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published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11800 January 21, 2021 Jumada II 8, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir congratulates US President Biden

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to Joe Biden on taking the oath as President of the United States of America, wishing him success in his duties and the relations of friendship and strategic co-operation between Qatar and the US further development and growth. His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani have also sent similar cables of congratulations to President Biden. Strong winds, poor visibility forecast Strong winds and poor horizontal visibility are expected in the country today, the Qatar Met department has said. The weather off ice has also warned of strong winds, high seas and poor visibility in off shore areas. US President Joe Biden delivers his inaugural address on the West Front of the US Capitol in The wind speed may go up to 40 Washington yesterday. Vice-President Kamala Harris celebrates with President Joe Biden after being sworn in during the inauguration. knots in some off shore areas today and 35 knots in certain inshore areas at times, with the sea level rising to 14ft. The detailed forecast also says moderate temperature is expected during the daytime with clouds and blowing dust in some places, while it will be relatively cold by night. Visibility may drop to 2km or less in ‘We must end this uncivil some places occasionally. Covid vaccination for Mowasalat staff Mowasalat (Karwa) has initiated Covid-19 vaccination for its employees war,’ says President Biden as part of the ongoing national campaign. The company prioritises its frontline staff that currently shuttle zAt 78, Biden is the oldest US president in history arriving guests from the Hamad International Airport (HIA) to the Reuters empathetic alternative to the divisive ic-controlled US House of Representa- respective quarantine hotels. All Washington Trump, a Republican. tives to impeach Trump last week for an other bus and taxi drivers will also be The inauguration itself, one unlike unprecedented second time, accusing vaccinated in collaboration with the any other in US history, served as a stark him of incitement after he exhorted his Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and oe Biden was sworn in as president reminder of both the tumult that de- backers to march on the building to press Hamad Medical Corporation. Page 4 of the United States yesterday, of- fi ned the Trump era as well as the pan- false claims of election fraud. Jfering a message of unity and res- demic that still threatens the country. “Here we stand, just days after a ri- Quarantine exemption toration to a deeply divided country Amid warnings of possible renewed otous mob thought they could use vio- reeling from a battered economy and a violence, thousands of armed National lence to silence the will of the people, not applicable for raging coronavirus pandemic that has Guard troops circled the Capitol in an to stop the work on our democracy, arrivals from 4 nations killed more than 400,000 Americans. unprecedented show of force. to drive us from this sacred ground,” His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday tweeted Standing on the steps of the US The National Mall, typically packed Biden said. “It did not happen; it will congratulating US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Capitol two weeks after a mob of then- with throngs of supporters, instead was never happen. Not today, not tomor- has announced that the age- and President Donald Trump’s supporters fi lled with nearly 200,000 US fl ags. row, not ever.” Biden takes offi ce at a time of deep primarily at domestic problems, Biden health-based hotel quarantine stormed the building, Biden called for Attending dignitaries — including The norm-defying Trump fl outed national unease, with the country fac- also delivered a message to the rest of exemption is not applicable for arrivals a return to civic decency in an inaugu- former US presidents Barack Obama, one last convention on his way out of ing what his advisers have described the world. from the UK, South Africa, Netherlands ral address marking the end of Trump’s George W Bush and Bill Clinton — wore the White House when he refused to as four compounding crises: the pan- He promised to repair alliances frayed and Denmark. “Further to the recently tempestuous four-year term. masks and sat several feet apart. meet with Biden or attend his succes- demic, the economic downturn, cli- by Trump and act as a strong partner for announced update, eff ective Sunday “To overcome these challenges, to Biden’s running mate, Kamala Har- sor’s inauguration, breaking with a mate change and racial inequality. peace, progress and security. 24th January 2021 to departure and restore the soul and secure the future ris, the daughter of immigrants from political tradition seen as affi rming the He has promised immediate action, He made no specifi c mention of arrival policies and exemptions from of America, requires so much more Jamaica and India, became the fi rst peaceful transfer of power. including a raft of executive orders on high-stakes disputes with North Ko- hotel quarantine, the Ministry of than words. It requires the most elu- Black person, fi rst woman and fi rst Trump, who never conceded the Nov his fi rst day in offi ce. rea, Iran and China. Public Health states that quarantine sive of all things in a democracy: unity,” Asian American to serve as vice presi- 3 election, did not mention Biden by After a bitter campaign marked by World leaders issued congratulatory exemption based on age and health Biden, a Democrat, said after taking dent after she was sworn in by US Su- name in his fi nal remarks as president Trump’s baseless allegations of elec- statements, with several US allies ex- conditions is not applicable to arrivals the oath of offi ce. preme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, yesterday morning, when he touted his tion fraud, Biden struck a conciliatory pressing relief at Biden’s inauguration from the UK, Republic of South “We must end this uncivil war that the court’s fi rst Latina member. administration’s record. tone rarely heard from Trump, asking after Trump’s unpredictable tenure. Africa, the Netherlands, Denmark, as pits red against blue, rural versus ur- The president spoke forcefully about He then boarded Air Force One for Americans who did not vote for him to Biden’s inauguration as the 46th previously announced by MoPH,” the ban, conservative versus liberal. We the Jan 6 Capitol siege when Trump the last time and fl ew to his Mar-a- give him a chance. president was the zenith of a fi ve- ministry said in a post on social media can do this — if we open our souls in- backers breached the building, sending Lago retreat in Florida. “I pledge this to you: I will be a decade career in public service that in- yesterday. The MoPH had on Tuesday stead of hardening our hearts.” lawmakers fl eeing for safety and leav- Top Republicans, including Vice president for all Americans,” he said. cluded more than three decades in the announced an update to the list of The themes of Biden’s 21-minute ing fi ve dead, including a police offi cer. President Mike Pence and the par- “And I promise you I will fi ght as hard US Senate and two terms as vice presi- groups eligible for home quarantine, speech mirrored those he had put at But Biden never mentioned his ty’s congressional leaders, skipped for those who did not support me as for dent under Obama. eff ective from January 24 (Sunday) at the centre of his presidential cam- predecessor by name. Trump’s send-off and attended Bi- those who did.” At 78, he is the oldest US president in all ports of entry to the country. paign, when he portrayed himself as an The violence prompted the Democrat- den’s inauguration instead. Although his remarks were directed history. Page 11 Murals unveiled at Katara Qatar Airways to resume fl ights to UAE on Jan 27

atar Airways will resume fl ights Etihad to resume Doha Egypt, Qatar agree to resume diplomatic ties, Cairo says to the UAE, starting with serv- flights from Feb 15 Qices to Dubai on January 27, fol- lowed by Abu Dhabi on January 28, it Etihad Airways will resume Egypt and Qatar have agreed to two countries agreed to resume was announced yesterday. passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to resume diplomatic relations, the diplomatic relations,” an Egyptian Qatar Airways fl ights will start with Doha, with eff ect from February 15, Egyptian foreign ministry said foreign ministry statement said. a double-daily service to Dubai and one subject to the applicable government yesterday, making Cairo the first to There was no immediate comment daily fl ight to Abu Dhabi, the airline said approvals, the UAE-based airline said off icially do so under an Arab deal from Qatari off icials. in a tweet. Passengers in the UAE will yesterday. The service will operate to end a dispute with Doha, Reuters On Saturday, Saudi Arabia’s foreign have the ability to connect to the larg- daily using an Airbus A320 and a reported. minister said the kingdom expects est network in the region with over 800 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Page 5 Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and to reopen its embassy in Qatar weekly frequencies to more than 120 Egypt agreed earlier this month to within days, and full diplomatic destinations, the airline added. restore diplomatic, trade and travel relations between the two would Murals based on the works of the celebrated Qatari artist, the late Dr Wafa Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. The airline has started opera- ties severed in 2017. resume. al-Hamad, have been unveiled on Building 36 of Katara – the Cultural Village. The Egypt agreed to heal their rift with Qatar tions to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam “The Arab Republic of Egypt and All four countries have reopened their murals, titled ‘A Dream in the Seabed’, were unveiled by Katara general manager at the Gulf Summit earlier this month, in Saudi Arabia and to Cairo in Egypt. It the State of Qatar exchanged, airspace to Qatar, and flights have Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti. During her lifetime, Dr al-Hamad was one of leading to the reopening of airspace and has also announced the resumption of today, January 20, 2021, two off icial resumed between Doha and cities in Qatar’s most renowned artists, holding numerous exhibitions locally, regionally borders. Since then, Qatar Airways has service to a second destination in Egypt memoranda, in virtue of which the Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE. and across the world. She was famous for combining a view of the old world with resumed services to Saudi Arabia and – Alexandria – on January 25. modern techniques and perspective. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 21, 2021 QATAR

Katara off ers reduced prices Minister meets Maltese FM Minister meets Jordanian envoy for water sports activities

Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation has announced reduced rates for water sports activities at the Katara Beach. The details of the new off ers were shared in an infographic on Katara’s Twitter page yesterday. Among motorised activities, a 30-minute boat ride (maximum six persons) will cost QR60 instead of QR120, according to the infographic. Similarly, a 30-minute catamaran ride (maximum 10 persons) will cost QR100 instead of QR200, while water skiing will cost QR75 instead of QR150 for 30 minutes. Also, parasailing will cost QR50 instead of QR100. Among non-motorised activities, a 30-minute sea pedal boat ride (maximum four persons) will cost QR25 instead of QR50, while a 30-minute kayak/canoe trip will also cost QR25 instead of QR50. All activities depend on weather conditions, Katara has stressed. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult for any boat ride. Also, children under the following ages are not allowed to take part in certain activities: 14 years – water ski, wakeboard, kneeboard and banana (they must be accompanied by an adult); 12 years – parasailing (must be accompanied by an adult); and 18 years – Seabreacher, Jetlev and jet-ski rides. It is compulsory HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with to wear a life jacket for all water sports activities. Also, the visiting Maltese Minister of Foreign and European Aff airs Evarist Bartolo. During the Jordan’s ambassador to Qatar Zaid Mufleh al-Lawzi. During the meeting, they reviewed completing and signing the disclaimer form is also a meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and issues of common concern. bilateral relations and issues of joint interest. requirement. Bookings must be made in advance. For more information, one can call 55449862. Cabinet vets policy on cloud computing

QNA the continuation of work with The Cabinet framework has been developed Doha regard to the precautionary to provide high-quality serv- Panel discussion measures that have been taken Joint committee review listened to the ices to individuals, companies in order to combat this pan- explanation and institutions, significantly E the Prime Minister demic. The joint committee of the the entry and exit of expatriates increase efficiency and growth, The Shura Council took part and Minister of Inte- The Cabinet also listened to Services and Public Utilities and their residence, in the provided by HE and to ensure reliable access to in a panel discussion enti- Hrior Sheikh Khalid bin the presentation made by HE Committee and the Internal presence of Director General of the Minister of all local and international users tled ‘Reforming the Security Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani the Minister of Finance on the and External Aff airs Committee the Department of Passports alike, based on the TRAs strate- Council: When’, organised chaired yesterday the Cabinet’s progress of work on the unified of the Shura Council held Brigadier Mohamed Ahmed Public Health gy to support the goals of Qatar virtually by the Inter- regular meeting at its seat at site for government tenders yesterday a meeting under al-Ateeq and Director of Legal on the latest National Vision 2030 and the Parliamentary Union (IPU) the Amiri Diwan. and HE the Prime Minister and its Rapporteur Mohamed bin Aff airs Department Brigadier Second National Development in co-operation with the UN Following the meeting, HE Minister of Interior instructed Mahdi al-Ahbabi. During the Salem Saqr al-Muraikhi as developments to Strategy. Office. The discussions fo- the Minister of Justice and Act- the necessity of the commit- meeting, the committee studied representatives of the Ministry limit the spread 2 — Results of the 17th meet- cused on the way to enlarge ing Minister of State for Cabinet ment of government agencies the Decree Law No. 23 of 2019, of Interior. The committee ing of the Ministerial Commit- the Security Council to face Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al- and the bodies that fund their amending some provisions of decided to complete its study of Covid-19 tee of Civil Service and Admin- the political instability and Nuaimi gave the following state- budget from the State to an- Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating at the next meeting. istrative Development of the conflicts between countries ment: nounce the tenders and auc- Second — Reviewed the fol- GCC. and make it work more ef- At the beginning of the meet- tions on the site, with the aim lowing issues and took appro- 3 — Results of the 340th ses- fectively in the best interest ing, the Cabinet listened to the of achieving justice, transpar- sidered the topics on the agen- matic Institute of the Ministry priate decisions: sion of the International La- of the people. The Shura explanation provided by HE ency and equal opportunities, da as follows: of Foreign Affairs in Qatar and 1 — The Ministry of Trans- bour Organisation (ILO) Gov- Council was represented the Minister of Public Health and providing information to First — Approval of a draft the Levan Mikeladze Diplomat- port and Communications let- erning Body. by Mohamed bin Abdullah on the latest developments to investors on the needs of gov- memorandum of understand- ic Training and Research Insti- ter on the policy framework 4 — Results of the 7th Iran- al-Abdul Ghani, member of limit the spread of the corona- ernment agencies. ing in the field of diplomatic tute at the Ministry of Foreign document for cloud computing. Qatar Joint Economic Commis- the Council. virus (Covid-19), and affirmed After that, the Cabinet con- training between the Diplo- Affairs in Georgia. The cloud computing policy sion meeting. Gulf Times Thursday, January 21, 2021 3 QATAR

Qatar takes part in 113th Session of UNWTO’s Executive Council Qatar attends session of WHO’s Executive Board

QNA other medical technologies. Doha The meetings will also review global strategy and action plan on public health, innovation and atar is participating in intellectual property, antimicro- the meetings of the 148th bial resistance, low-quality and QSession of the Executive counterfeit medical products, as Board of the World Health Or- well as standardisation of medi- ganisation (WHO), which began cal device naming, immunisation its work via videoconferencing plan 2030, integrated and indi- and will run until Jan 26. Qa- vidual-focused eye healthcare tar’s delegation is chaired by HE services, including preventable the Minister of Public Health Dr blindness and visual impairment. Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari. The meetings also discuss public HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari The meetings discuss key top- health emergencies: preparedness participating in the meetings. ics, including the fi rst three pil- and response, response to Cov- lars: 1bn more people benefi ting id-19, WHO’s work in strengthen- Health minister meets WHO regional director from universal health coverage, ing health emergency prepared- 1bn more people better protect- ness including implementation of HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari met ed from health emergencies and global health emergencies (2005), with the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, 1bn more people enjoying better strengthening WHO prepared- Dr Ahmed Salim Saif al-Mandhari. During the meeting, they health and well-being. ness and response to global emer- discussed co-operation between Qatar and the WHO, especially in The meetings review global ac- gencies, and health preparedness the health field. The WHO off icial praised Qatar’s rapid response of Qatar participated in the 113th session of the Executive Council of the UN World Tourism tion on patient safety, the political and response to mental health the health system to address Covid-19 pandemic, appreciating the Organisation (UNWTO) in the Spanish capital of Madrid. The state was represented at the session by declaration of the third high-level during the Covid-19 pandemic, distinguished co-operation and co-ordination between Qatar and Qatar’s ambassador to Spain Abdullah bin Ibrahim al-Hamar. The Executive Council members voted meeting of the General Assembly the eff ects of the implementation the WHO in various fields. to elect the organisation’s secretary-general for 2022-2025, as the candidate of Georgia and the on the prevention and control of of the Nagoya Protocol on pub- current Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili won a second term. On the sidelines of the session, non-communicable diseases, oral lic health, polio eradication, polio Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with the ambassador of Qatar. During the meeting, health, and the expansion of access eradication progress plan and po- Other discussion topics on the all people with disabilities, global they reviewed bilateral relations. The ambassador also participated in the Global Tourism Crisis to treatment for cancer and rare or lio post-eradication phase, social meeting agenda include: global health sector strategies on HIV, vi- Committee’s first meeting to discuss the current global challenges facing the tourism sector. The neglected diseases, including med- determinants of health, as well as strategies and action plans ex- ral hepatitis and sexually transmit- committee stressed the need to overcome challenges through concerted eff orts in order to resume icines, vaccines, medical devices, enhancing the WHO’s effi ciency pected to expire within one year, ted infections for the period 2016- the global tourism movement. diagnostics, supporting products, and eff ectiveness in providing bet- the WHO’s disability action plan 2021 and the process of electing the cellular and genetic therapy and ter support for countries. 2014-2021: improving the health of Director-General of the WHO.

All-new Ooredoo Money Qatar Airways Holidays App ups user experience oredoo has launched the latest and most power- Oful version of its versatile Ooredoo Money App. Completely All actions can be redesigned to provide an entirely performed with a minimal announces fi nal call for revamped user experience, this number of clicks, and with reworked fi nancial service product maximum convenience, is tailored for maximum customer allowing users to manage convenience and engagement. their everyday financial The Ooredoo Money App is set needs quickly, easily, and up to cater for the needs of the efficiently thanks to the user, as well as friends, family, and App Maldives bubble tours domestic help, with functions al- lowing for sub-wallets and salary meets and exceeds customer ex- atar Airways Holidays has Q Travel period extended until February payments. pectations, and functions as the announced the fi nal ex- 20 for bookings with minimum All actions can be performed most eff ective fi nancial services Qtension of its Travel Bub- with a minimal number of clicks, app in Qatar. “Based on extensive ble Holidays packages to the Mal- three-night duration and last outbound and with maximum convenience, research and utilising the lat- dives, providing travellers with allowing users to manage their est technologies, the revamped more fl exibility to plan a last- date from Qatar on February 17 everyday fi nancial needs quickly, Ooredoo Money App off ers more minute, quarantine-free gateway QCustomers can book up to February 15 easily, and effi ciently thanks to the features and greater safety and se- to the popular tropical island. App. curity than ever before, both key The travel period is now extended and receive additional free upgrades to The redesign brings more than requirements in this digital age. until February 20 for bookings all inclusive packages for a dozen key features to the fore. “We’re excited to see customer re- with a minimum three-night du- These include easy navigation actions, and are confi dent they’ll ration and the last outbound date quarantine-free holidays and a contextual user interface, agree it’s the best way to manage from Qatar on February 17. biometric logins, ease of sending their fi nancial needs quickly, eas- To celebrate the success and isolation requirements on return Three high-end luxury prop- overseas remittances, and safe and ily, safely and eff ectively.” mark the end of the “very popu- for citizens and no Exceptional erties – Sandies Bathala Mal- secure transfers with QR codes. The Ooredoo Money App can lar” Travel Bubble Holidays be- Entry Permit, quarantine or self- dives 4-star resort, Diamonds Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, direc- be easily downloaded via the App tween Qatar and the Maldives, isolation requirements on return Thudufushi Beach 5-star resort tor, PR at Ooredoo, said: “We have Store or Google Play, and will be Qatar Airways Holidays will of- for residents of Qatar. and Amaya Kuda Rah 5-star re- Bubble Holidays. For more details, one can visit worked tirelessly to ensure the new continually updated with new fea- fer customers free upgrades, in- Even though the Maldives sort, each situated on their own Q Take a rapid PCR test at Ha- https://www.qatarairwaysholi- version of the Ooredoo Money App tures over time. cluding use of additional resort is no longer part of the Green private island – are exclusively mad International Airport. Re- days.com/qa-en/offers/travel- facilities, water sports activities List countries published by the available for guests travelling sults will be available within 15 bubble-holidays – such as canoeing, laser sailing, Ministry of Public Health, the from Qatar. For the safety of minutes, and passengers will be Qatar Airways has become the 10 QVCs resume work in six nations snorkelling and windsurfi ng – as Travel Bubble Holidays are un- themselves and fellow travellers, allowed to travel if negative fi rst global airline in the world to well as special food and bever- aff ected. All packages include Travel Bubble Holidays guests Q Arrive in the Maldives, where achieve the prestigious fi ve-star age off erings for all new bookings return fl ights between Qatar and must: no additional tests are needed, Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating Ten Qatar Visa Centres (QVCs) in six countries have resumed operations made before February 15, all at no the Maldives on Qatar Airways’ Q Take a PCR test in Doha and and take a transfer by speedboat by the international air transport so far, according to a post tweeted by the Ministry of Interior yesterday. extra cost, according to a press exclusive fl ights for Travel Bub- get a negative Covid-19 PCR test directly to the resort rating organisation, Skytrax. It These are as follows: New Delhi, Lucknow, Kochi, Chennai and Mumbai statement. ble Holidays customers, accom- certifi cate issued no more than QReturn to the Maldives air- also provides assurance to pas- in India, Manila in the Philippines, Islamabad in Pakistan, Dhaka in In November 2020, Qatar Air- modation on a full board basis, 72 hours before departure. This port via speedboat transfer on sengers across the world that air- Bangladesh, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Kathmandu in Nepal. ways Holidays announced the return airport transfers and all is a requirement of the Maldives the day of departure. line health and safety standards People can book appointments through the QVC website (https:// creation of its Travel Bubble taxes. Travel Bubble Holidays’ government. Q Take a rapid PCR test upon are subject to the highest pos- www.qatarvisacenter.com/) and visit the relevant centre to complete Holidays package allowing Qatar packages are available to book on Q Sign a release form com- arrival into Doha. If negative, re- sible standards of professional, the procedures. The Qatar Visa Centres located abroad facilitate citizens and residents to holiday the Qatar Airways Holidays web- mitting to the terms and con- turn home without the need to independent scrutiny and as- procedures required for work visas under one roof, ensuring the rights safely with no quarantine or self- site or from a local travel agent. ditions of the exclusive Travel quarantine or self-isolate sessment. of both the employee and the employer, the MoI added. Qatar wins L’Oréal-Unesco Award 2020

QNA EAA launches #BuildBackEducation Doha ducation Above All Foun- that inclusive, equitable and ac- atar has won the L’Oréal- dation (EAA) along with its cessible education for all is cen- Unesco Award for 2020 Epartners, has announced tral to global eff orts to recover Qwhich is presented for the launch of the #BuildBackEd- from the Covid-19 pandemic. distinguished women in the fi eld ucation campaign, in the lead- The event will be opened by HE of science. up to the 3rd International Day the Assistant Minister of Foreign The award was presented to of Education on January 24. The Aff airs Lolwah AlKhater. Partici- Dr Isra Marei, post-doctoral campaign calls on the interna- pants will include ministers from associate in pharmacology at tional community to support the Colombia, Kenya, the Philip- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar important cause of building back pines, celebrities, UN agencies, (WCM-Q). She was recognised education in 2021, which should civil society organisations, the for her research towards the de- be put at the forefront of the glo- private sector and youth . velopment of 3D vascular drug bal Covid-19 recovery process, a The event, which consists of screening platforms based on statement said. two sessions, will conclude with cord blood endothelial progeni- Close to 1.6bn learners in more a promise for a set of fi nal recom- tor cells. The award was presented to Dr Isra Marei, post-doctoral associate in than 190 countries across the mendations for learners around Speaking during a press con- pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). world have been impacted by the the world to utilise for educa- ference held yesterday on the pandemic, with already margin- tional advocacy in their respec- occasion, Secretary-General of female STEM graduates, and one which is very important if the alised and vulnerable commu- tive communities. Qatar National Commission for of the few selected programmes global community wanted to nities worse hit. The week-long EAA’s Mubarak al-Thani com- Education, Culture and Science in the Middle East that has cre- achieve the sustainable develop- launch of the #BuildBackEduca- mented: “As the world starts its Dr Hamda Hassan al-Sulaiti ated an important platform that ment agenda by 2030. tion campaign will call on the in- recovery from the Covid-19 pan- said that receiving the L’Oréal- helps women succeed and high- Dr Marei extended thanks and ternational community to ensure demic, the global education cri- Unesco Award came within the light their achievements in the gratitude to Qatar National Com- this education crisis will not be- sis caused by the pandemic must framework of the joint eff orts, scientifi c fi elds. mission for Education, Culture come a generational catastrophe. not be forgotten. Through our co-operation and partner- For her part, Director of the and Science and L’Oréal-Unesco Concluding the launch of the #BuildBackEducation campaign ship between WCM-Q and the Unesco Regional Offi ce in Doha for giving her this great oppor- campaign on the International under the umbrella of #UniteTo- Unesco, with the aim of ben- Dr Anna Paolini congratulated tunity, noting that the Women Day of Education, EAA and part- Protect, we urge the international ing: Ensuring education is inclu- ensuring the fair and equal us- efi ting from the capabilities of Dr Marei for winning the the in Science Middle East Regional ners, will virtually host the global community to come together and sive, accessible, equitable, and age of education technology and the international organisation in L’Oréal-Unesco for Women in Young Talents Programme is an event, ‘Education, a key to post create a better tomorrow for the of quality for all; ensuring safe bridging the digital divide. supporting and strengthening Science Middle East Regional initiative that aims at support- Covid-19 pandemic recovery: next generation.” schools reopening and resuming EAA’s virtual event ‘Educa- the national capacities, and pre- Young Talents Programme. ing Arab women scientists from How can we prevent a genera- The launch of EAA’s #Build- vital services around areas such tion, a key to post Covid-19 paring Qatari cadres capable of She noted that the biggest the countries of the Gulf Co- tional catastrophe?’ on January BackEducation campaign will as health and nutrition; protect- pandemic recovery: How can we managing development projects challenge for women is not the operation Council, contributing 24, as part of its YouthTalkEd focus on key areas that will be ing, promoting and expanding prevent a generational catastro- in the next stage. pursuit of excellence in the fi elds to the advancement of scientifi c series. essential for the global commu- education fi nancing, and focus- phe?’, will take place on January The award also is one of the of science, but the pursuit of research, and highlighting the The event will bring together nity to consider while education ing fi nancing on the most mar- 24, from 4pm to 6pm Qatar time. internationally recognised ini- equal opportunities for leader- role of Arab women in the devel- global leaders and youth to dis- is rebuilt and reshaped to fi t the ginalised communities; support- The event can be accessed on tiatives to support and encourage ship and career development, opment of science. cuss what must be done to ensure post-pandemic reality, includ- ing the education workforce; and www.educationaboveall.org Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 21, 2021 QATAR QIIB names 25 winners of National Day Cards Campaign

IIB announced the names Abdulrahamn al-Attiya, Haya of new cards to new segments of alent to 180,000 QIIB points. of some 25 winners of its al-Mannai, Shiekh Mohammed customers, and increasing the To enter the draw and win one of Qcard campaign that was al-Thani, Aiman Soliman, Haya card features by creating easy so- the weekly prizes, cardholders only launched on the occasion of Qa- al-Kubaisi, Sarah al-Subaey and lutions that enable customers to had to spend QR100 (as a mini- tar National Day, in the period Husameldin Shalaby. obtain and use cards through the mum) during the period between between November 29 and De- Commenting on the an- bank’s various digital channels, November 29, 2020 and December cember 31 last year. nouncement of the winners of whether mobile banking, inter- 31, 2020 in order to get one chance The card campaign allowed the National Day Cards Cam- net banking, telephone banking, to win when using their credit card QIIB (debit and credit) cardhold- paign, Omar Abdelaziz al-Meer, ATM network, and the bank’s call inside Qatar, and two chances to ers to win prizes with each equiv- head (Business Development and centre services.” win when using their debit and alent to 180,000 QIIB points Alternative Channels Sector) at Al-Meer noted: “QIIB is keen to credit cards outside Qatar. when using QIIB cards (inside QIIB, said, “We are very pleased make its cards one of the easy pay- In addition, any payment and outside) Qatar. to congratulate the winner cus- ment solutions, and at the same made using QIIB Cards that met The winners are: Mohamed tomers in the National Day Cards time provide benefi ts and privileges the conditions stipulated in the al-Muraikhi, Essa al-Mohan- Campaign draw. During that to its holders, through the loyalty off er will automatically qualify to nadi, Ghanim al-Kubaisi, Mohd campaign, we were keen to in- Omar Abdelaziz al-Meer, head The card campaign allowed QIIB (debit and credit) cardholders to win programme, the partners network, enter the draw, without the need Abdulrahman, Mohammed Ho- clude as many winners as pos- (Business Development and prizes with each equivalent to 180,000 QIIB points when using QIIB as well as the great features of QIIB for any specifi c action from the madi, Talal al-Siddiqi, Shaikha sible to share the joy of the Na- Alternative Channels Sector) at QIIB cards (inside and outside) Qatar. cards in terms of local and global part of the customer concerned. al-Homaiddi, Sanabel al-Akras, tional Day with our dear valued safety, trust and acceptance.” The winners were chosen au- Ibrahim al-Khouri, Abdulla al- customers”. provide the best for the various launched at a time where elec- encourage digital transformation The Cards Campaign provided tomatically through an electronic Hammadi, Ali Saeed al-Mohan- “We are always keen to reward customer segments, in line with tronic payment solutions are and electronic payment solution. QIIB (credit and debit) cardhold- drawing system under the super- nadi, Abdulla al-Yafei, Khalid al- our customers for their loyalty by the best standards and require- witnessing a boom at the locally “QIIB card solutions have ex- ers, regardless of the category, vision of a representative from Boinin, Hamda al-Abdulghani, providing the best products and ments in the banking market.” and internationally. Therefore, panded steadily and witnessed with an opportunity to win fi ve the Quality License and Market Abdulhadi al-Marri, Hussein off ers, which represent one of the Al-Meer said, “The National these prizes are considered a a major development during the prizes a week throughout the of- Control Department at the Min- al-Ali, Mohamed al-Moughrabi, aspects of our commitment to Day QIIB Cards Campaign was contribution from the bank to last period, through the issuance fer period, with each prize equiv- istry of Commerce and Industry.

Mowasalat launches PHCC patients Covid-19 vaccination get vaccinated within 30 minutes for its frontline staff r Samia al-Abdullah, Executive Director of Dthe Operations Depart- owasalat (Karwa) has ment at the Primary Health initiated Covid-19 vac- Care Corporation (PHCC), said Vodafone ‘Presenting Mcination for its employ- that all health centres are re- ees as part of the ongoing na- ceiving patients who wish to get tional campaign. The company the Civid-19 vaccine, according Sponsor’ of Al Khor prioritises its frontline staff that to the plans and regulations in currently shuttle arriving guests force and with high profession- from the Hamad International alism to ensure public safety Carnival 2021 Airport (HIA) to the respective with no crowding or delays. quarantine hotels. Local Arabic daily Arrayah re- All other bus and taxi drivers ported. odafone Qatar has ally connected at all the coun- will also be vaccinated in col- Dr al-Abdullah added that Dr Samia al-Abdulla been announced as try’s major events when the laboration with the Ministry patients who are eligible for V the ‘Presenting Spon- level of sharing photographs, of Public Health (MoPH) and vaccination against Covid-19 health centres, and on Fridays sor’ of the inaugural Al Khor videos and messages online Hamad Medical Corporation are contacted directly, by text and Saturdays in 20 health cen- Carnival 2021 organised and is massive, the company has (HMC). messages or phone to get an tres from 7am until 11 at night. managed by Aspire Zone stressed. Karwa CEO Fahad Saad al- A Mowasalat (Karwa) employee receiving Covid-19 vaccine. appointment, noting that at It does not take more than half Foundation. Expected to attract more Qahtani said the initiative is part present priority is given to peo- an hour for the patient to re- The event will be held in the than 100,000 visitors, the car- of the precautionary measures ple who are most at risk of se- ceive the vaccine, and after 15 outdoor open area of Al Bayt nival will feature food trucks implemented by the company in vere complications, or aged 60 minutes, blood pressure and Stadium from today until Feb- and food outlets, fun rides, live collaboration with various au- and above, and people with se- temperature are taken to ensure ruary 6 and is set to be the big- entertainment and shopping thorities in the State to maintain vere chronic diseases. that there are no complications gest family-friendly festival for the entire family, the state- the health of the community and Also eligible are healthcare or high blood pressure before of the year, a press statement ment adds. fi ght the spread of the pandemic. workers, who are exposed di- leaving the centre, in the inter- notes. One can fi nd out more infor- Dr Emad Bahloul, director of rectly and repeatedly to the risk est of everyone’s safety.” The sponsorship comes in mation on the event by using the Mowasalat (Karwa) Medical of the Covid-19 virus, besides She called on all those who fall continuation of Vodafone’s the #AlKhorCarnival hashtag Centre, said that Karwa puts the students who study abroad under those categories to adhere support of community events and by following Vodafone @ safety and well-being of its em- when they visit Qatar, as this to the appointments set for them and its commitment towards vodafoneqatar on social media ployees and Qatar’s community will allow them to travel and while keeping the precautionary ensuring that people are digit- platforms. as a top priority. protect themselves from the measures within the health cen- “The care for our drivers in- virus. They can make appoint- tres in order to ensure their safety cludes a medical centre with ments via the hotline. and that of other patients in spe- Ford F250 model of 2020 recalled emergency facilities, isolation Dr al-Abdullah confi rmed cialised clinics. rooms, a pharmacy, fi rst aid Dr. Emad Mohd M. Bahloul Fahad al-Qahtani that “the PHCC has taken all She said that the health au- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co-operation with units, and professional medical measures to ensure that the thorities are committed to im- Almana Motors Company, has recalled Ford F250 model of 2020 due staff . The Mowasalat Medical limousines, accessible taxis, In addition, the Karwa Driving nursing staff are highly quali- plementing the national strat- to possible damage of electrical conductivity for the camera, which Center is accredited by MoPH,” public transport buses, school School off ers diverse training fi ed and trained for giving the egy for vaccination against the may cause it not to work. he said. buses, transport services for ma- programmes for various types of vaccine, and in preserving sam- coronavirus, which consists of The recall campaign comes within the framework of the MoCI’s con- Karwa provides all transport jor events, private and govern- vehicles for industrial and pri- ples from waste. The vaccine is four phases distributed over tinuous eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow needs in Qatar, including taxis, ment contract transportation. vate use. given throughout the week in 27 this year. up on vehicle defects and repairs.

144,350 total Covid recoveries The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported today 271 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, of which 231 were from community and 40 from travel- lers returning from abroad who are subject to quarantine. The MoPH also recorded 132 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recov- ered in Qatar to 144,350. 3 held for violating quarantine rules

The designated authorities arrested yesterday three people for violating the legal requirements of home quarantine. The arrests came in implementation of the precautionary meas- ures in force in the country, approved by the Ministry of Pub- lic Health, to curb the spread of Covid-19. The violators, who are currently being referred to the designate prosecution, are: Abdullah Hassan Mohamed Hassan al-Rashid, Ahmed Imam Mohamed Abdulaziz and Abdoul Matin Fairouz Kalbaskar. 204 face prosecution for not wearing masks

The designated authorities referred 204 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places where they are mandatory. The measure is in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). Gulf Times Thursday, January 21, 2021 5 QATAR

Katara International Arabian Horse Festival’s Title Show dates changed

Title Show will now be mendous response from horse ticipation necessitates that the esplanade. Prof Khalid bin Ibra- bians. It will also present them pionships for purebred Arabians. held from February 3-6 owners and breeders. More than Title Show dates are amended him al-Sulaiti, general manager with the opportunity to be part This is the fi rst time the premier 300 purebred Arabians have to ensure optimum conditions of of Katara and chairman of the of the Title Show if they have show is being hosted at Katara. he “overwhelming par- registered for the Title Show, competition. The show will now KIAHF Organising Committee, not registered already. Through The Title Show has some ticipation” of horses has the highpoint of the festival, the be a four-day event, instead of said: “We are pleased with the the festival, we endeavour to distinct features: it is the fi rst Twarranted a revision in statement noted. three as previously announced,” remarkable response we have boost the confi dence and pride event of its kind being held by the schedule of the Katara Inter- Of these, more than 200 hors- the statement pointed out. received from horse owners and of owners and breeders by pre- the waterfront, and the total national Arabian Horse Festival es have met the stipulated re- While the festival dates re- breeders. Registrations have senting them with opportunities prize money of QR13mn is one (KIAHF)’s Title Show, the organ- quirements and will hence par- main unchanged, from Febru- been received from the Mid- to participate in prestigious Ara- the highest awarded for such an isers have said in a statement. ticipate in the prestigious show. ary 2-6, the Title Show is now dle East and Europe, including bian horse shows and associated event, the statement added. The festival, to be held un- These fi gures will rise further, as scheduled from February 3-6. Belgium, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, events.” In addition to the Title Show der the patronage of His High- registrations will be made open The Organising Committee Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti Bahrain and Qatar. Qatar has earned a place of of exquisite Arabians, the fi ve- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin for horses qualifying in the up- of KIAHF is also gearing up to “The Auction is being held as a global distinction in conduct- day festival will include various Hamad al-Thani and presented coming 23rd Qatar National Ara- conduct an auction on Janu- that have already qualified for pre-event to the festival and will ing such shows of repute. The educational and entertainment by Katara – the Cultural Village bian Horse Show, from January ary 29. The auction will feature participation in the Title Show. off er horse owners an occasion nation has previously hosted 29 activities for equine enthusiasts Foundation, has received tre- 22-26. “The overwhelming par- only those purebred Arabians It will be conducted at Katara’s to invest in fi ne purebred Ara- international shows and cham- and the public.

British Council’s computer-delivered Etihad Airways IELTS testing launched for UKVI in Qatar

ritish Council has launched which to prepare for taking IELTS on computer-delivered IELTS test- a computer. “The computer-delivered Bing for UK Visas and Immigra- solution we have developed is secure to resume Doha tion (UKVI) in Qatar, it was announced and capable of delivering the world- yesterday. leading security, quality assurance With computer-delivered testing, measures and operational benefi ts that candidates can take IELTS for UKVI, IELTS is renowned for,” the statement Academic or General Training, and said. “IELTS is one of the world’s most they simply type their answers, ac- popular high-stakes English language fl ights from Feb 15 cording to a statement. tests, with over three million tests Computer-delivered IELTS for taken in the past year, and recognised tihad Airways will resume pas- UKVI will not replace paper-based by more than 10,000 universities, senger fl ights from Abu Dhabi to testing but rather off er a choice in de- schools, employers and immigration EDoha, with eff ect from February livery and more availability. bodies, including all universities in 15, subject to the applicable govern- Test takers can now choose the op- Australia and the UK and many leading ment approvals, the UAE-based airline tion and time to take IELTS for UKVI institutions in the US. said yesterday. that best works for them. They can “IELTS is also the most widely The service will operate daily using also get their results faster, with re- and, importantly, the speaking test used test of English for migration to an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 787-9 sults typically available between fi ve to remains face-to-face with a certifi ed Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Dreamliner. seven calendar days after the test has IELTS examiner. the UK. Established in 1989, IELTS is Martin Drew, senior vice-president been completed. Test takers who choose the option of jointly owned by the British Council, (Global Sales & Cargo) of Etihad Avia- The test content, timing and struc- computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge tion Group, said: “With ties between ture remain the same in both options can access support materials with Assessment English.” the UAE and Qatar restored, the re- starting of passenger services between The service will be operated daily using an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 787-9 the two capitals will once again sup- Dreamliner. port the growth of trade and tourism QRCS, ICRC hold webinar on protection of between the two nations. months, the airline has seized every Guests travelling on Etihad Airways “Adding a new destination to Eti- opportunity to improve processes, in- fl ights will be required to show a nega- medical professionals during armed conflict had’s network during the Covid-19 cluding the introduction of free PCR tive Covid-19 PCR test result received pandemic is another step towards the testing for guests departing the UAE within 96 hours prior to departure Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and gradual expansion of normal sched- and free Covid-19 insurance for all from Abu Dhabi, or from their depar- the International Committee of the Red uled services to more cities across the passengers globally. ture airport if they are transferring Cross (ICRC) jointly organised a webinar airline’s global network.” Those wishing to book are advised from other cities via Abu Dhabi. yesterday, discussing ways to further To give guests peace of mind and to visit etihad.com to view their op- In the UAE, guests travelling to all protect medical and relief personnel as to off er an extra level of reassurance tions, and to remain informed on the Etihad Airways destinations can make they perform their duties. to travel, Etihad is the “only airline in appropriate entry regulations at their use of a free testing service between Titled “Special Legal Protection the world” requiring 100% of its pas- end destination. 48 to 96 hours prior to departure with for Medical Professionals at Times sengers to show a negative PCR test Flights are also available for booking Life Medical Diagnostic Center (Life of Armed Conflict”, the event was before departure, and on arrival in Abu through the mobile app, by calling the Dx). attended by 83 participants from Dhabi, the airline said in a statement. Etihad Airways contact centre at +971 Travellers fl ying fi rst or business, National Societies, representatives of As the network continues to be built 600 555 666 (UAE) or through a local will also have the option of selecting the International Red Cross and Red back up, Etihad ensures a secure and or online travel agency. A list of other tests at their home. The quick and easy Crescent Movement, Islamic Committee hygienic fl ying environment across the local Etihad contact centres is avail- process can be booked directly with of the International Crescent (ICIC) entire guest journey. Over the last few able at etihad.com/contacts Life Dx. executive director Dr Mohamed Hamad al-Asbali, QRCS CEO engineer Ibrahim Abdullah al-Malki, and QRCS heads of Participants meet virtually to discuss “Special Legal Protection for Medical mission. Professionals at Times of Armed Conflict.” QRCS secretary-general Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi said the webinar aims to a complementary role that we have to and more attacks on medical personnel DIC incubates 25 new startups have discussion, exchange views, raise do for the victims of armed conflicts: and facilities. There is blatant abuse issues, and propose solutions regarding To ensure that they are not made where we see medical personnel the legal protection that medical and victims in the first place. This can be purposely targeted or hindered in their relief personnel are supposed to enjoy done by making their voices heard, delivery of care. This is all over the and celebrates graduation of 17 while performing their professional and urging the international community to world,” she added. humanitarian responsibility of helping intervene in their favour, and forcing Several topics were on the agenda, victims of armed conflict. all warring parties in international and including: Protection for Emblem he Digital Incubation Centre “We at QRCS have lost many non-international conflicts to respect during Armed Conflicts (speaker: Dr (DIC) of the Ministry of Trans- humanitarian providers on the ground, international laws and conventions, Fawzi Oussedik, head of International Tport and Communications and many of our health facilities were as well as universal ethical rules, Relations and IHL, QRCS), Protection (MoTC) has announced the 25 winners rendered inoperable as a result of particularly the Principle of Distinction for Medical Professionals and of the fourth edition of IdeaCamp, deliberate bombing,” said al-Hammadi. between Civilians and Combatants. Humanitarian Workers during Armed held virtually for the fi rst time in line “This is in grave breach of the principles Cherine Pollini, ICRC head of Mission Conflicts (speaker: Dr Moez Hedhli, with the precautionary measures for of International Humanitarian Law – Qatar, said: “The definition of IHL adviser, ICRC-GCC), Protection Covid-19. (IHL), the Geneva Conventions, medical personnel refers to personnel for Victims of Armed Conflicts during The announcement was made at a and their additional protocols, assigned to the search for, collection, Pandemics (speaker: Dr Omar Mekky, virtual ceremony attended by Reem which stipulate the protection of all transportation, diagnosis, or treatment Regional IHL co-ordinator, ICRC-Mena), Mohamed al-Mansouri, assistant individuals, vehicles, and premises of the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked, and Protection for Medical Personnel undersecretary of Digital Society De- clearly showing the Red Crescent and the prevention of disease, to the against Infection during Epidemic velopment Sector at MoTC. The cer- or Red Cross emblem”. “While we as administration of medical units, or Outbreaks (speaker: Dr Mohamed Fawzi emony also marked the graduation of members of the Movement, practice to the operation or administration Abyedh, assistant general medical 17 startups that completed their incu- all forms of humanitarian action both of medical transports”. “We have all director for Educational, Academic, and bation in 2020. The announcement of at times of conflict and peace, there is witnessed, over the past years, more Research Aff airs, QRCS). the 25 IdeaCamp winners comes after a round of pitching by 40 shortlisted startups in front of a distinguished jury panel that included experts in the fi eld from Ooredoo, Qatar Develop- ment Bank, Tasmu Smart Qatar, QRDI, Bedaya Centre and AppLab. The winning startups for the fourth edition of IdeaCamp are eHaris, Spendwisor, PayWise, NARR, PickUp, Tailory, Short-term load forecasting, ElevateMe, Endrogn, Turismo, Farha, VastumLab, ValApp, BizPlanner, Ceena Lab, Karty, Tahado, Qreceipt, Storimart, Keyrism, Info Tech Hive, Aljadwal, Telerehab, Traff -Easy and Almachla. The ideas harnesses emerg- ing technologies such as artifi cial in- tional and technical support, working ed the graduation of 17 startups that telligence, advanced analytics and the offi ce spaces, as well as regular train- have completed their incubation peri- Internet of Things to serve the sectors ing and mentorship sessions to accel- od at DIC in 2020, which brings the to- of education, healthcare, sports tour- erate the growth of their enterprises,” tal of graduated startups to 100, these ism, agriculture, environment and al-Buhendi said. startups are: Raeyi, Baqaala, Tomoh, transportation. In order to ensure that entrepre- Qertas, Saakin, EButler, PMOBytes, Al-Mansoori said the Digital Soci- neurs have easy access to DIC and get Bonocle, Spas Go, Medline Arabia, ety sector has an integrated strategic answers to their pressing questions Xpander, ESmart Academy, Greenhat, vision that aims to support digital in- about IdeaCamp, the DIC organised Skilancer Solar Solar, NewsAmp, The novations that harness emerging tech- nine orientation sessions before the Real Estate CRM and Artist Qatar. nologies and create a fostering envi- start of IdeaCamp, through which en- DIC was established in line with ronment for them to continue their trepreneurs were encouraged to regis- MoTC’s vision to create a supportive success in the Qatari market. ter for IdeaCamp. ecosystem for the digital startup sec- Duha Ali al-Buhendi, acting man- A total of 150 ideas were selected. tor in Qatar. Since 2011, a total of 100 ager, said DIC is committed to provid- The entrepreneurs behind these ideas startups have successfully graduated ing support to digital entrepreneurs in have met DIC’s criteria to attend Ide- from DIC, 18 of which have expanded Qatar. “We are proud of the success of asCamp training workshops, over the internationally. the virtual edition of IdeaCamp and course of six weeks with over 33 train- Through partnerships with leading our incubation of 25 new digital star- ing hours and mentoring sessions for local and international institutions, tups, which brings the total number of entrepreneurs to build and integrate the total investments in the incubat- incubated startups to 57. Our incubat- their business models. ed startups in the last three years has ed entrepreneurs benefi t from opera- The virtual ceremony also celebrat- reached QR23mn. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 21, 2021 QATAR Qatar Charity launches urgent initiative to help heavy rain-affected Syrians

atar Charity (QC) launched an a helping hand to the vulnerable persons in Under the slogan “Warmth and Peace”, urgent humanitarian initiative winter. Qatar Charity (QC) launched its 2020- as part of its winter campaign 2021 winter campaign, targeting nearly one A kind-hearted person can contribute “Warmth and Peace” to help million persons, including the displaced, to the campaign through this link (http:// Qvulnerable Syrians. refugees, the needy and the affected, in 19 qch.qa/Syria), as well as through Qatar countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe, The initiative is an urgent response to Charity’s mobile App, in addition to dialing at a total cost of approximately 66 million the challenging situations faced by the the hotline 44667711. Besides, a donor can Qatari riyals. displaced and refugees due to the heavy send an SMS with a heart emoji to 92642 rain. Qatar Charity’s relief team continues and 92428 to donate QR100 and QR 500, The campaign seeks to provide urgent to deliver winter aid to the affected people respectively. winter aid to refugees and the displaced on the Syrian-Turkish border. The assistance of Qatar Charity includes tents, insulators, heating materials, clothes, and food, to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Syrians, and meeting their essential needs. As the Syrian refugees and displaced persons struggle to survive in this harsh winter, Qatar Charity urges people in Qatar, both citizens and residents to donate to the winter campaign to extend

in Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Jordan, The United Nations warned that the Bangladesh and other countries, focusing deteriorating weather conditions may on those facing crises, exceptional worsen the situation with snowfall and circumstances or a harsh winter with the temperature below 3 degrees Celsius temperatures below zero. in the coming days. The campaign also pays close attention According to UN statistics, at least to those affected by the coronavirus to 1,700 families in northwest Syria have help them survive the winter, in addition been severely affected by the devastating to providing winter bags for orphans rains, which has also damaged the tens of sponsored by Qatar Charity. thousands of families. Qatar Charity, Palestinian Water Authority Sign Joint Cooperation Agreement atar Charity, represented by its During the signing of the agreement, office in Ramallah, Palestine, Head of the Palestinian Water Authority and the Palestinian Water Mazen Ghoneim, said that the agreement Authority (PWA), signed a would enhance the prospects for joint Qjoint cooperation agreement, in order cooperation with Qatar Charity in the to implement three projects for the field of supporting the implementation maintenance and rehabilitation of sewage of water and sanitation projects. Support pumping stations, in addition to digging for this sector does not only come in water wells. support of infrastructure projects, but The projects, which are estimated rather in supporting various aspects to cost more than $ 478,000, include such as scientific research and benefiting rehabilitating and maintaining five sewage from technological development and lift pumps in the various governorates of its multiple uses and others, which are the Gaza Strip, in addition to digging two implemented through the solidarity water wells serving about 4,000 residents of all relevant parties from local and in separate areas of the Gaza Strip. international partners, he pointed out.

Head of the Palestinian Water Authority various major sectors in Palestine, as it Abu Haloub indicated that this praised Qatar Charity’s efforts in seeks to cooperate and work to support agreement represents the fruit of joint supporting various sectors, including the various aspects according to the vision of cooperation with the PWA, in a way water and sanitation sector in Palestine, the PWA and its priorities in implementing that guarantees improving the quality of and its awareness of the sensitivity of this projects that are in line with the needs of services provided to citizens, especially sector and its needs, which often require an the communities. with regard to rehabilitating sewage emergency response, given the specificity pumping stations in the Gaza Strip, of the Palestinian situation, in light of He further added that Qatar Charity is as this has positive results in avoiding the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) always striving to support and improve environmental disasters, especially in pandemic, and the sharp increase in water the services produced by all official the winter season. consumption that accompanied this sectors, based on its vision for developing He emphasized that the project epidemic, in addition to the challenges and the infrastructure and providing the includes rehabilitating pumping stations difficulties this sector faces. necessary support to ensure the best services are provided to Palestinian distributed in five main areas of the Gaza For his part, Director of Qatar Charity’s citizens. Strip in order to improve their ability to office in Palestine Huthayfa Jalamna drain sewage water, in addition to drilling affirmed that Qatar Charity places the In his turn, director of Qatar Charity’s and installing the necessary pumps for water sector within its support plan for office in the Gaza Strip Eng. Mohamed wells. Gulf Times Thursday, January 21, 2021 7 QATAR AAB picks winners of Toyota Dream Car Art contest LuLu Group director Dr Mohamed Althaf inaugurated the ceremony with a cake cutting in the bdullah Abdulghani & presence of senior off icials from LuLu regional headquarters. PICTURES: Thajudheen Bros Co (AAB), sole dis- Atributor for Toyota ve- hicles in Qatar, announced the winners of the national contest of the 14th Toyota Dream Car Art Extended car parking service contest that was held recently. The Toyota Dream Car Art contest invites children from all corners of the globe to share inaugurated at Al Meshaf ideas about the future of mobil- ity by drawing their dream cars. “Every great idea was born in the glimmer of a dream, and we branch of LuLu Hypermarket at Toyota hope that this activity will help nurture the creativity of the next generation of great in- he leading retailer LuLu signature promotion, 10 days With the extension work ventors, thinkers and dreamers,” Hypermarket Group has off ers on all product categories, accomplished, LuLu Hyper- a press statement noted. Tcelebrated the fi rst anni- from grocery essentials to life- market Al Meshaf branch has The Qatar contest was held versary of its Al Meshaf branch style range, and gadgets, until commissioned a total of 700 from November 20 until Decem- R K Murugan and Awwad Mohamed with some of the Category 1 winners and their parents. and inaugurated its extended January 30, a statement said. parking lots with the newly ber 15. In the 13th Toyota Dream parking lot yesterday. The anniversary celebration added 500 parking lots. Car Art contest, Serah Maria LuLu Group director Dr Mo- includes in-store promotions The proximity of parking lots Rejeesh, a Grade 3 student of hamed Althaf inaugurated the such as daily deals, killer of- to the store will be an advan- DPS Modern Indian School, had ceremony with a cake cutting fers and one-day wonder of- tage for shoppers, especially in brought accolades to Qatar by in the presence of senior offi - fers. LuLu also kicked off its inclement weather. The aisles winning the prestigious ‘Engi- cials from LuLu regional head- ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free’ promotion, between the rows of parked neering Inspiration Award’. Se- quarters, FMCG/Retail sectors featuring almost all interna- cars are provided with enough rah believes her dream car will and a number of guests. tional brands of menswear, la- width to facilitate easy naviga- make the environment green and In line with the anniversary dieswear, churidars, saris, chil- tion and avoid traffi c conges- carbon-free. celebrations, LuLu Hyper- drenswear, footwear and ladies’ tion in the aisle, the statement Since 2004, the Toyota Dream market Al Meshaf launched its bags, and valid until January 29. added. Car Art Contest has been con- ducted as part of Toyota’s social contribution initiatives. In 2019 alone, there were about 950,000 entries from 86 countries and regions around the globe. The winners of the 14th Toy- ota Dream Car Art contest held Some of the winners with AAB representatives after receiving the prizes. in Qatar are as follows: Category 1 (under 8 years): dian School; 2nd: Jazmin Cloei School; 3rd: Shreyas Ghosh, in the presence of parents, art 1st: Rhianna Jamil Gelogo Elle, Deveria Pe, Philippine School DPS Modern Indian School. teachers and the senior man- Philippine School Doha; 2nd: Doha; 3rd: Nemsith Nimpura The prizes for the winners agement from AAB. Sohan Sandeep, MES Indian Hectorge, Shantiniketan Indian were given at the Toyota show- “AAB would like to con- School; 3rd: Manasu Manju- School. room by R K Murugan, acting gratulate all winning children nath Kadithota, Rajagiri Indian Category 3 (12-15 years): CEO, AAB; Awwad Mohamed, and also thank all children and School. 1st: Nandana Bijukumar, Birla senior manager – Toyota Na- schools who participated in the Category 2 (8-11 years): 1st: Public School; 2nd: Mohamed tional Sales; and K S Raviku- Toyota Dream Car Art contest,” A view of the extended parking lot. Palak Banzal, DPS Modern In- Jibreel, Al Khor International mar, manager – Fleet Sales, the statement added. DESS hosts British ambassador

oha English Speaking Awarded the highest graded School (DESS) yesterday “Outstanding” by BSO inspec- Dwelcomed British ambas- tors, students are challenged sador John Wilkes and his wife. to achieve academic excellence The dignitaries toured the within a community, family new state-of-the-art facilities orientated school which off ers built for Year 7 & 8 and set to not-for-profi t education in a open in September 2021. child focused and caring envi- Students from DESS show- ronment. cased their musical talents for the guests while he visited the Students from DESS new cutting-edge Music Tech- showcased their nology suite, according to a musical talents statement. for the guests Established in 1979 and for- while he visited the mally opened by Queen Eliza- new cutting-edge Music British ambassador John Wilkes and his wife listen to a music beth II and His Highness Sheikh Technology suite, performance along with a DESS off icial and students during their visit. Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, according to a statement DESS remains proud to be one of dividually known by all teachers. Room with canteen facilities. the longest established and lead- “Our senior school will main- “DESS students will benefit “Staff will get to know the ing British curriculum schools in tain the sanctuary of a primary from the use of excellent new children helping them to recog- Qatar, it was explained. school setting with senior school facilities. The state-of-the- nise and develop their strengths. Following the opening of Year British ambassador John Wilkes and his wife touring the DESS campus. facilities, ensuring children feel art building will provide them Our small, inclusive school ena- 7 in 2021, DESS will continue the comfortable while gradually with a new Science Labora- bles us to foster the best from expansion of its senior school for-profi t preparatory school in ent Association of Preparatory will focus on providing the best growing in their independence. tory, Art Room and Music Stu- students during their early sen- by opening Year 8 in September Qatar. Schools (IAPS); a UK kitemark possible education for children We realise the importance of dios, as well as music technol- ior school years,” the statement 2022, to become the only not- As a member of the Independ- of excellence in education, DESS aged 3-13. nurturing students who are in- ogy equipment and a Common added. Toro Toro in second volume launch of new, exclusive Mistura concept

oro Toro, an eight-time Brisket Waffl es are street food- that deserves to be celebrated award-winning pan-Lat- inspired, riddled with strong around the world. We were Tin American restaurant, infl uences of local ajies, while in surprised by the positive re- has launched the second vol- Bandeja de Pato – tradition and sponse after introducing the ume of a new, exclusive concept, modernity are combined in one Mistura concept in December Mistura. bite from the north of Peru; Mis- last year and it motivated me to Mistura is described as an tura’s acclaimed Duck Cazuela create another set of innovative “imaginative blend of Peruvi- with a touch of orange gives an dishes.” an-inspired dishes and a gas- incredible balance of fl avours. Toro Toro restaurant’s lively tronomic representation of the Further, Chef Hurtado’s and family-friendly ambiance Latin culture and its traditions”, Asado de Tira – inspired by is ideal for couples, families according to a press statement Amazonas, is a boundless com- and large groups, the statement issued by Alfardan Hospitality. bination of patacones from the added. Chef Edgar Hurtado’s love for jungle of Peru and 24 hours It is one of the three Sandoval Peru’s culinary heritage started A view of the interior at Toro Toro. braised short rib in amazonico restaurants in Qatar along with when he was a young boy often glaze. Lastly, there is Costilla Zengo and Maya. The venue Toro Toro Mistura is available as an extension of the a la carte menu visiting his grandmother’s res- every bite,” the statement noted. Entailing entrees such as Kan- de Cordero – a tribute to Nikkei fuses traditional and contem- from Saturday to Thursday, 6pm to midnight and on Friday from taurant who would encourage The second volume of Mistu- ishka – which is inspired by the food, using Asian products and porary tastes while maintain- 7pm to midnight. him to experiment with fl avours ra, alongside the fi rst, highlights Andes mountains in Peru; using Latin influences. ing a vibrant yet sophisticated and ingredients. “You will sense the Peruvian favourites divided Salmon to represent the seas, Chef Hurtado said, “I want- atmosphere suitable for fami- Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha, menu from Saturday to Thurs- the love and passion that goes geographically between the jun- authentic Peruvian ingredients ed to show to our guests that lies, couples and large groups. Toro Toro Mistura is available day, 6pm to midnight and on into each dish curated by him in gle, the sea and the mountains. and delicate Andean touches. we have a beautiful cuisine Located at the Marsa Malaz as an extension of the a la carte Friday from 7pm to midnight. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, January 21, 2021 QATAR Woqod to complete 3 new petrol stations in Q1 2021

Woqod is eyeing to complete technical inspection centre and market increased from 3% to vessels owned by Woqod to 10, relevant authorities to reduce of compliance with environ- Woqod will also build a the construction and operation 12 new petrol stations, thus in- about 85% in 2020 compared resulting in a record number of the negative eff ects of the pan- mental, social, and governance modern, robust, and state-of- of three new petrol stations in creased the number of stations to the previous year. sales of fuel since the establish- demic, ensuring the continuous requirements. the-art petroleum products the first quarter of 2021, it was operating by the end of 2020 The company also opened and ment of the company, where and regular supply of refined Al-Muhannadi said the compa- distribution sector within the disclosed during its board of di- to 108 stations; the number of operated a number of 20 Sidra the total sales by the end of petroleum products and gas ny’s management and board of country to keep up with the rectors meeting held virtually, technical inspection centres is stores for consumer products, 2020 amounted to about 949 to all sectors in Qatar, in line directors will exert all eff orts general policy of the State of and presided over by chairman now 12. including three Sidra stores in metric tonnes. with the applicable health, to maintain and enhance the Qatar in the modernisation of Ahmed Saif al-Sulaiti. Woqod CEO and managing metro stations. To enhance the On Qatarisation, the implemen- security, safety and environ- service levels and profit status infrastructure facilities, and During the meeting, the board director Saad Rashid al- bunkering service and in co-or- tation of the Service Localisa- mental health procedures and of the company, and to achieve to provide the best services reviewed and approved the Muhannadi said based on the dination with Qatar Petroleum, tion Initiative, and measures standards. its vision mission and strate- according to the best QHSSE current and future projects that expansion of the petrol stations Woqod purchased two ships taken against Covid-19, It is worth mentioning that Wo- gic goals as a pioneer down- standards, and achieve the best the company plans to establish. construction, the share of to serve vessels visiting Qatari al-Muhannadi said Woqod qod ranked first at level of the stream oil and gas company at results for its valued share- The company has opened one Woqod in the petroleum retail ports, bringing the number of continued to work closely with Qatar Stock Exchange in terms the regional level. holders, al-Muhannadi added. Top Lebanese artist to HBKU colleges to present Wavelength convene discussion talk at VCUarts Qatar on UK-Gulf ties forthcoming online talk many Gulf nationals and their has deep historic roots, but has presented by the College destination of choice for in- also shifted with the changing enowned Lebanese art- institutional facets of Bei- A of Public Policy (CPP) vestment and higher education strategic needs of the partners ist and film producer rut’s contemporary art scene. and the College of Law at Ha- abroad. With growing trade and over time. The webinar will RAkram Zaatari will He has also made invaluable mad Bin Khalifa University will investment, the GCC as a bloc provide a solid and fact-based be the next presenter in the contributions to various dis- shed light on the changing dy- is the UK’s third largest market understanding of the dynamics Wavelength lectures series on cussions focused on preser- namics and increased ties be- after the European Union and of the UK’s relations with Qa- January 26 at 8pm online. vation and archival practice. tween the UK and Gulf State US. The recent formation of the tar and the Gulf in the context During the lecture – a col- Zaatari’s works reflect the countries. The guest speaker Joint UK-Qatar Eurofi ghter Ty- of changing regional and global laboration between Virginia evolving political dynam- will be British ambassador phoon Squadron, indicative of dynamics and power distribu- Commonwealth University ics in the Middle East. Hav- Jonathan Wilks. the co-operation between the tion,” said, Dr Pal. School of the Arts in Qa- ing produced more than fifty Understanding the Dynamics Qatar Amiri Air Force and the “The relationship between tar (VCUarts Qatar) a Qatar films and videos, he has ex- of the UK’s Relations with Qatar Royal Air Force, further marks the United Kingdom and Qa- Foundation partner universi- plored themes as diverse and and the Gulf in the 21st Century the growth in military and se- tar is strong, and it will likely ty, VCU Richmond, and VCU controversial as writing his- will take place on January 25 curity relations between the strengthen in the coming years Institute for Contemporary tories, excavations, political from 2.30pm to 3.45pm, Doha two countries. due to shared values. From a legal Art – Zaatari will discuss his events, the lives of former time, and will be jointly moder- While they share similar out- perspective, the UK common law major works of the last 15 militants, the circulation of ated by Dr Leslie Pal, founding looks on various matters, both and legal institutions have had years, addressing some of the images in times of war, and dean, College of Public Policy, the UK and Gulf countries – a remarkable infl uence on com- crucial questions informing the stories of various letters and Susan Karamanian, dean, individually and as a regional mercial law in Qatar. The College his approach to video, pho- that have been lost, found, College of Law. bloc – are undergoing profound of Law looks forward to the con- tography and the politics of buried, discovered, or other- The talk will consider the developments on the domestic versation with ambassador Wilks documentary representation. wise delayed in reaching their marked growth in the UK’s rela- and foreign fronts, which are and exploring how to further Zaatari and his film Letter Akram Zaatari destinations. tions with the GCC, and Qatar subject to policy divergences strengthen the UK-Qatar bond, to a Refusing Pilot represent- The lecture will be moderat- in particular, in the last dec- that require further study. particularly on the legal front.” ed Lebanon at the prestigious Foundation, National Muse- Dusseldorf; MACBA, Bar- ed by Noah Simblist, associate ade. The UK is a second home to “The GCC-UK relationship added, Dr Karamanian. Venice Biennial in 2013. Some um of Modern and Contem- celona; MoMA, New York; professor and chair of Paint- of his more recent solo exhi- porary Art, Seoul; and Letter Serralves Foundation, Porto; ing + Printmaking, at Virginia bitions include The Script, to a Refusing Pilot, Modern Tate Modern, London and Commonwealth University Modern Art Oxford; Photo- Museet, Malmö. Walker Art Center, Minne- School of the Arts, Richmond. Beach cleaning graphic Currency, La Vitrine, His creative productions apolis. Wavelength is an online se- Beirut Art Residency, Beirut; have found places of promi- The Lebanese artist is the ries that invites celebrated art- Akram Zaatari, Turner Con- nence at the Centre Pompi- co-founder of the Arab Image ists, designers, curators and temporary, Kent, UK; Against dou, Paris; Guggenheim Mu- Foundation, and has played scholars in diff erent art and Photography. An annotated seum, New York; Hammer a crucial role in developing design fi elds from across the history of the Arab Image Museum, Los Angeles; K21 the formal, intellectual, and world.

Heart Hospital performed over 500 cardiac surgical procedures in 2020

eart Hospital, a member organ perfusion or oncological of Hamad Medical Cor- treatments. They are the main Hporation (HMC), safely allied healthcare professional to performed 527 cardiac surgi- run the cell saver blood salvage cal procedures in 2020 amid machines that help reduce and The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Beaches and Islands Section has continued the the Covid-19 pandemic. Since avoid blood transfusion during second phase of cleaning the northern western beaches of the country, covering the area from Al 2012, surgical teams at the hos- surgery. They also ‘run’ the In- Reem Protectorate reaching up to Umm Haish. The collected refuse and garbage included discarded pital have performed more than tra-Aortic balloon pump coun- tyres, animal carcasses. The campaign, which started in December last year, is to run for two months. 3,000 procedures. ter pulsation devices that sup- Highly trained professionals, port the very sick heart whether perfusionists, are key members pre, during or post cardiac sur- of the surgical team at the Heart gery”. Hospital and play a vital role “The perfusionists are vital providing support and criti- members of the cardiac surgi- Three-month partial closure of cal care during any procedure cal team due to the increased where a patient’s circulatory or sophistication of technical in- Sports Hall Intersection respiratory system needs to be terventions requiring assisted supported or replaced. circulation. During the early Cardiovascular perfusionists development of perfusion tech- are healthcare professionals for nology, specialised life support maintaining blood circulation, equipment was developed and homeostasis and oxygenation operated by physicians and sci- to tissues, and to ensure the ad- emergency cardiac procedures said: “We have nine clinical per- entists interested in extracor- equate monitoring of vital signs or emergency resuscitation in fusionists who play a signifi cant poreal circulation. Gradually, during open heart operations the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, role in controlling mechanical the operation and maintenance and other types of treatment the perfusionist supports the cardiac assist devices in patients of these devices has been as- requiring artifi cial heart-lung patient during this critical time. with end-stage heart failure and signed to the Clinical Per- support. Abeer al-Jaja, chief clinical in running extracorporeal circu- fusionist, who provides direct While consultants carry out perfusionist and mechanical lation in patients requiring this patient care, accountable to the a wide range of cardiac proce- circulatory support lead at Heart support for other interventions, surgeon and physicians,” al-Jaja dures including elective and Hospital Perfusion Service, such as lung transplantation, explained. QU academic appointed editor-in-chief of International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy

atar University (QU) ac- Springer Nature, off ers a plat- journal for many years as an ademic Dr Derek Stew- form for research articles in the author, regular reviewer of sub- Qart has been appointed broad fi eld of clinical pharmacy mitted articles and editorial as the editor-in-chief of the and related subjects. The jour- board member. “It is an honour International Journal of Clini- nal publishes original research and highlight of my career to The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has Baaya Intersection or take a U-turn at Khalifa cal Pharmacy (IJCP). articles, reviews, short research take on the role of editor-in- announced a three-month partial closure of Olympic City Intersection. Road users heading He is a professor of Clini- reports, commentaries, book chief and to attempt to follow in all the left turns on Sports Hall Intersection on from Villaggio Mall for Al Sadd should use the cal Pharmacy and Practice reviews, editorials and letters the footsteps of Foppe van Mil, Al Waab Street from tomorrow (Friday). The U-turn on Baaya Intersection instead of the left at QU-College of Pharmacy to the editor. The bi-monthly, who had been editor-in-chief closure implemented in co-ordination with the turn on Sports Hall Intersection. (QU-CPH) and manager of international, peer-reviewed for 20 years. I am supported General Directorate of Traff ic is to enable the Ashghal will install road signs advising Academic Quality Assurance at journal publishes around 150 by associate four editors, Filipa revamp works of the key junction. motorists of the temporary closure and urged Vice President for Medical and articles per year on a wide range Alves da Costa, Vibhu Paudyal, Road users coming from Muaithar and heading all to follow them and abide by the speed limit Health Sciences Offi ce. of subjects. Dr Stewart recalled Shusen Sun and Yolande Hans- for Villaggio Mall should use the left turn on to ensure safety. The IJCP, published by Dr Derek Stewart he has been committed to the sens, he said. Gulf Times Thursday, January 21, 2021 9 HOL STIC Wellbeing A new dawn for climate change Fresh Fruit vs Frozen Fruit

Msheireb is an example of how Qatar — and the rest of the Middle East — can cut emissions to help fight climate change, by using fewer fossil fuels and less water. More than 100 buildings in Msheireb, including apartments, off ices, hotels, a shopping mall and a school are fitted with solar panels, solar water heaters and overhangs designed to shade the surrounding areas and walkways. Similarly, the new Lusail City is By Reem Abdulrahman an example of a project with Jassim al-Muftah By Ghanim al-Sulaiti sustainability at heart. Lusail is being designed with plenty of trees and green spaces, perfect ots of people ask me if fresh fruit is healthier than fro- It’s a new dawn in America, and to boost Qatar’s ecosystem. But zen fruit and I wasn’t too for the world, as President Joe climate change is a global prob- L sure until I recently looked into Biden and Madam Vice President lem, and action by many coun- Kamala Harris enter The White the topic and did some research. tries across the world, including What do you think? The major- House. the entire Middle East region, ity of people will jump to answer Approximately 75% of American will be needed to successfully that fresh fruit is more benefi cial vegans voted for Joe Biden and address the problem. than frozen due to its freshness. Kamala Harris during the elec- Sea levels are rising at the fastest Well, as you read you might be tion according to a poll conduct- rate in 3,000 years, an average shocked so lets get straight to the ed by vegan app Veggly. The app three millimetres per year — point and take a closer look. polled its members to determine and as a peninsular nation, this When it comes to fresh fruit, picked at their peak ripeness, vour, colour and texture, but also ies show that the softer the fruit of its nutrients. Some research decreases the nutrient content the more prone it is to dropping even suggests that frozen fruit their voting behaviour. should be of a concern to us all. they are usually picked right be- fully developed, highly nutritious fore they are ripe so that they can and with the highest amounts of (generally B-vitamins and Vita- in nutrients. Although Vitamin have higher fi bre values and let’s Since taking off ice, former Presi- Climate change and increase in ripen during their transportation vitamins, minerals and antioxi- min C). Studies also show that C might decrease during storage, be honest, at the end of they day, dent Donald Trump overturned temperature is making Qatar several Obama-era environmen- to the markets leaving them less dants. Not only are they picked the levels of Vitamin A, E, fi bre antioxidants such as carotenoids frozen fruit can be more practical even more vulnerable to the and carotenoids are similar in and phenolics may increase as and cost-effi cient. So, my fi nal tal and animal protection laws. developed than when they are when they are ripe, they are also lack of water and food insecu- picked ripe. When picked ripe, treated with usually no chemicals fresh and frozen produce even if the fruit continue to ripen. answer is, a mix of both fresh and Most vegans are pro-environ- rity. Every single drop of water they fully ripen leaving them as they will be frozen in a matter the fruit has undergone blanch- In conclusion, studies have frozen produce is the most ideal ment and want better protection that is used in Qatar currently with a fuller range of vitamins, of hours. So far frozen fruit seem ing. So frozen fruit being healthi- compared and concluded that situation, but try to look for fresh for animals. needs to be desalinated. minerals and antioxidants. The to be the healthier option, also er greatly depends on the process the nutrient content in frozen produce that has not reached President Joe Biden will take It’s at this point I would like to problem with fresh fruit depend- since freezing helps retain the in which they were frozen, but and fresh fruit slightly vary. The its peak yet and consume them immediate action to combat the highlight that eating a vegan ing on where you are getting the nutrient content of the produce. keep in mind that the nutrient fresher the fruit, the more nutri- quick since we are not an agri- climate crisis on his first day as diet is one of the ‘single biggest fruit from is that transportation However, some nutrients begin content stays intact after the fact tious, so if you are picking your cultural state and are limited to US president by immediately re- way’ to reduce your environ- can take from 3 days to many to break down when frozen pro- due to the freezing process. fruit from your own garden or our really fresh produce, try not months to arrive. Some fruit, such duce is stored over 12 months. Now let’s take an even closer purchasing it directly from a lo- to store fruit and veggies for too joining the Paris climate agree- mental impact on earth, studies ment the US will also convene as apples, are even stored up to 12 Some frozen fruit go through look at the post packaging situa- cal farm, fresh fruit might be long and always stock your freez- suggest. Researchers at the months in controlled conditions the process of blanching (plac- tion. When fresh fruit are stored your best bet. When it comes to er with frozen produce as it does an international climate summit University of Oxford found that in Biden’s first few months in the before they are sold. Another is- ing the produce in boiling water for a few days after harvest they supermarket produce compared make your life a lot easier and cutting meat and dairy products sue is that fresh produce is usually for a few minutes), treated with start to lose moisture and auto- to frozen fruit, frozen fruit is possibly a lot more nutritious. White House from your diet could reduce an treated with chemicals to prevent ascorbic acid or adding sugar to matically start to decrease in nu- usually found to have higher nu- Have a fruity day! Biden has outlined the most individual’s carbon footprint rotting the longer they are stored. preserve the fruit longer. Blanch- trient content. Some fresh fruit trient contents as the fresh fruit ambitious climate plan in US from food by up to 73 per cent. On the other hand, produce ing is done to kill any harmful nutrient content even falls lower has been stored for a minimum „ The author is a wellness advo- history including an injection of If everyone stopped eating these that will be frozen are mostly bacteria, prevents the loss of fl a- than that of frozen fruit. Stud- of a few days and has lost a lot cate and infl uencer @keys2balance. $ 2trillion into clean energy to foods, they found that global shift the country to carbon-free farmland use could be reduced electricity by 2035 and overhaul- by 75 percent, an area equivalent ing transport, building and to the size of the US, China, Aus- manufacturing, creating new tralia and the EU combined. Tick-tock jobs along the way. Not only would this result in a 5. Reducing the psychological and “I believe in this team, and significant drop in greenhouse together, we will show the world material pressures that fall on the gas emissions, it would also free individual’s shoulders, as a result that America is once again ready up wild land lost to agriculture, of not finishing up his work on one to take a leading role in the fight one of the primary causes for hand, and the various pressures of against climate change,” Biden mass wildlife extinction. social life on the other. said in a statement. The new study, published in the 6. To fully control the days of The list has been largely journal Science is one of the a person’s life, as he knows welcomed by climate scientists most comprehensive analyses to beforehand what work and plans and activists. “We’re pleased date, looking into the detrimen- he has, and in return how much that Biden’s nominees support tal eff ects farming can have on free time he has that can be treasured. renewable energy, climate the environment and included 7. Those who organise their time justice and keeping fossil fuels in data on nearly 40,000 farms in can find additional time to practice the ground so that they can work 119 countries. with him to really come through By Hala Bader al-Humaidhi their hobbies and this helps them The findings reveal that meat to find other sources of income. on his climate agenda” and dairy production is responsi- 8. The person organised in his While the world continues to try ble for 60 percent of agricul- Many people see that the use of time and work increases his self- to overcome the pandemic, the ture’s greenhouse gas emissions, time means continuous work, confidence, and he avoids the climate crisis has not disappeared, while the products themselves and there is no time for rest or occurrence of surprises at work or it’s just receiving less attention. Hu- providing just 18 percent of calo- entertainment, and some of them other crises and problems, as he is man-caused climate change has ries and 37 percent of protein believe that the use of time and able to do the work on time. already been proven to increase levels around the world. organising it is worthless This is To sum up, after knowing the the risk of floods and extreme rain- because they do not value time, organising time is having a daily of life, and the person will feel himself and the people around him. benefits, I am sure that at least fall, heatwaves and wildfires with and these thoughts among people planner. There are many benefits of the blessing of time and his 3. People find ample time for one or two have reached a soft implications for humans, animals „ The author is an expert in in the Arab world have made our time management, some of which capacity for organising, as he self-development and life skills. spot in you which will make you and the environment. vegan well-being and health. societies less productive. There are appear instantly and some appear accomplishes his work, duties and After completing his work, he finds implement the initiative of time- those who realise the importance in the long run, so a person should responsibilities. suff icient time to read a book, or management. So, what are you New areas of Doha such as Instagram handle: @Ghanim92 of time and commit themselves to not hurry to see the fruits of time 2. Spending more time enjoying attend courses that increase his waiting for? Add it to your new take care of it and fill it with useful management, as they are coming entertainment with family and skills and awareness. year’s resolution! work in order to reduce the void inevitably, and among these friends, as organising increases the 4. Good organisation enables a that does not enter the circle of benefits, include: production of a person in less time, person to realise his dreams, future „ The author is a consultant in Stretches to see off organisation. which helps him to devote himself aspirations, and the goals he hopes Public Relations and Personality The first step in managing and 1. Feeling better in all matters to social activities, so he enjoys to achieve. Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill aches and pains

By Sirin Kale es are quick and easy to do, and Guardian easy to access online.” Calling all Control Freaks The personal trainer Lavina Mehta urges at-home workers orking on a laptop in to snatch moments to get active to catch ourselves when we’re bed all day can be ru- during interminable Zoom calls. controlling and recognise the Winous for your shoul- “If you can switch off your cam- thoughts, fears, and beliefs that ders, back and overall wellbeing. era,” she says, “do a quick three- are driving us — and how this is “Your back won’t be supported minute workout while you’re negatively impacting us and the very well,” says Fiona Houston, a on the call.” To loosen up tense people around us. But I know physiotherapist and the founder shoulders, grab a resistance band from personal experience how of Physio Inverness. “It will be or an old pair of tights, and prac- hard it is to catch ourselves slumped. Plus, if your legs are tise shoulder fl ossing: hold the in a moment, recognise our stretched out in front of you, band or tights loosely between behaviour, and make a different you’ll be putting strain through both hands, and raise your arms choice. So for now, as practice, your nervous system.” She ex- to the ceiling, while maintaining think of a recent time when you plains that this runs from your tension in the fabric. Now bring By Shefa Ali tried to control a situation or brain to your spinal cord, all the the band down, so your palms person and try to identify the way to your toes. “By sitting in face your thighs, and then raise thoughts, fears, and beliefs that bed with your legs out in front of your hands up, back over your If we have learnt anything in the were driving you. you, and your head tilting down- head, and bring them down again, last 12 months, it should have Challenging these thoughts, fears, wards, at a laptop screen, you’re so they’re parallel with your bum. been that we have absolutely and beliefs is the key to letting stretching that system continu- Your neck will thank you for it. no control over of the external go. The reality is, we’ll need to ously. It’s actually one of the Mahta says: “I say to everyone, environment, but if there are any challenge these thoughts and things we would ask our clients shoulder fl oss every day, just like fellow perfectionists reading this, beliefs over and over again because about, to see if people are likely you should fl oss your teeth every for us that is just such a hard pill to they will pop up often. Letting go, to have issues with their nerves.” day. Set an alarm every day, so you swallow. for me at least, isn’t a one-time Houston advises a mixture of don’t forget.” I know, you know what it’s like: choice. But every time I do it, I stretches for your back. “Sit on If you are stuck in bed and the constant need to control life family, or your work or worst still completely by surprise. Only if our the payoff of your controlling feel relief. And in that moment, I a chair and rotate your shoul- feeling stiff , get on all fours and and other people to make sure every aspect of your life, leaving hearts are willing and open. behaviour. We don’t do anything stop pushing. I stop stressing. I ders forwards and backwards,” “do a cat cow,” says Mehta. “This everything goes smoothly and absolutely nothing on chance, Not easy for you to trust and open unless there’s an emotional payoff . stop stressing the people around she says. “Yoga poses such as is brilliant when you’ve been everyone around you is okay. It’s because if everything’s predictable, up to the unknown? I get it. I know The biggest one for me is the me. And I create the possibility the child’s pose (where you sit on hunched over for ages. Tuck your such an exhausting habit, since we’ll never be caught off guard. what it feels like to tightly control illusion of safety. Controlling my life of actually being in this moment, your heels and push your shoul- tailbone towards your chest, deep down inside we know the only We’ll never struggle. We’ll never fail. life, but I also know the freedom allows me to feel more comfortable where there’s a lot more right than ders to the ground, head fac- then do the opposing movement, thing we can control is ourselves. Here’s why we need to get over it. In of letting go. Even though I do it with the unknown — because it’s wrong, and a lot to enjoy if I’m ing the fl oor) or the cobra pose and lift up through the chin, to Somehow we do it anyways — trying to create a perfect vision of inconsistently and imperfectly. not as scary if I can make it into willing to recognise it. (where you lie on your front, get a stretch coming all the way because somewhere along the line how things have to be, we limit the So, my fellow imperfect what I think it has to be. hands and legs fl at on the fl oor, to your belly button.” She’s also a we learned this was the only way to future to only what we can imagine, perfectionists, who want to control Practice self-awareness and „ The author is a consultant and and arch your head and shoul- fan of the perennial yoga favour- keep ourselves (and others) safe. completely overlooking that some less and enjoy more, here’s a couple challenge your thoughts, beliefs, coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ ders off the ground) will help ite, the downwards dog, to get Maybe you try to control your of the best things in life take us of things you can try. Identify and fears. The goal is to be able shefa, Website: missshefa.com your joints move. These stretch- the blood fl owing again. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, January 21, 2021 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA/ASIA Libyan envoys ‘agree to hold constitutional referendum’

AFP Libyan parties in Hurghada in Oil-rich Libya has been torn administration is based in the Council of State, which advises polls, but did not challenge the stitutions — already the topic of Cairo the framework of the constitu- apart by civil war since the east. A fragile ceasefi re between the GNA. election date. discussion in Morocco in recent tional process...and appreciates Nato-backed uprising that oust- the two sides, agreed in Geneva The meeting was held to “dis- A Moroccan diplomatic source months — such as the electoral the eff orts that led to the agree- ed long-time dictator Muammar last October, has largely held cuss the constitutional arrange- said yesterday that further talks commission, the central bank ibyan envoys at UN- ment to hold a referendum on Gaddafi in 2011, with an array of despite threats by eastern mili- ments necessary for the holding between members of the House and the anti-corruption com- backed talks in Egypt the draft constitution in view of militias fi lling the vacuum and tary strongman Khalifa Haftar to of elections on December 24,” of Representatives and the High mission. Lagreed yesterday to hold the Libyan elections scheduled civilian bodies struggling to im- resume fi ghting. according to the UN. Council of State would be held Libyan envoys at separate UN- a constitutional referendum for December 24, 2021,” the min- pose their authority. In the Egyptian Red Sea re- Libyans at UN-led talks in Tu- Friday in the coastal town of backed talks in Geneva voted before planned elections in the istry said in a statement. The UN-recognised Govern- sort of Hurghada, members of nisia in November agreed on the Bouznika, south of the Moroccan Tuesday to pass a mechanism to war-torn country later this year, New talks will be held in Egypt ment of National Accord (GNA) the commission drafting a future date for the elections. capital Rabat. choose an interim executive to Egypt’s foreign ministry said. next month with a view to set- is based in the capital, while a constitution met with delegations Elected Libyan offi cials later The GNA said the negotia- govern until the December elec- Egypt “welcomes the agree- tling the “road map for the refer- House of Representatives which from the House of Representa- called for a constitution to be tions would discuss appoint- tions, according to the UN, calling ment reached today between the endum and elections”, it added. does not recognise the Tripoli tives and the Tripoli-based High approved prior to holding the ments to the country’s key in- it a “signifi cant step forward”. Covid-19 awareness drive in Gaza Shipwreck off Libya leaves 43 dead: UN

AFP — making it the most deadly mi- years since the 2011 overthrow Geneva gration route in the world. and killing of dictator Muam- In their statement, the Inter- mar Gaddafi in a Nato-backed national Organisation for Migra- uprising. While many have t least 43 migrants from tion (IOM) and the UNHCR said drowned at sea, thousands West Africa perished in they feared that “due to the lim- have been intercepted by the Athe fi rst major shipwreck ited ability to monitor routes”, Libyan coastguard, which has off the Libyan coast this year, the the actual number of deaths last been backed by Italy and the United Nations said yesterday, year “could be much higher”. EU, and returned to Libya. A Palestinian man sits in front of a coronavirus mural as part of the Covid-19 awareness campaign, in Khan Yunis in the southern adding that 10 people were res- “This loss of life highlights They mostly end up in de- Gaza Strip, yesterday. cued. once more the need for re-ac- tention, often in horrific con- The UN agencies for refugees tivation of state-led search and ditions. “The situation for and for migration said they were rescue operations, a gap NGO migrants and refugees in Libya “deeply saddened” by the trag- and commercial vessels are try- remains extremely precarious,” edy. ing to fi ll despite their limited the UN said yesterday. The shipwreck, they said, resources,” they said. “Arbitrary arrests and ar- happened Tuesday after a boat The agencies also reiterated bitrary detention in the direst that set off from the city of Za- their call on the international of conditions continue. Many wya capsized just a few hours community to urgently shift its are victimised and exploited Rouhani says ‘ball in US by traffickers and smugglers, after departure when its engine approach to the situation in the stopped in poor sea conditions. Mediterranean. held for ransom, tortured, and Survivors, who were mainly “This includes ending re- abused.” from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, turns to unsafe ports, estab- While acknowledging ef- Ghana and Gambia, said those lishing a safe and predictable forts made by Libyan authori- court’ over nuclear row ties to combat smuggling and who perished were all men from disembarkation mechanism West African countries, the UN followed by a tangible show of trafficking, they called for in- Reuters If Washington returns to Washington reimposed sanc- pletely failed,” Rouhani said. agencies added. solidarity from European states creased efforts to hold perpe- Dubai Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, we will tions that have badly hit Iran’s Biden appears to see a return The shipwreck was the fi rst with countries receiving high trators accountable. also fully respect our commit- economy. Iran, which denies to the deal as a prelude to wider of 2021 off Libya, but comes af- numbers of arrivals,” the state- “Should inaction and im- ments under the pact,” Rou- ever seeking nuclear arms, re- talks on Iran’s nuclear work, its ter hundreds of people lost their ment said. Libya has become a punity prevail, more avoidable ranian President Hassan hani said in a televised cabinet taliated to Trump’s “maximum ballistic missiles and regional lives last year trying to cross the key route for irregular migra- and tragic loss of life can be ex- Rouhani urged the incoming meeting. pressure” policy by gradually activities. central Mediterranean to Europe tion to Europe in the chaotic pected,” they said. IUS administration yester- “Today, we expect the in- breaching the accord. But Tehran has ruled out day to return to a 2015 nuclear coming US administration to Tehran has repeatedly said it halting its missile programme agreement and lift sanctions return to the rule of law and can quickly reverse those vio- or changing its regional policy. on Tehran, while welcoming commit themselves, and if they lations if US sanctions are re- Biden’s choice to lead the the end of President Donald can, in the next four years, to moved. Pentagon, retired Army Gen- Trump’s era. remove all the black spots of the Antony Blinken, Biden’s eral Lloyd Austin, said on Tues- UK helps Kenya prepare US President-elect Joe Bi- previous four years,” he said. choice for secretary of state, day that Iran posed a threat to den, who took offi ce yesterday, Tensions have grown be- said on Tuesday the United American allies in the region has said the United States will tween Tehran and Washing- States would not take a quick and forces stationed in the rejoin the pact, which includes ton since 2018, when Trump decision on whether to rejoin Middle East. to roll out Covid-19 vaccine restrictions on Iran’s nuclear quit the deal between Iran and the pact. “The United States and other work, if Tehran resumes strict six world powers that sought “Trump’s political career Western countries have turned compliance. to limit Tehran’s nuclear pro- and his ominous reign are over our region to a powder keg, not Reuters cally, logistically can,” British dose to access 270mn Covid-19 “The ball is in the US court gramme and to prevent it de- today and his ‘maximum pres- Iran,” Foreign Minister Mo- Nairobi foreign minister Dominic Raab shots secured this month by the now. veloping atomic weapons. sure’ policy on Iran has com- hamed Javad Zarif told state TV. told a news conference during a AU, according to a draft brief- visit to Nairobi. ing on the plan prepared by the ritain said yesterday it was Britain has provided techni- African Export-Import Bank. PEOPLE helping Kenya prepare to cal assistance to Kenya’s health Kenya has reported 99,444 Zimbabwe foreign Broll out the Covid-19 vac- ministry to help ensure the vac- cases of Covid-19 infection af- minister dies cine developed by AstraZeneca cine “gets to those who need it ter 1.13mn tests. It has reported Key Thai opposition fi gure and Oxford University, as Afri- just as quickly as we physically 1,736 deaths. of coronavirus can nations race to ensure their possibly can”, Raab said, without Patrick Amoth, acting di- populations are inoculated. off ering more details. rector general of health at the Zimbabwe’s foreign aff airs minister, faces royal defamation charge Later yesterday, Kenya said it The Kenya state medical re- Ministry of Health, said the Sibusiso Moyo, who gained world had confi rmed two cases of the search institute (KEMRI) has two men who tests showed had prominence for announcing the new Covid-19 variant fi rst seen been carrying out trials of the the new South African Cov- 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mu- AFP gruangkit, founder of the a body that manages the royal in South Africa, which health vaccine locally but it has not id-19 variant had since left the gabe, died from coronavirus yes- Bangkok now-dissolved Future Forward family’s multi-billion-dollar authorities there have said might released the results of the study country. He did not say where terday, the government said. Moyo, Party, was accused of contra- fortune. His video drew the be responsible for a recent jump yet. the infected men were tested 61, was the face of the November vening Thailand’s strict royal ire of Thailand’s Ministry of in infections there. Kenya’s government has or- or whether they had been no- 18 2017 coup which toppled the Thai billionaire op- defamation laws by posting a Digital Economy and Society, The East African nation has dered the vaccines through tified. “This was picked (up) country’s autocratic president position fi gure was video Monday criticising the which yesterday fi led a royal ordered 24mn doses of the vac- an African Union (AU) initia- because of our heightened sur- and replaced him with Emmer- Aaccused yesterday of government’s vaccine strategy. defamation complaint against cine and it expects delivery of tive aimed at ensuring African veillance system. These two son Mnangagwa. His role in the defaming the monarchy, a In the video he raised ques- him. the shots to start in the second nations are not left behind, gentlemen have since gone spotlight spurred press speculation day after a court sentenced a tions about whether Thai- “What Mr Thanathorn said week of February. Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe back to their country. that Moyo had been earmarked former civil servant to more land’s vaccination campaign is not the truth; the facts have “It is for us not just our moral has said. Shots will also be im- At the point of picking them by Mnangagwa as his successor. than 40 years in jail for lese is too reliant on Siam Bio- been distorted,” ministry rep- duty, but in the British national ported directly, he said. (up), they were all asympto- “President Emmerson Mnangagwa majeste crimes. Science, which is owned by resentative Tossapol Pengsom interest to see Kenyans vacci- African countries will pay matic,” he told a news confer- regrets to announce the passing on Thanathorn Juangroon- the Crown Property Bureau — told reporters. nated just as soon as we physi- between $3 and $10 per vaccine ence. early this morning of Dr S B Moyo, our minister of foreign aff airs and international trade,” government spokesman George Charamba said. LEGAL Foreigners without Tunisians protest against mass arrests in nighttime clashes face masks punished AFP freed,” the protesters cried in into exile in the early days of the and Kef, according to National with push-ups in Bali Tunis Sousse. Arab Spring. Guard spokesman Houssemed- In Tunis, protesters — many Many of those detained are dine Jebabli, who said a further Foreigners caught not wearing of them students — shouted minors. 41 people had been arrested. face masks on the Indonesian unisians protested yes- slogans from the country’s 2011 Tunisia often sees protests He added that 21 security resort island of Bali are being terday to demand the revolution, including “freedom, around such key anniversa- personnel had been injured subject to an unusual punishment: Trelease of hundreds work, national dignity”, as they ries in January, but this year’s since Saturday. push-ups. Video footage circulating of young demonstrators ar- moved along the capital’s arte- clashes come as the coronavirus No fi gures were available for on social media this week shows rested in several nights of dis- rial Habib Bourguiba Avenue. pandemic has deepened socio- the number of protesters hurt. tourists in T-shirts and shorts turbances, venting their anger The protests come as the economic woes. The interior ministry had said being made to do the exercise in also against the government’s economy is in free-fall, youth Much of the unrest has hit Monday that more than 600 sweltering tropical heat as masked handling of a deepening social unemployment soars and an- working-class neighbourhoods. people had been arrested. security off icials stood over them. crisis. ger rises against a political class Tuesday saw fewer clashes A handful of protesters gath- Bali authorities made wearing a Around 100 people rallied in that has shown itself incapa- Tunisian protesters take part in an anti-government demonstration than previous nights, with some ered outside a key Tunis court face mask in public mandatory last Tunis and a similar number in ble of pulling together for the on the Habib Bourguiba avenue in the capital Tunis, yesterday. disturbances in poorer neigh- yesterday morning to demand year as Indonesia battled a raging the city of Sousse, in defi ance of nation — gripes in sharpened bourhoods of Tunis as well as justice for detainees. Covid-19 outbreak. In recent days, gatherings that have been for- focus as the country last week “legitimate” anger in a televised have been arrested since the in the marginalised interior re- They also demanded the re- however, scores of foreigners have bidden by authorities following marked 10 years since the fall of address Tuesday evening, but nighttime clashes erupted on gions of Gafsa and Sidi Bouzid, lease of an activist arrested for been caught without face cover- a recent surge in coronavirus dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. said violence was “unaccept- Friday, amid a four-day lock- AFP correspondents reported. attempting to protest despite ings, said security off icial Gusti cases. Prime Minister Hichem Me- able” and vowed to “confront it down imposed the previous day, Clashes also took place in the coronavirus lockdown restric- Agung Ketut Suryanegara. “We want the detainees to be chichi acknowledged Tunisians’ with the force of law”. Hundreds the date on which Ben Ali fl ed cities of Kasserine, Kairouan tions on January 14. Gulf Times Thursday, January 21, 2021 11 AMERICA World leaders congratulate Biden

AFP istration) to return to law and promote “reconciliation and ly relieved” Biden was replacing and defending democracy, our Paris to commitments, and try in the peace” around the world. Trump as US president, calling it a goals are the same and our na- next four years, if they can, to re- “At a time when the grave “good day for democracy”. tions will work hand in hand to ‘We will be back in some move the stains of the past four crises facing our human family Germany looked forward “to achieve them,” he said. orld leaders said they years,” said Rouhani. call for far-sighted and united knowing we again have the US Ireland Prime Minister form,’ vows Trump were looking forward Biden’s administration wants responses, I pray that your deci- at our side as an indispensa- Micheal Martin wrote on Twit- Wto working with Joe the US back in the landmark sions will be guided by a concern ble partner” in addressing “the ter, “today a true friend of Ire- Reuters The senate is on track to hold Biden, as the Democrat was Iran nuclear accord, from which for building a society marked by coronavirus pandemic, climate land @JoeBiden became the Palm Beach, Fla./Washington a trial on the impeachment sworn in as US president after Trump withdrew, provided Te- authentic justice and freedom,” change, security issues, arms 46th President of the USA.” “It charge brought by the four turbulent years under Don- hran returns to strict compli- the pope said. control and disarmament, and is a day of history and hope and Democratic-led House ald Trump. ance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry many urgent confl icts around I look forward to forging ever Donald Trump yesterday of Representatives that Charles Michel, president of Israel Prime Minister Ben- Peskov said Russia would seek the world,” Steinmeier said. closer ties between our two great disappeared behind the walls Trump incited an uprising in the European Council, tweeted jamin Netanyahu urged Biden to “good relations with the US”, French government spokes- nations.” of his club in Palm Beach, connection with the January congratulations to both Biden “strengthen,” a long-standing while a foreign ministry state- man Gabriel Attal said Biden’s Canada Prime Minister Justin Florida, ending a tumultuous 6 deadly storming of the US and Vice President Kamala Har- alliance between the two coun- ment said they expected a “more commitments to rejoin the Trudeau said “our two countries presidency stained by two Capitol by his supporters. ris, adding: “It’s time to bring tries. constructive” approach to up- World Health Organisation, are more than neighbours — we impeachments, deep political Its outcome could determine back conviction & common Nato General Secretary Jens coming arms control talks. which leads the global response are close friends, partners, and divisions, and a pandemic whether he will be disqualified sense and rejuvenate our EU-US Stoltenberg said “the bond be- The US and Russia are to dis- to the Covid-19 pandemic, and allies.” Trudeau pledged Cana- that has caused 400,000 US from running again for relationship.” tween North America and Eu- cuss extending the landmark the Paris climate treaty were da’s co-operation in fi ghting the deaths. president. European Commission Presi- rope is the bedrock of our secu- 2010 New START nuclear weap- “extremely important” follow- coronavirus pandemic, for cli- The Republican president “He is going to be an asterisk dent Ursula von der Leyen said: rity, and a strong Nato is good ons accord shortly after Biden’s ing Trump’s exit from them. mate action and for a sustainable departed the White House president, a one-termer who “Europe is ready for a fresh for both North America and Eu- swearing in. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris economic recovery. with his wife, Melania, saying did more damage than good,” start.” rope.” The last remaining nuclear Johnson, who has faced criticism Indian Prime Minister Naren- it had been a great honour to said presidential historian Iran President Hassan Rou- “Nato allies need to stand to- pact between the countries, it over his close relationship with da Modi tweeted: “My warmest serve and giving a final wave Douglas Brinkley. hani hailed the departure of gether to address the security limits each side to 1,500 nuclear Trump, said he was looking for- congratulations to @JoeBiden as he boarded the Marine Trump maintained to his “tyrant” Trump, Tehran having consequences of the rise of Chi- warheads and is set to expire ward to “working closely” with on his assumption of offi ce as One helicopter for Joint Base last days in off ice that the repeatedly called on Washington na, the threat of terrorism, in- February 5. Biden. president of the United States Andrews, where he delivered election was stolen from him, to lift sanctions imposed over its cluding in Afghanistan and Iraq, President Frank-Walter Stein- “In our fi ght against Covid of America. I look forward to farewell remarks. according to sources familiar nuclear drive. and a more assertive Russia.” meier of Germany, Europe’s big- and across climate change, de- working with him to strengthen “So just a goodbye. We love with the situation. “We expect (the Biden admin- Pope Francis urged Biden to gest economy, said he was “great- fence, security and in promoting India-US strategic partnership.” you. We will be back in some Courts have rejected his form,” Trump told supporters campaign’s unsubstantiated before boarding Air Force One claims of widespread voter Harris breaks for the flight to Florida. “Have a fraud and his vice president, good life. We will see you soon.” Mike Pence, led Congress in The plane then taxied and certifying Biden’s victory over barriers as lifted off as Frank Sinatra’s Trump’s objections. classic song My Way played The Washington that Trump over the loudspeakers. left behind was guarded America’s Air Force One later flew low to by 25,000 National Guard give Trump an aerial view of troops, while the National Mall, his post-presidential home at traditionally thronged with vice president the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm spectators on Inauguration Beach. Day, was closed to the public Reuters Before leaving the White because of threats of further Washington House, Trump left a note for violence. his successor, Democrat Joe While preoccupied with Biden, a spokesman said, fighting the election results, Kamala Harris made history yesterday when following one small bit of Trump failed to control the she was sworn in as Joe Biden’s vice president, traditional protocol related to spiraling coronavirus outbreak becoming the first woman, the first Black American the peaceful transfer of power in the US, which has the most and the first Asian American to hold the second that Trump had otherwise deaths of any country. highest US off ice. eschewed. Pandemic-related shutdowns Looking ahead, Harris, 56, is seen as an obvious Trump has declined to and restrictions have also contender for the Democratic Party’s 2024 mention Biden’s name even cost millions of Americans presidential nomination should Biden, 78, decide as he wished the incoming their jobs. Trump yesterday not to seek a second term. administration luck on his way acknowledged the suff ering Harris has yet to weigh in publicly on such out of off ice. caused by the pandemic. speculation. Trump, 74, departed hours He had downplayed the risks A US senator from California the past four years, before Biden’s inauguration. of the coronavirus in the Harris has shattered many a glass ceiling. That made him the first pandemic’s early stages and She served as San Francisco’s first female district outgoing president since 1869 did not model consistent attorney and was California’s first woman of colour to skip the Inauguration Day wearing of a mask to stop its to be elected attorney general. ceremony that marks the spread. Harris has resigned her senate seat, but she still President-elect Joe Biden and his family attend the 59th presidential inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, DC yesterday. formal transfer of power, in Trump, a former real estate will play a prominent role in the chamber. a final display of pique at his tycoon who owns 17 golf The US vice president serves as senate president, failure to win the November 3 resorts around the world, casting any tie-breaking votes in the 100-member election. faces a gigantic task rebuilding chamber. Trump pardons ex-aide Trump’s motorcade slow-rolled his brand. With it split evenly between Democrats and past a long line of supporters The New York Times reported Republicans, Harris gives her party control of the on his way to Mar-a-Lago. His that many of his resorts have senate. arrival there was timed to get been losing millions of dollars Her background in criminal justice could help the behind its walls before his and that hundreds of millions new Biden administration tackle the issues of racial Bannon, dozens of others term as president expired at in debt must be repaid within equality and policing after the country was swept noon. a few years. He must also by protests last year. Reuters “Bannon has been an important Albert Pirro Jr., the former husband “I will always fight for you. decide how to stay involved She is expected to be a top adviser on judicial Washington leader in the conservative movement of Fox News television commenta- I will be watching. I will be in politics, as he has promised nominations. and is known for his political acumen,” tor Jeanine Pirro who had represented listening. And I will tell you that to do. Harris is the daughter of immigrants, with her the White House said in a statement. Trump as a real estate lawyer two dec- the future of this country has He has talked of using a mother coming to the US from India and her father ormer US president Donald Trump White House offi cials had advised ades ago, received a pardon yesterday never been better,” Trump said super PAC (political action from Jamaica. granted clemency to former White Trump against pardoning Bannon. morning. He had been convicted on tax in his farewell remarks. “I wish committee) to support She had her sights set on becoming the first FHouse aide Steve Bannon as part The two men have lately rekindled evasion and conspiracy charges. the new administration great candidates who try to oust woman US president when she competed against of a wave of pardons and commutations their relationship as Trump sought Giuliani, who has been at the fore- luck and great success. Republicans who he believes Biden and others for their party’s 2020 nomination. issued in his fi nal hours in offi ce, but support for his unproven claims of front of Trump’s unsuccessful eff orts I think they’ll have great crossed him politically. Harris dropped out of the race after a campaign did not pardon himself, members of his voter fraud, an offi cial familiar with the to overturn the 2020 presidential elec- success. They have the But it remains to be seen hurt by her wavering views on healthcare family or lawyer Rudy Giuliani. situation said. tion, has not been charged with a crime, foundation to do something whether he can maintain his and indecision about embracing her past as a Trump left offi ce yesterday when Joe As part of more than 140 pardons but investigators have been probing his really spectacular.” grip on the party. prosecutor. Biden was sworn in as the nation’s next and commutations, Trump also par- activities in Ukraine. Trump has a long “I would predict in the not-too- Biden looked beyond some of the harsh words she president. doned Elliott Broidy, a former top fun- Trump was impeached by the Dem- way to go to distant future that American had for him in that campaign to name Harris as his White House offi cials had argued to draiser for Trump who pleaded guilty ocratic-led House last week on charges rebuild an image political candidates will be running mate last August. Trump that he should not pardon him- last year to violating foreign lobbying of inciting the January 6 storming of left in tatters by more motivated to show that She has proven to be a valuable and polished self or his family because it might look laws, and former Detroit Mayor Kwame the US Capitol by the president’s sup- his presidency, they are unlike Trump than stand-in, appealing especially to women, liberals like they are guilty of crimes, according Kilpatrick, who was serving a 28-year porters. He may face a senate trial and particularly the candidates after 1974 were and voters of colour. to a source familiar with the situation. prison term on corruption charges. could be barred from running for presi- final months. to show that they were Harris developed a deep fundraising network Bannon, who was a key adviser in Rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black dent again if convicted. He has a unlike (Richard) Nixon,” during her senate and White House bids. Trump’s 2016 presidential run, was who were prosecuted on federal weap- The pardon power, which comes unique place said presidential historian She was instrumental to Biden’s raking in record charged last year with swindling the ons off ences, were also granted par- from the US Constitution, is one of the in history — Michael Beschloss. sums of money in the closing months of the president’s own supporters over an ef- dons, as was Kenneth Kurson, the broadest available to a president. as the only Nixon resigned in campaign against Republican incumbent Donald fort to raise private funds to build the former editor of a newspaper Trump’s While pardons are typically given to president ever 1974 over the Trump. president’s wall on the US-Mexico bor- son-in-law Jared Kushner owned. people who have been prosecuted, par- impeached Watergate Her selection sparked a burst of excitement in der. Kurson had been accused of cyber- dons can cover conduct that has not yet twice. scandal. the Democratic voter base and among the party’s He has pleaded not guilty. stalking his ex-wife. resulted in legal proceedings. donors. Accusations from liberals that Harris did not do enough to investigate police shootings and wrongful conviction cases when she was Former president’s supporters reject Biden California’s attorney general helped doom her own presidential run but surfaced little during her time as Biden’s running mate. AFP referring to unfounded claims of stay. “The national populism is more Harris defended her record, saying she had worked New York voter fraud. than Donald Trump and that is going her whole career “to reform the criminal justice Maxson believes Trump won’t go nowhere.” system with the understanding that it is deeply away. “I hope a new party can be “I feel like Biden’s going to undo flawed and in need of repair.” They were among the almost 75mn launched — the Patriot Party. That everything that Trump’s done,” Prior to her selection, several Biden aides said Americans who voted for Donald would be the best case scenario, the said Sharon McGettrick, a health Harris was able to put to rest concerns among Trump and refuse to recognise end of the two-party system.” insurance worker from Clearwater, some in the former vice president’s camp that Joe Biden’s presidential victory as Doug McLinko, a local Republican Florida. “I was hoping that we would she would be too personally ambitious to make a legitimate. representative in Bradford County, still continue with this immigration trustworthy partner. AFP spoke to some Trump Pennsylvania, worries that the situation, with the wall which now “Joe and I were raised in a very similar way,” supporters about what they think Democratic Party might try to scrap they’re saying that they’re not going Harris said of Biden at her October debate against Trump will do next and what they the Electoral College system. to. We’re not going to have those then-Vice President Mike Pence. “We were raised believe life will be like under the new “Rural America will have no voice, choices anymore, to have that with values that are about hard work, about the Democratic administration. only major metropolitan areas,” he freedom of speech. They’re trying to value and the dignity of public service and about “When Trump was inaugurated, I said. “This country has never been take guns away too,” she added. the importance of fighting for the dignity of all was so happy,” said Gia Maxson, a as divided,” added McLinko, saying McGettrick believes the Covid-19 people.” yoga teacher and devout Catholic he takes issues with some on the pandemic was “orchestrated” by Harris juggled her running mate duties with her from Hickory, North Carolina. “I left referring to Trump supporters as China to damage the US financially. day job in the Senate. Befitting her background went to two Trump rallies. They neo-Nazis. “There is no middle class anymore. as a prosecutor, she was a deft cross-examiner of were wonderful, uplifting, positive “You call somebody a Nazi — I don’t You’re either rich or you’re poor. I’m US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett at experiences,” she added. think there is a worse phrase and yet making $31,000 a year, which if you Barrett’s Senate confirmation hearing in October, Maxson refuses to believe that Supporters of Donald Trump stand near the road, as he arrives at West that’s what they do and next they look at the statistics means I’m in weaving Biden’s campaign message on healthcare Trump supporters stormed the US Palm Beach, Florida, US, yesterday. talk about healing the country,” said poverty. and climate change into her line of questioning. Capitol two weeks’ ago, even though McLinko. “Maybe I should not be so As the senate’s only Black woman, Harris emerged it was caught on countless cameras. figured out a way to assassinate him.” inaugurations but decided not “I think the impeachment is presumptuous and think that he’s as a leading voice on racial justice and police “That was all staged so they “I am fearful, angry, absolutely to tune in this year. “I believe it is completely unconstitutional. They not going to do things for our reform after Minneapolis police killed African- could shut them down. They tried stunned this could happen in completely illegitimate, I believe seem to forget that 75mn people country but I just don’t have the American man George Floyd in May. everything in their power to get rid America,” she said. they cheated. There is no way Biden voted for him,” he added, also confidence in him like I get with She marched with protesters on the streets of of him in the beginning. They finally Maxson usually watches got 80mn votes,” says Maxson, believing that Trumpism is here to Trump,” she concluded. Washington and won over some liberal sceptics. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, January 21, 2021 BRITAIN/EUROPE

ENTERTAINMENT ANGER ANNOUNCEMENT PEOPLE DECISION Artistes raise alarm over Italy mulls action over Militant linked to Russia Navalny being held in Bulgaria scraps plan post-Brexit music tours Pfizer vaccine delays airport bombing killed infamous Moscow jail for new nuclear plant

More than 100 British musicians, from Ed Sheeran, Italy is considering legal action against Pfizer Russian forces have killed a Chechen separatist Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny, detained on Sunday Bulgaria’s government yesterday approved plans Sting and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters to classical after the US drugmaker announced a further cut guerrilla commander believed to have been in- after flying back to Russia for the first time after to add a new reactor at its Soviet-era nuclear stars like conductor Simon Rattle, have said tours of in coronavirus vaccine deliveries, the country’s volved in a deadly bombing at Moscow’s Domode- being poisoned with a nerve agent, is spending his power plant at Kozloduy, eff ectively ditching an- Europe by British artistes are in danger because of Covid-19 special commissioner Domenico Arcuri dovo airport in 2011, authorities said yesterday. Aslan days under strict control in a VIP cell inside one of other project to build a new plant at Belene. At its Brexit. In a letter to The Times newspaper published said. Pfizer is facing criticism across Europe over Byutukayev was one of six militants killed during a Moscow’s most infamous jails. The prison, called weekly session the cabinet backed “the building yesterday, the musicians said the government had its surprise move to temporarily delay vaccine special operation in the village of Katyr-Yurt, about Matrosskaya Tishina or Sailor’s Silence, occupies of unit 7 at Kozloduy with the available equipment “shamefully” broken a promise to negotiate a deal al- shipments to countries that fear disruptions 1,500km south of Moscow, Chechen regional leader a block in Moscow’s north-east and has housed from the project for the Belene nuclear power lowing musicians to perform in the European Union could throw their inoculation campaigns into Ramzan Kadyrov said. Byutukayev is suspected high-ranking prisoners the authorities wanted to plant,” the government press service said in a without the need for visas or work permits. “The disarray. The company told Italy last week that of being behind a bombing that killed nearly 40 cut off from the outside world since the Soviet era. statement. The decision followed energy ministry deal done with the EU has a gaping hole where the it was cutting its deliveries by 29%. On Tuesday, people in the arrivals hall of Domodedovo airport “I’d read about it (the prison) in books and now I’m talks with the US nuclear engineering company promised free movement for musicians should be: it said it was not in the position to make up the in 2011. He is also accused of taking part in other here,” Navalny quipped in an Instagram post. “Rus- Westinghouse for a hybrid solution for a new unit everyone on a European music tour will now need 29% shortfall next week and that it was planning attacks, including on Grozny, the Chechen capital. sian life.” Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s rich- at Kozloduy with US technology that would make costly work permits and a mountain of paperwork a further “slight reduction” in deliveries, Arcuri The US added him to its list of Specially Designated est man, who spent four years in the jail, tweeted the maximum use of Russian equipment which for their equipment,” they wrote. said. Global Terrorists (SDGT) in 2016. that Navalny would find it harsh. Bulgaria has already purchased for Belene.

Average house prices in London exceed £500,000 for fi rst time

Guardian News and Media The ONS fi gures showed the London average price of a home in the UK was £250,000. Prices were up by 7.6% annu- he average price of a prop- ally, which was the highest rate erty in London broke of growth since June 2016, when Tthrough the £500,000 sales agreed in the run-up to the barrier for the fi rst time, offi cial Brexit vote were recorded. fi gures for November show, with Yorkshire and the Humber pent-up demand from lock- also recorded an annual growth downs, a change in the types of rate of 9.7%, taking the average homes being bought and two tax price of a home in the region to deadlines all fuelling the market. £181,000. In its monthly snapshot of The lowest level of growth was the market – based on sales in the east of England, where registered last November – the prices increased by 4.8% over the Office for National Statistics year to an average of £303,000. (ONS) showed that the aver- Property fi rms said the high age price of a home in London level of activity in the market was up by 9.7%, to a record of after the fi rst coronavirus lock- £514,000. down ended and the stamp duty The temporary break on stamp holiday was announced in July duty, which covers homes cost- had continued into the autumn People wearing protective face masks walk past ‘The World Turned Upside Down’ sculpture by Mark Wallinger, amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, in London yesterday. ing up to £500,000 in England, months. has led to a boom in sales and Bank of England fi gures for pushed up prices in properties mortgage lending showed the that benefi t from the largest sav- number of loans approved ing. reached a fi ve-year high in De- The break will end on March cember. 31, and a day later a new sur- These deals will not appear in charge for non-UK residents will ONS data until early this year. be introduced. Guy Gittins, the managing Hospitals like ‘war zones’ Figures from the ONS sug- director of the London-based gest these imminent increases estate agency firm Chestertons, have helped fuel a boom in Lon- said: “The second lockdown no don prices, together with an in- doubt encouraged some people creased demand for more spa- to put their property search on cious homes. hold but we didn’t notice a big difference, and activity levels as UK virus toll soars Within the capital, prices had risen most strongly in the up- were still a lot higher than we market borough of Kensington anticipated for this time of year. AFP rates throughout December “appalling” and braced Britons “vaccines are not going to do A review of the measures and Chelsea, which recorded an- “Part of this was driven by the London have now fed into increas- for further bad news. the heavy lifting for us at the is due in mid-February, with nual growth of 28.6% and an av- incentive of the stamp duty sav- ing hospital admissions and “There will be more to come moment”, and eff orts to cut the hopes that stay-at-home orders erage price of £1.5mn. ing but we believe the main driv- deaths. because what we’re seeing is close-contact spread of the vi- can begin to be lifted. The outer London borough of er was that people just wanted to ome British hospitals re- The sobering situation follows the result of the wave of the new rus are needed for some time to New cases have begun to fall Brent also recorded growth in move as quickly as possible while semble a “war zone” due the emergence of a new strain of variant that we saw just before come. after weeks of rises, with the excess of 20% but the ONS said conditions were favourable.” Sto the infl ux of coronavirus the virus across the country in Christmas,” he told reporters “This is about, I’m afraid, number of fresh infections re- this partly refl ected a decrease in The fi rm said buyer registra- patients in the country’s latest recent months, heaping fresh from Downing Street. the restrictive measures which corded over the last seven days prices between October and No- tions, viewings and off ers in wave of the disease, the govern- pressure on overstretched health After easing restrictions we’re all living under and carry- down nearly a quarter. vember 2019. 2020 all reached levels last seen ment’s chief scientifi c adviser services and overwrought medi- briefl y for much of the country ing on with those,” he added. But both Johnson and Val- The ONS said: “Demand for in 2012. said yesterday. cal staff . over Christmas, Johnson im- “The numbers are nowhere lance yesterday insisted that the property in inner London may The ONS fi gures show that The grim assessment by “When you go into a hospi- posed another lockdown earlier near where they need to be at eventual easing of restrictions be particularly responsive to Scotland recorded the largest Patrick Vallance came as the tal, this is very, very bad at the this month while banking on an the moment, they need to come would not be swift. temporary property tax changes annual rise in prices, with an UK announced another 1,820 moment with enormous pres- unprecedented vaccination down quite a lot further – we “It’s true that it looks as as property prices are high and 8.6% increase over the year, to fatalities from Covid-19, sure and in some cases it looks drive to try to return life to nor- need to make sure we stick with though the rates of infection in therefore so is the corresponding £166,000. breaking Tuesday’s record like a war zone in terms of the mality. it.” the country overall may now be tax to be paid. There, the stamp duty break daily toll and taking the total things that people are having More than 4mn people have Britain is currently locked peaking or fl attening but they’re “In addition, compared with applies to homes costing up to number of deaths within 28 to deal with,” Vallance told Sky received a jab since the pro- down for the third time since the not fl attening very fast and it’s other regions of the UK, London £250,000. days of a positive test result to News. gramme began in early Decem- start of the outbreak early last clear that we must keep a grip on has a relatively high proportion The threshold is the same in 93,290. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, ber, with the government aim- year. this,” Johnson said. of properties bought for invest- Wales, which recorded annual Britain’s mortality rate has who has faced persistent criti- ing to inoculate the entire adult Schools and non-essential “We must maintain disci- ment, including from cash buy- growth of 7%, to an average price risen nearly 15% over the past cism over his handling of the population by the autumn. shops are closed, social mixing pline, formation, keep observing ers and overseas investors.” of £180,000. week, as surging infection crisis, called the latest fi gures But Vallance warned that and travel are restricted. the lockdown.” Three die as gas blast rips Meghan aides ready through Madrid building to testify over letter Reuters duchess intended the letter’s London contents to become public and AFP injured, one of whom was in seri- facade had been completely de- it was part of a media strategy, Madrid ous condition. stroyed.” pointing out she had admitted Despite the force of the blast, Franco confi rmed it was a “gas our former senior aides in court papers discussing it no one was hurt in the elderly explosion” and said there were of Meghan, the Duchess with her communications sec- t least three people were care home next door, nor in an three dead and one missing, indi- Fof Sussex, are prepared retary, Jason Knauf. killed yesterday when a adjacent school where tonnes of cating the toll could rise further. to give evidence in court over Antony White, the paper’s Ahuge explosion ripped rubble fell into the playground Hundreds of police and rescu- whether she intended a letter lawyer, yesterday told a sec- through a building in Madrid, while the children were in les- ers fi lled the streets around the she sent to her father to become ond day of remote hearings on with offi cials confi rming it was sons, city offi cials said. building, which the archdiocese public, London’s High Court Meghan’s request for a sum- caused by a gas leak. Yesterday was the fi rst day that said housed local priests who has been told. mary judgment in the case that Images from the scene showed schools reopened after a nine- worked in the area. Meghan, 39, the wife of any involvement of royal aides the walls on the top four or fi ve day closure due to the heaviest “Please pray there are no vic- Queen Elizabeth’s grandson in drafting the letter “cries out storeys of the residential build- snowfall in Madrid in 50 years. tims,” tweeted the Virgin de la Pal- Prince Harry, is suing pub- for investigation”. ing in the heart of the La Latina “This could have been a massive oma parish church, saying “one lay lisher Associated Newspapers “Why was the Kensington neighbourhood had been blown tragedy,” said Martinez-Almeida. person has not been found”. after its Mail on Sunday tabloid Palace communications team out, with vast quantities of de- Along the street, at least 15 cars “These were the living quar- printed extracts of the hand- involved at all in wording the bris spreading far and wide. were badly damaged by the force ters for the local parish priests. written letter she sent to her letter?” he said. Government representative of the explosion, which gutted They are being treated by the estranged father, Thomas Mar- A lawyer representing four Jose Manuel Franco told Spain’s most of the six-storey residential ambulance crews and out of kle, in August 2018. senior former aides, including public television that the blast oc- building. danger,” it said. She has asked a judge to rule Knauf, said they would be pre- curred as a team of workmen were “I was just leaving a near- The head of the elderly care in her favour without need for a pared to give evidence at a trial, repairing the building’s boiler. by clinic when I heard a very home next door said there were potentially embarrassing trial, and one or more “would be in a Speaking at the scene, mayor big explosion, it was so big I no injuries among staff or resi- with her lawyers telling the position to shed some light” on Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida said thought it was a bomb,” Val- dents. “There were just over high court that publishing the some of the contested issues. an 85-year-old woman had died entin Moreno, a 48-year-old 100 people inside at the time,” “intrinsically private, personal The judge, Mark Warby, said along with a man whose age was salesman, said. Antonio Berlanga, director of and sensitive letter” was a plain he would deliver his ruling on not immediately clear, while the “There were people running the four-storey Los Nogales La breach of her privacy to which whether he would give a “sum- third victim was still “under the and a lot of smoke and when I Paloma residence, told Spanish Firefighters walk outside the building damaged by an explosion there was no viable defence. mary judgement” in Meghan’s rubble”. Another 11 people were got there, I saw the building’s public television. in Madrid yesterday. The paper argues that the favour at a later date. Gulf Times Thursday, January 21, 2021 13 INDIA

CONTROVERSY TRAGEDY POLITICS OUTBREAK PEOPLE Amazon Prime show agrees 14 killed in West Bengal Kerala Assembly polls Mystery illness cases rise Trinamool Congress to changes after outcry road accident likely to be held in April to 29 in Andhra village legislator joins BJP

The cast and crew of a popular streaming series Fourteen people lost their lives in a road Kerala’s chief electoral off icer Tikkaram Meena has The mysterious illness cases in Andhra Pradesh’s West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress legislator starring Bollywood megastar Saif Ali Khan have accident in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district as submitted a report to the Election Commission, Pulla village in West Godavari district rose to 29 from the Shantipur Assembly constituency in agreed to “implement changes” to the show after a boulder-loaded truck collided head-on with a recommending that the assembly election be held yesterday. However, active ones were only six, Nadia district, Arindam Bhattacharya, joined the ruling party politicians accused it of insulting multi-purpose vehicle. The accident took place by early or mid-April. Meena said “the conduct of health off icials disclosed. “No new cases since Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) yesterday. He joined the Hindu religion. The Amazon Prime drama near Dhupguri due to low visibility caused by elections before mid-April will be ideal as the holy midnight,” a West Godavari off icial said. Pulla, the saff ron brigade at the party’s headquarters in Tandav – loosely compared to the US series House dense fog. Some 18 persons were injured in the month of Ramadan commences by mid-April till where the mysterious illness cases were reported Delhi after holding a meeting with BJP national of Cards – drew criticism from members of the accident and shifted to a hospital, police said. A May. Also CBSE board exams begin on May 4 and from Monday, is 30km north east of the Eluru town. general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya. “Our BJP after its Friday release. Several BJP politicians minivan and a car also suff ered major damage. we will have a shortage of schools to be used as Of the six cases, two are admitted in Pulla primary dream is to create ‘Aatmanirbhar’ West Bengal called for the show to be banned, saying it was “Saddened at the loss of lives because of a polling stations”. A team of EC off icials will reach health centre and four in Eluru district hospital. and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ India, which is also the vision “deliberately disrespecting religious sentiments. bus accident in Dhupguri. Condolences to the the state shortly and hold meetings regarding As many as 23 cases have been discharged until of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I have joined “The cast and crew of Tandav have made the bereaved families. I pray for a speedy recovery the conduct of polls. Meena added the EC may now, even as nearly 100 hospital beds have been the BJP responding to the call of Prime Minister decision to implement changes to the web series of those injured,” West Bengal Chief Minister announce the dates for elections in Kerala, Tamil arranged at Pulla, Bhimadolu and Eluru. The Modi,” Bhattacharya said. He added that the young to address the concerns raised,” director Ali Mamata Banerjee tweeted. The driver of the Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry and Assam by end aff ected patients exhibited symptoms such as generation in Bengal is not happy, as there are no Abbas Zafar wrote in a post on Twitter. truck was detained. February. fainting, frothing, convulsions, vomiting and others. job opportunities in the state.

Bihar CM Harris inauguration celebrated to expand cabinet soon Govt proposes

IANS Patna deferring farm he expansion of the cabi- net in the Nitish Kumar Tgovernment is expected in a few days. Sources said the BJP has fi nal- ised its names and its leaders will hand over the names to Chief laws to break Minister Nitish Kumar soon. The delay in the expansion of the cabinet is due to the changed political equations in Bihar. Kumar had already said that a cabinet expansion will soon take place. talks deadlock The BJP is the single largest party in the National Democratic IANS the interests of farmers and the culture sector and enriching the Alliance with 74 seats followed New Delhi country. Tomar said, “If organi- farmers.” Clarifying the confu- by the Janata Dal (United) with sations have reservations about sion about farmers’ fears of land- 43, Vikassheel Insaan Party, four, these laws or you want to sug- grabbing, Tomar stated that “no and Hindustani Awam Morcha, he government has pro- gest something, we are always one has the power to grab farm- four. posed to defer the im- ready to discuss those points ers’ land in the country under The Bihar legislative assem- Tplementation of the farm with you.” these laws. We are committed to bly has 243 seats and the Nitish laws for a year-and-a-half in The minister again stressed advancing farming and making Kumar-led NDA has 125 seats. order to break the deadlock be- that apart from repealing the farmers prosperous. As per the understanding, the tween the government and the laws, the provisions can be re- “These laws will bring revo- parties will claim one post of farmers on the three controver- solved by discussing them point- lutionary changes in the lives of minister for every four legisla- sial laws. by-point. farmers, which will change the tors. The BJP already has seven After the tenth round of talks “Due to the lack of discussion direction of the farmers and im- ministers in the current govern- with the farmer leaders, Union on other options in the previous prove their standard of living.” ment including two deputy chief Agriculture Minister Narendra meetings, no meaningful result Darshan Pal from Sanyukta ministers, Tar Kishor Prasad and Singh Tomar said that the gov- was achieved, we urge to make Kisan Morcha, one of the farmer Renu Devi. ernment has suggested defer- the discussion meaningful. Right unions, said, “We will discuss the The party is entitled to 12 ring the laws for one-and-a-half from the beginning, the govern- government’s proposal in detail more ministers. years so that the farmer unions ment has been trying with an on January 21 and will convey it The JDU has fi ve ministers in- can consider them and resolve open mind to discuss with the to the government in a meeting cluding CM Nitish Kumar and the issue by forming a committee farmers representatives through at Vigyan Bhavan on January 22 it will claim fi ve more cabinet with government representatives options. at 12 noon. berths. HAM and VIP already and farmers. “The government is fully com- Yesterday’s talks were held in a have one minister each in the Apart from Agriculture Min- mitted to upgrading the agri- cordial atmosphere.” present government. ister Tomar, Consumer Aff airs, The BJP has reportedly given Food and Public Distribution the names of 10 legislators and Minister Piyush Goyal and Min- RTI reply exposes ‘lies’ on farm laws: Amarinder MLCs. ister of State for Commerce and Some of the names doing the Industry Som Prakash were also With an RTI response exposing ment, which both Shiromani rounds are Shahnawaz Hussain, present in the meeting with the Centre’s claim on the farm Akali Dal (SAD) and AAP had Nitish Mishra, Sanjay Sarawgi, farmer leaders. laws having been approved by been parroting in an apparent Pramod Kumar, Krishna Ku- At the beginning of the meet- the high-powered committee bid to promote the BHP’s anti- mar Rishi, Sanjay Singh, Samrat ing, Tomar congratulated every- on agricultural reforms, Punjab farmer agenda. Union Minister of Chaudhary, Ram Pravesh Rai. one on the 354th birth anniversa- Chief Minister Amarinder Singh State for Food, Danve Raosaheb The BJP wants equal participa- ry of the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind yesterday said it was now obvi- Dadarao, had claimed before the tion of all castes and communi- Singh. ous that the Akalis and the Aam Lok Sabha that the high-powered ties. Accordingly, these leaders He thanked the peasant or- Aadmi Party (AAP) had been committee had approved the are being reportedly selected by ganisations for maintaining dis- spreading lies at the behest of Essential Commodities (Amend- the party. “The party has brought cipline during the agitation and the central government. Media ment) Bill, which Amarinder Hussain from the Centre to the again urged them to end the agi- reports citing a reply by the Plan- Singh had categorically rejected state after almost two decades tation. ning Commission to a Right to and which has now been proved in a bid to target the Seemanchal The government said till now Information (RTI) query suggest wrong by the RTI reply. Far from and Bhagalpur areas. Hussain there has not been a positive dis- that the farm ordinances were basing the farm laws on the was elected to the Lok Sabha from cussion on all the three laws re- promulgated and introduced in discussions and decisions of the Bhagalpur and Muslim dominated lated to agricultural reform and Parliament in June 2020 without committee, the fact, as validated Kishanganj in the past. He is con- all the aspects of MSP (minimum the report of the chief ministers’ by the RTI response, was that the sidered a prominent Muslim face Residents of the ancestral village of Kamala Harris celebrated her inauguration as US vice support price). committee being ever appraised committee report had not even in the region to counter the Rash- president yesterday by setting off firecrackers and distributing food. Thulasendrapuram, a The government also said by the governing council of NITI been placed till now before the triya Janata Dal, Congress and All village about 320km south of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is where Harris’s maternal grandfather that we should look at the farm- Aayog. This, said the Punjab chief Governing Council of the NITI India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Mus- was born more than a century ago. Calendars featuring the faces of Biden and Harris have er movement sensitively and minister, was in stark contrast to Aayog, Amarinder Singh pointed limeen,” said an offi cial of the BJP been distributed throughout the village by a co-operative. make concerted eff orts to end the claims of the central govern- out. Bihar unit. it in terms of inclusiveness in

Parade rehearsal Covid vaccine shipments to Dragon fruit renamed neighbouring nations start by Gujarat government Reuters Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Ahmedabad Party (BJP). The fruit will hence- Reuters the fi rst vaccine lots had reached receive a gift of 2mn doses of Co- forth be known as kamalam in New Delhi Bhutan and the Maldives. vishield from India today. the state, said Rupani, who is His ministry said on Tuesday The country of more than from the BJP. “supplies under grant assist- 160mn has yet to start its vac- he Gujarat government The development comes a few ndia started delivering coro- ance” would be shipped to Bang- cination programme and has has decided to change the months after Modi had praised navirus vaccines to its neigh- ladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and the ordered a further 30mn doses of Tname of dragon fruit as it farmers in a radio programme for Ibours yesterday, the foreign Seychelles also. the shot. feels the original name is associ- cultivating the dragon fruit in the ministry said, fl agging off a drive Shipments to Sri Lanka, Af- Nepal said it has been pledged ated with China, drawing derision arid region of Kutch in Gujarat. to garner goodwill in an often ghanistan and Mauritius were 1mn doses free of charge by India. from the country’s opposition. “After that the farmers had fractious region with the fi rst awaiting regulatory clearances. Pakistan has approved for India and China are currently approached me, and suggested shipment sent to the tiny Hima- India authorised two vaccines emergency use the Chinese Si- locked in a military standoff changing the name of dragon layan kingdom of Bhutan. this month for emergency use at nopharm Covid-19 vaccine and along their contested Hima- fruit to kamalam,” Vinod Chav- Bangladesh and Nepal said home, one licensed from Oxford another developed by Astra- layan border, with New Delhi da, the BJP member of parlia- they expected deliveries today. University and AstraZeneca and Zeneca and Oxford University, responding to the deaths of 20 ment from Kutch, said. The only neighbour absent another developed at home by but has not got any supplies yet. of its troops in June by banning “I am happy that the state has from India’s list apart from Chi- Bharat Biotech in partnership India, which has reported the Chinese-made apps and curbing accepted the proposal.” na, is Pakistan, which had not with the state-run Indian Coun- highest number of coronavirus imports. There are more than 200 requested assistance, according cil of Medical Research. infections after the US, has so “The Gujarat government has farmers in Kutch alone who grow to an Indian government offi cial. Both are manufactured locally. far vaccinated 786,842 frontline decided… the word dragon fruit dragon fruit over 1,500 acres, Many low and middle-income At least two other vaccines are workers after starting the cam- is not appropriate, and is as- said Haresh Thakkar, a farmer countries are relying on India, expected to be authorised by In- paign on Saturday, the federal sociated with China. The fruit’s from the region. the world’s biggest vaccine mak- dia in the next few months. health ministry said yesterday. shape is like a lotus, and hence “The Indian name of the fruit er, for supplies to start Covid-19 India initially will only ship the The country yesterday report- we have given it a new Sanskrit will bring more happiness to us. immunisation programmes and AstraZeneca vaccine, made by ed 13,823 new cases, taking the name, kamalam. We feel that the acceptance level bring an end to their outbreaks. the Serum Institute of India, the total to 10.9mn. “There is nothing political of the fruit will also increase if “The Pharmacy of the World world’s biggest vaccine maker, The number of deaths from about it,” Gujarat Chief Minister it is looked upon as an Indian will deliver to overcome the Covid which brands the shot as Cov- the disease rose by 162 to 152,718, Soldiers participate in a rehearsal for the upcoming Vijay Rupani told media. fruit,” said Thakkar, who has challenge,” Foreign Minister S ishield. data from the health ministry Republic Day parade in New Delhi yesterday. The lotus, or kamal as it is been growing dragon fruit for Jaishankar said on Twitter, adding Bangladesh said it expected to showed. called in Hindi, is the symbol of fi ve years. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, January 21, 2021

COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES With the US in crisis, new president under pressure to deliver

During his presidential campaign, Joe Biden vowed to fi ght for the soul of America. As he formally assumed offi ce as the next US president yesterday, Biden now faces the steep task of repairing a nation’s soul in battered and desperate shape. Few presidents, if any, have taken power in circumstances such as these: a still-raging pandemic claiming lives and shredding livelihoods, a continuing threat of armed insurrection and a defi ant former president who faces a US Senate trial charged with encouraging an attack on his country’s capital. A Democrat, Biden will preside over a deeply polarised electorate, with millions of voters still believing defeated Republican President Donald Trump’s false claims of election The ethics of prioritising fraud, and a divided Congress, where gridlock looms as the default and success will come only by compromise. With that, Biden is under signifi cant pressure to turn his pledges of unity and competence into results — and swiftly. “He has to stay focused on vaccine distribution and solving the ‘last mile’ problem,” said Joe Trippi, a veteran Democratic strategist. “Failure is not an option. Losing that focus is not an Covid-19 vaccination option.” Biden wants Congress to move quickly. His team believes the By Peter Singer the US Centers for Disease Control communities that are supposed to be minorities diff er from those that apply most eff ective way to lower the political temperature is through Melbourne and Prevention, that a diff erent receiving more equitable treatment. to whites. results, not rhetoric — specifi cally, passage of the $1.9 trillion approach be taken. In a presentation The CDC’s Advisory Committee The example she gave was prostate to the CDC’s Advisory Committee rejected the suggestion that all cancer screening. Because the disease virus relief package that Biden has proposed as a fi rst step ow that Covid-19 vaccines on Immunisation Practices, Dooling “essential workers” be given priority, is more common in African-American in stabilising the economy, opening schools and ramping up are being rolled out, policy- argued that “essential workers” – a and instead narrowed the group to about men than it is in white men, it is vaccinations nationwide. makers are wrestling with the group numbering approximately 87 30 million “frontline essential workers,” recommended to screen African- The public wants to see Nquestion of how to distribute million – should be vaccinated ahead of such as emergency responders, American men at an earlier age than a functional government them quickly and equitably. There has the 53 million Americans aged 65 and teachers, and grocery store employees. that recommended for white men. The Biden will have deliver, a Biden adviser been wide agreement that health work- older, even though this would lead to In addition, it recommended that point is to screen everyone who is at the said, adding that plenty of ers should be vaccinated fi rst, because between 0.5% and 6.5% more deaths. people aged 75 and over have the same level of risk for which the screening is to contend with Trump voters have been they are needed to save the lives of (The wide range refl ects the fact that we priority. considered worthwhile. don’t yet know whether the vaccines These recommendations are a If the US retains the current hurt by the pandemic. those who are ill because of the virus. narrow majorities But deciding who should come next has merely prevent Covid-19 or also prevent compromise between giving priority to vaccination priorities, but adds the “There is a path out of spurred considerable debate. people from becoming infected and those most at risk, and giving priority principle of equal treatment for people in the House this darkness,” another One relevant fact is that people over transmitting the Sars-CoV-2 virus that to all essential workers, frontline or at an equal level of risk, policymakers Biden adviser said, “but 65 have a higher risk of dying from causes it.) not. It is clearly important to keep will need to estimate at what age and Senate, we will need support from Covid-19 than younger people do, and A policy of making older those who really are frontline essential members of African-American, Latinx, Congress.” those over 75 are at even higher risk. Americans wait longer for the workers safe and at work. Giving a and Native American communities run leaving little Unlike other newly Another relevant fact is that, in vaccine on the grounds that they similar level of priority to those aged the same risk as 75-year-old white or elected presidents, Biden the United States and some other are disproportionately white would 75 and over will mean that fewer Asian Americans, and then consider manoeuvring will have no crowds to countries, members of disadvantaged therefore sacrifi ce lives to avoid the people overall and fewer members of race and ethnicity in deciding who is racial and ethnic minorities have a apparent inequity of giving priority disadvantaged minorities die from the eligible at what age. I do not have data room rally him. Instead, he was lower-than-average life expectancy, to a group in which disadvantaged virus. indicating how much diff erence this sworn in with historic and therefore are under-represented racial and ethnic minorities are The CDC recommendations are not would make, but it might mean that, Washington resembling an armed camp, the streets deserted due among those over 65. If we give priority under-represented. But that’s not all. binding, and states can and should fi ne- say, an African-American 72-year-old to the twin dangers of civil unrest and Covid-19. to older people, the proportion who The under-representation of these tune them, both to treat disadvantaged man is eligible while a white 74-year- Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian at Rice University, are members of those minorities will minorities among people over 65 years minorities equitably and to save more old man is not. likened Biden’s inauguration to Abraham Lincoln’s in 1861, when be lower than their proportion in the old is slight compared to the huge lives. Ngozi Ezike, the director of the the United States was on the brink of the Civil War and the new population as a whole. In light of the over-representation of people over 65 Illinois Department of Public Health, O Peter Singer is Professor of Bioethics president faced assassination threats. many disadvantages members of these among those who die from Covid-19. gave a clue to how this could be done at Princeton University and founder of minorities already experience, this As several commentators, among them in a recent New York Times roundtable the non-profi t organisation The Life “The smell of violence was in the air,” Brinkley said. seems unfair. Matthew Yglesias and Yascha Mounk, discussion on vaccine distribution. You Can Save. In 2013, he was named The nation is not on that kind of precipice, Brinkley added. But This sense of unfairness appears to have pointed out, giving preference She pointed out that there are medical the world’s third “most infl uential the Capitol siege will cloud the early days of Biden’s presidency. motivate the suggestion by Kathleen to essential workers would thus also conditions for which the guidelines contemporary thinker” by the Gottlieb After being impeached by the US House of Representatives on Dooling, a public health offi cial at cause more deaths in the minority on the treatment of racial and ethnic Duttweiler Institute. a charge of inciting the January 6 assault on the Capitol, Trump faces a Senate trial that threatens to derail Biden’s agenda from the very start and delay confi rmation votes for his executive branch nominees. Biden will enter the White House with more of a tailwind than The unifi cation of nations and power of global governance Trump enjoyed. He has the approval of a little more than half the country — 53%, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, while Trump of the challenges presented for a better of a regulation that is — many times — operation and integration permanently. came into offi ce four years ago at 46%. coexistence among nations, and it is typifi ed in a binding or mandatory spirit. The main highlight is the meetings The good news for Biden is that a majority of the public would here that similar interests must be Consequently, we consider that at the highest level of our authorities or like him to have a productive relationship with Congress, said resolved jointly. given the importance of the results that others that become relevant mediators Mo Elleithee, executive director of the Georgetown University The agreements that are reached we are observing, the commitments, to reach a goal. Institute for Politics and Public Service, which conducted its own through these dialogues and agreements, alliances, declarations, It is relevant to strengthen dialogue at poll on civility in government. meetings accompanied by initiatives, notes or other agreements, are enriching the highest political level and multi- commitments undoubtedly help to a new duty to comply with current sector co-ordination and co-operation Biden’s willingness to work with Congress “is a departure from vindicate ideals within a process that regulations for life in harmony between and establish co-operation projects where we have been the last four years, and I think it would go a requires greater urgency. countries. while joining projects that benefi t all long way toward helping people catch their breath,” Elleithee said. These conversations are accompanied An example of a historic summit has populations. Trump, a neophyte as a politician, stood at odds with the by previous meetings that are worked on been the 41st session of the Supreme Joint work between countries is legislative process, often refusing to lay out his own priorities in and arranged with great responsibility; Council for the Arab States of the Gulf always positive since all the guidelines negotiations. He struggled to harness the power of government to the purpose is to achieve viable (GCC) that took place on January 5 in of national and international policies achieve his policy goals. objectives, create a new conception of Al-Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which seek similar actions to improve the Biden, conversely, spent 35 years as a senator from Delaware international law in many cases. His Highness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh quality of life, an excellent neighbourly The constant dialogues are at the Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended relationship and, on the other hand, before serving eight years as Barack Obama’s vice president. political, economic, health, education, along with other leaders and resolved combat common evils that aff ect us, Yet Biden will have to contend with narrow Democratic By Jose Benzaquen Ambassador of Peru communications, defence, co- the unfair blockade of Qatar imposed with unity. majorities in the House and Senate, which will leave him little operation, security and environment since June 2017. I envision a useful and necessary manoeuvring room. — Reuters levels, and others on a variety of This regional agreement was received coexistence with greater dynamism or several decades, the meetings subjects related to progress for a better by my government with the following in regional and international relations and communications of heads society in the world, starting from the statement: “The Government of Peru with this current situation. To Advertise of state and governments have internal to the regional and then to the expresses its approval for the solidarity Indeed, the heads of state and [email protected] Fhad an essential space within global. and stability agreement adopted at the government meetings will continue, and diplomatic relations, especially with Therefore, each virtual or face-to- 41st Summit of leaders of the Gulf Co- all the ministers of state and authorities Display countries that are geographically close face meeting of our senior authorities, operation Council, in the Saudi City of of the competent sectors for our to each other. which includes the Ministers and Al-Ula, to end the crisis in the Gulf and populations’ well-being. 44466621 44418811 These summits have established a Vice-Ministers of Foreign Aff airs and restore relations including diplomatic We must be able to create new manifest dynamism in international Heads of sectors related to co-operation missions of the State of Qatar with the strategies or design innovative Classified relations. Foreign policies are exchanged and mutual interest in foreign aff airs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United measures to strengthen the area of good 44466609 44418811 in a space that seeks to achieve common promotes results leading to the solution Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain neighbourliness with other countries, objectives with a greater personal of certain disagreements between the and the Arab Republic of Egypt…The and in which the media play an essential Subscription approach at a high level of national nations. decision of the leaders of the Gulf role in the dissemination of the results of administrations, continuously having These meetings, which we also Co-operation Council will strengthen international meetings, placing ourselves [email protected] the primary purpose — people’s call summits as they have been held stability, security and the ties of in a position of positive criticism, common good. throughout the international scene friendship and brotherhood between which constitutes a contribution and We live in a more communicated, due to their thematic variety have been the countries and peoples of the Gulf encouragement to the high authorities to © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved more integrated world, and conscious creating trends towards the creation region”. It is crucial to promote co- fi nalise the desired agreements. Gulf Times Thursday, January 21, 2021 15 PAKISTAN ‘If we all unite together we can make anything possible’ Nepali climbers recall ‘treacherous’ terrain whilst making winter history

AFP Nirmal Purja, one of the lead- Despite being famed for mountain on earth over 8,000 Shigar ing members of the team and a their climbing expertise, there metres, completing the mam- former Gurkha and British Spe- has never before been a Nepali moth challenge in just over six cial Forces soldier. climber on a fi rst winter ascent months. Nepali climbing team “The weather conditions were of a peak higher than 8,000 me- “The message from here is, which made history at the really, really horrendous, the tres. the world is going through crisis Aweekend by becoming the temperature was up to minus 65 Nepali guides — usually ethnic right now — we have Covid-19, fi rst to summit the world’s sec- degrees Celsius (minus 85 de- Sherpas from the valleys around and more than that... global ond-highest mountain in winter grees Fahrenheit) — there were Mount Everest — are consid- warming. recalled yesterday how they bat- hurricane (strength winds) but ered the backbone of the climb- “I think the message is impor- tled hurricane-force winds and 10 climbers from Nepal managed ing industry in the Himalayas tant, that if we all unite together freezing temperatures to achieve to make it happen.” for bearing huge risks to carry we can make... anything pos- the record. One of the climbers told AFP equipment and food, fi x ropes, sible, and hence why the 10 of The triumphant 10-man team how he almost missed out on and repair ladders. us worked together to make K2 was plucked from Base Camp on making history, briefl y giving up The climbers had been spread possible.” the 8,611-metre (28,251-feet) K2 in the tough conditions. across diff erent expeditions Unlike Mount Everest, which — known as the “savage moun- “At camp four I had actually at the start, but formed a new has been topped by thousands of tain” — by a Pakistan Army heli- quit, but when I made the radio group in order to claim the sum- climbers young and old, K2 is a copter and fl own to the Shigar call... he didn’t answer,” Mingma mit in Nepal’s name on Saturday, much tougher and lonelier place. Valley, a gateway to the mighty Gyalje, known as Mingma G, singing the national anthem as Northern Pakistan is home Karakoram range. who had attempted the record they reached the top. to some of the world’s tallest Wearing traditional woollen last year, told AFP. “This was not by any means mountains, including K2, in the hats and festooned with gar- “I couldn’t leave my team an individual eff ort — (it was) territory of Gilgit-Baltistan. lands, the climbers were received alone like that so when he didn’t 10 brothers united like a fam- Nestled between the western as heroes on the fi rst leg of their answer, I decided to try again. ily, like a brother, and everybody end of the Himalayas, the Hindu journey back home. “Normally when someone played a really, really important Kush mountains and the Ka- “This winter we came here doesn’t answer a call you feel MILESTONE: Nepal’s climbers Nirmal Purja, left, and Mingma Sherpa cut a cake upon their arrival after part,” said Purja, who in 2019 rakoram range, Gilgit-Baltistan with the hope that we were go- off ended, but in this case I am becoming the first to summit Pakistan’s K2 in winter, during a ceremony at Shigar district in the Gilgit- broke the record for being the has 18 of the world’s 50 highest ing to make this happen,” said thankful.” Baltistan region of northern Pakistan yesterday. (AFP) fastest person to conquer every peaks.

Bomb kills four soldiers Students with At least four soldiers were killed and five wounded when their Bachelor’s vehicle was blown up by a bomb PM dares opposition with in Pakistan’s southwestern can directly Balochistan province yesterday, off icials said. apply for PhD The incident took place in the afternoon while the soldiers, from Pakistan’s paramilitary televised proceedings Internews Frontier Corps (FC), were on Islamabad patrol in Kohlu district, some 200 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital Quetta, a nnouncing the new spokesman for the force told AFP. policies for PhD admis- “Four soldiers from FC were killed of foreign funding case Asions and undergraduate and five wounded, condition education, the Higher Educa- of three of them was critical,” tion Commission of Pakistan the spokesman said, adding Announces 3G, 4G mobile facility foreign funding case and now sources of (HEC) has said that a student that the blast was caused by an in South Waziristan all parties’ funds should be made public. can now directly apply for PhD improvised explosive device. It is now the opposition parties’ turn after completing his Bachelor’s Two senior government off icials to reveal the source of their funds, the degree. in Quetta confirmed the incident Internews prime minister stressed. This means that a BS degree, and the details. Islamabad Earlier, Khan announced that 3G or equivalent, will be the mini- The Pakistani military has been and 4G services would be available in mum criteria for PhD admis- fighting a low-level insurgency for Waziristan starting yesterday, during sion. The new policy has al- decades in the province. rime Minister Imran Khan yes- this visit to the region. ready been enforced this year in No group has claimed terday challenged all those scep- He broke the news to the people of January in all public and private responsibility for the attack. Ptical of his party’s funding by Waziristan while addressing a Kamyab universities. Now, students Ethnic Baloch separatists have saying that the court proceedings of the Jawan Programme’s cheque distribution with 16 years of education can been waging an insurgency for foreign funding case should be aired ceremony in Wana. apply for admissions in a PhD years in the region, which is also live on TV. The PM was accompanied by the chief degree. riven by Islamist and sectarian Speaking to journalists in South minister and governor of Khyber Pa- For admission in PhD pro- violence. Waziristan, the prime minister said the khtunkhwa and Special assistants Dr Sa- grammes, First Division in the Pakistan has long blamed India proceedings should be open and that the nia Nishtar, Usman Dar, and Shahbaz Gill. annual system and a minimum for backing Baloch separatists. party heads should attend the hearings. He was also to be briefed about the CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the Balochistan is also a major part “I can put it to a challenge that (rul- development works going on in the re- semester system is required. of a Beijing-backed multi-billion- ing) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is gion. Moreover, a student pursu- dollar infrastructure drive known the only political party that has been The PM said uplifting the poor seg- ing a PhD will have to take up a as the CPEC. involved in political fundraising,” Khan ments of the society and backward areas course load of 48 credit hours. said, adding the country runs on remit- including the tribal districts is the pri- According to the new policy, Naqvi quits as tance by overseas Pakistanis. ority of the government. the maximum duration of a Slamming the opposition, he said that He also addressed a ceremony in con- PhD degree will be eight years, opposition leader Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) nection with distribution of cheques with the minimum being three and Jamiat-e-UIema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) among the tribal people under Kamyab years. The requirement to send Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s leader chief Maulana Fazlur Reman uses semi- Jawan Programme (Youth Entrepreneur PhD dissertations to foreign of the opposition in the Sindh nary students to blackmail governments. Scheme) in Wana. experts for review has been provincial assembly, Firdous “How does he (Fazl) own properties Khan said special emphasis will be removed and dissertations can Shamim Naqvi, has submitted worth billions of rupees?” the premier accorded to the education sector and now be sent to Pakistani ex- his resignation to the Speaker. asked, adding the PDM chief was pro- provision of livelihoods to the people of perts, too. He submitted his resignation testing with the sole aim of getting a tribal districts. Following the completion of to the Speaker Sindh Assembly concession under the National Recon- He said apart from giving scholarship coursework, every PhD student yesterday. Haleem Adil Sheikh ciliation Ordinance (NRO). to the youth, schools, colleges, universi- is required to pass a compre- will succeed him as the new “They do not understand the nation’s ties and technical institutes will be es- hensive examination in order opposition leader. Muttahida mindset. Our people are politically tablished in the tribal districts. to be granted candidacy as PhD Qaumi Movement Pakistan aware. They will not come out to back He promised that the loans under the researcher. HEC has also di- leadership had expressed such thieves,” Khan thundered. Kamyab Jawan Programme was just the CONFIDENT: Prime Minister Imran Khan wearing a traditional headgear at rected all universities offering reservations over the nomination The prime minister said he was thank- beginning and its scope would be ex- the Kamyaab Jawan Programme (Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme) cheque Bachelor’s programmes to pro- of Haleem Adil Sheikh for the post. ful to the opposition for highlighting the panded in the days to come. distribution ceremony in South Waziristan yesterday. vide internships to students.

Our focus has shift ed to geo-economics: FM

PM and FM congratulate Biden, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi regional trailblazer in combating climate has reiterated that Pakistan will continue change and the country’s massive tree to work with the US for peace in the re- plantation drives have won international gion, but that “our relationship has to be acclaim. He hoped to get the Biden ad- seek to enhance relations larger”. ministration’s assistance in mitigating the He was addressing a webinar on ‘Reset health crisis and its economic fallout as of US-Pakistan Relations’ organised by well as combating climate change. US defence chief nominee sees Kashmir and expressed the hope the the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations The foreign minister said eradiating Islamabad as ‘essential partner’ new US administration will play a (KCFR). corruption is high on his government’s in Afghanistan peace process role in the crisis. “The advent of a new administration agenda. On Tuesday, the Biden adminis- in Washington gives us an opportunity “We welcome President Biden’s call on Internews tration’s nominated defence chief to have a long-term, broad-based and cracking down on money laundering and Islamabad General Lloyd J Austin said the in- multidimensional relationship. Such a illicit safe havens that inflict enormous coming government sees Pakistan partnership will require an institutional- damage on developing countries. The as an “essential partner” in any ised and structural engagement that is people of Pakistan have always had per- rime Minister Imran Khan peace process in Afghanistan and based on mutual respect. [There should sonal aff inity with the US. The commonal- last night congratulated the believes that “continuing to build be] a strong US-Pak relationship on its ity of values is ultimately the bedrock of Pnewly sworn in US President relationships with Pakistan’s mili- own merits and on its own weight. It is any strong relationship. Joe Biden following his inaugura- tary will provide openings for the compelling because of geo-economics,” “Our shared interests, common aspi- tion. United States and Pakistan to coop- Qureshi pointed out. rations for economic development and “Look forward to working with @ erate on key issues”. “Pakistan is a nation of 220 million enhanced connectivity in the region, and POTUS in building a stronger Pak- Austin made these remarks dur- people, two-thirds of whom are under the rare moment of hope for peace in Af- US partnership through trade and ing his confi rmation hearing for the 30 years of age. We sit at crossroads of ghanistan, provide a strong foundation economic engagement, countering post of secretary of defence before China, South and Central Asia. Pakistan for both sides to take the bilateral rela- climate change, improving public the United States Senate Armed envisions itself as a future hub for trade tionship forward,” he said. health, combating corruption & Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Covid-19 pandemic and the strat- Services Committee. in the region,” the foreign minister noted. After the speech, the foreign minister promoting peace in region and be- Qureshi also expressed Pakistan’s egy to deal with the climate change “Pakistan is an essential partner He said Pakistan and the US must work in response to a question said: “Our focus yond,” the premier tweeted. desire to engage with the new US issue. in any peace process in Afghanistan,” together to strengthen Afghanistan and has shifted towards geo-economics and Biden became the 46th President administration for enhancement of Qureshi said the United States Austin, a former head of the US Cen- seek opportunities for co-investment by that demands peace in the region. That of the United States yesterday, de- bilateral relations. had a bipartisan opinion about In- tral Command, told the committee. Pakistan, Afghanistan, US and China. is why we have a new approach to Af- claring that “democracy has pre- In a statement yesterday, he said dia, but it is welcoming that the new “If confi rmed, I will encourage a “The potential for Pak-US relations in ghanistan, facilitating peace over there. vailed”. He swore the oath of offi ce US President Joe Biden has a clear US administration has a clear stance regional approach that garners sup- the economic sector is immense. The US We want a healthy relationship with India to take the helm of a deeply divided perspective about the South Asian about protection of human rights. port from neighbours like Pakistan, is emerging as a major energy supplier,” as well, but unfortunately the present nation and inheriting a confl uence region and the two sides have con- He said the world is pointing out while also deterring regional actors, Qureshi said. regime [in India] has by their actions viti- of crises arguably greater than any formity of views about Afghanistan gross human rights violations in from serving as spoilers to the Af- Qureshi felt that Pakistan had been a ated that.” faced by his predecessors. and other priorities such as the the “illegally occupied” Jammu and ghanistan peace process.” Gulf Times 16 Thursday, January 21, 2021 QATAR Fire Station exhibition showcases creations of ‘Artists in Residence’ he Fire Station: Artist in Residence today unveils TGrey Times, an exhibition encompassing the works of artists who participated in the fi fth edi- tion of its annual Artist in Resi- dence Programme (AIR5). The exhibition marks the end of the Artist in Residence pro- gramme and is centred on the current context of the global out- break of coronavirus (Covid-19), characterised by uncertainty and unprecedented challenges. QM chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the opening of QM chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa the exhibition on Tuesday. al-Thani with the artists at the exhibition. The initial plan for this year’s Artist in Residence Programme – curated by Dr Bahaa Abudaya and Saida Ali al-Khulaifi – was for artists to engage with the re- lationship between the visual arts and literature. However, the pan- AIR5 focuses on the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. demic meant artists were unable to embark on creative explora- sought to answer the questions, with recommendations from Qa- tion at the Fire Station’s studios ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Who are they?’ tar’s Health Protection & Com- but rather had to carry out their The works refl ect the evolution municable Disease Control offi ce respective conceptual journeys in and adaptability of the creative of the Ministry of Public Health the confi nes of their homes. process in relation to limitations (MoPH). In keeping with the “With the current situation, imposed by the pandemic ie, the guidelines set by MoPH, a limited people have been forced to make lack of studio space and social en- number of visitors and staff will drastic changes to their lifestyle HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani touring the gagement, limited creative mate- be allowed at the Fire Station at and livelihood. Within this chal- exhibition. rials, execution, and installation. any given time. lenging context, we have invited AIR5 is an annual initiative, es- Upon arrival, visitors will be artists to embark on a journey of by moving into one of the avail- Alagha, Latifa al-Kuwari, Ma- tablished in 2015, which nurtures required to present a “green” self-exploration and examine the able studios, collaborating with jdulin Nasrallah, Mariam Rafehi, creative talent from across the health status on the Ehteraz app. relationship they have with their fellow creators, and developing Maryam al-Maadhadi, Mashael al country and worldwide. Masks are required for all visitors immediate surroundings and the their own artistic technique. The Hejazi, Maysaa Almumin, Muna Grey Times runs until July 24 (12 years of age and older). Each external world during a global artists showcasing their works as al-Bader, Naila al-Thani, Noor at the Fire Station. It is open from person will also be checked for a pandemic,” Dr Abudaya said. part of the 2020-2021 Artist in Yousef, Suzana Jouma, Hind al- 9am to 7pm between Saturday normal temperature reading at The exhibition will include Residence Programme include: Saad and Ameena al-Yousef. and Thursdays, and from 1.30pm the entrance. Visitors who have artworks created during the resi- Aisha al-Muhannadi, Ameera al- Through the artworks created to 7pm on Fridays. a temperature or do not have a dency, during which the artists Aji, Ebtesam al-Hothi, Hadeer during the participating artists’ Qatar Museums has imple- mask will not be allowed into the QM chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa take their passion to the next level Omar, Haytham Sharrouf, Jaser residency, Grey Times artists mented protocols in accordance Fire Station. al-Thani at the unveiling of Grey Times exhibition. QNL to hold webinar Green drive at Lejbailat Park on ‘Raising Children’

o help parents develop childcare skills that raise Thealthy minds today and responsible citizens tomorrow, Qatar National Library (QNL) is holding a virtual lecture on this topic on January 30. Aptly titled ‘Raising Children’, the event will be delivered by Dr The Ministry of Municipality Mamoun Mobayed, director of and Environment’s Public Treatment and Rehabilitation Gardens Department in co- Department at the Behaviour- operation with the Moroccan al Healthcare Centre who will embassy, planted a number coach parents on how to navigate of diff erent trees at Lejbailat the ups and downs of parenting Park as part of the one-million and master what many deem the trees initiative. Moroccan hardest job in the world. ambassador Mohamed Setri, Dr Mobayed will draw on his Public Gardens Department’s experience as a leading psy- QNL to map out way to great parenting. projects section head Khalid chiatrist and author of several Ahmed al-Sanadi and other parenting books. of the Children’s Library at QNL, age of the child. This lecture is a off icials were present. The lecture, which will be de- said, “It has long been said that chance for parents to re-examine livered in Arabic, revolves around the hardest job in the world is to their relationship with their chil- the 10 core principles of parent- be a successful parent. As every dren and discover some impor- ing and covers the most common mother and father knows, the role tant child-raising skills that can pitfalls that parents can fall vic- is akin to riding a rollercoaster, as help them and their youngsters tim to. ups and downs are commonplace on their incredibly special jour- Maram A al-Mahmoud, head every single day, no matter the ney together.”

Aspire Zone Foundation signs agreement with S’hail Group

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Thani and Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi with off icials at the event yesterday.

Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) signed a collaboration agreement with S’hail Holding Group yesterday to strengthen and expand their areas of co-operation and scope of work in community events that will be held throughout 2021 at Aspire Zone. “We are pleased to sign this partnership with S’hail Holding Group, as it contains community contributions that meet and develop the needs of society through joint work mechanisms,” AZF CEO Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi said. “The State of Qatar has changed the concept of sport among society in the past 10 years. The State has also contributed to sports awareness among the people and developed the infrastructure in line with the culture of sports,” he added. S’hail Holding Group board member Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Thani said: “We at S’hail Holding Group are proud to be here today as a partner sponsor of AZF activities, as part of our commitment to social responsibility and based of the fact that sport is one of the most important pillars of Qatar’s National Vision 2030 as embodied by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Thani and Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi signing the agreement.