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MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 20 JUMADA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8492 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Share unused data and

minutes with the family Terms & Conditions Apply MoPH warns Vaccination age limit reduced to 65 against Ehteraz app scam calls FAZEENA SALEEM Corporation (PHCC) by SMS or centers: Al Wajba, Leabaib, Al THE PENINSULA HOTLINE phone call to arrange their Ruwais, Um Slal, Rawdat Al THE PENINSULA — DOHA appointment. Khail, Al Thumama and The age limit for COVID-19 “People 65 years and above Muaither. The Pfizer-BioNTech The Ministry of Public Health vaccine in Qatar in the first 4027 7077 who have not yet been contacted vaccine requires a second dose (MoPH) has warned the public phase has been reduced and a can now call the PHCC hotline to be given 21 days after the first. against anonymous scam hotline number has also been launched for people aged 65 and 40277077 to book an “MoPH is working with the phone calls seeking personal launched for this particular above who have not yet been appointment,” the Ministry said, pharmaceutical companies to information allegedly saying eligible category of the popu- contacted for vaccination. adding: “Vaccinations at health ensure the next shipment of vac- it is necessary for the lation to call and fix an centers will only be given to cines arrivew in Qatar as early COVID-19 contact tracing appointment for vaccination, the people with pre-arranged as possible in 2021 and everyone application “Ehteraz”. Ministry of Public Health Vaccinations at health appointments.” who needs to be vaccinated will The Ministry issued the announced yesterday. centers will only be The Ministry has requested, be able to do so throughout the warning to public send as a The age limit has been given to people with all other community members, year,” the Ministry said. notification through the reduced from 70 years to 65 pre-arranged who do not meet the criteria for To recall, Head of Vacci- ‘Ehteraz,’ application years and above, the Ministry appointments. the early phase of the campaign nation at MoPH, Dr. Soha Al yesterday. said on its social media accounts. to wait until their turn. Bayat, has said that COVID-19 The Ministry has clarified People of 65 years and above MoPH is working with The first shipment of Pfizer vaccine being provided by that “nobody or entity is who have not yet been contacted the pharmaceutical and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Qatar has received high authorised to make such calls.” can now call the hotline 4027 companies to ensure arrived in Doha following an response from the public. It has also called on all cit- 7077 to book an appointment. the next shipment of emergency use approval. The Speaking to a Qatar Radio pro- izens and residents to be cau- Now after this change, three vaccines arrives in COVID-19 vaccination campaign gramme on Saturday, Dr. Al tious and alert against scams. categories eligible for COVID-19 Qatar as early as has begun on December 23. Bayat said that no complaint or “The MoPH calls on cit- vaccine are people aged 65 years possible. In the first phase of the vac- any severe type of complication izens and residents to be cau- of age and above, people with cination campaign the Pfizer- recorded due to the COVID-19 tious and alert and don’t severe chronic conditions and BioNTech vaccines are being vaccine since the Ministry rolled provide any personal infor- healthcare workers with People who are eligible for be contacted directly by the given to the priority population out the vaccination campaign mation or data to any person repeated exposure to the virus. the vaccination at this stage will Primary Health Care groups at seven PHCC health in the country. or entity which claims to be mandate by MoPH or the health sector,” it said. The Ministry, in cooper- Qatar a pioneer in using technology in census: PSA President ation with the concerned authorities in Qatar, also QNA — DOHA advanced technologies repre- State of Qatar is greatly advanced, family so that the data is more this is the type approved in Qatar, affirmed that all information sented in handheld devices which allowed the PSA to comprehensive and modern, and he added. `P3 and data related to the appli- President of the Planning and directly linked to administrative implement the Qatar 2020 census cation are fully secured and Statistics Authority (PSA) H E Dr. records and systems that help the project in an ideal and unique highly confidential. People completed their data Saleh bin Mohammed Al Nabit enumerator to complete the data manner even when compared More than The Ehteraz app, affirmed that the State of Qatar required with ease, accuracy and with advanced countries in this electronically via the electronic developed to help track has scored an important complete confidentiality. field. We have advanced systems 190,000 link www.psa.gov.qa/ disease transmission chains, achievement and has a He pointed out that more when talking about a technology- census2020.aspx. alerts individuals and stake- pioneering experience in the than 190,000 people completed based census, but at the same time holders to expedite the pro- online census, to become at the their data electronically via the we are looking forward to greater Qatar has scored an important vision of medical support and forefront of countries that adopt electronic link www.psa.gov.qa/ progress, he said. achievement and has a pioneering prioritising testing. new technology to complete the census2020.aspx, and they com- The online census is the experience in the online census, to A comprehensive update comprehensive census project pletely don’t need to be visited census of the future and all coun- be at the forefront of countries of the app rolled out was on according to the highest inter- by field enumerator. This is a very tries are racing to develop this that adopt new technology. May 24, 2020 with expanded national standards. good number, and we look type of census, but there are dif- security and privacy features In an interview with Qatar forward to increasing the ferences in the methodologies of Handheld devices with highly for all users. News Agency (QNA), His Excel- numbers on the electronic census conducting the census, some advanced technologies help the “The Ehteraz app’s user lency stated that the electronic within the remained coming days depend on the census by sample, enumerator to complete the data privacy and platform security census is carried out in con- of the census, he added. and some conduct a complete with ease, accuracy and complete are of the utmost importance,” junction with the field census, He also stressed that the tech- census that includes every confidentiality. the Ministry has said during which is also uses the highly nological infrastructure in the facility, building, housing unit and the launch of the app. Traffic violations decline by 8.5% in November 2020 Qatar Airways welcomes

IRFAN BUKHARI decrease in the number of vio- November last year when com- Industrial Area. In October THE PENINSULA lations when November 2020 pared to October 2020. 2020, total 534 traffic accidents its 53rd Airbus A350 is compared with October 2020 In November last year, were registered in the country The traffic violations decreased on monthly basis. In October 115,427 vehicles got cleared while the number soared to 598 THE PENINSULA — DOHA Middle East, Hamad Interna- by 8.5 percent in November 2020, as many as 162,805 traffic while 102,088 vehicles had traffic accidents in November tional Airport.” 2020 compared to the number violations had been registered been cleared in November 2019 2020. Qatar Airways has wrapped up Environmentally conscious of violations registered in in the country. showing an increase of 13.1 In November last year, 762 2020 with the delivery of its passengers can travel with the November 2019. As per data released by the percent in November 2020 on building permits were issued in 53rd Airbus A350 on the final reassurance that Qatar Airways According to the latest issue Planning and Statistic Authority year on year comparison. the country which shows an day of the year. The national continuously monitors the of Qatar Monthly Statistics, (PSA) yesterday, as many as 8,194 The data also shows an increase of 13 percent on com- carrier of the State of Qatar is market to assess both pas- 151,521 traffic violations, of all driving licences were issued in increase of 12 percent in traffic parison with November 2019 the largest operator of Airbus senger and cargo demand to types, were registered in November 2020 while in October accidents in November 2020 when 673 building permits had A350 aircraft with 34 ensure it operates the most effi- November 2020 while this 2020, 6,913 driving licences had when compared with October been issued. Among municipal- A350-900 and 19 A350-1000, cient aircraft on each route. number stood at 165,589 in been issued showing a significant 2020 while there is a sharp ities, Doha Municipality tops the reaffirming its position as the Rather than being forced to fly November 2019. increase of 18.5 percent in decrease (over 19 percent) in list with issuance of 161 building ideal choice for environmen- oversized aircraft due to limited The data also indicates issuance of driving licenses in traffic accidents in the permits in November 2020. `P2 tally conscious long-haul aircraft options, reducing the passengers. flexibility for passengers to The A350-1000 is fitted travel when they want, Qatar with the airline’s multi award- Airways has a variety of sus- winning Business Class seat, tainable aircraft it can choose Qsuite, and will operate on from to offer more flights with strategic routes to and from the right capacity in each Africa, the Americas, Asia- market. Qatar Airways is fully Pacific and Europe. utilising its fleet of 53 A350 air- Qatar Airways Group Chief craft to more than 45 destina- Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, tions in the airline’s network, said: “Despite the challenges including Johannesburg, of the pandemic, we continue London, Melbourne, New York, to invest in our fleet, operating Paris, Sao Paolo and the youngest, most fuel-effi- Singapore. cient and technologically Passengers travelling on- advanced aircraft in the skies. board Qatar Airways’ state-of- This strategic investment in the-art Airbus A350-1000 can sustainable twin-engine air- enjoy: The widest cabin body craft has enabled us to con- of any class with larger tinue flying during the most windows creating an extra spa- challenging year in aviation’s cious feel; the widest seats of history, helping take over 3.1 any aircraft in its category with Jedariart turns urban areas into a huge canvas million people home since the generous room in all classes; start of the pandemic. As advanced air system tech- Qatar-based artists have been making their mark on designated walls across Doha as part of Jedariart, Qatar Museums’ public art global travel recovers, our pas- nology including HEPA filters, initiative, to activate shared urban areas and add meaning to the city’s walls through curated murals and street art. The public art sengers can rely on us to fly which deliver optimal cabin air initiative is being held in partnership with The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places, Q-Rail, Woqod and greener and smarter with quality, renewing air every two Fire Station Artist in Residence. more flights to more destina- to three minutes for more tions via the Best Airport in the comfort and less fatigue. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021

MME launches first phase of OFFICIAL NEWS Qatar Marine Environmental Amir sends congratulations to Monitoring Programme 2021 President of Swiss QNA — DOHA during the environmental and Confederation the marine field scanning, using The Ministry of Municipality and the latest scientific and interna- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Environment (MME) launched tional devices specialised in field bin Hamad Al Thani sent yester- yesterday the first phase of the marine readings, and samples day a cable of congratulations to H Marine Environmental Moni- are collected from water, E President Guy Parmelin, on the toring Programme for the year marine sediments and seabed occasion of assuming the presi- 2021. soil. The environmental labo- dency of the Swiss Confederation, The teams of the Monitoring ratory analyses these samples wishing him success, and for the and Environmental Laboratory to determine the characteristics relations between the two countries Department of MME started col- and physical results of temper- further development and progress, lecting samples from the marine ature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and the friendly Swiss peoples fur- environment to analyse them concentrations, pH, trans- ther progress and prosperity. Deputy Chief of Staff meets outgoing US military attaché and make the necessary meas- parency of water, chlorine, Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad urements in several of the while chemical measurements Al Thani also sent a cable of con- Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem coastal marine water moni- are carried out through gratulations to H E President Guy met with US Chief Defense Officer and the Department of Defense Attaché to the State, Colonel David toring sites in the State of Qatar. chemical elements, heavy Parmelin, on the occasion of assum- Casey, on the occasion of the end of his term as a military attaché to the State of Qatar. The Chief The first phase covers 14 of the metals, petroleum hydro- ing the presidency of the Swiss of Staff extended his thanks and appreciation to the US military attaché for his efforts during his coastal water sites in various carbons, and the chemically and Confederation. — QNA tenure in the State of Qatar, and wished him success in performing his future duties. The meeting areas of the country. biologically consumed oxygen. was attended by a number of officers in Qatar Armed Forces. During the collection of The Department issues a Qatar strongly samples, the Ministry’s field detailed semi-annual report on condemns attack monitoring teams included the situation of the marine envi- tourist, and economic and ronment in the State of Qatar, in Pakistan NHRC Chairman meets Chairperson of Afghan industrial areas, as well as including environmental indi- marine reserves and coastal cators. Efforts to protect the DOHA: The State of Qatar Independent Human Rights Commission areas that are frequently visited Qatari environment and its expressed its strong condemna- by people, as the marine field resources and their sustaina- tion and denunciation of the attack QNA — DOHA person of the Afghan Independent Human Rights environmental scanning is con- bility come within the that took place in the Balochistan Commission Shahrzad Akbar. They reviewed ducted semi-annually, during framework of the attention and region in Pakistan, which resulted in Chairman of the National Human Rights aspects of joint cooperation and means of winter and summer. care given to the environment deaths and injuries. In a statement Committee (NHRC) Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri exchanging expertise and experiences with regard Field measurements and under fourth pillar of the Qatar issued yesterday, the Ministry of met yesterday, via video conference, with Chair- to the promotion and protection of human rights. their results are conducted National Vision 2030. Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm position of rejecting violence, terrorism and criminal acts, regardless of the motives and QA Holidays offers additional savings for Maldives packages reasons. The statement expressed the condolences of the State of THE PENINSULA — DOHA Bubble Holidays packages are Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, be able to upgrade their meal government. Sign a release form Qatar to the families of the victims available to book on the Qatar said: “We are pleased to offer package, heavily discounted committing to the terms and and to the government and people Qatar Airways Holidays cele- Airways Holidays website or our popular Travel Bubble Hol- rates at retail outlets, and conditions of the exclusive of Pakistan, wishing the wounded brates the beginning of the New from a local travel agent until idays packages at reduced rates flexible cancellation policies. Travel Bubble Holidays. a speedy recovery. — QNA Year by offering Qatar’s citizens 15 January 2021. as well as to extend the travel Three high-end luxury Take a rapid PCR test at and residents additional savings Even though the Maldives period until 5 February, giving properties including the Sandies Hamad International Airport. Qatar condemns of up to QR1,800 on its popular is no longer part of the Green the opportunity to more citizens Bathala Maldives 4-star resort, Results will be available within attacks in Niger Travel Bubble Holidays List countries published by the and residents of Qatar to book Diamonds Thudufushi Beach 15 minutes, and passengers will packages to the Maldives, for Ministry of Public Health, the a well-deserved holiday to the 5-star resort and Amaya Kuda be allowed to travel if negative. DOHA: The State of Qatar expressed bookings made up to 7 January. Travel Bubble Holidays remain Maldives with no quarantine or Rah 5-star resort are exclusively Arrive in the Maldives, where its strong condemnation and denun- Customers can benefit from this unaffected and is the only safe self-isolation upon return.” available for guests travelling no additional tests are needed, ciation of the two attacks that exclusive offer by using the and convenient gateway to the All packages include return from Qatar. and take a transfer by targeted two villages in western discount voucher code ‘maldi- tropical islands as no quar- flights between Qatar and the For the safety of themselves speedboat directly to the resort. Niger, which led to dozens of civilian vesdeal’. antine or self-isolation upon Maldives on Qatar Airways’ and fellow travellers, all Travel Return to Maldives airport via deaths and a number of wounded. Due to high demand, Qatar return is required for Qatar’s exclusive flights for Travel Bubble Holidays guests must: speedboat transfer on the day In a statement issued yesterday, the Airways Holidays extended the citizens and no Exceptional Bubble Holidays customers, Take a PCR test in Doha and get of departure. Take a rapid PCR Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated travel period of its packages to Entry Permit, quarantine or accommodation on a full board a negative COVID-19 PCR test test upon arrival into Doha. If the State of Qatar’s firm position the Maldives until 5 February self-isolation upon return basis, return airport transfers, certificate issued no more than negative, return home without of rejecting violence and terrorism, 2021, with the last departure required for Qatar’s residents. and all taxes. Customers will 72 hours before departure. This the need to quarantine or regardless of the motives and rea- date on 31 January 2021. Travel Qatar Airways Group Chief have access to all hotel facilities, is a requirement of the Maldives self-isolate. sons. The statement expressed the condolences of the State of Qatar to the families of the victims and to the government and people Qatar Airways welcomes of Niger, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery. — QNA its 53rd Airbus A350 Qatar condemns

FROM PAGE 1 bombing in Somalia The passengers can also Qatar's national carrier DOHA: The State of Qatar voiced enjoy LED mood lighting which currently flies to over 110 strong condemnation and denun- mimic a natural sunrise and destinations with plans ciation of the bombing that took sunset to help reduce the to increase to 129 by the place near the Somali capital of effects of jet lag; the quietest end of March 2021. Mogadishu, killing a number of cabin of any twin-aisle aircraft people, including two foreigners that includes a draft-free air holding Turkish nationality, and circulation system resulting in grounded, ensuring it only wounding others. In a statement a low ambient cabin noise level operates commercially and issued yesterday, the Ministry of for a more peaceful journey. environmentally responsible Foreign Affairs reiterated the State Due to COVID-19’s impact aircraft. of Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting on travel demand, the airline The national carrier of the violence and terrorism regardless has grounded its fleet of Airbus State of Qatar continues to of motives and causes. The Minis- A380 as it is not environmen- rebuild its network, which cur- try expressed the State of Qatar’s tally justifiable to operate such rently stands at over 110 desti- condolences to the families of the a large, four-engine aircraft in nations with plans to increase victims as well as the governments the current market. The air- to 129 by the end of March 2021. and peoples of Somalia and Tur- line’s internal benchmark com- With more frequencies being key, wishing the wounded a speedy pared the A380 to the A350 on added to key hubs, Qatar recovery. — QNA routes from Doha to Airways offers unrivalled con- Guangzhou, Frankfurt, London, nectivity to passengers, making Qatar condemns Melbourne, New York, Paris it easy for them to change their killing of 2 French and Sydney. On a typical travel dates or destination if one-way flight, the airline they need to. soldiers in Mali found the A350 aircraft saved Passengers can book flights a minimum of 16 tonnes of with peace of mind, knowing DOHA: The State of Qatar voiced carbon dioxide per block hour that Qatar Airways offers strong condemnation and denun- compared to the A380. unlimited date changes and ciation of the killing of two French The analysis found that the fee-free refunds for all tickets soldiers and the injury of another A380 emitted over 80% more issued before April 30, 2021, for in an explosive device in northern CO2 per block hour than the travel completed by December Mali. In a statement issued yester- A350 on each of these routes. 31, 2021. The carrier’s industry- day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs In the cases of Melbourne and leading flexible booking policy reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm New York, the A380 emitted also provides the permanent stance on rejecting violence and 95% more CO2 per block hour feature of exchanging tickets terrorism regardless of motives and with the A350 saving around for a travel voucher with 10% causes. The Ministry expressed the 20 tonnes of CO2 per block additional value for all cus- State of Qatar’s condolences to hour. Until passenger demand tomers booking travel via the families of the victims as well recovers to appropriate levels, qatarairways.com. For full as the government and peoples Qatar Airways will continue to terms and conditions visit of France, wishing the wounded keep its A380 aircraft qatarairways.com/Flexibility. a speedy recovery. — QNA Traffic violations decline by 8.5% in November FROM PAGE 1 significant increase of over 54 As for the Banking Sector, The number of sold prop- percent. The demographic sta- total Broad Money Supply (M2) erties (286) in November 2019 tistics revealed that the total recorded about QR583.1bn soared to 504 in November population of Qatar has during November 2020, an 2020 registering a 76 percent decreased from 2.77 million annual increase of 3.5% com- increase. Al Rayyan Municipality during November 2019 to 2.72 pared with November 2019. On tops the list where 118 properties million at end of November the other hand, cash equivalents; were sold in November 2020 2020. The Social Security state- including Commercial Bank which shows over 118 percent ments reached QR83m in Deposits, attained for QR884.8bn increase compared to November November 2020, for 14512 ben- during November 2020. The 2019 on yearly basis. eficiaries, recording a monthly figure has recorded an annual The value of sold properties increase of 4.1% and 1.7% for the increase of 6.5% compared to rose from QR1544.9m in value of social security and for November 2019, when deposits November 2019 to QR2383.2m the number of beneficiaries of recorded approximately in November 2020 showing a Social Security respectively. QR830.5bn. MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 Ooredoo announces online payments now enabled with Al Khalij Bank THE PENINSULA — DOHA in which we continue to expand Ooredoo customers can now use the benefits that are available to Ooredoo has announced its our customers through online customers can now pay for al khaliji online banking to make banking. Key to the digitalisation Ooredoo services via their Al payments for Shahry, Qatarna, of our services and our industry Khalij Commercial Bank (al and Home Broadband bills, in is by strengthening our local khaliji) online banking. addition to recharging prepaid partnerships and using our com- Following a partnership accounts. bined synergies to serve our cus- agreement signed previously tomers’ needs that are evolving between Ooredoo and al khaliji, with the times to benefit from a online payment services have range of added advantages. With been enabled, and Ooredoo cus- Ooredoo on board, we build a tomers can now use online payment services being online, new bridge with customers, to banking to make payments for it is another step forward on our always bring them the best in the Shahry, Qatarna, and Home journey towards complete digi- industry.” Broadband bills, in addition to talisation. We’re delighted to be Online banking with al khaliji recharging prepaid accounts. working with such a renowned Bank is available 24/7, allowing Speaking of the partnership, financial institution as al khaliji customers to log on, pay bills and Afghanistan FM meets Qatar's Ambassador Director PR at Ooredoo Sabah and look forward to seeing our recharge anytime, from wherever Rabiah Al Kuwari said: “Giving customers making good use of they are. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan H E Mohammad Haneef our customers yet another quick, the service.” This way, they can avoid Atmar met with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Afghanistan H E Saeed bin Mubarak easy and convenient way to pay Head of Personal Banking at queues at the bank and make Al Khayarin. During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation and relations between the for our services fits perfectly with al khaliji Rana Al Asaad said: payments as needed, outside of two countries, in addition to issues of common interest. The Afghan Foreign Minister our aim of complete customer “Our new partnership with branch operation hours, in a fast, thanked the State of Qatar for its role in the Afghan peace process. satisfaction. With the new Ooredoo is one of the many ways convenient, and efficient way. MME launches drive to remove MoPH: 197 new COVID-19 cases, abandoned vehicles in Al Shamal 124 recoveries THE PENINSULA — DOHA campaign has been launched to vehicle hinders traffic flow it is THE PENINSULA — DOHA remove those vehicles in coor- removed immediately without The Joint Committee for dination with the Joint Com- any warning. The Ministry of Public Health Removing Abandoned Vehicles mittee. Al Faihani said the cam- The abandoned vehicles will (MoPH) yesterday announced at the Ministry of Municipality paign was launched following be taken to impounding ground the registration of 197 new and Environment (MME) the Law No. 18 of 2017 of Public where they will be kept for confirmed cases of COVID-19. yesterday launched a campaign Hygiene to preserve public three months for owners to Among them 50 were trav- to remove abandoned vehicles health and ensure environ- claim them. After that, the road ellers returning from abroad. in Al Shamal Municipality. mental protection. permits will be cancelled. Also 124 people have The week-long campaign A large number of people The abandoned vehicles put recovered from the virus, started from Al Ruwais area. It were educated about the impact a hindrance in the way of bringing the total number of will gradually move to all areas of abandoned vehicles under implementing key development recovered cases in Qatar to until the removal of all aban- the campaign. Many owners projects of the area apart from 141,808. All new cases have doned vehicles from the Munic- removed their abandoned other factors related to health, been introduced to isolation ipality,” said Director of vehicles responding to the hygiene and beauty of the place. and are receiving necessary Services Affairs Department at drive. The inspectors of joint The Joint Committee for healthcare according to their Al Shamal Municipality, Hasan committee put warning stickers Removing Abandoned Vehicles health status. Khalifa Al Faihani. on abandoned vehicles, giving had started its work plan after The total number of pos- He said inspectors marked a grace period of three days to it was restructured according itive COVID-19 cases recorded all abandoned vehicles across owners of the vehicles to to Ministerial Resolution No.178 in Qatar is 144,437 and there An abandoned vehicle being removed in Al Shamal Municipality. the Municipality and the remove them. However, if a for the year 2020. are 2,315 active cases under treatment. While the first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations has Public art: Artists add striking murals to Doha’s walls started in Qatar and in the coming months it will be THE PENINSULA — DOHA available for the public for free, the Ministry has stressed Over the past month, Qatar- it is important for everyone to based artists have been making play their role in controlling their mark on designated walls the virus by following precau- across Doha as part of Jedariart, tionary measures including Qatar Museums’ public art initi- adhering to physical dis- ative to activate shared urban tancing; avoiding close contact areas and add meaning to the with others, crowded places, city’s walls through curated and confined closed spaces murals and street art. where other people con- The public art initiative, held gregate; wearing a face mask in partnership with The Super- and washing hands visory Committee of Beautifi- regularly. Haifa Al Khuzaei works on her public art work. RIGHT: A painting by artist Abdulaziz Yousef at an interchange. cation of Roads and Public Places, Q-Rail, Woqod and Fire Station: Artist in Residence Woqod and the Fire Station: one of the partners of Jedariart, piece’s relevance to the com- Michael Perrone and his team, Four arrested for invited 18 Qatar-based artists to Artists in Residence — whose Sara Kafood, Deputy Chairman munity and the message the Maryam Al Maadhadi, Shuaa Al breathe new life into walls in contributions and support made of the Supervisory Committee artwork aims to convey. Kuwari, Abdulaziz Yousef, violating home various locations across the city Jedariart a success. for Beautification of Roads and Saud Al Dosari, Public Rela- Abdulla Al Emadi, Alanoud Al with murals that shine light on "This month-long initiative Public Places in Qatar, said: “We tions Manager, Woqod, said: “As Ghamdi, Haifa Al Khuzaei, Maha quarantine variety of topics and spark con- has enabled us to further expand are pleased to be part of this ini- a socially responsible Qatari Al Jaidah, and Aisha Al Fadhala. QNA — DOHA structive debate. our public art reach, making art tiative in which artists have company, Woqod is honoured Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Architect Abdulrahman Al accessible to the wider com- transformed walls into works to be part of Jedariart, a Qatar Communication and Public The designated authorities Ishaq, Director of Public Art at munity and bringing to life more of art that address societal Museums initiative that supports Relations Director, Qatar arrested on Sunday four Qatar Museums, said: “Qatar urban spaces across the city.” topics of relevance. These local artists and transforms the Railways Company (Qatar Rail), persons who violated the Museums is proud to have part- Striking new murals have public artworks, each with their city’s urban spaces into an said: “We are pleased to coop- requirements of the home nered with an immensely tal- been added to walls at Fire own individual character and outdoor gallery. Such initiatives erate with Qatar Museums for quarantine, they committed to ented group of artists, who each Station, Al Abraj Park, Doha Fes- message, will gain the admi- are key to increasing tourist the Jedariart public art initi- following, which they are brought their unique artistic tival City Interchange, Alkhor ration of a multicultural attractions and contributing to ative. These artworks add an legally accountable for. style to life through murals that Interchange, Doha Expressway, audience.” a vibrant and colourful city.” aesthetically pleasing touch to The violators currently enrich the public realm and Post Office Park, 5/6 Park, 5/6 Participating artists were Participating artists the Qatar National Library and being referred to the prose- encourage cultural dialogue. We Flyover, Qatar National Library selected following an open call, included Mubarak Al Malik, Msheireb metro stations and cution, are Muzammil Kam- also extend our appreciation to Metro Station, Abdulla Bin in which aspiring and estab- Huda Basahal, Noura Al Man- enrich the art scene in Qatar, palabito, Omair Sabah Saif Al our valued partners and Hamad Al Attiyah District and lished artists in Doha were soori, Dimitrije Bugarski, Nada serving as points of attraction Majid Al Nuaimi, Zeeshan sponsors — The Supervisory the Woqod Petrol Station in requested to submit a proposal Khozestani, Sharefa Al Mannai, for commuters while spreading Jamshid Iqbal and Ibrahim Committee of Beautification of Fereej Kulaib. detailing a concept for a mural Thamer Al Dossari, Muna Al QRail’s message among the Mubarak Ibrahim Al Ali Al Roads and Public Places, Q-Rail, Expressing pleasure at being that takes into consideration the Bader, Fatima Al Sharshani, wider community.” Maadeed. Qatar a pioneer in using technology in census: PSA President FROM PAGE 1 inquiries about the statistical by the diversity of families the General Census of Popu- skillful connectivity with the Nabit explained that the ques- He pointed out that the form despite the presence of a whose data are collected from lation, Housing and Establish- concerned authorities with a tions of the census questionnaire experience of Qatar in the elec- phone number for inquiries and local, expatriate, Arab and non- ments project, as well as the sta- focus on the connectivity’s are based on many sources, tronic census is very good, and questions for those who provide Arab families, and small and tistical data they provide to serve quality and sustainability, adding some of which are subject to that it could be better, adding the data electronically, and the large labor gatherings, resulting development, in addition to the that their aspired goal is to dis- international standards, adding that their ambition is much ease of the electronic method. in a difference in the nature of well-managed handling of field pense with field censuses in the that the minimum number of greater than what they have Regarding the experience of the response to the census from enumerators who have been future, and to mainly rely on questions is based on the rec- done so far, thanks to the the 2010 census, the PSA Pres- one category to another, adding trained and thoroughly selected. administrative records in cen- ommendations of the UN, while material and human capabilities ident indicated that it was a good that it is not possible to set eve- Regarding the electronic suses, which is what they aspire some of them are based on the of the state and the unlimited experience in terms of relying ryone in one box with regard to connectivity between PSA and to accomplish in future directives of international and support for the technology and on technology to conduct the responding to the electronic the data-issuing bodies, he censuses. regional (Arab and Gulf) statis- communications sector. He census, paving the way for the census, and some feel confident explained that connecting with A census based on adminis- tical organizations. added that they had hoped to 2020 census, which witnessed and reassured when providing the main bodies has been com- trative records is possible in the The PSA President expressed focus on administrative records an important development in the data through the field enu- pleted, noting that connecting is State of Qatar, he said, adding his thanks and gratitude for all and building databases faster, statistical form and the tech- merator, as they are fully aware not a process that ends at a spe- that these records will be suffi- citizens and residents who com- saying that they are at a very niques used in the handheld of the nature of the required cific time, but rather a process cient to obtain the basic data pleted their statistical data and advanced stage when compared devices of field enumerators, as data, and they have someone to that is constantly being required for the census. He cooperated with the Authority to other countries in the region. well as the development in con- help them complete the statis- developed, with the difference pointed out that 2025 will in the implementation of this He added that they had necting these handheld devices tical form. of the connecting process with witness the census’ midpoint, as national project, calling on those hoped that the census would be with the administrative records PSA President Dr. Saleh bin each body; as there is partial it will be based on administrative who have not completed their fully electronic this year, but that contain the data of citizens Mohammed Al Nabit affirmed connectivity and full connec- records to represent a significant data to do so either via www.psa. there are obstacles related to the and residents. that the preliminary indicators tivity, in addition to another that experience for the compre- gov.qa/census2020.aspx, or by response from families to this Regarding the challenges of the census are very good and aims to provide data at suc- hensive general census in the cooperating with the field enu- type of census, and most of them that usually face the electronic show high turnout, saying that cessive periods. year 2030. merators during the remaining prefer to deal directly with the census, he explained that the it is because of the national He indicated that they are On the type of data required period that is due to end in field enumerator to ask some State of Qatar is characterized awareness of the importance of hoping to develop a kind of in the statistical form, Dr. Al mid-January. 04 HOME MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 Qatar Scientific Club concludes activities of Spring Science Camp

QNA — DOHA the Qatar Scientific Club Sheikh As many as 160 Ali bin Salman Al Thani thanked The Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) the Ministry of Culture and concluded the activities of the participants took part in Sports for its support for such Spring Science Camp, which was the entire activity, while events that provide participants held at its headquarters under fully observing the with science and knowledge, the slogan “Discover and precautionary measures and also contribute to increasing Innovate”. related to the their self-confidence by prac- Registration was accepted ticing and using their hands in with only 50% of the capacity for coronavirus pandemic. the implementation of applied each class group, so that the projects. maximum number in the halls The Scientific Club stated was only 10 participants instead A special programme and that the camp presented new of 20 participants in normal tools were assigned to each par- topics and projects that were cases. ticipant, and the age groups implemented, such as manufac- As many as 160 participants were divided into three cate- turing means to prevent coro- took part in the entire activity, gories: (7 to 9 years old), (10 to navirus (COVID-19), in addition while fully observing the pre- 12 years old), and (13 to 16 years to implementing the solar- cautionary measures related to old). Head of the Scientific Activ- powered project and imple- School students with their projects at Spring Science Camp organised by Qatar Scientific Club. the coronavirus pandemic. ities and Events Department at menting the robot model. QRCS sponsors major thoracic surgeries for Gaza patients Karwa buses to restart charging THE PENINSULA — DOHA During their two-day visit, the Spanish medical delegation delivered commuters A team of doctors hired by Qatar Red an online seminar for 100 Palestinian Crescent Society (QRCS) performed six physicians and many medical students THE PENINSULA — DOHA operations at the Al Shefaa Medical of the Islamic University of Gaza’s (IU-G) Complex in Gaza. The operations Faculty of Medicine. Karwa buses will start included the removal of pulmonary QRCS and the Palestinian Ministry charging commuters for travel tumours and right superior lobectomy of Health (MOH) in Gaza are working again from January 10 using new technologies for the first time hard together to develop the thoracic onwards. in Gaza. surgical services in the blockade. Over “We would like to inform The team comprised Dr. Raed Al one year, 810 thoracic surgeries were you that from January 10 Arini, the thoracic surgery consultant; performed at the Al Shefaa Medical onwards our services will be Dr. Diego González-Rivas, a globally Complex and European Gaza Hospital charged again as usual,” the renowned thoracic surgery specialist; (EGH). Additionally, there were 180 tho- public bus transport provider and Dr. Firas Abu Akir, Head of Thoracic racic endoscopic operations at the said in a notification on the Surgery and Endoscopy Department at Nasser Medical Complex, under the Karwa Bus app. the Al Makassed Hospital in Jerusalem. project of supporting specialised sur- Karwa was offering free The medical team put together by QRCS also included a renowned Spanish surgeon, Dr. Al Arini said the medical inter- gical services in the Gaza Strip. rides to passengers after they who also delivered a lecture for physicians and medical students in Gaza. vention done with the help of Prof. With a total budget of $1.4m, the restarted public bus service González-Rivas involved surgeries that project also involves such specialised with 30 percent capacity as had never been performed in Gaza, amid local medical staff to acquire intensive contracting him under the project of surgical interventions as cardiovascular part of the Phase 4 of gradual the blockade and closure of crossings, practical experience, as he is one of the equipping the Specialized Surgeries surgery and orthopaedics, training pro- lifting of COVID-19 curbs on which prevented the travel of critical world’s best physician-endoscopists who Building with a state-of-the-art thoracic grammes such as the Master of Health public transit system on Sep- cases for treatment abroad. is active in many countries. endoscope, which was used in the six Policy and Management and Anaesthesia tember 1. He described the visit by the Spanish Prof. González-Rivas expressed his surgeries at the Al Shefaa Medical and Intensive Care Diploma, and support Mowasalat said in the noti- surgeon as a good opportunity for the admiration of QRCS’s programme of Complex. for phenylketonuria (PKU) patients. fication that the rechargeable Karwa Smartcard will still be valid and can be used as usual, but the Karwa Smartcards 24 Bayanat Engineering Qatar assisting QMD to meet future challenges hours limited and unlimited will not be sold through mer- THE PENINSULA — DOHA long-term support, etc. Based Bayanat Engi- Qatar, said: “Working with chants or the bus drivers on this approach, MFI has neering Qatar Qatar Meteorology Department anymore. Climate change is everywhere. assisted major services such as closely collab- we do strive to deliver best “You can conveniently No region of the globe is the IMD in India, MOWRAM in orate to allow solutions and quality work pos- purchase the 24 hours spared, and the multiplication Cambodia, BMKG in Indonesia QMD to always sible, being successful in mul- unlimited QR Code Ticket of extreme weather events is or INAMET in Angola. MFI stay at the fore- tiple projects we have joined through the Karwa Bus App,” one of its most visible manifes- works closely with the local front of tech- our work with MFI few years they added. tations. partner — Bayanat Engineering nology in terms of ago to ensure the client gets the Safety of populations and Qatar, the leading airspace and better adaptation best service possible. We are economic development do military solutions provider in to climate change, working with international MoCI recalls depend on it more than you Qatar, specialising in meteor- risk minimization companies in order to bring know. Qatar has tackled this ology, communication, IT, for populations best possible solutions and Mercedes-Benz issue years ago by investing security, ATC, and navigation, and efficient implement them in our work. massively in the strengthening to name a few. support to major METEOFACTORY upgrade SLK CLASS of its national meteorological The relationship between economic sectors project features many new service: QMD (Qatar Meteor- QMD and MFI goes back to assistance for outdoor events, such as oil & gas. functions, which will assist model of 2007 ology Department). more than 15 years ago. It etc. One of the projects cur- The issue of weather sen- QMD for improving daily oper- To do so, QMD has collab- started in 2005 with an ambi- rently under way is the upgrade sitivity being a little bit more ations. Bayanat Engineering THE PENINSULA — DOHA orated with Meteo France tious strengthening project of METEOFACTORY, MFI’s crucial every day, there is no Qatar appreciates international International (MFI), a sub- which included the implemen- solution for Early Warning and doubt that the strong part- partners that trust us repre- The Ministry of Commerce and sidiary of a leading European tation of high-tech met infor- Public Weather Services. nership between MFI and senting them in Qatar market.” Industry (MoCI), in cooper- national meteorological mation systems (forecasting, METEOFACTORY introduces Bayanat Engineering Qatar has David Bousigue, Middle East ation with Nasser Bin Khaled service, specialised in the early warning, climatology, many new features, which will a bright future ahead. The duo Sales Manager, MFI, said: “Our Automobiles, dealer of design and implementation of etc.), but also an intensive allow QMD to improve its daily is ready to assist the QMD to successful long-term rela- Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, has global modernisation projects capacity building program, operations and dissemination meet the challenges of the tionship with QMD relies on the announced the recall of for national met services, especially in the field of service of meteorological products to future, particularly in the fields visionary approach of QMD Mercedes-Benz SLK CLASS around the world. development for end-users. a larger audience. of impact-based forecast, Directors, the ambition of QCAA model of 2007, due to MFI has developed an Many more common A few years ago, to ensure climate services, development on climate matters, and MFI’s potential defect in the driver’s exclusive turnkey approach projects followed: The devel- the best possible service to of a Qatari agri-business, and flexibility and spirit of inno- airbag. The recall campaign that relies on the combination opment of the meteorological QMD, MFI partnered with other, and of course, the high- vation. We are very proud to comes within the framework of state-of-the-art information department of the Qatar Aer- Bayanat Engineering Qatar, end meteorological coverage share our expertise and to have of the Ministry’s continuous systems and a large panel of onautical College (QAC), the selected for its technical of the FIFA World Cup in 2022 contributed, in partnership with efforts to protect consumers support services such as creation of a mobile forecasting expertise and its strong posi- is on everybody’s mind. Bayanat Engineering, to the and ensure that car dealers change management, training, unit, the “MeteoMobile”, tioning in the Middle East. Hassan Ezzedine, General position of QMD as leading Met follow up on vehicle defects assistance to operational start, capable of providing met Since then, MFI and Manager, Bayanat Engineering Service in the Middle East.” and repairs. Doha Festival City meets 2021 with a myriad of exciting openings THE PENINSULA — DOHA entertainment choice outlets for stationery, and household environment. all tastes and levels of income. products with trendy designs. The extensive mix of quality Doha Festival City wraps up Over 100 dining outlets are The new year in Doha Fes- outlets will also expand in 2021 2020 with great achievements, now open at the mall, inviting tival City is also marked by the with a host of new store having broadened its mall guests to experience cuisines opening of the socially-respon- openings. Choco Melt, a coffee offering with more store from Middle Eastern delights to sible shoe brand TOMS, founded shop specialised in chocolate openings for shoppers to enjoy. the finest Italian gastronomy by the entrepreneur and phi- sweets, dipped fruits, and hot Across dining, fashion, experience, and spicy Asian lanthropist Blake Mycoskie and cold chocolate-based accessories, kids stores, home dishes, catering to all tastes, whose charity-focused but for- drinks, will join Doha Festival furnishings, and more spe- including vegetarians. profit business supports vul- City. cialised outlets, a diverse range The connoisseurs of fine nerable populations across the Turkish restaurant chain of highly anticipated stores have chocolates will appreciate the world. Shoppers are now able Karafirin will also open at the recently opened their doors at recently opened Swiss Lad- to make a difference in the life mall in early 2021. Fur- the mall, contributing to a erach, offering only the top of an unprivileged child or adult thermore, the mall will enrich French luxury brand Clarins has also opened at Doha Festival City. broader range of offerings, with quality directly from the cocoa while shopping at TOMS. its jewellery offer with Al-Makki the wave of new openings set bean to the chocolate shop, Doha Festival City’s strategy Jewelry’s opening. to continue. while Jasmine Flowers will now Mambo Couture, has joined offering exceptional gems and caters to all family members Commenting on the new In 2021, Doha Festival City be the perfect destination for Doha Festival City’s luxury area. elaborated jewellery pieces. and generations, giving par- stores’ openings, Doha Festival will host more than 20 new those looking for exquisite The mall keeps enhancing Doha Festival City has also ticular importance to kids’ City’s General Manager, Robert brands, some of which will chocolates and flower arrange- its beauty offering, with Clarins, opened Pan Emirates Furniture leisure activities, including Hall, said: “We are delighted make their debut in Qatar, ments. On the same note, White the iconic French luxury brand for those seeking to embellish edutainment. As part of its com- with our achievements this year exclusively at Doha Festival Sugar is the most recent boasting premium face and their homes, offering stunning mitment to kids’ development (2020), despite the challenges City. The stable of respected addition to Doha Festival City’s body care products, having furnishings that can upgrade and wellbeing, Doha Festival that we had to face. Our brands welcomed to the mall sweet offering, proposing opened its doors on the ground any house, from a studio to a City opened a new play center retailers are our greatest asset, has grown to more than 420 culinary delights from across floor to the delight of all beauty villa or even an office space. ‘Spark Sense and Play,’ hosting and we hope that with the stores, further strengthening the globe with a selection of addicts in Qatar. Furthermore, and for the toddlers and children from 6 variety of our newly opened Doha Festival City’s leading mouthwatering desserts. Doha Festival City’s jew- first time in Qatar, Doha Fes- months to 10 years old. It offers stores, our offering will cater to position as a unique, global With more upgrades on the ellery selection was also tival City welcomes world-cel- a wide range of activities to a wider pool of customers, shopping and lifestyle desti- fashion side, renowned Leb- upgraded in 2020, with the ebrated Korean lifestyle brand enhance children’s potential strengthening Doha Festival nation, offering impressive anese brand for special occa- opening of top-of-the-line Mumuso, focusing on fash- through art, sensory, and City’s position as the mall of fashion, dining, and sions and wedding dresses, Turkish brand Amor Diamond, ionable home, apparel, beauty, pretend to play in an inclusive choice for all shoppers.” MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 Over 570 hernia surgeries performed QDA camp helps children learn how to control diabetes each year at HMC Al Wakra Hospital THE PENINSULA — DOHA Abdulla Al Hamaq said: “Through our accumulated THE PENINSULA — DOHA A hernia happens when part The 21st Al Bawasil Diabetes experience in organizing dia- “Many people in our of an internal organ, usually the Camp, organised by Qatar betes camps, we have seen how Five years ago this month Hamad bowel, bulges through a weak Diabetes Association (QDA), a the camps enhance the confi- Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Al community don’t realise the area of muscle. Most hernias member of Qatar Foundation dence of children and their Wakra Hospital (AWH) was exceptional level of surgery occur in the abdomen. Hernias (QF), concluded on Saturday. Due parents as well and develop designated as a Center of Excel- skills, knowledge, and are common, affecting men, to the current health conditions, confidence and the ability to lence for Hernia Surgery by the experience that we have at women, and children. Most the camp’s activities have been take care of themselves. Surgical Review Corporation Al Wakra Hospital. I’m proud hernias are caused by a combi- carried out via the zoom The International Diabetes (SRC), an independent, patient- nation of muscle weakness and platform. Federation (IDF) decided in safety organization and the of the team we have built straining, such as with heavy Al Bawasil camp has 2013 to adopt and recognize Al- leading administrator of quality and the level of expertise lifting. However, some people brought together 48 children Bawasil Diabetes Camp as an improvement and accreditation we can offer our patients are born with weak abdominal for four days program of edu- International camp because it programs for surgeons and close to home,” said Dr. Al muscles and may be more likely cation, activities and enter- contains educational and hospitals around the world. Kadhi. to get a hernia. Inguinal hernias tainment to help them deal and awareness programs that can Medical Director of Al appear in the groin and are living with diabetes. The serve children of diabetes around Dr. Sabah Adnan Al Kadhi, Medical Wakra Hospital, Dr. Sabah more common in men than objective of the camp is to teach the world. Director of Al Wakra Hospital Adnan Al Kadhi has said that women. A ventral hernia, the children with diabetes how The first Al Bawasil Diabetes five years on he continues to inside a patient, a steady robotic including incisional hernia, to self-control diabetes and Camp was held in January 1999, feel proud of his facility for obtaining this accreditation and arm allowing for more pre- occurs at the site of a surgical avoid complications in order to and has been held every year becoming the first hospital in re-accreditation reflect and cision, and a record of faster scar and is common in patients reach their full potential. since then. It has become one of the Middle East to receive the reiterate our commitment to recoveries for patients. who have had open abdominal Commenting on the event, the most important diabetes prestigious accreditation; delivering high-quality surgical “Many people in our com- surgery. Executive Director, QDA, Dr. camps in the region. worldwide, fewer than one care. In bestowing the accred- munity don’t realise the excep- Healthcare organizations percent of hospitals that itation for our hernia surgery tional level of surgery skills, seeking accreditation, and reac- perform hernia surgeries have program, SRC recognized our knowledge, and experience that creditation, by SRC undergo an Al Wakra Municipality recorded 27 earned the accreditation. Al team’s dedication to placing we have at Al Wakra Hospital. extensive self-assessment and Wakra Hospital has also patient safety at the forefront,” I’m proud of the team we have on-site inspection process. Dr. violations at food outlets last month received Center of Excellence added Dr. Al Kadhi. built and the level of expertise Al Kadhi says the designation accreditations from the SRC for Dr. Al Kadhi says Al Wakra we can offer our patients close remains noteworthy for his THE PENINSULA — DOHA its Urinary Stone Center and Hospital, which performs to home,” said Dr. Al Kadhi. hospital as it demonstrates a Bariatric Surgery Center. upwards of 570 hernia surgeries “Our surgical program is commitment to excellence and Al Wakra Municipality represented by Health Monitoring Section “The Center of Excellence each year has expanded its continuing to expand as we improving the health and well- recorded 27 violations of the provisions of the Law No. 8 of 1990 designation provides patients hernia surgery service since remain focused on providing being of patients. for regulating foods at food outlets across the municipality in with the confidence that they first being accredited by SRC. each patient with an individu- “Earning this certification December, 2020. The municipal inspectors made a total of 1,107 are receiving the best possible He says four years ago the alized approach to their health signifies our ability to consist- inspection visits to food outlets during the period of study. The care from physicians at an insti- advanced da Vinci Surgical problems. The introduction of ently deliver the safest, highest- Director of Al Wakra Municipality issued an administrative decision tution with a track record of System was introduced as part the da Vinci Surgical System in quality care to hernia surgery to shut down two eateries for violating the food law. safety and that rigorous of the hospital’s robotic surgery 2016 has not only allowed us to patients here at Al Wakra Hos- Health Monitoring Section received eight complaints which standards for delivering safe, program. The da Vinci Surgical perform more hernia surgeries pital. It signals that our facility were addressed immediately. The food samples were sent to the effective, evidence-based care System is considered a break- but also to get our patients back and surgeons are among the central laboratory for ensure whether the items were fit for human have been met,” said Dr. Al Kadhi. through in minimally invasive to their regular life as quickly best in the specialty and are consumption. The veterinary team supervised slaughtering process “Our physicians and staff surgery, providing multiple as possible – with less pain, dedicated to delivering the of 22,921 animals in automated slaughterhouse of Al Wakra. A have always placed patient advantages including a monitor smaller scars, and a faster highest level of care possible,” total of 777 slaughtered animals were destroyed completely after safety at the forefront and that lets surgeons better see recovery,” added Dr. Al Kadhi. added Dr. Al Kadhi. they were found unfit for human consumption. HBKU highlights potential new applications for selective enzyme inhibitors in leading journal

THE PENINSULA — DOHA therapeutic applications of applications, including potential its inhibitors in order to fully these inhibitors to a wider range treatment for cancer and heart understand their therapeutic A valuable review of the of diseases. The full published disease, and as a result there is indications. structure of the PDE5 enzyme article is accessible online. an understandably heightened “The publication is therefore and its interaction with clini- Professor and Head of the keenness for developing novel likely to prove very useful to cally relevant inhibitors Division of Biological and Bio- PDE5 inhibitors. Our study at researchers engaged in this field conducted by an assistant medical Sciences, CHLS, Dr. the Biswas Lab aimed to fulfil a and this aligns well with CHLS’ professor at the College of Dindial Ramotar, said: “PDE5 fundamental aspect of such ongoing interventions to Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) inhibitors have shown their work, and that is to collate what address the pressing needs of at Hamad Bin Khalifa University potential for multiple medical we know about this enzyme and the healthcare sector.” (HBKU), Dr. Kabir H. Biswas has been published by the multidis- ciplinary Biomedicine & Phar- macotherapy journal. Dr. Kabir Biswas Dr. Dindial Ramotar Dr. Biswas co-authored the review article with Dr. Anu- relatively well-studied multid- and the structural basis of their priya M. Geethakumari, a post- omain enzyme, and how its selectivity is critically important doctoral fellow, and Wesam S. function is regulated, the article for the design of novel, highly Ahmed, a Doctor of Philosophy focused on the clinically rel- selective PDE5 inhibitors as well student in Biological and Bio- evant inhibitors that target the as precision medicine-based medical Sciences at CHLS, protein with the aim of better therapy. both members of the Biswas understanding the structural The article also notes that Lab, an interdisciplinary group bases of their affinity and while PDE5 inhibitors have engaged in understanding the specificity. several therapeutic applica- mechanisms of cellular The pharmacological inhi- tions, only three of these are adhesion and signaling, and bition of PDE5 has already been approved by the US Food and developing means to manip- demonstrated to have several Drug Administration. With ulate the same. Dr. Biswas’s therapeutic applications. While increasing evidence that PDE5 laboratory employs a variety they are designed to inhibit inhibitors could play a role in of approaches including engi- PDE5, the inhibitors show dif- managing a number of addi- neering precision biosensors ferent affinities and specificities tional diseases, including cancer and biointerfaces. against various other PDE sub- and COVID-19 complications, Reviewing the structure of types. Understanding how these clinical studies are warranted phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), a inhibitors interact with PDE5 in order to extend the Tough battle between falcons and pigeon in Marmi Festival THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Falcons yesterday continued hunting pigeon of Abdullah Fakhro in the Hudad Al Tahadi Championship which is being held under 12th International Falconry and Hunting Festival, Marmi. Held under the patronage H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the event will conclude on January 30, 2021. The Shahin falcons forced pigeon of Abdullah Fakhro to surrender and wave white flag. Four contestants qualified for the final round to obtain A contestant releasing his falcon for the competition. QR100,000 each which will be held on January 29, 2021. Three Shahin falcons qual- Muhshadi said only three days of participation were recorded ified for final round of Hudad passed since the beginning of first time since the launch of the Al Tahaddi Championship. The the festival, the number of con- festival 12 years ago, expecting birds belong to Mesaimeer testants who hunted the pigeon more participations in coming Team, Golden Team and Al are high. He said that the com- years. Al Muhshadi called par- Mashghar Team. The semifinal pletion will be tough between ticipants and visitors to follow of Al Tala Championship held pigeon and falcons thanks to strictly COVID-19 measures to yesterday morning for the the preparations of contestants protect themselves and others groups 13 to 18. and organising committee. from the pandemic. For next round, four falcons Al Muhshadi said growing He said that the Committee qualified at the rate of two number of pigeon hunters and received suggests of partici- falcons of Brazan Team and those qualified for final round pants specially those partici- same number for Shahin Salem because of high number of reg- pated with more than one bird Al Dosari. Head of the Organ- istration for the championship in one contest as some con- ising Committee for Marmi and which accounted 971 partici- dition were put to change the Chairman of Qatar Al Gannas pants including 40 from GCC. timing of participation for their Society, Ali bin Khatem Al He said that this big number convenience. DOHA TODAY

06 MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021

FROM LEFT: Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar, H E Mehmet Mustafa Goksu; Ambassador of China to Qatar, H E Zhou Jian, and Ambassador of Mali to Qatar, H E Cheick Ahmed Tidiany, participating in the Plant Million Tree initiative of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. Envoys continue participating in Plant Million Tree initiative THE PENINSULA – DOHA Ambassador of the Republic of harvesting sites, cities and municipal gas emissions. including individuals, companies, and Turkey to Qatar H E Mehmet Mustafa strips, public parks, schools, and res- The initiative is open to all com- organisations can register financially Several ambassadors have partici- Goksu and Ambassador of the idential complexes. munities, institutions, governmental or in-kind support or scientific contri- pated in the Plant Million Tree initi- Republic of Mali to Qatar, H E Cheick Plant Million Tree initiative was agencies, private sector, corporate bution via e-mail, the Ministry’s app on ative of the Ministry of Municipality Ahmed Tidiany. launched by the MME under Qatar’s sector, schools, educational entities, smartphones, and the initiative section and Environment (MME). The Ambas- The ongoing initiative focuses commitment to the Paris Agreement, youth centers, sports clubs, and all at any mall. sadors planted trees in separate on planting saplings of trees suited as trees have special significance citizens and expatriates. The MME also launched a dedi- events organised by the Public Parks for the Qatari climate, such as Sidr, in the environmental system. The initiative is open to all commu- cated website https://www.mme.gov. Department at MME. Ghaf, Samar, and many more. Under The initiative aims to promote nities, institutions, governmental qa/static/million-tree/ to boost the The envoys include Ambassador the initiative, trees are being biodiversity, take advantage of agencies, private sector, corporate initiative’ Plant Million Tree’ where of the People’s Republic of China to planted along highways, industrial treated water for irrigation, improve sector, schools, educational entities, people can contribute to the initiative Qatar H E Zhou Jian; Ambassador of areas, sewage plants, treatment the country’s air quality, and youth centers, sports club, and all cit- with different seedlings and pay Japan to Qatar, H E Kazuo Sunaga; units and storage, rainwater increase the green patch to reduce izens and expatriates. Interested people, online. HBKU supporting Qatar’s scientific ambitions FAZEENA SALEEM THE PENINSULA

Qatar has a huge potential to become a vibrant and world- leading business landscape. With sustainability at the core, Qatar’s goal of creating a sustainable economy can be propelled by the next generation of young Qataris in higher institutions conducting Ultra-modern operating relevant researches to solve problems and position the country theaters as a business destination in the region and worldwide. An ardent researcher of this 2030 and tackle challenges that the faculty and a very supportive phenomenon is Mohammed Al I was very proud to win the country is now facing or will be administration overall. Housani. He did his Master of Education Excellence Award facing in the future. “I realized that HBKU is already Science in Sustainable Energy pro- as a student from HBKU “Also, by developing my skills ahead in many ways and will only gramme at Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- because I had the great and being a successful pioneer in get better. Today, I feel more con- versity (HBKU) College of Science my field, I believe others will be fident being part of a very diverse, and Engineering. During the pro- honour of being awarded by motivated to follow in my footsteps. well-connected yet academically gramme, Al Housani conducted the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim This will eventually help Qatar strong, socially, and economically important research and developed bin Hamad Al Thani. This was establish itself as a knowledge hub relevant research group led by my photovoltaic (PV) cleaning technol- substantial evidence that in the region,” he said. advisers Dr. Muammer Koc and H ogies and techniques tailored to HBKU students are really Sharing how his education at E Dr. Mohammad Al Sada. Qatar’s climate to maximize power HBKU helped Al Housani said, “I “The group also includes a State-of-the-art ambulance generation potential. delivering at national and was able to enhance my skills and highly intellectual group of Ph.D. fleet It is worth to note that solar even international level. knowledge. I have noticed an candidates studying different sus- power is severely undermined improvement in my decision- tainability aspects such as sus- because of the dusty weather. Over Mohammed Al Housani making capabilities, which also tainable economy, organizational a year, just one square kilometre of helped me look at things from a (in)efficiency, human capital land in the Qatar desert receives holistic, sustainable, and long-term strategy, women entrepre- solar energy equivalent to 1.5 view. This really enhanced my neurship, digital media, and sus- million barrels of oil. Yet, solar reading and personal experiences, ability to strategize and set long- tainable living and habits. Also energy potential remains untapped I clearly understood Qatar’s need term goals.” nanotechnology for efficient solar primarily due to two significant to diversify its economy. One of the “I was very proud to win the energy, 3D Printing for advanced obstacles, dusty conditions coupled most impactful ways to achieve that Education Excellence Award as a medical devices, industry-uni- with heat. is by further developing the private student from HBKU because I had versity partnerships, and strat- Meanwhile, Al Housani, for his sector through entrepreneurship. I the great honour of being awarded egies for LNG markets,” said Al Ph.D. degree in Sustainable Energy, am now researching the business by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Housani. developed an interest in the recent ecosystem to develop a model that Hamad Al Thani. This was sub- He asserts that HBKU is the economic crises and subsequent can bring out all of the unharnessed stantial evidence that HBKU stu- right place for anyone seeking a reduction in oil prices, which potentials of Qatar’s business land- dents are really delivering at world-class education and to Highly-advanced patient affected all oil and gas-based scape,” he said. national and even international conduct research that is both information systems economies. In the long term, Al Housani level,” he added. applicable to real problems and “I was studying economic sus- hopes that his research will con- HBKU is a young university, yet relevant to the Grand tainability in Qatar, and through tribute to Qatar National Vision students benefit from top-tier Challenges. Puttalam Zahira emerge champions of Ozee Soccer 7’S

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Puttalam Zahira FC, Coach Shakeel, Executive community football tournament in Qatar. Committee Members, all supporters for their The tournaments was held following COVID Puttalam Zahira FC Qatar has become cham- commitment to win Ozee Soccer 7’S Sri Lankan 19 safety measures. pions of 2020 edition of the Ozee Soccer 7’S Sri Lankan community football tournament which was held recently in Doha. The tournament was organised by Colombo Zahira Old Boys in Qatar and eight teams rep- Cutting-edge treatments for resenting alumni of leading schools in Sri Lanka competed for championship. During the final cancer match of the tournament, Puttalam Zahira FC Qatar won against Mawanella Zahira FC. Hamthiyas Mohamed of Puttalam Zahira FC At Hamad Medical Corporation we won the Best Player of the Finals Award while are utilizing advanced technology and Mohamed Rishard of Puttalam Zahira FC won the Best Player of the Tournament Award. innovative systems to deliver the highest Muhazzam Mohideen of Mawanella Zahira FC quality care to Qatar’s population. bagged the Best Goalkeeper Award. Puttalam Zahira FC team led by the Captain Mohamed Musthakeem and he made the team as unbeaten throughout the tournament. www.hamad.qa The final game was followed by a grand closing ceremony where each of the players were presented with an award of participation. On behalf of Puttalam Zahirians, President Champions Squad Isham Marikar thanked all the players of MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 DOHA TODAY 07 Qatar Theatrical Group's first election to empower youth

THE PENINSULA - DOHA The election is a by-product the new organisational phase aim to regulate theatrical Sports to enable the working election and voting.” of the Ministry’s previous suc- after the General Assembly practice in Qatar and enhance bodies to perform their tasks He also praised the success The Ministry of Culture and cesses in empowering young meeting to be held at the transparency within theatrical and coordinate among of elections in sports clubs, Sports has launched its first people to manage youth centres beginning of the fourth week groups. We have opened reg- themselves. helping them manage partici- election for the positions of and sports clubs. of this month. istration again for mem- For his part, Nasser Abdel pation, which also applies to the President and Vice President of The Ministry works to The next step will con- bership, and the process has Reda, Head of the Cultural and cultural and artistic movement the Qatar Theatrical Group. activate the role of youth and tribute to developing the the- seen the enrollment of new Artistic Committee of Qatar due to its importance in society The election is aimed at involve them through turning atrical movement to serve members, in addition to more Theatrical Group, said, “Such in ensuring young people’s enhancing a culture of partici- them into an essential element artistes and those interested in than 150 existing members.” new regulations will con- rights. pation, improving institutional who play an important role in theatre. Reda also called on all tribute to organising the the- In addition, the election also performance, empowering the country’s development, Meanwhile, artiste Hamad members to actively participate atrical movement in Qatar, aims to have the right minds to youth, and engaging young progress, and prosperity. Abdel Reda, Chairman of the in the General Assembly, for and promote democratic manage artistic and theatrical people to contribute to the devel- The Qatar Theatrical Board of Directors of Qatar fairness in line with the mission practice within the cultural affairs as per Qatar National opment of cultural movement. Group is scheduled to enter Theatrical Group, said, “We of the Ministry of Culture and and artistic affairs, through Vision 2030. AMUAAQ holds virtual condolence Mobile theatre show staged at Al Khor Park meeting for late philanthropist THE PENINSULA - DOHA The Theater Affairs Center at the Ministry of Culture and Sports organised recently the activities of ‘Arbat Al Zaman’ (mobile theater) in Al Khor Park. The world-famous mobile theatre is known to reach the public in their places of resi- dence and gatherings, such as public places, parks, and other areas in the country. This type of theatre was being held for the first time in Qatar. The Director of the Theater Affairs Center of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Salah Al moves from one region to exploration, and make use of Mulla, said: “The mobile another with the participation simple resources to achieve the theater activities were held at of a group of artistes. goals that are reflected by the Al Khor Park for the first time He said that the main goal themes chosen for the theat- in Qatar, after the availability of this activity is to reach 2022 rical performances in the and activation of all theatrical and participate in the launching mobile theatre. elements related to children’s activities of FIFA World Cup Al Mulla stressed that the theatre, school and university 2022, which will be hosted by Center for Theater Affairs is theater, and the puppet Qatar, holding a number of sto- keen to ensure that the mobile theater." rytelling and theatrical per- theatre travels to all regions - DOHA THE PENINSULA of Indian Community Benev- (GS), Shazia Yahya, Juttas Paul, Al Mulla added that during formances, in which characters of the country, and be present olent Forum (ICBF) expressed Anish George, Najmul Hassan this period, the focus was on and stories had an impact in the in public parks and com- Aligarh Muslim University deep sorrow and sympathy Khan, Maqsood Anwer, Seenu puppet theatre, so the idea of world and on humanity. mercial complexes according Alumni Association Qatar towards the family. Pillai, Mohd. Irfanullah, Rashid a mobile theatre, which dates He said that these activities to the conditions and precau- (AMUAAQ) held a virtual Jawed Ahmed, President of Chisti, Gufran Ali Khan, S Akbar back to more than 200 years focus on children, enhance the tionary measures followed in condolence meeting on AMUAAQ, also expressed his Bukhari, Sanjeev Sharma, ago, came about, as this vehicle value of research and the state. December 28 on the sad demise deep sorrow on the passing of Mohammaed Naim, Anish of Dr. Mohammed Sabih (MS) Dr. M S Bukhari. George, Arshad Haque, Rafat Bukhari, an Indian busi- While paying tribute to him, Jahan, Johny Foster, Deepak nessman, philanthropist and Ahmed said: “His contributions shetty, Shahid Tandon, Rashmi patron of AMUAAQ, who passed were tremendous and he had a Agarwal, Naved Alam, Anshu away on December 21 at the age remarkable personality. It’s a Jain, Irfan Mohammed Khan, of 57. big loss for the whole Aligs fra- Syed Mohd Zakiullah (Editor) The meeting started with ternity. He was an iconic person and Khalid Hussain expressed recitation from the Holy Quran and very supportive of eve- condolences on the sad demise by Sadiq Khan followed by its rybody. Nobody can fill this gap. of Dr. MS Bukhari. Urdu translation and We pray Almighty give him the An incomplete short film on Dua-e-Maghfirat. highest place in Jannah.” Bukhari also played for four Dr. Ashna Nusrat delivered Milan Arun, former ICC, minutes which will be com- a keynote address on the life President, while paying tribute pleted by Shahid as requested and achievements of late Dr. MS to him, said he was a kind and by Alumni President. Bukhari. gentle person. He owned his One of his very close friends Prof. Tariq Mansoor, Vice- signature style of presence. “On Mohd Nabi said: “Life is a cycle Chancellor Aligarh Muslim Uni- this difficult time on behalf of which starts with birth and ends versity expressed sorrow on the AMUAAQ, we pray to Almighty with death. On this demise of demise of Dr. MS Bhukhari. to give fortitude to his family my friend MS Bukhari, I am While offering heartfelt sym- and give him the highest place here with a sorrowful heart to pathy and condolence, he said in heaven.” be a part in the sad moments of that their thoughts and prayers Shahabuddin Ahmed, from the family.” are with the bereaved family. Bazm-e-Sadaf Urdu Academy, The life partner of MS He hoped that the family can expressed his heartfelt sym- Bukhari, Sophia said: “He was BDKQ welcomes 2021 with blood donation camp draw strength in this hour of pathy to Dr. MS Bukhari’s a great man because his grief and said AMUAAQ stands family. He spoke about his con- presence at home was like Blood Donors Kerala-Qatar (BDKQ) organised a blood donation camp on New Year's day in partnership shoulder to shoulder with the tribution as a member of Bazm- bulbul in the garden. He was a with Radio Malayalam 98.6FM and IBIN Ajayan Projects in coordination with Hamad Medical Corporation family in this difficult time. e-Sadaf Urdu Academy. very supportive and happy- (HMC). The massive participation of donors once again proved that an act of kindness can make a P N Babu Rajan, President Mohammed Farman Khan hearted person in his life.” big humanitarian contribution.

THROUGH THE LENS

With a massive plant maze shaped like Qatar's map inspired by human fingerprint, the 5/6 Park makes a unique destination which is fast becoming a must-visit for families and health enthusiasts who wish to immerse themselves in art while engaging in fitness activities. The park boasts of a collection of murals and public art installations, playground, jogging track, walkways, bicycle track, fitness equipment, and lots of green areas among its many features. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ THE PENINSULA 08 VIEWS MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 Time to rebuild international Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI cooperation amid pandemic

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] Building a world in which people can travel freely and prosper together under ACTING MANAGING EDITOR common rules: The blows and MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED unrest brought about by the [email protected] novel coronavirus have high- lighted the importance of this vision. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Cooperation among MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI nations is indispensable for [email protected] the early abating of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the recovery of the global economy. The international system of cooperation needs EDITORIAL to be rebuilt, using the change of administration in the United States as an QOC’s bold step opportunity. US President-elect Joe Biden has advocated multilat- World Health Organization building, in Geneva, Switzerland. A staggering 63 events - international, national and eralism and the importance of regional - have been scheduled for the next 12 months alliances. The question now is Trump’s decision to withdraw Chinese President Xi and democracy should unite by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC). With most whether the United States will from the World Health Jinping is pursuing a strategy to deal with China and Russia, countries around the world struggling to resume or be able to make a smooth Organization and demon- to rival the United States mili- which are trying to change the run their annual sports events because of the COVID-19 transition from President strate the United States’ tarily, economically and tech- status quo by force. pandemic sweeping the globe, the QOC has announced Donald Trump’s “America presence in the fight against nologically. It is highly likely The framework of the that the hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will plan first” initiative. the infectious disease. It is that he will continue to hold Group of Seven advanced and deliver sports events the fans are waiting to see During the four years of also important for the United power even after his 10 years nations as well as the Quad of around different venues in the country. Trump politics, which States to return to the Paris over two terms in office end Japan, the United States, Aus- One of the biggest events on the QOC calendar neglected international Agreement, an international in 2023. How to deal with the tralia and India are effective for 2021 is the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in Qatar agreements and frameworks, framework for tackling challenge presented by China tools for this purpose. from Feb 1 to 11. This will be the second time the mas- US leadership and trust have climate change, and accel- is a common issue for the With the advance of the sively popular football event for world’s premier clubs been lost. Even though the erate efforts to deal with the international community. internet and social media, the is staged by Qatar. In December 2019, the same event United States is a medically issue. The Xi administration is world is filled with infor- made its debut and English football giants Liverpool advanced country, it is seeing One country alone cannot gaining confidence in its mation. The rapid devel- clinched the title after a pulsating final held at the iconic the world’s highest number of cope with infectious diseases, regime as a result of its con- opment of novel coronavirus Khalifa International Stadium, one of eight venues of infections and deaths from global warming and threats of tainment of the virus. Behind vaccines was due in large part the 2022 FIFA World Cup. the virus, instead of taking a international terrorism. this, however, has been the to the sharing and effective Two weeks of tennis spectacle on the ATP and the leading role in counter- Advanced countries, led by strict monitoring of residents use of data and knowledge on WTA tours will be held in March when Doha hosts the measures against the the United States, need to and restrictions on their the virus among medical pro- Qatar Total Open (March 1 to 7) and the Qatar Exxon- pandemic. cooperate with each other to movement. How many people fessionals and scientists Mobil (March 8 to 14). The 14 days of tennis action Trump’s unpredictable help developing countries dis- would be attracted to gov- around the world. will be held at the Khalifa Tennis Complex in back-to- actions also caused confusion tribute novel coronavirus ernance that makes light of On the other hand, there back weeks. It is important to remind the readers that in the fields of trade and vaccines, fight against poverty individual freedom and have been many rumors that the Australian Open qualifiers will be held from Jan security. The collapse of the and reduce greenhouse gas dignity? China could not be a lack scientific and objective 10-13 at the same venue. international order centered emissions. That will likely model to lead the world. foundations related to the Other key international sports events on Qatari soil on the United States cannot benefit the world from a long- When infections first conflict between the United include FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour (Feb 22 to be allowed to continue. term perspective. spread in Wuhan, the Chinese States and China over the 26), CHI Al Shaqab (Feb 25 to 27), Longines Global Biden must reverse The functions of the authorities failed to properly origin of the outbreak of the Champions Tour (Mar 4 to 6), FIVB Beach Volleyball United Nations and other disclose information and coronavirus as well as World Tour- Katara Beach Volleyball Cup (Mar 8 to Cooperation international organizations delayed their response. The Trump supporters’ asser- 12) and Table Tennis final qualifiers and qualifying for among nations is have further deteriorated due harmful effects of an authori- tions that there were irregu- Tokyo Olympics (Mar 15 to 20). The Qatar Masters to the battle for hegemony tarian regime, such as the larities in the US presidential golf (Mar 11 to 14), FINA Marathon Swim World Series indispensable for the between the United States suppression of freedom of election. (10Km) on Mar 12 and FIBA Basketball Ball 3x3 World early abating of the and China, which was not speech and violation of Free speech is a source of Tour (Mar 26 -27) will be the events to be wrapped up anticipated when those human rights, are clearly power for democratic coun- in the month of March. novel coronavirus organizations were estab- evident in Hong Kong, where tries, but if fake news or con- The months after the Olympic Games - to be held pandemic and the lished after World War II. It is the idea of “one country, two spiracy theories prevail, it in July-August this year - will be just as busy for QOC symbolic that the authority of systems” has been trampled could turn into a weakness. It when annual events like Qatar Classic squash event, recovery of the the WHO was shaken after on. should be recognized that it is the QOC Beach Games, FIBA basketball tournaments global economy. The the United States criticized There is constant friction dangerous to accept implau- and ITF tennis championships are staged from Sep- the organization as “China- over China’s unfair trade sible discourse without doubt tember to December this year. international system centric.” In new domains such practices and maritime or unconditionally believe the Doha, the hosts of the 2030 Asian Games, clearly of cooperation as the cyber world, space and expansion. No matter how words of supporters. deserves to be applauded for bringing back action at needs to be rebuilt, artificial intelligence, it is much Xi advocates multi- Powerful nations could the sports facilities around the country. The last four urgent to draw up rules on lateral cooperation, it will spread false information to months have been extremely busy with sports pages using the change of military development and only echo hollowly unless he manipulate public opinion, as in English and Arabic newspapers routinely filled with administration in the oversee them internationally. changes his rule-breaking Russia did when it staged a positive news seven days of the week. Long may it A stable order can be behavior. cyber-attack on the US presi- continue. United States as an expected only when the major Biden has indicated his dential election in 2016. opportunity. powers cooperate with each intention to restrain China by It is important for people other. strengthening cooperation who receive information to The case of the European with US allies. confirm the credibility of the Union overcoming various The broad US alliance source and verify the facts. It conflicts and putting together network is a strength that is individual awareness that a coronavirus recovery fund China lacks. Countries that supports a strong D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR should be used as a model. share the values of freedom democracy. EMAIL: [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Spending now to modernize unemployment system would save money later FAX: +974 4455 7758 THE WASHINGTON POST previous record weekly rate backward state agencies that “Waste, fraud and abuse” of 700,000 - exposed struc- are in charge of checking eli- is the perennial mantra of MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 No aspect of the federal tural weaknesses in the gibility and determining those who oppose using gov- response to the coronavirus system, including those that payment rates. ernment resources to create a DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 pandemic has done more make it vulnerable to fraud. The most notorious case social safety net and blunt good for more ordinary And that fraud has indeed was in California, where some capitalism’s sharpest inequal- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 Americans than the been costly. As Labor Sec- $400 million was claimed, ities. Yet 2020’s UI fraud substantial expansion, both in retary Eugene Scalia noted in and paid,in the names of problem is not a story of inev- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 duration and dollars, of a December 14 speech, an some 20,000 people who itable corruption, but rather unemployment insurance (UI) “improper payment” rate of were not unemployed but of the avoidable kind. And the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 benefits under the Cares Act. 10 percent is the historical incarcerated in state prisons best way to avoid it would Recently renewed by norm for UI payments, which and county jails. In Maryland, have been to invest more in ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Congress, these programs would translate to $38bn of state officials uncoveredwhat governmental capacity, both email: [email protected] helped those made jobless the $380bn so far paid the office of Republican Gov. state and federal. The U.S. through no fault of their own, through the Cares Act. Larry Hogan called “a massive unemployment insurance PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 including “gig” workers such However, the actual figure and sophisticated criminal system relies heavily on state email: [email protected] as ride-share drivers, recoup “must be far larger” than that, enterprise” that made more governments, which, in turn, - and in some cases exceed - Scalia observed, in part than 47,500 fraudulent claims fund both administration of ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 their pre-crisis earnings. because computer-savvy totaling half a billion dollars, the program and benefits FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Indispensable though it has fraudsters, often using per- out of $8.2bn spent. Later, through a tax on employers. been, however, the swift and sonal identification infor- Maryland thwarted a UI scam But they have little incentive CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 sudden ramping up of unem- mation they have stolen from that targeted Hogan himself to tap that tax base for email: [email protected] ployment insurance - at one innocent third parties, were for identity theft. Washington investment in UI systems point, weekly claims were able to exploit the under- state has lost $300 million to during good times, when SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 coming in at 10 times the staffed and technologically UI fraud. jobless claims are few. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The living conditions of hundreds of homeless migrants in Bosnia are completely unacceptable. /Peninsula_Qatar Lives and basic human rights of many hundreds of people are seriously jeopardized. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Johann Sattler, EU Special Representative in Bosnia and +974 6698 6188 Herzegovina MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Baghdad rally marks one year since Iran general’s killing

AP — BAGHDAD Thousands of Iraqis known as the Popular Mobili- zation Forces. Chanting anti-American marched toward “We call upon the gov- slogans, thousands of Iraqis Tahrir Square for ernment and the parliament to converged on a landmark expel the occupying foreign square in central Baghdad the rally yesterday, forces, especially the brutal yesterday to commemorate the demanding the American forces, the infidels, anniversary of the killing of a withdrawal of the immorals, who killed the powerful Iranian general and a heroes and leaders of victory,” top Iraqi militia leader in a US US troops in said Muhammad Shubr Al Hus- drone strike. implementation of seini, a protester. Roads leading to Tahrir Abbas Ali, a 27-year-old Square were closed off and the parliamentary protester carrying a poster of security was tight as the crowds resolution. The Soleimani, said he was there gathered in response to a call because it was a day “to by powerful Iran-backed event was organised remember those who sacrificed militias for a rally marking the by mostly Iran- their souls for Iraq.” occasion and demanding the Soleimani headed the elite expulsion of US troops from backed the Popular Quds Force of Iran’s Revolu- Iraq. Mobilisation Forces. tionary Guard, responsible for “No, no to America!” the Islamic Republic’s foreign shouted some in the largely operations, and he frequently mask-less crowd. “You killed final days of President Donald shuttled between Iraq, Lebanon our guest. There is no place here Trump’s administration. and Syria. Al Muhandis was for your embassy,” read some Already, America has con- Iraq’s most powerful militia of the banners. ducted B-52 bomber flyovers leader and was deputy com- Protesters at one point set and sent a nuclear submarine mander of the PMF. Iraqis gather to mark the one year anniversary of the killing of senior Iranian military commander fire to a large US flag, drawing into the Persian Gulf over what They both gained promi- General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis in a US attack, in cheers from the crowd. Trump officials describe as the nence for advising Shiite para- Baghdad, yesterday. The killing of General possibility of an Iranian attack military forces fighting the Qassim Soleimani and Abu on the anniversary of the strike Islamic State group in Iraq, thousands of people took part The scene of the bombing In Lebanon, the Hezbollah Mahdi Al Muhandis at Bagh- that killed Soleimani and Al before it was defeated in 2017. in a commemoration ceremony was turned into a shrine-like marked the anniversary of Sole- dad’s airport pushed Tehran Muhandis. Their killing dramatically held at Baghdad’s airport where area sealed off by red ropes, imani’s killing with a symbolic and Washington perilously Carrying Iraqi and militia ratcheted up tensions in the the strike took place a year ago. with a photo of Soleimani and event on a hill in the country’s close to all-out conflict and flags and posters of the two region and brought the US and Mourners, many of them Al Muhandis in the middle, as south overlooking the border sparked outrage in Iraq, leading men, thousands of Iraqis Iran to the brink of war. Iran hit members of the PMF, joined a mourners lit candles. Shrapnel area with Israel. parliament to pass a non- marched toward Tahrir Square back by firing a barrage of bal- march on the highway leading marks were still visible on the A group of Hezbollah binding resolution days later for the rally yesterday, listic missiles at two Iraqi bases to the airport. Posters of the asphalt and concrete blast walls fighters dressed in military uni- calling for the expulsion of all demanding the withdrawal of housing US troops, some of dead men adorned both sides in the area. forms swore the oath of Hez- foreign troops from Iraq. US troops in implementation of whom suffered concussions. of the road, which was lined The wreckage of two cars bollah while officials raised the Yesterday’s rally was being the parliamentary resolution. Iranian officials have suggested with tents that served food and was on display on the road group’s yellow flag with posters held amid heightened tensions The event was organised by that more retaliation is coming. drinks for those who walked the outside the airport as a of Soleimani and Al Muhandis between Iran and the US in the mostly Iran-backed militias On Saturday night, highway. reminder of the attack. on it. Zimbabwe returns to restrictions Aden Airport receives first flight after deadly attack amid rise in AP — SANA'A Yesterday, the airport Houthi rebels overran the north answered requests for and a man, were killed when a received a Yemenia airline and the capital, Sanaa. The fol- comment. shell landed Friday at a wedding virus cases A plane landed yesterday at the flight arriving from Sudan’s lowing year, a Saudi-led mil- The Yemeni ministers were hall in Al Hawk district while a airport in Yemen’s southern capital Khartoum, according to itary coalition intervened to returning to Aden from Riyadh wedding celebration was taking AP — MUTARE port city of Aden, officials said, Yemen’s state-run SABA news wage war on the Houthis and after being sworn in last week place, local officials and the the first commercial flight to agency. to restore President Abed Rabbo as part of a Cabinet reshuffle. United Nations said. In response to rising COVID-19 arrive since the deadly missile Yemeni Interior Minister Mansour Hadi’s government to The changes were part of a deal The officials said the numbers, Zimbabwe has attack last week on the facility Ibrahim Haidan and Aden Gov. power. Hadi has been living in with the Emirati-backed sepa- shelling also wounded at least reintroduced a night curfew, that killed at least 25 people and Ahmed Lamlas were at the Riyadh. ratist Southern Transitional eight others, and that both banned public gatherings, and wounded 110 others. airport to receive the flight, the Yemen’s internationally Council. warring sides, the Houthis and indefinitely suspended the The attack on Wednesday report said. recognized government has The STC is an umbrella internationally recognised opening of schools. took place just moments after Haidan said the speedy reo- accused the Houthis of carrying group of militias seeking to government traded accusa- “We are being over- a plane carrying members of pening of the airport has under- out the airport attack as well as restore an independent tions of responsibility for the whelmed and overrun,” Infor- Yemen’s Cabinet landed on a scored “the determination of a drone assault on the Mashiq southern Yemen, which existed attack. mation Minister Nick Man- flight from the Saudi Arabian the government to overcome Palace in Aden shortly after the from 1967 until unification in The officials spoke on con- gwana warned, saying the capital, Riyadh. obstacles and face the diffi- prime minister and his Cabinet 1990. dition of anonymity because country’s hospitals are rapidly Three precision-guided culties” caused by Wednesday’s were transferred there on Yemen’s internationally they were not authorized to reaching capacity with missiles that struck the airport attack. Wednesday. recognized government has brief the media. The head of the COVID-19 patients. targeted the plane carrying the The attack killed at least 25 Houthi officials have denied worked mostly from self- UN mission to Hodeida, retired Zimbabwe recorded 1,342 Cabinet members, the arrival people, including three workers being behind the attack and imposed exile in Riyadh during General Abhijit Guha, con- cases and 29 deaths in the past hall and the airport’s VIP from the International Com- have sought to blame unspec- the country’s years-long civil demned the shelling. week, “the highest number lounge, according to Prime Min- mittee of the Red Cross, and ified groups in the Saudi-led war. Yemen’s war has killed recorded so far,” Vice Pres- ister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed. wounded 110 others. coalition. Meanwhile, in the strategic more than 112,000 people and ident Constantino Chiwenga No one has claimed respon- The war in Yemen started The rebel leaders have not port city of Hodeida, three created the world’s worst said, announcing the strict sibility for the attack. in 2014 when Iran-backed offered any evidence or people including two women humanitarian crisis. measures. Zimbabwe’s 7-day rolling average of daily new cases has risen over the past two weeks Abbas welcomes Hamas’ from 0.90 new cases per 100,000 people on December 19 to 1.47 new cases per letter on ending division 100,000 people on January 2. Funerals are now limited IANS — RAMALLAH Ismail Haniyeh addressed to 30 people while other gath- Abbas an official letter through erings such as weddings and Palestinian President Mahmoud Jibril Rajoub, the Fatah Move- church services are banned for Abbas has welcomed a letter by ment’s Central Committee 30 days. Restaurants and beer the Islamic Hamas movement member, said the Wafa report. taverns have also been closed. on ending internal division and “After reading the letter, The government has post- holding general elections in the President Abbas gave his direc- poned indefinitely the opening territories. tives to Rajoub to inform Hamas of schools for a new term that Palestine’s official news of his welcome of what was was supposed to start today. agency Wafa said in an official stated in the letter regarding Airports will remain open to statement on Saturday that Abbas ending division, building part- travelers who produce recent welcomes what came in Hamas’ nership, and achieving national certificates showing they are free letter about ending division, unity,” the report said. of COVID-19. Travel between building partnership, and accom- The report also said that Zimbabwe’s cities is restricted to plishing national unity. Abbas told Rajoub to inform “essential services” while land The report added that Hamas leadership that Fatah borders are open for commercial Abbas decided to invite Hana Movement is committed to the cargo and vehicles transiting to Nasser, Chairman of the Pales- path of building Palestinian other countries only. tinian Central Elections Com- partnership and national unity. But the new measures mission, to discuss the proce- The report said that Hamas’s seem to have done little to Israeli soldiers push back peace demonstrators dures for issuing the decrees letter was the outcome of Egypt, reduce the country’s general related to holding the elections, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and Russia’s atmosphere of complacency. Israeli soldiers push back an Israeli Peace activist and Palestinian demonstrators during a protest, Xinhua news agency reported. efforts to bring the points of view Despite warnings, people in Yatta in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, yesterday. Hamas’ politburo chief closer to reaching an agreement. gathered in large numbers for New Year’s Eve revelries. Yesterday, ignoring reports of the deaths of some high Ethiopia deploys helicopters Tripartite talks on Blue Nile dam resume profile business leaders and political figures, many Zimba- and planes to fight locusts AP — CAIRO much water Ethiopia will Union, and that US observers bweans moved around release downstream if a multi- and AU experts would attend. without wearing masks. IANS — ADDIS ABABA choppers were being deployed Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan year drought occurs and how In November, Sudan did not In the eastern city of Mutare, in areas located in Ethiopia’s resumed their years-long nego- the three countries will resolve attend a round of talks called hundreds of people gathered The Ethiopian government has Southern, Oromia and Somali tiations yesterday over the any future disputes. Ethiopia by South Africa, arguing that the close together under trees to deployed airplanes and heli- regions hit hardest by the locust controversial dam Ethiopia is has rejected binding arbitration current approach to reaching a attend church services without copters in its fight against a invasion. building on the Blue Nile, offi- at the final stage of the project. tripartite agreement on the masks or social distancing. recent locust invasion, an Lemma further said there cials said. The foreign and irrigation filling and operation of Ethio- In the city’s Chikanga area, official said. are plans to initiate a com- The resumption came six ministers of the three Nile pia’s dam had not yielded a group of men playing social On Saturday, Abera Lemma, munity-led campaign to fight weeks after Khartoum boy- Valley countries met online results. soccer seemed undeterred by Public Relations Director at the locust invasion which cotted talks in November, Sunday, said Ahmed Hafez, the Sudanese Irrigation Minister the renewed threat of Ethiopia Ministry of Agriculture crossed to Ethiopia from neigh- urging the African Union to play spokesman of Egypt’s Foreign Yasser Abbas said at the time COVID-19. “It’s the same alarm (MoA), said the aircraft were bouring Somalia. a greater role in reaching a deal Ministry. Sudan also confirmed that the AU should do more to they raised in March ( when being used to assess the extent The MoA has dispatched over the disputed Grand the meeting. “facilitate the negotiation and the government first intro- of the invasionm as well as to dozens of experts to help with Ethiopia Renaissance Dam. Ethiopia’s Water and bridge the gap between the duced a strict lockdown) but spray chemicals on locust the efforts to battle the locust The negotiations have cen- Energy Minister Seleshi Bekele three parties.” Africa’s largest no one I know died or caught affected areas, reports Xinhua invasion which is threatening tered on the filling and oper- said earlier the meeting was hydroelectric dam has caused COVID. Life goes on,” said news agency. tens of hectares of agricultural ation of the giant dam. Key called by South Africa, the severe tensions between the Felix Matari. Lemma said the planes and lands. questions remain about how current head of the African three nations. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 Africa left with few options for vaccines BLOOMBERG — PRETORIA Moderna Inc has no official estimates. Cost The cost of Pfizer’s vac- Africa has few options to supplies for Africa, cines are “prohibitive,” the procure COVID-19 vaccines as while AstraZeneca presidency said. A represent- the outbreak of the disease ative of Pfizer confirmed the worsens across many parts of Plc has no shots for talks with the African Union, the continent, South Africa’s the continent in 2021 declining to give further details. presidency said. and has directed Discussions are taking place Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE with Johnson & Johnson, which have offered to supply Africa the African Union to is conducting a trial in South with 50 million COVID-19 vac- negotiate with the Africa and plans to make 300 cines for health workers million doses a year at a factory between March and the end of Serum Institute of in the country owned by Aspen this year, the presidency said India, which is making Pharmacare Holdings when the yesterday. shot is approved. Moderna Inc has no supplies the vaccine on behalf J&J “has not clarified for Africa, while AstraZeneca of AstraZeneca. whether Africa will benefit from Plc has no shots for the con- vaccines manufactured in South tinent in 2021 and has directed Africa,” the presidency said. Medical staff members of the South Africa Health Department work inside a mobile testing unit at O the African Union to negotiate designed to ensure equitable “We still have to negotiate the R Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni, South Africa in this file photo. with the Serum Institute of access to the vaccines. These price that is affordable to India, which is making the are likely to begin arriving in the Africa.” AstraZeneca trial, said South deliveries at the end of January “As a health care worker vaccine on behalf of Astra- second quarter. Some African South Africa is holding Africa should have been in a or next month, Nairobi’s with friends and colleagues in Zeneca. South Africa’s President countries have their own plans direct talks with vaccine sup- good position to negotiate sup- Standard newspaper reported the front line and knowing Cyril Ramaphosa is the African for vaccine procurement. Most pliers including J&J, Astra- plies because of the trials but on Sunday, citing the country’s health care workers who have Union’s chairman. do not. Zeneca and Pfizer over vaccine left it too late, according to health secretary. It didn’t contracted COVID-19 and died Ramaphosa’s response “We are working hard in supplies for the country, the Johannesburg’s Sunday Times. specify which vaccine would doing their duty, we are obliged comes after days of withering South Africa and on the con- presidency said. South Africa’s He said the AstraZeneca vaccine arrive. to try hasten access to the criticism in South Africa over tinent to protect our people health products regulator is would be suitable for use in On Saturday an opinion vaccine so they can do their the country’s vaccine strategy against COVID-19,” the presi- using a so-called rolling review, South Africa. piece published in local media job,” said Glenda Gray, pres- from health leaders, labour dency said. which allows it to assess vaccine While at least 29 countries, and signed by senior members ident of the South African unions and opposition parties. The furore comes as South data as it becomes available from Mexico to Germany, have of the Progressive Health Medical Research Council and Even though four vaccine trials Africa posts record numbers of during the trials to assess J&J’s begun inoculating their popu- Forum, which includes the a member of the forum, in a are underway in the country, infections and deaths and shot. It will do the same with lations against the virus, South heads of medical associations response to queries. South Africa has only arranged neighbouring Zimbabwe enters AstraZeneca and Pfizer when Africa has yet to conclude any and academics, called for Ram- South Africa, with over 1.09 to purchase enough shots for 10 a strict 30-day lockdown. The they apply. supply agreements with phar- aphosa to fire health million confirmed COVID-19 percent of its population of 60 South African economy likely Shabir Madhi, a vaccinol- maceutical companies. Kenya, department officials for their infections and 29,175 deaths, is million people through the contracted the most in nine ogist professor and head of the a far poorer country than South failure to secure vaccine the worst hit country on the Covax initiative, which is decades last year, according to South African arm of the Africa, expects to get vaccine supplies. African continent. Kenya extends night curfew to In Somalia, vaccines are distant as virus spreads AP — MOGADISHU virus becoming endemic in that fear has turned into near- regional football match with no “The virus is here, abso- March to curb some hard-to-reach areas is certainty. “In the beginning we face masks or other anti-virus lutely, but the resilience of As richer countries race to strong - a fear for parts of Africa saw this virus as just another measures in sight. people is owing to age,” he said. COVID-19 spread distribute COVID-19 vaccines, amid the slow arrival of form of the flu,” he said. Mosques in the Muslim It’s the lack of post-mortem Somalia remains the rare place vaccines. Then three of his young nation never faced restrictions, investigations in the country REUTERS — NAIROBI where much of the population “There is no real or practical children died after having a cough for fear of the reactions. that are allowing the true extent hasn’t taken the coronavirus investigation into the matter,” and high fever. As residents of a “Our religion taught us hun- of the virus to go undetected, Kenya is extending its nightly seriously. Some fear that’s said Hirabeh, who is also the makeshift camp for people dis- dreds of years ago that we should he said. curfew to March 12 as part of proven to be deadlier than director of the Martini hospital placed by conflict or drought, they wash our hands, faces and even The next challenge in measures aimed at taming the anyone knows. in Mogadishu, the largest had no access to coronavirus legs five times every day and our Somalia is not simply obtaining spread of COVID-19, President “Certainly our people don’t treating COVID-19 patients, testing or proper care. women should take face veils as COVID-19 vaccines but also Uhuru Kenyatta’s office said use any form of protective which saw seven new patients At the same time, Yusuf said, they’re often weaker. So that’s the persuading the population to yesterday. measures, neither masks nor the day he spoke. He acknowl- the virus hurt his efforts to find whole prevention of the disease, accept them. That will take In early November, Ken- social distancing,” Abdirizak edged that neither facilities nor money to treat his family as “we if it really exists,” said Abdulkadir time, “just the same as what it yatta extended the nightly Yusuf Hirabeh, the govern- equipment are adequate in can’t get close enough” to Sheikh Mohamud, an imam in took for our people to believe curfew that was in place, and ment’s COVID-19 incident Somalia to tackle the virus. people to beg. Mogadishu. in the polio or measles vac- it had been due to expire yes- manager, said in an interview. Fewer than 27,000 tests for Early in the pandemic, “I left the matter to Allah to cines,” a concerned Bilaal said. terday. It runs between 10pm “If you move around the city (of the virus have been conducted Somalia’s government did protect us,” said Ahmed Abdulle Hirabeh, in charge of Soma- and 4am. Mogadishu) or countrywide, in Somalia, a country of more attempt some measures to limit Ali, a shop owner in the capital. lia’s virus response, agreed that A ban on political and nobody even talks about it.” And than 15 million people, one of the spread of the virus, closing He attributed the rise in “our people have little confidence roadside gatherings that yet infections are rising, he said. the lowest rates in the world. all schools and shutting down coughing during prayers to the in the vaccines,” saying that many could turn into super It is places like Somalia, the Fewer than 4,800 cases have all domestic and international changing of seasons. Somalis hate the needles. He spreader events was also Horn of Africa nation torn apart been confirmed, including at flights. Mobile phones rang with A more important pro- called for serious awareness extended for another 60 by three decades of conflict, that least 130 deaths. messages about the virus. tective factor is the relative campaigns to change minds. days, as was a prohibition on will be last to see COVID-19 Some worry the virus will But social distancing has youth of Somalia’s people, said The logistics of any overnight events and vigils, vaccines in any significant sink into the population as yet long disappeared in the coun- Dr. Abdurahman Abdullahi Abdi COVID-19 vaccine rollout are Kenyatta’s office said in a quantity. With part of the another poorly diagnosed but try’s streets, markets or restau- Bilaal, who works in a clinic in another major concern. Hirabeh statement. country still held by the Al deadly fever. rants. On Thursday, some the capital. More than 80 said Somalia is expecting the When the first coronavirus Qaeda-linked Al Shabab For 45-year-old street 30,000 people crammed into a percent of the country’s popu- first vaccines in the first quarter cases were confirmed in extremist group, the risk of the beggar Hassan Mohamed Yusuf, stadium in Mogadishu for a lation is under age 30. of 2021. Kenya in March 2020, the gov- ernment closed schools, imposed a curfew, banned public gatherings and at one More than 70 killed point restricted movement in and out of the most-affected regions. in Niger gun attacks Some of the measures were eventually relaxed, and AL JAZEERA — NIAMEY Mahamane Ousmane, who gar- schools are expected to reopen nered 17 percent of the vote, in on Monday. The death toll in an attack on a runoff on February 20. However, extracurricular villages in Niger’s restive The area where Saturday’s school activities such as border regions has risen to attacks took place, Mangaize, sports are banned for 90 more than 70, the country’s is located in Tillaberi, a vast and days, as well as non-essential interior minister said yesterday. unstable region where the visits by parents and Alkache Alhada said the borders of Niger, Mali and guardians, the president’s attack took place on Saturday Burkina Faso converge. office said. in the villages of Tchombangou Travel by motorbike has Like other countries and Zaroumdareye near the been banned in Tillaberi since around the world, Kenya’s border with Mali. At least 20 January in a bid to pevent incur- tourism, education and people were also wounded. sions by highly mobile rebel other key sectors have been The attack is believed to be fighters riding on two wheels. pummelled by the in retaliation to the earlier Fighters with links to Al pandemic. killing of two fighters by vil- Qaeda and the ISIL armed Its second-quarter eco- lagers, the minister added. group have increasingly nomic output declined for the Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris, mounted attacks across West first time since the global reporting from Niger’s capital Africa’s Sahel region in recent financial crisis of 2008. Niamey, said the attack took years despite the presence of Kenya has recorded a total Flyover eases traffic in Kinshasa place in one of the most porous thousands of regional and of 96,802 cases and 1,685 areas of the border. foreign troops. deaths, Ministry of Health data A general view of the flyover in Gombe, Kinshasa. The road interchanges and flyover will alleviate “Officials say they suspect The violence has hit Mali showed yesterday. traffic problems aggravated by the curfew in Kinshasa, the largest city in French-speaking Africa. the attackers crossed into Niger and Burkina Faso the hardest, from neighbouring Mali. The but has also spilled into western area where the attack took Niger. According to the United place has also witnessed inter- Nations, at least 4,000 people Two French soldiers killed during mission in Mali communal violence. A gov- across the three nations died in ernment delegation is now on violence linked to the armed AP — PARIS operation aiming at fighting French President Operation Barkhane. the way to the area to inves- groups in 2019. Islamist extremists in Africa’s Emmanuel Macron expressed Islamic extremist rebels tigate what happened,” Idris On December 21, seven The French presidency Sahel region. “his great sadness” in a were forced from power in said. Nigerien soldiers were killed in announced that two French A third soldier has been statement released late on northern Mali after a 2013 The violence came on the an ambush in Tillaberi, while 34 soldiers were killed on Saturday injured and is in a stable con- Saturday. French-led military same day Niger announced the villagers were massacred in the in Mali when an improvised dition, the French military He reaffirmed France’s operation. results from the first round of southeastern region of Diffa on explosive device hit their said. determination “in its fight The rebels regrouped in the a presidential election. the Nigerian border last month. armored vehicle, five days after On Monday, three other sol- against terrorism” and paid desert and now launch frequent Former Interior Minister Manu Lekunze, teaching three others died in similar diers were killed in Mali when tribute to the ”courage” of attacks on the Malian army and Mohamed Bazoum of the gov- fellow at the University of circumstances. an improvised explosive device French soldiers. its allies. erning Nigerien Party for Aberdeen in the United The soldiers were partici- hit their armored vehicle during France has more than These deaths bring to 50 the Democracy and Socialism was Kingdom, listed “growing pop- pating in an intelligence mission a military operation in the 5,000 troops deployed in number of French soldiers leading the vote with 39 ulation, poverty and climate in the Menaka region of north- Hombori area of Mali’s central West Africa to help fight killed in the Sahel region since percent of the votes. He will change” as drivers of the insta- eastern Mali, as part of a larger Mopti province. extremist groups as part of 2013. now face former President bility in the Sahel region. MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 India approves AstraZeneca/Oxford, Covaxin shots

REUTERS — NEW DELHI Harsh Vardhan, the health min- administered in two doses and safe, effective and ready to roll- questioned the approval process ister of India, which is the stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius, out in the coming weeks.” for Covaxin. India’s drugs regulator world’s biggest vaccine pro- The decisions mark the he said, without clarifying what The AstraZeneca/Oxford “Bharat Biotech is a first- yesterday gave final approval ducer and exporter. first vaccine approvals intervals between shots were vaccine, granted its first rate enterprise, but it is puzzling for the emergency-use of two “Urge all citizens to entrust for the world’s being recommended. Sources approval by Britain last week, is that internationally accepted coronavirus vaccines, one the stringent protocols followed second-most populous said on Saturday the doses cheaper and easier to use than protocols relating to phase 3 developed by AstraZeneca and for ensuring safety, efficacy and would have to be given four some rival shots, such as one trials are being modified for Oxford University and the other immunogenicity of the country, which after weeks apart. from Pfizer Inc – a major Covaxin,” Jairam Ramesh wrote by local company Bharat approved vaccines.” Drugs Con- the United States, has Somani said the Bharat advantage in tackling a pan- on Twitter. Biotech and a state-run troller General of India VG recorded the most Biotech vaccine had been demic that has claimed more India’s regulator has also institute. Somani said the overall efficacy infections of the approved “in public interest as than 1.8 million lives worldwide. received an emergency-use The decisions mark the first of the AstraZeneca/Oxford an abundant precaution, in The British shot, however, application for the COVID-19 vaccine approvals for the vaccine was 70.42%, while coronavirus disease. It clinical trial mode, to have more has been plagued by uncertainty vaccine made by Pfizer and Ger- world’s second-most populous Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin was is now expected to options for vaccinations, espe- about its most effective dosage many’s BioNTech — the first shot country, which after the United “safe and provides a robust start a massive cially in case of infection by ever since data published in to secure regulatory approval in States, has recorded the most immune response”. immunisation mutant strains”. November showed a half dose the West. infections of the coronavirus The British-developed Prime Minister Narendra followed by a full dose had a India has reported more disease. It is now expected to AstraZeneca/Oxford shot is programme within Modi welcomed the approvals. 90% success rate, while two full than 10.3 million COVID-19 start a massive immunisation being made locally by the about a week and “It would make every Indian shots were 62% effective. cases and around 150,000 programme within about a Serum Institute of India (SII) hopes to inoculate 300 proud that the two vaccines that The efficacy of the Indian deaths, though its infection rate week, a government official and will be branded COV- million of its 1.35 have been given emergency use vaccine could “go up much has come down significantly said, and hopes to inoculate 300 ISHIELD, while Bharat Biotech approval are made in India!” he more” than 60% after two doses from a mid-September peak. million of its 1.35 billion people has teamed up with the gov- billion people free of said on Twitter, calling it a sign are given, a source with SII plans to sell the Astra- free of charge in the first six to ernment-run Indian Council of charge in the first six to of a “self-reliant” country. knowledge of the matter told Zeneca/Oxford vaccine to the eight months of this year. Medical Research. eight months of this SII, the world’s biggest Reuters. Bharat Biotech earlier Indian government at about The AstraZeneca/Oxford A lawmaker from Prime year. vaccine producer, has already said they could produce up to Rs250 ($3.42) per dose and shot, already approved in Minister Narendra Modi’s stockpiled more than 50 million 300 million doses a year. Rs1,000 on the private market. Britain, Argentina and El Sal- nationalist party had earlier doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford “While this vaccine The regulator on Sunday vador, will take the lead and complained about the apparent vaccine even before securing a addresses an unmet medical also gave permission to Cadila Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin will preference for the foreign- emergency situations,” Somani, formal supply deal with the need during this pandemic, our Healthcare Ltd to conduct be administered under stricter made vaccine instead of the the head of the Central Drugs government. goal is to provide global access Phase-III clinical trials on conditions given no efficacy local one, whose approval has Standards Control Organisation, “All the risks @Seru- to populations that need it the 26,000 Indian participants for data has been released for it. also raised questions about a said at a news conference, mInstIndia took with stockpiling most,” the company’s chairman, its DNA-platform vaccine can- “It’s now time to reap the lack of transparency in the reading from a written the vaccine, have finally paid Krishna Ella, said. “Covaxin has didate, saying the interim trial benefits of the robust supply process. statement. off,” CEO Adar Poonawalla said generated excellent safety data data had shown it was “safe” chain infrastructure we’ve put “Vaccines of Serum and Somani did not take on Twitter. with robust immune responses.” and prompted an immune in place for quick and equitable Bharat Biotech are being questions. “COVISHIELD, India’s first An opposition lawmaker and response under a three-dose distribution of the vaccine,” said approved for restricted use in Both vaccines will be COVID-19 vaccine, is approved, former minister, however, regimen. Thailand mulls more restrictions to contain second virus wave

REUTERS — BANGKOK health official said. neighbouring Myanmar. The country also reported The government has desig- Thailand’s government held off its first known case of a more nated 28 provinces, including from ordering new nationwide contagious variant of the coro- Bangkok, as high-risk zones, business shutdowns yesterday navirus called B.1.1.7 yesterday, recommending suspension of amid a wave of coronavirus Yong Poovorawan, a senior some businesses and crowded cases but empowered some virologist from Chulalongkorn activities. provincial governors to set their University in Bangkok, said in Some ministries and own restrictions and pleaded a post on his official Facebook agencies have already issued with the public not to travel. page. new restrictions. Thailand, which had largely The variant was found in a The Education Ministry has controlled the virus by mid- family of four who were in ordered all public and private 2020, saw a second wave of quarantine after arriving in schools and vocational training outbreaks beginning in Thailand from Britain, and Yong centres to close down from December. said there is no risk of that Monday until end of January. Yesterday, it confirmed 315 variant being spread in The Thai Retailers Associ- new coronavirus cases, the Thailand. ation has also announced that majority of which are local Opas Karnkawinpong, the all shopping malls around the transmission, bringing its total director-general of the country should close at 9pm to 7,694 cases and 64 deaths Department of Disease Control daily, an hour earlier than the since its first case last January. said that Health Ministry has usual closing time, a statement Members of Central Industrial Security Force arrive to chase farmers protesting against newly passed Samut Sakhon, a province recommended the government said. agricultural laws at Dharuhera in the northern state of Haryana, India, yesterday. south of Bangkok where the to slow all flights from Britain Authorities in Bangkok had current outbreak started, until there is more information earlier closed entertainment reported 541 additional cases about the new strain. venues, nurseries, gyms and yesterday. Officials say the current massage parlours, while Farmer’ stir in India to continue till That number will be added domestic outbreak is linked to keeping open shopping malls, rollback of laws: Union official to the official tally today, its illegal border migration from restaurants and public parks. Indonesia starts Sinovac distribution nationwide IANS — GURUGRAM farmers are not accepted, the General Secretary, Yudhveer farmers will stay in Delhi and Singh, who was also present at BLOOMBERG — JAKARTA is aiming to commence inoc- as of January 2, with 22,555 Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) keep protesting against these the protest site, alleged that the ulations as soon as the food deaths. leader Rakesh Tikait who laws. government is misleading the Indonesia started distributing and drug regulator approves The positivity rate is reached the protest site in He said that soon Rajasthan farmers. He said that the gov- the vaccine developed by the vaccine and issues an reaching 30%, much higher Gurugram yesterday to support farmers will also reach the ernment should abolish the China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. emergency use authorization, than World Health Organiza- the ongoing farmers’ stir in the Delhi border. The Samyukt three farm laws. to all its 34 provinces Kompas quoted her as saying. tion’s recommendation of 5%, national capital, while Kisan Morcha, Gurugram In a joint statement, yesterday, Kompas reported. Indonesia’s national vac- showing testing hasn’t been addressing the people at the should help them in all possible Santokh Singh said that despite The Ministry of Health will cination process will take widespread enough. protest site, said that the ways, he said. the bitter cold, hundreds of carry out the distribution in around 15 months, with initial Indonesia has signed mul- agitation will not end till the President of Samyukt Kisan workers from several workers’ parallel with testing the vac- priority given to the country’s tiple deals with companies government rolls back the new Morcha, Chaudhary Santokh organisations have also been cines made by the Chinese 1.3 million health workers, including AstraZeneca Plc and agricultural laws. Singh, assured that all possible sitting on dharna in support of company, the newspaper said, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Novavax Inc., while also Tikait alleged that the new help will be given to all the the demands of the farmers. citing the ministry’s vacci- Sadikin said in a statement on developing its own Merah farm laws have been made for farmers who come from He said their support to the nation spokeswoman Siti Saturday. Putih vaccines to ensure the the benefit of capitalists. He Rajasthan. farmers will continue till the Nadia Tarmizi. Southeast The country recorded country has enough shots for said that till the demands of the Bharatiya Kisan Union rollback of the three farm laws. Asia’s most populous nation more than 758,000 virus cases its 268 million population. Tibetans in exile vote 18 killed in roof collapse for political leader during funeral AP — DHARMSALA in exile are free. And given a chance, an opportunity, we prefer REUTERS — NEW DELHI Hundreds of Tibetans in exile democracy,” said Lobsang braved the rain and cold Sangay, who will soon be fin- At least 18 people attending a yesterday in India’s northern city ishing his second and final term funeral in northern India were of Dharmsala, where the exiled as the Tibetan political leader. killed when a roof they were government is based, and voted “No matter what you do, the sheltering under during heavy for their new political leader as pride of Tibetans, the sense of rainfall collapsed yesterday the current officeholder’s five- Tibetans, is to be democratic afternoon, a police officer said. year term nears its end. and practice democracy.” Around 40 mourners had The voters wore masks, Formed in 1959, Tibet’s gov- gathered under the shelter at maintained social distance and ernment-in-exile — now called a crematorium in the district used hand sanitiser as they cast the Central Tibetan Adminis- of Ghaziabad when it col- their ballots during the first tration — has executive, judi- lapsed, trapping them under round of the election. Many ciary and legislative branches, the rubble, divisional commis- assisted elderly voters to fill the with candidates for the office of sioner Anita C Meshram said. correct forms. sikyong, or president, elected Rescue workers used In this first phase of voting, since 2011 by popular vote. sniffer dogs to find survivors, two candidates for the top gov- China says Tibet has histor- who were rushed to nearby ernment post of president will ically been part of its territory hospitals, some in critical con- be shortlisted, including 90 par- since the mid-13th century, and dition. Senior police officer Ijaj liamentarians. The second and its Communist Party has gov- Rally in support of Nepal PM Raja later said the rescue oper- final round of voting will take erned the Himalayan region ation had been completed. place in April. since 1951. But many Tibetans Pro-government activists holding portraits of Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli take The cause of the collapse “By this we are sending a say that they were effectively part in a rally in his support after the dissolution of parliament, in Kathmandu, yesterday. was not immediately clear, but clear message to Beijing that Tibet independent for most of their the authorities plan to inves- is under occupation but Tibetans history. tigate the accident. 12 ASIA MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021

Free Wi-Fi facility New infections on rise in Australia for public ends in Punjab province REUTERS — SYDNEY INTERNEWS — LAHORE Australia’s most-populous The NSW outbreak state of New South Wales started around mid- The Punjab government has (NSW) reported eight new December in Sydney’s permanently shut down the COVID-19 cases yesterday, facility of free Wi-Fi in the while neighbouring Victoria’s Northern Beaches area, province apparently to get rid tally increased by three, as where a quarter of a of the heavy subsidy it had to new measures to combat the million people are in pay for its provision to the disease kicked in. strict lockdown until public, local media reported The NSW outbreak started January 9. Cases yesterday. around mid-December in Syd- The Punjab Wi-Fi project ney’s Northern Beaches area, associated with the aimed at provision of free where a quarter of a million cluster now total 148. internet service to the public people are in strict lockdown at 200 different places of the until January 9. Cases asso- province was launched in ciated with the cluster now December 2016 by the total 148. salons and shops as author- Pakistan Muslim League- A smaller cluster in the ities try to limit the spread of Nawaz (PML-N) government. west of the city, linked to a dif- the disease. They will be The purpose of setting up ferent genome sequence, has legally enforced from mid- public Wi-Fi hotspots in the 13 confirmed cases. But the night local time. province was to bridge the state’s chief health officer, Australia has avoided the digital divide by providing free, Kerry Chant, said authorities worst of the pandemic fol- easy and reliable internet are worried as recent trans- lowing swift action by author- access at major public places. mission at a beverage store ities to shut borders, enforce The Punjab Information occurred with “fleeting” lockdowns, and to carry out Technology Board (PITB) had exposure. widespread testing and social New South Wales police officers guard an entrance as part of COVID-19 restrictions around Circular set up 250 free Wi-Fi hotspots “We know these trans- distancing. Quay in central Sydney, Australia. in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Fais- mission events have happened Since the pandemic began, alabad, Multan, Bahawalpur through very minimal it has reported more than Indian players have been spread from the source in and more than 50 “exposure and Murree districts. exposure. We are asking 28,450 COVID-19 cases and placed in isolation while the NSW, authorities said. sites” linked to positive cases. The Wi-Fi hotspots were members of the community 909 deaths. Australian and Indian cricket Victoria has more than 30 But, “what is important is set up at educational and gov- who did purchase beverage or Despite the outbreak in boards investigate allegations active cases and has made that they are in quarantine ernment buildings, public enter that premises for that Sydney, a scheduled 5-day of a breach of biosecurity masks mandatory across the when they are diagnosed so parks, markets, hospitals, period to be very vigilant,” cricket match between Aus- protocols. state, restricted the number of that the risk of onward trans- railway stations, airports and Chant told reporters. tralia and India, starting on In Victoria, where all cases people who can meet socially mission is reduced,” Victoria’s bus stations. NSW has made wearing Thursday, will go ahead, are linked to the same Mel- and shut its border with NSW. Deputy Chief Health Officer Trained staff was posted masks mandatory at indoor although with a reduced bourne restaurant, officials are Health authorities have Allen Cheng said in at the call centres to provide venues like clubs rooms, hair number of spectators. Five investigating how the disease identified 220 “close contacts” Melbourne. technical support and com- plaint handling and resolution round the clock in these districts. The highest use of these Gunmen kill 11 coal miners in Balochistan free hotspots was recorded at hospitals, followed by univer- AP — QUETTA Jatoi said armed men took claimed responsibility but spreading out in the moun- affected families would be sities and colleges. the coal miners to nearby banned extremist organisation tains to search for the taken care of. The facility also enabled Gunmen opened fire on a mountains, where they opened Lashker-e-Jhangvi has tar- perpetrators. Shia cleric Nasir Abbas on-field government officials group of minority Shia Hazara fire on them. geted the minority Hazara News of the killings spread said protests over the incident of various departments to uti- coal miners after abducting He said six of the miners community in Baluchistan in quickly among the Hazara would be organised across the lisecentrally-maintained them, killing 11 in south- were dead on the spot and five the past. community and members took country. Political and religious online services in a relatively western Balochistan province who were critically wounded Police video of the bodies to the streets in Quetta and leaders from different seg- seamless manner. early yesterday, a Pakistani died on the way to a revealed the miners were surrounding areas to protest, ments of the population also The users were authenti- official said. hospital. blindfolded and their hands blocking highways with expressed their grief and cated by their IDs and mobile Moazzam Ali Jatoi, an Jatoi said an initial inves- tied behind their backs before burning tires and tree trunks. sorrow over the killings. numbers, after which they official with the Levies Force, tigation revealed the attackers being shot. Officials quickly closed the Balochistan is the scene of received a code via SMS to which serves as police and identified the miners as being Local television footage affected roads to traffic. a low level insurgency by connect to the free internet. paramilitary in the area, said from a Shia Hazara com- showed security troops The violence was largely Baloch separatist groups who With the hotspots gaining the attack took place near the munity and the gunmen took working in a mountainous condemned across the country also have targeted non-Baloch popularity among the citizens, Machh coal field, about 48km them away for execution, area to traffic and guide with Prime Minister Imran labourers, but they have no data hogging was avoided by east of the provincial capital leaving others unharmed. ambulances to the bodies. Khan saying the perpetrators history of attacks on the making the internet sub- Quetta. No group immediately Security forces were also seen would be taken to task and the minority Shia community. scription time-barred. Tokyo reports 816 new COVID-19 cases; governors push for state of emergency

REUTERS — TOKYO scheduled to speak publicly the sort of rigid lockdown on January 4. Japan’s economy measures seen elsewhere in Tokyo reported 816 new daily minister told reporters on Sat- the world. Tokyo raised its coronavirus cases yesterday, a urday the government needed COVID-19 alert to its highest day after governors from the to consult with health experts level on December 17. New capital and neighbouring before deciding on a new infections in the capital hit a prefectures called on the declaration. record 1,337 on December 31. Japanese government to As an interim measure, Japan’s health ministry announce a state of emergency restaurants and karaoke said on Sunday there were to combat a recent surge in parlors in the Tokyo area are 3,045 new confirmed cases of cases. being asked to close at 8pm, the new coronavirus across Prime Minister Yoshihide while businesses that serve the country. Suga has resisted calls for a beverage should close at 7pm, Since the start of the pan- second national state of emer- he said. demic, Japan has reported gency; the government first The previous state of more than 240,000 cases of introduced that measure in emergency relied on vol- the novel coronavirus and April during an earlier wave untary business closings and 3,548 deaths, according to the of the pandemic. Suga is travel restrictions rather than health ministry. A man reads a book while waiting in a line to undergo coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test at a site in Seoul, South Korea. Police raid Singapore tightens rules South Korea sees lowest number house of JUI-F leader over for maritime sector of new virus cases in 4 weeks treason case BLOOMBERG — SINGAPORE Shore-based personnel REUTERS — SEOUL the country’s total cases to 63,244 though added it is premature to Singapore strengthened in the maritime sector MANSEHRA with 962 deaths, according to the say the situation has definitely INTERNEWS — regulations for workers in who plan to go on board A South Korean health official Korea Disease Control and Pre- shifted to a decline, given the the maritime industry after ships will need to take said yesterday that a third wave vention Agency (KDCA). decreased testing during the The police raided the house of two more COVID-19 cases of the novel coronavirus is being “The latest third wave of New Year holiday and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl were found in the last two COVID-19 pre-departure contained, as it reported the coronavirus spread is being con- weekends. (JUI-F) leader Mufti Kifayat- days of December. test by January 8. lowest number of new infections tained as a result of expanded The government decided on ullah in Tarangri Sabir Shah Shore-based personnel in nearly four weeks with the COVID-19 testing (recently) and Saturday to expand a ban on area yesterday for his arrest in the maritime sector who help of tougher restrictions strengthened distancing private gatherings larger than over the recent diatribe against plan to go on board ships “Individuals and com- during the New Year holiday measures,” Sohn Young-rae, a four people to include the whole the Pakistan Army. will need to take COVID-19 panies which are found to season. senior health official, told a country, and extend unprece- However, the JUI-F leader pre-departure test by have violated these New cases for Saturday briefing. dented social distancing rules in wasn’t there. January 8, according to a measures will be taken to numbered 657, much lower than He said the worst for the Seoul and neighbouring areas The police took his four joint statement from the task,” according to the 824 the day before, but bringing country seems to be passing, until January 17. family members, including two Maritime Port Authority of statement. sons, away and detained them Singapore, Singapore Eco- “Agencies will also in the Baffa police station nomic Development Board, review the need to enhance Pakistan reports more virus deaths, new cases before booking them for har- Enterprise Singapore and PPE and infection control bouring a wanted man. the Ministry of Health. measures in the sector.” INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD died during this period, lifting the Approximately, 1,784 of the They included Kifayatul- This will apply to more A marine surveyor and death toll from the highly conta- patients currently under lah’s elder brother, Qazi than 20,000 workers, the a harbor pilot tested pos- At least 53 people died of coro- gious disease to 10,311. A total of treatment are said to be critical. Habibur Rehman, sons Shabbir statement said. Routine itive for coronavirus on navirus while 2,272 new infec- 44,392 samples have been tested, The highest number of Kifayat and Hassan Kifayat, testing will also be made December 30 and 31, tions have been reported across out of which 2,272 turned out to infections have been reported and brother-in-law Qari Abdul more frequent, with respectively, prompting the Pakistan during the past 24 be positive. The national posi- in Sindh with 217,636 cases, Manan. Sources said the police workers now to be tested authorities to take steps to hours, pushing the national tally tivity ratio of infections is Punjab 140,188, Khyber- had booked the JUI-F leader every seven days instead of introduce the additional of infections to 486,634, recorded at 5.11 percent. Pakhtunkhwa 59,255, Balo- under Article 6 of the Consti- every 14. Those who don’t tightening measures. National Command and Oper- The number of active cases chistan 18,218, Islamabad tution, which dealt with follow these rules won’t be This followed a marine ation Centre (NCOC) stated stand at 35,663 while the tally 38,146, Azad Jammu and matters of high treason, after allowed to board ships for service engineer testing yesterday. of recovered patients has Kashmir 8,325 and Gilgit receiving written orders from work. positive on November 26. As per NCOC, 53 more people reached 440,660. Baltistan 4,866. the home department. MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 Poll: Johnson risks losing seat, majority in next elections

REUTERS — LONDON of the recently concluded Brexit research data company The Scottish National Party, Johnson won a resounding talks and the coronavirus Focaldata and published by the which wants to break away election victory last year that British Prime Minister Boris (COVID-19) pandemic after he Sunday Times. from the rest of the United allowed him to take Britain out Johnson (pictured) is on course reversed plans to allow families The so-called multilevel Kingdom, is predicted to win of the European Union’s orbit to lose his own seat and neither to meet up at Christmas in parts regression and post-stratifi- 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, on New Year’s Eve after almost of the two main political parties of southern England to combat cation (MRP) poll found the meaning the party could poten- half a century of close ties. is likely to win an outright the spread of the virus. ruling Conservatives would lose tially play a kingmaker role in But Johnson’s premiership majority at the next general More than 22,000 people 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat forming the next may increasingly be defined by election, not due until 2024, were surveyed in a closely majority. This would leave the government. the government’s response to according to a new poll. watched poll constituency-by- Conservatives with 284 seats, The prime minister is at the coronavirus pandemic, This is the first detailed constituency poll over a four- while the opposition Labour risk to lose his own seat of which has already killed more survey of the public’s per- week period in December, Party would win 282 seats, the Uxbridge, west of London, the than 74,000 people and ception of Johnson’s handling which was conducted by the poll showed. poll found. crushed the economy.

Germany poised to British Premier extend lockdown warns of stricter beyond January 10 REUTERS — BERLIN

Germany is likely to extend a lockdown curbs national lockdown beyond January 10 to curb coronavirus infection rates that are still AP — LONDON Officials say around running high and putting huge 530,000 doses of strains on hospitals and health British Prime Minister Boris workers, politicians said at the Johnson warned yesterday that the new vaccine will weekend. more onerous lockdown be in place today as Chancellor Angela Merkel restrictions in England are likely and regional leaders are as the country reels from a new the country moves expected to agree to extend the coronavirus variant that has towards its goal of restrictions when they pushed infection rates to their vaccinating 2 million convene tomorrow. It is not highest recorded levels. yet clear how long the Johnson, though, insisted he people a week as soon extension would last. has “no doubt” that schools are as possible. “The numbers are still too safe and urged parents to send high, so we will have to their children back into the prolong the restrictions,” classroom in areas of England “We are entirely reconciled Health Minister Jens Spahn where they can. Unions repre- to do what it takes to get the People queue for COVID-19 testing at a mass screening centre at Charlton Athletic Football Club amid told RTL television in an senting teachers have called for virus under control, that may the spread of the coronavirus disease, in London yesterday. interview on Saturday evening. schools to turn to remote involve tougher measures in the Infection rates had to be learning for at least a couple of weeks ahead,” Johnson said in surrounding areas, there are he said. “We’ll review it and we Hundreds of new vacci- sustainably reduced, Spahn weeks more due to the new an interview with the BBC. around 1,000 cases per have the prospect of vaccines nation sites are due to be up and said, adding: “That is better variant, which scientists have “Obviously there are a range of 100,000 people. coming down the tracks in their running this week as the than loosening too early and said is up to 70 percent more tougher measures that we Johnson’s government is tens of millions, offering people National Health Service ramps then, perhaps in as little as a contagious. would have to consider.” using a tiered coronavirus literally life and hope.” up its immunization program few weeks, facing new and dif- The UK is in the midst of an Johnson conceded that restrictions system. Most of The UK has moved quickly with the Oxford-AstraZeneca ficult questions.” acute outbreak, recording more school closures, curfews and the England is already at the highest on the vaccination front. It was jab. Germany imposed tougher than 50,000 new coronavirus total banning of household Tier 4 level, which involves the the first to begin vaccinating Officials say around social restrictions before infections a day over the past mixing could be on the agenda closure of shops not selling non- people over 80 and health care 530,000 doses of the new Christmas, including closing five days. On Saturday, it for areas under the most stress. essential items and places like workers on December 8 with vaccine will be in place Monday restaurants and most shops. notched a daily record of 57,725 London and southeast gyms and recreation centers as the Pfizer-BioNTech corona- (today) as the country moves Even so, infections continued new cases. The country, with England are facing extremely well as a stay-at-home virus vaccine. Last week, regu- towards its goal of vaccinating to rise and the death toll has nearly 75,000 virus-related high levels of new infections instruction. lators approved another vaccine 2 million people a week as soon hit more than 1,000 on some deaths, is alternating with Italy and there is speculation that “What we are using now is made by Oxford University and as possible. days. as the worst-hit European restrictions there will have to the tiering system, which is a pharmaceutical giant Astra- “We do hope that we will be Seven-day infection rates nation, according to figures be tightened to bring the virus very tough system, and alas Zeneca that is cheaper and able to do tens of millions in the are currently at 140 per compiled by Johns Hopkins under control. In some parts of probably about to get tougher easier to use than the Pfizer course of the next three 100,000 people — well over University. the British capital and its to keep things under control,” vaccine. months,” Johnson said. the target of 50 that politicians have agreed would be safe enough to ease the curbs. With a new, more infec- France accelerating vaccinations after slow start tious coronavirus variant cir- culating, some politicians and BLOOMBERG — PARIS “The choice to first protect campaign than most other fast and hard,” another news- first few months of 2021 will be health leaders are calling for the populations most at risk, European countries. As of paper, Journal du Dimanche, difficult, until vaccinations are the restrictions to be lifted only France is accelerating which demands greater logistics December 31, only 352 people reported yesterday, without ramped up. when the seven-day rate falls COVID-19 vaccinations after a and precautions, necessarily led had gotten at least one dose of saying where it obtained the The delays are “incompre- to 25. slow start, according to to a gradual start,” Attal was the vaccine, versus 131,626 in information. hensible,” William Dab, an epi- “We will only see next government spokesman Gabriel cited as telling the newspaper. Germany and 944,539 in the About 65,000 people have demiologist and former French week in the hospitals how Attal. “We take responsibility for it UK, according to data cited by already died from COVID-19 in public health chief, told Le strongly Christmas contributed Medical staff aged more but, as the president of the Le Parisien. France, and the number of new Parisien in a separate interview. to the spread of COVID-19 — than 50 started being vacci- Republic said, this cannot justify French President Emmanuel coronavirus cases has been “We can’t continue vacci- the New Year effect will come nated this weekend, Attal told unnecessary delays.” Macron is angry about the slow rising since the country’s second nating 300 French people a only later,” Uwe Janssens, the Le Parisien in an interview France’s government is pace and told people close to lockdown was lifted in mid week,” Dab was cited as saying. head of a group representing published in the newspaper’s under pressure after a much him that “things must change December. Macron said in tel- “Otherwise we’ll still be at it in intensive-care doctors, told Sunday edition. slower debut of the vaccination fast and hard and will change evised speech on Thursday the 5,000 years.” the Rheinische Post. Spanish-flagged Italy PM Conte faces boat rescues 265 migrants in showdown with his Mediterranean coalition partner AP — ROME REUTERS — ROME challenge,” Renzi said. “If ... he A Spanish-flagged humani- goes under, we have several tarian ship yesterday was Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe different solutions that can be seeking a port of safety for 265 Conte faces a showdown with assessed by parliament and the migrants its crew rescued from his coalition partner and head of state,” he added. the Mediterranean Sea in the former premier Matteo Renzi A political source said last few days. this week that could bring matters could come to a head The Open Arms charity down his government even as at a cabinet meeting expected tweeted that its vessel on Sat- it struggles to contain the for January 7, when Conte was urday had safely brought COVID-19 pandemic. expected to ask ministers to aboard 96 migrants who had Long-strained relations support his economic recovery been adrift in a wooden boat between the two men have plan. If Italia Viva’s two min- with without life vests in inter- deteriorated markedly in isters refused, the prime min- national waters. It said the recent weeks, with Renzi ister would go to parliament passengers, most of them from calling for radical changes to and start work on trying to find A British family crosses the border from Spain to Gibraltar in front of the Rock landmark following Eritrea, included two women plans to reboot the economy a new consensus. a post-Brexit deal, in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain, on Friday. and 17 minors and were suf- while also demanding that Conte’s two main coalition fering from hypothermia. Conte cede his control over the allies, the 5-Star Movement and In a separate operation secret services. centre-left Democratic Party two days before that rescue, Spain to have final say on entry into Gibraltar The prime minister has (PD), have both urged restraint, Open Arms took aboard 169 resisted the pressure, saying but appeared resigned to an migrants, who had departed BLOOMBERG — MADRID the minimum tasks of Schengen authorities would decide who last week he was prepared to eventual face-off with Renzi, Libyan shores, where many control,” she said. enters the territory. confront Renzi in parliament, who is looking to carve out a human traffickers are based. Spain will have the last word Under the deal, however, “Under the New Year’s Eve effectively challenging him to strong identity for his group The traffickers launch on who enters Gibraltar under neither government has given Agreement only Gibraltar will act on his recent threats and which is struggling in opinion vessels, many of them flimsy a preliminary deal on border an inch in their claims to sov- decide who enters Gibraltar & abandon the coalition, thereby polls on around 3 percent. rubber dinghies or rickety arrangements for the UK ereignty over the territory, she Spanish officers will not exercise triggering an ill-timed crisis. “At this point, it is difficult fishing boats, crowded with territory, Foreign Minister told El Pais. any controls in Gibraltar at the Renzi told Il Messaggero to move ahead without a real migrants who hope to reach Arancha Gonzalez Laya told El “What we have seen is a Airport or Port now or in four newspaper at the weekend he clarification, in terms of the European shores to seek Pais in an interview. change of paradigm which is years time,” he said on Twitter. would not back down and dis- content and structure of the asylum. Responsibility for over- not made up with concessions “This is our land.” missed suggestions that Conte government,” Luigi Zanda, a Some are fleeing conflict seeing the new passport-free but by a convergence of Spain and the UK sealed a could persuade a limited senior PD senator, told Corriere or persecution, but many of Schengen agreement terms for interests between Gibraltarians last-minute accord on number of opposition politi- della Sera yesterday. the hundreds of thousands of entry to Gibraltar’s port and and Spaniards, both of whom December 31 to avoid stricter cians to prop up the gov- If the government falls, the migrants who have been airport, as envisaged in the are pro-European,” Gonzalez controls on movement of ernment if his small Italia Viva coalition parties could seek to rescued at sea in recent years accord, would be Spain’s, said. “This is the fruit of Brexit.” people and goods to the ter- party walked away. draw up a new pact and agree are fleeing poverty and thus Gonzalez told the newspaper. Separately, Fabian Picardo, ritory at the entrance to the “If he has decided to go to on a new team of ministers, are denied asylum by “Evidently, there must be a Gibraltar’s first minister, said Mediterranean that has been parliament and see the with or without Conte as prime European Union countries. Spanish presence to carry out that only the Gibraltarian under British control since 1713. numbers, we accept the minister. 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 Russia reports Search for missing continues in Norway landslide BLOOMBERG & AP — OSLO increase in new Norwegian rescuers have now recovered six bodies at a village hit by a landslide on Wednesday not far from the nation’s capital, cases, deaths with four people still missing. The latest two discoveries REUTERS — MOSCOW were made yesterday in the More than 800,000 wrecks of buildings in the same Russia yesterday reported an people in Russia have area as previous finds, Goran additional 24,150 new corona- been inoculated so far Syversen, head of the fire virus cases from the last 24 against the new brigade operation, told hours, including 3,851 in reporters. Rescuers worked Moscow, taking the national coronavirus and more than through the night and are still tally to 3,236,787. 1.5 million vaccine doses searching for survivors, he said. Authorities said an addi- have been dispatched, The quick-clay slide hap- tional 504 people had died, Health Minister Mikhail pened about 20km north of taking Russia’s official death Oslo and follows a month of toll to 58,506. Murashko said. Russia, record rainfall in the capital. On Saturday, Russia which began rolling out its About 1,000 people were evac- reported 26,301 new corona- Sputnik V vaccine in early uated from the area after the virus cases and 447 deaths. December, has the world’s landslide devastated large parts More than 800,000 people of the village. in Russia have been inoculated fourth higher number of Such landslides are known so far against the new corona- COVID-19 cases and is to occur in Norway and neigh- virus and more than 1.5 million putting high hopes on bouring Sweden when the quick vaccine doses have been dis- several vaccines it plans to clay common to some parts of patched, Health Minister Scandinavia fills with rainwater Norway Crown Prince Haakon arrives to meet relatives and evacuees after a landslide, at a hotel in Mikhail Murashko said on produce. and turns to liquid, according Gardermoen, Norway, yesterday. Saturday. to the Norwegian Geotechnical Russia, which began rolling Institute. conference. By late Saturday, a 300 meters (1,000 feet) wide. material that can change from out its Sputnik V vaccine in last week, causing frustration Several houses were carried second and third body had been At least nine buildings with solid to liquid form. Experts said early December, has the at home, with some people out into the sea due to a similar found after a first one was dis- over 30 apartments were the substance of the clay com- world’s fourth higher number arguing that more shots slide in June. No one was covered on Friday. Only a Dal- destroyed. bined with excessive precipi- of COVID-19 cases and is should be made available at injured in that event. matian dog has been rescued The rescue operation is tation and the damp weather putting high hopes on several home. Search teams patrolled with alive from the ruins so far. being hampered by the limited typical for Norway at this time vaccines it plans to produce. Meanwhile, Russia is ready dogs as helicopters and drones King Harald V, Queen Sonja number of daylight hours in of year may have contributed From January. 1, people to conduct clinical trials in with heat-detecting cameras and Crown Prince Haakon Norway at this time of year and to the landslide. who are inoculated in Russia Ukraine of a COVID-19 vaccine flew amid harsh winter condi- visited the disaster area yes- fears of further erosion. The Norwegian authorities in will get an electronic vacci- combining its Sputnik V with a tions over the ravaged hillside terday to pay their respects to ground is fragile at the site and 2005 warned people not to nation certificate, the Tass vaccine developed by Astra- in Ask, a village of 5,000 people. the victims and to meet with unable to hold the weight of construct residential buildings news agency quoted Murashko Zeneca together with Oxford Norwegian police pledged residents and rescue workers. rescue equipment, including a in the area, but houses were as saying. The ministry is University, the head of Russian not to scale down the search The 83-year-old monarch said heavy vehicle from the Nor- eventually built there later in keeping a database of Russians Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) even though a rescue team from in his New Year’s speech that wegian military. the decade. who have been vaccinated, said on Saturday. neighbouring Sweden has the royal family had been Over 1,000 people have Spokeswoman Toril Hof- Tass reported. Russia’s sovereign RDIF, already returned home. deeply moved by the tragedy. been evacuated, and officials shagen from the Norwegian The Sputnik V vaccine, which is marketing the Sputnik Local police chief Ida Melbo The landslide early said up to 1,500 people may be Water Resources and Energy which Russia already started V vaccine abroad, announced Oeystese said it may still be Wednesday cut across a road moved from the area amid fears Directorate called the landslide supplying to other countries, is in December trials to test a possible to find survivors in air through Ask, leaving a deep, of further landslides. unique in its destruction. administered in two doses, combination of the Astra- pockets inside the destroyed crater-like ravine. Photos and The exact cause of the “Not since 1893 has there which use different compo- Zeneca vaccine with the buildings. videos showed buildings accident is not yet known but been a quick clay landslide of nents, 21 days apart. Sputnik V shot to see if this can “Medically, you can survive hanging on the edge of the the Gjerdrum municipality, this dimension in Norway,” Russia sent 300,000 doses boost the efficacy of the British for several days if you have air,” ravine, which grew to be 700 where Ask is located, is known Hofshagen told the media on of the vaccine to Argentina drugmaker’s vaccine. she told reporters at a news meters (2,300 feet) long and for having a lot of quick clay, a Saturday. Brazil okays import Archbishop who angered Minsk of 2 million resigns after hitting age limit AstraZeneca vaccine doses REUTERS — MOSCOW for the president’s resignation since a disputed election on REUTERS — BRASILIA Pope Francis yesterday August 9. accepted the resignation of the The Archbishop was denied Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa head of the Catholic Church in entry to Belarus the same said late on Saturday it had Belarus, Archbishop Tadeusz month on his return from a cer- approved the import of 2 million Kondrusiewicz, who was emony in neighbouring Poland. doses of the COVID-19 vaccine banned from Belarus last year The event led to tensions developed by AstraZeneca and after angering President Alex- between the Church and the the University of Oxford, ander Lukashenko. government, and the Vatican although the jab is not yet Kondrusiewicz turned 75 sent a special envoy to nego- approved for use in the country. yesterday, the age at which tiate on Kondrusiewicz’s behalf, Anvisa said it approved bishops are required to submit with diplomats working for the importation request from resignation letters to the Pope, almost five months to secure federal government-affiliated which he then decides whether the Archbishop’s return. biomedical center Fiocruz on to accept. He returned to Belarus on Thursday. In a statement announcing December 24, when Christian Importing the doses prior the Archbishop’s resignation, the communities celebrate to approval will enable vacci- Vatican said Bishop Kazimierz Christmas Eve. Belarusians nation to begin as soon as Wielikosielec of the Diocese of overwhelmingly observe Anvisa okays its use, the reg- Pinsk in western Belarus would Orthodox Christianity, but the ulator said. Brazil has yet to Bolivia receives rapid test kits take his place. country has small Catholic approve any vaccine. Kondrusiewicz angered minorities, observing the Bolivian President Luis Arce during the arrival of a batch of 40,000 rapid test kits donated by the Fiocruz will apply for Lukashenko by defending the Roman rite common in Poland Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, at Viru Viru International emergency use of the vaccine rights of anti-government pro- or the Eastern rite found in Airport in Santa Cruz, 900km east of capital La Paz on Thursday. by Wednesday, its president, testers, who have been calling neighbouring Ukraine. Nísia Trindade, said last week. Brazil has recorded the second-deadliest outbreak of COVID-19 after only the Small-town Alabama resident transformed to protest leader United States. South America’s largest country has the third AP — ALBERTVILLE, ALABAMA people from the community will monument is gone, and county Black culture. protests began in the spring and highest tally of coronavirus start coming out, that they will officials haven’t made any move “I got to experience some- died out by the time the weather cases, with the health ministry During her final year at realize that this wasn’t a phase, to remove it. thing that I never got to expe- turned cool, demonstrations registering more than 7.7 Albertville High School in 2015, that, ‘They are serious and they Located 130km northeast of rience here in my hometown of have persisted in Albertville. million, after the United States teachers gave Unique Morgan need our help,’” she said. Birmingham on Sand Mountain, Albertville,” she said. The crowds aren’t huge, and and India. Dunston a citizenship award “Because we do.” a plateau near the Southern tip Aware of racial injustice like sometimes there are as many and fellow seniors voted her the The movement has some of the Appalachians, Albertville never before, Dunston came or more people from Bir- EU criticises class clown. Today, she’s the support: A retired county judge is a city of about 22,000 people home from Mobile to help mingham or Huntsville as there target of death threats and jeers wrote a public letter in Marshall County, where the organise two “unity marches” are locals standing with Bosnia’s handling on Main Street. endorsing the removal of the poultry industry and mid-sized in Marshall County in June after Dunston, who commutes to and of migrants The change is because of monument, and groups manufacturing plants employ police in Minneapolis killed from Mobile for events. what Dunston does now, not including the Council on thousands. George Floyd in May. Hundreds Travis Jackson, a Black Lives who she was years ago. A Black American-Islamic Relations Overwhelmingly white, the attended each, and most of the Matter activist who lives near QNA — SARAJEVO woman transformed by leaving have sided with Dunston. county’s population is about participants were white since Montgomery, said coming to a virtually all-white Alabama More than 3,300 people have 15% Hispanic, many of whom not many people of color live in protest in little Albertville is The European Union criti- hometown where new ideas signed an online petition sup- work in poultry plants, and the area. motivating. “I love every bit of cised Bosnia’s handling of the about race and justice run up porting the cause. only 3% Black, census figures Organising through social it,” he said. issue of displaced migrants against Old South traditions, Dunston has become a show. media and word of mouth, Dunston’s father is usually who were stranded on its Dunston has led regular protests lightning rod for criticism by Though her family has lived Dunston decided to take on the around in the background, territory on the borders with since August against a Confed- people who wish she’d just go in the county for decades, Confederate monument. keeping watch over his the EU, considering that their erate monument on the court away. Rather than removing the Dunston said she was one of Hopeful after the two marches daughter as a bodyguard, and lives are in danger and their lawn. stone monument, the county only two Black students in her drew so many people, Dunston mother Elizabeth Stewart is a conditions are completely Dunston and a small band has built a metal fence around graduating class of about 225 couldn’t help but notice the dif- participant. Counterprotesters unacceptable. of compatriots regularly chant it and passed a law to restrict people. With so few Black ference in turnout at the first are common, including an area The living conditions of anti-racist slogans, hold signs demonstrations, some of which people, Dunston said, there demonstration in August. Black man who supports the hundreds of homeless and use chalk to mark up the became shouting matches was little community “It probably went from 600 Confederate monument and migrants in Bosnia, bordering street with unrelenting between Dunston’s group, awareness of African (at the marches) to, the first time rebel flag. the European Union, are demands to take down the Reclaiming Our Time, and Con- American culture or attitudes we came out here, 15,” she said. Stewart said she recalls “completely unacceptable”, monument, which has an image federate sympathizers. when she was growing up. Online threats that began attending movies in a racially said EU’s Special Represent- of a rebel soldier holding a Con- “Everybody’s getting tired,” After graduating from during the marches became segregated theater in the county ative in Bosnia and Herze- federate battle flag. It was Marshall County Commission Albertville High School with more frequent, and the public as a girl, and she’s happy govina ,Johann Sattler. installed on public property by Chairman James Hutcheson accolades, Dunston enrolled jeers began. Dunston is speaking out now. “Lives and basic human the Sons of Confederate Vet- said in an interview. “People in college in the Gulf Coast city Several white men “I raised her to be just what rights of many hundreds of erans more than two decades want to move on with their lives of Mobile, with a population screamed at Dunston or blew her name says, Unique — the people are seriously jeop- ago with the county’s and move past this.” about about 190,000 people horns as they drove past a dem- only one,” she said. “I am very ardised,” he added after a permission. There’s no sign an end is that’s slightly more than half onstration held outside the proud of the message that God meeting with Bosnia’s Security “My hope and my desire is near: Dunston said the protests Black. Suddenly, she was courthouse in early December. sparked in her heart to stand Minister Selmo Cikotic. that as we continue, more will continue until the immersed in a city with a rich Unlike places where up.” MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 Congress opens session; Pelosi on track to be Speaker again

AP — WASHINGTON Nancy Pelosi saw a dozen incumbents lose, without be fatal. recently defeating a single GOP In addition, cooperation with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (picutred) seemed representative. Republicans could be made more dif- on track yesterday to renew her hold on suggested anew Pelosi recently suggested anew that ficult as many in the GOP are continuing the House’s top job, but ahead of her is that these would these would be her final two years as to demonstrate fealty to the divisive the challenge of producing legislation to speaker, referencing a statement she Trump, backing his unfounded claims tackle the pandemic and revive the be her final two made two years ago in which she said that his reelection loss was tainted by economy while leading the chamber’s years as Speaker, she would step aside after this period. fraud. Congress will meet Wednesday narrowest majority in two decades. referencing a The speaker’s election was coming to officially affirm Biden’s clear Elec- The new Congress convened yes- 17 days before Democrat Joe Biden is toral College victory over Trump. Many terday, just two days after lawmakers statement she inaugurated as president. Yet rather House and Senate Republicans say they wrapped up their contentious previous made two years than a fresh start for him and Pelosi, will contest the validity of some of those session and with COVID-19 guidelines there were issues and undercurrents votes, but their efforts that are certain requiring testing and masks for House ago in which she that will be carrying over from Trump’s to fail. members. There was widespread mask- said she would tempestuous administration. There was no widespread fraud in wearing and far fewer lawmakers and Though Congress enacted - and the election, which a range of election guests in the chamber than usual. It was step aside after Trump finally signed - a $900 billion officials across the country, as well as a scene unimaginable two years ago this period. COVID-19 relief package late last Trump’s former attorney general, when the last Congress commenced, month, Biden and many Democrats say William Barr, have confirmed. Repub- before the pandemic struck. they consider that measure a down lican governors in Arizona and Georgia, As usual, the House was using its of success in the midst of turbulent Pelosi won plaudits from many payment. They say more aid is needed key battleground states crucial to first vote to elect its speaker. Pelosi, who times in getting things done for eve- Democrats for two years of leading their to bolster efforts to vaccinate the public, Biden’s victory, have also vouched for has led House Democrats since 2003 ryday Americans,” said Jeffries, a opposition to President Donald Trump, curb the virus and restore jobs and busi- the integrity of the elections in their and is the only woman to be Speaker, member of his party’s leadership and a largely keeping her party’s moderates nesses lost to the pandemic. states. Nearly all the legal challenges was widely expected to retain her post leading contender to replace her and progressives united on their joint Many Democrats, with the unlikely from Trump and his allies have been despite grumbling among some Dem- whenever Pelosi steps down. goal of defeating him and raising moun- support of Trump, wanted to boost that dismissed by judges, including two ocrats, a slim 222-211 edge over Repub- To be reelected, Pelosi needed a tains of campaign funds. No Democrat bill’s $600 per person direct payments tossed by the Supreme Court, which licans and a handful of absences majority of votes cast for specific can- has stepped forward to challenge her, to $2,000 but were blocked by Repub- includes three Trump-nominated because of the coronavirus. There were didates and could afford to lose only a underscoring the perception that she licans. Democrats want additional justices. two vacancies in the 435-member handful of Democratic votes. House would be all but impossible to topple. money to help state and local govern- Meanwhile, it’s not clear which House. rules give her a bit of wiggle room But Pelosi is 80 years old, and ambi- ments struggling to maintain services party will control the Senate, which “No one counts better in the House because lawmakers who are absent or tious younger members continue and avoid layoffs. Biden’s priorities also Republicans will hold unless Democrats of Representatives than Nancy Pelosi,” who vote “present” are not counted in chafing at the longtime hold she and include efforts on health care and the win both Senate runoff elections in said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., in an the total number of those voting. other older top leaders have had on environment. Georgia on Tuesday. In the House, one interview, describing her vote-counting Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., may their jobs. Democrats were also angry Guiding such legislation through the race in New York is still being decided skills. “And she has earned the right to receive unanimous backing from and divided after an Election Day that House will be a challenge for Pelosi and there is a vacancy in Louisiana after continue to lead the House forward Republicans, but he seemed likely to many expected would to mean added because her party’s narrow majority GOP Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, 41, died because of an incredible track record once again be minority leader. House seats for the party but instead means just a handful of defectors could after contracting COVID-19. Vaccine rollout pace picking up after slow start: Fauci

BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK distribute a vaccine against the Centers for Disease Control and coronavirus, has so far failed to Prevention. “The numbers are The US government’s top meet projections for how real,” Fauci said. “Those are real infectious-disease doctor said quickly people will be inocu- numbers, real people, and real the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines lated. Two vaccines have been deaths.” On CNN, Adams said is picking up speed and could approved for use in the US. he had “no reason to doubt be fully on track within a week Officials have blamed the those numbers.” or so. inoculation delays on a del- New York state on Saturday “It’s just trying to get a icate vaccine with complex passed 1 million Covid-19 cases, massive vaccine program storage requirements, uncer- after a somber year in which started and getting off on the tainty over the supply of doses more than 30,000 of its resi- right foot. The important thing and strain on local health dents died from the virus. is to see what’s happening in agencies already facing his- More than a third of the the next week, to week and a toric challenges. state’s total cases were reported half,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said on On NBC Fauci noted the in December as cold weather ABC’s “This Week.” “multiple stages” involved, from nudged people indoors, hol- On CNN’s “State of the allocation to staging and distri- idays increased social gath- Union,” Surgeon General bution, and finally getting shots erings and residents tired of Senate runoff campaign Jerome Adams said the initial into people’s arms. restrictions. A woman waves an American flag at an outdoor campaign event for Democratic US Senate candidate vaccination program had been While the goal to have 20 “We need to double down Jon Ossoff ahead of US Senate runoff elections in Macon, Georgia, US, yesterday. superimposed upon a surge of million people vaccinated by on the things we talk about all coronavirus cases, which has the end of 2020 wasn’t the time,” notably wearing stressed health care resources achieved, that many doses masks, social distancing and in many areas, and on the should at least be shipped by avoiding “congregate” settings, Venezuelan indigenous man accused holiday season. the end of the first week in especially indoors, Fauci said Fauci, director of the January, Fauci said. on NBC. National Institute of Allergy and About 4.28 million doses The current jump in cases of raiding military post dies in jail Infectious Diseases, said that in had been administrated by Jan. “was predictable” given travel the past 72 hours, about 1.5 2, according to the Bloomberg and socializing over the hol- REUTERS — CARACAS from health problems. A court in ministry did not immediately million vaccine doses have News vaccine tracker. idays, he said. November had ordered his transfer reply to a request for comment. been administered, or about The number of US cases has Asked about the newer, A Venezuelan member of the to a medical facility, but author- The government frequently 500,000 per day, a substantial exceeded 20 million, with more more infectious COVID-19 Pemon indigenous group ities did not comply, according to accuses the opposition of pickup in pace. than 1 million in New York state strain that’s reached the US accused of aiding a raid on a Penal Forum attorney Olnar Ortiz. seeking to foment a violent “We are not where we want alone. US deaths attributed to and elsewhere in the world military post in late 2019 died “The regime let him die,” Ortiz coup to seize control of the to be, no doubt about that, but the coronavirus passed from the UK, Fauci repeated on Sunday in a jail close to said. Critics of President Opec nation’s vast oil reserves. I think we can get there if we 350,000 on Saturday. his advice from the start of the capital Caracas, rights group Maduro’s government call him a Some 12 other indigenous men really accelerate,” he said on President Donald Trump on pandemic: “The best way to Penal Forum said in a tweet. dictator who has systematically remain incarcerated under accusa- ABC. Sunday called cases and deaths counter this is to do the public Salvador Franco died just jailed opponents and denied tions of participating in the Operation Warp Speed, the in the US “far exaggerated” in health measures that prevent weeks after family members and them rights to due process. December 2019 raid on the federal effort to develop and a tweet criticising the US spread.” activists reported he was suffering Venezuela’s information outpost in southern Bolivar state. In recorded call, Trump pressures Georgia official to change results: Washington Post REUTERS — WASHINGTON Raffensperger, a fellow The audio excerpts pub- recording, insisting that there Republican, said Trump alter- lished by the Post confirmed was “no way” he lost the state. US President Donald Trump nately flattered, begged and that. The White House declined pressured Georgia’s top threatened Raffensperger with “The people of Georgia are to comment. Raffensperger’s election official to “find” vague criminal consequences angry, the people in the office did not immediately enough votes to overturn his in an attempt to undo his loss country are angry,” Trump respond to requests for defeat in the state, according in Georgia to Democratic Pres- said, according to an excerpt comment. Biden’s transition to audio of a Saturday phone ident-elect Joe Biden. of the recording published office had no immediate call obtained by the Wash- The newspaper said that online by the Post. “And comment. ington Post, in Trump’s latest throughout the call there’s nothing wrong with Georgia is one of several effort to push unfounded claims Raffensperger and his office’s saying, you know, um, that crucial swing states where of voter fraud. general counsel rejected you’ve recalculated.” Trump lost the November 3 The Washington Post, Trump’s assertions and told the “So look. All I want to do is election to Biden, and where which published excerpts yes- president that he was relying this. I just want to find 11,780 Trump has since made terday of the hour-long call on debunked conspiracy the- votes, which is one more than unfounded allegations of between Trump and Georgia ories about what was a fair and we have. Because we won the election fraud and sought to Secretary of State Brad accurate election. state,” Trump said in the overturn the results. One dead in shooting at church in East Texas AP — WINONA, TEXAS Sheriff’s office. Deputies were investigators are still gathering immediately reached for called to the church about a information. comment. Numerous state One person has been killed and reported shooting around 9:20 “I don’t think it’s going to be troopers and sheriff’s deputies another was wounded in a a.m., Christian said. Two any kind of hate motivation or could be seen outside the shooting at a church in East people were found shot, he anything,” Christian said. Gov. church, which was cordoned off Texas yesterday morning, a said. Greg Abbott sent his condo- with yellow tape yesterday Small plane crashes into house sheriff’s deputy said. He said there were no lences. “Our hearts are with the morning. Winona is a small A suspect who fled the Star- services going on when the victims and the families of those town about 160km east of Emergency personnel work at the scene after a small plane crashed rville Methodist Church near shooting took place. He could killed or injured in this terrible Dallas. Starrville Methodist was into a house in Lyon Township, Michigan, US, yesterday, in this still Winona after the shooting has not immediately provide more tragedy,” he said. built in 1853, according to the image obtained from a social media video. been arrested, said Sgt. Larry details on what happened or Representatives of Starrville Texas State Historical Christian of the Smith County who was involved, saying Methodist could not be Association. MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 16

EU ‘climate leader’ says 2020 has left him optimistic

BLOOMBERG Greenpeace to say, “this is made several what climate leadership looks other commit- The author of one of the most like,” and is part of a plan to ments in “We are going to spend PRAYER ambitious climate plans in the slash 70% off Denmark’s 2020. billions of euros on TIMINGS European Union says 2020 carbon emissions by 2030, These economic recovery in PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING was a turning point that’s left compared with 1990 levels. include plans Europe and if we are him optimistic about the More ambitious than the 55% to build two future of the planet. targeted by the EU, it puts the islands to smart and invest in green FAJR 04.58 am Although the year showed Danes at the absolute fore- house the infrastructure and energy SUNRISE 06.20 am the scale of the effort needed front of the bloc’s efforts to infrastructure efficiency, something -- with temperatures rising protect the environment. for new off- DHUHR 11.39 am good can actually come of despite lockdowns across the The pandemic triggered a shore wind this,” Jorgensen said. ASR 02.38 pm world that brought most wave of fiscal relief that’s farms, helping MAGHRIB 04.59 pm economies to a virtual stand- opened the door to some of Denmark still -- Danish Climate Min- the boldest climate initiatives move closer ISHA 06.29 pm ister Dan Jorgensen says yet. Eight of the world’s 10 to its ultimate there’s cause to be more largest economies, including goal of gener- upbeat. China and Japan, have set ating all its about change. He points to the EU’s latest goals to reach net-zero electricity Jorgensen says policy climate deal and the US emission within decades. Denmark Climate Minister Dan Jorgensen from makers need to keep the election, which will bring the US President-elect Joe renewable public on their side. He points world’s biggest economy back Biden wants the US to be electricity from wind power. energy sources. to France, where protesters into the Paris agreement. carbon neutral by 2050. Denmark is home to the The Social Democrat gov- in 2018 donned yellow vests “It is remarkable that “We are going to spend world’s biggest wind-turbine ernment Jorgensen is part of and took to the streets for closing down our societies has billions of euros on economic maker, Vestas Wind Systems has also had its critics when months after being angered WEATHER not led us anywhere near the recovery in Europe and if we A/S, and the world’s top it comes to the climate. Prime by hikes in fuel prices. TODAY level of reductions we need, are smart and invest in green developer of offshore wind Minister Mette Frederiksen The high cost of achieving so behavioural changes alone infrastructure and energy parks, Orsted A/S. The latter, has been accused of shying climate goals means “we need won’t do it,” Jorgensen said in efficiency, something good which is half owned by the away from using taxes to steer to think hard about how to an interview in Copenhagen. can actually come of this,” government, started off as a consumers and businesses approach it,” Jorgensen said. But while the analysis is often Jorgensen said. state oil and gas producer, but toward environmentally The hope is that Denmark can negative, “there are reasons Denmark’s path toward a reinvented itself half a decade friendly behavior. And efforts become a model for others to o o for optimism and to celebrate carbon-neutral economy sug- ago. to promote electric vehicles follow, he said. 19 C 24 C as well,” he said. gests there are financial Since then, its value has were slammed for lacking “If our plan would result Minimum Maximum Jorgensen ended the year rewards to be reaped. soared about 430%. ambition. in a decline in production or Misty to foggy at places at first with a pledge to cease oil The country started Aside from Denmark’s But the government has closing down some industries, becomes moderate temperature exploration in the EU’s biggest investing heavily in wind decision to phase out its North argued that investing in new no other countries would daytime with scattered clouds, relatively cold by night. crude producer. energy in the 1970s. It now Sea oil production, and end it technologies will ultimately think our plan was a good The move prompted gets more than 40% of its totally by 2050, the country prove the best way to bring idea.” W ALRUWAIS : 20o → 22o W ALKHOR : 14o → 24o W DUKHAN : 18o → 21o W WAKRAH : 12o → 24o MF Doom, masked rapper W MESAIEED : 12o → 24o W ABUSAMRA : 14o → 22o known for complex

HIGH TIDE lyrics, dead at 49 07:56 – 19:15 AP — LOS ANGELES albums under different stage LOW TIDE 01:38 – 15:57 names, including King MF Doom, a masked rapper Geedorah and Viktor Vaughn. who awed hip-hop fans and He collaborated with producer fellow musicians with intricate Madlib on the 2004 album wordplay, has died. He was 49. “Madvillainy,” which was con- Aquarium agrees The British-born rapper sidered his most celebrated rarely appeared in public in release. to delay beluga recent years without his sig- Dumile’s last solo studio nature mask, modelled after album, “Born Like This,” was whale delivery the Marvel Comics villain released in 2009. His most Doctor Doom. His death was recent album was a 2018 col- amid lawsuit confirmed on Thursday by laboration with the group Doom’s representative, Richie Czarface: “Czarface Meets AP — HARTFORD Abbott. Jasmine Dumile said in Metal Face.” a statement that her husband Dumile’s death, three years A Connecticut aquarium has — whose real name is Daniel after the death of his 14-year- agreed to delay its acquisition Dumile — died on October 31. old son, shocked the hip-hop Visitors wearing masks pose for photographs with divers in Korean traditional costumes Hanbok of five beluga whales for The cause of death has not world. “Someone just stabbed during an event to celebrate New Year at an aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. research amid a lawsuit by an been released. all my chakras,” rapper Pha- animal rights group trying to Jasmine Dumile posted a roahe Monch wrote on stop the delivery. photo of the rapper and a Instagram. “I’m angry. I’m hol- Mystic Aquarium will not heartfelt message on his lering and I’m crying.” import the whales before Divers in ‘Hanbok’ send festive Instagram pag e. She called him “RIP to another giant your March 31 to allow time for a the “greatest husband” and favourite MC’s MC.. MF Doom!! judge to decide the lawsuit and father and thanked him for crushing news...,” producer and avoid an effort by Friends of greetings from underwater showing her how not to be rapper Q-Tip wrote on social Animals to obtain a preliminary “afraid to love.” media. SEOUL injunction to stop the delivery, REUTERS — while because our family doesn’t people refrained from going out “Thank you for teaching me Music industry executive according to documents filed wear those on traditional hol- amid the third and largest wave how to forgive beings and give Dante Ross, who signed KMD in federal court in Hartford on Dressed in South Korea’s tradi- idays,” Yoo Hwan-girl, a 27-year- of coronavirus infections in the another chance, not to be so to its first record deal, said December 23. tional costume ‘Hanbok’, two old who came with his girlfriend, country. quick to judge and write off,” Dumile’s “life force was a met- Friends of Animals, based divers at a Seoul aquarium make said. It is the fifth year the Lotte “It’s unfortunate since (the she wrote. aphor for black men in this in Darien, Connecticut, filed the New Year bows to visitors from World Aquarium, which holds aquarium) could have been a “My world will never be the world. You took all the (bad lawsuit in September, saying the underwater. around 650 species of marine place where many people could same without you.” Dumile was things) sent your way and five belugas would be harmed Under mysterious yellow life, has held such a performance enjoy altogether if it wasn’t for born in London and raised in created beautiful art with it. by the trip from their current and blue lights in the country’s since it opened in mid-October the coronavirus,” a 36-year-old New York. He began his rap Tragedy was your fuel for home in Canada and by being largest 2,200-ton water tank 2014. But this year, along with a dad Han Sang-jin said, with his career in the late 1980s under reinvention.” torn from long-term relation- called ‘The Ocean’, the divers ‘Happy New Year’ banner the baby daughter held in his arms. the name Zev Love X as part of Behind the theatrics of the ships with others of their swam alongside stingrays, aquarium installs in the water Under its COVID-19 the group KMD, which included mask was a technically profi- species. sharks and other fish. each year, it installed another measures, the aquarium will be his younger brother DJ Subroc. cient lyricist. With a monotone The suit was filed against “It was a new and fun expe- banner saying ‘Let’s beat the hosting the event twice a day on The group released two delivery that concealed decep- Commerce Secretary Wilbur rience since I’ve never seen coronavirus wisely’. every Saturdays, Sundays and albums: “Mr. Hood” in 1991 and tively complex lyrics and rhyme Ross and the National Marine divers wearing hanbok in my life, The aquarium was quiet public holidays through to Feb- “Black Bastards” two years schemes, Doom evolved into a Fisheries Service. and I haven’t seen hanbok in a yesterday afternoon as many ruary 20. later. Subroc died shortly wordsmith that hip-hop’s top before the release of the second lyricists deeply admired. Each album. verse could require multiple Dumile took a step back listens to decipher the hidden Hollywood productions shut down as virus cases soar in LA from the public eye, then or multiple meanings of words. returned in the late 1990s In an interview last year AFP — LOS ANGELES epicentre of the coronavirus after restart of production last under his MF Doom persona. with Spin magazine, Dumile pandemic, topping 7,000 summer.” Beside a few dozen In 1999, he released his self- compared his songwriting to Most Hollywood productions COVID-19 hospitalisations for Los Angeles — the indie movies, very few feature produced debut album “Oper- “gymnastics on paper” and have shut down again until at the first time on Monday. nation’s most populous films resumed production in ation: Doomsday.” achieving “triple word scores” least mid-January, the movie The sprawling county of 10 county — has emerged the Los Angeles area this year, Dumile released six studio in Scrabble. industry’s acting union million people has suffered as the latest US with most filming activity announced, as COVID-19 cases nearly 750,000 cases epicentre of the restricted to commercials and soar to record levels in Los including just under 10,000 music video shoots. Angeles. deaths. coronavirus pandemic, In contrast, high-profile SAG-AFTRA said the Southern California’s topping 7,000 COVID-19 productions have resumed majority of entertainment “stay-at-home” order was hospitalisations for the abroad, including the latest productions will “remain on extended indefinitely on first time on Monday. Tom Cruise blockbuster hiatus until the second or third Tuesday, with multiple hos- “Mission Impossible 7” in the week of January if not later,” pitals overwhelmed and United Kingdom and Italy, and in a statement to members late forced to turn away TV series such as “Supergirl” Tuesday. ambulances. were at less than half their and “Batwoman” in Canada. The message comes after SAG-AFTRA has steered usual activity levels in Lack of coronavirus Los Angeles county health months-long efforts to restart October, before again insurance continues to officials on Christmas Eve Hollywood since its initial declining as Covid cases began hamper productions hoping to urged filmmakers to “consider March shutdown, co-signing to soar. restart. pausing work for a few weeks a deal with top studios in Sep- Film LA, the body that SAG-AFTRA said it would during this catastrophic surge tember to ramp up on-set grants permits for productions ensure “appropriate precau- in COVID cases.” coronavirus safety measures around Los Angeles, said tions for the holiday hiatus Los Angeles — the nation’s for its actors, including testing. applications to film have period including additional most populous county — has Even so, Los Angeles recently sunk to “lows we time for testing prior to the emerged as the latest US entertainment productions have not seen since the weeks resumption of production.” MF Doom during a performance.