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BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Qatar agritech Ulsan secure AFC market thriving at Champions League annual growth of trophy aft er beating more than 6% Persepolis

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SUNDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11768 December 20, 2020 Jumada I 5, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

MoPH reports 139,521 ‘Drill delivery’ of Covid-19 vaccine total Covid recoveries Trump congratulates Amir, hails The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 142 new Qatar’s partnership with US confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim with regard to continuing peace and which 110 are from community and 32 bin Hamad al-Thani received a cable stability in the region. from travellers returning from abroad of congratulation from US President The US president thanked the Amir who are subject to quarantine. The Donald Trump on Qatar’s National for the great support for the American ministry also reported the death of Day, in which he expressed his sincere forces at Al Udeid Air Base, and for 60-year-old patient who was receiving congratulations on behalf of the hosting the Afghan peace negotia- the necessary medical care. It government and the American people, tions, as well as increasing cultural recorded 137 recoveries from the virus praising the close relations between exchange between the two countries, during the past 24 hours, bringing the the two countries and their commit- including the American participation total number of cases that recovered ment to deepen and strengthen them. in Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture. in Qatar so far to 139,521. Page 6 Trump said in his message that Qatar He also expressed pride in the continues to prosper and develop partnership with Qatar, saying that he Thousands protest in under the leadership of His Highness is proud of the long-established and the Amir, and the US appreciates the indispensable ties, and looks forward Sudan for reforms co-operation of Qatar on several major to developing co-operation in the Thousands of Sudanese protesters bilateral, regional and economic issues future. — QNA took to the streets of the capital Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman yesterday, demanding an acceleration of reforms on the second anniversary of the start of an uprising that ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir. Sudan’s state TV aired footage of thousands of protesters gathering outside the Qatar to receive presidential residence in Khartoum which now hosts the sovereign Police off icers and soldiers escort a delivery van as part of a drill delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, in council, a joint military-civilian ruling Mexico City, Mexico, on Friday. body. Page 12 fi rst batch of Trump downplays hacking impact US President Donald Trump in his first comments about a UK fi ghts new virus strain; Covid vaccine widespread data breach across the US government downplayed the seriousness and impact of the cyber espionage campaign, and PM imposes tighter curbs questioned whether Russia was tomorrow: PM to blame. “The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media Reuters with a very heavy heart I must tell than in actuality,” Trump said on London you we cannot continue with Christ- By Joseph Varghese Meanwhile, Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, Twitter. “Russia, Russia, Russia is mas as planned,” Johnson told a news Staff Reporter chair of the National Health Strategic the priority chant when anything conference.”I sincerely believe there is Group on Covid-19 and head of Infec- happens because Lamestream is, for ritish Prime Minister Boris no alternative open to me.” tious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corpo- mostly financial reasons, petrified of Johnson yesterday imposed People in Tier 4, about a third of he fi rst batch of Covid-19 vac- ration, had said in October that Qatar had discussing the possibility that it may Btighter coronavirus curbs on the population of England, will be cine will arrive in Qatar tomor- signed agreements with Pfi zer and Bi- be China (it may!).” Page 15 millions of people in England and required to stay at home except for Trow, HE the Prime Minister and oNTech for their BNT162 mRNA-based largely reversed plans to ease restric- essential reasons such as work, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalid bin candidate vaccine against Sars-CoV-2 as Post-Brexit talks grind tions over Christmas, as the country non-essential retail will close, as will Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani said in a well as with Moderna, a Massachusetts- battles a new more infectious strain of indoor leisure and entertainment. tweet yesterday. based biotech company. on, fi shing barrier to deal the virus. Social mixing will be limited to “Under the directives of His Highness Both the Pfi zer and Moderna vac- EU and UK negotiators pressed on The number of cases in England has Johnson speaks during a news meeting one other person in an out- the Amir, the fi rst shipment of Covid-19 cines have completed their clinical tri- with talks yesterday with no sign soared in the last two weeks because conference in response to the ongoing door space. vaccine will arrive day after tomorrow, als and have reported strong effi ciency of them breaking an impasse over of a variant of the virus that scientists situation with the coronavirus disease The new rules came into eff ect from and I have directed the health sector in producing antibodies against Cov- post-Brexit fishing rights in time to said is up to 70% more transmissible. pandemic, inside 10 Downing Street, Saturday midnight. to provide it to everyone according to id-19. Both the vaccine makers have save a trade deal. Fishing is now the Although Johnson and his scien- London, Britain, yesterday. “Millions will be heartbroken by health protocols. This is an important reported that their vaccines are 95% main obstacle to any pact that could tifi c advisors believe vaccines will still this news, having their Christmas step on the road to containing the pan- eff ective and safe for use among the be in place on January 1 to prevent be eff ective, and the new strain is not households to mix indoors for fi ve plans ripped up with less than a week’s demic and gradually returning life to wider population. an economic jolt on both sides of more deadly or more serious in terms days over the festive period and said notice,” opposition Labour leader Keir normal, and expressing our pride in the According to Dr al- Khal, The Min- the Channel as Britain leaves the of the illness caused, the prime min- London and southeast England, which Starmer said on Twitter. success of our plan to confront the dis- istry of Public Health has decided single market. One EU diplomat ister said the government had to take are currently in the highest level of a “At this time of national crisis, the ease, we renew our thanks to our medi- to provide the Covid-19 vaccine said Brussels had made Britain its urgent action. three-tier system of rules, would now British people want clear, decisive cal teams and all those involved,” tweet- free of charge to all Qatar residents. last off er on fishing access and it He tore up plans to allow three be placed in a new Tier 4 level. “It is leadership.” ed HE Sheikh Khalid. To Page 9 was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to decide. Page 15 Lebanon police scuffl e Gifts for one and all with students Lebanese riot police yesterday Sustainability key feature of scuff led with students protesting a decision by top universities to adopt a new dollar exchange rate to price tuition - equivalent to a new Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium major fee hike. Near the entrance of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in the city’s Hamra ne of the key features of Ah- district, security forces fired tear mad Bin Ali Stadium, which gas to disperse protesters who Owas inaugurated yesterday, were trying to approach the main is its sustainability. The stadium gate. was reconstructed on the previous Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and fulfi lled French ‘Ice man’ sets its sustainability goals by using 90% new world record of materials from the old stadium within the new project. Frenchman Romain Vandendorpe Al Rayyan Venue Precinct Direc- yesterday set a world record for tor Abdulla al-Fehani said: “In 2014, sitting immersed in ice cubes for we released a tender to appoint a de- the longest time, enduring the construction contractor. It is a spe- extreme challenge to raise money cialist job where you don’t demolish for childhood cancers. The 34-year- a building but you deconstruct it. old health worker remained buried You take the building apart in diff er- up to his neck in ice in a plexiglass ent elements. cabin for two hours, 35 minutes “Those elements included the and 43 seconds, breaking the concrete, the wiring, the steel which previous record by 40 minutes is part of the structure itself, and in the northern French town of other elements like the doors, seats Fireworks inside the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium before the Amir Cup Final match Wattrelos. He said he trained to and lights. We removed those ele- between Al Sadd and Al Arabi on Friday. “overcome human limits” by neuro- ments, then removed the structure cognitive techniques based on itself, until it was concluded.” other materials were used for tem- tions, while seat tags were saved and “imagination and concentration” Among the materials to be reused porary infrastructure, like labour ac- given to Al Rayyan supporters and to put himself in “a state of A woman carries gifts after attending a giveaway organised by Food Bank For New in the new stadium precinct was up- commodation. Some materials were club offi cials as mementos of their daydreaming.” York City at Highbridge Houses in the Bronx, in New York, yesterday. wards of 250,000m of backfi ll, while also set aside for public art installa- previous home. To Page 9 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 20, 2020 QATAR

Offi cial The Commander of the Amiri Culture minister meets Iranian counterpart Amiri Guard commander Guard, Major General Hazza bin Khalil al-Shahwani, inaugurated Qatar slams inaugurates Lusail camp the Amiri Guard camp in Lusail, in conjunction with the National bombing Day celebrations. The ceremony in Afghan was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Amiri Guard, province the Inspector General, assistants to the Commander of the Amiri Qatar has strongly Guard, a number of senior condemned the bombing off icers, as well as the Vice in Afghanistan’s Ghazni President of Private Engineering province which targeted Off ice Mohamed Mutlaq a gathering for reciting al-Qahtani, and a number of the Holy Qur’an, resulting senior engineers at the Private in deaths and injuries. In Engineering Off ice. After the a statement yesterday, inauguration ceremony, the the Ministry of Foreign Commander of the Amiri Guard Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s toured the camp, where he was firm stance on rejecting briefed on the training fields, the violence and terrorism operations centre, the lecture regardless of motives and halls, the departments, the HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali met yesterday with causes. It expressed Qatar’s barracks, and other facilities and Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Masoud Sultanifar, and his accompanying delegation condolences to the families services in the camp. During during his visit to the country to attend the AFC Champions League final match. During the of victims as well as the the tour, he was also briefed by meeting, they reviewed aspects of joint co-operation between the two countries and ways to government and people of the Inspector General of the support and develop them in the sports field. Afghanistan, wishing the Amiri Guard Brigadier General injured a speedy recovery. Mishaal Mohamed al-Attiyah, about the advanced facilities and equipment in the camps buildings, and the modern security and technologies and systems that contribute to improving the performance HMC launches national of the Amiri Guard. The inauguration of Lusail camp is part of the continuous development eff orts that the Amiri Guard is witnessing, and blood donation campaign this in line with the renaissance the country is witnessing, under the wise leadership of amad Medical Corpora- nor Centres in operation – one cipients. “Giving blood has con- His Highness the Amir Sheikh tion’s (HMC) Qatar Blood next to Hamad General Hospital tinued throughout the pandemic. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. HServices has launched a and a new location at the Surgical We ask all our donors to take sen- nationwide campaign to encour- Specialty Centre. “Without blood sible precautions and be assured age citizens and residents to be- donors, many patients simply that we will look after you when come regular blood donors. The would not be alive today. We are you are with us to donate – both campaign was launched at Katara sending out a message that we are at our Donor Centers and our mo- – the Cultural Village yesterday all connected in this great country bile teams,” Dr al-Kuwari added. and is running under the slogan and through our blood donation, “Our teams have also stepped up – Qatar…It’s in Our Blood. At the each individual can contribute to precautionary measures to ensure launch were two blood donation Dr Einas al-Kuwari a sustainable blood supply,” she that every blood donation is safe buses which are emblazoned with said. during the pandemic to include the new identity of Qatar Blood gency and for people who need Dr al-Kuwari added: “Over the mandatory pre-screening before Services. long-term treatments. We need past 12 months there has been entering the blood donation sites, “We want to encourage citi- new blood donors from all back- around 35,000 voluntary blood as well as regular cleaning and zens and residents to save a life grounds to ensure there is the donors which, while on par with disinfection of all surfaces and and give blood today,” said Dr Ei- right blood available for patients 2019, needs to be increased as we equipment.” More information nas al-Kuwari, chairperson of the who need it.” Dr al-Kuwari said prepare for the 2022 FIFA World about Qatar Blood Services, can HMC Department of Laboratory the campaign will also see mobile Cup.” Dr al-Kuwari said in light be accessed at the new website: Medicine and Pathology. “Giv- blood donation teams tour the of Covid-19 even more stringent https://www.hamad.qa/en/hos- ing blood saves lives. The blood country until April 2021. This is measures were in place to ensure pitals-and-services/qatar-blood- you give is a lifeline in an emer- in addition to the two Blood Do- the safety of both donors and re- services/pages/default.aspx.

Gulf Times Sunday, December 20, 2020 5 QATAR Carrefour marks National Day with Qatari Festival Carrefour Qatar stocks 95% of its poultry, 60% of its fl our, and 95% of its pre-packaged bread from locally producers and farmers

o mark the occasion of Qatar’s National Day, Carrefour Qatar hosted a Qatari Festival — an Francisco De Sousa Tevent spotlighting local farmers by featur- ing their produce across a select number of Carre- four stores. The festival took place at Carrefour City Center, Villaggio, Landmark, and Mall of Qatar from December 16-19. Encouraging customers to buy local, the event pro- moted food items including fresh fruits, vegetables, Made in Qatar beverages, and chilled products sourced from local Qatari producers and suppliers. The festival reiterates Carrefour’s strong commit- ment to investing in the growth and prosperity of its industry, communities, and the local economy. By products to reach highlighting locally sourced produce, Carrefour Qa- tar is encouraging customers to become more aware of where their food comes, while providing them the opportunity to buy fresh high-quality products at the best possible value. Kuwait via talabat To add to the festivities, contests were held across all four hypermarkets in collaboration with Habaieb Radio. Lucky customers walked away with a brand- he leading food and gro- through talabat Mart in Qatar, a few taps on their phone. Ap- new iPhone 12 Pro, as well as gift cards worth over ceries delivery app, tala- followed by a dedicated ta- proximately none of the prod- QR50,000. Tbat, has announced that labat collection titled ‘+974’ ucts have been exported before, Backing local farmers and suppliers is important it will be exporting ‘Made in to highlight home-made prod- and we’re heavily focusing our to safeguarding the local supply chain. In this re- Qatar’ products to its custom- ucts only. Currently, the app is investment and attention to gard, Carrefour actively collaborates with 20 local ers in Kuwait. leveraging its talabat Mart net- give ‘Made in Qatar’ brands the producers and 10 local farms across the country to The move is expected to work across the region to look place it deserves amongst the help support them in growing their businesses and allow local brands to reach at ways to help grow these local region. As we embark on this distributing their produce. In fact, Carrefour Qatar broader customers through brands further - starting with memorable journey for ‘Made stocks 95% of its poultry, 60% of its fl our, and 95% talabat Mart stores in Kuwait, Kuwait. in Qatar’ products, we truly of its pre-packaged bread from locally producers and according to a statement yes- Francisco De Sousa, talabat believe this is just the very be- farmers. In addition, a wide range of vegetables such terday. Qatar’s managing director said: ginning and expect to slowly as zucchini, cucumber, tomato, eggplant, fresh herbs, Made in Qatar companies “talabat is extremely proud of introduce them in other neigh- caulifl ower, cabbage, and green beans on off er at Car- such as Wholesome Oasis Food ‘Made in Qatar’ brands as they bouring markets.” refour, are sourced from local farms: Safwa, Khodra, Factory, Bin Aman Plastic In- portray the true potential our talabat Mart operates in Qa- Mazzrati, QT fa, Nabati, Qadco, and Agrico. dustries, Nafco, Qatar Tuni- beloved Qatar has. For a long tar and across the region, off er- Carrefour Qatar’s contribution to the Food Safety sian Food, Al Wajba Dairy and time, we’ve stood close by them ing grocery delivery in under Programme for the past three years has played a con- Juices, Qatar Food Industries, and uninterruptedly promoted 30 minutes following a few taps siderable role in the country’s move towards self-suf- Global Detergent Factory, Gulf them heavily through our plat- on the app. fi ciency and food security. Food Production and Qatar form. We realised the potential In Qatar talabat Mart already A main player in the market since 1999, Carrefour Food Factories, will be the this category of products can off ers a variety of ‘Made in aims to continue giving back through on-going sup- starting brands exporting to have within our regional net- Qatar’ brands. To support lo- port of the local market, and thereby contributing to Kuwait talabat Mart. work, where we will soon be al- cal brands, customers can fi nd the nation’s economic and environmental develop- Initially, local brands were lowing talabat Mart customers them all listed in the talabat app ment, both of which are key pillars of the govern- invited to sell their products in Kuwait enjoy them following under the ‘+974’ collection. ment’s Qatar National Vision 2030. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 20, 2020 QATAR Zulal Wellness Resort to pioneer digital detox

ulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, will be the fi rst in Qatar to incorporate Zthe pioneering digital detoxing con- cept by restricting the use of mobile phones and digital equipment in an eff ort to inspire families and individuals to reconnect with themselves and with nature. The resort’s wellness philosophy aims to guide guests on a journey embracing a ho- listic approach to their overall lifestyle, ac- cording to a statement. The digital detox trend has gained popu- larity as a way of eliminating the physical and mental dangers that can result from ex- cessive use of smartphones, computers and social media platforms. With a myriad of tailor-made activities and therapies for all age groups, the resort is set to provide an environment for families to reconnect and strengthen their bonds away from the distraction of digital devices. “At Zulal Wellness Resort, aiding our guests to be more mindful and to spend quality time together is fundamental to our philosophy. Limiting the use of mobile A Royal Villa at Zulal Wellness Resort. phones and digital devices is part of the digital detoxing concept that will provide Vastolo. Guests at the resort are able to use lic areas and wellness facilities, they are en- guests and families the opportunities to re- their electronic devices within their guest couraged to ‘disconnect and reconnect’ with connect with themselves, nature, and with rooms. themselves or with their families, experi- An exterior view of Zulal Wellness Resort. each other,” said general manager Daniele When outdoors and in the resort’s pub- ence nature, take part in edutainment ac- tivities, get physical exercise, and practice rejuvenation and harmony. Through our off erings ter mental health, and promotes interaction with mindfulness. Commenting further, Vastolo added and sustainable concepts, we aim to ensure that others. The concept also helps to create an ideal “Our unique services and mindful activities are these positive experiences and habits extend past atmosphere for self-discovery, privacy and main- designed and tailor-made for each guest with the the duration of our guest’s stay.” taining focus on your wellness journey, the state- purpose of instilling a sense of relaxation, healing, Digital detoxing could support stress relief, bet- ment added. MoPH reports 139,521 total Covid-19 recoveries

QNA returning from abroad who Doha are subject to quarantine. The ministry also report- ed the death of a 60-year- he Ministry of Pub- old patient who was receiv- lic Health (MoPH) ing the necessary medical Treported yesterday, care. It recorded 137 recov- 142 new confi rmed cases eries from the virus during of coronavirus (Covid-19) the past 24 hours, bringing during the last 24 hours, of the total number of cases which 110 are from commu- recovered in Qatar so far to nity and 32 from travellers 139,521.

Two arrested for violating home quarantine rules The designated authorities arrested yesterday, two people who violated the requirements of the home quarantine, for which they are legally accountable for, in accordance with the proce- dures of the health authorities in the country, QNA reported. The arrest of the violators came in implementation of the pre- cautionary measures in force in the country, approved by health authorities represented in the Ministry of Public Health, to curb the spread of the Covid-19. The violators being referred to the desig- nated prosecution, are Arav Arunkumar and Rushdy Abdul Majeed. The designated authorities called on citizens and residents under home quarantine to fully commit to the Ministry of Public Healths condition, to ensure their safety and the safety of others. 69 referred to Public Prosecution for not wearing masks

The designated authorities yesterday referred 69 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places where they are mandatory. The measure is in line with the Cabinet deci- sion, Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). The authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Gulf Times Sunday, December 20, 2020 7 QATAR Qatar Charity marks International Human Solidarity Day oday, Qatar Charity joins hands cooperation with the United Nations with the world to mark the High Commissioner for Refugees TInternational Human Solidarity (UNHCR), Qatar Charity has provided Day (IHSD), which is observed on $ 1.5 million emergency assistance to December 20 every year. The IHSD Syrian refugees throughout Lebanon. is an international annual occasion Syrian Refugees to raise public awareness of the Qatar Charity established 14 importance of solidarity and encourage community-based isolation units in new initiatives for poverty eradication. northern Syria, in cooperation with Qatar Charity is among the the United Nations Office for the leading international organizations Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs that work to promote and strengthen (OCHA) to benefit 2,800 people at a international solidarity among peoples, total cost of US$1.6 million. especially in times of adversity. It is Qatar Charity and the United keen to extend humanitarian support Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to those in need across the globe. have signed two grant agreements for Warmth and Peace a total of $2 million to provide water, As a gesture of social solidarity sanitation and hygiene services for with the vulnerable, Qatar Charity Syrian refugees in Jordan. launches a winter campaign every Sudan Flood year to contribute to easing the sorrow As part of the “Peace for Sudan” of the displaced and refugees around campaign, the field teams of Qatar the world. The current “Warmth and Charity, with funding and cooperation Peace” winter campaign aims to reach from the Qatar Fund for Development nearly 1mn persons in 19 countries (QFFD), distributed urgent food and across Africa, Asia, and Europe at a shelter aid to those affected by the total cost of approximately 66 million worst flood that hit Sudan in a century. Qatari riyals. The aid provided by Qatar Charity The campaign focuses on the received praise from the people and countries going through crises and the officials. The “Peace for Sudan” exceptional circumstances, as well as temperatures below zero. It seeks to campaign raised a total of 89 million on those facing a harsh winter with provide aid in the fields of food, shelter, health, and education, in addition Qatari riyals, under the supervision of to giving winter bags to orphans the Regulatory Authority for Charitable sponsored by Qatar Charity in Kosovo, Activities (RACA), and in partnership Palestine, Nepal, Pakistan, Bosnia with Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red and Herzegovina, Albania, Tunisia, Crescent Society (QRCS). Lebanon and Jordan. Lebanon in Our Hearts Fighting Coronavirus Qatar Charity provided relief Qatar Charity was chosen as one of aid to those affected by the massive Qatar’s top 10 most supportive brands explosion that has rocked the port that have participated in supporting area of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. The the country during the current emergency assistance comes as part coronavirus (COVID19-) pandemic, of the ‘Lebanon in Our Hearts’ drive, based on phone interviews conducted aimed at extending helping hands to by Ipsos. the affected in Lebanon in the time of Qatar Charity has provided $24mn adversity. health assistance to nearly 60 countries Total donations made during the around the world to help them fight the “Lebanon in Our Hearts” campaign coronavirus. amounted to more than 94 million Since the beginning of the outbreak Qatari riyals. Three planes carrying of the coronavirus pandemic, Qatar relief aid were sent as part of the Charity has been keen to contribute campaign, in partnership with Qatar to the international efforts exerted to Charity and Qatar Airways. limit the spread of the pandemic. In Gulf Times 8 Sunday, December 20, 2020 QATAR Qatar’s early response to pandemic ‘key to economic recovery’

mbassadors of the 17 “the opportunity to push fast diff erent European Un- policies and initiatives aimed Aion (EU) member states at strengthening the regulatory in Qatar were recently briefed and legal framework for foreign on the State of Qatar’s econo- investors and at establishing my as well as the impact of the local manufacturing.” Covid-19 pandemic at a talk Looking ahead, Dr Anto- by Dr Alexis Antoniades, as- niades highlighted the need for sociate professor and director diversifi cation by focusing on of International Economics at sectors where Qatar has com- The Ride of Champions Corporate Challenge was a resounding success. Georgetown University in Qatar petitive advantage, including (GU-Q), a Qatar Foundation- “operating the shipyard for a partner institution. growing fl eet of LNG carriers, In his talk, titled “Qatar’s establishing a hub in the two Economy Post-Covid,” Dr An- smart cities Msheireb Down- toniades cited Qatar’s abil- town Doha and Lusail for au- Annual Corporate Challenge ity to contain the spread of tonomous vehicles research and the pandemic, including early development, and exploiting measures taken to support lo- the presence of world class uni- cal businesses and to tighten versities to deliver programmes highlight of 2020 Ooredoo the State’s budget to control on data analytics and artifi cial unnecessary expenses, as key Dr Alexis Antoniades intelligence, thus capturing a measures that “helped shield signifi cant market share of the the economy to some degree, us Fischbach, in co-operation Regarding the current eco- global demand for such skills.” Ride of Champions and enhance the likelihood that with the ambassador of Cyprus, nomic slowdown, Dr Antonia- He concluded by encour- the post-Covid economy will Dr Michalis A Zacharioglou. He des cited several contributing aging the ambassadors to ex- Among the 1,700+ event participants, over 150 riders representing recover quickly.” These meas- began by discussing the strate- factors including the drop in oil plore the potential for future ures, he said, “helped constrain gic framework of Qatar’s eco- prices since the end of 2015, a collaborations with various 17 companies and organisations registered for the Challenge the pandemic’s adverse impact nomic priorities, which he said drop in purchasing power, and initiatives and institutions in on businesses and state fi nanc- includes “the need to diver- a phasing out of spending on Qatar, including Qatar Finan- es that were felt in economies sify the economy and preserve massive infrastructure projects cial Centre, Qatar Foundation, n a ride that saw record Aspetar was close behind at lenge is an excellent platform across the world.” wealth for future generations, as they near completion, Qatar Science & Technology participation, the 2020 33.65km/h to take third place. for companies across Qatar, The GU-Q economics expert create enough private-sector stressing the point that “these Park, Qatar Free Zones Author- IOoredoo Ride of Cham- Among the individual award regardless of size, to activate was hosted by the ambassador jobs for a young population, trends are not caused by the ity, and the newly established pions was, by all measures, a categories, the CEO Challenge employee engagement and of Germany and the chair of the and attract foreign direct in- blockade.” Instead, the block- Qatar Investment Promotion massive success. A highlight Award went to Ewan Cam- community involvement. Pro- local EU presidency, Dr Claudi- vestment into the country.” ade off ered authorities in Qatar Agency, among others. within this record-breaking eron, chief financial officer of moting health and teamwork event was the annual Corpo- Mannai Corporation, with the are critical as companies work rate Challenge. highest average speed among towards their Qatar National Among the 1,700+ event registered C-level executives Vision 2030. The Corporate Ooredoo, Ahlibank sign agreement for customer participants , more than 150 at 39.0km/h. He also was the Challenge promotes a happy riders representing 17 com- Fastest Corporate Rider on the and healthy workplace, and access to more transactions via digital channels panies and organisations reg- Short Route and completed we believe events like these istered for the 2020 Ride of the 48km ride with a time of should be a staple in every Champions Corporate Chal- successful company’s staff customers. We know time is precious, lenge. “The Corporate Challenge engagement plans for 2021. I and being able to take care of everyday Mannai Corporation, the of- promotes a happy and would like to thank the many transactions quickly, easily and ficial automotive sponsor of healthy workplace, and we companies that contributed to efficiently is a huge help to many. the Ooredoo Ride of Champi- believe events like these the success of this year’s Cor- oredoo has announced an exten- “Complete customer satisfaction ons, through its GMC brand, should be a staple in every porate Challenge. This record- sion of its agreement with Ahl- is a key goal at Ooredoo and we’re bagged the most awards at the successful company’s staff breaking involvement is an ab- Oibank, enabling its customers to proud to do whatever we can to make Corporate Challenge, with a engagement plans for 2021” solute sign that the Corporate use the bank’s digital channels to re- our customers’ lives that little bit trio of awards. Challenge is here to stay and charge Ooredoo products and services. easier, especially now in such unusual The Corporate Challenge — Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, will only grow larger and more As well as being able to use the existing times.” Health Champion Award went president of Qatar Cyclists inclusive.” Hala and bill payments services Ahlibank chief operating officer to Mannai Corporation, which Center Cameron, who won two available with Ahlibank, Ooredoo Abdulaziz Khalid al-Khater said, “We won the trophy by bringing 46 Awards, said: “2020 has been a customers who are with Ahlibank can want to give our customers the most participating riders. In second 1:13:41. On the Standard Route difficult year for all of us, so it now access the Ooredoo Data Recharge personal banking experience and by place was Sidra Medicine, with of 78km, Emil Sepic of Aspetar was refreshing to get staff and service through Ahlibank’s online and adding Ooredoo recharge services we 24 riders. The third spot was placed first Corporate Rider their families together to rep- mobile banking. This means being able are delivering on our promise to allow taken by Aspetar with its 19 and clocked 2:13:25. On the resent our line of businesses to recharge data, postpaid and prepaid customers to bank anytime, anywhere. participants. Long Route, Martin Jaros of and compete in the spirit of accounts quickly, easily, and efficiently “The extension of this partnership with In the Corporate Challenge Ooredoo, was the Fastest Cor- good fun and lasting memo- in real time via Ahlibank’s digital Ooredoo will make it easier for our Speed Champions Award, porate Rider and completed his ries.” channels. customers to recharge data, postpaid Ooredoo won the Trophy with 137km ride in 3:27:03. To learn more about the Ooredoo PR director Sabah Rabiah al- and prepaid accounts. Customers need an average speed of 35.75km/h, Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Ooredoo Ride of Champions, Kuwari said, “We’re delighted to have to simply choose the Ooredoo option Mannai Corporation clocked president of Qatar Cyclists you may visit www.rocdoha.qa extended our agreement with Ahlibank Ooredoo PR director Sabah Rabiah under bill payments when they log in to in at 34.32km/h to seize the Center, said “The Ride of or follow @rocdoha on Twit- to include yet more transactions for our al-Kuwari. Ahlibank’s online and mobile banking.” second fastest speed, and Champions Corporate Chal- ter, Instagram and Facebook.

Qeeri unveils winners of Young Innovator Award

ver 600 students partici- 1: First: Quinn Feodore Dela Cruz pated in the second edi- Esperanzate – Philippine School Otion of the Young Innovator Doha; Second: Qarylle Claudet Dela Award competition, organised by Cruz – Philippine School Doha; the Qatar Environment and Energy Third: Sarah Suhaib – The Next Research Institute (Qeeri) at Hamad Generation School, Nuaija. In Jun- Bin Khalifa University. Students ior Category 2: First: Athif Sherif – from local, community, and inter- Olive International School; Second: national schools in Qatar displayed Carlene Rosales Campit Bocalig their insights on the topic of miti- – Philippine School Doha; Third: gating climate change. Hiba Mehek – The Next Generation The competition for the Young School, Ain Khaled. Innovator Award 2020 saw par- In Intermediate Category 1: First: ticipating students categorised as Unica De Vera, Sulwan Rohing, and Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Daniela Suson – Philippine School based on their age, with each cat- Doha; Second: Mohamed Tareq G egory further split into two. Jun- A al-Sharshani and Mohammed ior categories (6-7 and 8-9 years) Amer J N Alhumaidi – Qatar Acad- showcased artwork, Intermediate emy Al Khor; Third: Nour Osama (10-11 and 12-13 years) produced Mousa Awad and Almaha Khalid A research posters, and the Senior A Mohd Al-Hamadi – Iqra English category (14-15 and 16-17 years) School for Girls. In Intermediate presented research projects re- Category 2: First: Simrah Salman lated to the theme of mitigating and Maryam Fatima – The Next climate change. More than 350 Generation School, Al Daayen; Sec- teams submitted entries for the ond: Ali Othman A A al-Maraghi, preliminary round and each cat- Salman Ahmad A A al-Jehani, and egory had five finalists chosen by Salem Khalid S A al-Hajri – Qatar jury panels made up of Qeeri re- Leadership Academy; Third: Rash- search staff. The fi nals, held virtually over engineering and capacity build- id Mohammed al-Ghafri and Ab- In his opening address, Dr Marc two days, were attended by teach- ing specialist, Centre for Interna- dulla Abdulrahman Haidar – Qatar Vermeersch, executive director, ers, parents, and the wider com- tional Migration and Development, Academy Al Wakra. Qeeri, highlighted the promotion of munity, who showed their support Frankfurt, Germany, said,“ I must In Senior Category 1: First: Kevin science and research among young for the students. They were mod- commend Qeeri for the way they Davis and Anna Jerry Manathra – Ra- people as a fundamental compo- erated by competition coordinator are promoting science and research jagiri Public School, Doha; Second: nent of Qeeri’s mission. He said: and Qeeri’s PR, communications, among the youth of the nation. It Tejaswi Manoj and Samridhi Bhard- “We believe that youth have a cru- and outreach specialist Dilraz allows young people to gain aware- waj – DPS Modern Indian School; cial role to play in bringing about Kunnummal. The judging panel ness, and to build capacity, while Third: Abdul Ahad, Rayhan Mahetar, sustainable positive changes. The included Qeeri’s management and encouraging them to take action and Nabeel Chougle – Gems Wel- immense creativity, scientifi c re- senior staff , as well as industry against climate change and other lington School. In Senior Category 2: search capability, and the quality of experts from the fi eld of sustain- important environmental chal- First: Sooriyaselvan Narendran and work that we have seen during the ability. lenges. The work showcased by the Manogna Jayi – DPS Modern Indian competition gives us hope for a bet- The exceptional quality of work students was of very high quality, School; Second: Jhaznine Mangalino, ter future. The jury and our Qeeri presented made the selection of thoroughly researched, and crea- Vianca Pujante, and Alexie Ibanez scientists are equally impressed by overall winners challenging, ac- tive.” – Philippine School Doha; Third: the work produced by these talent- cording to jury panellists. Dr Noa- The winning Young Innovators Juwairiya Mohamed and Neha Alex – ed young people.” ma Shareef, senior wastewater are as follows. In Junior Category MES Indian School. Gulf Times Sunday, December 20, 2020 9 QATAR MoI reminder to maintain water heaters QRCS medical services mobilised nationwide The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has stressed the need to regularly maintain water heaters in order to during QND celebrations ensure winter safety. “Ensure that regular maintenance of water s usual every year, Qatar heaters is carried Red Crescent Society out properly to avoid A(QRCS) was actively en- domestic accidents,” gaged in the celebrations of Qa- MoI tweeted yesterday. tar National Day (QND), it was announced yesterday. This year, QRCS’ medical professionals, volunteers, and relief workers were honoured at the QND parade, in the pres- ence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Thani and other dignitaries. Being invited to the parade for the fi rst time, QRCS’ per- sonnel were recognised for their heroic achievements in the fi ght against the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as their dedicated con- ICC announces winners tributions to the eff orts to pro- tect the country against risks. At the same time, QRCS’ Medical Aff airs Division’s Med- of photography contest ical Emergency Services (EMS) were mobilised to medically cover the public at the venues ndian Cultural Centre (ICC) Indo-Qatar links and Iconic Iconic structures - Ranoosh of celebration. All over during in association with ICC structures. The two-day exhi- Ali. The ICC photographer of the QND, QRCS deployed 92 IPhotography Club organ- bition, which concludes today the year 2020 is Ranoosh Ali. medical staff , 10 drivers, four ised the Photography Exhibi- (December 20) features the ICC president, Manikantan support staff , 33 ambulance ve- tion 2020 to announce the ICC winning images and selected A P welcomed the gathering hicles, one emergency vehicle, Qatar Photographer of the Year photographs from 200 photog- and appreciated the partici- one 4×4 type ambulance, two 2020. raphers who participated in the pation. Seenu Pillai, general offi cial vehicles, one jet ski, and Dr Deepak Mittal, ambas- competition. secretary, ICC, was the master one motorbike. sador of India, inaugurated the The winners are: Explor- of ceremonies. Hasseb C M, According to a report issued exhibition. Hamad al-Khulaifi, ing Qatar – Shabeerali Mada- general secretary, ICC Photog- by QRCS’ Medical Aff airs Divi- founder – Qatar Environmen- lan; Qatar Expressions - Shaji raphy Club briefed about the sion, the ambulance and medi- tal Lens announced the win- M Chandran; Qatar Events - ICC Photography Competition cal coverage services off ered ners in six categories - Explor- Raymond Cheenath; Back to while Jaffar Khan, head of HR, during QND were as follows: ing Qatar, Qatar Expressions, Nature - Nifiba Suneer; Indo- Premises & Sports, ICC, pro- zQND Medical Coverage: 33 Qatar Events, Back to Nature, Qatar links - Shaji Hussain K; posed a vote of thanks. medical staff and seven type II ambulances along Corniche. zQND Walking Parade: Four EMS staff along Corniche. zEMS Vehicle Parade: Nine drivers, six type II ambulances, one emergency unit, one 4×4 type ambulance, one jet ski, and one motorbike. zSwabbing facility for Amir ambulance at Ahmad Bin Ali and 18), Umm Qarn Quarantine, The Workers’ Health Cent- Cup fi nal (in co-ordination Stadium. and Bu Sidra Quarantine. ers in Doha (Mesaimeer Al He- with Hamad Medical Corpora- zFilm Shooting: Three med- „ Industrial Project: Eight mailah, and Fereej Abdul-Aziz) tion): Five medical staff and ical staff and one type II ambu- medical staff and two type II continued to work 24/7 during one type II ambulance at Al lance in Zekreet. ambulances at Nakilat and Qa- the QND holiday (departments Sadd SC, Al Arabi SC, Local Or- zWinter Festival: Two medi- tar Steel. of Urgent Cases, outpatient ganising Committee, and Qatar cal staff and one type II ambu- „ First Aid Stations: two clinics, laboratory, X-ray, and National Convention Center. lance at the Doha Exhibition medical staff at Hyatt Plaza pharmacy). The clinics and am- In addition to the QND cel- and Convention Centre. Mall and Villaggio Mall. bulance services also continued ebrations at Corniche, there zAjyal Film Festival: Two At the headquarters of the at the Mekaines Quarantine were other events medically medical staff and one type II Emergency Operation Center, Motel. The Workers’ Health covered by QRCS, including: ambulance at Lusail Marina. there were two medical dis- Center in Zekreet, worked nor- Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal and other dignitaries at the exhibition. zQND Fireworks at Cor- The regular operations went patchers to regulate the activities mally during morning shift niche: Two medical staff and normally as shown below: of ambulance vehicles. Also, the only. one type II ambulance at the „Covid-19 Operations: 20 EMS support and logistics team All these health facilities are Palm Island. medical staff and 10 type II am- was stationed there, including operated by QRCS, under the zAmir Cup Fireworks: Two bulances at the Mekaines Quar- four medical staff and two type II supervision of the Ministry of Qatar to receive fi rst batch of medical staff and one type II antine Motel (blocks No 11,13, ambulances (standby). Public Health. Covid vaccine tomorrow: PM Sustainability key feature of new stadium From Page 1 from diff erent entities to be able to uting its Covid-19 vaccine with make available locally suffi cient trucks expected to start rolling “The fi rst quantities of the quantities as soon as possible.” out to more than 3,700 US loca- From Page 1 realised there were quite a few retained and replanted, which tainability objectives.” vaccine could be limited in quan- The testing process for both tions today. sports lights in the stadium, has helped to minimise damage With a new era set to formally tity, so priority would be given to the vaccines follows very high The second Covid-19 vaccine “Sometime into the project, which we were able to take to the natural environment. begin for Al Rayyan Venue and the most vulnerable categories safety and quality standards approved for use by US regula- construction of temporary down carefully and then reuse “We moved about 200 plants the surrounding complex, the of people such as the elderly and typically applied for vaccine tors will reach healthcare pro- training sites for Al Rayyan for the temporary training sites to a nearby nursery, next to our process that brought about the those suff ering from chronic dis- development and has involved viders by as early as tomorrow, Sports Club was added to the next to the venue.” stadium site, then we moved transformation of the site has eases,” Dr al-Khal had stated. large number of participants. Perna said, adding that delivery scope,” revealed the Supreme While some of the reused a lot of them back to the rede- proudly become another im- He also had noted “over time, A report from Washington, of the fi rst 20mn doses of vac- Committee for Delivery & Leg- materials are not as visible veloped site,” said al-Fehani. portant legacy chapter for the more and more quantities of the quoting US Army General Gus- cines made by Moderna and acy’s (SC) Sustainability and in the new stadium complex, “Some trees were given to the SC and its goal of staging the vaccine would be available to pro- tave Perna, said Moderna Inc Pfi zer Inc could be pushed back Environment Director, Engi- trees and plants that once sur- Ministry of Municipality and fi rst carbon-neutral FIFA World vide for all as Qatar is set to buy it and partners have begun distrib- until the fi rst week of January. neer Bodour al-Meer. “We also rounded the old stadium were Environment as part of our sus- Cup.

Al Khor Road sees remarkable developments during the year

By Shafeeq Alingal Staff Reporter

l Khor Road, one of the prestigious projects of the APublic Works Authority (Ashghal), witnessed remarkable developments during 2020. In September, Ashghal started developing Al Khor link roads network with a length of 28km and converting seven temporary roads into new permanent roads in order to provide better capac- ity and traffi c fl ow in all direc- tions. The four roads are at Wadi Al Banat, Rawdat Al Hamama, Ten- Al Khor Road witnessed remarkable developments during 2020. In connection with the National Sport Day celebrations, Ashghal Another view of the Olympic Cycle Track. bek and Umm Garn while three opened the Olympic Cycle Track on Al Khor Road in February. are located at Al Daayen. As per electricity networks along with In connection with the Na- With a length of 33km and width of 7m, the track is able to host es. The interchange will improve rection. The interchange serves the plan, new roads will be ex- street lighting. The new road de- tional Sport Day celebrations, international sporting competitions. traffi c in the area, as it provides many vital services and facilities panded to two and three lanes sign includes green spaces and Ashghal opened the Olympic a free traffi c fl ow to 28,000 vehi- such as the recreational com- in each direction instead of one extended aff orestation on most Cycle Track on Al Khor Road in along the track near Qatar Uni- opened Al Dayeen and North cles per hour. plex, service centre, Al Daayen increasing the road capacity to parts of the road. February. With a length of 33km versity, Lusail Station, Lusail Lusail interchanges. Al Khor Al Daayen Interchange con- Health Centre, Al Daayen Mu- 8,000 vehicles per hour and re- Once completed in 2022, the and width of 7m, the track is able International Circuit, Semaisma Interchange with Lusail North sists of two underpasses in Al nicipality and other important ducing the travel time between works here will ensure better to host international sporting Interchange and Al Bayt Sta- is vital as it ensures easy access Khor Road facilitating the ve- facilities. these areas. traffi c fl ow and connect Al Khor competitions. dium while 1,450 lighting poles to Lusail Stadium. It serves Lu- hicles’ arrival to Al Daayen and Al Khor Road set two new In addition to the expansion Road to Rawdat Al Hamama, The track, with 29 tunnels and have been installed alongside the sail North, Rawdat Al Hamama, Umm Garn and the surrounding Guinness World Records for the works, the roads will be linked Wadi Al Banat, Al Kheesa, Al fi ve bridges, has been designed track. These are in addition to 80 Al Kheesa and Wadi Al Banat. areas. The interchange enhances Longest Continuous Cycling to drainage, rainwater drainage Daayen, Umm Garn and Tenbek to allow speeds up to 50km per bike racks, 100 benches and 20 The interchange consists of four traffi c as it accommodates about Path and the Longest Piece of and water networks in addi- along with sports and recrea- hour. Ashghal has provided fi ve rest areas. bridges, two exit loops, and four 8,000 vehicles per hour as it Asphalt Concrete Laid Continu- tion to telecommunication and tional facilities in the area. car parking areas stretching In February, Ashghal also exits along with four underpass- consists of two lanes in each di- ously. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, December 20, 2020 QATAR Tamuq webinar: female faculty in STEM succeed despite obstacles our senior-level leaders from four academic institu- Ftions spoke candidly about their personal experiences and success strategies for women in STEM (science, technology, en- gineering and math) professions during a recent webinar hosted by the Women’s Faculty Forum at Texas A&M University at Qa- tar (Tamuq), a Qatar Foundation partner university. The discussion convened Dr Hanan Farhat, founder and senior research director of the Corrosion Centre at Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- Dr Rabia Nagiub Dr Hanan Farhat Dr Yusra Mouzughi Dr Rochelle Williams versity’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri); Panellists off ered their per- ways plays a big part.” Women women new to faculty roles are environment engages women ulty (or just faculty in positions of hours spent in teaching, serv- Dr Yusra Mouzughi, vice chancel- spectives on the role of gender in academia face greater hurdles too shy to ask for fair treatment,” to apply and stay. There should power), and also having a “Writ- ice and research. Women have to lor of Muscat University and the in faculty hiring and promotion; than those in industry because of Farhat said. She persevered and be transparency about where ing Happy Hour” once or twice a show that they are equally com- fi rst female head of a university in strategies to attract a more diverse the hierarchical nature of educa- completed her teaching com- you can take your career. Also, week to create a specifi c time and petent and qualifi ed in order to Oman; Dr Rabia Nagiub, associ- pool of women faculty applicants; tional institutions, Farhat said. mitment, then later transitioned an institution may have family- place for research. gain respect.” ate professor in the Public Policy and how male colleagues can sup- Among the challenges she faced from the classroom to a full-time friendly policies, but if women Panellists off ered ways male Institutions that want to Programme at Doha Institute for port recruitment and retention in her fi rst faculty position in the research position. are frowned upon for using them, colleagues can help their female achieve gender equity should ex- Graduate Studies; and Dr Rochelle of women faculty. “One of the Middle East was lack of respect More fl exible working condi- that needs to be addressed.” counterparts, including listen- amine the systemic barriers that Williams, senior director of pro- major points panellists made was from students in the predomi- tions are likely to help employers Williams, who works partially ing and showing appreciation for keep women from being success- grammes at the National Society that we aren’t just women, we are nantly male fi eld of mechanical attract women to STEM careers, on equitable recruitment, dis- their work. They can also help by ful once they are hired, Williams of Black Engineers (NSBE), US. women from all sorts of diff er- engineering. She also said she felt panellists noted. Mouzughi said, cussed how there’s been more being available as mentors and said. “We need to continue con- Tamuq faculty Dr Mary Queen ent backgrounds, socioeconomic overburdened by a heavy work- “Prospective employees want to female retention when female sponsors to younger colleagues. versations that shed light on what and Dr Tehmina Pirzada served as status and ethnicities,” Queen load and found male colleagues know how fl exible you can make faculty are paired for coaching/ Nagiub said, “The nature of the is needed to promote equity in moderators. said. “That, as well as gender, al- less than helpful. “So often, a role. A more welcoming work mentoring with other women fac- fi eld is very demanding, with long staffi ng and leadership.”

QU Health, Qatar Cancer Society organise annual meet of MEACR

atar University Health (QU Health) in collabo- Qration with Qatar Cancer Society and the Middle Eastern Association for Cancer Research (MEACR) organised the 10th an- nual meeting of MEACR, under the title ‘Cancer science from bench to clinic’, virtually through WebEx with 114 attendees. The conference was attended by Prof Egon Toft, vice president for Medical and Health Sciences and dean of the College of Medi- cine in addition to a large number Nicholas Muirhead discusses the power of political spin with NU-Q students. of cancer scientists, researchers, physicians, and those interested in cancer research, including graduate students, and public The conference aims to exchange experiences and the latest findings health practitioners in Qatar and of experts in this field, spread knowledge, and encourage scientific NU-Q students learn about PR power in politics abroad. co-operation between various universities and scientific institutions The conference aims to ex- in the Middle East. change experiences and the lat- n a world of information defunct, London-based PR fi rm that messaging can often ob- nalism, but it might not be est fi ndings of experts in this lives to fi nding solutions for one aligns perfectly with the objec- overload, where narratives fl ooded social media with ra- fuscate – or even overpower the golden era for journalists,” fi eld, spread knowledge, and of the world’s most devastating tives of Qatar University, Qatar Icompete and disinformation cially divisive slogans and nar- – the truth,” Muirhead told the Muirhead argued, as the re- encourage scientifi c coopera- diseases. Cancer Society and Qatar’s Na- saturates, the role of journal- ratives that aligned with the students. He added that in the sponsibility to expose the ever- tion between various universi- “I am doubly humbled to ad- tional Health Strategy, we see in ists has never been more cru- business’s plan to divide South age of surplus information, the increasing amounts of disin- ties and scientifi c institutions in dress members of this meeting, this collaboration a perfect part- cial, Al Jazeera producer and re- Africans. In a domino eff ect, world is in dire need of autono- formation grows for journalists the Middle East. Qatar Cancer because I know your task is twice nership that helps nurture such a porter, Nicholas Muirhead, told the messages were amplifi ed by mous journalists who can “read while their budgets and funding Society has based its work on as diffi cult, given the challenges scientifi c endeavour in the region a Northwestern Qatar (NU-Q) media organisations owned by between the lines” to unravel shrinks. achieving the vision of the state facing research in a region that is and we hope to continue to build class recently. the business, which changed the misleading narratives, fi ght fake Muirhead pointed to the im- to invest in human resources, as already struggling with econom- on this mutual interest and create Discussing the world of polit- discourse in the country from news and propaganda, and to portance of digital literacy and the presence of physically and ic, political, security, educational ever-evolving synergies that will ical communication, Muirhead how corrupt the family-owned draw the line between journal- educating consumers to think psychologically healthy individ- and other challenges. serve both cancer research and spoke about his report on a jour- business was to how South Af- ism and PR. objectively and critically about uals requires concerted eff orts “Yet I am proud that we at QU cancer patient care in the region nalistic investigation in South ricans were allegedly being dis- Among the many challenges the information they read, as to achieve goals that no one side Health were again able to make and beyond,” said Dr Ala-Eddin Africa that uncovered how a enfranchised by the continued that will shape the future of “the amount of fake news, mis- alone can achieve in isolation this small contribution towards al-Moustafa, founder, Middle powerful business with close economic dominance of white journalism, Muirhead noted, is leading and agenda-driven con- from other parties, he added. encouraging you to share your Eastern Association for Cancer links to the ruling government people in post-apartheid South ensuring the independence of tent out there is more now than “It is impossible not to feel ideas, and accelerate progress Research, professor, College of employed a public relations fi rm Africa. journalists in light of the fi nan- ever before.” He also stressed the humbled when addressing any against cancer in the region and Medicine. to disseminate messages that “The problem is that unscru- cial challenges facing media or- need to fund institutions like the cancer research community, a beyond,” said Prof Egon Toft. MEACR was created and of- shaped public opinion on is- pulous players in politics and ganisations around the world. media that will act as informa- group of inspired and inspir- “As our determination to fos- fi cially registered in December sues of corruption in the coun- business often seem to have the “The (digital age) could very tion gatekeepers and safeguard ing individuals who devote their ter cancer research in the region, 2009 in Montreal, Canada. try, a statement said. The now- strongest PR and slogans, and well be the golden age of jour- democracy. IWFFQ celebrates QND HBKU takes part in research on potential drug repurposing he College of Health and Covid-19 study highlighted need for a Life Sciences (CHLS) at THamad Bin Khalifa Uni- more data-driven approach to validate versity (HBKU) has participated potential therapeutic targets in a major collaborative research project using computational ap- diseases represented a rapid ap- tion with an antiviral regimen International Walking Football Federation Qatar (IWFFQ) observed Qatar National Day with a proaches to identify drug repur- proach. Although vaccination such as remdesivir, could lead to friendly between the IWFFQ Doha teams in the presence of IWFF Asia and Qatar president Farhan posing opportunities for treating is a preventive measure against promising outcomes in patients al-Sheikh al-Sayed. Covid-19. Covid-19, researchers are work- with Covid-19. Dr Georges Nemer, a profes- ing day and night to identify Dr Edward Stuenkel, found- sor at CHLS, provided substan- drugs that attenuates infl amma- ing dean, CHLS, said: “What the tial genomic guidance and was tion and fi brosis in infected pa- research highlights is the need part of the research team. The tients with mild to severe acute for more data-driven discover- Customs seizes hashish, banned pills at HIA paper, Integrative Transcriptome respiratory syndrome. ies of the type that proved vital Analyses Empower the Anti- The team’s rigorous data- for Covid-19, where there was a Covid-19 Drug Arsenal, has been Dr Georges Nemer driven computational analysis, need for an immediate call of ac- published in iScience, a leading which integrated three types of tion. interdisciplinary open access dermatology, and biochemistry data, provides the largest set The nature of the challenge we journal. and molecular genetics at the of pre-clinical candidates and faced was such that collaboration The team was led by Dr Nehme American University of Beirut, US Food and Drug Administra- and a wide range of clinical in- El-Hachem, a computational Lebanon; and other senior inter- tion (FDA)-approved drugs with sights and immunology expertise systems biology researcher, Fac- national researchers. known safety profi les to be fur- proved vital, aligning with the ulty of Medicine, American Uni- The study was motivated by ther investigated for Covid-19 value we place on transdiscipli- versity of Beirut, Lebanon, and the urgency of the global pan- treatment. The study confi rmed nary collaborations at CHLS. It is CHU Sainte-Justine Research demic and the diffi culties in de- that the identifi ed drugs interfere our hope that the research fi nd- Centre; Dr Moutih Rafei, profes- veloping new drug candidates to with the molecular hallmarks ings will encourage us to think The Air Cargo Customs at Hamad International Airport has arrested a passenger for attempting to sor of pharmacology, immunol- eff ectively treat Covid-19, which of the Sars-CoV-2 infection. more creatively about how we smuggle banned pills and hashish to Qatar, the General Authority of Customs tweeted. A total of ogy and physiology, University is caused by Sars-CoV-2. To ful- Further clinical investigation of can use computational analysis 166 pills and 6.95gm of hashish were seized. of Montreal, Canada; along with fi l this need, repurposing drugs these FDA-approved candidates, as a viable avenue to validate po- Dr Mazen Kurban, professor of developed for treating other as monotherapy or in combina- tential therapeutic targets.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 20, 2020 11 QATAR Qatar’s missions abroad celebrate

National Day The embassy of Qatar in Tanzania celebrates the National Day. Azerbaijan QNA Doha In Baku, the embassy of Qa- tar to Azerbaijan held a virtual celebration on the occasion of he diplomatic, consular National Day. The ambassador and representative mis- of Qatar to Azerbaijan Faisal bin Tsions of Qatar celebrated Abdullah al-Hanzab addressed, the occasion of the National Day in a speech on this occasion, the in commemoration of the Found- comprehensive renaissance the er of the state, Sheikh Jassim bin country is witnessing, in addi- Mohamed bin Thani, under the tion to the bilateral relations be- slogan: “We praise you, the Lord tween Qatar and Azerbaijan. of the Throne, We accept your judgment in all actions.” Hungary Heads of the diplomatic, In Budapest, the embassy of consular and representative Qatar held a virtual celebration missions of Qatar abroad raised on the occasion of National Day. their highest greetings and Ambassador of Qatar to Hungary blessings to His Highness the Mohamed bin Hamad al-Khalifa Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- said Qatar celebrates its National mad al-Thani, His Highness Day on Dec 18 every year, the date The embassy of Qatar in Portugal celebrates Qatar National Day. the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad in which the foundations of the bin Khalifa al-Thani, and all the modern State of Qatar have been a speech on this occasion, ambas- Qatari people on this occasion, laid back in 1878. sador of Qatar to Somalia Hassan wishing Qatar more progress He noted that this year’s cel- bin Hamza Hashem expressed and prosperity. ebrations come at a time when pride in the great achievements The diplomatic celebrations the world is facing the devastat- made by Qatar during an excep- in the capitals and cities of the ing impact of the coronavirus The Consulate General of Qatar in Guangzhou celebrates Qatar tional period in which the whole world witnessed the participa- pandemic that suspended many National Day. world suff ers from the Covid-19 tion of high-level offi cials, which activities and events. pandemic eff ects, pointing to refl ected Qatar’s distinguished Qatar’s pioneering eff orts in sup- relations with the countries of Portugal porting countries of the world to the world. In Lisbon, the embassy of Qa- confront the Covid-19 outbreak. tar held a virtual celebration on The ambassador affi rmed that the occasion of National Day. In the Qatari-Somali relations are United Kingdom a speech to mark the occasion, witnessing a great development In London, the embassy of ambassador of Qatar to Portu- at all levels and fi elds. In the con- Qatar held a virtual celebration gal Saad bin Ali al-Mohannadi text, the ambassador received on the occasion of National Day. referred to the development in congratulations from senior of- Qatar embassy to Afghanistan held a celebration. The celebration was attended by political and social fi elds that are fi cials in the Somali government UK Minister of State for the Mid- taking place in the country un- and ambassadors accredited to dle East and North Africa James der the leadership of His High- Mogadishu on this occasion, Cleverley, in the presence of a ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim expressing their admiration for number of members of the House bin Hamad al-Thani that made the great achievements made by of Commons, Arab ambassadors Qatar a major contributor in de- Qatar in various fi elds under its accredited to the United King- velopment regionally and inter- wise leadership. Somalia, repre- dom, offi cials of the UK Foreign nationally. sented by the Ministry of Foreign Offi ce, media professionals and The envoy referred to the The embassy of Qatar in the UK celebrates National Day. Aff airs and International Co- academics. challenges that Qatar has faced operation, sent a cable of con- In a speech to mark the occa- successfully, the latest of which gratulations to the leadership of sion, ambassador of Qatar to the was the Covid-19 pandemic and Qatar and the Qatari people, in United Kingdom Yusuf bin Ali its economic and social reper- which it expressed its warmest al-Khater thanked the health and cussions, in addition to imple- congratulations on the occasion relief workers in Qatar, the United menting all major development of the National Day, wishing fur- Kingdom and all over the world projects in accordance with Qa- ther progress and prosperity for for their tireless eff orts in com- tar National Vision 2030. the Qatari people under the wise bating the coronavirus, referring The ambassador also praised leadership. to the participation of His High- the development of bilateral The Qatar embassy in Iran held a celebration on the occasion of ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin relations between Qatar and Iran National Day. Hamad al-Thani at the virtual Portugal, stressing the state’s In Tehran, the embassy of Qa- summit of the Global Vaccine keenness to strengthen these re- tar to Iran held a celebration on Alliance “Gavi”, in which Qatar lations. the occasion of National Day. The pledged $20mn to the coalition, celebration was limited to the in addition to medical supplies Tanzania participation of the members of and fi eld hospitals provided by In Dar es Salaam, the embassy the mission. Ambassador of Qa- Qatar to Lebanon and Italy. of Qatar in Tanzania held a vir- tar to Iran Mohamed bin Hamad The ambassador praised the tual party on the occasion of Na- al-Hajri received congratulatory ongoing bilateral relations be- tional Day. Ambassador of Qatar Celebrations in Ethiopia. calls and cables from offi cials, tween the United Kingdom and to Tanzania Hussain bin Ahmed businessmen, and media person- Qatar, referring to the natural gas al-Hamid, stated that Qatar has Germany spect, co-operation, and com- nel in Iran. agreement signed between the now become an inspirational In Berlin, the embassy of Qa- mon interests, the ambassador national grid and Qatar Petro- development model as it looks tar held a virtual celebration on said. He added that the political Afghanistan leum. He stressed that Qatar is to deliver on its National Vision the occasion of National Day. In a will of both countries in develop- In Kabul, the embassy of Qatar proud to be a partner in achiev- 2030. He added that celebra- speech on this occasion, ambas- ing bilateral relations was evident held a celebration on the occa- ing energy security in the United tions this year come at a time as sador of Qatar to Germany Sheikh in the common visions regarding sion of National Day. The partici- Kingdom. For his part, Clever- Qatar puts the fi nal touches on Abdullah bin Mohamed al-Thani the regional and international pation was limited to ambassador ley expressed his happiness at its preparations to host the 2022 stressed that the celebration of challenges to consolidate peace of Qatar to Afghanistan Saeed bin celebrating the National Day, FIFA World Cup fi nals, which will National Day is not limited to around the world. He praised the Mubarak al-Khayarin, members praising the dynamic and deep start in two years’ time. the anniversary of the founding strong political and economic of the diplomatic mission and Celebrations in Paraguay. partnership between the United only, but rather the celebration relations between the two coun- administrative staff , due to the Kingdom and Qatar. China of the achievements made dur- tries, which were refl ected in Covid-19 conditions. tar to the Philippines held a cel- Paraguay He expressed his appreciation In Guangzhou, the Consulate ing the process of construction the cultural fi eld, especially in ebration on the occasion of Na- In Asuncion, the embassy of and thanks to Qatar and Qatar General of Qatar held a virtual and development under the wise light of the important role played Albania tional Day. Secretary of Foreign Qatar held a virtual celebration Airways for their eff orts in re- celebration on National Day in the leadership of His Highness the by the Arab cultural house ‘Al- In Tirana, the embassy of Qatar Aff airs of the Philippines Teo- on the occasion of National Day. turning British citizens to their presence of Consul General of Qa- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Diwan’ as a bridge between the held a celebration on the occa- doro Locsin, Assistant Secretary In a speech on this occasion, country during the height of the tar in Guangzhou Ali bin Ghanem al-Thani. Arab and German cultures. sion of National Day. In a speech, of State of the Philippines for the Said bin Hamad al-Marri, Act- epidemic. He also praised the bi- al-Hajri, and a number of friends The strength of the bilat- ambassador of Qatar to Albania Middle East and African Aff airs ing Charge d’Aff airs at the Qatar lateral trade, energy and defence of Qatar at the mission headquar- eral relations between Qatar Somalia Ali bin Hamad al-Marri stressed Leslie Baja, and Chief of Staff of embassy, referred to the achieve- agreements between Qatar and ters in Guangzhou. and Germany is based on a solid In Mogadishu, the embassy of that December 18 is a day of pride the Secretary of Foreign Aff airs of ments of the state under the wise the United Kingdom. foundation of friendship, re- Qatar celebrated National Day. In in the country’s past, the glory the Philippines Irene B Natividad leadership, in various fi elds and of the prosperous present, and attended the ceremony. its prominent role at the interna- optimism for a promising future The guests of the ceremony tional level. in all fi elds, at the national and were received by ambassador of international levels. The celebra- Qatar to the Philippines Dr Ali Ethiopia tion included decorating the fa- bin Ibrahim al-Malki. In Addis Ababa, the Embassy cade of the University of Tirana of Qatar to Ethiopia celebrated with the Qatari fl ag, and launch- Tajikistan the occasion of National Day. ing fi reworks in the colours of the In Dushanbe, the embassy of Ambassador of Qatar to Ethiopia Qatari fl ag in the sky at the centre Qatar celebrated National Day. Hamad bin Mohamed al-Dossary of the Albanian capital, Tirana. Participation in the celebration held a celebration in which mem- was restricted to members of the bers of the embassy, the military The Philippines mission, due to the health meas- attaché, and the mission’s staff In Manila, the embassy of Qa- ures to limit the Covid-19 spread. participated.

Qatar embassy in Tirana held celebrations on the occasion of National Day. Celebrations in the Philippines. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, December 20, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA/ASIA China to vaccinate ‘key groups’ over winter and spring

Reuters Morning Post. It said that Beijing Beijing would distribute 100mn doses of vaccines made by Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech. hina will focus fi rst on Mao Junfeng, an offi cial with vaccinating high-risk China’s industry ministry, told Cgroups over the winter the briefi ng that the fi rms had al- and spring before widening the ready completed their “capacity Sudanese demonstrators take to the streets of the capital Khartoum, to mark the second anniversary inoculation to the general pub- construction tasks” and would of the start of a revolt that toppled the previous government, yesterday. lic, a senior health offi cial said be capable of meeting demand yesterday. from key population groups. He Zeng Yixin, Vice Minister of did not say how many vaccines China’s National Health Com- would be needed in total. mission (NHC) and director of Zheng Zhongwei, the NHC of- Thousands protest in Sudan the State Council’s vaccine R&D fi cial heading China’s Covid-19 working group, warned that vaccine development team, said China’s Covid-19 prevention China had administered more eff orts were under increasing than 1mn emergency doses to in call for faster reform pressure as temperatures fall. members of high-risk groups “During the winter and spring since July and “no serious ad- seasons, carrying out novel Zeng Yixin, Vice Minister of the National Health Commission and verse reactions” had been de- Reuters dential residence in Khartoum ing a democratic state. Others coronavirus vaccination work head of the Vaccine R&D working group under the State Council’s tected so far. Khartoum which now hosts the sovereign called for the dissolution of the among some key population inter-agency task force, speaks during a news conference on “For the vaccines where we are council, a joint military-civil- sovereign council, the cabinet groups is of great signifi cance to Covid-19 vaccination, in Beijing, yesterday. moving quite fast, the number of ian ruling body. and the ruling coalition. Su- epidemic prevention,” he told a cases required for the interim housands of Sudanese The country also has a ci- dan’s economy has worsened briefi ng. he added. China has included cine from CanSino Biologics stage of Phase III clinical tri- protesters took to the vilian cabinet of technocrats since Bashir’s removal, as the China aims to actively build two candidate vaccines from Si- Inc for military use but has not als have already been obtained,” Tstreets of the capital led by Prime Minister Abdalla weak transitional govern- group immunity, and the vac- nopharm and one from Sinovac approved any vaccine for use Zheng said, without elaborating Khartoum and its twin city Hamdok. “We have come out ment has failed to kick-start cination of high-risk groups Biotech Ltd in an emergency- among the general public. on specifi c products. Omdurman yesterday, de- today, not to celebrate the an- reforms and halt a fall in the – which include workers in the use programme launched in July, China is planning to vaccinate Data has been submitted to manding an acceleration of niversary or to congratulate the Sudanese pound on the black cold chain industry, customs, targeting specifi c high-infection as many as 50mn people before the medical products regulator, reforms on the second anniver- transitional government. market. “The Sudanese people healthcare, markets and public risk groups such as medical the start of the Lunar New Year which will approve the vaccines sary of the start of an uprising This government, unfortu- had hopes that their revolution transport – is just the fi rst part workers and border inspectors. holiday in Feb 2021, according if they meet the necessary con- that ousted Omar al-Bashir. nately, over the past two years would be great, that it would of a “step-by-step programme”, It has also approved a vac- to a report in the South China ditions, he added. The veteran leader was de- has not made any progress in achieve things, but today the posed by the military in April the retribution fi le for our mar- Sudanese people are standing 2019 after months of mass pro- tyrs,” protester Waleed El Tom in bread lines,” a protester told tests against poor economic told the state TV in Khartoum. state TV. Security was tight- US charges China-based Zoom executive with disrupting Tiananmen events conditions and Bashir’s three- Hundreds of Sudanese civil- ened in Khartoum and Omdur- decade rule. ians were killed in protests be- man but no major incidents US prosecutors on Friday charged a former at least four video meetings in May and June, enterprise data was shared with China’s Many Sudanese are unhap- fore and after the former presi- of violence or casualties were China-based executive at Zoom Video Com- including some involving dissidents who government. Zoom said it is co-operating py with what they see as the dent’s ouster. reported. Social media users munications Inc with disrupting video meet- survived the June 4, 1989, student protests. with subpoenas from federal prosecutors in slow or even negligible pace of Yesterday, thousands more shared pictures and videos of ings commemorating the 31st anniversary Jin allegedly fabricated violations of Zoom’s Brooklyn and northern California regarding change under the transitional protesters gathered outside the protesters burning tyres and se- of the Tiananmen Square crackdown at the terms of service to justify his actions to his its dealings with China’s government, and government that has struggled abandoned parliament build- curity forces fi ring tear gas. Reu- request of the Chinese government, Reuters superiors. Prosecutors also said his ac- with a separate US Securities and Exchange to fi x an economy in crisis. ing in Omdurman, across the ters was not immediately able to reported. complices created fake e-mail accounts Commission subpoena. The government was formed river Nile from the capital. verify the images. Xinjiang Jin, 39, faces up to 10 years in prison and Zoom accounts, including in dissidents’ Jin is not in US custody, and a lawyer for him under a three-year power shar- Small protests took place in Sudan’s government has if convicted of conspiring since January 2019 names, to suggest meeting hosts and partici- could not be located. ing agreement between the other cities across the country, signed peace deals with most to use his company’s systems to censor pants supported terrorism, violence and child The complaint cited many communications military and civilian groups state media said. of the rebel groups that caused speech, the US Department of Justice said. pornography. In a blog post, Zoom said it by Jin, including whether an account hosting which is meant to lead to fair At the top of the protest- unrest during Bashir’s rule, and In a complaint filed in Brooklyn federal court, fired Jin for violating the San Jose, California- a meeting with a dissident he called “a lead of presidential and parliamentary ers’ demands is the formation it hopes that the United States’ prosecutors said the software engineer, based company’s policies, and has placed such illegal political activities” could be sus- elections. of a long-awaited transitional recent decision to remove the Zoom’s main liaison with Chinese law en- other employees on leave. pended for 24 hours “to prevent subsequent Sudan’s state TV aired foot- parliament, part of the power country from its list of state forcement and intelligence, helped terminate It also said there was no indication that huge influence on us?” age of thousands of protesters sharing deal, to pass the nec- sponsors of terrorism will help gathering outside the presi- essary legislation for build- the ailing economy.

UNREST Sudan sends Iran extends virus Sydney imposes lockdown on beach suburbs more troops to Ethiopian border curbs ahead of festival Reuters “I want to make that clear, to distancing. It has recorded a spreads rapidly. The island state Sudan has sent “significant Sydney say to greater Sydney, please, total of around 28,100 infec- of Tasmania imposed a 14-day military reinforcements” to the please, do not go out tonight tions. Until this week, the quarantine for all Sydney arriv- border with conflict-hit Ethiopia, Reuters family gatherings on Yalda or the next few days unless you country had gone more than als placing the annual Sydney- state media said yesterday, days Tehran Night, or Shab-e Yalda. quarter million people really have to,” NSW Premier two weeks without any local to-Hobart yacht race starting after the army said troops were This year, the ancient winter in Sydney’s northern Gladys Berejiklian said at a transmission and had lifted Boxing Day is in jeopardy. ambushed there by Ethiopian solstice celebration falls to- Abeach suburbs were news conference. most restrictions ahead of The Sydney lockdown will forces, AFP reported. hop closures and traffi c re- night. ordered yesterday into a strict The outbreak now totals 39 Christmas. The Sydney out- mean people in the designated Soldiers were deployed in the strictions in Iran will begin Families traditionally cel- lockdown until Christmas Eve with two additional cases still break prompted states and area will only be allowed to eastern Al-Fashaqa border Searly in an eff ort to avert a ebrate until the early hours of to help contain a coronavirus under investigation. territories to reimpose border leave home for one of four es- region, the site of sporadic resurgence of coronavirus infec- the morning, reciting poems, cluster with authorities fear- This up from fi ve only two restrictions, sending holiday sential reasons: grocery shop- clashes, where Ethiopian farmers tions and deaths as Iranians pre- singing and eating nuts, dried ing it may spread across Aus- days ago, but authorities do travel plans for thousands into ping, work, compassionate cultivate fertile land on territory pare for the Yalda Night winter fruits, watermelon, pomegran- tralia’s most populous city. not know the origin of the chaos. grounds including emergency claimed by Sudan. The area festival, authorities reported. ates and persimmon. New South Wales (NSW) virus, which genome testing Western Australia state on medical treatment, or visiting also borders Ethiopia’s troubled “Let’s not gather, so we don’t Shops were ordered to close state government is to an- suggests is a US strain. Saturday said it would re- an isolated relative. Tigray region, where fighting become fewer,” President Has- two hours earlier, from 6pm nounce today whether further Australia has avoided the imposed a hard border clo- Local media yesterday re- broke out last month, causing san Rouhani said in televised yesterday and today, deputy restrictions will be imposed worst of the pandemic due to sure from midnight and other ported panic buying in some over 50,000 Ethiopians fleeing remarks yesterday, urging Ira- Health Minister Alireza Raisi on the rest of Sydney, home to border closures, lockdowns, states such as Victoria may do supermarkets in the area, the conflict to cross into Sudan nians not to hold extended announced on state television. around fi ve million people. widespread testing and social the same if the Sydney cluster leaving shelves empty. in recent weeks.

Central Africa accuses former Ginza shoppers clean hands and president of attempting coup phones with high-tech wash stations AFP movements into a single entity, He accused Bozize’s troops Bangui called the Coalition of Patriots of having “cowardly murdered Reuters id-19 we thought we had to for Change or CPC, under a uni- three gendarmes”, as well as a Tokyo implement this as soon as pos- fi ed command,” the rebels wrote military engineer, without giv- sible,” Maeda said.”So we sped eaders of the three main in the statement. ing further details. up development and got things armed rebel groups oc- The CPC invited “all other Bozize, who recently returned hoppers washed their moving to have it in December Lcupying large areas of the armed groups to join”.They also after years in exile, has been hands and sterilised in time for the third wave of the Central African Republic an- urged its members to “scrupu- barred from running in the elec- Stheir smartphones in the coronavirus.” nounced a coalition yesterday, lously respect the integrity of the tion by the country’s top court as streets of Tokyo’s posh Ginza On average 20 litres of water while the government accused civilian population” and to allow he had been sought in a interna- district yesterday using hand- provides around 500 wash- former president Francois Boz- vehicles belonging to the United tional arrest warrant fi led by the washing stations that a Japa- es, while the fi lters should be ize of an “attempted coup” Nations and to humanitarian CAR on charges including mur- nese start-up hopes will revo- changed after about 2,000, he ahead of next week’s elections. groups to circulate freely. der, arbitrary arrest and torture. lutionise access to clean water said. The machine, however, The rebels’ announcement The authorities in Bangui had Bozize, 74, who came to pow- and better hygiene. needs connection to a power could further fuel tensions al- not yet reacted to the statement er in a coup in 2003 before be- WOTA Corp set up 20 of its supply. ready on the rise in the troubled yesterday. ing overthrown in 2013, said on WOSH machines near popu- WOTA has now begun ship- country before the presidential Meanwhile the government Tuesday that he accepted the lar Ginza stores in an initia- A shopper washes her hands using a mobile handwashing machine ments within Japan of roughly and legislative vote on December said yesterday that ex-president court’s decision. tive with a district association called ‘WOSH’, installed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus 4,000 units. It aims to expand 27, where the opposition fears Bozize was currently near the The government had on aimed at encouraging shoppers disease (Covid-19), in Ginza shopping district in Tokyo, yesterday. internationally next year, with massive electoral fraud. city of Bossembele, about 150 Wednesday accused Bozize of a to wash their hands to prevent many inquiries coming from the UN peacekeepers meanwhile kilometres northwest of Bangui “plan to destabilise the country,” the spread of the coronavirus. ultraviolet irradiation. handwashing eff orts. United States. Maeda hopes the deployed in response to fresh at- and was intending to march on while the opposition says it fears The machines don’t require They also have a device that The fi rm had already been smartphone feature in particular tacks, as UN Secretary-General the capital with his men. massive electoral fraud. connection to running water cleans smartphones through developing the machine in part will transform hygiene habits. Antonio Guterres appealed for “This is clearly an attempted The UN mission in the CAR, and don’t use fresh and waste 20-30 seconds of ultravio- to alleviate long lines at rest “We thought if it had the calm and for all sides to work coup d’etat that the govern- Minusca, said on Friday that water tanks. Instead they recy- let light exposure while users rooms when the Covid-19 crisis smartphone sterilisation func- together to ensure credible elec- ment denounces during this its blue helmet forces were on cle the water through a three- are washing their hands, since hit early this year, Chief Execu- tion, maybe people who never tions there. electoral period,” said govern- “maximum alert” to prevent stage process of membrane touching a dirty smartphone tive Yosuke Maeda told Reuters. wash their hands will start do- The armed groups had de- ment spokesman Ange-Maxime armed groups from disrupting fi ltration, chlorine and deep would otherwise negate their “Amid the impact of Cov- ing so,” he said. cided “to combine all of our Kaagui. the elections. Gulf Times Sunday, December 20, 2020 13 WORLD

Portugal’s Costa to India hits 10mn Covid-19 self-isolate following cases as infections slow lunch with „ Smart lockdown imposed in four cities of Pakistan’s Punjab and hospitals ran out of beds and tute of Technology in the north- 50,000 yesterday as the country daily tally of new infections de- Macron „ Russia’s Covid-19 deaths surpass 50,000 oxygen. ern city of Kanpur. “However, the continues to fi ght stubbornly creased to 16,308 from 17,992. „ Italy reports 553 deaths on Saturday It is now reporting fewer than predictions of the model need to high numbers of new infections There were 176,185 swabs car- „ Germany’s confirmed cases rise by 31,300 5,000 cases. be independently confi rmed by a daily. ried out in the past day, down Reuters „ Mexico reports 12,248 new cases The national capital territory sero survey for us to be certain.” Russia’s offi cial coronavirus from a previous 179,800 the min- Lisbon/Paris of Delhi said yesterday that its The government of Pakistan’s task force said that 585 people istry said. Reuters/Internews The virus has so far killed third and the worst surge in cases Punjab province has announced had died from Covid-19 in the The fi rst Western country Mumbai 145,136 people in the country. has now ended. smart lockdowns in more areas last 24 hours, taking the coun- hit by the virus, Italy has seen ortugal’s Prime Minister India took 30 days to add the It reported 1,418 new infec- amid a spike in coronavirus cases. try’s offi cial death toll to 50,347. 68,447 Covid-19 fatalities since Antonio Costa will self- last million cases, the second tions and 37 deaths on Friday. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf The country also recorded its outbreak emerged in February, Pisolate for 14 days, spend- ndia exceeded 10mn infec- slowest since the start of the “If infections were surging, we (PTI)-led government has issued 28,209 new infections, bringing the highest toll in Europe and the ing Christmas at his offi cial resi- tions of the new coronavirus pandemic. would have seen the number of notifi cations of the smart lock- the national tally to 2,819,429. fi fth-highest in the world. dence, after meeting earlier this Iyesterday, much later than The country expects to roll out patients in hospitals go up, es- down in several areas of Lahore, The authorities in Moscow, It has also registered nearly week with French President Em- predicted only a month ago as vaccines soon and is considering pecially after the festival season. Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and which reported 6,459 new coro- 1.94mn cases to date. manuel Macron, who is infected the pace of infections slows, de- emergency-use request for three That has not happened,” said Ra- Hafi zabad. navirus cases yesterday, said they The number of confi rmed with coronavirus. spite many in the country giving types, developed by Oxford/As- man Gangakhedkar, who until Those areas have become raided nightspots that had been coronavirus cases in Germany The coronavirus causes the up on masks and social distanc- traZeneca, Pfi zer and local com- recently headed epidemiology hotspots of the virus with in- in violation of an order to remain increased by 31,300 to 1,471,238, Covid-19 respiratory disease. ing. pany Bharat Biotech. at the Indian Council of Medical creasing number of infections. closed between 11pm and 6am data from the Robert Koch Insti- Lisbon’s regional health au- The highly-infectious corona- But some health experts say Research. As many as 22 areas of Lahore, until January 15 to contain the tute (RKI) for infectious diseases thority ARSLVT said in a state- virus causes the Covid-19 respi- the fall in cases suggests many A government-appointed nine areas in Rawalpindi, four lo- virus. showed yesterday. ment cited by Lusa news agency ratory disease. Indians may have already devel- panel tasked with making pro- calities in Gujranwala and three Footage broadcast on local tel- The reported death toll rose by that a working lunch between After hitting a peak of nearly oped virus antibodies through jections based on a mathematical areas of Gujrat were put under evision showed city inspectors 702 to 25,640, the tally showed. the two leaders on Wednesday 98,000 daily cases in mid-Sep- natural infection. model has estimated that 60% smart lockdown, according to the and riot police forcing open the Mexico’s health ministry on was considered a “high-risk ex- tember, daily infections have “Herd immunity is a huge of India’s 1.35bn people have al- notifi cation. door of a outlet in central Mos- Friday reported 12,248 new con- posure” to the coronavirus. averaged around 30,000 this part of it ... which is helping us ready been infected with the vi- Health authorities earlier im- cow using a mallet and a crowbar. fi rmed cases of coronavirus in- Costa tested negative on month, helping India widen its to break the transmission,” said rus. posed smart lockdown in 13 areas The authorities said the estab- fection and 762 more fatalities, Thursday, but ARSLVT said he gap with the United States, the Pradeep Awate, a senior health “If the model is correct, it is of Lahore and declared closure lishment had continued to serve bringing the country’s totals would have to stay in isolation world’s worst aff ected country offi cial in India’s worst-hit state unlikely that a second wave will of the shopping malls, restau- customers clandestinely after to 1,301,546 cases and 117,249 until December 29, which will be with more than 16mn cases. of Maharashtra, home to Mum- happen, because once 60% have rants and offi ces in areas under hours, in violation of city rules. deaths. 14 days after he met with Macron India reported 25,152 new in- bai. immunity, nothing can cause lockdown, as well as limiting the Italy reported 553 corona- The government says the real in Paris to discuss Portugal’s up- fections and 347 deaths in the India’s richest state was in dire another wave,” said Manindra movement of residents. virus-related deaths yesterday number of infected people is coming European Council presi- past 24 hours, data from the straits back in September when Agrawal, a committee member The number of Covid-19 against 674 the day before, the likely signifi cantly higher than dency. health ministry showed. its daily cases averaged 20,000 and professor at the Indian Insti- deaths in Russia surpassed health ministry said, while the the confi rmed cases. Macron tested positive on Thursday, prompting a track and trace eff ort across Europe, following meetings the French leader had with EU heads of gov- Merkel ernment in recent days. Those included a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister issues Pedro Sanchez, who has tested negative. News photos showed Macron Christmas warmly welcoming Costa to the palace, with both wearing face masks as they stood shoulder to appeal shoulder outside the entrance to the Elysee Palace. Costa’s offi ce said on Thurs- Reuters day he cancelled all in-person Berlin public activities, including an offi cial trip to Sao Tome and Principe and Guinea Bissau this hancellor Angela Mer- weekend, but would work re- kel has urged Germans motely. Cto avoid visiting fam- Macron’s condition is sta- ily members over Christmas ble and the results of a medi- and to use video calls instead for cal examination reassuring, the greetings, the way service mem- French presidency said yester- bers stationed abroad do, as the day in an update on his bout of country battles Covid-19. coronavirus. The Covid-19 disease is “The medical condition of caused by the coronavirus. the president is stable compared Germany is struggling with with ... Friday. He presents simi- a rise in coronavirus infections Adaptable lar Covid-19 symptoms which and deaths. do not prevent him from fulfi ll- Praise for Merkel for having Santas ing his obligations,” the presi- tamed the fi rst wave has turned dency said in a statement. to criticism of her perceived fail- Medical workers dressed as ure to tackle the second. clowns and Santa Claus “Women and men stationed entertain people lined up in far away from home to ensure their car to undergo a our security know what it means coronavirus swab test at a Santa goes to have limited contact with drive-through testing site of loved ones,” Merkel said in her Rome’s Tor Vergata hospital. weekly video podcast. virtual in “They know what it means to Right: A man wearing a Santa only be able to Skype over a long Claus costume sanitises the period of time instead of being entrance of a house inside a Spain together,” she said, referring to Mumbai slum. Microsoft’s video calling system. Germany recorded more than Reuters 31,000 new infections and 702 Madrid deaths yesterday, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infec- tious diseases said. n enterprising Santa That was double the number Claus has given himself of infections reported on De- Athe mission of saving cember 15, one day before Ger- Christmas in Spain by send- many went into a hard lockdown ing video messages to children that is expected to last until at who are unable to meet the man least January 10. himself this year because of the Merkel has been making emo- coronavirus pandemic. tional appeals ahead of Christ- “We thought of doing Zoom, mas and the New Year, urging Skype and using new technolo- Germans to avoid unnecessary gies since Santa cannot visit the travel and to limit social con- children’s homes,” said Hec- tacts to an absolute minimum as tor Fuentes, dressed as Father health experts warn of a spike in Christmas, or “Papa Noel” in infections over the holidays. Spanish. “What awaits many of us over Children’s entertainer Christmas is ordinary for peo- Fuentes, a Chilean who lives in ple on missions abroad,” she Spain, has transformed an old said yesterday, speaking with shipping container in Leganes, a Christmas tree in the back- south of Madrid, into a grotto- ground. cum-production studio. On December 27, Germany is He records personalised mes- expected to start rolling out the sages with the help of his son Covid-19 vaccine developed by Bikers in Santa Claus suits ride during the annual Santa Ride in Sofia, A toddler reacts as she watches a personalised Christmas video message at her home in Alcorcon, near Andres, who works behind the Germany’s BioNTech and US Bulgaria. Madrid. camera, and his colleague Pilar company Pfi zer. Carrion, as his sidekick elf. Parents can fi nd Fuentes on social media and send him their children’s letters. Then he and Carrion fi lm a Chilean president fi ned for mask-less selfi e with stranger personalised reply from Papa Noel himself. “When the pandemic arrived Reuters without wearing a mask as re- Pinera apologised, then turned nised him and asked for a photo over inequality broke out in San- ern hemisphere winter, then sub- all the events we had were can- Santiago quired during the coronavirus himself in shortly after the selfi e together. tiago last year. sided through November. celled ... we had to start from pandemic, health authorities surfaced on social media in early The selfi e shows the president He was later seen posing for Cases are on the rise again, scratch to reinvent ourselves,” said. December. and the woman standing very pictures at the square that had however, prompting new restric- said Carrion. hilean President Sebas- Chile has strict rules on mask The president explained that near to one another on a sunny been the hub of the demonstra- tions and quarantines. On Friday, three-year-old tian Pinera was slapped wearing in all public places and he had been walking alone along day, neither wearing masks. tions after the pandemic forced Chile has reported 581,135 Arhoa Pena sat transfi xed as she Cwith a $3,500 fi ne on violations are punishable with the beach near his home in the The gaff e-prone Pinera was protesters to stay at home. cases of the virus since the out- watched Santa Claus talking to Friday after posing for a selfi e sanctions that include fi nes and posh Chilean seaside town of previously photographed at a The virus peaked in Chile in break began in March, and 16,051 her from the television in her liv- on the beach with a bystander even jail terms. Cachagua when a woman recog- pizza party on the night protests May and June, during the south- deaths from the disease. ing room in Alcorcon. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, December 20, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF What Biden presidency means Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko for the US economic policy P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] Michael J Boskin Stanford 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), S President-elect Joe Biden’s 44466636 (Home delivery) economic-policy agenda diff ers markedly from that of 44350474 UPresident Donald Trump. But facebook.com/gulftimes Biden’s ability to enact his proposals will depend on three factors: the fi nal twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar composition of the Senate; his ability to learn from past successes and failures (not least the historically anaemic Obama-era recovery); and whether the US economy can avoid a growth- GULF TIMES sapping shock. Biden easily won the popular vote in this year’s election, and, as with Trump in 2016, small pluralities in several swing states delivered him a Why breaking up comfortable Electoral College victory. But, despite being heavily outspent, Republicans made surprising gains in the House of Representatives and state Facebook won’t legislatures. Exit polls show that voters’ top concerns were the economy, jobs, and the Covid-19 pandemic. With even California voters refusing to reinstate solve the problem affi rmative action or raise property taxes on businesses, the election turned FLIP SIDE: US President-elect Joe Biden is proposing a slew of new regulations for many parts of the economy – from energy to out to be more of a Republican “red healthcare – the economic costs of which could well swamp the benefits. (Reuters) A long overdue antitrust push is gaining steam. But it’s focusing ripple” than a Democratic “blue wave.” on large technology companies like Facebook Inc and Google- To win control of the Senate – with to spend trillions of dollars more In America’s polarised political is the nomination of Neera Tanden, the parent Alphabet Inc, which present complex problems that classic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris over the next decade to fi ght climate environment, it is common to think president of the left-leaning Center antitrust approaches won’t always solve. casting the tie-breaking vote – change, provide government health refl exively that all of the Obama for American Progress, as director of The cases are based on very standard stuff . The US Justice Democrats will have to win both of the insurance, invest in infrastructure, administration’s policies worked the Offi ce of Management and Budget, Department is accusing Google of illegally preserving its dominant Georgia run-off elections on January and much else. These proposals will (or failed) whereas all of Trump’s a position that is usually occupied by market share in search and search advertising by paying and 5. Failing that, Biden’s agenda will be add trillions of dollars to the national policies have failed (or succeeded). someone with a sceptical eye toward pressuring phone makers to install Google as their default search constrained substantially, forcing him debt over ten years, on top of the $13 But such thinking does not make for spending, defi cits, and regulation. wise decisions. Not all of the anaemic In any case, the current recovery engine. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition either to compromise with Senate trillion already projected. And that Republicans or resort to executive is after massive defi cits from the two growth after 2008 can be attributed is likely to slow in the coming weeks, of states are suing Facebook for anti-competitive behaviour orders and regulatory diktats, as did previous administrations. Though the to Obama’s policies, considering owing to a fresh round of business because of its ownership of Instagram and WhatsApp. Obama and Trump. US Federal Reserve appears willing to that his administration inherited the lockdowns. But Biden will probably One aggressive, much-discussed solution is to break up the If the Democrats do prevail in both accommodate the debt surge for now, its worst fi nancial crisis since the Great enjoy a strong tailwind by spring companies to dilute their infl uence. The government is pressuring Georgia races, Senator Chuck Schumer attitude could eventually change. Depression. Nonetheless, the lack of and summer from the arrival of Facebook to part with Instagram and WhatsApp, and could demand of New York will become Majority With the economy still below full robust growth is prima facie evidence that Covid-19 vaccines and any additional that Google spin off its Android mobile operating system. Leader. Schumer has indicated that employment, some targeted defi cit- there was room for improvement (as I had “stimulus” spending. Americans But it’s not clear that the substantive issues that people care about in such a scenario, he would abolish fi nanced spending makes sense on predicted there would be in 2008). have traditionally looked to divided with regards to technology companies would be improved by that kind the fi libuster, a procedural rule humanitarian grounds. The problem Likewise, Trump cannot claim credit government to swing the policy of move. The best outcome might be for Big Tech to remain big, but to that eff ectively requires a 60-vote is that any new legislative package is for all of the strong growth, historically pendulum toward the centre. If submit to a new framework of antitrust regulation that restricts the supermajority for most legislation. In likely to include costly, extraneous, and low unemployment among minorities, Republicans hold on to the Senate, companies’ behaviour in all the areas of concern. The European Union that case, the Democrats would be able harmful spending provisions. A prime rising wages at the bottom, and record- Biden may find himself better to enact any policy that they could unite example is the proposal not only to low poverty rates before the Covid-19 positioned to withstand pressure from is already working on a regulation-based approach to address privacy their own ranks behind. extend unemployment insurance (which disaster. Nonetheless, he obviously the surging left, as will Democratic and content moderation for the tech giants. For his part, Biden wants to increase I support) but to add $600 per week on did some things right (such as passing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. There are actually some theoretical economic reasons to break the corporate-tax rate and raise the top of normal benefi ts, resulting in two- corporate-tax reform and cutting After his politically disastrous fi rst up major technology companies. Forced breakups might be good income, capital gains, dividend, thirds of benefi ciaries receiving more regulations). two years, President Bill Clinton worked news for startups, some research indicates. They also might boost estate, and payroll taxes on higher- than they would earn working. Biden’s priorities will be fl eshed out with a Republican Congress to balance competition for ad dollars, driving down the prices of ads for other income individuals (earning more Biden is also proposing a slew of and promoted by his economic team, led the budget and reform welfare. That is a companies. than $400,000 per year) and small new regulations for many parts of by former Federal Reserve Chair Janet model Biden should consider emulating, But it’s unlikely those are the businesses. After accounting for state the economy – from energy to health Yellen as Secretary of the Treasury, and for the good of the country and his own The best main reasons authorities are income taxes, his programme would set care – the economic costs of which with former Obama policy advisers legacy. — Project Syndicate trying to slap down Google and a top marginal tax rate of about 65% for could well swamp the benefi ts. His fi lling other key positions. Most of Facebook. That’s because both higher-income taxpayers in California approach to dealing with China’s unfair these fi gures’ views are liberal, but z Michael J Boskin is Professor of outcome might not radical, on regulatory, fi scal, and Economics at Stanford University and search and social networking and New York City. The United States trade practices is likely to be more has had such high tax rates in the multilateral, as he will consider joining macroeconomic-policy matters. While Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. be for Big Tech are probably natural distant past – with controversial eff ects the successor to the Trans-Pacifi c all express an admirable concern for the He was Chairman of George HW Bush’s monopolies, meaning that one on economic growth and government Partnership and will lighten the Trump disadvantaged and the environment, Council of Economic Advisers from 1989 to remain big, company tends to crowd out revenue – but they applied to a much administration’s tariff s, signalling a they will have to resist their more to 1993, and headed the so-called Boskin rivals. Forcing Google to spin smaller share of the population. more supportive view of the benefi ts ideological colleagues’ zeal for Commission, a congressional advisory but to submit to a off Android probably wouldn’t Beyond massive pandemic-related of trade. If and how China responds proposals that would fl unk any serious body that highlighted errors in offi cial US break its search monopoly; this stimulus spending, Biden also wants remains to be seen. cost-benefi t test. Of particular concern infl ation estimates. new framework was Europe’s experience when of antitrust it won an antitrust suit against the company. Facebook and regulation Instagram would probably be able to survive as separate social networks for a while, but eventually everyone would want to connect with everyone else on one platform. A simpler explanation is that forced breakups are a raw power Counting the costs of Merkel's play. Some political leaders feel that companies like Facebook and Google have managed to place themselves above the rest of society, including government. They’re paranoid that Google is monkeying with search results for political purposes, and that Facebook is suppressing news to help the opposition. surrender to Hungary, Poland These seem like expressions of a deeper fear – the fear that companies, rather than government, are now the top dog. Governments don’t like someone else being top dog. George Soros Hungarian parliamentary elections in Fundamentally, they’re organisations created for the express New York 2022. The reprieve would give Orbán’s purpose of maintaining a monopoly on the use of force, and that Fidesz party ample time to change DNA tends to make them very anxious when some other entity he European Union is facing an Hungarian laws and constitutional seems like it might be out-powering them. existential threat, and yet the provisions, and allow Orbán to continue The citizenry, too, is anxious about that possibility – if Facebook EU’s leadership is responding redefi ning what constitutes “public and Google are above the government, it also means they’re above Twith a compromise that funds” in Hungary in ways that enable the collective will of the people. So forcing social-media companies appears to refl ect a belief that the threat him to channel ill-gotten loot from to break up might send a message that the government is still in charge. can simply be wished away. Prime public bodies into private “foundations” Even economists are suspicious of big-company power without Minister Viktor Orbán’s kleptocratic controlled by his cronies. The primary always quite knowing why. When asked, many of them support regime in Hungary and, to a lesser victims of the deal that Merkel has taking action against major technology companies, but the reasons extent, the illiberal Law and Justice (PiS) reportedly struck with Orbán will be the they give are varied. This suggests that there’s just something government in Poland, are brazenly people of Hungary. challenging the values on which the Lastly, the proposed summit inherently suspicious about the presence of such powerful, European Union has been built. Treating declaration is a case of the European dominant corporations. their challenge as a legitimate political Council acting beyond its authority But while it would certainly be cathartic, it’s questionable whether stance deserving of recognition and a in constraining the European breakups would actually resolve many of the complaints people have compromise solution will only add – Commission’s ability to interpret and about the biggest tech fi rms. With its search monopoly intact, Google massively – to the risks that the EU now UNDER PRESSURE: Angela Merkel. act on agreed EU legislation. That is a could still promote its own products above competitors. Issues of faces. dangerous precedent, because it reduces privacy and data property rights would remain. Both companies might I recognise and understand the Orbán has stolen and misappropriated worlds. The widely leaked text of the the Commission’s legal independence still sometimes be accused of censorship, or of working with nefarious enormous pressure under which vast sums during his decade in power, proposed compromise, to be embedded and may very well contravene the Treaty foreign governments. And media organisations would still complain German Chancellor Angela Merkel has including EU funds that should have in the concluding statement of this on European Union, at least in spirit. that social media companies are taking too much of their revenue. – been labouring. She has been Germany’s gone to benefi t the Hungarian people. week’s European Council meeting, has The deal, as it is understood to exist, Tribune News Service chancellor for 15 years and is now He cannot aff ord to have a practical limit three fundamental fl aws. is ugly and fl outs the express wishes of approaching retirement, in September imposed on his personal and political First, the declaration alters in the European Parliament. But because 2021. With French President Emmanuel corruption, because these illicit proceeds substance and intent the text of the of the urgent need to use the €750 Macron temporarily distracted by the are the grease that keeps the wheels of his regulation that was agreed by EU billion ($909 billion) Covid-19 recovery To Advertise laïcité issue and other serious security regime turning smoothly and his cronies institutions on November 5, weakening fund, the European Parliament may concerns within France, Merkel has in line. the rule-of-law conditionality very well approve it. [email protected] become something of the sole main Threatening to torpedo the EU’s considerably. Neither the European All I can do is to express the moral Display decision-maker for the EU. fi nances by vetoing its budget was a Commission nor the European outrage that people who believed in the I also understand why the German desperate gamble on Orbán’s part. But it Parliament, let alone the national EU as the protector of European and 44466621 44418811 chancellor does not want another was a bluff that should have been called. governments that made the integrity universal values must feel. I also want to country, Hungary, to announce its Unfortunately, Merkel has, it appears, of the regulation their main concern warn that this compromise may severely Classified intention to leave the EU on her caved in to Hungarian and Polish in the European Council, should allow dent the hard-won confi dence that 44466609 44418811 watch. That is reportedly what Orbán extortion. themselves to be elbowed aside in this the Union’s institutions have gained was preparing to do in recent days, As I write, it seems clear that Merkel way. through the creation of the recovery Subscription because he cannot aff ord to have the has brokered a compromise with Orbán Second, some provisions in the deal fund. — Project Syndicate sheer scale of his regime’s corruption and Poland’s de facto leader, Deputy serve to delay the implementation of [email protected] exposed, which the EU’s “rule of law” Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczytski. The rule-of-law conditionality by up to two zGeorge Soros is Chairman of Soros conditionality for the disbursement deal that Germany made with the EU’s years. That would be a true coup for Fund Management and the Open Society of Union funds would invariably have two rogue member states, however, Orbán, as it would delay any possible Foundations. A pioneer of the hedge-fund © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved done. constitutes the worst of all possible action until after the next scheduled industry, he is the author of many books. Gulf Times Sunday, December 20, 2020 15 WORLD Boeing ‘inappropriately coached’ pilots in 737 MAX testing: report

Reuters The committee concluded that cise that resulted in pilot reaction The FAA said on Friday that it that the report “details a number ate more than 150,000 fl ights was “constrained due to the con- Washington Federal Aviation Administration in approximately four seconds, is “carefully reviewing the docu- of signifi cant examples of lapses carrying 17.2mn passengers on tinued criminal investigation”. (FAA) and Boeing offi cials “had while another pilot in a separate ment, which the committee ac- in aviation safety oversight and jets without confi rmation that Last month, the FAA approved established a pre-determined test reacted in approximately 16 knowledges contains a number of failed leadership in the FAA”. required maintenance had been the 737 MAX’s return to service oeing offi cials “inappro- outcome to reaffi rm a long-held seconds. unsubstantiated allegations”. The committee also said “mul- completed. and fl ights have resumed in Bra- priately coached” test pi- human factor assumption related The account was corroborated The agency added it is “con- tiple independent whistleblow- The Senate report said the zil. Blots during recertifi cation to pilot reaction time ... it ap- during an FAA staff interview, the fi dent that the safety issues that ers contacted the committee to Southwest fl ights “put millions The fi rst US 737 MAX com- eff orts after two fatal 737 MAX pears, in this instance, the FAA committee added. played a role in the tragic (737 allege FAA senior management of passengers at potential risk”. mercial fl ight with paying pas- crashes killed 346 people, ac- and Boeing were attempting to Numerous reports have found MAX) accidents involving Lion was complicit in determining the Southwest said on Friday that sengers is set for December 29. cording to a lengthy congres- cover up important information Boeing failed to adequately con- Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian 737 MAX training certifi cation it is aware of the report and add- Last month, the Senate com- sional report released on Friday. that may have contributed to the sider how pilots respond to cock- Airlines Flight 302 have been level prior to any evaluation”. ed that “we do not tolerate any mittee unanimously a bill to re- The report from the Senate 737 MAX tragedies”. pit emergencies in its develop- addressed through the design Boeing resisted requiring sim- relaxing of standards that govern form how the FAA certifi es new Commerce Committee Republi- The report citing a whistle- ment of the 737 MAX. changes required and independ- ulator training for pilots before ultimate safety across our opera- airplanes and grant new protec- can staff raised questions about blower who alleged Boeing of- Boeing said on Friday that it ently approved by the FAA and its operating the 737 MAX but re- tion”. tions for whistleblowers, among testing this year of a safety sys- fi cials encouraged test pilots to takes “seriously the committee’s partners”. versed course in January. Boeing still faces an ongoing other reforms, while the US tem known as MCAS tied to both “remember, get right on that fi ndings and will continue to re- Senate Commerce Commit- The report also noted South- criminal probe into the MAX. House of Representatives unani- crashes. pickle switch” prior to the exer- view the report in full”. tee chairman Roger Wicker said west Airlines was able to oper- The committee said its review mously passed a similar bill.

Members of US space force Trump downplays impact known as ‘guardians’ of major govt data breach

By Martin Pengelly Reuters briefed on the matter. United States planning to close last two consulates in Russia to a request for comment. Guardian News & Media Washington “We can say pretty clearly that Daniel Hoff man, a former it was the Russians that engaged Donald Trump’s outgoing administration is plan- advance our foreign policy interests in Russia in the Central Intelligence Agency in this activity,” said Secretary of ning to close the two remaining US consulates in most eff ective and safe manner possible”. (CIA) Moscow station chief, embers of the new S President Donald State Mike Pompeo on Friday in Russia, the State Department confirmed yesterday, “No action related to the Russian consulates in the said the Trump administration US space force will be Trump, in his fi rst com- an interview. as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take off ice United States is planned,” the spokesperson added. needed to quickly explain why Mknown as “guardians”, Uments about a wide- Republican lawmaker Mitt amid high tensions with Moscow. The closures would leave the embassy in Moscow as Pompeo blamed Russia, while Vice-President Mike Pence spread data breach across the Romney in a tweet on Thursday The US will close its consulate in the far eastern city the United States’ last diplomatic mission in Russia. the president cast doubt on that announced on Friday, at a cer- US government, downplayed the said that the hack was “like Rus- of Vladivostok and suspend operations at its post in Moscow ordered the closure of the US consulate in assessment. emony to mark the fi rst birth- seriousness and impact of the sian bombers have been repeat- Yekaterinburg, a department spokesperson told AFP. St Petersburg in March 2018 during a diplomatic spat He noted that Pompeo served day of the newest branch of the cyber-espionage campaign, and edly fl ying undetected over our The decision followed consultation with ambassa- sparked by the poisoning of Sergei Skripal on British as CIA director before becoming US armed forces, one of Donald questioned whether Russia was entire country”. dor John Sullivan and was part of “eff orts to ensure soil. the top US diplomat, and that he Trump’s signature policy initia- to blame. A State Department spokes- the safe and secure operation of the US diplomatic It was unclear whether the closures would happen has “an extremely sophisticated tives. “The Cyber Hack is far greater person did not immediately re- mission in the Russian Federation”, the spokesperson before January 20, when President-elect Biden takes understanding of national secu- “It is my honour,” Pence said, in the Fake News Media than in spond to a request for comment said. off ice. rity”. “on behalf of the president of the actuality,” Trump said on Twit- yesterday. CNN reported that a State Department letter to Con- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that “How is it that he attributed United States, to announce that ter yesterday. “Russia, Rus- Adam Schiff , the Democratic gress this month said that the move was a response Russia was “pretty clearly” behind a devastating the attack to Russia and the henceforth the men and women sia, Russia is the priority chant chairman of the House Intelli- to “ongoing staff ing challenges for the US Mission cyber-attack on several US government agencies that president did not?” Hoff man of the United States Space Force when anything happens because gence Committee, said in a tweet in Russia in the wake of the 2017 Russian-imposed security experts said could allow attackers unfettered said. will be known as guardians. Lamestream is, for mostly fi - in reaction to Trump’s com- personnel cap on the US Mission”. access to critical IT systems and electric power grids. He said that “based on eve- “Soldiers, sailors, airmen, nancial reasons, petrifi ed of ments: “Another day, another Ten diplomats assigned to the consulates will report- Yohannes Abraham, executive director for the Biden rything we know”, the hack was marines and guardians will be discussing the possibility that it scandalous betrayal of our na- edly be relocated to the US embassy in Moscow, transition team, said that the hack was of “great directed by Russia’s external in- defending our nation for genera- may be China (it may!).” tional security by this president. while 33 local staff will lose their jobs. concern” and that the Biden administration would telligence service, known as the tions to come.” Trump’s assertion that Chi- “Another dishonest tweet The State Department did not confirm the numbers meet any cyber-attacks with a response inflicting SVR, using APT29, the Russian On Twitter, the space force na may be behind the hacking that sounds like it could have involved but said the “resulting realignment of “substantial cost”. hacking group known as “Cozy said: “The opportunity to name spree, which has so far aff ected been written in the Kremlin.” personnel at US embassy Moscow will allow us to Russia has denied any involvement in the incident. Bear”. a force is a momentous respon- more than a half dozen federal The Kremlin has denied any “We don’t want to specu- sibility. agencies including the Com- involvement. late that it’s somebody else. We “Guardians is a name with a merce and Treasury Depart- In his tweet, Trump tagged National Intelligence, or ODNI, of software developed by net- and private sectors. have to be clear in attributing long history in space operations, ments, runs counter to com- Pompeo and Director of Nation- has yet to publicly comment on work management company A spokesperson for ODNI and because when you take action in tracing back to the original com- ments by his own secretary of al Intelligence John Ratcliff e. who is behind the massive data SolarWinds that is widely the White House’s National Se- response, you need to be right,” mand motto of Air Force Space state and multiple lawmakers The Offi ce of the Director of breach, which exploited a piece used throughout the public curity Council did not respond Hoff man said. Command in 1983, ‘Guardians of the High Frontier’. “The name Guardians con- nects our proud heritage and culture to the important mission we execute 24/7, protecting the Cinema in the Philippines off ers people and interest of the US and its allies. “Guardians.#SemperSupra !” Venice-themed pandemic escape The force’s Latin motto, adopted in July, means: “Always above.” Reuters let Gatchalian told Reuters at Gondola moviegoers may Pence’s announcement came Manila the Venice Grand Canal-themed sit two to a boat, with up to 10 on the same day Mike Hopkins, shopping mall in Manila. “It’s guests per screening and boats a US astronaut aboard the In- also one of the fi rst cinemas to kept metres apart. ternational Space Station, was ome moviegoers in the reopen so we wanted to try it.” Admission is 500 pesos ($10), transferred from the air force Philippine capital, tired of Philippine cinemas have been roughly the minimum daily wage into the space force. Slengthy coronavirus re- closed since mid-March, when in the capital. General Jay Raymond, chief of strictions, are opting for a taste President Rodrigo Duterte im- The fl oat-in cinema aims to space operations, said the new of Venice, bobbing in front of the posed one of the world’s toughest lift the spirits of guests and help force was “beyond excited” to big screen in socially distanced and longest lockdowns. fi lm industry workers, said Gra- welcome its fi rst astronaut. gondolas. With more than 456,000 ham Coates, head of Megaworld Nonetheless, Pence’s an- The highly-contagious coro- coronavirus infections and 8,875 Lifestyle Malls. nouncement prompted familiar navirus causes the Covid-19 res- Covid-19 deaths, the Philippines Guests bring their own ear- mirth on social media. piratory disease. is Southeast Asia’s hardest-hit phones and listen to audio As Military.com put it: “Space Gondoliers in striped uniforms country after Indonesia. broadcast at a radio frequency enthusiasts and military mem- steer and position each boat in The government started grad- available only to those aboard the bers were quick to point out an outdoor canal to watch full- ually reopening the economy in gondolas. the name Guardians evokes the length fi lms, a rare chance to visit June, but most non-essential Open-air cinemas are seeing a Marvel Comics’ Guardians of the cinema after nine months of businesses remain shut – in Ma- revival in many parts of the world the Galaxy fi lm franchise, about lockdowns. nila, the gondola cinema and a as the leisure industry fi gures out a motley crew of superheroes in People on gondolas watch a movie at a float-in cinema in Venice Grand Canal Mall, Taguig City, Metro “Riding a boat made it a drive-through theatre are the how to deal with the constraints space.” Manila. unique experience,” patron Vio- only movie venues. of the pandemic. With the Trump administra- tion on its way out of power, the future of the space force seems Greek police crack uncertain. Yesterday the president major tobacco tweeted that the “authorisa- Brexit talks grind on as fi sh spat threatens deal smuggling gang tion and start-up of the SPACE FORCE” would be seen as “one Greek police said yesterday of the Trump administration’s AFP posed EU fi shermen giving up But EU capitals are not bind- installed the complex IT sys- It is an economically tiny ac- that they had cracked one of great achievements”. Brussels nearly one-quarter of the value ing themselves to the European tems and port infrastructure tivity for both sides, but politi- the country’s leading tobacco But as the Associated Press of the fi sh they currently catch Parliament’s deadline. needed to ensure trade with the cally potent, able to galvanise smuggling organisations, put it, delicately: “President- in UK waters. The second diplomatic EU runs smoothly. media and voters. raiding a factory capable of elect Joe Biden has yet to reveal U and UK negotiators Britain is understood to be source said Britain eff ectively Some disruption is inevitable Both sides have come down producing over 1bn cigarettes a his plans for the space force in pressed on with talks holding out for getting back had until the end of the year to whether a deal happens or not. from their initial positions, year. the next administration.” Eyesterday with no sign of much more than half. make its mind up. Outside the single market, with Britain accepting some Nearly 40 people were arrested them breaking an impasse over The UK has suggested this France’s European aff airs British and European traders EU boats will continue to ply its during the operation in over 20 post-Brexit fi shing rights in compromise last for three minister, Clement Beaune, will have to fi ll out import- waters and EU countries recog- locations across the capital Nine die in Turkey time to save a trade deal. years before it is renegotiated, warned that time left to get a export, health and tax forms to nising their catches there will and near Athens earlier this Fishing is now the main ob- whereas Europe is holding out deal was “a matter of hours”, send and receive goods. have to be cut. week, the police said in a hospital fire stacle to any pact that could be for seven. echoing words used by Barnier A deal would lighten that The haggling is over how statement. in place on January 1 to prevent “It’s all down to numbers a day earlier. burden by removing tariff s, much, for what species, in what Eight more people are sought in Nine people were killed in a fire an economic jolt on both sides now,” the second European dip- But, he told French radio, but there would still be traffi c waters exactly, and for how long connection with the case. which broke out in a private of the Channel as Britain leaves lomat said. talks will not be called to a halt snarls as checks on truck loads a fi shing agreement should last The bust yielded a haul of nearly hospital’s coronavirus intensive the single market. Barnier has consulted mem- even if they go past today. and drivers’ papers are carried before it is put up for review. 92mn cigarettes, over 112kg of care unit in the Turkish province “It remains very blocked,” ber states that share fi shing wa- “We won’t do that because out. The EU and Britain share processed and unprocessed of Gaziantep, Health Minister one EU diplomat told AFP. ters with Britain, but has been what is at risk is whole sectors Even truck drivers’ lunches stocks of 125 species of fi sh, tobacco, and 75mn cigarette pack Fahrettin Koca said yesterday. Another said that Brussels told to stand his ground. like fi shing, like sustainable will come under border scru- some of which migrate across labels. The fire was caused by the had made Britain its last off er The European Parliament competition conditions for our tiny: the British government what will be new maritime A fleet of over 40 trucks, haulers explosion of an oxygen ventilator, on fi shing access, and it was has highlighted a deadline of businesses,” he said. warned packed ham and cheese boundaries, others which and trailer trucks was also seized, the local governorship said in down now to UK Prime Min- midnight (2300 GMT) today to The urgency of reaching a sandwiches are banned from spawn in one part and swim in most of them carrying Bulgarian a statement, adding that other ister Boris Johnson to decide receive a deal for review if MEPs deal is being driven home by entry into Europe under meat another. number plates. patients receiving treatment were whether he wants a deal. are to ratify it before the end of scenes of long lines of trucks at and dairy restrictions that ap- Regardless of any trade deal, Lost tax revenue from the transferred to nearby hospitals. “If Britain doesn’t accept the the year. the freight rail link through the ply to non-EU arrivals. both sides are bound by the activities of the network, which Two prosecutors in the latest EU off er, it will be a ‘no Their UK parliamentary Channel tunnel as British com- The European Union linked UN Convention on the Law of was active since 2016, are province were commissioned deal’ over fi sh,” he warned. counterparts are in recess, but panies frantically stockpile. the fi shing rights issue to the Sea to jointly manage those estimated at around €20mn to investigate the cause of the The EU’s pointman in the can be recalled within 48 hours A group of UK MPs warned the overall trade deal from the stocks to prevent overfi shing ($24mn), the police statement explosion. talks, Michel Barnier, has pro- to do likewise. yesterday that Britain has not start. them to extinction. said. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, December 20, 2020 QATAR

Msheireb Properties celebrated the Qatar National Day with decorations and celebrations.

Left: The battery-operated and sustainable Msheireb Tram had its windows removed, allowing the musicians to entertain visitors to the city. Msheireb Properties marks National Day sheireb Properties, the leading sus- Msheireb Tram as a musical platform, pro- friendly Qatar National Day fi reworks shows, tainable real estate developer, cel- viding Ardha singers and musicians the op- which are part of Msheireb Properties and Mebrated the Qatar National Day with portunity to play traditional music while the Vodafone Qatar’s sustainability practices. decorations and activities while ensuring a tram moved around the city district. Msheireb Downtown Doha is the world’s safe and festive visit for everyone. The battery-operated and sustainable fi rst sustainable downtown regeneration Until today (Sunday), Msheireb Downtown Msheireb Tram has the ability to have its win- project, reviving the old commercial heart of Doha’s streets will be draped in Qatar fl ags dows removed, allowing the musician’s mu- the city through a new architectural language. and lights. sic to directly reach the thousands of people The environmentally-conscious develop- The entire façade of the M7 building shines walking the city streets. ment blends traditional Qatari heritage and brightly with the Qatar National Day logo. Also, in partnership with Vodafone Qatar, aesthetics with modern technology. Kahraba Street and Sikkat Wadi Street will Msheireb Downtown Doha is hosting an aug- From design and planning to the delivery be displaying themed lighting, festive fl ags, mented-reality fi reworks show, which adds a of infrastructure and transportation, through and pillars in white and maroon until Janu- unique touch to the celebrations. to improving overall lifestyle, the city aims to ary 3. Geo-targeted to the areas in Msheireb provide a place where it is enjoyable to live, The Msheireb Tram became a musical platform, providing Ardha singers and musicians the opportunity One of the highlights of the Qatar National Downtown Doha, consumers can download a work, shop, visit, and spend time with family to play traditional music while it moves around the city. Day celebrations was the activation of the specialised app which provides fun and eco- and friends.

Airport staff celebrate Qatar National Day Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor lit up in maroon

The Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor is seen lit up in maroon and decorated with the national flag for the Qatar National Day celebrations, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) tweeted yesterday.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) staff members and stakeholders stood together in gratitude to honour the Qatar National Day and the frontline workers who have been battling the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and whose perseverance and commitment have enabled the airport to continue its operations as the gateway to Qatar and the world in the face of the global pandemic.

Safety awareness campaign The Traff ic Awareness Department, along with the Traff ic Patrol and Investigation Department, is taking part in the awareness campaign at Sealine to spread awareness of the need to adhere to safety and security measures during winter camping.