP — CALIFORNIA The number of Americans while working from home and seeking unemployment aid fell have benefited from a surging Google says it expects about 20 last week to 498,000, the lowest stock market. percent of its workforce to still point since the viral pandemic The economy, though, is work remotely after its offices struck 14 months ago and a sign restarting so quickly that it’s cre- reopen this fall, while some 60 of the job market’s growing ating supply bottlenecks and percent will work a hybrid strength as businesses reopen parts shortages. Many com- schedule that includes about and consumers step up spending. panies, especially restaurants, three days in the office and two Yesterday’s report from the can’t find enough applicants to days “wherever they work Labor Department showed that fill available jobs. Others are best.” The remaining 20 applications declined 92,000 raising pay to attract more percent can change their from a revised 590,000 a week applicants. A man walks past a “Now Hiring” sign on a window at a Sherwin- location to a different Google earlier. The number of weekly Shortages of raw materials Williams store, in Woodmere Village, Ohio, in the US, recently. office. jobless claims - a rough measure and parts have swollen prices for The policy announced other than their main office. of the pace of layoffs - has lumber, copper and semicon- Wednesday relaxes the com- That’s up from a previous declined significantly from a hiring, slowed layoffs and accel- yesterday showed that about 16.2 ductor chips, which are critical pany’s stricter earlier stance. allotment of 10 days. peak of 900,000 in January as erated growth. The economy million people were continuing to the housing and auto indus- “The future of work is flex- The company based in employers have ramped up grew last quarter at a vigorous to collect unemployment ben- tries, among other sectors. Those ibility,” CEO Sundar Pichai Mountain View, California, will hiring. 6.4 percent annual rate, with efits in the week that ended April higher costs, along with wage wrote in an email to employees also continue offering extra At the same time, the pace of expectations that the current 17, down from 16.6 million in the pressures, have elevated fears that was also posted on “reset” days - days off to help applications is still well above the quarter will be even better. previous week. That’s a sign that that inflation could accelerate. Google’s website. “The changes cope with the pandemic. roughly 230,000 level that pre- In March, employers added some former recipients have Analysts have forecast that above are a starting point to Google was among the first vailed before the viral outbreak nearly 1 million jobs, the most found jobs. when the monthly jobs report is help us do our very best work major technology companies tore through the economy in since August. Roughly the same As economic growth has released today, it will show that and have fun doing it.” Most of last year to tell its employees March of last year. number is expected to be accelerated, sales of vehicles and the economy added 975,000 Google’s 135,000 employees to work from home at the onset As vaccinations have been reported today when the gov- newly built homes have soared, jobs in April, according to data can continue to work from of the pandemic. Other tech more widely administered, ernment issues the jobs report manufacturing output has risen provider FactSet, and that the home through September of giants, such as Facebook and restrictions on businesses have for April. Even so, the economy and Americans on average have unemployment rate fell from 6 this year. Twitter, have announced that gradually lifted and consumers will still be more than 7 million increased their savings and percent to 5.8 percent. That For up to 20 days per year, people can work from home have become more willing to jobs short of its pre-pandemic wealth. In part, this is because of would show that more Amer- Google employees will also be permanently after the pan- travel, shop and dine out, level. $1,400 stimulus checks that were icans are looking for work and able to work from any location demic if their jobs allow for it. stronger spending has boosted The government’s report distributed to most adults and in more employers are hiring them. 14 BUSINESS FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 Huawei Cloud, Bespin Global Yellen’s challenge and inflation debate: Eco Day partner to provide cloud and BLOOMBERG major funding source for his economic-investment proposals As the US job market comes — will probably take years to intelligence to Qatar enterprises roaring back, there’s a growing bear fruit and faces skepticism debate about whether there are that the figure is realistic THE PENINSULA — DOHA multi-cloud management enough workers to power faster Here’s a closer look at how Under this new agreement, platform, enterprises across the economic growth. In earnings Biden wants to foil strategies Huawei, a leading global the companies are now region can manage all of their calls and business surveys, used to transfer wealth from provider of information and public cloud infrastructure in executives often blame stimulus generation to generation extending their partne- Omar Akar, Managing Director communications technology one place as well as ensure checks and generous unem- The Fed is deciding whether and VP of Cloud and AI Business (ICT) infrastructure and smart rship to the Middle East, agility by solving a organiza- ployment benefits for to give financial-technology Group, Huawei Middle East devices, today announced its combining their capabil- tional challenges quickly and hampering hiring efforts companies more direct access partnership with Bespin Global, ities to better serve the easily. options for more agile and Treasury Secretary Janet to its payment system after a leading cloud technology Omar Akar, Managing flexible infrastructure including Yellen faces the challenge of many of the upstarts swelled in consulting and management burgeoning GCC cloud Director and VP of Cloud and multi-cloud solutions. Our part- speeding a debt-ceiling increase popularity during the company. Through this part- market. AI Business Group, Huawei nership with Huawei Cloud through Congress without pandemic nership, Huawei Cloud will Middle East, commented: “Our allows to better serve our cus- shaking investor confidence, a US support for a waiver of provide ubiquitous cloud and strategic partnership with tomers and fulfil the long-term potentially difficult task even patent protections for COVID-19 intelligence to Qatar and Middle Corporation (IDC), the GCC Bespin Global will enable strategic visions of governments with Democrats controlling both vaccines heads to the World East enterprises. public cloud market is expected Huawei Cloud to provide our across the region by further ena- chambers and the White House Trade Organization, setting the Bespin Global has been to more than double in value, Middle East clients with value- bling digital transformation US inflation is unlikely to get stage for potentially thorny talks Huawei Cloud’s strategic touching $2.35 billion by 2024 added services with the highest across industries.” out of control despite the over sharing the proprietary system integration partner glo- at a cumulative annual growth levels of performance, eco- Huawei Cloud has unprecedented government know-how needed to boost bally since 2019. Under this new rate (CAGR) of 25 percent. In nomic efficiency, security, launched more than 220 cloud spending that’s been authorized global supplies of the life-saving agreement, the companies are line with the growing demand support and cloud man- services and 210 solutions. The in response to the coronavirus shots now extending their part- for cloud services across the agement. Huawei is the world’s company works with more pandemic, Federal Reserve offi- Brazil’s central bank lifted nership to the Middle East, region, Huawei launched its fastest-growing major cloud than 19,000 partners and has cials said its benchmark interest rate by combining their capabilities to cloud service in the Middle East service provider, and with our brought together 1.6 million Those who are putting their 75 basis points and promised better serve the burgeoning in 2020 to provide ubiquitous alliance with Bespin Global, we developers. The Cloud and AI money where their mouths are another hike of the same size GCC cloud market. Bespin Glo- cloud and intelligence for all are now better positioned to Business Group further have pushed one gauge of next month in a renewed push bal’s professional services scenarios, which includes smart meet the growing demands of strengthens Huawei’s position expected price pressures to an to bring inflation back to delivery capabilities, coupled public services, smart enter- our regional customers.” as a partner of choice in ena- almost 13-year high target with their multi-cloud man- prise development, and smart Mouteih Chaghlil, CEO, bling enterprises’ digital trans- Fed Chairman Jerome Former IMF official Simon agement platform “OpsNow”, city governance. Middle East & Africa, Bespin formation journeys, by offering Powell has called the risks ema- Cueva will become Ecuador’s will play a strategic role in Huawei Cloud customers in Global, said: “We are pleased focused products which enable nating from "frothy” stock prices next finance minister, Pres- delivering the highest quality the Middle East will be able to that our partnership alliance cost reduction and increased and other potential financial ident-elect Guillermo Lasso said experience for Huawei Cloud’s benefit from Bespin Global’s with Huawei is extended to the business efficiency via modern imbalances "manageable.” in an interview with newspaper customers. position as a world “leader” as Middle East and includes infrastructure solutions. The Some current and former El Comercio Countries across the GCC per Gartner’s 2020 Magic Huawei Cloud which will further BU portfolio also offers next- central bankers are not so sure Colombia is determined to have witnessed an acceleration Quadrant for Public Cloud empower enterprises across the generation multi-cloud President Joe Biden’s plan cut the fiscal deficit and defend in cloud adoption, primarily due Infrastructure Professional and region. The transformation busi- strategy to increase agility via to raise $700bn over a decade its investment grade credit to the rise in remote work. Managed Services. Combined nesses have experienced in the the automation of service from increased tax audits of the rating, the nation’s new finance According to International Data with Bespin Global’s OpsNow past year have opened the delivery. wealthy and corporations — a minister said Turkey’s Chinese electric car maker Nio Central Bank keeps interest eyes Europe with Norway foray rates steady BLOOMBERG ANADOLU — ANKARA Chinese electric car upstart Nio Inc. will take its first step outside Turkey’s Central Bank its home market, opening a yesterday kept its one-week showroom and beginning to sell The current version of the vaccine is approved for storage for up repo rate – also known as the vehicles in environmentally to one month at refrigerated temperatures, 2-8°C (36-46 F) and policy rate – steady at 19 conscious Norway. up to 7 months in a standard freezer, -20°C (-4 F). percent, in line with market Nio will start delivering the expectations. latest version of its ES8 all- “Taking into account the electric six- or seven-seat sports Moderna lifts vaccine high levels of inflation and utility vehicle to the Nordic inflation expectations, the nation in September, Chief Exec- current monetary policy utive Officer William Li said at sales forecast to $19.2bn stance will be maintained until an event in Shanghai yesterday. the significant fall in the April Its first electric vehicle sedan, the ANADOLU — ANKARA Inflation Report forecast path ET7, will launch in the second Autonomous robots assemble an X model SUV at the BMW Moderna gave updates to its is achieved,” the bank’s Mon- half of 2022. Preorders for the manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina. Moderna announced initial studies on those aged etary Policy Committee said ES8 are expected to start shortly. yesterday a 4.3 percent 12-17 and said trials show in a statement. “Launching in the European increase to $19.2bn to its 2021 Last week, the bank raised market will definitively help us The Nordics Love EVs and reported a narrower first- sales forecast for the corona- the vaccine has an efficacy its year-end inflation forecast grow,” Li said. It will set a “higher Now They’re Going Greener: quarter loss, it’s facing stiff com- virus vaccine. rate of 96 percent. The to 12.2 percent for this year. bar as we’re entering developed Hyperdrive petition in China from rival The announcement from company has also been Inflation is expected to fluc- countries with more aggressive Even traditional Chinese startups Xpeng Inc. and Li Auto the US biotech firm came as tuate between 10 percent and competition.” automakers, from Great Wall Inc., as well as facing new chal- vaccine producers are trying working to extend the 14.4 percent through the end Choosing Norway as its Motor Co. to Geely Automobile lenges from tech giants like to ramp up supplies to match storage time of the vaccine in of 2021, it said. European beachhead presents Holdings Ltd., have struggled to Baidu Inc. and Xiaomi Corp., with the demand of countries refrigerator temperatures. The bank also raised the opportunities and challenges for crack overseas markets, held which are pouring billions of looking to stock up for next inflation forecast for 2022 to Shanghai-based, U.S.-listed Nio. back by a lack of name recog- dollars into EV investments. year. 7.5 percent, up from 7 percent, Norway last year became the nition, perceived question marks Global automakers from BMW Moderna also gave while keeping its target of 5 first nation in the world to see over their quality and reliability, AG to Volkswagen AG are also updates to its initial studies shelf life for the vaccine in percent for 2023. electric cars seize a majority of and a dearth of dealer and rolling out new models to grab on those aged 12-17 and said alternative formats to facil- According to latest data annual vehicle sales, thanks to service networks. Both Great a bigger slice of the market. trials show the vaccine has itate easier distribution to from Turkish Statistical green-friendly government Wall and Geely got less than 10% Nio is also planning to bring an efficacy rate of 96 percent. doctor’s offices and other Institute, Turkey’s inflation incentives and extensive of their revenue outside their its upmarket Nio Houses — a The company has also smaller settings, if rate was 17.14 percent in April, charging infrastructure. The home market last year, combination showroom, been working to extend the authorized,” said Moderna. up 0.95 percentage points country wants all cars sold there according to compiled by meeting space and cafe for car storage time of the vaccine The current version of the from 16.19 percent in March. to be zero-emission in 2025. Bloomberg. enthusiasts — to Europe. in refrigerator vaccine is approved for “The Central Bank will However, little known outside It’s also a risky move for a Spending on the splashy club- temperatures. storage for up to one month continue to decisively use all China, Nio will be going up company that less than two like Nio Houses contributed to The ongoing development at refrigerated temperatures, available instruments in against more-established EVs years ago was on the brink of the cash burn that almost sank data related to the current 2-8°C (36-46 F) and up to 7 pursuit of the primary like Audi’s e-Tron SUV, Tesla collapse before getting a funding the company, and had to be formulation “could support a months in a standard freezer, objective of price stability,” it Inc.’s Model 3 sedan and Nissan lifeline from the Hefei municipal wound back as it preserved 3-month refrigerated (2-8°C) -20°C (-4 F). said. Motor Co.’s Leaf hatchback. government. While Nio last week money. Consumer appetite in MENA for digital payments takes off: Mastercard THE PENINSULA — DOHA Over two-thirds of –retailers worldwide need to 10 consumers globally antici- digital currencies continues to using biometrics to verify a pur- respondents (65 percent) agree offer a range of payment solu- pating using a contactless card accelerate, 5 in 10 people (52 chase than entering a pin. As the world went into pandemic they have tried a new payment tions that are easy to access and this year. percent) in MENA say they plan to ,QR Codes are Cleaner and lockdown in 2020, consumers method they would not have always on. As we look ahead, we Looking to the future, digital use cryptocurrency in the next More Convenient – Growing shifted their spending habits to tried under normal circum- need to continue to enable all currencies and wallets, wear- year, with more than half (65 markets are leveraging QR-based embrace contactless tap-and-go stances, but the pandemic has choices, both in-store and online, ables, biometrics, contactless and percent) noting they are more open options as a clean and convenient payments and online shopping. galvanized people to try flexible to shape the fabric of commerce QR codes are trending as to using it than they were a year way to interact with merchants. As stores closed and social new payment options to get what and make the digital economy emerging payments technologies ago. While consumer interest in 55% of people in MENA expect to distancing took hold, retailers they want, when they want it. work for everyone.” as people’s comfort with them cryptocurrency - especially floating use more payment technologies worldwide moved their busi- With this interest and consumer Contactless technology was and understanding of them digital currencies such as Bitcoin - like QR codes in the next year. nesses online, embraced demand also comes a greater the digital catalyst to explore new increases and the use of cash is high, work is still required to Consumers also find that that QR e-commerce and explored the expectation for businesses to payment options because of its decreases. In fact, 88 percent of ensure consumer choice, pro- codes are cleaner (69 percent) potential of new ways to pay. provide multiple ways to shop fast, secure, and touch-free expe- consumers in the region have tection, and their regulatory com- and more convenient (69 More than a year later, research and pay. In fact, 61 percent of rience. Between the first quarter more ways to pay compared to pliance. Earlier this year, Mas- percent) for in-person payments from Mastercard shows that the MENA consumers say they would of 2020 and the same period in this time last year. The exploding tercard announced that it will start and have a significant potential adoption of new payment tech- avoid businesses that do not 2021, more than 100 markets saw interest in new payment technol- supporting select cryptocurrencies to reduce cost of payment nologies is rising, and consumer accept electronic payments of contactless as a share of total in- ogies may encourage businesses directly on its network. acceptance and increase financial appetite for new, fast and flexible any kind. Additionally, nearly 3 person transactions grow by at to expand their options at , Biometric Payments are inclusion digital experiences continues to out of 4 (73 percent) UAE con- least 50 percent. A year into the checkout. The Mastercard New More Trustworthy – Perceptions , Digital Wallets Surge in grow. sumers say that digital payment COVID-19 pandemic, contactless Payment Index found: of safety and convenience have Popularity – As digital wallet The Mastercard New Pay- methods help them save money. is showing its staying power and , Cryptocurrency1 Gains been front and center for people services continue to proliferate ments Index shows 95 percent of “The pandemic made us dynamism – in the first quarter Ground – Today consumers can over the past year. 49 percent of in the region, the technology has Middle East and North Africa think differently, partly out of of 2021 alone, Mastercard saw 1 buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrency consumers in MENA say they seen a surge in popularity. 66 (MENA) consumers will consider necessity,” said Craig Vosburg, billion more contactless transac- as a commodity or investment. plan to use biometric verification percent of consumers in MENA using at least one emerging Chief Product Officer at Mas- tions worldwide as compared to Consumers are also increasingly methods like gait or walk assess- say that they would use digital payment method, such as crypto- tercard. “To deliver the choice the same period of 2020. All signs showing interest in being able to ments and fingerprint authori- wallets next year while 67 currency, biometrics, contactless, and flexibility that consumers point to a continued growth path spend crypto assets for everyday zation. In fact, over 6 out of 10 percent say they plan to use or QR code, in the next year. need – and increasingly expect for contactless, with nearly 7 in purchases. As global interest in people (66 percent) feel safer digital money transfer services. Sport FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 15 Australians in Stars of the racing season announced IPL head for THE PENINSULA – DOHA The Leading Thoroughbred horse of the season is Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Maldives, NZ The leading owners, trainers, jockeys and Al Hawa, winner of H H The Amir Trophy horses for the 2020-2021 racing season (QA Gr1). players wait have been announced. Al Azraq Stable’s sprinter Bint Saffian, With QR3.9m in prize money, Khalifa a three-time winner this season, is the bin Sheail Al Kuwari emerged as the Leading Thoroughbred Mare. to exit India Leading Owner (overall and non-sheikh) Injaaz Stud’s Hellenistique, the Qatar REUTERS – NEW DELHI from the season with 28 wins from 230 Derby (QA Gr1) hero, is the Best 4yo runs. Khalifa bin Sheail Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Alban de Mieulle, Thoroughbred Colt while Hassan Ali The Indian Premier League’s Alban de Mieulle, trainer of the Al Kuwari, Leading Owner Leading Qatari Trainer Leading Trainer Alabdulmalik’s She’s Our Queen, runner Australian cohort is headed for leading purebred Arabian horse Tayf of up in Qatar Oaks (QA Gr3), is the Best the Maldives after the tourna- Umm Qarn, celebrated 60 winners from 4yo Thoroughbred Filly. ment’s abrupt suspension over 313 runs and has been named the Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s Al the coronavirus crisis in the Leading Trainer of the Season. Biddah Mile (QA Gr2) winner Devious south Asian nation, said Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, handler of Company and Sawda Natheel Stakes Sourav Ganguly, the chief of 50 winners including the 'Leading Local topper Unbutton won the Best 3yo Thor- the Indian cricket board. Thoroughbred Mare' Al Faisaliya of Al oughbred Colt and Filly titles International cricketers Sakab Stud, is the Leading Qatari Trainer. respectively. started heading home on Italian rider Alberto Sanna, who Al Jeryan Stud’s Al Lusail, four-time Wednesday after the previous guided Noor Al Hawa to H H The Amir winner, including Al Rayyan Breeders day’s halt of the Twenty20 Trophy (QA Gr1) victory, is the Leading Cup is the Leading Local Thoroughbred competition, as India grapples Jockey, while Faleh Bughanaim, the Saleh Salem Horse. with a sweeping second wave Qatar Gold Trophy (QA Gr1) winner Al Marri, Leading Qatari Alberto Sanna, Faleh Bughanaim, Umm Qarn’s Equinoxe, winner in of infections. astride Seeyoubyme of Hassan Ali Alab- Apprentice Jockey Leading Jockey Leading Qatari Jockey French King Cup and Qatar Derby and The Board of Control for dulmalik, is the Leading Qatari Jockey. Qatar Oaks winner Al Khisah snapped Cricket in India (BCCI) has Finishing 12th overall and the respectively. H E Sheikha Iman bint AJS Berline won the Best 4yo Local up the honours as the Best 4yo Local promised safe return passage Leading Qatari Apprentice Jockey is Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s two- Purebred Arabian Colt and Filly titles Thoroughbred Colt and Filly for every foreigner involved Saleh Salem Al Marri, who rode 20 time winner Saad and Al Jeryan Stud’s respectively. respectively. in the lucrative eight-team winners this season. league. The Leading Purebred Arabian Mare Noor Al Hawa, the Tayf, the Leading Cricket Australia said on of the season is H E Sheikha Yasmeen Leading Thoroughbred Purebred Arabian Horse Wednesday their players bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s horse of the Season would wait either in Sri Lanka Mon’nia, the H H The Amir Sword (Gr1 or in the Maldives before they PA) heroine. Mohammed bin Hamad were allowed back in. Aus- Khalifa Al Attiyah’s Sir Monlau won the tralia has banned travellers Qatar Silver Sword last month to emerge from India, even its own cit- as the Best 4yo Purebred Arabian Colt, izens, until May 15. while H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Former Australia batsman Al Thani’s two-time winner Divine Michael Hussey will not be Princess is the Best 4yo Purebred joining his compatriots, Arabian Filly. however, after contracting Umm Qarn’s Qatar Silver Trophy COVID-19. He must stay in iso- topper Sealine and two-time winner lation and register two neg- Abida have been named the Leading ative tests for the virus before Local Purebred Arabian Horse and Mare he is allowed to leave India. IPL’s New Zealand con- tingent will fly home on Friday, the country’s cricket Al Shaqab Racing’s Salt Lake gets board said. Skipper Kane Williamson and three others will stay in off the mark at Fontainebleau India until next week before THE PENINSULA – FONTAINEBLEAU of the field. Later, she was clearly trav- departing for England, New elling very easily when making headway Zealand Cricket said in a Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred Salt Lake in the final bend. statement. (FR) (Olympic Glory x Orayda) lost her She easily took the measure of her The players in the squad maiden tag on her third career outing when rivals in the straight and asserted by a for a Test tour of England, she won the Prix des Cyprès, a race for length and three quarters. which includes the inaugural three-year-olds over 2600 metres at The E. Libaud-trained and Eddy Har- World Test Championship Fontainebleau, France on Wednesday. It douin-ridden Bluebell (FR) (Mawatheeq x final against India from June also marked her first attempt in claiming Unmatched) was the runner-up. 18 to 22, are set to go straight class. The L. Larrigade-trained and Clement to Britain after the conclusion The filly, trained by Francis-Henri Cadel-ridden Tete D’or (FR) (Rajsaman x of the IPL. Jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot guides Al Shaqab Racing’s Salt Lake (FR) to Graffard and ridden by Pierre-Charles Blue Hollow) was a further head behind Williamson, Kyle Jamieson victory at Fontainebleau racecourse in France. Pic: @Scoopdyga Boudot, initially bided her time at the back in third. and Mitchell Santner, along with the team physiotherapist, were unable to secure an exemption to travel to Britain until May 11, so they will City look to Tuchel says Chelsea will face remain in New Delhi until then. Fast bowler Trent Boult, clinch title who is also in the test squad, City with confidence in final has been given permission by REUTERS – MANCHESTER NZC to join the rest of the REUTERS – LONDON benchmarks cohort on today’s flight to New Manchester City will be crowned Premier and we wanted Zealand. League champions if they beat Chelsea Chelsea manager Thomas to close the gap Eight England players today in a game which is now a dress Tuchel said their Champions to City,” Tuchel returned to London on rehearsal for the Champions League final. League final opponents told reporters. Wednesday, with three more Victory at the Etihad Stadium would Manchester City are the “This one set to follow them over the allow Pep Guardiola’s City side to open “benchmark” in Europe, but match in the next day or so. The players up an insurmountable 16-point lead over his team will head to the title semi-final we face a period of quarantine in second-placed Manchester United, who clash in Istanbul equipped did that with a approved hotels. have just five matches remaining. with the confidence that they very impressive But while the title is now a formality can beat Pep Guardiola’s side. performance for City, the Chelsea game takes on extra Goals by Timo Werner and we need significance after the two clubs earned and Mason Mount sent that again. It Pakistan their places in the May 29th Champions Chelsea into the title clash gave us belief League final in Istanbul. with City as they outclassed and confidence Chelsea manager considering City were hugely impressive in a 2-0 13-times champions Real for every game Thomas Tuchel and win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday Madrid 2-0 in the semi-final after that, the bench react at the UAE to host which secured a 4-1 aggregate victory and second leg at Stamford Bridge because it’s the end of their Champions their first ever place in Europe’s biggest on Wednesday for a 3-1 highest level League semi-final remaining club game. Chelsea comfortably dealt with aggregate triumph. you can face.” second leg match Real Madrid on Wednesday with a 2-0 Chelsea knocked City out Former Paris St against Real Madrid on victory at Stamford Bridge setting up the of the FA Cup semi-final with Germain boss PSL matches Wednesday. all-English final. a 1-0 win earlier in the season Tuchel took Thomas Tuchel has had an extraor- but Tuchel said that per- over from the REUTERS – LAHORE dinary impact on Chelsea since joining formance does not neces- sacked Frank Lampard in “So yes, we’ll arrive with felt huge support from day the club three months ago and can also sarily give his team the upper January and has guided self-confidence... in Istanbul. one. I’m very grateful to be on The Pakistan Cricket Board look forward to an FA Cup final against hand heading into the Cham- Chelsea from ninth to fourth With no injuries, just the pos- the sideline with this team,” (PCB) is considering the United Leicester City on May 15. They reached pions League final. place in the league. itive energy to win.” Tuchel he said. Arab Emirates as a venue to that final by beating Manchester City in “But it gives us a good “We had huge challenges said all the sacrifices he had “This was an energetic stage the remainder of the the semi-final and that result is fresh in feeling, the confidence that in the Premier League and we made since January, including performance... The job isn’t Pakistan Super League (PSL) Tuchel’s mind. Chelsea also have plenty we played that semi-final on came out of it very strong and being away from his family, done yet. We’re in two finals Twenty20 tournament but the to play for tomorrow as they look to the edge, we used it... for me showed our mentality and were worth it. and the sacrifice that I, per- country’s COVID-19 body will secure a top-four finish and guarantee a Bayern Munich with Man- quality in all of these “I was part of an amazing sonally have made, has been take a final call, the governing place in next season’s Champions League. chester City are the matches,” Tuchel said. club from the first day, and I worth it since day one.” body said yesterday. The PCB’s flagship tour- nament was suspended after 14 games in March after seven Barca aim to leapfrog Atletico but Real lie in wait individuals, including six players, tested positive for REUTERS – BARCELONA however, who are second on 74 with a February, also letting Real and then conclusion when Atletico won 16 of their COVID-19. superior head-to-head record over both Sevilla back in to the picture. first 19 games but their results began to The governing body had After staging a stunning revival to rein of their rivals. On Sunday Real host Barca missed a glorious chance to go decline after a number of players caught said last month that the PSL in leaders Atletico Madrid, Barcelona can Sevilla, who are fourth on 70 and still top last week when they threw away a COVID-19. would resume on June 1 and finally go top of La Liga when they host alive in the race. 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 at home to Granada If emotional will is to prove decisive the remaining 20 games would Diego Simeone’s side on a mouthwa- Barcelona trailed Atletico by 13 but will finally go above Atletico with then Real Madrid could be the best take place in Karachi’s tering weekend as the four teams in the points in January, leading coach Ronald victory over Simeone’s side, who have equipped, having overcome the worst National Stadium, with the title race come face to face. Koeman practically to rule out their title not won at the Camp Nou since 2006. injury crisis in the league to still stand a final on June 20. Atletico lead the standings with 76 chances and pin his hopes on winning “It was unthinkable in January that chance. Few teams are as obstinate as ESPNCricinfo reported that points after 34 games heading into the Copa del Rey instead. Barcelona could go toe-to-toe with Zinedine Zidane’s side although their all six PSL franchises had tomorrow's crunch game away to Barca, The Catalans pulled themselves back Atletico with the chance to go top,” said mental resolve will be tested again asked the PCB to move the who are third on 74. into contention with a resurgent run of former Barca player Javier Mascherano after they were comprehensively tournament to the UAE, which An Atletico slip up will only play into 16 wins from 19 games in 2021, while at a La Liga event. beaten by Chelsea to exit the Cham- also hosted last year’s Indian the hands of champions Real Madrid, Atletico began to run out of steam in The title looked like a foregone pions League on Wednesday. Premier League (IPL). Sport FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021 Tuchel saysy Chelsea will face City with confidence in final WeW had huge challenges in the Premier League and we came outo of it very strong and showed our mentality and quality in alla of these matches. So yes, we’ll arrive with self-confidence... iin Istanbul. With no injuries, just the positive energy to win.

ChelseaC manager Thomas Tuchel Sport | 15

TODAY'S FOOTBALL FIXTURES: PREMIER LEAGUE: Leicester City vs Newcastle United; SPANISH LA LIGA: Real Sociedad vs Elche Al Sadd emerge Qatargas U-23 League champions

Al Sadd players and officials celebrate with the Qatargas U-23 League champions trophy at the Al Sailiya clinch QFA Cup title end of the 22nd round of the competition. Al Sadd sealed the title with two rounds to go after gaining an unassailable lead over their closest rival Al Gharafa. Al Sadd ended the competition Al Sailiya players and officials celebrate after winning the QFA Cup final against Al Markhiya at the Hamad at the top of the standings with 60 points, 12 points ahead of Al Gharafa, the runner-up with bin Khalifa Stadium. Brazilian Bizera scored the game’s only goal in the 74th minute as Al Sailiya collected 48 points. Qatar SC finished third with 43 points. their second title this season after winning the Ooredoo Cup at the expense of Al Rayyan in March.

QHL: Three-way Nadal reaches battle for the title as final Madrid quarters, round begins

QNA – DOHA Barty into final The 18th and final round of the Qatari Handball League (QHL) will start AP – MADRID tomorrow with three matches being in his first tour- scheduled. Rafael Nadal got through another young opponent nament since Qatar will take on Al Ahli while and showed signs he was getting closer to his best taking a few Al Shamal will square off with Al form on clay as he defeated Alexei Popyrin 6-3, weeks off Gharafa. In other match tomorrow, 6-3 to make it to the Madrid Open quarterfinals after a slow Al Sadd will face Al Rayyan. yesterday. start to his The tour will be completed next Nadal overcame eight aces and saved five year. Sunday with Al Duhail meeting Al break points against the Australian. The five-time “There were some Khor and Al Wakrah clashing with Madrid champion cruised past Spanish teenager good, long rallies. I was many, Al Arabi. Carlos Alcaraz in the second round on Wednesday. many times out of breath,” Thiem Al Wakrah top the ranking before “There is a lot of young, good players. (It’s) said. “It was perfect for me to get back a little the last round with a score of 45 something normal that is happening,” said Nadal, bit the match rhythm, to run down a lot of balls. points, followed by Al Duhail in who at 34 is 13 years older than Popyrin. “And, As it’s my first tournament, as it’s my way back, a second place with 44 points, then Al yeah, I’m excited that at my age I am able to keep buildup for the next week, it was great for me.” Arabi in third place with 43 points, playing against all of them. They are good. They American John Isner used 29 aces, including Al Gharafa in fourth place with 39 are talented. They have a great future. For me it’s two consecutive to clinch the deciding tiebreaker, points. Al Rayyan are fifth with 33 amazing to be where I am with my age competing to defeat sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev 7-6 (4), 3-6, points while Al Sadd occupy sixth with them still.” 7-6 (4) and reach the quarters. place. Nadal struggled at times against the aggressive In the women’s tournament, top-ranked In the final round, attention is style of the 76th-ranked Popyrin but was able to Ash Barty cruised into the final with a 6-4, directed to the two confrontations, stay in control for most of the match on the Magic 6-3 win over wild-card entry Paula Al Duhail with Al Khor and Al Box center court. Badosa, the first Spanish woman to reach Wakrah with Al Arabi, specifically “I knew he was coming with confidence, he the semifinals in Madrid. as they will determine the has this energy that the young players have,” Nadal “I know it’s been a big tournament champions. said. “From what I could do, it was a good match, for her, she’s played an exceptional level It is noteworthy that Al Rayyan and I’m happy to make it to the quarterfinals again of tennis,” Barty said. “She served par- hold the record for the number of here.” ticularly well, being able to control the court wins in the Qatari General Handball Third-ranked Daniil Medvedev lost to Cristian with her forehand. I think that was a challenge League for men, winning the title 14 Garin 6-4, 6-7 (2), 6-1. The Chilean broke serve today. I was trying to neutralize that as best I times, followed by Al Sadd, who twice in the third set to reach his second Masters could.” have won it nine times, while Al 1000 quarterfinal. Badosa had been the only opponent to defeat Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action Ahly and Al Jaish won it four times, Earlier, US Open champion Dominic Thiem Barty since February. Barty has won 16 straight during the ATP Masters 1000 - Al Arabi, Al Duhail and Qatar twice, reached the last eight by defeating Alex de Minaur matches on clay and will be playing in her fourth Madrid Open at Caja Magica in and Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah once 7-6 (7), 6-4. The third-seeded Austrian is playing final this year, having won the previous three. Madrid, Spain. each. India optimistic as COVID-19 threatens T20 World Cup

REUTERS – NEW DELHI “We’ll see if the situation have a chance to be completed,” and we’ll be able to organise it in India. World Cup.” Even if it went ahead, he improves,” BCCI Treasurer Arun Singh Shanth told Reuters. Given the experience in other said, the tournament would have to be India’s cricket board is hoping it might Dhumal told Reuters by telephone. India are scheduled to play the countries,(the coronavirus surge is) played behind closed doors, as the IPL be able to squeeze the remainder of its “We have FTP and the T20 World five-day World Test Championship likely to come down. was in its last two seasons. lucrative Indian Premier League into Cup lined up this year. If there’s any final against New Zealand in South- “As of now, we are not even Last year’s T20 World Cup in Aus- a crowded calendar and is still window available, we’ll try and see if ampton next month, and a five-test thinking of it being held elsewhere.” tralia was postponed to 2022, a confident of hosting the T20 World Cup we can complete the league.” series in England in August and Sep- The ICC is, unsurprisingly, also decision that Cricket Australia said had later this year, a top official told The eight-team league with an tember. Resuming the IPL in India keeping a close eye on the pandemic cost them about $55 million, mostly Reuters yesterday. estimated brand value of $6.19 billion would depend on the worst of the pan- in India, which on Thursday reported from lost ticket sales. Already looking at a $270 million was postponed indefinitely on demic subsiding, of course, with the more than 400,000 coronavirus infec- “We’re all hoping that the situation revenue loss following the suspension Tuesday after personnel from four health crisis also threatening the short- tions over the previous 24 hours. (in India) improves,” CA interim chief of the IPL, the board faces a second franchises tested positive for form Twenty20 World Cup. Epidemiologist Giridhara R Babu executive Nick Hockley told reporters financial hammer blow if the COVID-19 COVID-19 amid a rampant second- The International Cricket Council believes Dhumal’s optimism might be in Sydney when asked if Australia pandemic prevents India staging the ICC wave of the virus. (ICC) have lined up the United Arab misplaced, telling Reuters he expected might step in as emergency hosts. tournament in October and November. Bhairav Shanth, the managing Emirates as the back-up T20 venue in a third wave in India later this year. “I know that the ICC are looking at The Board of Control for Cricket in director of global sport consulting firm case there is no improvement but “I don’t know whether we can contingency options as we speak, but India (BCCI), however, has not given up ITW, said the BCCI could still salvage Dhumal was confident there would be afford to have superspreader events I think we’re preparing to host the hope of cramming the 31 remaining IPL a large portion of their financial losses no need. in the winter or before winter,” he told postponed 2020 version in October matches into the season, despite the if they can find a window. “We will keep monitoring the sit- Reuters by telephone from and November 2022.” BCCI officials tight demands of cricket’s international “In that case, I think the hit on rev- uation but as of now we are going Bengaluru. have said 2021 T20 World Cup would schedule, known as the Future Tours enues will be marginal as the spon- ahead as per our original plan,” he said. “We should avoid any kind of remain their tournament even if it had Programme (FTP). sorship deals and ad campaigns will “Hopefully things will get better superspreader events, including the to be staged in the UAE.