RAJAB 9, 1442 AH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021

16 Pages Max 21º Min 09º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18366 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Group demands clear plan Set up, demolish, repeat: Israel Ancient Jordan site restoration Osaka dominates Brady 3 to resume classes in Kuwait 5 targets Bedouin tent community 13 brings jobs for locals, refugees 16 to win Australian Open

Some arrivals exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine

Interior minister urges travelers to abide by new instructions

KUWAIT: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Friday that Kuwaiti patients and students, unac- companied under-18-year-old travelers, diplomats and medical staff arriving from coronavirus high-risk coun- tries are exempt from hotel quarantine, provided that they quarantine at home for the entire 14-day period. As of Sunday, Feb 21, arrivals from these countries via direct flights will have to quarantine at a local hotel for 14 days at their own expense, the DGCA said in a press statement. Those arriving from other countries will have to quarantine at a local hotel for only seven days at their own expense and isolate themselves for another seven days at their homes. The DGCA added that all travelers have to register on its Kuwait Mosafer platform. Those who do not register will not be allowed to board the plane, it warned. Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali Al-Sabah on Thursday called on travelers to abide by all health and regulatory instructions related to the fight against the coronavirus. The minister also asked all travelers to and from Kuwait to register on the Kuwait Mosafer applica- tion for all health and safety instructions and guidelines, according to a statement by ministry’s department of security media and public relations. Sheikh Thamer said all travelers have to make prior reservations for hotel quarantine and pay for two PCR tests in Kuwait. The minister called on both nationals and residents to be committed to the instructions set by the health authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19. Travelers will be allowed to travel only after registering KUWAIT: The Central Bank building and Souq Sharq are illuminated in the colors of the national flag yesterday as Kuwait prepares to celebrate its 60th on the Kuwait Mosafer app and complete hotel reserva- National Day and 30th Liberation Day. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat tion measures, he stressed. — KUNA

for the less well-off. With 45 percent of injections and efficacy and invites donation of vaccine doses News in brief World tops 200m so far among the rich club - which accounts for just from developed economies to low- and middle- 10 percent of the global population - the G7 on income countries and other countries in need.” US reaffirms Saudi partnership Friday said its aid to projects like the World Health Meanwhile Russia pressed ahead with its home- vaccine doses; G7 Organization’s Covax now amount to $7.5 billion. grown vaccination program, saying 120,000 doses RIYADH: Washington has reaffirmed its The increased pledges from the US, Germany, of its third authorized coronavirus vaccine, CoviVac, “strategic defense partnership” with Riyadh in boosts funding France, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada came as will reach people by March, following in the foot- the face of increased attacks by Yemeni rebels. permanent UN Security Council member Britain steps of the Sputnik V and EpiVacCorona shots. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned PARIS: The number of coronavirus vaccine doses showed a draft resolution to other countries on the The new vaccine, still in final stage clinical trials, the Houthi attacks in a telephone conversation administered worldwide passed 200 million yester- global body, calling for wealthy nations to share was produced by the state-run Chumakov Centre Thursday with his Saudi counterpart, Crown day, an AFP count showed, as wealthy G7 countries doses with poor and war-torn states. Seen by AFP, based in Moscow and employed a different method Prince Mohammed bin Salman. — AFP pledged to more than double aid to support access the text “emphasizes the need for solidarity, equity, Continued on Page 2

Women ‘limit behavior’ “as amicable as a divorce can be”. Kim files Kardashian, 40, is asking for joint VIENNA: A huge majority of young European custody of the couple’s four children, women limit where they go or who they spend it added, with her lawyer Laura time with for fear of assault or harassment, for divorce Wasser reportedly handing in the according to a report published Friday. divorce papers Friday. Kardashian’s “Shockingly, 83 percent of women aged from Kanye publicist confirmed the divorce filing between 16 and 29 limit where they go or who but did not provide further details. they spend time with to protect themselves,” the LOS ANGELES: Reality TV star Kim The pair, who began dating in 2012 report from the Vienna-based Fundamental Kardashian has filed for divorce from and married in a lavish ceremony in Rights Agency said. — AFP rapper Kanye West after almost seven Italy two years later, rapidly became years of marriage, her publicist told one of the world’s most instantly rec- Trump ally violated embargo AFP Friday. The mega-celebrity cou- ognizable couples. ple’s divorce proceedings come just But their union has been dogged

weeks after US media reported the for months by reports in the gossip WASHINGTON: Private security contractor pair were living separately and going press that their marriage was on the and ally of former US President Trump Erik rocks as West has battled with mental through counseling dealing with “reg- LOS ANGELES: US media personality Kim Kardashian West and husband US Prince violated a United Nations arms embargo ular relationship issues”. Celebrity health issues and launched an improb- on Libya, UN investigators have found. The con- able and controversial foray into rapper Kanye West attend the WSJ Magazine 2019 Innovator Awards at gossip site TMZ - which broke the MOMA in this Nov 6, 2019 file photo. — AFP fidential report to the Security Council said news Friday -said the separation was Continued on Page 2 Prince deployed a force of foreign mercenaries and weapons to strongman Khalifa Haftar. The accusation exposes Prince to possible UN sanc- themselves plunged into pandemic- tions, including a travel ban. — AFP Food poverty driven poverty. “Finding food here is hard - prices Google fires AI researcher are higher compared to India,” said hits foreign Jay Patel, an Indian student among

those waiting outside the Newham SAN FRANCISCO: Google said Friday it fired Community Project, a local charity a lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, students in UK handing out the foodstuffs. The 19- following controversy last year over the tech LONDON: On a recent rainy evening year-old, who is studying at the giant’s dismissal of a black colleague who was in East London, dozens of young peo- University of Greenwich in southeast an outspoken diversity advocate. “I’m fired,” ple lined up outside a cramped com- London, said he has been unable to Margaret Mitchell announced on Twitter. munity hub to collect rice, vegetables get a part-time job during the health Google told AFP that after reviewing “this man- and other food essentials. In the line crisis and could not ask his family ager’s conduct, we confirmed that there were were foreign students who came to back in India for money. The food multiple violations of our code of conduct, as Britain to pursue their dreams of bank, which conducts the handouts LONDON: An international student leaves after collecting food packages from well as of our security policies.” — AFP higher education, but have found Continued on Page 2 the Newham Community Project food bank on Feb 16, 2021. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Sunday, February 21, 2021 Local Kuwait lists further 862 COVID-19 cases, five deaths

Slight drop in number of patients in hospitals, ICUs KUWAIT: Kuwait said 862 people workers conducted 7,601 swab tests acquainted with recommendations rumors. The government had shut tested positive for coronavirus with over the past 24 hours, while the num- and guidelines regarding the virus. down salons, barbershops, gyms and five related deaths reported yester- ber of swabs announced Friday was The slight drop in infected cases massage parlors for a month starting day, taking the total cases and deaths and patients in hospital comes as a from February 7, and ordered com- to 183,322 and 1,039 respectively. The slight relief as authorities mull all sce- mercial shops, restaurants, cafes and health ministry had reported 976 new narios to help curb the spread of the malls to close at 8:00 pm. infections and seven deaths on Friday. 934 novel coronavirus since the recent Meanwhile, the airport prepares Meanwhile, total recoveries rose to spike. The government had Thursday today to welcome flights under strict 171,260 as the ministry announced recoveries quashed rumors that a decision to regulations, which includes a manda- 934 new recoveries yesterday and impose a lockdown to contain the tory quarantine in a local hotel for 14 920 on Friday. in 24 hours spread of the coronavirus pandemic. days for arrivals from high-risk coun- The number of people hospitalized “No decision has been issued to tries through direct flights, and seven with the virus stood yesterday at impose a partial or total lockdown. days in a hotel for arrivals from non- 11,023, with 146 of them in intensive However, all options to face the con- high-risk countries, followed by a sev- care units (ICU), according to min- 10,016, bringing the total to 1,725,698. sequences of the COVID-19 are on en-day home quarantine period. istry spokesman Dr Abdullah Al- He renewed the call to the public to the table of the health authorities,” Travelers must register in the ‘Kuwait Sanad. This is down from 11,100 hos- continue observing social distancing. government spokesman Tareq Al- Mosafer’ platform, and those who fail pitalized patients and 148 ICU Furthermore, he recommended visit- Mazrem said on his Twitter account. to do so will not be allowed to board patients announced on Friday. Dr ing the ministry and official bodies’ He called on all to comply with health the plane, the Directorate General of Sanad added yesterday that health accounts on social media to get measures and to stay away from Civil Aviation warned.

Six rescued from Um Al-Haiman house fire

KUWAIT: Firemen rescued six persons who were trapped in a house in Um Al-Haiman yesterday. Um Al-Haiman and Mina Abdullah Fire Stations responded to an emergency call reporting the fire, and they were able to evacuate the house before tackling the blaze. Five children and a woman were taken to hospital as investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, Kuwait Fire Force said in a press statement.

try’s thousands of homeless people up the priority year-old daughter North, son Saint, five, daughter World tops 200m list for vaccines, placing them on a par with the eld- Kim files Chicago, three, and 21-month-old son Psalm. erly and the chronically ill and reaching 300 in the Aside from family visits, West has been living at first days of the drive. “These people are among the his sprawling ranch in Wyoming in recent months, vaccine doses; G7... most exposed to infection risk. It’s hard for most of for divorce... while Kardashian and the children stayed in them to follow infection control measures,” junior California. It would be the first divorce for West and Continued from Page 1 health minister Andrei Baciu told AFP. Even as Continued from Page 1 the third for Kardashian, who came to fame with the countries move forward with vaccinations, the death US reality TV series “Keeping Up with the of development from Sputnik and EpiVacCorona, toll is ticking upwards, with an AFP tally reaching US politics. West, 43, has opened up about his Kardashians” which followed the lives of her family using an inactive virus. “Today Russia is the only more than 2.45 million worldwide by 1100 GMT struggles with bipolar disorder. members in Los Angeles. country in which there are already three vaccines yesterday, with almost 111 million cases. In July last year the mercurial entertainment mogul Chicago-raised rapper and record producer for the prevention of COVID infection,” Prime Despite the still alarming figures, it could be an launched a bid for the US presidency with a rambling West has won 21 Grammys. He burst onto the rap Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. uphill struggle to get some vaccinated as skepticism speech during which he revealed he had wanted to scene on his production chops, before delivering a And New Zealand began what director-general remains entrenched. US President Joe Biden on abort his daughter, and broke down in tears. He also string of critically acclaimed studio albums, selling of health Ashley Bloomfield called a “small but Friday reassured people the shots were safe as he posted a series of tweets, later deleted, that accused over 20 million copies. He has made a very public important step in a long journey” by launching jabs visited a Pfizer factory in Michigan. “Please, for his wife and mother-in-law of trying to lock him up, turn to Christian evangelism in recent years, finally for high risk citizens and those returning from over- yourself, your family, your community, this country, and suggested he was seeking a divorce. releasing his long-awaited gospel album. seas, along with border and quarantine workers. take the vaccine when it’s your turn and it’s avail- Kardashian called on the media and public to The pair began dating in 2012 while Kardashian Neighboring Australia is set to start its own scheme able. That’s how we beat this pandemic,” he said. show “compassion and empathy” following her hus- was going through divorce proceedings with sec- band’s erratic behavior. “Those that understand tomorrow. And with vaccines yet to reach the majority of ond husband Kris Humphries. First child North was mental illness or even compulsive behavior know In Argentina, health minister Gines Gonzalez people almost everywhere, countries continue to born in June 2013, and the couple married the fol- that the family is powerless unless the member is a Garci resigned late Friday after it emerged that he resort to familiar methods to limit infections. lowing year at a 16th-century fortress in Florence, minor,” Kardashian said in her lengthy Instagram had been helping friends skip the line for vaccine Senegal’s government said yesterday it would Italy after a pre-wedding celebration held at post in July. The couple has four children: Seven- shots. President Alberto Fernandez called on him to extend for a further month an overnight 9 pm to 5 Versailles palace in France. — AFP quit after a 71-year-old journalist, Horacio am curfew, first introduced in early January in capi- Verbitsky, announced on the radio that his long- tal Dakar and the western Thies region. the need was enormous, so we’ve just decided to standing friendship with the minister helped him get Meanwhile French health minister Olivier Veran Food poverty carry on. And the numbers have just been basically vaccinated in his office ahead of the general popu- said he had asked a top local official to “toughen increasing every week.” Ismail estimated he now lation. Local media reported that other people close up” a curfew in southeastern city Nice and the sur- helps around 2,000 households weekly - including to the government were also vaccinated at the rounding Alpes-Maritimes department faced with hits foreign... some groups of up to 15 students crowded into sin- health ministry. rising cases - or even return to a “partial or full gle flats, given London’s high rental costs. In Romania, the government pushed the coun- lockdown”. —AFP Continued from Page 1 The majority of foreign students in Britain are non-European, with more than 400,000 coming in three nights a week, has become a lifeline for Patel 2020, mostly from China and India, according to the and other foreign students facing a similar plight. “I Higher Education Statistics Agency. At the Newham actually arrived at the wrong time,” he added of food bank, almost all are from India. Ismail noted coming to the UK. “It’s a very difficult situation. they are typically from poor families. Often their Without this support, I guess we would have to start parents sold jewelry and other possessions of value starving.” Britain - which is among the hardest hit to fund their children’s relocation to the UK. countries in Europe from the coronavirus, registering Volunteer Aamena Ismail, 21, added that their nearly 120,000 deaths and severe economic fallout - student visas do not allow them to access any gov- is a popular destination for foreign students. ernment support. “It’s honestly heartbreaking, they Repeated lockdowns across the country, requiring all come in hoping for a better life,” she said. “The UK hospitality venues and non-essential retail shops to government needs to take into account that this close, have led to millions losing their jobs. Students, policy is just unfair.” who often work in low-pay roles in restaurants, bars Alpef Shaik, 23, is one such student who came to and stores, have struggled in particular. Britain to fulfill the dream of his uneducated parents Despite frigid temperatures and driving rain, the that he get “a better education” for himself. Six line outside the Newham Community Project months after his arrival to complete a masters remained long throughout the evening until the doors course at the University of East London, the pan- closed at 11:00 pm. Volunteers have become familiar demic hit and resulting lockdowns began. “Things with some of the regulars, who have been visiting the changed very much and it got worse, worse, worse,” he told AFP, noting it scuppered his studies and food bank every week for more than six months. part-time job. Shaik said the costs of living and Inside, they busily pack bags with the packets of studying in the UK were now “not worth it”. “I’m rice and other essentials, including ingredients to paying for a Rolls-Royce and I’m getting an old make vegetarian or halal meals. The grassroots normal Toyota car,” he added. organization, first formed in 2008 to help the needi- Mohammed Ahmed, 25, came to London to sup- est in Newham - one of the more deprived areas of port his wife, who is studying at the private BPP the British capital - began its food distribution efforts University, but now also fears their future is in jeop- during the first lockdown last April, when Ramadan ardy. “Due to this pandemic situation, we can’t fulfil began. “We started with about 20 food packs a day PORTAGE, Michigan: US President Joe Biden tours the Pfizer Kalamazoo Manufacturing Site our expectations,” he said. “If the situation contin- but slowly, within a couple of weeks, we were getting ues like this, I’ll need to go back to my country, with CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla on Friday. — AFP 800 students,” said manager Elyas Ismail. “We saw because we can’t survive.” — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Sunday, February 21, 2021 Group demands clear plan to resume classes in Kuwait ‘Education First Kuwait’ says classes should return as soon as possible

By Ben Garcia When will be the start of face-to-face classes - KUWAIT: A year after in-person classes were we need to know by halted, a group called ‘Education First Kuwait’ now,” she demanded. has demanded the education ministry must lay According to down a clear roadmap for face-to-face classes to Mashaan, the govern- resume as soon as possible. Dr Duna Al- ment must understand Mashaan, education consultant and one of the that based on studies, group’s advocates, spoke to Kuwait Times on the face-to-face classes are one-year anniversary of school closures in not likely to be main Kuwait at Bcurious Preschool in Shuhada. COVID superspreader “One year is very long. Countries around us in events. “Based on previ- the Middle East and even other countries in the ous studies, face-to-face West are back to traditional classes, of course classes are not spread- Dr Duna Al-Mashaan with strict implementation of health protocols. If ers of the disease, but they can, why can’t we,” she asked. Mashaan said restaurants and gatherings at diwaniyas and wed- engage in dangerous activities such as unsu- sider their decision to suspend face-to-face until now there has been no clear plan or path for dings are. New York schools are at 0.5 percent pervised Internet browsing, bullying of sib- classes and their desire to go back to tradi- action to go back to traditional face-to-face infection rates only compared to the community lings and withdrawal, she added. tional classes as soon as possible. classes, adding “365 days without traditional spread of over 3 percent. In Qatar, there is only a “Children need to socialize to develop their Rakan, an eighth-grade student at an classes affects the learning abilities of our stu- 0.7 percent infection rate, while the community sense of self. They can see themselves through international school in Kuwait, said he miss- dents and can affect our children’s academic and spread is much higher at 12-13 percent,” she said. their peers. They are missing this part of es traditional school very much, especially mental abilities too.” Education First Kuwait is advocating for a growing up and we need to be reminded that his classmates. “I miss the stories we shared “We must do something about this. We call hybrid form of face-to-face classes. “If there are we are in charge of these children. We have to every day; the laughter and running around upon the government to set a clear roadmap for 20 students in one classroom, 10 must come to do our part and not deny them and not deprive the school campus. I am a grade-8 student schools on where to go and the fastest way to school and the other 10 must attend online class- them of this important part of their social and am not very keen on continuing school- return to the traditional school setting. es at home and vice-versa - alternate students being,” Mashaan said. ing online. I miss my classmates and my reg- September is coming, the next school year is who attended classes at school today and the Dr Mashaan graduated from The College of ular activities like football, swimming and coming, but there is no clear plan yet. They only next day,” Mashaan said. “We need to be cre- William & Mary with a PhD in Education tennis. Before, I was preoccupied with all talk about bringing back traditional classes, but ative; we need to ask our government to allow Policy, Planning and Leadership. She earned these activities, but they all stopped. I hope any plan has to be rolling by now because other traditional classes as soon as possible. If they her Master’s degree from New York University we can go back to school and to regular countries around us in the Middle East are back plan to do this in September, by now we should in Early Children’s Education, specializing in sports activities very soon,” he told Kuwait to traditional schooling,” Mashaan said. be ready with a clear path forward.” Montessori education. Mashaan has carried Times. out cutting-edge research in the field of child Rakan said one year is too long for online ‘Live with COVID’ Children ‘unhappy’ education at some leading US universities, and home schooling. “I am more motivated study- “We have to learn to live life with COVID - this Based on studies, according to Mashaan, also applied her findings at some of New ing if I can see my peers and classmates in a COVID will stay till kingdom come! We need a the closure of schools only brought children York’s finest early childhood schools. regular classroom setting. There are assign- plan; we need radical actions in the sector of edu- unhappiness, uneasiness, lack of motivation Mashaan said her group has been trying ments and deskwork in the online setup, but cation because we are already left behind. It is and loss of social skills. Because of non-tradi- their best to talk to Kuwait’s decision- and face-to-face classes are far different from affecting our children, so we want to see a plan. tional schooling, children are beginning to policy-makers since April last year to recon- being at home with limited spaces,” he said.

she indicated. Azoulay urged for keeping schools tries. The pandemic had affected the education of UNESCO: COVID open and also called for reopening educational female students and also led to students in lower- institutes at the nearest possible opportunity with and middle-income countries to lose four months’ necessary health guidelines and precautions put in worth of education while their counterparts in high- caused biggest place. income countries also lost about six weeks of edu- The Director General pointed out that UNESCO cation, Azoulay said. educational supported online studying and distance learning, The UNESCO Director General also warned that but stressed that it should not replace education at some 450 million students worldwide were not able schools and universities. Being at school and inter- to benefit from distance education, pointing out that disruption in history acting with students and teachers are very impor- four out of five students in Africa were unable to tant aspects of the educational process and it is use this method compared to their counterparts in PARIS: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic necessary for governments and organizations to Western Europe and North America where one out had caused possibly the biggest educational dis- find means to protect students’ health and also of seven students have this privilege. In regards to ruption in history with the closure of schools and boost their academic interests and wellbeing. When impact of COVID-19 on culture, Azoulay said that universities in many countries, Director General of the pandemic reached its peak in the spring of some 54 percent of World Heritage sites are closed United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 2020, around 1.6 billion students abstained from or partially closed and affects employment with Organization (UNESCO) Audrey Azoulay said going to schools in some 190 countries, an equiva- workers becoming on the verge of poverty due to Audrey Azoulay Friday. In an exclusive statement to KUNA, Azoulay lent of 90 percent of students worldwide. the fact that some 13 percent of museums around indicated that closures had added up to problems Over a year had passed since COVID-19 spread the world will not reopen due to hard lockdowns. cyber platforms to review their tax policies for said facing education prior to the spread of the virus and above 800 million students are facing disrup- UNESCO, she stressed, will stand in solidarity products to help culture and art thrive once more. with major shifts affecting almost all educational tion in education due to partial closure of schools or with cultural sites’ employees in addition to artists Authorities of course must also play their part in entities worldwide. If the situation continued, the decreasing school hours, revealed Azoulay who to keep art and culture alive. She added that supporting cultural sector employees within the losses will be immeasurable especially in the case of added the gap in funding education annually might UNESCO encouraged supporting artists in the cul- grand plan of recovery from the impact of the coro- children who will have their mental health at risk, increase to $200 billion especially in poor coun- tural sector by buying their products and urged navirus. —KUNA

Bhutan Ambassador congratulates Kuwait

KUWAIT: The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the State of Kuwait released the fol- lowing statement congratulating the government and people of Kuwait on the occasion of the 60th National Day and 30th Liberation Day of Kuwait: “On the joyous occasion of the 60th National Day and the 30th Anniversary of the Liberation Day of the friendly country of Kuwait, His Majesty the King and the Royal Family of Bhutan, the government and the people of Bhutan, join me in sending our warm felicitations and Tashi Delek to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the friendly peo- ple of Kuwait. “Over the years, Kuwait has witnessed rapid development in various fields. Politically, the gov- ernment has succeeded in establishing deep rooted principles of democracy, people’s partici- pation in decision making, freedom of speech and expression. Economically, there is rapid progress in its path to transform the country into an eco- nomic and financial hub in the region. In diplo- matic front, His Highness the Amir continues to be the leading voice on the world stage for peace, moderation and friendly relations. “I am confident that the close and deep rooted ties of friendship, understanding and cooperation between Bhutan and Kuwait, will continue to grow under the wise, dynamic and enlightened leader- ship of our two leaders, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait and His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. “May I avail this opportunity to extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes for His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister, personal well-being, happiness and health as well as for continued peace, progress and prosperity of our friendly people of Kuwait.” 4 Established 1961 Local Sunday, February 21, 2021

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Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf

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GCC concerned over Somalia developments

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council described the death and injury of several people in Somalia amid clash- es as “tragic,” saying it was concerned about these recent KUWAIT: The Friday Market decorated to celebrate Kuwait’s 60th National Day and 30th Liberation Day. —Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh developments. According to reports, armed clashes erupted on Friday between security forces and gunmen at the capital, Mogadishu, leading to the casualties. In a statement, GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf urged calm and for the sides to resolve their differences peacefully, through negotiations and constructive dia- logue, to reach national consensus. Ooredoo celebrates Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the Saudi government was following with “great concern” the recent developments in Somalia, which have reportedly seen people killed and wounded at the capital Mogadishu. According to reports, several people were killed and Kuwait’s National Days injured amid armed clashes between government forces and armed protesters. In a statement, Riyadh urged “calm KUWAIT: and de-escalation,” calling on Somalis to reach a “solution February is Kuwait’s special month. On wise, are a blend of classi- based on raising the spirits of the people, strength- by peaceful means through dialogue in a way that pre- the occasion of the country’s independence and lib- cal Arabic and Kuwaiti ening and solidifying the citizens’ relationship with serves the security, stability and unity” of the country. eration anniversaries, Ooredoo Telecom, the first to dialect, to reflect the same their homeland. In the meantime, Egypt called on all Somali parties to introduce innovative digital services in Kuwait, spirit of harmony between Moreover, the name of the song was inspired by exercise restraint, adhere to peaceful means and dialogue, launched its unique national song as a commemora- the traditional and the the fact that Ooredoo Kuwait is close to all and only and hold free, fair and transparent elections. In a state- tive gift to Kuwait and its people. The song is intend- modern in contemporary one step away from customers to better serve them, ment, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed ed to develop and promote a culture of initiative, Kuwait. This perfect blend meet all their demands and improve their experi- that it follows up closely and with more attention with the making young individuals its main characters and makes the song a shining ence. The song is sung by Kuwaiti artists, Abdulaziz political developments in Somalia after the outbreak of boosting their creativity, talent, citizenship and soli- example to others. Louis and Queen G, written by lyricist Saad Al- violence in the capital Mogadishu. The statement affirmed darity, in adherence to national values. Every life has a rhythm, Musallam, and produced and executed by Senyar Egypt’s call for all political parties in Somalia to “work At the same time, the song also comes as part of every rhythm has a pat- Yousef Al-Shallal Group. Commenting on the launching of the song, together to address the causes of the current crisis and Ooredoo Kuwait’s corporate social responsibility tern, and every pattern has Yousef Al-Shallal, Director of Marketing at Ooredoo reach a solution for it.” It also called on all partners to program and in its constant efforts to unleash young a segment that admires it. Kuwait, said: “we seize every opportunity to share provide support and assistance to Somalia “to overcome people’s creativity and innovation, and mirror the Thus, each segment has its unique way to celebrate the community its pride in the homeland. Today, we the current situation and achieve peace and stability in diversity in Kuwait’s cultural music and heritage. The life and its occasions, some prefer spending time in celebrate the independence of the State of Kuwait, the country.” The statement affirmed Egypt’s call and song’s video blends between the traditional Kuwaiti serenity scrolling their devices, while others tend appreciating the country we live in, and honoring support for all political efforts aimed at resolving the cur- heritage and culture with contemporary and trendy more to discover music that fills them with emotions, young talents.” rent political situation that would guarantee the Somali youth culture, to reflect the deep-rooted love and and of course for those who love to meditate, prefer people’s hopes for security, stability, development and devotion that the people from across all Kuwait’s sitting on the seashore contemplating its accelerating eliminating the threat of terrorism. diverse society have for their country. The lyrics, like- waves and the reflection of the city lights on its sur- face, so their imagination reaches the sky. Not to forget our beloved children, and what awaits them from a shining future, they have their innocent way to celebrate. Some of them love ele- gancy and celebrate their white clothes that simply resemble their innocence and childhood. There, Ooredoo Tower stands tall in the midst of the accelerating technological civilization, preserving the originality and heritage of which our beloved country, Kuwait, is proud of. Ooredoo Kuwait believes in the patriotic song as one of the most A scene from the music video. important national symbols of the state, which is

Abdulaziz Louis

Queen G

Kuwaiti oil price down to $61.39 pb

KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti oil went down by $2.66 to $61.39 per barrel Friday as opposed to $64.05 the day before, said the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) yesterday. Globally, the price of the Brent crude went down by $1.02 to $62.91 per barrel, the same case with the West Texas Intermediate, which went down by $1.28 to $59.24 pb. — KUNA International SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 Biden declares America and Six people shot with live rounds at Myanmar anti-coup protest Page 7 transatlantic alliance ‘back’ Page 6

Asylum seekers wait outside the El Chaparral border crossing port as they wait to cross into the United States in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico on Friday. —AFP First group of 25 asylum-seekers enters US Biden immigration reforms take effect, but thousands still stuck in limbo

TIJUANA, Mexico: A first group of 25 asylum-seekers tration to quicken the process to safely welcome all people most recognized that they had not yet initiated an izenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants crossed the US border Friday under President Joe Biden’s who suffered under MPP. For the families who have been asylum procedure. “The truth is I don’t have an already living in the United States. sweeping immigration reforms, while thousands more wait- forced to live in danger, there is no more time to wait.” appointment,” said Haitian migrant Geraldine Nacice, In the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, a 37- ed in Mexico hoping that they, too, would be allowed in. According to the US Department of Homeland Security who has family waiting for her in the United States. year-old who fled domestic abuse in El Salvador with Under former president Donald Trump’s “Remain in (DHS), there are approximately 25,000 active cases. “I can’t go back to my country any more. There’s her four children said she was optimistic things would Mexico” program, tens of thousands of non-Mexican asy- Mexico says 6,000 remain on its territory. Candidates are war in Haiti right now,” she said, referring to the polit- get better under Biden. lum seekers-mostly from Central America-were sent back tested for the coronavirus before crossing, a senior DHS ical turmoil shaking her country. The “Remain in The woman, who asked not to be named for safety over the border pending the outcome of their applications. official said. Mexico” program was part of Trump’s hardline plan to reasons, had a US court hearing in December Biden’s administration moved quickly to start dismantling Only those who have begun the process of applying for fight undocumented immigration, along with the con- 2019.But the pandemic and Trump’s tough immigra- the controversial policy, officially called the Migrant asylum will be considered for entry. Tensions were high on struction of a border wall and a policy which separat- tion policies mean her asylum case has seen little Protection Protocols (MPP), with a first stage that began the border as migrants waited to see if they would be ed children from thousands of migrant families. progress. Her dream is for her children to have a good on Friday. allowed to cross over. After Biden took office on January 20, his adminis- education. A group of 25 migrants crossed the border by bus from “Nobody knows anything. There’s tension. Stress is tration announced that it would reverse the most con- “It’s hard to tell your children that everything is the Mexican city of Tijuana accompanied by representa- mounting,” Cuban lawyer Joel Fernandez said. troversial measures. On Thursday, Biden’s Democrats going to be fine when you feel like the world is crash- tives of UN refugee agency UNHCR, according to an AFP The 52-year-old crossed 11 countries to arrive in unveiled legislation for his plan to create a path to cit- ing down on you,” she said. —AFP journalist. A shelter official in San Diego, who asked not to January 2020 in a camp in Matamoros across the border be named, later confirmed that they had arrived at a hotel from Texas where he is staying with hundreds more there, although their final destinations were unknown. migrants. “I’ve withstood all the tests that God put in front of me on this difficult journey,” he said. “Now I want the ‘Inhumane policy’ prize: to have my residency, to work, to bring my wife, my The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed their children.” arrival as “an important step in rebuilding” the US asylum system. “But thousands are still suffering right now stuck in ‘Can’t go back’ limbo under this inhumane policy,” ACLU San Diego In Tijuana, hundreds of migrants spent the night spokesman Edward Sifuentes said. “We urge the adminis- next to the border fence hoping to be allowed in. But

closed military zone, despite the absence of signs indicating Set up, demolish, such restrictions, while a soldier threated to confiscate AFP’s vehicles. Palestinian and Israeli anti-occupation activists say the repeat: Israel army has used the military zone classification as a tool to fur- ther restrict Palestinians from accessing land in Area C. “It is not really a military zone. The soldiers train much fur- targets Bedouin ther,” Abu Awad said, while eating a salad and sheep’s milk cheese. He echoed the sentiments of others in the Palestinian tent community Bedouin community who say they have lived in the Jordan Valley since well before the Israeli occupation began in 1967 KHIRBAT HUMSAH, Palestinian Territories: With a and do not need a permit to set up tents. mosaic of shattered glass lying at her feet, remnants of a solar “These lands are ours. The soldiers come here as invaders panel smashed by Israeli soldiers, Fadwa Abdelghani wearily but we will not leave,” he said. recounted the military’s latest order to leave her home. “The (Israeli) soldiers came here 30 minutes ago and told us we Our weapon is our presence had to go,” the Palestinian Bedouin told AFP. After the soldiers left, two Israelis arrived bringing toys “We’re afraid they will come back and destroy every- and clothes for Bedouin children, playing on a nearby mound thing,” she said, referring to her tent community in Humsah of earth. One, named Burma, lost a son in Lebanon when Al-Baqia in the occupied West Bank. Humsah Al-Baqia sits in Israel’s army occupied parts of its northern neighbor, while the Jordan Valley, a fertile and strategic patch of land that runs the other, Shoshi, had served in the air force. from Lake Tiberias to the Dead Sea, which has emerged as a “We also brought waterproof nylon tarps to protect their flashpoint in the struggle over the West Bank. It is in the West tents, but we left them elsewhere because the soldiers were Bank’s so-called Area C, occupied Palestinian territory that here,” said Shoshi, smiling mischievously. “The Bedouin will remains under full Israeli military control. pick them up at night and bring them to their camp on don- Under Israeli military law, Palestinians cannot build struc- keys,” she explained. tures in the area without permits, which are typically refused, The game of cat-and-mouse in Humsah al-Baqia is part of and demolitions are common. Israeli rights group B’Tselem the larger Palestinian effort to push back against Israel’s con- has accused Israel of creating “a Kafkaesque reality that tinued absorption of Area C, Palestinian experts said. leaves Palestinians almost no way to build legally”. Parts of the Jordan Valley were earmarked for Israeli In November, Israel’s army demolished the homes of near- annexation under former US president Donald Trump’s now ly 80 Palestinian Bedouin in Humsah al-Baqia, in a rare opera- defunct Middle East peace plan, which was enthusiastically tion targeting an entire village at once. cheered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Since then the Bedouin have repeatedly gone back to the Trump plan may be dead, Israel continues to approve the Humsah Al-Baqia and re-erected their tents, only to see Israeli construction of Jewish settler homes. forces return to tear them down again. According to the Settlements have boomed since Netanyahu returned to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian office in 2009, with some 475,000 Jews now living in West Affairs (OCHA), the Israelis demolished 62 structures in Bank communities widely regarded as illegal under interna- Humsah Al-Baqia through the first half of February, “leaving tional law, alongside some 2.8 million Palestinians. Some see 60 people, including 35 children displaced”. the Bedouin as a bulwark against settlement expansion. “Israel wants Palestinians to leave these lands so it can Closed military zone bring in more settlers,” said Muataz Basharat, a senior Shortly after AFP arrived in Humsah Al-Baqia to meet Palestinian Authority official, while visiting Humsah Al-Baqia. Abdelghani and her black-bearded husband Abu Awad, the “We are defending our land. Our weapon is their presence,” Israeli army showed up again. They insisted the area was a he added, gesturing to two Bedouin men. —AFP

already-fragile state. Farmajo and leaders of the coun- Gunfire in try’s federal states have been unable to resolve squab- bles over how the vote is to be conducted, after hopes of hosting Somalia’s first one-person, one-vote ballot Mogadishu as since 1969 were abandoned due to security and politi- cal problems. A coalition of opposition candidates have said political tensions soar they no longer recognize Farmajo as president and had vowed mass protests until he steps down. A MOGADISHU: Gunfire broke out in Mogadishu on small group of protesters attempted to march down Friday when the opposition tried to march against the main airport road, when shots rang out, sending delayed elections in the Somali capital, sending months them ducking for cover, according to AFP footage of of political tensions bursting into the open. the incident. Somalia missed a deadline to hold an election by It was unclear who opened fire first, but one witness February 8, when President Mohamed Abdullahi Yusuf Mohamed reported a “heavy exchange of gun- Mohamed, better known by his nickname Farmajo, was fire” between security forces and armed guards pro- due to step down, sparking a constitutional crisis in the tecting opposition supporters. —AFP 6 Established 1961 International Sunday, February 21, 2021 Biden declares America and transatlantic alliance ‘back’ Political pick to lead the budget in political peril WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden declared the democracy and autocracy is at an “inflection point.” “transatlantic alliance is back” Friday in a powerful “In too many places, including in Europe and the speech seeking to reestablish the United States as United States, democratic progress is under leader of the West against what he called a global assault,” Biden said. “Historians will examine and assault on democracy. The remarks to the annual write about this moment. It’s an inflection point. And Munich Security Conference-held by video link I believe with every ounce of my being that democ- because of the COVID-19 pandemic-dovetailed racy must prevail.” with German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s welcoming of a return to “multilateralism” after the confronta- Russia, China threats tional years of Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump. Biden said he was not seeking a return to “the Making his first major international address on rigid blocs of the Cold War,” insisting that the inter- foreign policy since becoming president in January, national community must work together on issues Biden said traditional US allies should once again like the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, have confidence in Washington’s leadership. even where deep disagreements exist on other “I’m sending a clear message to the world: issues. The return of the United States-effective America is back. The transatlantic alliance is back,” Friday-to the Paris climate agreement was proof of he said from the White House. “The United States is Washington’s intentions, he said. determined, determined to reengage with Europe, “We can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to consult with you, earn back our position of trust- to address climate change,” Biden said, calling this a ed leadership,” he said. “global existential crisis.” But Biden delivered harsh Biden, who earlier spoke to leaders from the G7 warnings about the threats he said are posed by club of wealthy democracies, said his administration Russia and China. WASHINGTON, DC: US President Joe Biden speaks virtually from the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, to the was again stressing alliance building, in contrast to “The Kremlin attacks our democracies and Munich Security Conference in Germany yesterday. — AFP Trump’s isolationist policies and abrasive treatment weaponizes corruption to try and undermine our of US partners. “Our partnerships have endured and system of governance,” he said. President Vladimir controversial efforts last year to reestablish the G8, nomic abuses and coercion that undercut the foun- grown through the years because they are rooted in Putin “seeks to weaken the European project and which became the G7 after Russia was expelled in dations of the international economic system.” the richness of our shared democratic values. our NATO alliance.” response to its seizing of the Ukrainian region of “Chinese companies should be held to the same They’re not transactional. They’re not extractive,” Again urging Western unity, Biden said, “it’s so Crimea. “I don’t think we are making new invitations standard” as US and European companies facing Biden said in clear reference to Trump’s emphasis much easier for the Kremlin to bully and threaten to Russia or reiterating new invitations to Russia,” onerous restrictions on their presence in China, he on redefining allies as economic rivals. individual states than to negotiate with a strong, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. said. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, also speaking Collective strength, Biden said, is the only way to closely united transatlantic community.” Similarly, said Biden, US partners should stand via video link at the Munich event, echoed Biden’s succeed when a worldwide contest between The White House said Biden has ditched Trump’s together against “the Chinese government’s eco- concerns. — AFP

News in brief his decision to return to Russia. “The Bible says: Moscow court ‘Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, for they will be satisfied,’” he told the court. Italy coastguard looks for survivors “I have no regrets that I am back... I am satisfied upholds prison that in a difficult moment I did not break this com- ROME: The Italian coastguard began a search mandment.” Quoting from a character in Harry for survivors yesterday after a vessel carrying term for Navalny Potter, he said it was “important not to feel alone” migrants capsized off the Mediterranean island because that was what the series’ villain Voldemort of Lampedusa overnight. Officials said in a state- MOSCOW: A Moscow court yesterday upheld a wanted. He described the legal process to jail him as ment that the craft had overturned as the coast- ruling to jail the Kremlin’s most prominent opponent “absurd” and called on Russians to take action to guard was bringing migrants aboard its own Alexei Navalny, sealing his first lengthy prison sen- make the country a better place. “Russia should be boats off the island located betwen Sicily, Tunisia tence in a decade of legal battles with Russian not only free, but also happy,” Navalny said. and Libya. While around 40 people were saved, authorities. Judge Dmitry Balashov dismissed Prosecutors lashed out at Navalny, saying he survivors of the accident said five were missing Navalny’s appeal against a recent decision to acted as if he was above the law and had “an MOSCOW: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny stands inside a glass cell during a court hearing at the from the original number aboard. The coastguard imprison him for violating the terms of a suspended exclusive right to do as he pleases”. The judge yes- Babushkinsky district court in Moscow yesterday. — AFP said a helicopter had been sent to search for any sentence on embezzlement charges. terday decided to count six weeks Navalny was more still at sea. Officials did not specify where The anti-corruption campaigner was ordered on under house arrest as part of the time served, so he the migrants had come from. — AFP February 2 to serve the time in a penal colony for will now be imprisoned for just over two-and-a- with a verdict also expected Saturday. breaching parole terms while in Germany recovering half years in a penal colony. The ruling to sideline They also asked for Navalny to be jailed on the from a nerve agent poisoning he blames on the one of the most prominent players in Russian polit- same 2014 fraud conviction because the tweet was Kremlin. Navalny appeared in court yesterday inside Russia registers third COVID vaccine ical life came just hours before Navalny was due in posted while he was serving the suspended sentence. a glass cage for defendants, wearing a plaid shirt, court again. Supporters of the outspoken opposition figure say smiling, waving and flashing the V for victory symbol. the cases against the 44-year-old are a pretext to MOSCOW: Moscow announced yesterday it Prosecutors in a separate trial have called for him In a closing address that referenced the Bible and silence his corruption exposes and quash his political had registered its third vaccine against the coron- to be fined the equivalent of $13,000 for calling a Harry Potter, Navalny said he had no doubts about ambitions. —AFP avirus and promised to introduce the jab to the World War II veteran a “traitor” on Twitter last year, Russian population by March. Russia was the first country to register a vaccine against COVID-19 in August ahead of clinical trials, and the Sputnik One year on, Italian city in first V jab has been authorized in more than two dozen countries around the world. “Today we note that a third vaccine, CoviVac, has been reg- virus crosshairs remembers istered,” Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at CODOGNO, Italy: a government meeting broadcast on state televi- Entering the gate The surge in cases took everyone sion. “And already in mid-March, the first of the Codogno cemetery, with its by surprise, said Roberto Codazzi, 58, 120,000 doses will be distributed within the civil- four massive pillars and the cemetery’s deputy custodian. “In ian circulation,” he told the cabinet. — AFP “Resurrection” written in Latin over- two months, we saw what we usually head, the ravages of coronavirus are had in a year,” he told AFP. not immediately apparent. But beyond With his colleague, Codazzi saw the scores of kneeling marble angels the intensity of the virus on display 4 Taiwanese face spying charges and ornamental graves, a newer clois- after Friday, February 21 — when a ter of simple granite crypts bear wit- 38-year-old man known as “Patient 1” TAIPEI: Four retired Taiwanese military intelli- ness to the onslaught of what was was identified at the city’s hospital Cars enter the city on February 13, 2021 in Codogno, southeast of Milan, Lombardy. In a cer- gence officers-including a major general-have then a terrifying new virus on this after a doctor broke protocol to test emony on today, Codogno will mark one year since it recorded the first locally acquired case of COVID-19 in Italy, in what became the first major outbreak in Europe. —AFP been indicted for spying for China, prosecutors modest northern Italian city. him for coronavirus. There were said yesterday. The quartet were charged with In a ceremony today, Codogno will already bodies lined up outside the developing a spying network and collecting con- mark one year since it recorded the cemetery for burial yesterday. confirmed coronavirus deaths in Italy, forced by the civil protection unit. fidential information for Beijing, the Taipei district first locally acquired case of COVID- one of them a 77-year-old woman Caskets awaiting burial were prosecutors’ office said. The two sides have been 19 in Italy, in what became the first Who will be next? outside Codogno. “I remember how stored in a shuttered church, the spying on each other since the Nationalists fled major outbreak in Europe. Today in Codogno, a small city of silent it was,” said Cavalli. “Every cemetery was shut to the public and to the island to set up a rival government in 1949, The virus tore through the wider 15,000 people, talk of COVID-19 three minutes you heard the sound of funeral notices were printed without having lost a civil war on the mainland to the Lombardy region, marking Italy as the centers on shuttered businesses, rent an ambulance. dates to discourage potential mourn- communists. — AFP new epicenter of the global pandemic to pay and the umpteenth restriction ers from breaking the quarantine to that has now claimed more than two on normal life. Yet few can hear the “We asked ourselves, ‘Who will it pay their respects. The daily coffins million lives-including almost 100,000 sound of a siren without a pang. be? Who will be next?’” awaiting custodian Codazzi frequently NZ kicks off vaccination drive in Italy. February 23, February 24, Emy Cavalli, the third-generation Within a month, Codogno’s death brought an unwelcome shock: “I said, February 28, read the dates on the owner of the Central Bar on the main toll more than tripled, with 154 deaths ‘Oh no, I know him! I just saw him a WELLINGTON: New Zealand launched its shiny grey crypts. Underneath plaza, recalled the eerie, early days of in March versus 49 in the same period week ago.’” Codogno’s Red Cross COVID-19 vaccination program yesterday but engraved names, and sometimes the the lockdown imposed on Codogno a year earlier, Mayor Francesco unit-with experience in Iraq and warned the initial rollout was only a small step image of a smiling face, the dates gain and 10 other northern communities Passerini said. “They couldn’t keep beyond-was zigzagging the territory, in the long battle against the pandemic. The momentum: March 1, March 5, March after the first case was identified, up,” Passerini said of the cemetery with almost 500 ambulance trips in Pacific nation has been widely praised for its 10, 13, 17... immediately followed by the first two workers, who were eventually rein- March alone. — AFP handling of the coronavirus and has seen just 26 deaths in a population of five million. The vac- cine drive begins just days after authorities lift- The officials said there had been no let-up in the ed a coronavirus lockdown in Auckland which Yemen govt accuses fighting. Over the past 24 hours, at least 12 loyalist confined most of the city’s residents to their and 20 rebel fighters had been killed in clashes homes for three days. — AFP rebels of using civilians north and west of Marib, they said. There was no way to independently verify the as human shields death toll but it is clear that both sides have suf- Argentina health minister resigns fered heavy casualties in the renewed battle for the DUBAI: Yemen’s Saudi-backed government city. Until early last year, Marib had been spared BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s health minister accused Houthi rebels yesterday of using civilians the worst of the civil war that erupted in 2014. resigned late Friday after it emerged that friends as human shields in their renewed offensive against The International Committee of the Red Cross of his had been able to skip the line for a its last major toehold in the north. has said it is “extremely concerned” by the recent COVID-19 vaccination. Health Minister Gines Earlier this month, the Iran-backed rebels fighting. “The ICRC urges all parties to the conflict Gonzalez Garci stepped down after President resumed a push to capture the city of Marib, 120 to take every possible measure to protect the civil- A displaced boy stands in the midst of gutted wooden Alberto Fernandez called on him to quit in the kilometers (75 miles) east of the rebel-held capital ians, their properties and all civilian essential infra- Sanaa. The city lies close to some of Yemen’s richest structures,” it said on Twitter. poles after a fire broke out in a shelter in the war-rav- wake of the scandal. “Responding to your aged western Hodeida province. —AFP express request, I present my resignation from oil fields and its capture would be major prize for The UN has warned of the potential for a the position of minister of health,” Gonzalez the rebels. humanitarian disaster. “It puts millions of civilians Garcia, a 75-year-old doctor, wrote in a letter But the fighting has raised fears for the hundreds at risk, especially with the fighting reaching camps way for renewed peace talks. President Joe Biden addressed to the president. He will be replaced of thousands of displaced civilians sheltering in for internally displaced persons,” envoy Martin has also announced an end to US backing for Saudi by one of his deputy ministers, 48-year-old Carla camps in the surrounding desert that extends to the Griffiths told the UN Security Council. offensive operations in Yemen, which he said had Vizzotti, who was responsible for securing the Saudi border. Loyalist military officials told AFP the The Houthi offensive came as the new US admin- created a “humanitarian and strategic catastrophe.” Russian Sputnik V vaccine for Argentina, the first rebels had been using residents of Al-Zor camp in istration removed the rebels from Washington’s Observers say the Houthis want to capture country in America to approve and use it. — AFP the province’s Sirwah district as “human shields” blacklist of terrorist organizations in a bid to facili- Marib to strengthen their hand in eventual peace since their capture of the area last week. tate aid deliveries to rebel-held areas and pave the negotiations. — AFP Established 1961 7 Sunday, February 21, 2021 International Six people shot with live rounds at Myanmar anti-coup protest Rallies mourn anti-coup protester death

MANDALAY, Myanmar: A raid on a shipyard in They held spontaneous vigils for Mya Thwate Myanmar’s second-largest city turned violent yes- Thwate Khaing on the streets, lighting candles and terday when police and soldiers fired live rounds laying roses by a banner with her picture. “We can’t and rubber bullets at protesters gathering to stop accept the police crackdowns because these are arrests. At least five people were injured by rubber undisciplined, beyond our laws,” said protester Win bullets, a photographer at the scene reported, while Zaw, 46. “I feel that the bullet that hit Mya Thwate emergency medical staff treating the injured con- Thwate Khaing’s head has also hit our heads.” firmed at least six others were shot with live rounds. Banging pots and pans in what has become a Much of the country has been in uproar since the signature gesture of defiance, protesters started military deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in yelling at the police to leave. But police opened fire a coup on February 1, with hundreds of thousands with live rounds, rubber bullets and slingshot balls, of demonstrators taking to the streets to protest dispersing the alarmed protesters. against the junta. Authorities have arrested hun- “Six men with gunshot wounds arrived to our dreds of people since the putsch, many of them civil team. Two are seriously injured,” a medical aide to servants who had been boycotting work as part of a doctors on the scene told AFP, declining to provide civil disobedience campaign. Yesterday, hundreds of his name for fear of repercussions. police and soldiers gathered at Yadanarbon ship- One of the men was hit in the abdomen and yard in Mandalay, on the Irrawaddy river. Their remains “in critical condition”, he said. “We trans- presence sparked fears among nearby residents ferred those who were seriously injured and in a that authorities would try to arrest workers for tak- critical condition to another place for intensive care, ing part in the anti-coup movement. but we cannot reveal the place.” A doctor on the scene confirmed that some protesters had been Protester dies injured by live rounds. “We do not have enough Meanwhile, demonstrators gathered across medicine for them to be treated here,” he said, Yangon yesterday to mourn the death of an anti- explaining the transfer. Around the protest site, coup protester, as Washington urged the leaders of empty bullet cartridges were found, as well as Myanmar’s new military regime to refrain from vio- slingshot ammunition including metal balls. One MANDALAY: A wounded man is carried on a stretcher by a medical team after security forces opened lence and relinquish power. woman received a head wound from a rubber bullet fire on protesters during a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay yesterday. —AFP A doctor in Naypyidaw on Friday confirmed the and emergency workers quickly administered first death of Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, a 20-year-old aid to her. who was shot in the head during a protest in A Facebook video streamed live by a resident on Naypyidaw died on Friday. Her doctors had con- Burmese military to reverse its actions.” The military Myanmar’s capital last week. She has since become the scene appeared to carry non-stop sounds of firmed to AFP that her injury was from a live bullet. regime has so far weathered a chorus of interna- a symbol of resistance for protesters, who have gunshots. “They are shooting cruelly,” said the resi- tional condemnation. The US, Britain and Canada hoisted her photos high in demonstrations and even dent, who appeared to be taking shelter on a near- International condemnation have all announced sanctions targeting the coun- unfurled a massive banner of artwork from a bridge by construction site. “We have to find a safer Condemnation of the violence has been fierce, try’s top generals. showing the moment she was shot. place.” Since the nationwide protests started two and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held The junta has justified its power seizure by “Please all join this protest movement to be more weeks ago, authorities in some cities have deployed talks with allied countries in recent days to press for alleging widespread electoral fraud in November’s successful. That’s all I want to say,” her sister Poh tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets against a firm international response. elections, which Suu Kyi’s party won in a landslide. Poh told reporters after her death. Yesterday, thou- demonstrators. “We reiterate our calls on the Burmese military But since its power grab, it has instated multiple sands gathered at the main junctions of Yangon, There have been isolated incidents of live rounds to refrain from violence against peaceful protest- internet shutdowns, blocked some social media Myanmar’s largest city-though the crowds being fired. An anti-coup protester who was shot in ers,” spokesman Ned Price told reporters Friday. sites, and arrested hundreds-often in the middle of appeared smaller than in recent days. the head during a February 9 demonstration in “We will work with partners and allies to press the the night. —AFP

thought by experts to have been caused by a chunk built to connect four religious sites-a pet project of India’s glacier of glacier 15 football fields long and five across Prime Minister Narendra Modi. breaking off, bringing with it part of a rock face. But the biggest problem is the construction of This dammed up a small river high in the moun- hydroelectric plants across the vast network of disaster highlights tains until the mass of backed-up water broke Himalayan rivers, part of India’s drive to boost through with awesome ferocity and speed. The renewable energy. Over 75 small and large power Himalayan dangers roaring deluge of water, rocks and soil hurtled projects are operational in Uttarakhand and dozens down a V-shaped valley, sweeping away homes, more are planned-many without proper attention to CHAMOLI: Long before this month’s deadly flash roads and bridges as well as around 200 people, the potential risks, experts say. flood in a remote Indian Himalayan valley, Kundan many of whom have still not been found almost Singh Rana knew that all the construction work in two weeks on. No trust in the government the fragile region would one day mean disaster. Experts say that these projects make other dev- “The rivers, mountains and trees are like our Climate change and development astating flash floods more likely, while also increas- gods and any sacrilege will have consequences,” The latest catastrophe “is clearly a fallout of cli- ing the risk of landslides. The dangers were plain to Rana told AFP in his village, overlooking the mate change and in itself a tell-tale of our future”, see in 2013 when a flash flood killed 6,000 people hydroelectric project that was obliterated by H.C. Nainwal, one of the several glaciologists who in Uttarakhand and devastated the region. what was believed to be a glacier collapse on visited the site, told AFP. In the Indian Himalayas, In its wake, India’s top court appointed a scien- February 7. “The Rishi Ganga river and our some 10,000 glaciers are receding at a rate of 100 tific committee that recommended no more hydro Army soldiers build a temporary bridge for residents mountains have been scarred beyond repair by to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) per decade. plants be built in the area-advice which is being near Raini village of Chamoli district following a flash human greed. This flood is God’s retribution,” the The runoff can form glacial lakes which can then ignored. Locals in the area-home to a famous 1970s flood thought to have been caused when a glacier broke off on February 7. —AFP 43-year-old farmer said. burst their banks in spectacular and destructive campaign to protect trees-say that they have seen Scientists may not share his belief in divine pun- fashion. The other factor can be heard in the regular none of the promised economic benefits of the ishment, but they agree that the blame for this latest thuds of dynamite ringing through the valleys of development and that their concerns have been sand mining and quarrying continues. disaster which killed 60 people and left 150 others Uttarakhand state, where the recent flood struck. ignored. They launched a campaign in 2019 and “We used to trust the government and believed missing lies largely with human activity. Some of this explosive activity is for new roads petitioned a court over illegal sand mining and the that it was working for our welfare but that’s not the The anthropogenic impact includes the shrinking to beef up the disputed border with China following dumping of muck in the Rishi Ganga river that they case,” Surinder Singh, 55, said. “Any dam or road of glaciers in the Himalayas, one of the regions last year’s clash that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. An said was contributing to landslides and floods. that threatens our lives and the mountains will be hardest hit by global warming. The recent disaster is 800-kilometre (500-mile) highway is also being But deforestation for infrastructure projects, fought tooth and nail.” —AFP

wider outbreak in the community. suit and even travelled to Beijing to meet Virus outbreak “We have discovered a big community with leader Xi Jinping last February in a infection with 32 cases... this is a bad situ- show of solidarity. “Because it happened ation for us,” Hun Sen said during a to Chinese nationals, please don’t discrim- hits Chinese speech broadcast on state-run TV. inate against the Chinese,” Hun Sen said in “Those found positive today are all his speech yesterday. He urged residents in Cambodia Chinese.” The increasing presence of to wear masks and practice social dis- Chinese businesses across the kingdom tancing. The infections were sourced to a PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: An out- has heightened anti-Chinese sentiment nightclub, now closed, and authorities are break of coronavirus has hit the Chinese among some Cambodians, and Hun Sen contact-tracing to track down any other expat community in Cambodia, the coun- urged people not to discriminate against cases, the prime minister said. try’s Premier Hun Sen said yesterday, a Chinese nationals because of the latest Much of Phnom Penh will remain open- setback in the Southeast Asian nation’s outbreak. including schools. But a small island con- otherwise successful containment efforts. The strongman prime minister, one of nected to the city known as Koh Pich-or The kingdom has so far fared well in tack- the world’s longest serving leaders, is a “Diamond Island”-is now under partial ling the virus and life in the capital Phnom staunch ally of Beijing, and Cambodia lockdown, with police blocking all road Penh has largely returned to normal. receives billions of dollars in soft loans access yesterday morning. The last local But a group of Chinese nationals who and investment from China. Early in the infection in Cambodia was in November. underwent testing to obtain medical cer- pandemic many countries closed their So far, the country has detected more tificates for overseas travel recorded posi- borders to China, where the virus was first than 500 cases but has not recorded any tive results yesterday, sparking fears of a detected, but Hun Sen refused to follow deaths. —AFP

Red graffiti proclaiming #EndSARS is Nigeria’s protesters everywhere. The hashtag, named after the SARS police force accused of abuses, has trapped between come to represent the movement against brutality and bad governance that swept trauma and fear Africa’s most populous country last October. LAGOS: The Lekki tollgate in Lagos, Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka, who was at Nigeria’s sprawling megacity of 20 million Lekki on October 20, said some of her people, has frozen in time since October friends just want to forget, to erase what when security forces shot at peaceful pro- happened from their memories. But she testers. At least 10 people were killed by “can’t afford to keep quiet”. security forces on October 20, Amnesty “I was on stage, asking people to sit International said at the time, a charge down and raise their flags, then they start- Nigeria’s army has denied. ed shooting. Immediately people were LAGOS: Protesters sit in the back of a police Four months have passed since then, falling,” said the young woman, pointing pick-up truck as they are being detained but signs of that brutal night are still visi- to where she had been standing on the after being arrested during a demonstration ble at the tollgate: walls are riddled with back of a truck transformed into a stage. against police brutality, at the Lekki tollgate bullets and glass windows are shattered. “I witnessed about six bodies lifeless in Lagos. —AFP Cars travel in and out freely but the com- on the floor,” Adeyinka said. pany in charge of collecting the toll money Since then, she and her friends have injured that night, and to “be a voice for has not yet returned. been trying to help those who were those who are afraid to talk”. —AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 IMF dismisses inflation concerns over massive US stimulus plan Gopinath’s argument contradicts critics of Biden’s $1.9tn package WASHINGTON: Fears that inflation could spiral “the price of doing too little is much higher than out of control due to a massive US stimulus pack- the price of doing something big.” Yellen noted age are overblown, IMF chief economist Gita that inflation has been very low for over a decade, Gopinath said Friday. Her argument contradicted and while it remains a risk “it’s a risk the Fed and critics of US President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 others have tools to address.” trillion rescue package for the world’s largest economy, who say the amount is excessive, and Market turbulence even those Democratic economists who have also Yellen, like US central bank chief Jerome raised concerns about price spikes. Powell, who succeeded her in the post, stressed Gopinath estimated that with the full amount of that true unemployment in the US is close to 10 stimulus, inflation “would reach around 2.25 per- percent-above the government’s official rate of cent in 2022, which is nothing to be concerned 6.3 percent last month-and about nine million about,” she said in a blog post. Some economists, people remain unemployed, which she says justi- including former Treasury secretary Larry fies the size of the government aid. But growing Summers, have urged caution saying excess signs that the economy is coming back to life as spending could spark an inflationary spiral that businesses reopen amid an accelerating vaccina- the Federal Reserve would find difficult to control. tion campaign have caused markets to begin to Rising prices would erode purchasing power fret about impending price hikes. while higher interest rates to control inflation The yield on 10-year Treasury notes, a bench- would send the cost of borrowing soaring in an mark for inflation expectations, has been rising economy already awash in debt amid the coron- sharply since October, and accelerated since the avirus pandemic. start of the year to around 1.3 percent, the highest Gopinath noted the “concerns about an over- since before the pandemic. Those fears got a heated economy that could push inflation well boost from a spike in the producer price index above the comfort zone of central bankers.” But (PPI), which showed wholesale inflation surged 1.3 she said “the evidence from the last four decades percent in January, the largest since the index was makes it unlikely.” In the decade following the revamped in December 2009. global financial crisis, US annual inflation barely But Powell last week brushed off inflation con- cracked the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target, cerns, saying after prices collapsed last year, WASHINTON, DC: In this file photo, Gita Gopinath, the Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund, speaks in and in December the rate was just 1.3 percent. some sharp increases are expected but would be Washington, DC. Fears that inflation could spiral out of control due to a massive US stimulus package are overblown, IMF And Gopinath said the proposed government unlikely to last. chief economist Gopinath said on Friday. — AFP aid will push US GDP up five to six percent over In the current environment, “we want to see three years, which would recoup the 3.5 percent actual inflation,” before the Fed would take any contraction in 2020. The IMF has consistently steps to raise interest rates or roll back the mas- Treasury yields and so far is not seeing any signs But she said that in the wake of the crisis “con- supported a large US stimulus plan to recover sive bond-buying program, Powell said. His col- of excessive behavior by businesses or house- siderable slack remains in the global economy” from the Covid-19-induced recession that has left league John Williams at the Fed’s New York holds. Gopinath, the IMF economist, acknowl- which would dampen price pressures, and world- millions jobless. branch said he was “not really concerned about edged “the danger of market turbulence” due to wide supply chains have largely not suffered dis- US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen late stimulus ... right now being excessive.” temporary price swings, or bad news about new ruptions, removing another potential source of Thursday repeated the administration view that He said the central bank is not worried about virus variants. rising costs. — AFP Diraya Campaign releases video on types of bank cards French village says KUWAIT: To enhance financial abroad. The video goes further, offer- ‘non’ to Musk’s awareness across all segments of soci- ing advice on how to avoid bank card ety and as part of the banking sector’s scams, as well as important tips on social responsibility, the Central Bank using the cards abroad, withdrawal space-age Internet of Kuwait-supervised “Be Aware” transactions fees, safe and secure use Campaign (Diraya in Arabic) intro- of the cards, and avoiding suspicious SAINT-SENIER-DE-BEUVRON, France: To duced a video detailing the different transactions. The video also addressed realize his dream of satellite-powered internet, types of bank cards. the key advantages provided by credit tions it urges. Such campaigns are also participation of all Kuwaiti banks. The tech billionaire Elon Musk needs to install The video addresses the different cards, whether the customer opts to important to support customers with overall objective is to increase public antennas around the world. In northern France, a types of bank cards and the advan- use them in Kuwait or abroad. the boom in electronic payment means awareness of the banking sector’s role village hopes he’ll decide to keep those anten- tages and facilities that come with In a statement, the CBK stressed and channels. and how customers can use banks’ nas far away. each, for example, ATM, pre-paid, and the importance of public campaigns to “Diraya” is a year-long financial diverse services most advantageously. Saint-Senier-de-Beuvron, population 350, is credit cards that can be used to pur- raise awareness of customers’ rights, awareness campaign launched on 26 More information on the “Diraya” none too thrilled to have been picked as a chase goods and services via the which the Bank aims to protect January 2021. The CBK-supervised campaign and its objectives, as well as ground station for Musk’s Starlink project for internet and points of sale and to with- through its instructions to the banking campaign is managed by the Kuwait campaign content, is available through broadband from space. draw cash via ATMs in Kuwait and sector and the measures and precau- Banking Association (KBA) with the its official website: www.dirayakw.com “This project is totally new. We don’t have any idea of the impact of these signals,” said Noemie Brault, a 34-year-old deputy mayor of the village just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Bitcoin goldrush majestic Mont Saint-Michel abbey on the English Channel. “As a precaution the municipal council said no,” she explained. sparks fears of Musk, founder of SpaceX and electric car- maker Tesla, plans to deploy thousands of satel- lites to provide fast internet for remote areas speculative bubble anywhere in the world. It’s a high-stakes battle LONDON: Bitcoin has enjoyed a record-breaking he is waging with fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos of week after electric carmaker Tesla and Wall Street Amazon as well as the London-based start-up finance giants sparked a goldrush for the world’s OneWeb. most popular virtual currency, but bubble fears per- Antennas on the ground will capture the sig- sist. Investors and mega-corporations alike have nals and relay them to individual user terminals been wooed by dizzying growth and the opportuni- connected by cable. Starlink’s contractor had ty for profit and asset diversification. already secured French regulatory approval to The unit blasted past $50,000 on Tuesday fol- install nine “radomes”-three-meter-tall (10-feet) lowing a week in which Tesla invested $1.5 billion in globes protecting the antennas-in Saint-Senier, bitcoin and vowed customers could use it to buy one of four sites planned for France. In vehicles and both New York bank BNY Mellon and December, Saint-Senier issued a decree to credit card titan MasterCard announced plans to block construction on the field. support bitcoin. But the refusal was based on a technicality, The cryptocurrency then vaulted higher, top- almost $20,000 in December of the same year. against inflation. and the contractor, Sipartech, told AFP that it ping $52,000 on Wednesday after investment The virtual bubble then burst with bitcoin’s value “Bitcoin will soon be added to the balance sheet plans to refile its request, which the council will fund giant BlackRock also confirmed a push into then fluctuating wildly before sinking below $5,000 of central banks,” Demuth told AFP. likely be unable to block. — AFP the booming sector. by October 2018. “Bitcoin is an asset that is incredi- A number of central banks have indeed Yet this week’s astonishing ascendancy of bitcoin bly volatile and is very risky,” said professor announced plans for bank-backed digital units, but has sparked renewed fears of a big bubble which Matthieu Bouvard at the Toulouse School of are highly skeptical over bitcoin because of its the market had last experienced four years ago. Economics. shadowy nature-and the fact that it remains unreg- “At the same time, we have been saying for ten ulated. European Central Bank President Christine ‘Riding the crypto wave’ years that bitcoin will collapse-but it’s still there,” Lagarde declared this month that bitcoin was “not a US software firm MicroStrategy meanwhile he told AFP, adding that the unit’s volatility would currency” and was a “highly speculative” asset announced plans on Wednesday to sell convertible decline as its popularity broadens. requiring global regulation. bonds in order to buy more bitcoin, raising eye- One bitcoin is currently worth five times more At the same time, Europe represents just ten per- brows in some quarters. “Suddenly it feels like 2017 than a year earlier, while the combined value of all cent of bitcoin purchases from investment funds, again when everyone wanted (to) ... ride the crypto units in global circulation is almost $1.0 trillion. according to cryptocurrency data provider wave,” warned OANDA analyst Craig Erlam. ByteTree. US companies have meanwhile been “If companies’ fundamentals are going to ‘Digital gold’? quicker than their European counterparts to become closely tied to movements in bitcoin Industry professionals maintain however that embrace the unit. Saint-Senier-de-Beuvron, population 350, is none because they have suddenly become speculators on bitcoin is a new and ground-breaking financial “The difference between the US and Europe in too thrilled to have been picked as a ground sta- the side, we are going to be in bubble territory unit of the future. Eric Demuth, chief executive of that regard is the same with pretty much any kind of tion for Elon Musk’s Starlink project for broadband before you know it.” cryptocurrency broker Bitpanda, describes bit- adapting to new technology. It always takes just a The unit had previously hit the headlines in 2017 coin as the “new digital gold” that is prized by bit longer. In the US, they started two years ago,” from space. after soaring from less than $1,000 in January to investors who seek to diversify assets and guard noted Demuth. —AFP 9 Business Sunday, February 21, 2021 Burgan Bank wins ‘Elite J P Morgan Quality Recognition Award’ for 2020 Only bank in Kuwait to have won the award for the period from 2001-2020 consecutively

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank recently received the cov- applied for 99.0 percent and higher Straight eted ‘Elite Quality Recognition Award’ for the year Through Rates. The MT202 awards are based on a 2020 from J P Morgan Chase, in recognition of its minimum of 8,000 US Dollar MT202 debit transac- consistently high-quality performance. The award tions, which constitutes the Quality Recognition highlights the bank’s advanced standards main- Award for achieving greater than or equal to 98.00 tained in the complete range of clients’ US Dollar percent Straight Through Rates followed by the funds transfer operations by the management and Elite Quality Recognition Award that is for achiev- staff. ing 99.7 percent Straight Through Rate and higher. J P Morgan Chase commends the bank for Commenting on the bank’s accomplishment, achieving 99.72 percent straight-through process- Venkat Menon - Group Chief Operations and ing (STP) in the MT103 category and 99.97 percent Technology Officer, Burgan Bank said: “As the only for the MT202 category of payments, thus, entitling Bank in Kuwait to have won the J P Morgan Chase Burgan Bank to the ‘Elite Quality Recognition Quality Recognition Award for the period from Award’ in both categories. Highlighting the best-in- 2001-2020 consecutively, we are proud of the class straight-through processing (STP) rates, efforts of the Processing teams across various Burgan Bank was among the few banks across the Operations departments i.e. International Funds MENA region to receive the Elite level of the award Transfers, Treasury Operations and Customer Trade for both its customer and bank to bank transfers. Services who have worked towards achieving one Upon the methodology and mechanism, the 2020 of the highest STP rates for the USD dollar trans- Quality Recognition Awards are divided into two fers ensuring premium quality, efficiency and relia- groups, each designated by a SWIFT message type bility, which have maintained Burgan bank’s leader- (MT) within which the awards are presented to ship and operational excellence. This also ensures those who exemplify to optimal level of perform- that client payments reach their destination in the ance. The MT103 awards are based on a minimum shortest possible time. “ of 10,000 US dollar MT103 debit transactions Sherif Abdelsalam - Executive Director and Head in-class straight-through processing (STP) rates for Since 1997, J P Morgan Chase have given this wherein the Quality Recognition Award applies of GCC & Turkey Financial Institutions Group at J P 2019. This reflects Burgan Bank’s commitment to award to acknowledge the consistent, high-quality from 90 percent to 98.99 percent Straight Through Morgan Bahrain added that Burgan Bank is again first class payment processing services catering to performance of their clients’ fund transfer opera- Rates while the Elite Quality Recognition Award is amongst the 1 percent of clients that achieved best- its underlying customer base. tions management and staff. UK court shakes up gig economy with ruling against Uber GameStop players LONDON: Britain’s top court on fessional or entrepreneurial skill,” Friday ruled that drivers for US ride- added the ruling. tell US lawmakers hailing giant Uber are entitled to “The drivers were rightly found to workers’ rights, in a judgment with be ‘workers’,” the judges concluded. no manipulation huge implications for the so-called Uber said it respected the verdict “gig economy”. and “will now consult with every SAN FRANCISCO: Key players involved in The Supreme Court’s unanimous active driver across the UK to under- the trading frenzy centered on GameStop ruling that the drivers are workers stand the changes they want to see”, shares told skeptical US lawmakers on followed a protracted legal battle according to Jamie Heywood, its man- Thursday that their actions were above board with the Silicon Valley taxi and deliv- ager for northern and eastern Europe. and in line with ordinary stock market business. LONDON: A protesting Uber driver waves a flag near the UK headquarters of Uber ery company. “This has been a gru- Lower courts had ruled in 2016, 2017 Founders of free stock-trading app Robinhood Technologies in London. The UK Supreme Court ruled that the service performed by elling four-year legal battle for our and 2018 in favor of a group of 20 and online forum Reddit were among those to drivers was “very tightly defined and controlled by Uber” so they could not be consid- members-but it’s ended in a historic Uber drivers who argued they were testify at a House of Representatives financial ered to be self-employed. win,” said Mick Rix from the GMB entitled to employee status given the services committee hearing. trade union. length of time they had been working Unprecedented recent volatility-with moves “The Supreme Court has upheld through the Uber app, and the way claiming it would “fundamentally re- are already fighting in the Court of of up to 400 percent for shares in the the decision of three previous courts, that the company oversaw their work. order the gig economy” in Britain-in Appeal in London for the right to col- GameStop video game store-prompted calls backing up what GMB has said all Uber insisted that the drivers were which people do short-term work lective bargaining. for regulators to review the role of social along: Uber drivers are workers and self-employed since they choose without formal contracts, or work Uber claimed that it has already media, hedge funds and trading platforms entitled to breaks, holiday pay and their own hours and place of work, without guaranteed hours. Lawyers changed the way it works since the which some allege manipulate the market. and often find passengers through minimum wage.” Paul Jennings and Rachel Mathieson, legal action began, and has been The situation has pitted Wall Street’s hedge rival apps. The complainants can now The court ruled that the service who represented former Uber driv- looking at alterations to its business funds, which often take “short” positions on ask an employment tribunal for com- performed by drivers was “very ers, said the case will have an “enor- model in the United States after shares they see as likely to fall, against a social pensation, which could trigger far- tightly defined and controlled by mous impact” on London’s 45,000 adverse court rulings in California. Its media-driven move to “squeeze” big institu- reaching changes affecting all ride- Uber drivers. business model was however buoyed tional investors. Uber” so they could not be consid- hailing drivers. ered to be self-employed. The drivers Rix tweeted that Friday’s decision in November in California, which “I am not trying to throw anyone under the was “another nail in the coffin” for the passed a referendum effectively over- bus,” Robinhood co-founder and chief execu- were “in a position of subordination ‘Nail in coffin’ and dependency... such that they gig economy, which employs an esti- turning a state law requiring them to tive Vlad Tenev said as he was barraged with Lead claimant James Farrar said mated 5.5 million people in Britain. reclassify their drivers and provide questions during a virtual hearing held in online have little or no ability to improve he was “delighted” by the ruling, their economic position through pro- Couriers for the Deliveroo food app employee benefits. — AFP video format. “All I can say is Robinhood played it by the books.” Keith Gill, an amateur investor in a press release. renowned on Reddit’s WallStreetBets forum for Walmart Walmart reported a fourth-quarter snapping up GameStop shares early and cheap, loss of $2.1 billion from the accounting testified that he bucked market wisdom based for asset sales, compared with profits on his own research and not because he was reports strong of $4.1 billion in the year-ago period. out to rattle hedge funds. Revenues rose 7.3 percent to 4Q sales $152.1 billion as the company pointed ‘Significant losses’ to a bounce from a strong holiday “The idea that I used social media to pro- NEW YORK: Walmart reported shopping season and a lift from a mote GameStop stock to unwitting investors another round of strong sales fresh US government stimulus pack- and influence the market is preposterous,” said Thursday amid the coronavirus pan- age enacted at the end of 2020. For all Gill. “When I wrote and spoke about demic as it announced significant of 2020, Walmart reported profit of GameStop and social media with other individ- investments in higher employee wages $13.5 billion, down 9.8 percent. ual investors, our conversations were no differ- and technology for growing e-com- Annual revenues jumped 6.7 percent ent from people in a bar or on a golf course, or merce demand. The retail giant, which to $524 billion. at home talking or arguing about a stock.” has become a one-stop shop for many He told lawmakers he grew up playing video consumers during the pandemic, said ‘Essential’ store games and still believes GameStop “has the the new investments will bolster deliv- Designated as an “essential” store potential to reinvent itself as the ultimate desti- ery and curbside pickup programs as a venue for groceries and other RICHMOND: In this file photo, delivery vans are parked in front of a Walmart store in nation for gamers.” connected to e-commerce and lift consumables, Walmart was among the Richmond, California. — AFP Gill, who is also a YouTube star known on wages for some 425,000 US workers. beneficiaries from coronavirus shut- the platform as Roaring Kitty, was the lone But shares fell sharply on the downs in the spring when other retail- amateur trader at the hearing, which was titled announcements, which included a dis- ers were forced to close. Sales soared and interface at curbside with cus- McMillon said. “We think the vast “Game Stopped? Who Wins and Loses When appointing fourth-quarter loss and a throughout the year even as Walmart tomers, and other workers to fill in for majority of that behavior is going to Short Sellers, Social Media, and Retail forecast for slower US sales growth struggled at times to keep up with those on leave. last.” Investors Collide.” Gabriel Plotkin, founder and and slightly lower profits in the com- demand for at times unexpected At a presentation to Wall Street McMillon said the spending would chief investment officer at Melvin Capital ing year. items, such as bandanas, which were analysts, Walmart executives said they boost e-commerce offerings and the Management, said in his testimony that the “Our business is strong, and we’re used earlier in the pandemic as face planned new investments on automa- attractiveness of “Walmart +,” a sub- fund did not manipulate trading. making it even stronger with targeted masks. Throughout 2020, Walmart tion and supply chain improvements. scription plan that includes grocery He added that Melvin abandoned its short investments to accelerate growth,” hired more than half a million people, “This year just really fast-forwarded delivery and is a rival to Amazon’s positions on GameStop with “significant loss- said chief executive Doug McMillon including new staff to deliver items things in terms of customer behavior,” “Prime” service. —AFP es” when the shares jumped $17 to a peak of $483. Plotkin contended people on Reddit Drawing on findings from other major assess- ty has doubled over the last five decades, around 1.3 forums were encouraging trade in GameStop Environmental ments on climate and biodiversity from expert inter- billion people are classed as poor and 700 million as a way to punish the hedge fund and that national panels, the report titled “Making Peace go to bed hungry each night. “many of these posts were laced with anti- With Nature” said a rapid shift to renewable energy The assessment said that environmental degrada- Semitic slurs directed at me and others.” The degradation poses and eliminating habitat loss are essential to prevent- tion was undermining progress on ending poverty wave of buying boosted the share price of ing “unacceptable risk” for future generations. and hunger and warned that pandemics such as struggling companies, including GameStop and triple threat to “For too long, we have been waging a senseless COVID-19 were increasingly likely in future as we movie theater brand AMC Entertainment. and suicidal war on nature,” said UN Secretary continue to strip away species’ natural habitats. But the share prices fell sharply when the General Antonio Guterres. “The result is three inter- “This is not the first pandemic caused by animal to frenzy subsided. humans: UN linked environmental crises: Climate disruption, biodi- human infection, so we really have to think how we The events led to some retail investor apps versity loss and pollution threaten our viability as a can prevent the next one,” said Watson, a veteran such as Robinhood-which says its goal is to PARIS: Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollu- species.” Lead report author Robert Watson told AFP climate and biodiversity researcher. “democratize finance for all”-to temporarily tion pose a triple threat to human health and pros- that the three crises threatened far more than nature. “By cutting down vegetation, we humans go into limit trading in some of the most volatile stocks, perity that may be averted only by transforming how “They undermine food security, water security areas we didn’t used to go into and therefore we inter- drawing the ire of critics. we power our economies and feed ourselves, the and human health,” he said. The report found that act with wild animals.” Despite a record drop in emis- For some Reddit users, GameStop’s dizzying United Nations said. A scientific assessment by the the global economy had grown nearly fivefold in the sions last year as the pandemic curbed international rocket ride is a case of the masses rebelling UN Environment Programme found that galloping last 50 years fuelled by a tripling in extraction of travel, the world is on track to be at least three degrees against one-percenters hoarding the world’s economic growth has come at a devastating cost to natural resources and energy. Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100. That is a wealth. Subreddit WallStreetBets, which boasts some 9.1 million members, has been an online the planet and urged governments, businesses and Yet amid such prolific growth, the burden of the far cry from the aims of the Paris climate deal, in which rallying spot for those urging people to buy people around the world to act to reverse the dam- environmental fallout is borne by the poorest and nations promised to limit warming to “well below” 2C and hold GameStop shares. —AFP age before it is too late. most vulnerable, it said. Although average prosperi- and to a safer cap of 1.5C if possible. —AFP 10 Established 1961

Sunday, February 21, 2021 Business KESOC calls for setup of KD125m fund to help SMEs weather virus lockdowns Society presents document titled ‘The Ina’ash SME Fund Proposal’ KUWAIT: In a policy proposal exclusively pub- 1. Reimbursement of 25 percent of the annual civil society’s contribution to the policy making nomic challenges whose repercussions have multi- lished on Kuwaitimpakt.com, the Kuwait Economic rental value for companies. process. Our goal is to have this policy paper act plied in light of the global pandemic. Failure to move Society (KESOC) yesterday called for the immedi- 2. Waiving PIFSS subscription for one-year, to be as a catalyst for decision-makers in Kuwait to pro- to save the small and medium enterprises sector will ate establishment of a KD125 million fund to help covered by the fund for Chapter Five registrants. vide the much needed relief to Small and Medium exacerbate the challenges even more.” said small and medium enterprises weather COVID-19 3. Exemption on all government fees for one-year, Enterprises and not delay it any longer. Kuwait’s Mohammad Bader Al-Jouan, the head of the Public related lockdowns. The document, titled “The including renewal of licenses, customs duties and economy has been plagued by many challenges Policy Committee at the Kuwait Economic Society, Ina’ash SME Fund Proposal” presents the critical clearances. over that last year and we aim, through this paper, “Today, we are locked in a race against time to build state of Kuwait’s SMEs and proposes the establish- 4. Waiving registration fees for commercial vehi- to present a realistic and viable solution to the a sustainable national economy away from oil by ment of a relief fund for SMEs to cover rents and cles/fleets for one year. SME problem that can be implemented by decision diversifying the production base and increasing the waive a range of government duties in an effort to 5. Waiving fees on employee transfer and renewal makers.” private sector’s contribution to the gross domestic resuscitate the sector, as captured by its name. for one year (Ministry of Social Affairs and The proposal calls for the establishment of a product. Supporting and empowering small and Ina’ash is Arabic for ‘resuscitate” or “to resuscitate”. Labor). Board of Directors of nine members to manage the medium enterprises is key to achieving this. To benefit from the grants, waivers and protec- 6. Waiving utilities fees for one year. INA’ASH SME FUND. In order to ensure good gov- Decision-makers should think about the cost of tions offered by the fund, which has already 7. Recommendation to settle dues from government ernance, the proposal calls for a balanced represen- their inaction to the state budget. We believe that received the endorsement of Kuwait University’s and cooperative societies to businesses within tation on the board between government agencies failure to properly address the situation will incur a College of Business Administration Excellence 30 days. and civil society institutions. In addition to manag- heavy cost in the long run.” Center, participating businesses must commit to 8. Streamlined SME loans from local banks by ing the fund, the Board Of Directors would be On the one year anniversary of the global pan- trade with other fund benefactors, share data, and establishing a committee to review and facilitate tasked with coordinating efforts to improve the demic, the Kuwait Economic Society puts forth a join an online procurement platform. loan options. SME ecosystem in Kuwait, working with the cabinet comprehensive solution to assist an integral sector The proposal calls upon the government to set Kuwait Economic Society Chairman Abdul and legislator on amending Articles 28 and 49 of of the economy that has long suffered from the up a two-year Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Wahab Muhammad Al-Rasheed, said “Today we Private Sector Law (No 6 of 2010) and insure the brunt of government delay and inaction. The policy which disburses grants to companies entering the published this paper in cooperation with kuwait- issuance of bylaws to law No 74 of 2019 pertaining paper can be accessed today through fund voluntarily. Benefits of joining the fund include: impakt.com, as we believe in the importance of to government tenders. “Kuwait faces major eco- Kuwaitimpakt.com. Huawei will launch Hope for virus-hit all-new neckband, economy despite Huawei FreeLace Pro in Kuwait sales slump in UK KUWAIT: Huawei will launch its new noise can- LONDON: Retail sales in Britain tumbled and celling neckband earphones, the Huawei FreeLace government borrowing soared in January after Pro in Kuwait. The new Huawei FreeLace Pro boasts ambient noise or wind noise, retaining all the char- the country re-entered lockdown over the coro- an extra-long battery life of 24 hours, dual-mic acter of the human voice whilst enhancing the clari- navirus pandemic, official data showed Friday. active noise-cancelling feature for premium noise ty of the call. Even if you are conducting a voice But signs that the worst could be over came in cancellation along with fast charging and pairing to call and meeting in the noisiest environments such separate figures showing the UK economic deliver an upgraded user experience. It also inherits as the underground, by the roadside, or in strong slump slowed in the first half of February. Retail the colorful, stylish appearance of the previous winds, you can communicate as clearly and easily as sales plunged 8.2 percent last month compared Huawei FreeLace and adds improvements in sound though you were face-to-face. with December, the sharpest fall since April quality. 2020, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) The Huawei FreeLace Pro will be available on 14mm large dynamic driver brings said in a statement. “All sectors saw a monthly Huawei’s official website and across select retailers you better sound quality decline in volume sales... except for non-store in Kuwait starting from 24th February priced at KD In addition to exceptional noise reduction capa- retailers and food stores,” the ONS added. 29.900 in color variants of Dawn White, Graphite bilities, the best headphone products should also Separate ONS figures showed government net Black, Sakura Pink and Spruce Green. treat the listener’s ears to a better sound quality. borrowing hit £8.8 billion ($12.2 billion, 10.1 bil- The Huawei FreeLace Pro features a large 14mm lion euros) in January, a record for the month and 24-hour battery life dynamic driver unit. This larger, dynamic driver unit the first January deficit for a decade. Huawei FreeLace Pro battery life sets a new features improved materials, notably a high- The closely-watched Purchasing Managers’ standard for wireless neckband headphones. Its strength, lightweight magnesium-aluminium alloy Index (PMI) looking at services and manufactur- built-in 150mAh 3C lithium-ion polymer battery can diaphragm, as well as an independent bass tube for ing meanwhile stood at 49.8 in February, with last up to 24 hours on a single full charge. And you more detailed three-band sound. Capable of anything below 50 seen as contraction. However can use your PC, tablet or smartphone with an achieving both tranquil silence and superb sound this was a big improvement on January’s level of USB-C port to fast charge your Huawei FreeLace quality, the Huawei FreeLace Pro allows you to 41.2, according to compiler IHS Markit. Pro any time with just five minutes charging, it could relax and enjoy your music time in peace. “The UK economy showed welcome signs of offer up to 5 hours of music playback . steadying in February after the severe slump One plug for fast pairing and charging seen in January, albeit with business activity Maximum 40dB ANC depth with dual-mic The Huawei FreeLace Pro continues the unique remaining sharply lower than late-last year due active noise cancellation for extra quiet Huawei HiPair with its USB-C design, so that it can mainly to the ongoing national lockdown,” noted These days, many people enjoy the hustle and use any smartphone, PC or tablet to fast-charge at FreeLace Pro all-day. In this design concept, the Chris Williamson, chief business economist at bustle of the city. Building on the previous genera- any time. When the earphones are plugged into a Huawei FreeLace Pro represents a bold break. It’s IHS Markit. While manufacturing grew, services tion, Huawei FreeLace Pro includes a new ANC fea- smartphone or tablet, the device will automatically lightweight, colorful and fashionable, like a music contracted sharply, the PMI data showed. ture for those people. With two built-in high-sensi- open a pop-up window to prompt Bluetooth pair- necklace. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday tivity microphones, the feedforward microphone ing, which is more convenient than traditional For better wearer comfort and stability, the plans to lay out a roadmap for easing a third picks up the noise outside of the ear and the feed- Bluetooth pairing and charging methods. Huawei FreeLace Pro have ergonomic tri-hold stay-at-home order in England, which has shut back microphone picks up the residual noise in the Users nowadays often use more than one device. structure tips. In addition, the lightweight body is down schools, non-essential businesses and hos- ear canal. And the speaker can accurately generate By double click the Huawei FreeLace Pro, the ear- formed of a nickel-titanium alloy memory neckband, pitality venues since early January. While Britain noise cancellation sound to eliminate noise. phones will automatically connect to the previous wrapped with skin-friendly silicone to ensure com- is rolling out millions of vaccine doses to adults Unwanted noise is reduced by maximum 40dB . connected device, so that users can switch between fort and fit when worn. It has the special physical deemed the most vulnerable, it is one of the devices at ease. The Huawei FreeLace Pro also has a property of being easy to fold and restore to its world’s worst-hit countries regarding deaths 3-mic Call Noise Cancellation for all-day clear Low Latency gaming mode which activates when a original shape, which further enhances the comfort from COVID, with around 120,000 to date. call game is turned on. It uses an optimized wireless when worn during exercise or commuting.

In addition to dual-mic active noise cancellation, audio codec that enables the earphones to greatly Soaring debt the Huawei FreeLace Pro has exceptional noise lower audio latency in-game to as low as 150ms. Pricing and availability Finance minister Rishi Sunak on Friday reiter- cancellation capabilities for phone calls. In contrast Huawei FreeLace Pro comes in three timeless ated the need for Britain to return to “a more to single-microphone call noise reduction, the Colorful and fashionable design to color variations: Dawn White, Graphite Black and sustainable footing”, as he prepares for his annu- Huawei FreeLace Pro employs a 3-microphone create a new trend in neckband Spruce Green all available for purchase from al budget next month. adaptive system which weakens interference from No matter where you are, you can wear your Huawei’s official website and retailers in selected UK debt has rocketed over the past year, largely as the government pays the bulk of wages for millions of private sector workers. Sunak said the Irish market is a very significant in a statement that investing more than £280 bil- NatWest bank event. “After 160 years serving the Irish lion in state funds to protect jobs, businesses and public, today marks a sad day. livelihoods under its furlough scheme “is the fis- “Our thoughts too are with the Ulster cally responsible thing to do”. slumps into Bank staff as they learn of the closure of He added however that “it’s right that once our the bank here in Ireland,” he added in a economy begins to recover, we should look to annual loss statement. British and Irish union officials return the public finances to a more sustainable said that around 3,000 jobs were under footing and I’ll always be honest with the British LONDON: Britain’s NatWest bank has threat by the move. NatWest meanwhile people about how we will do this”. Since April slumped into an annual loss on coron- said it had agreed a non-binding memo- 2020, or soon after the UK’s first virus lockdown, avirus fallout, it said Friday, adding it randum of understanding with Allied public sector net borrowing has ballooned by would shut its Ulster Bank operations in Irish Banks for the sale of commercial £270.6 billion, the ONS said Friday. Ireland, impacting around 3,000 staff. loans worth around 4.0 billion euros, Overall public sector net debt stands at £2.1 NatWest, which last year changed its around one-fifth of its Ireland total. trillion, or around 98 percent of Britain’s total name from Royal Bank of Scotland and annual economic output. Britain’s economy remains majority-owned by the UK gov- ‘Radical change’ shrank by a record 9.9 percent last year but the ernment, reported a net loss of £753 “The winding down of Ulster bank rapid vaccines rollout has boosted the outlook. million ($1.05 billion, 870 million euros) represents the most radical change on Activity was hampered also by Brexit turmoil for 2020. That compared with profit the Irish banking landscape since the ahead of Britain’s final exit from the European after tax of £3.13 billion in 2019. The 2008 financial crisis,” noted Susannah LONDON: In this file photo, a woman uses a NatWest cash machine at a Union. Much of the UK re-entered lockdown in 2020 loss “reflects an impairment charge Streeter, senior investment and markets branch in central London. —AFP early January to curb a variant COVID-19 strain of £3.2 billion, a significant proportion analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. “The that was deemed more transmissible. —AFP of... (which) relates to potential future bank has been burdened with a big book name change and halve its investment “The bank continued to grow in key loan losses,” NatWest said in its earn- of distressed mortgage loans. It’s also banking arm. areas such as mortgages and commer- ings statement. struggled in an era of ultra-low interest She is also increasing the number of cial lending and our balance sheet Before impairments, NatWest made rates.” black staff in senior roles amid the remains strong, with one of the highest an operating profit of £2.9 billion. The There has been no suggestion from protest movement sparked by the killing capital ratios amongst our UK and group added that despite “significant NatWest that Brexit played any role in last year of African American George European peers,” Rose added. NatWest progress” at Ulster Bank in recent years, its exit from EU-member Ireland. The Floyd. Rose has additionally put the cli- is also resuming its dividend after the operations in “Ireland will not be in a move though is a further clear break mate high on her agenda by ending pandemic caused it to pause the pay- position to achieve an acceptable level with the past carried out by NatWest loans for coal projects by 2030. “The ment one year earlier. Rose replaced of sustainable returns.” chief executive Alison Rose, who in late past year presented some extraordinary Ross McEwan, who shepherded Royal There will therefore be a phased 2019 became the first female head of challenges,” Rose said in Friday’s earn- Bank of Scotland through a steady withdrawal over the coming years, with one of the big four UK banks-the others ings statement. recovery after its rescue during the “minimised” job losses, but Ulster Bank being Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds. “Despite reporting a loss for the year, financial crisis more than a decade ago Masked people pass shuttered stores on Oxford will continue to operate in Northern With Royal Bank of Scotland synony- NatWest Group delivered a resilient with £45.5 billion of UK taxpayers’ cash Street in London. Ireland. Ireland’s finance minister Paschal mous with the 2008 global financial cri- underlying performance in a challenging in what was the world’s biggest banking Donohoe said NatWest’s move “to exit sis, Rose quickly decided to implement a operating environment. bailout. —AFP Classifieds Sunday, February 21, 2021

Sabah Hospital 24812000 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Chest Hospital 24849400 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Adan Hospital 23940620 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9

Kaizen center 25716707 Rawda 22517733 Adaliya 22517144 Khaldiya 24848075 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 Shuwaikh 24814507 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Nuzha 22526804 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Qadsiya 22515088 Dasmah 22532265 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Shaab 22518752 Qibla 22459381 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Mirqab 22456536 Sharq 22465401 Salmiya 25746401

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Aries (March 21-April 19) Cancer (June 21-July 22) Libra (September 23-October 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Romance blossoms for you today, Aries, and Has a new housemate recently moved in, Artistic activities or those involving healing are Career and financial successes might finally come commitment or marriage may be just over the horizon. You Cancer? If so, you can expect this person to live with you for a enhanced today, Libra. Whatever you try is going to be more your way after months and perhaps years of striving, and your beloved may have recently reached a new under- while. This is good, because he or she is likely to be very lov- a part of your very being than it would be at other times. Capricorn. The emotional support you receive from those standing that has bonded you more tightly. Don't feel silly if ing, supportive, and able to bear his or her share of the Love, art, psychic or spiritual activities - all should take on a who've been working with you can be very gratifying, and it's you spend the day together walking around in a romantic household responsibilities. You and this person, along with new meaning for you at this time. This condition should last likely to last for a long time. If you like what you're doing, haze. That's perfectly acceptable - it's part of the joy of love, any others who live with you, could become very close and for a long time. Make the most of this energy now and your chances are you will be doing it for a while. If you're commit- and it could well last for a while. Make the most of it. possibly even friends for life. skills should continue to grow. ted to your profession, keep up the good work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Leo (July 23-August 22) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

Service to others might take up a large part of A love letter or perhaps a poem or other artistic Love takes on an idealized and fairytale aura A complex creative project could require your day, Taurus, perhaps on an artistic level or maybe in work dedicated to you could make your day, Leo. A warm today, Scorpio, as you and a current or potential partner some in-depth research today, Aquarius, and you the form of sharing psychic or healing energy. Don't think feeling of being cherished and adored could stay with you spend time alone, talking or just enjoying being togeth- could spend much of the day online or in the library. your efforts are unappreciated. Those you're helping may throughout the day as a result. Hang on to this rosy glow er. The warmth, affection, and high regard you have for This is probably a subject you love, so you won't mind the time you put in. The inspiration that comes your be reticent about saying anything, but your efforts aren't when things get rocky, especially on the job. The feelings each other are apparent to everyone. The nice thing way could well last for a while. You might be able to lost on them. Think of it like a bank. Your friends will be expressed in this communication will probably last for a about it is that these feelings are likely to last. Look for- there for you when you need them. ward to many such days. treat this project as a business enterprise and give it long time, so be prepared. more substance.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (August 23-September 22) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Pisces (February 19-March 20) A meditation circle or other group activity The words for today are "romance" and "cre- A love relationship that's been around for a Financial growth adds to a growing sense of devoted to spiritual pursuits could be on your ativity," Gemini. Romance is enhanced by passion generated long time could be enhanced today by an increased level of self-worth, Pisces, especially since your current situation agenda today, Sagittarius. It's important that you attend, as by a gratifying love relationship that will probably last for a sensuality, Virgo. Intense emotion could pervade your being, should continue. You may have a vivid, emotional dream. you need a little peace and quiet, as well as the support from long time. This same relationship, and its emotions could making it difficult to concentrate on much else. You will Perhaps it involves a long-term love interest, and your rela- give rise to artistic inspiration that can produce works of a probably spend the day looking forward to when you can others in the group. The affection you all feel for one another tionship is fast approaching the do-or-die stage. The mean- quality that surprises even you. Don't exhaust yourself. be alone with your beloved. The passion that pervades your permeates the evening. Bask in it and write down any revela- ing of the symbols should be fairly clear. What do they mean to you and how can you apply them to your situation? Know when to stop. lovemaking now is worthy of a romance novel. tions that come to you. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Sunday, February 21, 2021

This photo released by NASA shows the Perseverance rover being lowered by the An image from the Perseverance rover as it landed on the surface of Mars. An image from Perseverance rover of the surface of Mars and one of the rover’s Sky Crane to the surface of Mars on Feb 18, 2021. — AFP photos wheels after landing. NASA’s Perseverance rover beams back spectacular new images

ASA on Friday released stunning maneuver,” the final phase of landing. Another new image, taken by the Mars of the questions we’ll ask first is whether rocks and zooming in and going, ‘What is Nnew photographs from “You can see the dust kicked up by the Reconnaissance Orbiter, captures these rocks represent a volcanic or sedi- that!’ - it couldn’t have been better.” Perseverance, including one of the rover’s engines,” said Adam Steltzner, Perseverance as it was parachuting mentary origin,” said NASA deputy proj- The first two images were released on rover being gently lowered to the surface Perseverance’s chief engineer, who esti- down through the atmosphere at hun- ect scientist Katie Stack Morgan. Thursday shortly after the rover landed, of Mars by a set of cables, the first time mated the shot was taken about two dreds of miles an hour. Perseverance has Volcanic rocks in particular can be but they were lower resolution and in such a view has been captured. The meters (six feet) or so above the ground. also been able to upload its first high-res- dated with very high precision once the black-and-white because of the limited high-resolution still was extracted from a The three straight lines are mechanical olution, color photo showing the flat samples are brought back to Earth on a data rate available. NASA hopes to have video taken by the descent stage of the bridles holding the rover underneath the region it landed on in the Jezero Crater, future return mission - an exciting devel- more high resolution photos and videos in spacecraft that had transported the rover descent stage, while the curly cable was where a river and deep lake existed bil- opment from a planetary science per- the coming days, but doesn’t know yet if it from Earth. used to transmit the data from the cam- lions of years ago. spective. As the first images came in, “it has successfully recorded sound on Mars At that moment, the descent stage eras to Perseverance. When the rover A second color image shows one of was exhilarating, the team went wild,” for the first time using microphones. That was using its six-engined jetpack to slow touched down, it cut the 6.5-m-long the rover’s six wheels, with several hon- said mission operations system manager might be known later this weekend or ear- to a speed of about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilome- cables, allowing the descent stage to fly eycombed rocks thought to be more than Pauline Hwang. “The science team ly next week, said Steltzner. — AFP ters) per hour as part of the “skycrane away for its own safe landing. 3.6 billion years old lying next to it. “One immediately started looking at all those

times a day to talk to her,” smiles Tanja Zacherl, who oversees hospital mainte- Chatty robot nance. Extra employee Franzi cheers up Created by a company in Singapore, Franzi was originally named Ella and spoke English before coming to Munich German patients early this year. Yet her German is perfect as she tells her interviewers that she leaning robot Franzi makes sure “never wants to grow up” and that clean- floors are spotless at the Munich ing is her passion. When prompted, she C can also sing classic German pop songs hospital where she works, and has taken on a new role during the pandem- and even rap. Rettler is adamant that the robot is not ic: Cheering up patients and staff. “Can S Vice President Kamala taking jobs away from real human beings you move out the way, please? I need to Harris’s stepdaughter Ella but instead is supposed to “support” her U clean,” trills the robot in German when Emhoff made her catwalk flesh-and-blood colleagues, who have people block her pre-programmed debut in a video released become harder to come by during the cleaning route. Thursday, a month after her outfit coronavirus pandemic. “With the pan- “You need to move! I really want to at the presidential inauguration Customers eat in their car outside the Padi House restaurant. — AFP photos demic, there is lots of extra disinfecting clean!” she squeaks at those who still went viral. The 21-year-old Emhoff work to be done in hospitals,” says don’t get out of the way. And if that does- walked the runway for the Rettler. “While Franzi is cleaning the n’t work, digital tears begin to stream Proenza Schouler label as part of floors, our employees can concentrate from her LED-light eyes. “Visitors are not New York Fashion Week. The on doing that.” allowed in the pandemic, so Franzi enter- parade was filmed a few weeks A robot has its limits however. It is still tains the patients a bit,” says Constance ago, with the coronavirus pan- unable to get into tight corners, and if it Rettler of Dr Rettler, the company in demic ruling out a traditional hits an obstacle, it bursts into tears and charge of cleaning the Neuperlach hos- show. remains stuck until rescued by a human. otorists parked beside the Padi side Kuala Lumpur - came up with a plan pital that provided the robot. Emhoff wore three different Yet Franzi also has a reason to be cheer- House restaurant chain wave their to bring their menus and meals to car- Three times a day, Franzi bustles looks for Proenza Schouler: A M ful. After a test phase of several weeks, hands out of their windows to sig- bound customers. through the clinic’s entrance hall, her feet long grey jacket with matching she appears to have settled in at the nal to waiters, who come to take their “We serve the food on proper plates automatically mopping the floors. slashed trousers, a black trench Neuperlach hospital. Rettler’s company orders that will be eaten on the spot. for (people) to dine in their car like they Amused patients take photos of her, and coat and a dark pantsuit. “That has therefore decided to keep her there Lockdown-weary Malaysians have are dining in a restaurant,” Chong Kar some even stop to chat to the meter-high was my first ever fashion experi- permanently rather than deploy her else- jumped at the chance for an unusual eat- Yan, the company’s social media market- robot. “Ah, there you are my friend,” ence,” said Emhoff, during a talk where. — AFP ing-out experience allowing them to enjoy ing manager, told AFP. Their first drive-in cries one elderly lady with a drip on her with two of Proenza Schouler’s restaurant food despite coronavirus curbs dining site, in a car park beside one of arm upon catching sight of Franzi. “One designers on the New York - in-car dining. their restaurants, proved such a hit they of our recent patients came down three Fashion Week website. “I have to have now opened a second at another say I was a little nervous. I defi- outlet in the city. nitely lost a little sleep the night “I do feel safer eating in a car com- before.” pared to a restaurant because we do san- Emhoff is the daughter of itize the car,” said customer Narinderjit Harris’s husband Doug Emhoff Singh, when AFP made a visit to one of and his first wife Kerstin Mackin. the in-car dining sites. “I sit at home Ella Emhoff signed with the presti- throughout the day, I work from home - gious modeling agency IMG this gives me the opportunity to go out.” Models in late January after she Officials recently relaxed rules, allow- wore a Miu Miu coat to Joe ing people to dine inside restaurants Biden’s and Harris’s swearing-in again, as the number of daily cases ceremony. The final-year student declined. But Padi House will continue at the Parsons School of Design This picture taken on Feb 9, 2021 shows a offering in-car dining, an option welcomed in New York is also a knitwear waiter serving a customer using the “dine-in by customers who remain worried about designer. car” service outside the Padi House restaurant the virus. Malaysia is still recording close On Thursday, she released a in Cyberjaya, outside Kuala Lumpur. to 3,000 cases a day and several deaths. collection of five items that includ- “The good thing about this is that you’ll ed two sweater vests and a long The Southeast Asian nation is strug- reduce your interaction with other people, striped dress. Only one of each gling with a virus resurgence that last so that you can avoid COVID-19,” said item was made and they quickly month prompted officials to re-impose customer Ahmad Yunus Faeez. — AFP sold out on the website Mall, restrictions, including a ban on dining which is an online marketplace for inside restaurants. To get around this, the emerging designers. — AFP chain - which serves a mix of local and Cleaning robot ‘Franzi’ cleans in the entrance area of a hospital in Munich Neuperlach, Western fare in the city of Cyberjaya out- southern Germany, on Feb 12, 2021. — AFP

The rare appearance of the dead unloading oil or by old tar lifted by the also fallen victim to poisoning. But whale, of the second-biggest mammal storm from the seabed, killed many Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority said Dead whale species in the world after the blue marine creatures. Friday that experts had determined that whale, was initially thought to have been That had sparked theories that the the decayed state of the whale, discov- connected to the tar pollution. The tar, 16.9-metre (55-foot) male fin whale, ered on Thursday at the southern washes up on itself apparently released by a ship weighing an estimated 25 tonnes, had Nitzanim beach near Ashkelon, meant it had died some two weeks ago. “The Israeli shore whale’s arrival cannot be linked to the tar pollution,” the authority said in a statement. The environmental protection after storm ministry vowed to locate the source of the pollution, saying it was on a rare scale and that the cleanup was set to he carcass of an almost 17-m fin be “long and difficult”. Volunteers from a Twhale has washed up on a south- network of NGOs began cleaning up the ern Israeli shore, an AFP photogra- beaches along with the ministry, which pher said Friday, in the aftermath of a allocated emergency funds to the rele- storm that caused massive tar pollution. vant municipalities to expedite the man- Powerful winds and unusually high ual cleaning. — AFP waves pummeled Israel’s entire Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of US Vice Mediterranean coastline over Tuesday President Kamala Harris, poses dur- and Wednesday, with tons of tar stain- People gather around a dead fin ing her fashion debut for Proenza ing beaches from Rosh Hanikra, just whale that washed ashore on a Schouler’s Fall Winter 2021 collection south of Lebanon, to Ashkelon just north beach in the southern Israeli city of on Feb 18, 2021 in New York. — AFP of Gaza. Ashkelon on Friday. — AFP Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Sunday, February 21, 2021

n the ruins of an ancient Byzantine home and his livelihood when he fled the “The project has two main aims: preserv- because it gives me a monthly income of sarily international” experts, she said. She church in northern Jordan, local towns- city of Daraa in war-torn Syria in 2012, the ing heritage... (and) creating job opportu- 300 dinars,” said the 32-year-old said the pilot program had “paved the Ipeople and Syrian refugees work side- project is a lifeline. “I am proud to be part nities for local communities,” even if the Jordanian, who is from Rihab. way to a much larger project which is tar- by-side on a project that preserves cul- of the restoration and maintenance of his- employment is short-term, said Dania geting six sites in the north of Jordan and tural heritage and fights poverty. toric monuments,” the father of six said. Dirani, head of the UNESCO initiative. ‘Let the world know’ funded by the European Union”. Meticulously operating by hand with “It’s saved me financially and I’ve gained She said the workers were trained in the Abandoned in the ninth century, the Meanwhile the Rihab work, which tweezers and brushes, workers restore a real experience.” site’s history and churches, along with town’s ruined churches were rediscov- began in October last year, is expected mosaic floor piece by piece at the St how to work with mosaics and restoration. ered from 1999. At the church of to be completed by the end of May. John the Baptist church, built in 619 AD. It is one of three church mosaic floors under restoration, or recently restored, in the small town of Rihab, adding to an impressive array of such national treas- ures. Jordan’s most renowned mosaic is one of the oldest maps of the Holy Land, consisting of over two million mosaic stones originally built into the floor of a sixth century Byzantine church in Madaba. “I don’t think there is another country with (as) many floor mosaics for the Byzantine time,” said 54-year-old expert Workers employed by a pilot project run by the UN cultural Franco Sciorilli, an Italian who is supervis- agency UNESCO restore a mosaic floor at an ancient church ing the work. Rihab, 70 km north of the complex in the small town of Rihab, some 70 km north of the capital Amman and less than half that Jordanian capital Amman, on Feb 9, 2021. — AFP photos Workers restore a stone wall at the ancient church complex. A worker restores a stone wall. distance from the Syrian border, has over time been home to around 32 churches, mostly from the Byzantine era, according Training and jobs Only half of the 600 applicants could Procopius and Sergius, built in 590 AD, Italian Sciorilli, who said he had trained to Sciorilli. But nowadays only the ruins of Kneeling on thick pieces of foam, be chosen, and those most in need were stonemasons working on the UN project around 500 people in restoring mosaics five or six are visible, including the St workers hunch over a brown, white and given priority, she added. The workers restore pilasters and plinths. Restoration since coming to Jordan in 1994, George cathedral, built in 230 AD and black tile mosaic, whose design repre- earn between 12.5 and 15 Jordanian of the mosaic flooring at the St Mary expressed enthusiasm about the site’s one of the oldest in the world, he said. sents the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers dinars (just under $18 and up to $21) a church, built in 543 AD, was completed restoration. “The mosaics we have here The rest remain buried in sand. as well as trees, flowers and geometric day, depending on their skills and qualifi- last month. are very simple, but the technique is very Three hundred people, a fifth of them figures. There are no human faces or cations. Meals and transport costs are UNESCO official Giorgia Cesaro said unique - it is completely different than women, are working on the pilot project bodies, in conformity with a ruling by part of the package, in a country where the project represented “a change in the what you see” elsewhere, he said. “We to restore the sites, run by UN cultural eighth-century Byzantine Emperor Leo III the unemployment rate is 23 percent. approach to heritage conservation”, one should let the rest of the world know agency UNESCO and financed by the Isaurian forbidding such depictions. For Taha Al-Khazaleh, who has a that took into consideration the communi- about it.” — AFP Germany. All of the workers live in Rihab, An ancient Greek inscription reads diploma in restoring mosaics, it was a ties living near the archaeological sites. and around a third are Syrians. For 45- that the mosaic was financed by resi- perfect fit. “I was happy to be part of this “The idea is that they are the ones who year-old Walid Al-Awad, who lost his dents in honor of St John the Baptist. project because it’s my specialty - and can take care of their heritage, not neces-

rundown Pakistan zoo once home year ordered it closed, and every animal new laws targeting poachers, who regu- to what was dubbed the “world’s to be relocated - an exercise in itself that larly trap and traffic birds, monkeys, and Aloneliest elephant” and notorious ended in tragedy. even black bears, said IWMB chair- for housing animals in cramped concrete Two lions died during their relocation woman Rina Saeed. enclosures has launched an ambitious when zookeepers attempted to pry them $7.5 million makeover plan. Animal rights from their pen by setting ablaze piles of ‘He looks very happy’ activists had campaigned against the hay. Pakistan’s climate change ministry Kaavan’s departure for happier pas- plight of Islamabad Zoo’s biggest attrac- has now taken charge of the zoo’s reha- tures proved bittersweet for at least one tion - a 35-year-old bull named Kaavan, bilitation, with plans to establish a vastly man connected to the zoo - his last the last remaining Asian elephant in the improved conservation center. “We have keeper, Imran Hussain. Hussain was country - who had lived alone since the temporarily shifted some 380 different hired and specially trained last year death of his mate eight years earlier. animals - including monkeys, nilgai when Kaavan’s plight became interna- Kaavan was transferred to Cambodia (antelope), zebras and bears - to differ- tionally known, but quickly formed a late last year in a blaze of publicity after ent sanctuaries within and outside bond with his pachyderm pal. “I feel his plight caught the attention of US Pakistan,” said Waqar Zakriya of the something breaking inside me when I superstar Cher, who helped raise funds Islamabad Wildlife Management Board come to the zoo and see his empty This combination shows a file photo (top) This combination shows a file photo (top) for the jumbo relocation. While the ele- (IWMB). “They will all be brought back - cage,” he told AFP. of a toppled statue of John Robert Godley of the badly damaged Knox Presbyterian phant now has hundreds of acres to not to be kept in captivity but in a nation- “He used to welcome me with a loud in Cathedral Square on Feb 24, 2011, two Church surrounded by rubble on Feb 23, roam alongside dozens of companions in al park in a natural habitat.” trumpet and by raising up his trunk every days after a deadly 6.3 magnitude earth- 2011; and the rebuilt church (bottom) near- northern Cambodia, his last years in The center will also include facilities to morning. He would throw water over me quake rocked Christchurch; and the now ly 10 years later on Feb 17, 2021. Pakistan were anything but tranquil. treat and rehabilitate injured indigenous to express his pleasure - and anger.” resurrected and repaired statue (bottom) — AFP photos Islamabad Zoo was bereft of any nat- wildlife - the first of its kind in the country. Still, he knows the beast is now in a bet- nearly 10 years later on Fe 17, 2021. ural vegetation and many animals there The initiative was “brilliant and extraordi- ter place. “I have seen video clips of developed classic caged behavior, such nary”, said Rab Nawaz, the Director of Kaavan... he looks very happy,” he said. six-storey, 1980s-era office block that as constant swaying or repetitive pacing. World Wide Fund for Nature in Pakistan. “I pray to God for his long life.” — AFP “pancaked” within 20 seconds of the Established in 1978 and eventually grow- Mistreatment of animals - in zoos or for Quake-hit quake hitting then burst into flames. A total ing to 30 acres, keepers struggled to entertainment -is commonplace in of 115 died in that structure alone, includ- care for the zoo’s residents. Conditions Pakistan, but attitudes are changing. ing 65 foreign students, mostly from China were so bad that a High Court judge last Wildlife authorities are also pushing for Christchurch and Japan. An official investigation found the build- ing was so badly designed it should never regains its mojo, have received planning permission and construction codes nationwide were tight- ened significantly. A 7.1-magnitude quake 10 years on in September 2010 had weakened build- ings but caused no direct fatalities and Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel con- lthough a decade has passed, New ceded the relative success withstanding Zealander Gordon Cullen still vividly that tremor had led to complacency. “The Arecalls his daring escape from a September earthquake was a wake-up high-rise tower block during the deadly call that we should have taken more notice Christchurch earthquake on Feb 22, 2011. of as a city,” she said. Among the CTV Trapped in a fifth-floor office after the 6.3- dead was Maysoon Abbas, wife of Maan magnitude shake that would claim 185 Alkaisi, who maintains a dogged cam- lives in the South Island city, Cullen exited paign to bring the engineers who In this picture taken on Jan 6, 2021, Vaqar Zakaria, member of the Disused amusement rides are seen at the closed Marghazar Zoo. in dramatic style, dangling a fire hose from designed the building to trial, even though Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), speaks during an — AFP photos a smashed window and clambering down police maintain there is insufficient evi- interview with AFP in Dino Park in Islamabad. to the roof of a neighboring car park. dence. “Everybody knows that justice has “Filing cabinets were falling over, desks not been served,” Alkaisi told AFP. But the senior family members pledged ‘Service is universal’ were going end to end, there was a lot of “There’s been no action to ensure that we to review the situation a year on - with the However, it appears the pair will retain screaming,” the investment adviser told have deserving closure from this terrible move now made permanent, days after their official titles of Duke and Duchess of AFP. “We tied the fire hose around a sofa, event, even after 10 years.” Harry and Meghan announced on Sussex, and Harry remains sixth in line to locked it up against the window and I just Following the quake, and the thou- Valentine’s Day they are expecting their the throne, with no change in the line of went hand over hand and lowered myself sands of aftershocks that kept residents second child. “The Duke and Duchess of succession. “While all are saddened by down. “I did think at the time that my on edge for the next 12 months, came an Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The their decision, the Duke and Duchess hands were getting pretty hot. I was trying ambitious but slow rebuild that dragged Queen that they will not be returning as remain much loved members of the fami- to line up a car, so that if I dropped I’d on for years, preventing the city from mov- working members of The Royal Family,” ly,” the palace statement added. The deci- have landed on the car bonnet.” Cullen ing forward. Vacant lots filled with weeds rince Harry and his American wife Buckingham Palace announced. sion means Harry, 36, who served as a sol- made it out unharmed and - as the city of and pools of stagnant water marred the “The Queen has written confirming that dier in Afghanistan and is passionate 400,000 prepares to mark the anniversary once thriving downtown area as construc- Meghan have permanently quit royal duties, Buckingham Palace said in stepping away from the work of The about veterans’ welfare, must relinquish of the disaster - counts himself among the tion stalled due to a combination of P Royal Family it is not possible to continue several honorary military titles related to the Friday, just over a year after they rocked lucky ones. “It’s been a long time, here bureaucratic inertia and disputes over with the responsibilities and duties that Royal Marines, air force and navy. were are 10 years on and it’s still pretty building insurance payouts. “For a long the British monarchy by announcing plans to “step back” from their roles. Queen come with a life of public service.” It noted Earlier this month he formally settled a raw for some people,” he said. time, we were really worried whether we their honorary appointments and patron- libel claim against the publisher of The Mail wouldn’t have our city back but now we’re Elizabeth II ordered the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they are formally known, to ages would be redistributed among the On Sunday and MailOnline website over ‘This terrible event’ feeling a lot more optimistic,” Alkaisi said. remaining working royals. reports he had snubbed soldiers since Christchurch had survived earthquakes The Christchurch that Prime Minister relinquish their honorary titles and patron- ages following the confirmation that they stepping back from royal life. A spokesper- before, but the seismic jolt that hit on Feb Jacinda Ardern will visit for a memorial son for the couple said Friday they had 22, 2011 had a shallow epicenter of just service tomorrow is fundamentally differ- would not be returning as working royals. The couple relocated to the United shown that they “remain committed to their five kilometers on a previously unknown ent from the city that existed before the duty and service to the UK and around the fault that lay directly under the city. The 2011 quake. Once regarded as “a little States last year, in a move dubbed “Megxit” by the British press, and have world”. The statement noted they had results were devastating: office buildings slice of England”, mayor Dalziel said offered their continued support to the crumpled, jagged fissures opened up on Christchurch’s focus now is not on history since embarked on several commercial ventures there including lucrative tie-ups organizations they had represented busy roads, and shop awnings collapsed but embracing the city’s environment, “regardless of official role”. “We can all live onto pedestrians who moments before including the Avon River. “We’ve turned to with the streaming platforms Netflix and Spotify. At an emergency January 2020 a life of service. Service is universal,” it had been enjoying a lunchtime stroll. face the river and really embrace it as the added.—AFP Vast swathes of the suburbs became a heart of our city,” she said, citing new ter- summit with the queen, Harry’s father quagmire as liquefaction - quake-generat- races on the banks that are lined by bars Prince Charles and brother Prince William, In this file photo taken on March 11, 2019, ed quicksand - undermined the ground and restaurants.—AFP Harry agreed they would stop using their Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan leave after that thousands of homes were built on. “Royal Highness” titles and the “Sussex attending a Commonwealth Day Service at Most fatalities were in the CTV Building, a Royal” brand. Westminster Abbey in central London. — AFP 14 Sports Sunday, February 21, 2021

Photo of the Day MLB has 13 positive COVID tests ahead of first workouts

NEW YORK: Nine players and four staffers tested positive for COVID-19 during intake screening before Major League Baseball begins full-squad pre-season workouts, MLB and the players union said Friday. The first set of results under the MLB COVID-19 health and test plan found 13 positives spread over 11 clubs from 4,336 total samples collected, a positive rate of 0.3 percent. Tests were required of all active MLB roster players, non-roster invitees to spring training camps and staff members as part of a screening process that included a five-day home quarantine, temperature checks plus sali- va and antibody tests. The 2021 MLB health and safety protocols were agreed upon by the league and MLB Players Association after rec- ommendations by medical experts and infec- tious disease specialists. Those who clear the intake process become subject to regular moni- toring testing. There were 2,298 such samples taken and analyzed and none was returned pos- itive. Clubs open workouts this month with the first pre-season contests planned for February 28 ahead of the scheduled April 1 start of the Tim Alongi performs during Red Bull Acro Cross in Sopot, Bulgaria. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com regular season. — AFP Rejuvenated Clippers snap Jazz win streak, Murray hits career high 50 points Pistons vs Knicks rescheduled to March 4

LOS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard returned from a leg Embiid was 17 of 26 from the field and 15 of 17 from injury to score 29 points as the revitalized Los Angeles the free-throw line as he eclipsed the 49 points he Clippers beat the NBA-leading Utah Jazz in the sec- scored against the Atlanta Hawks one year ago. “My ond of a two-game set on Friday in Los Angeles. With teammates found me. I am pretty happy about what both Leonard and Paul George back in the lineup after we did,” Embiid said. “I have got to get the job done. sitting out with injuries, the Clippers held on to beat That’s my job, that’s why they pay me.” the Utah Jazz 116-112 to snap the team’s nine-game Tobias Harris contributed 22 points, 12 rebounds in winning streak. the win. Danny Green scored 13 points and reserve Leonard returned after a three-game absence due Dwight Howard had 10 rebounds. It was Philadelphia’s to a bruised leg, George missed seven-games with a second consecutive win without Ben Simmons, who sore toe. Both couldn’t play in the Clippers’ 114-96 skipped the game with a stomach illness. Zach LaVine home loss on Wednesday to the red-hot Jazz. The led the Bulls with 30 points, Wendell Carter added 15 Jazz’s trademark during their win streak has been find- and Thad Young scored 12 as Chicago had its two ing different ways to get the job done, but that didn’t game win streak halted. matter on Friday as they were outrebounded by the Canada’s Murray scored a regular season career- Clippers 45-38. high 50 as the Nuggets crushed the Cleveland The Clippers had five players in double figures, Cavaliers 120-103 in Cleveland. Murray, who scored including both Leonard and George, who scored 15 50 points in two playoff games last season, sur- as they beat the Jazz for the first time this season. passed his previous high of 48 points in Denver’s Lou Williams added 19 points, Patrick Beverley had 115-107 win over the Boston Celtics in November 17 and Marcus Morris chipped in 17 off the bench for 2018. “Once I saw a few go down it just took off the Clippers. Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points, from there,” Murray said. Bojan Bogdanovic added 23 points, and reserve Murray, whose mother is from Syria and father was Jordan Clarkson contributed 19. Mike Conley scored born in Jamaica, made 21 of 25 shots from the floor and 16 points for Utah, who lost for just the second time drained eight threes for the Nuggets, who led 69-50 at in 22 contests. halftime. Oddly enough, he did not have a free throw, In other games on Friday, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid making it the highest scoring game in NBA history LOS ANGELES: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the and Denver’s Jamal Murray each scored a career high without a free throw attempt. “It’s kind of cool to make LA Clippers on Friday at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. — AFP 50 points, with Murray becoming the first ever to history. It’s a cool stat,” Murray said. Michael Porter reach the mark without attempting a free throw and scored 22 points in the first half, and Nikola Jokic Embiid also grabbing a whopping 17 rebounds. All- earned 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the games. Nikola Vucevic also recorded his third career Detroit Pistons will now visit the New York Knicks Star Embiid led the 76ers to a 112-105 victory over the Nuggets. Jokic turned 26 on Friday. triple-double with 30 points, 16 rebounds and 10 on March 4. The game had been planned for the Chicago Bulls. He added 17 rebounds, five assists, four American Collin Sexton scored 23 points, and assists to lift the Orlando Magic to a 124-120 win over season’s second half, after next month’s all-star blocks and two steals in a dynamic game in Jarrett Allen tallied 20 points and 10 rebounds for the the Golden State Warriors in Florida. break. Instead, it will be played on the final day Philadelphia. Cavaliers, who extended their losing streak to nine The league tweaked its schedule on Friday. The before the break. — AFP

coronavirus, Odhiambo has avoided crowded public He says he lost 20 kilograms (44 pounds) getting Despite risks, Nairobi transport and taken his chances on two wheels navi- in the saddle, and made significant savings on trans- India’s Kohli gating the hectic roads of the Kenyan capital. The port thanks to a used bike he purchased for about other choice is cramming into a ‘matatu’: colorfully 15,000 Kenyan shillings ($136 or 115 euros). “The gives cycling a spin in painted minibuses jammed with some 15 commuters best way to sensitize people about cycling and going says he suffered that hurtle around the city streets. green is to show people the benefit of it,” he said. pandemic bike push “I am much safer on a bicycle,” said Odhiambo, from depression adding that he was able to social distancing, and trav- Growing trend el faster because he’s not stuck in traffic. He wears a Odhiambo is among a growing number in Nairobi NAIROBI: Nairobi, morning rush hour: the only bright yellow vest and blows a whistle to make his switching to cycling since the pandemic, despite a NEW DELHI: Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has cyclist on a busy highway, Steven Odhiambo is nar- presence known on his morning rides to the office. critical lack of bike paths. It is a promising sign in a revealed that he struggled with depression and felt like rowly overtaken by a fast-moving minibus. “It’s just a It is a harrowing 15-kilometre (nine miles) journey city where air pollution has increased 182 percent the “loneliest guy in the world” after failing with the jungle, just fighting for your space on the road,” says without the protection of bike lanes, and he must since the 1970s, according to a recent study by the bat during a tour of England in 2014. Kohli, one of the the 30-year-old video editor, who picked up cycling navigate between antiquated trucks, speeding SUVs University of Birmingham, and traffic jams cost an highest-paid athletes in the world with a net worth of again at the onset of the pandemic after 20 years and motorcycles criss-crossing the lanes. Despite the estimated $1 billion in lost productivity every year. $26 million, also said that a chat with the legendary without a pedal stroke. perilous conditions, not to mention two minor acci- In his store for used bikes in the city Centre, Sachin Tendulkar helped him through the mental- It is a risky business but since the outbreak of the dents, Odhiambo has no intention of backpedalling. Jimmy Karumba said he experienced at least a 50 health crisis. percent rise in sales in last year. The shopkeeper, who The 32-year-old batsman made the revelations on a mainly sold children’s bikes before the pandemic, said podcast with English commentator and former crick- he welcomed many adult customers looking to avoid eter Mark Nicholas. “I did (feel depressed). It’s not a public transport and stay fit. great feeling to wake up knowing that you won’t be In May, Benard Asin founded Spin Kings, a group able to score runs and I think all batsmen have felt that dedicated to biking enthusiasts, and witnessed a at some stage that you are not in control of anything at surge to around 300 members in a matter of weeks. all,” said Kohli, who is adored by millions of fans for his “I was even speechless. I didn’t expect it to pick up tough and competitive on-field persona. “You just did- that fast,” the 27-year-old social worker said. “I can n’t understand how to get over it. That was a phase say 99 percent started cycling after the pandemic.” when I literally couldn’t do anything to overturn While most remembered the basics “many people things...I felt like I was the loneliest guy in the world.” didn’t know about changing gears,” he said. The Indian skipper averaged just 13.50 from five Tests in that series, which India lost 3-1 after drawing ‘Cyclists’ lives matter’ the opener. Kohli said he felt lonely despite having Cyprine Odada of Critical Mass, an alliance of supportive people in his life. “Personally, for me that cyclist groups that holds monthly rides of up to 1,000 was a revelation that you could feel that lonely even people in Nairobi, said the pandemic had shown poli- though you are a part of a big group,” said the crick- cymakers that biking was popular and not exclusively eter, who married top Bollywood actor Anushka transport for the poor. “Weirdly, COVID has been Sharma in 2017. “I won’t say I didn’t have people who I good for cycling,” said Odada. could speak to but not having a professional to speak Many novices have sought out Critical Mass for to who could understand what I am going through advice about staying safe, said the 34-year-old urban completely, I think is a huge factor.” planner. Cycling is far from harmless in Nairobi: 69 Kohli added that he heeded advice from Tendulkar cyclists died last year in the capital, according to the about letting the feeling pass instead of fighting it. “If NAIROBI: Cyclists take part in the monthly Critical Mass Nairobi (CMS) group-bike ride around the capi- National Transport Authority. Between the scarcity of you start fighting that feeling, it grows stronger. So, tal city whose two objectives are getting more people commuting on bicycles, partly as a counter meas- bicycle paths and often total absence of footpaths that is the advice I took on board and my mindset real- ure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus at crowded public transport termini and buses and “our roads are a death trap”, said Odada. In the city, ly opened up from then on.” Kohli is currently leading to revolutionize urban transport system to enhance safety for non-motorized road users at Nairobi’s some bikers have taken to wearing t-shirts embla- India against England in a four-Test home series tied Uhuru Park January 30, 2021. — AFP zoned with the slogan: “Cyclists’ lives matter”.—AFP 1-1. — AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Sunday, February 21, 2021 King Novak faces ‘challenger’ Medvedev in Australian Open final Djokovic eyes 18th Slam title to inch closer to Federer, Nadal

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic says going unbeaten ing a straight-sets drubbing of the Serb at the ATP in eight Australian Open finals will give him confidence Finals in London, with Djokovic deeming him “the man in today’s decider, but he’ll need more than that to to beat”. “He’s just so solid. Also, I heard (commenta- overcome “the man to beat” — red-hot Russian Daniil tor) Jim Courier calling him a master chess player Medvedev. The Serbian world number one is into his because of the way he tactically positions himself on ninth decider at Melbourne Park as he targets an 18th the court, and it’s true,” he said. “You know, he’s defi- Slam title to close the gap on Roger Federer and nitely a very smart tennis player.” Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each. It has been a rollercoaster ride to get there, with ‘He’s the favorite’ Djokovic uncharacteristically dropping five sets as he Medvedev, who has dropped just two sets so far, battled an abdominal injury that nearly forced him to insisted that despite having all the momentum he was pull out. But after his semi-final, Djokovic said he was still the underdog. “He’s the favorite because he didn’t feeling better than at any time during the past fortnight lose. On eight occasions that he was here in the semis as he prepares to defend his crown against a man on a he won the tournament,” said the 25-year-old. 20-match unbeaten streak. The Serb heads into the “Me, I’m... the challenger, the guy that challenges showpiece on Sunday evening with the phenomenal the guy who was eight times in the final and won eight record of never losing a final on Melbourne’s famous times. And I’m happy about it. I know that to beat him blue courts in eight attempts spanning 13 years. you need to just show your best tennis, be at your best Djokovic will also be playing his 28th Grand Slam final, physically maybe four or five hours, and be at your in contrast to the Russian’s second. But the 33-year- best mentally maybe for five hours,” he added. old, who swept past qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the Despite playing down his chances, Medvedev, who semi-finals, said while experience was clearly an also reached the 2019 US Open final, losing to Nadal, advantage, Medvedev was also in electric form. has the weapons to trouble Djokovic, with a big serve, “Of course it contributes to more confidence, prior unrelenting returns and exceptional movement as he to coming into the finals knowing that I never lost in targets a maiden Grand Slam title. the finals or semi-finals just makes me feel more com- Twelve of his 20 straight wins have been against fortable being on the court,” he said. “But each year is top-10 players and he has won three of his last four different, although it does have a mental effect on me. against the 17-time Grand Slam-winning Serb. Maybe on my opponents, I don’t know, but on me it “Playing Novak seven times already is just a huge MELBOURNE: This combination photo shows Russia’s Daniil Medvedev hitting a return during his men’s does definitely have a positive effect. But it’s not a experience,” he said. “(But) I think when he’s in the singles semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 19, 2021 decisive factor in the way the match is going to go for- zone he doesn’t miss. He goes down the line, cross, (left) and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hitting a return during his men’s singles quarter-final match at the ward, because each year is different.” forehand, backhand, he doesn’t miss. That’s what is the same tournament on February 16, 2021. — AFP Medvedev is unbeaten since last November, includ- toughest part of playing against him.” — AFP

energy in (Emile) Smith Rowe, (Bukayo) Saka, (Pierre- Arsenal boss Emerick) Aubameyang with the runs in behind, and they have the players with the quality in the middle to make the process quite well. Early in the future they hails Man City as will be a real contender to fight for the title.” Guardiola played down his influence on his former ‘best in Europe’ colleague, saying: “I didn’t inspire him. What he knows he knows for himself. “I’m not in this case absolutely any influence. What he is doing, the credit is for him LONDON: Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal team will and his staff.” — AFP be facing the best side in Europe when they take on Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium today. City have won a club-record 17 successive games across all competitions and are 10 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United. Arteta knows Guardiola well after working under MILAN: This file photo taken in Milan on February 15, 2021 shows a street art mural by an unknown the City boss in Manchester for three years before artist on a wall near the San Siro stadium, depicting AC Milan’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic returning to manage Arsenal, having previously played headbutting Inter Milan’s Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku, a gesture that occurred last January 26 dur- for the Gunners. “I think they are the best team in ing their Italian Cup quarter final match. — AFP Europe at the moment,” Arteta said of City. “The way they are performing, the football they are playing and the consistency of the results, take all that and it makes and Lukaku squaring off and trading insults, with the them the best team. So we have a big but, as well, a Ibrahimovic, Swede later sent off. Inter have won five of their last six very exciting challenge ahead of us.” meetings. But AC Milan can win both league games City made an uncertain start to the season but are Lukaku rematch as against Inter for the first time since 2010-11, when they now hot favorites to win a third Premier League title in went on to lift their most recent Serie A title. four years. Arteta said he was impressed by how they Roma, seven points adrift of Inter in third place, can had regained their form. “What they have done is react Milan rivals clash benefit from the Milan duel to close the gap, with the to a difficult moment,” he said. “They reacted in a real- capital side travelling to 15th-placed Benevento, after a ly convincing way, all united and doing what they do 2-0 Europa League win at Sporting Braga. Juventus, in best — being very consistent and winning games very MILAN: AC Milan and city rivals Inter renew their fourth, one point behind Roma, should take all three duel for top spot in Serie A today in a third clash this comfortably. They have weaknesses like every team points against Crotone tomorrow, despite being held but at the moment teams have struggled a lot to find season between star strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and by the side from Calabria in their last two meetings. any of that because I think first of all defensively they ROME: Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta ges- Romelu Lukaku as champions Juventus play catch-up. However, the Turin giants have an injury crisis with Antonio Conte’s Inter went top after Lukaku scored have been really, really strong.” tures during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Arthur, Juan Arteta’s praise for City was reciprocated by twice in a 3-1 win over Lazio, one point ahead of Milan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata all uncer- first leg football match between SL Benfica and who dropped to second after losing to Spezia last Guardiola, who predicted Arsenal would be title con- Arsenal at the Olimpico stadium in Rome on tain. Champions League rivals Atalanta and Napoli go tenders in the near future. After City won 4-1 at the weekend. Juventus will be looking for a boost against head-to-head today before the Bergamo side host Real February 18, 2021. — AFP rock bottom Crotone after following their Napoli Emirates Stadium in the League Cup in December, the Madrid in this year’s elite European tournament. post-match inquest focused on whether Arteta would defeat with a Champions League last 16, first leg loss at Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli lost their Europa League Porto. Inter have the advantage of being fresher having be sacked. Guardiola was one of the few to speak out tie at Granada and also have a long injury list with in support of the Spaniard, with Arsenal languishing been eliminated early from European action. AC Milan Dries Mertens, Kostas Manolas, Hirving Lozano and return to Italy after conceding a late goal in a 2-2 draw close to the relegation zone. Elseid Hysaj, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Faouzi But Arsenal kept faith with Arteta and he has at Red Star Belgrade in the Europa league, a game in Ghoulam have to receive the all-clear from coronavirus. which midfielder Ismael Bennacer was injured. “Against steered them into calmer waters thanks to the rapid Lazio, seventh equal on points with Napoli and development of promising youngsters Bukayo Saka Zaha to stop Spezia it was not the real AC Milan. The important Atalanta, host Sampdoria, who they lost to 3-0 earlier thing is to turn the page,” said Milan coach Stefano and Emile Smith Rowe. “What the two months shows is this season. But the Romans are the form side in 2021 that all managers need time,” Guardiola said. “He Pioli. It will be the third derby this season with Milan with 19 points from eight games, more than any other taking knee before (Arteta) is not an exception, but when I see the last winning the first 2-1 in the league. team in Serie A. On Friday, relegation rivals Cagliari and two months every game Arsenal plays they are better Inter won a fiery Italian Cup quarter-final by the Torino clash with the Sardinians chasing a first win than the opponent. They have quality and incredible league games same scoreline, a game overshadowed by Ibrahimovic since November 7. — AFP

But Brest goalkeeper Sebastien Cibois, only play- Cibois, who started his career at PSG, was at fault LONDON: Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha Lyon go top ing his fourth senior game for the club, handed again for the third goal when he chopped down says he is going to stop taking a knee before Lyon the opening goal. Depay who then stepped up to put away the penalty. Premier League matches and instead wants to see The 22-year-old fluffed a clearance which allowed To their credit, Brest hit back with two goals in the concrete action to tackle racism. Players, officials of Ligue 1 Brazilian midfielder Paqueta to walk the ball into an second period but they were unable to repeat their and staff at Premier League and English Football empty net. Brest’s Paul Lasne was then caught in pos- performance from December’s first meeting when they League matches have been making the gesture before kick-off since the 2019/20 season resumed BREST: Lyon went top of Ligue 1 on Friday, making session by Thiago Mendes who found Depay. The scored in the third minute of stoppage time to secure in June to show support for racial equality. the most of a series of blunders by hosts Brest to win Netherlands attacker in turn set up Aouar to score. a 2-2 draw. — AFP Premier League club shirts also carried a Black 3-2. Lyon were in cruise control with a 3-0 lead cour- Lives Matter slogan during the latter stages of tesy of goals from Lucas Paqueta in the ninth minute, last season before being changed for this cam- Houssem Aouar after 28 minutes and a penalty from paign to feature a patch promoting the league’s Memphis Depay just before the half-time break. own anti-discrimination campaign “No Room For However, the home side fought back with second-half Racism”. goals from Brendan Chardonnet in the 52nd minute But a number of players including Manchester and Irvin Cardona 20 minutes later. “I am satisfied with United’s Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford this victory. It was in two phases-a first half with the have been targeted with racist abuse on social wind for us but which we did not need to use,” said media in recent weeks. Several teams, including Lyon coach Rudi Garcia of the wet and blustery con- Championship side Brentford, have stopped tak- ditions in the Brittany port city. “We played on the ing a knee before games and Zaha feels it has ground, on the move. In the second half, we expected a become an empty gesture. The Ivory Coast inter- lot of pressure from the Brest players and our friend national, 28, speaking at the Financial Times the wind, which encouraged their kick and rush.” Brest Business of Football Summit on Thursday, said his coach Olivier Dall’Oglio said he was left with “regrets parents had told him he should be proud to be and bitterness”. “Against teams like Lyon, we should black and should “stand tall”. not make these mistakes. We shot ourselves in the foot “It’s becoming something that we just do now on the first and second goals.” and that’s not enough for me,” he said. “I’m not Lyon lead the way on goal difference from Lille going to take the knee, I’m not going to wear with champions Paris Saint-Germain a point further Black Lives Matter on the back of my shirt back in third. Lille are at Lorient today while PSG because it feels like it’s a target. We’re isolating host Monaco in a game where Kylian Mbappe ourselves, we’re trying to say that we’re equal but faces his former club. “Now we are going to watch we’re isolating ourselves with these things that those matches carefully and hope for a misstep,” aren’t even working anyway, so that’s my stand on said Aouar. Mid-table Brest matched Lyon in the BREST: Lyon’s Dutch forward Memphis Depay scores a penalty during the French L1 football match between it. Unless action is going to happen, don’t speak to early stages as Garcia’s men looked to bounce Stade Brestois 29 (FC Brest) and Olympique Lyonnais - Lyon (OL) at The Francis Le Ble Stadium in Brest, west- me about it.”— AFP back from their defeat to Montpellier last weekend. ern France on Friday. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 Osaka dominates to win Australian Open Third player ever to win first four major finals

MELBOURNE: Japan’s Naomi Osaka dismissed Jennifer Brady in straight sets to win the Australian Open and underline her growing hold on women’s tennis yesterday. Osaka edged a tight first set but controlled the second to win 6-4, 6-3 in 77 min- utes in front of 7,381 fans at Rod Laver Arena. Third seed Osaka pre- serves her 100 percent record in Grand Slam finals after winning the 2018 and 2020 US Opens and the 2019 title in Melbourne. The reigning US Open champion, who beat her idol Serena Williams in the Melbourne semi-finals, has now won two of the last three Grand Slams as her status and reputation soars. “We played in the semis of the US Open a couple of months ago and I told everyone that you’re going to be a problem,” Osaka told Brady at the trophy presentation. “And I was right. It’s really incredible to me to see your growth over the past few months, it’s really cool for me to see.” Osaka, 23, is only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals, and MELBOURNE: This handout photo released by the Tennis Australia yesterday shows Japan’s Naomi Osaka holding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup trophy after her women’s sin- will now rise to second in the world gles final match against Jennifer Brady of the US on day thirteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. — AFP rankings. She saved two match points in the fourth round against Garbine Muguruza and swept past Williams in ing, it feels really incredible for me,” was a rematch of last year’s epic US pressure on Osaka’s serve. A brilliant down an ace to skip out to a 3-0 lead, straight sets in the semis. she told the crowd, which was capped Open semi-final, described by some as lob winner, showcasing her trademark followed by a roar of “C’mon!”. Brady Yesterday, Osaka wore down fellow at half-capacity over coronavirus con- the best match of 2020, but Osaka tri- athleticism, gave a pumped-up Brady a attempted a late rally, but a calm big-hitter Brady, and then lifted her cerns. “I didn’t play my last Grand umphed far more comfortably on this break point in the ninth game, but Osaka was not to be denied. Brady’s racquet above her head in celebration Slam with fans so just to have this occasion. Before the match, Osaka had Osaka held on. Brady then played a resilient run ended after serving 14 of her win as the crowd roared. After energy really means a lot.” pinpointed her return as the key, but sloppy game on serve to hand over the days’ hard quarantine before the tour- she was helped out by a shaky Brady set to Osaka, who had a 20-0 record nament, unlike other players who were sealing back-to-back Slam titles twice, US Open rematch Osaka has won half the majors she’s who lost her serve in the fourth game at Melbourne Park when winning the allowed out of their hotel rooms to contested since beating Williams to The Japanese survived a seesaw after two double faults. first set. train. Despite the defeat, Brady will win her first in 2018. start to gain control, reeling off six But Brady, the 22nd seed, hit back Osaka gained a stranglehold with an rise to a career-high 13th in the WTA “Thank you for coming and watch- straight games en route to the title. It with a break and she continued to pile early break in the second set and fired rankings. — AFP