Qatar Airways in World First to Get Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating No

BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 3 QFC posts 63.7% Qatar Foundation rise in new fi rms launches fourth licensed on its cycle of Akhlaquna platform in 2020 Award

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TUESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11798 January 19, 2021 Jumada II 6, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Shura nod for draft law Qatari mountaineer scales new summit on commercial firms The Shura Council held its weekly meeting yesterday under the Qatar Airways in chairmanship of HE the Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- Mahmoud. At the beginning of the meeting, the Council discussed a draft law on mortgaging movable world ﬁ rst to get funds. The draft law includes 9 chapters and 49 articles, which aims to give companies and individuals the opportunity to acquire bank Covid-19 airline loans guaranteed by mortgaged movables and contribute to lowering the cost of loans by finding guarantees for banks that reduce the safety rating risk of default. Page 2

South Al Wakra Health atar Airways has become the (HIA), recently being named as the fi rst Centre main works over “fi rst global airline” to achieve airport in the Middle East and Asia to be Qthe “prestigious” fi ve-star awarded a Skytrax 5-Star Covid-19 Air- The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating by in- port Safety Rating in December 2020. has completed the main works of ternational air transport rating organi- Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- South Al Wakra Health Centre. The sation, Skytrax. tive, HE Akbar al-Baker said: “As an works were carried out by the Building The announcement follows a de- industry leader and the ‘World’s Best Projects Department to serve about tailed audit, carried out by the Sky- Airline’, as named by Skytrax, we are 360 visitors a day in accordance with trax team in December 2020, which well-used to setting the standard for the government plan for developing assessed how eff ectively and consist- others to follow. We are delighted that and implementing better health ently the airline’s stringent Covid-19 our commitment to providing the most services in Qatar, according to an hygiene and safety standards and rigorous and comprehensive Covid-19 Ashghal statement. Page 12 procedures are adhered to, from fl ight safety programme in existence within Fahad Badar, the first Arab man to summit Everest and Lhotse in a single trip, reached the summit of Ama Dablam on check-in to on-board aircraft. the global aviation community has GeriDerm clinic resumes January 14. Page 12 This included a full review of pro- been recognised with the Skytrax cedural effi ciency checks, visual ob- 5-Star Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating. face-to-face consulations servation of hygiene and safety levels “This achievement highlights the The Geriatric-Dermatology (GeriDerm) at all stages of the passenger journey, fastidious measures and procedures clinic at Hamad Medical Corporation and on-board Adenosine Triphos- Qatar Airways have employed to safe- (HMC) has expanded its patient phate (ATP) sampling tests to measure guard the health and well-being of our care services by adding face-to-face the potential level of contamination of passengers throughout the global pan- consultations to virtual sessions for older No severe side eff ects of contact surfaces. demic to date, and follows HIA’s recent patients with skin diseases. Page 4 The achievement of the Skytrax success as the fi rst airport in the Mid- 5-Star Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating dle East and Asia to be awarded a Sky- Saudi ‘allows beIN is in addition to Qatar Airways’ home trax 5-Star Covid-19 Airport Safety Sports TV broadcast’ Covid vaccine second dose and hub, Hamad International Airport Rating. To Page 5 Qatar-based TV channel beIN Sports has resumed its broadcast in Saudi By Ayman Adly Egypt and UAE flights resume Arabia after the two countries Staff Reporter Vaccination for all within 2021 reconciled this month, ending a rift of more than three years, a Reuters Dr Yousef al-Maslamani, medical been vaccinated and returning to witness in Riyadh reported yesterday. o severe side eff ects have been director of Hamad General Hospital, Qatar from abroad. reported so far among those told Qatar TV yesterday that all “It may be required to conduct Vaccine certificate to Nwho took the second dose of members of the society will receive Covid-19 tests for such category too be available on portal the Covid-19 vaccine in Qatar, a sen- the Covid-19 vaccination within at international airports to ensure ior offi cial told Qatar TV yesterday. 2021. that the vaccine is eff ective. There is a 7 days after 2nd dose “Most complaints were about mild No specific date has been set for very limited chance that less than 5% The Covid-19 vaccination certifi- topical pain, body ache and mild high launching the vaccine for the of those vaccinated against Covid-19 cate is now available on MyHealth temperature, which all pass quickly general public. Currently, only may not get eff ective protection. Patient Portal, the Ministry of Public without the need for any medica- the priority groups are being Dr al-Maslamani also stressed the Health (MoPH) has announced. tion,” explained Dr Soha al-Bayat, vaccinated. need to continue to abide by the In a post on social media yesterday, head of vaccination at the Ministry of Further, there is no off icial decision preventive and precautionary the ministry said all individuals who Public Health (MoPH). until now regarding the requirement measures until the desired herd have received two doses of the Cov- She also dispelled rumours that of quarantine for those who have immunity is achieved. id-19 vaccine will automatically have certain foods or drinks could cause a vaccination certificate available for side eff ects with the Covid-19 vac- them on the MyHealth Patient Portal cine. There has been an excellent mended to delay the second dose. and information is expected in due seven days after their second dose. turnout and commitment among “Those who got the vaccine receive course. Individuals who have not yet reg- those scheduled to take the second an offi cially accredited certifi cate “More batches of the vaccine would istered for the Patient Portal have dose of the Covid-19 vaccine from with all the related details in both be received in the country, so more been advised to do so in order to the targeted priority category who al- Arabic and English. The certifi cate is people could be covered until the Flights between Qatar and two Arab countries - Egypt and the UAE - resumed access their certificate. Registration ready received the fi rst dose. also available at the MyHealth Patient desired herd immunity is achieved. yesterday following the reopening of airspace and borders. Qatar Airways and activation will take approxi- “Very few people failed to show Portal of the MoPH. However, everyone should continue resumed flights to Cairo with a daily service, touching down in the Egyptian mately 24 hours, according to the up for the second dose. Most of “The certifi cate will be valid as long to abide strictly by the preventive and capital for the first time since 2017. QR1301 departed Hamad International MoPH. Qatar started administering them came a little bit after the orig- as the vaccine immunity remains ac- precautionary measures even after Airport for Cairo International Airport at 3.15pm local time and landed at its the second dose of the Pfizer-BioN- inal appointment. Some of them tive, according to available informa- taken the second dose of the vaccine destination at 5.40pm local time. The flight was operated by Qatar Airways’ Tech vaccine last week. have high temperature or pain, in tion from the manufacturers, as more until about 75% of the people are vac- state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. EgyptAir and UAE-based Air Arabia which case it is normally recom- clinical studies are being conducted cinated. also resumed services to Qatar yesterday. Page 5 Visa Presale off ers chance to buy FIFA Club World Cup 2020 tickets zVisa cardholders in and safety of all involved in the competition. Additional information on Education City and Ahmad Bin Ali Qatar have an exclusive coronavirus safety measures for this presale window for event can be found at FIFA.com. stadiums to host the tournament At this time, only residents with tickets until Jan 21 QIDs, GCC citizens and those with ex- Following confirmation that, in light The competition format remains ceptional entry permits (EEPs) can enter of the Covid-19 pandemic and related unchanged, with the opening match isa cardholders in Qatar now the country, subject to Qatar’s visa and quarantine measures required by the forfeited. The tournament will have the chance to purchase entry protocols, the statement notes. New Zealand authorities, Auckland now be staged at Education City Vtickets during the exclusive Attendees will be required to present City will be unable to participate in and Ahmad Bin Ali stadiums, while Visa Presale for the FIFA Club World either a negative Covid-19 antigen the FIFA Club World Cup 2020, FIFA Khalifa International Stadium, which Cup Qatar 2020 presented by Alibaba test, a positive Covid-19 antibodies has adapted the competition’s match was originally due to host two Cloud. The presale window opened test or record of a full vaccination. At schedule. The tournament will take games, will not be used. yesterday. the stadiums and surrounding pre- place from February 4-11. Sport Page 1 Fans have an opportunity to secure cincts, attendees must wear a mask, match tickets on FIFA.com/tickets by adhere to social distancing, undergo a using a Visa card until 12 noon (Arabian temperature check on arrival and show will be available via FIFA.com/tickets. powerhouses Al Ahly, Bayern Munich, Standard Time) on January 21. Visa, the status of their Ehteraz application. The FIFA Club World Cup Qatar Ulsan Hyundai and Tigres UANL have the Offi cial Payment Services Part- Clinics will be set up within each tour- 2020 will see the world’s top teams joined the line-up for the tourna- ner of FIFA, is the preferred payment The winner’s trophy. nament venue to treat anyone who dis- come together next month to compete ment. The fi eld will be completed by method for fan ticket purchases for the plays Covid-19 symptoms. for the most prestigious honour in glo- the winners of the CONMEBOL Lib- FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020. for a category 3 ticket for the fi rst Committee for Delivery & Legacy. A last-minute sales phase, giving bal club football. Matches will kick off ertadores fi nal, which is scheduled for A range of aff ordable tickets is fi ve matches up to QR300 for a cat- In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, fans a fi nal chance to purchase any re- on February 4, with the fi nal taking January 30. More information on the available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served egory 1 ticket for the fi nal, according the host country will provide the remaining tickets, will take place follow- place on February 11. FIFA Club World Cup 2020 is available basis, with prices ranging from QR10 to a statement issued by the Supreme quired safeguards to protect the health ing the exclusive Visa Presale. Tickets In addition to home team Al Duhail, at FIFA.com. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 QATAR Al-Ghanem meets Chief of Staff of Pakistan Air Force Shura approves draft law on commercial companies

QNA Doha

he Shura Council held its weekly meeting yesterday under Tthe chairmanship of HE the Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud. At the beginning of the meeting, the Council discussed a draft law on mortgaging movable funds. The draft law includes 9 chapters and 49 articles, which aims to give companies and individuals the opportunity to acquire bank loans guaranteed by mortgaged movables and contribute to lowering the cost of loans The Shura Council held its weekly meeting yesterday. HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem met yesterday by fi nding guarantees for banks that with Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan. During the meeting, they reviewed the military reduce the risk of default. co-operation relations between the two sides, and means of strengthening and developing them. The meeting was The move will benefi t small- and attended by a number of senior off icers from both sides. medium-sized enterprises in playing Meeting on Palestinian rights a major role in enhancing the local economy. The draft law also includes The Shura Council yesterday provisions related to the scope of ap- participated in a parliamentary plication, establishing an electronic meeting on supporting the rights of record at the Qatar Central Securities Palestinian people. ExxonMobil Qatar platinum sponsor Depository (QCSD) and data needed The meeting was held by the to be recorded, establishing the right national security and foreign of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture to mortgage and its entry into force, policy committee of the Islamic and establishing the rights of mort- Consultative Assembly of Iran Qatar Museums CEO gagee. and the Secretariat on Supporting Ahmad Musa al-Amla After discussion, the Council de- the Palestinian Intifada via video and ExxonMobil cided to refer the aforementioned conference technology. Held Qatar president and Draft Law to the Financial and Eco- under the slogan ‘Jerusalem general manager nomic Aff airs Committee to study it brings us together’, the meeting Dominic Genetti at and submit a report thereon to the aimed to continue supporting the with Jerusalem as its capital. The the off icial launch Council. The Shura Council reviewed realisation of the legitimate rights meeting was attended by Abdullah of the Qatar-USA the report of the Financial and Eco- of the Palestinian people and the bin Fahd bin Ghorab al-Marri, 2021 Year of Culture. nomic Aff airs Committee regarding a establishment of a Palestinian state member of the Shura Council. ExxonMobil Qatar is draft law amending some provisions the platinum sponsor of the Commercial Companies Law is- of the Qatar-USA 2021 sued under Law No 11 of 2015. companies. As for companies listed their general assemblies. They also Year of Culture, an The amendment of some provisions in the fi nancial market, the author- stipulated the possibility of holding annual initiative that of the aforementioned law aimed at ity shall issue decisions regulating the general assembly of the company builds bridges with enhancing the ease of capital fl ow, re- their own governance, provided that through modern technology means in nations and promotes moving obstacles, reducing time and the Board of Directors of the com- accordance with the rules determined Qatar’s rich heritage cost, diversifying non-oil income, pany is committed to implementing by the Ministry of Commerce and In- and culture beyond developing market movement, and the aforementioned governance de- dustry. its borders. enhancing international competitive- cisions, taking into account that the The report of the Financial and Eco- ness in the fi eld of establishing and companies’ incorporation documents nomic Aff airs Committee included a operating companies. The draft law do not contain anything that contra- detailed presentation of the draft law, also added new provisions for the dicts with those decisions. amendments and additional articles purposes of achieving the require- The amendments in the draft law to the Commercial Companies Law, ments of anti-money laundering and specifi ed how the members of the justifi cations for amendment and ad- combating the fi nancing of terrorism company’s board of directors should dition, and the committee inquiries to stipulated in the Law No 20 of 2019 on be elected and the requirements that offi cials at the Ministry of Commerce combating money laundering and ter- must be met by a member of the board and Industry, and the answers it re- rorism fi nancing. of directors. The amendments in- ceived. The amendments stipulated that cluded replacing some phrases and After discussion, the Council de- HE the Minister of Commerce and introducing defi nitions, in addition to cided to approve the aforementioned Industry shall issue decisions regulat- the procedures for the meetings of the draft law and referring its recommen- ing governance for private joint-stock boards of directors of companies and dations to the esteemed government.

MoEHE holds meeting of academic deputies

The Department of Education Guidance to do more in the second term. The results, with stress on the basic skills at the Ministry of Education and Higher meeting tackled a number of key issues of writing and reading for the lower Education has held a remote meeting such as a discussion of the outcomes classes, ensuring that the main target attended by 376 academic deputies at of the department survey published by is acquiring skills rather than passing government schools, school managers the end of the first school term, with exams. The main topics of the meeting and education inspectors. Department 3,987 respondents from the diff erent included feedback on the blended director Moza al-Madhahka thanked categories of teachers, coordinators, education outcome during the first the academic deputies for their academic deputies and school term, the academic results of the first continuous eff orts to make the directors. The off icial stressed the term, the international exams, and an educational process a success despite importance of focusing on bridging the evaluation of the annual performance the Covid-19 pandemic and urged them educational gaps and achieve better of school co-ordinators. Cold weekend ahead, says Met department

A significant drop in temperature is significant drop in the temperature, by go up to 28 knots towards the north at expected in the country this weekend, 4-7C, compared to what is recorded times, with the sea level rising to 9ft. the Qatar Met department has said. during this period, according to the Inshore, it will be hazy in some places In a post on social media yesterday, the weather off ice. Also, the sea height in the early hours of the day, followed Met department said fresh to strong will rise to more than 10ft. Meanwhile, by moderate daytime temperature and northwesterly winds will start aff ecting today’s forecast says strong winds some clouds. It will be relatively cold by the country during the weekend. are expected in off shore areas along night. The temperature is expected to This will cause blowing dust and a with high seas. The wind speed may range from 17-25C in Doha today. QNL training course explores restitution of cultural heritage

atar National Library (QNL) recently held an online training Qcourse on combating art traffi cking that explored the restitution of cultural heritage, with a special focus on manuscripts and ancient books. This training, which is within the framework of the QNL’s Himaya project, supports eff orts to counter the traffi cking and illegal circulation of documentary heritage. Delivered by Paris-based intellectual property and art lawyer Sydney Chiche- QNL supports eff orts to counter illegal circulation of documentary heritage. Attali, the training course brought together experts and specialists in pro- and around the world.” During the ses- eff orts to highlight the importance of tecting documentary heritage from sion, Chiche-Attali provided an over- combating art traffi cking; the fi rst, in many Arab countries and outlined the view of the historical and contextual November 2020, focused on the laws international and regional legal frame- backgrounds of art restitution cases. He surrounding the looting and traffi ck- works of the restitution of art and cul- also presented the regional and inter- ing of important artefacts in the Middle tural goods. national legal framework regarding the East and around the world. It also builds Stephane Ipert, director of Distinv- restitution of works of art and illustrat- on QNL’s drive to promote continu- tive Collections, QNL, said: “Cultural ed its application with case studies, with ous learning and professional capacity property is an indispensable part of a particular attention paid to manuscripts building in the region. nation’s identity, and considering the and ancient books. As the IFLA Preservation and Con- number of countries in confl ict or tur- Chiche-Attali commented: “While servation Regional Centre for Arab moil in the Middle East, the importance legal frameworks are set in motion to Countries and the Middle East, QNL of combating art traffi cking cannot be regulate the restitution of art and cul- aims to create a professional network overstated. QNL’s recent training course tural goods, it is equally important to of collaborative assistance to exchange on the subject matter is not only timely raise awareness about art traffi cking and knowledge and share successful ex- and relevant, but it also supports the to promote the various means to combat periences toward the preservation of collective eff ort to promote the restitu- this growing phenomenon.” documentary heritage throughout the tion of cultural heritage in the region The session is the second of the QNL’s region. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3 QATAR QF launches fourth cycle of Akhlaquna Award

atar Foundation (QF) it nurtures the behaviours es- promotes, instils, and catalyses munity, through heightening has launched the fourth sential to being a leader and a behaviours that make commu- recognition of what good moral Qcycle of its Akhlaquna change-maker. And through its nities stronger, more unifi ed, character and behaviours make Award – with the aim of broad- ethos and message, Akhlaquna more tolerant, and more aware. possible. ening its reach and impact, also nurtures behavioural “The three cycles of Since its launch, young peo- and benefi ting even more lives. change within wider soci- Akhlaquna to date have illus- ple have submitted over 250 Projects embodying the moral ety, heightening awareness of trated how our innovative, crea- projects to Akhlaquna. The values that are the bedrock of a the interconnectivity between tive, and socially-engaged youth initiative has also provided tai- strong and sustainable society knowledge and morality. are committed to leading this lored workshops to hundreds of are being sought for the award. “Through Akhlaquna, we have change and making a diff erence youth, guiding and empowering First announced by Her High- already infl uenced the lives of to their community, and to the them to establish their own hu- ness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, thousands of people, empower- world. As we enter the fourth manitarian initiatives. Its fourth Chairperson of Qatar Founda- ing them to recognise how the cycle of this empowering ini- cycle will unfold in a form that tion, in 2017, the Akhlaquna values and behaviours they ex- tiative, we look forward to see- refl ects the pandemic-aff ected Award highlights the timeless hibit and live by benefi t them- ing the young people of Qatar times, with at least the fi rst half and universal values exhibited by selves and those around them,” come forward with their ideas of its programme taking place the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said Machaille Hassan al-Naimi, for placing robust human values via virtual platforms. that remain relevant and vital to president of Community Devel- at the heart of society, and to the Qatari citizens and resi- people of all ages and cultures – opment, QF. impact and benefi t of Akhlaquna dents aged 15-24 can submit and celebrates those whose ac- “They have become ambas- extending even further into peo- projects, either as individuals tions and behaviours epitomise sadors for the morals and val- ple’s lives.” or teams, with the three short- what the initiative stands for. ues that stand at the core of Akhlaquna highlights the en- listed projects being voted on Each year, young people who Akhlaquna, inspiring others during importance of values by the public as well as being have developed projects rooted to adopt, embrace, and exem- such as mercy, tolerance, hon- assessed by a panel of jurors to in exemplary moral character, plify them in their own daily esty, and generosity. It aims to determine the winner, which and who inspire others through lives. This is how Akhlaquna is create a ripple eff ect that ben- will be announced at a dedicated the example they set, are rec- serving as a vehicle for positive efi ts not only the community of Akhlaquna Day ceremony later ognised through the award as change within our society, as it Qatar, but also the global com- this year. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser on Akhlaquna Day 2020. (File Picture) Ooredoo enhances security of QNB Pay paves way for portal for business customers further digital solutions

oredoo has announced a security en- terhead, via email to busorders@ooredoo. NB, the largest fi nancial hancement of its online Ooredoo por- qa. Account managers will also be available institution in the Mid- Otal for business customers, including to answer any questions on the new security Qdle East and Africa, has the launch of a One-time Passcode (OTP) enhancement. launched QNB Pay, a new and system. Ooredoo chief business offi cer Sheikh innovative platform of its mo- To further ensure security when accessing Nasser al-Thani said: “We’re committed to bile banking app, which includes the Ooredoo portal, business customers will ensuring the highest standards of security QNB card digitisation that pro- soon be asked to enter an OTP, which will for our customers, and we pride ourselves on vides mobile card-less payments. be sent to their registered mobile number or off ering the very latest technologies and in- This service is available on An- email address upon each attempt to access novations to off er complete peace of mind. droid phones that enable NFC the portal. We’re delighted to be further enhancing the payment, known as mobile con- To use the OTP system to log in, business already stringent online Ooredoo portal ac- tactless payment. customers will need to ensure that their con- cess protocols with the OTP system, in line One of the most notable new tact details, such as mobile number and email with this commitment to security.” features of the service is that it are up to date. Business customers can leverage the Oore- can make traditional plastic cards Registered contact details can be found in doo Advantage, making Ooredoo ‘Best for or wallets something of the past, the My Profi le section of the Ooredoo portal. Business’, thanks to its breadth and depth thus adding a convenient, safe Business customers whose contact informa- of talent, best fi xed and mobile networks, and innovative customer experi- The QNB head off ice. tion is not current should send an offi cial broadest portfolio of ICT services and solu- ence to the existing digital service request to update details on a company let- tions, and trusted partner for 60 years. packages already enjoyed by QNB tomers’ time and providing them customers. with additional security to make This service is the most inno- their payments with ease - both vative service of its kind in Qatar, within Qatar and anywhere in the which aims to keep pace with the world that provides contactless current development in banking payment services. around the clock by simply en- digitisation and works to change QNB provides many digital tering a mobile phone number the future of payments’ environ- services and features in its lat- only. ment. est releases of the mobile bank- The QNB mobile banking app It opens the way for the devel- ing application. This includes can be downloaded from App opment of further digital serv- the WhatsApp banking services Store or Google Play. ices and the adoption of other available to all customers to be QNB Group with its subsidi- innovative digital solutions that able to communicate directly and aries and associates is present can support the development of easily with the customer serv- in more than 31 countries across banking services in Qatar. ice representatives. In addition, three continents off ers a range This unique service is designed the bank added a pre-booking of cutting-edge banking services to add to the many other features service to visit branches or card and products. The group employs of the QNB mobile banking app centres, as well as the MPay pay- more than 28,000 people in 1,000 that meet the daily banking needs ment service that allows trans- locations, with an ATM network of QNB’s customers, saving cus- fers within Qatar to anyone and of more than 4,300 devices. MoPH reports 144,015 total Covid recoveries CNA-Q students and off icials gather in front of Al Zubarah fort for the clean-up.

QNA Doha CNA-Q students participate he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday Treported 227 new confi rmed cases of coronavirus (Cov- id-19), of which 191 were from in Al Zubarah site clean-up community and 36 from travellers returning from abroad who are subject to quarantine. s part of their environ- and the driver for innovation, The ministry also reported the mental awareness activi- and that is the message we want deaths of two patients aged 85 Aties, the Students Aff airs to convey to all participants. We and 64, who were receiving nec- Department at College of the hope that this activity will also essary medical care. The MoPH North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) give them the chance to connect also recorded 157 recoveries from participated in a coastal clean-up with their heritage and value the the virus during the past 24 hours, at Al Zubarah beach in collabora- past to build a prosperous fu- bringing the total number of re- tion with Seashore Recycling and ture.” covered cases in Qatar to 144,015. Sustainability Centre and Qatar “This initiative aims to join All new cases have been intro- Museums. eff orts across Qatar, in order to duced to isolation and are receiv- The initiative took place in build a common sustainability ing necessary healthcare. the presence of Salem Saeed al- platform. An action that will in- Anyone suff ering from Cov- Mohannadi, CEO of Seashore volve diff erent community target id-19 symptoms should either Group, Faisal al-Naimi, director groups to raise awareness about contact 16000 helpline or go di- of the Department of Archaeol- the environment and the impor- rectly to one of the designated ogy, Qatar Museums, and Dr Sa- tance of keeping archaeological health centres to undergo the nec- lem al-Naemi, acting president sites and beaches clean,” Faisal essary checks. This is important of CNA-Q. CNA-Q students at clean-up site. al-Naimi explained. as the earlier the disease is detect- Dignitaries and volunteers “The group is working relent- ed the easier it will be to receive started their day by visiting Al up best practices and Covid-19 ronmental Health, a programme lessly to promote sustainabil- the right treatment and recover Zubarah fort, a historic Qatari precautionary measures. Group that prepares graduates to be- ity across Qatar, in line with the from it. The MoPH has urged peo- military fortress built under leaders made sure that students come environmental health of- policies and procedures set by ple to visit its website for regular the guidance of Sheikh Abdul- were wearing their mask and fi cers and public health inspec- the country. We work on foster- updates and new information. lah bin Jassim al-Thani in 1938. gloves, and were keeping physi- tors required to monitor, control, ing a bigger involvement of the They also toured a temporary cal distance. manage, promote and manipu- community in events and pro- exhibition titled ‘Daily Life’, and Participants were specifi cally late environmental factors that grammes, to increase awareness 138 referred to prosecution for not wearing masks then headed towards Al Zuba- requested to look for small plas- have an impact on human health. and create a sustainability cul- rah archaeological site, a place tic debris which have a huge im- Dr al-Naemi noted: “This is an ture among the public. The designated authorities have referred 138 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in inscribed on the Unesco World pact on marine life. opportunity for our students to “Protecting our environment places where they are mandatory. The measure is in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No 17 of Heritage List. Promoting environmental learn and become more active in is a pressing issue, and we want 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of Before the clean-up, students awareness is key at CNA-Q. The their community. Sustainability everyone to be part of the solu- coronavirus (Covid-19). The authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place were briefed about beach clean- College off ers a diploma in Envi- is the key to a better tomorrow tion,” al-Mohannadi added. to ensure their safety and the safety of others. (QNA) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 QATAR DHFC hosts fi rst International Festival

oha Festival City (DHFC) is hosting its fi rst Inter- Dnational Festival, “off ering memorable moments and unique experiences to shoppers”. Running from January 15 until February 28, the Interna- tional Festival off ers a “taste of the multicultural diversity of Doha through a range of exciting events and activities, including art and tech exhibitions, a food festival as well as a number of competitions with major priz- es available for shoppers and visitors to enjoy across all age groups”, DHFC said in a statement. The festival kicked off with the International Art Exhibition. In line with the mall’s CSR initiatives, the exclusive exhibition off ers the local community and international artists the opportunity to come together under The International Art Exhibition is being held as part of the festival at DHFC. one umbrella and display their arts collections. tech companies in Qatar. 13 and 20 at Virtuocity, where have the opportunity to receive ry day from 2pm to 10pm during receive a QR1,000 gift card. is delighted to celebrate the rich The International Art Exhi- The International Tech Fes- four contestants will have to a special ‘foodies passport’ af- the activation. There will also be hidden culture and diversity of Qatar’s bition is located in the Centre tival will showcase the myriad assemble a computer from PC ter collecting six stamps from Customers will be able to re- items on the list that the con- community by providing visi- Court on the ground fl oor of the of high-tech products available parts provided by Geek Nation at any restaurant in the mall, for a quest from participating res- testants need to fi nd. tors with unique activities and mall. Guests can explore the ex- at Doha Festival City, as well as the mall. chance to win a QR2,000 DHFC taurants to stamp their passport To participate in this chal- experiences and giving them a hibition’s artists and their col- new tech releases and product The contestant who is the gift card. after every meal. The food pass- lenge, shoppers need to register taste of the diff erent cultures lections daily from 2pm until arrivals at the mall for shoppers quickest in assembling the com- Winners of the online contest port invites Doha Festival City through Doha Festival City’s In- and traditions that are available 10pm throughout the duration to enjoy. puter will win a brand-new PC will be announced in the fi rst visitors to undertake a culinary stagram page and will be selected at the mall.” of the festival. Shoppers can watch all of from Geek Nation. week of March. journey through the various F&B via a random software process. Doha Festival City’s opening Running on the sidelines of the tech programmes and panel Winners will be selected based Customers who wish to par- outlets at the mall. DHFC has been colourfully hours are Saturday to Wednes- the event will be the Interna- discussions livestreamed on on their skills in cable manage- ticipate in the food passport A number of lucky custom- decorated with fl ags of partici- day, from 10am to 10pm, and tional Tech Festival, dedicated to the mall’s YouTube channel as ment and assembly speed in ad- contest can collect their ‘pass- ers can also compete for the pating countries for the Inter- Thursday to Friday from 10am to shedding light on new technolo- well as on the screens in Vir- dition to a performance test. port’ between February 1 and Super Shopper title on Febru- national Festival. Retailers at the 11pm. In line with the preventive gy and brands and also featuring tuocity. Further, DHFC will host the 28, and can ask all questions re- ary 7 and 21, with Monoprix mall have also decorated their measures set out by the authori- a PC assembly competition. In As part of the International International Food Festival, garding the competition at the and Ikea providing a list of shop fronts with the fl ags of ties, DHFC has introduced strin- addition, it will feature a series Tech Festival, Doha Festival City showcasing the variety of in- dedicated International Festi- shopping items that the par- their original brand country. gent health and safety measures of panel discussions that will be will also host a dedicated PC as- ternational cuisines available val booth located in the Market ticipants must retrieve. The DHFC general manager Rob- throughout the mall for its staff held in partnership with major sembly competition on February at the mall. Customers will also Node in front of Monoprix, eve- first one to find the items will ert Hall said, “Doha Festival City and visitors.

QU academic named president of European Society of Clinical Pharmacy Al Bayt Stadium Park to hold Qatar University (QU) academic Dr Derek Stewart has been appointed as president of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy, an international leader in advancing quality and Al Khor Carnival from Thursday innovation in clinical pharmacy education, practice and research. Dr Stewart is professor of Clinical l Bayt Stadium Park is set to host the Al Khor Carnival Pharmacy and Practice at the QU from Thursday, January 21, until February 6. “Come and College of Pharmacy and manager of Ajoin the ﬁ rst edition of Al Khor Carnival 2021 and step Academic Quality Assurance at the into a world of festive delight,” stated information available on Off ice of Vice President for Medical the carnival’s social media pages and the Aspire Zone Founda- and Health Sciences. tion website. Prior to being appointed as president, The opening Dr Stewart served as a member of the Dr Derek Stewart hours of the carni- general committee of the European val are from noon Society of Clinical Pharmacy. He achievement which reflects very well until 10pm. Touted also served as chair of the Research on the college and university. This as the “biggest fes- Committee for three years. provides an excellent opportunity to tival of the year”, As president, Dr Stewart will lead the enhance our international reputation the Al Khor Car- society for two years, during which within pharmacy and healthcare.” nival will off er fun time he hopes to revise the vision and Dr Stewart joined QU in April 2019 rides, entertain- mission and expand the scope and from Scotland where he was professor ment and shopping membership. of Pharmacy Practice at Robert for the entire fam- “The role of president will also provide Gordon University in Aberdeen. He ily. “Amazing shows opportunities to showcase the is a highly acclaimed international and visual displays” also await visitors at the event, the organ- contribution of Qatar University at the researcher and academic, having isers said. Visitors can also enjoy “beverages and bites from fa- international level to influence clinical published over 200 research and vourite local spots”, as the carnival will feature food trucks and pharmacy practice, education and education papers, attracted more outlets. research,” he added. than £3mn in research funding and The carnival map can be found at http://www.lifeinaspire. Dr Mohamed Diab, dean of the supervised 25 doctoral students to qa/Files/DownloadDocs/20210117021239Map-01_2021.pdf, College of Pharmacy at QU, added, completion. He has collaborated with while the carnival ﬂ yer is available at http://www.lifeinaspire. “Dr Derek’s appointment as president individuals at QU and Hamad Medical qa/Files/DownloadDocs/20210117020436Flyer.pdf of this organisation is an outstanding Corporation for over 10 years. The park, located next to Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, was opened to the public during the last National Sport Day.

Honda Accord models recalled

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co- operation with Domasco (Doha Marketing Services Company), announced the recall of Honda Accord models HMC optimises geriatric-dermatology clinic of 2018-2020 due to a defect in the Honda Sensing System (responsible for keeping the car in lane while driving), which may lead the rear-view camera and trunk lock not to work. The MoCI urged all customers to report any violations service with face-to-face consultations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels: he Geriatric-Dermatology be arranged as either in-person or clinic is to promote early detection Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @ (GeriDerm) clinic at Ha- virtual consultation, depending of dermatological conditions, es- MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, MoCI mobile app for Tmad Medical Corporation on clinical need and patient pref- pecially in high-risk patients aged android and iOS: MOCIQATAR (HMC) has expanded its patient erence. 65 years and above. care services by adding face-to- The development of the ‘Geri- “This clinic addresses one of face consultations to virtual ses- Derm’ clinic was led by Dr Sarah the most vulnerable population sions for older patients with skin al-Khawaga from HMC’s Derma- groups during the current Cov- diseases. tology and Venereology Depart- id-19 pandemic through the pro- From January 2021, all new re- ment, in close collaboration with vision of clear pathways for proper ferrals to the clinic will be seen by Dr Wasim Akram, geriatric con- triaging, referrals, and minimal an interdisciplinary team of der- sultant at Rumailah Hospital, with exposure to infection,” said Dr matologists and geriatricians in a the support and guidance of Prof Akram. specialised HMC facility for the Steinhoff , chairman, of the Der- Patients aged 65 and older can patient’s fi rst appointment. matology Department and direc- be referred through their primary The ‘GeriDerm’ clinic was fi rst tor of the Dermatology Institute at health centre, or if they are seeing launched in June 2020 as a virtual HMC, and Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, another HMC doctor who recom- clinic providing specialised tele- national lead for Healthy Ageing mends an expert consultation. medicine-based care to cover the in Qatar and Medical Director of To help triage patients for ur- medical needs of older patients Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Re- gent and non-urgent appointment with dermatological problems. habilitation Institute. bookings, the assigned derma- The provision of virtual and Dr al-Khawaga explained, tologist performs a GeriDerm risk telephone consultations was initi- “Skin disorders are more com- assessment using an international ated when the challenges of access mon in older adults, because the best practice tool and triaging to care due to the Covid-19 pan- skin becomes dryer, less elastic process. demic became more apparent. and thinner with advancing age, Urgent referrals, especially for The GeriDerm clinic had 329 which can make it more suscepti- suspected skin melanomas, aim to virtual encounters with older pa- ble to disease. The most common refer patient within 24 to 48 hours. tients from June-December 2020 skin diseases among older people The GeriDerm clinic is cur- with approximately 40 patients include eczema, skin infections, rently held from 7am to 3pm every being seen in the clinic where and pruritus (severely dry and Tuesday. face-to-face consultation was itchy skin). People with underly- The virtual and direct clinics deemed essential. GeriDerm Team. ing health conditions, such as dia- are managed by multidisciplinary Resuming face-to-face is in ac- betes, or those who take multiple dermatologists and geriatricians, cordance with clinical guidelines clinical experts in the Dermatol- Rumailah Hospital as well as con- medications, can also experience along with experienced nurses and new patients are now receiv- ogy and Venereology Department tinue their ongoing care online. increased skin problems.” and allied health professionals, to ing appointments to be seen by or the Elderly Day Care Unit in Follow-up appointments will “The goal for the GeriDerm provide the best possible service. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 5 QATAR Qatar Airways resumes fl ight services to Cairo z National carrier touches down in Egyptian capital Egypt and UAE restart fi rst Qatar fl ights in more than three years for first time since 2017 zAirline to operate daily The first direct flights since 2017 between Qatar and two Arab around 3.15pm. Then, an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah in the UAE landed at countries - Egypt and the UAE - took to the skies yesterday following HIA around 4.10pm, before starting its return journey around 5.10pm. The flights to Cairo with Boeing 787 Dreamliner the end of a regional crisis. Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain resumption of flights from Doha to Cairo will simplify travel for the large agreed to heal the rift with Qatar at the Gulf Summit earlier this month, contingent of Egyptians living in Qatar, according to the AFP report. Mus- atar Airways yesterday The flight was operated by enjoy seamless connectivity leading to the reopening of airspace and borders. The first commercial tafa Ahmed, 38, an Egyptian technical engineer, said he was “very happy”. resumed fl ights to Cai- Qatar Airways’ state-of-the- to over 110 global destinations flight from Qatar to Egypt in three and a half years, an EgyptAir service “With direct flights, life will be easier, especially for families and children, Qro with a daily service, art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. via its state-of-the-art hub, to Cairo, took off from the windswept Hamad International Airport avoiding the torment of changing airports and planes and waiting for touching down in the Egyptian Qatar Airways will resume Hamad International Airport, (HIA) in Doha, AFP reported. The flight arrived in Doha at 12.35pm and hours for transit flights,” he said. capital for the fi rst time since flights to Alexandria on Mon- the airline has said in a state- departed around 2.10pm, according to information available on the Flights between Doha and Saudi Arabia, which has also opened its land 2017. day, January 25. QR 1317 will ment. HIA website. This was followed by a Qatar Airways flight leaving for Cairo border to Qatar, resumed on January 11. QR 1301 departed Hamad In- depart from Doha at 3.15pm The national carrier of Qatar ternational Airport for Cairo and land in Alexandria at continues to rebuild its net- International Airport at 3.15pm 5.50pm. work, which currently stands the end of March. A multiple Best Airline’ at the 2019 World It is the only airline to have tle, which is recognised as the local time and landed at its des- Qatar Airways passengers at over 110 destinations with award-winning airline, Qatar Airline Awards, managed by been awarded the coveted pinnacle of excellence in the tination at 5.40pm local time. travelling from Egypt can now plans to increase to over 130 by Airways was named ‘World’s Skytrax. ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ ti- airline industry, fi ve times. Qatar Airways to honour aircraft orders with Boeing, Airbus: al-Baker Angry Bird mascots entertain guests at the Angry Bird theme park at Doha Festival City. z “I think this will be the new norm that everybody will have to produce PICTURES: Jayan Orma vaccination certificates to board an aeroplane” z“I think it will be a joint ICAO, IATA and WHO project to introduce a ‘safe pass’ for people whose vaccination certificate will be recognised internationally” Qatar government’s phased

By Pratap John Business Editor reopening of theme parks

atar Airways will continue to take every sin- raises confi dence levels Qgle aircraft that it has ordered from both the manufacturers (Boeing and Airbus), By Joey Aguilar Safety protocols in place at Leisure’s theme parks Group Chief Executive HE Akbar Staff Reporter al-Baker has said. “At Qatar Airways we are very z Mandatory Ehteraz app tance of two metres minimum prudent in the way we place our he Qatar government’s checks at the entrance to theme zTheme parks employees will aircraft orders and our require- timely and phased ap- parks for all visitors except oversee the respect of social ments,” al-Baker told the BBC Tproach in reopening children, with only green code distancing, supported by signs recently. theme parks and other recrea- holders allowed to enter installed across the parks As of December 2020, the air- tional activities in the country z Temperature checks will also reminding visitors about social line’s fl eet included 52 Airbus further raised patrons’ level of be carried out at the entrance distancing and PPR wearing A350 and 30 Boeing 787, Qatar confi dence to try unique off er- to the parks, and any individual requirements Airways data shows. ings in a safe environment, it is with temperature exceeding z All rides, attractions and In the last few months of 2020, learnt. 38C will be denied entry to the infrastructure of theme parks Qatar Airways took delivery of Some of these theme parks site will be continuously sanitised three Airbus A350-1000s, reaf- include Angry Birds World, z Wearing medical masks will and hand sanitising stations fi rming its position as the largest Virtuocity and SnowDunes be required as well, and visitors will be installed throughout the operator of Airbus A350 aircraft at Doha Festival City (DHFC) will have to maintain a safe dis- parks’ areas with an average age of 2.6 years. – owned and operated by Lei- Asked about his expectations for sure, a 100% Qatari company – air travel to get back to pre-Covid which reopened on January 11 levels, al-Baker said: “Until and not only to board an aeroplane, the same time to give them the Equipment (PPE) for cabin amid the Covid-19 pandemic, unless science proves all these a lot of countries will require confidence that they can travel crew and a complimentary as well as some new and posi- questions that people have about that you be vaccinated before on.” protective kit and disposable tive developments in the re- the disease or the eff ect of the vac- you come to their countries. As the largest airline flying face shields for passengers, the gion. cination, I don’t think that travel I think it will be a joint ICAO, consistently throughout the airline said recently. “Guests have been asking will come back to 2019 levels for IATA and WHO project to in- pandemic, Qatar Airways ac- Additionally, among other over the past months about the the foreseeable future.” troduce a ‘safe pass’ for people cumulated unrivalled experi- enhanced hygiene measures, opening dates and expressing On requirements for passen- whose vaccination certificate ence of how to safely and reli- the airline was the first in- their wishes to a near opening gers to produce Covid-19 nega- will be recognised interna- ably carry passengers during ternational carrier to deploy across all our social media por- tive certificate, al-Baker said: tionally.” The Group CEO said: these uncertain times. Honeywell’s Ultraviolet (UV) tals,” Leisure’s Marketing head “Quite frankly, I think that “Nothing is more costly than to Qatar Airways stringently Cabin System, operated by Qa- Miral Mourad told Gulf Times. this will be the new norm that look at the interest of our pas- implemented the most ad- tar Aviation Services, further “Once the opening was an- everybody will have to pro- sengers and our crew, to protect vanced safety and hygiene advancing its hygiene meas- nounced our fans were very duce vaccination certificates them from this pandemic. We measures, including the pro- ures on board, the national eager to be the fi rst in our Virtuocity is the first dedicated eSports Arena in the Middle East to board an aeroplane… and invest to look after them and at vision of Personal Protective carrier noted. parks. We really appreciate the that runs 365 days a year, enabling players and communities to continued support that we re- constantly compete. ceived from our fans, DHFC, and the Qatar government that never stopped even during the shutdown,” she said. Qatar Airways gets Covid-19 airline safety rating Due to a number of protocols set by the Ministry of Public Health’s, Mourad noted that From Page 1 people now see a signifi cant decrease in Covid-19 cases, “It also provides assurance to passengers across the world that airline “leading to gradual lifting of health and safety standards are subject to the highest possible standards restrictions yet maintaining of professional, independent scrutiny and assessment. As Qatar Airways the safety measures request- continues to deal with the ongoing impact and challenges of the Covid-19 ed.” SnowDunes is the first Arabian-themed indoor snow park in crisis, we would like to reinforce the message that air travel does not need “This will lead to a new norm the world. to be a source of concern to passengers. and a boost in the economy, at- “In the meantime, we look forward to continuing to provide the saf- tracting not only domestic but supported the eff orts of the gov- Leisure parks – Angry Birds est possible experience for travellers across the world, and expanding also international guests from ernment in executing the neces- World, Virtuocity and Snow- upon our role in assisting the recovery of the commercial aviation in- all over the world,” she said, sary measures to protect its peo- Dunes – are the number one dustry over the coming months.” Skytrax Chief Executive Offi cer Ed- adding that their theme parks ple from Covid-19, believing “it entertainment hub and brings ward Plaisted said: “We congratulate Qatar Airways on being awarded have received a positive re- was for a greater good.” the latest in the world of en- with the highest 5-Star Covid-19 Safety Rating and being the world’s sponse from both regular and About the future of Qatar as tertainment not only to Qatar fi rst major airline to be certifi ed at this level. Qatar Airways kept fl ying new guests since the fi rst day a leisure and family destina- but also to the region,” Mourad throughout Covid-19, taking over 3.1mn people home since the start of the reopening. tion post Covid-19 pandemic, said. “Leisure partners with of the pandemic, and it is this experience that enables them to deliver “Our theme parks will ad- she said the country – which top globally recognised brands an excellent standard of health and hygiene safety measures to keep here to the most stringent will host the 2022 FIFA World to meet its vision of providing customers and staff safe.” Covid-19 safety measures to Cup and Asian Games in 2030 world class experiences which Qatar Airways’ on-board safety measures include the provision of ensure visitors can entertain – has all the traits to be in this coincides with Qatar National Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and a compli- with peace of mind and in the position since its tourism in- Vision 2030.” mentary protective kit for passengers. Business Class passengers on safest of environments. All frastructure is continuously Leisure also added new at- aircraft equipped with Qsuite can enjoy the enhanced privacy this staff across the theme parks developing. tractions to its parks such as award-winning business seat provides, including sliding privacy have received thorough train- “Qatar has history, scen- the Vcube, VMajlis, and Party partitions and the option to use a ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. ing and will adhere to a number ery, modern technology and Zone at Virtuocity (fi rst dedi- Qsuite is available on fl ights to more than 45 destinations including of protocols,” Mourad added. welcoming people which puts cated eSports arena in the Mid- Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London and New York. carrier to introduce Honeywell’s state-of-the-art Ultraviolet Cabin Despite the challenges it as a top destination for any dle East); and Castle Climbing, In addition, the airline also uses the most advanced HEPA air fi ltra- System, operated by Qatar Aviation Services, as a further step in the brought about by the outbreak, traveller looking for an excep- Snow Spin, and Snow Ring at tion systems on board all aircraft, and recently became the fi rst global cleaning of its aircraft. Mourad stressed that they fully tional experience. On our part, SnowDunes. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 QATAR Marine monitoring network for water quality on Qatari coasts li Jassim al-Kuwari, Head of the Water Environ- Ament Quality Depart- ment at the Ministry of Munici- pality and Environment (MME), disclosed a project of a marine monitoring network, to measure water quality on the Qatari coast around the clock, through buoys equipped with electronic devices that will be placed in a number of areas along the coasts of Qatar. Local Arabic daily Ar- rayah reported. Al-Kuwari said that the MME is also working on implementing another project to improve water quality in Doha Bay and over- come the challenges posed by the many depositories that throw their water into it. These monitoring operations are carried on the beaches and within the territorial waters. He explained that the dead fi sh that appear during the summer months are caused by the phenomenon of red tides that occur during high temperatures. “This phenomenon is also due to marine plankton fl oating on the surface of the water in huge quantities, which decreases the oxygen content and suff ocates fi sh. The plankton appears in several colours, including gray zation that monitors pollution be launched at the end of this gram takes place annually and it Airport’s buoys, and will be as- will allow us to monitor the wa- Air Department of the Environ- or yellow, and this phenomenon operations in all seas, in order month or early next month, in is scheduled that our ship will go sembled and put together in one ter quality electronically and re- mental Monitoring Department occurs annually, although its se- to get prepared to face it before close cooperation between us on a cruise for a 4 day period. operation room,” he said. motely instead of fi eld visits. Al- has a project to set up 7 stations verity varies from year to year, it reaches the territorial waters,” and the General Department “The planned network will be He pointed out that the Kuwari added that there is joint in the World Cup stadiums to and the matter has nothing to do he said. of Coastal and Border Security, linked to the national network project has been put up for ten- cooperation with the Supreme measure air quality, in addition with poisoning. We are notifi ed Al-Kuwari explained that during which we will take sam- that connects the MME’s buoys der to choose a company that Committee for Delivery & Leg- to a mobile station that we can about these tides or any pollu- the program of collecting sam- ples from 16 sites within the ter- to other institutions and com- will undertake its implementa- acy regarding air monitoring in place anywhere it will be neces- tion by an international organi- ples from territorial waters will ritorial waters of Qatar. The pro- panies and Hamad International tion. Subsequently, the network the World Cup stadiums, and the sary to measure the air quality.

Sidra Medicine establishes Excellence Award for movement disorders clinic Qatari’s PhD thesis on

Sidra Medicine has established Qatar’s first paediatric focused Kuwaiti mediation Movement Disorders Clinic. The facility helps address problems such as spasticity and r Mansour Ahmad to strengthen the role of dystonia in children and young al-Saadi al-Yafei, a friendly mediation in set- people who have not responded DQatari student, has tling legal and political to medications and therapy won the Academic Excel- disputes at the national and who may benefit from the lence Award in the PhD and international levels. surgical interventions. category in public law, lo- It also showed the impor- The Movement Disorders Clinic cal Arabic daily Arrayah tance of respecting in- is staff ed by a team of specialists reported. ternational contracts and from rehabilitation medicine, “The thesis documents covenants, far from get- physical and occupational Kuwait’s role in mediation ting tangled in disagree- therapy, neurology, and as the most prominent ments. neurosurgery. The most common case regionally and there Dr al-Yafei said that diagnosis seen at the clinic are is a need to activate the Qatar played an eff ective children with cerebral palsy, a Gulf Co-operation Coun- international role in me- brain disorder that interferes cil’s dispute settlement Dr Mansour al-Yafei diation at the regional and with the way that the brain authority,” he said. international levels, espe- communicates with the body and Dr al-Yafei explained is an applied study con- cially in Darfur, Palestine, causes diff iculty with movement. that his doctoral thesis, firming the need to de- Lebanon and Afghanistan. Dr Lisa Thornton, division chief, titled “Amicable Solutions velop new effective legal It is a model too in interna- Rehabilitation Medicine at Sidra to Political Disputes, the mechanisms and means tional mediation and has Medicine said: “Sidra Medicine Role of Kuwaiti Mediation for settling disputes, skilled national cadres in is one of the very few hospitals in Solving the Gulf Crisis” with recommendations international negotiation. in the world with the specialist expertise to off er comprehensive care for children with cerebral palsy or dystonia, including neurosurgery, neurology, MME puts up signboards at inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and orthopaedic Sealine and Khor Al Udeid surgery. While these brain conditions are incurable, our combined eff ort is to ensure that we are improving the quality of life for the patients and their families.” Dr Ian Pople, division chief of Neurosurgery at Sidra Medicine said: “Our first case at the Movement Disorders Clinic was eight-year-old Aiden, who underwent a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) procedure to help address his spasticity. The nerves causing the most stiff ness were cut during this unique surgery. SDR has been shown to reduce the number of additional orthopaedic surgeries needed over the course of a child’s life. In most cases, spasticity doesn’t Aiden undergoing physical therapy. return.” The SDR performed on Aiden a treatment programme at Sidra Aiden’s parents said: “Our goal nerves were causing the most at Sidra Medicine, was highly Medicine in 2017. has always been to ensure that spasticity and carefully sectioned specialised and is considered Aiden was referred to Sidra Aiden receives the best possible those sensory nerves to reduce possibly the first of its type in the Medicine’s Rehabilitation care. We have researched the spasticity in his legs. region for the improvement of Medicine department to help and travelled extensively After the surgery, Aiden stayed mobility in a paediatric patient with his spasticity issues. After always keeping up to date on at Sidra Medicine for nearly with cerebral palsy. consultation with experts at the the latest procedures so that three weeks to begin rigorous Aiden’s cerebral palsy causes Movement Disorders Clinic, it was Aiden can achieve some level rehabilitation that he will spasticity that leads to leg decided that he would benefit of independence despite his continue as an outpatient for stiff ness and interferes with his from SDR surgery. cerebral palsy.” up to one year. His parents are ability to walk, causing him to use SDR is a spinal surgery usually Aiden’s surgery took six hours also committed to helping him a wheelchair for mobility. performed on children with and involved a team of two perform a home-based, daily Aiden’s parents sought to find the spastic cerebral palsy, especially surgeons, a neurologist and therapy programme. Following best care possible for their son, those who have not responded two neurophysiologists who his intensive post-operative care, The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Natural and tried a number of diff erent to therapy and medications. SDR monitored Aiden’s spinal cord Aiden’s parents have seen easier Reserves Department, has installed signboards for road users in the Sealine and therapies including stem cell can improve mobility, reduce pain function during the surgery. movements in his legs, with his Khor Al Udeid areas. The MME has called on the public to follow the regulations to therapy in the US, before seeking and relieve lower limb spasticity. Together they determined which strength improving by the day. preserve Qatar’s environment and beauty and maintain cleanliness. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 7 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA/ASIA

UK ‘seriously concerned’ over Israeli expansion in West Bank

AFP The government of Israe- tlement units across the Oc- undermining the physical via- However, in 2019 the ad- prospects of a viable two-state viewed as a particularly close London li Prime Minister Benjamin cupied Palestinian Territories,” bility of the two state solution. ministration of outgoing Presi- solution”. In 2018, the Trump Netanyahu ally. Peace Now has Netanyahu on Sunday directed a Foreign Commonwealth and “We call for the construction dent Donald Trump broke with administration also broke with said the expansion of construc- authorities to approve con- Development Office spokes- of these in East Jerusalem and decades of US foreign policy allies like Britain and the EU tion puts Israel on a “collision ritain yesterday ex- struction of the new settler person said. elsewhere in the West Bank to declaring that Washington no when it decided to move the US course” with the incoming ad- pressed serious concern homes in the occupied terri- The inclusion of areas “deep cease immediately.” longer considered settlements embassy to Jerusalem. ministration of Joe Biden. Bover Israeli plans to ex- tory, Israeli civil society group within the West Bank” within The UK and much of the in- construction broke interna- The approval of new settle- Biden, who will be sworn pand settlements in the West Peace Now said. the construction plans “could ternational community have tional law. ment units comes days before tomorrow, has indicated that Bank, saying the construc- “The UK is seriously con- threaten future peace negotia- decried ongoing construction Britain’s position closely Trump’s departure from the his administration will restore tion of 780 new homes could cerned by the Government of tions,” the spokesperson said. of settlement homes in areas follows that of the European White House. Washington’s pre-Trump pol- threaten future peace negotia- Israel’s decision to approve the “Settlements are illegal un- claimed by Palestinians for a Union, which said Israel’s ac- During his four years in of- icy of opposing settlement ex- tions. construction of 780 new set- der international law and risk potential future state. tions “further undermines the fice, the US president was pansion. Palestinians urge EU to Tunisia arrests send monitors for polls

AFP meeting, Prime Minister Mo- Brussels on Friday said it Ramallah hamed Shtayyeh called on the welcomed Abbas’ election call EU “to prepare a team of inter- and urged Israel to “facilitate over 600, deploys national observers to help us, the holding of these elections he Palestinian prime mainly in the election process throughout the Palestinian minister yesterday in Jerusalem”. Israel annexed territory”, including east Jeru- Tcalled on the European east Jerusalem following the salem. Union to send observers to 1967 Six Day in a move never The Palestinian polls have elections scheduled for later recognised by most of the in- been scheduled amid warm- this year, specifi cally request- ternational community, which ing ties between Abbas’ Fatah troops after riots ing EU monitors in Israeli-an- considers the area occupied party, with controls the PA, nexed east Jerusalem. Palestinian territory. and Hamas, that holds power AFP Palestinian President Mah- There has been no indication in Gaza. The 2005 Palestinian Tunis moud Abbas on Friday signed a that Israel would allow Pales- presidential vote saw Abbas decree setting legislative elec- tinian election activity within elected with 62% support to tions for May 22 and a presi- east Jerusalem. replace the late Yasser Arafat. unisian authorities said dential vote on July 31, in what “We will formally ask Israel In the last Palestinian par- yesterday they had arrest- would be the fi rst Palestinian to allow our people in Jerusa- liamentary elections in 2006, Ted more than 600 people polls in 15 years. lem to participate in the elec- Hamas won an unexpected and deployed troops after a third Ahead of a weekly cabinet tions,” Shtayyeh stressed. landslide. consecutive night of riots, mostly by young people in working class districts of several cities. The unrest came despite a nationwide coronavirus pandemic lockdown declared last Thurs- day — the day that also marked Central Africa court 10 years since demonstrators forced dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s fall from power. Interior ministry spokesman confi rms Touadera win Khaled Hayouni said 632 people had been arrested, notably “groups of people between the AFP ages of 15, 20 and 25 who burned Bangui tyres and bins to block the Protesters block a street during clashes with security forces in the Ettadhamen city suburb on the movement of security forces”. northwestwern outskirts of the capital Tunis. The social unrest comes at a time he Central African Re- of economic crisis, worsened by The army deployed reinforce- in Tunisia due to the coronavi- omy shrank by 9% last year, public’s Constitutional the pandemic, that has sparked ments in several areas, said de- rus pandemic and police had consumer prices have spiralled TCourt yesterday con- rapid infl ation and high youth fence ministry spokesman Mo- been deployed to impose a and one third of young people fi rmed President Faustin Arch- unemployment and led many hamed Zikri. night-time curfew. The clashes are unemployed. ange Touadera’s victory in people to leave the North African Amnesty International said rocked several cities across Tu- The key tourism sector, al- elections last month but said country. the majority of those arrested nisia, mostly in working-class ready on its knees after a string turnout, suppressed by armed Some of those arrested had were minors aged between 14 neighbourhoods, with the ex- of deadly militant attacks in groups, was little more than a lobbed stones at police and and 15, and urged authorities to act issues that sparked the dis- 2015, has been dealt a devastat- third. clashed with security forces, refrain from using “excessive turbances often not immedi- ing blow by the pandemic. Chief Judge Daniele Darlan, leaving two policemen wounded, force” and to uphold the rights ately known. Yesterday, despite the pro- validating results that gave said Hayouni. of those detained. But the tensions have ex- test ban, dozens again marched Touadera 53.16% of the vote, “This has nothing to do with “Even when acts of vandal- ploded as many Tunisians are in the capital Tunis, chanting said the 63-year-old “is pro- protest movements that are ism and looting occur, law en- increasingly angered by poor slogans denouncing “police claimed to be re-elected presi- Incumbent Central African Republic president President guaranteed by the law and the forcement officers must only public services and a political and government corruption”, dent.” Faustin-Archange Touadera, speaks to reporters at the headquarters constitution,” he said. “Protests use force where absolutely nec- class that they charge has prov- police repression and the rise The court put the turnout at of his party, the Movement United Hearts (MCU) after the take place in broad daylight nor- essary and proportionate,” said en itself unable to deliver good in poverty. Police blocked the just 35.25%, a fi gure aff ected by announcement of the validation of the results of the presidential mally... without any criminal Amnesty’s Amna Guellali. governance a decade on from marchers as they reached the the inability of many voters to election by the Constitutional Court in Bangui, yesterday. acts involved.” Protests are currently banned the 2011 revolution. The econ- interior ministry. cast their ballots. The runner-up was former ecessor, Francois Bozize. to those who were terrorising prime minister Anicet Georges The court rejected a suit them, to those who were tell- Dologuele, with 21.69% of the fi led by 13 of the 16 other ing them not to vote, and to vote. Touadera, a technocrat candidates, who argued that the whole world,” Darlan said, whose background is in math- Touadera’s victory was the re- reading from a statement. Australia unlikely to fully reopen borders this year ematics, fi rst took the helm sult of “massive fraud” and in- On Sunday, a coalition of in 2016 after a civil war that security. CAR’s main opposition po- left thousands dead and drove The court annulled or re- litical parties, COD 2020, ac- Reuters vaccinated, we don’t know whether that will a 14-day hotel room isolation. “I know that hundreds of thousands from vised the results from certain cused the UN’s representative, Sydney prevent transmission of the virus,” Brendan there’s been a bit of chatter from a number of their homes. polling stations because of ir- Mankeur Ndiaye, of favouring Murphy told the Australian Broadcast- players about the rules. Well, the rules apply Two-thirds of the impov- regularities. Touadera. ing Corp Australia, which has managed the to them as they apply to everybody else,” Vic- erished country is in the hands But it said that “given the It said, without providing ustralia may not fully reopen its in- coronavirus better than many other nations torian state Premier Daniel Andrews said, re- of armed groups, and Touad- size of the gap in votes”, the im- any evidence, that the Con- ternational borders this year even if through targeted lockdowns and high rates of sponding to player complains about the strict era relies on help from UN pact “could not have aff ected” stitutional Court “reportedly Amost of the population is vaccinated testing and contact tracing, reported zero lo- quarantine. peacekeeping forces and mili- the overall outcome. was pressured” by Ndiaye to against coronavirus, the head of its health cal Covid-19 cases yesterday. Australia has reported more than 22,000 tary support from Russia and The court dismissed argu- declare Touadera victor, and department said yesterday as the country re- Victoria, which is hosting the Australian local Covid-19 cases and 909 deaths since Rwanda. ments that the vote lacked le- urged the UN to launch a probe. corded zero local Covid-19 cases. Open, reported four positive cases in overseas the pandemic began. The main Covid focus in On December 19, a newly gitimacy. “We have not received any Australian authorities are also looking at travellers, all associated with the tennis, taking Australia is currently in Sydney in the state of forged coalition of militias “Part of the Central African pressure, either from the presi- potential adverse eff ects of the Pfi zer vac- the total to nine. New South Wales (NSW), where an outbreak tried to advance on the capi- people, who are at war, were dent, or from the special repre- cine after Norway reported a small number The cases have prompted authorities to send in Sydney’s west has prompted other states to tal Bangui — an operation that prevented by acts of terror... sentative of the UN secretary of deaths in old people who received the shot. three Australian Open charter fl ights into hard impose travel restrictions on either all of NSW Touadera said was an attempt- and despite this, the people general, or from any embassy,” “Even if we have a lot of the population quarantine, forcing more than 70 players into or people in outbreak suburbs. ed coup fomented by his pred- sent a strong and clear message Darlan said.

OFFICIAL Kuwait Amir accepts govt’s resignation Uganda eases Internet shutdown The Kuwait Amiri Diwan announced yesterday that the Amir of the State of Handwritten note seeds hope for trapped miners imposed over election Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has accepted the resignation of the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah and his Internet was partially restored in cabinet, QNA reported from Kuwait. Kuwait News Agency said that the Amir AFP es ripped out of a notebook. Uganda yesterday almost five of Kuwait had accepted the resignation and Sheikh Sabah’s cabinet will con- Beijing “We wish the rescuers won’t days after a near-total blackout tinue in a caretaker capacity until the formation of a new government. stop so that we can still have was imposed across the East hope. Thank you,” the note African country ahead of elections t least 12 gold miners read. The writer of the note the opposition says were rigged. UNREST trapped hundreds of asked rescuers to send down The gradual easing of Internet Clashes near Hodeidah kill 150 in a week Ametres underground in some medication from his car, curbs came as police announced China for more than a week and warned that there was a dozens of arrests for alleged Some 150 Yemeni pro-government soldiers and Houthi rebels have been killed have sent up a note warning large amount of underground election-related violence, and in a week of fighting south of the strategic port city of Hodeidah, military sources that they are injured, sur- water where the miners are surrounded the headquarters of said yesterday. Impoverished Yemen is mired in a devastating conflict between rounded by water and urgently trapped. the main opposition party whose Houthi rebels and government forces that has left tens of thousands dead need medicine. Rescuers were later able to leader is eff ectively under house and sparked a humanitarian crisis. The latest clashes in Hodeidah are the most Twenty-two workers were speak with some of the trapped arrest. President Yoweri Museveni violent since a truce negotiated in the area by the UN came into force in 2018. trapped more than 600 metres workers after lowering a phone extended his 35 years in power in from the mine’s entrance af- line into the mine, local offi - January 14’s election, securing a ter a blast eight days ago near Members of a rescue team work at the site of a gold mine cials said at a press conference sixth term with 58.6% of the vote. CONFLICT Qixia city in eastern Shandong explosion where 22 miners are trapped underground in Qixia, in yesterday, without giving de- His main rival, musician-turned-law- Fears for Darfur after nearly 140 dead province. eastern China’s Shandong province, yesterday. tails of what was said. maker Bobi Wine, came a distant After days without any signs Footage from state broad- second with 34.8%. Wine has The latest inter-ethnic violence to rock Sudan’s restive Darfur region had of life, rescuers heard knock- miners are still alive, but that have high blood pressure,” the caster CCTV showed res- rejected the results, and decried killed nearly 140 people by yesterday, tribal leaders said just weeks after ing sounds on Sunday after- they urgently needed help as note read. The condition of the cue workers cheering as the the election as a sham. A govern- a peacekeeping mission ended operations. Clashes left 55 people dead in noon as they drilled through their health deteriorates. other ten workers is unknown. knocking sound was detected ment spokesman said the Internet South Darfur yesterday, after a separate round of violence in West Darfur the mine’s shaft. “We are in urgent need of Four people were injured, and later hurrying to read shutdown imposed on January 13 reportedly killed 83 and displaced tens of thousands over the weekend. It A note was sent up on a line medicine, painkillers, medical according to the note, which the note which was taped for alleged national security was the worst violence reported since the signing of a peace agreement from the depths below say- tape, external anti-inﬂ amma- was crumpled, water-stained to a line sunk below using a reasons had been lifted. in October, which observers had hoped would end years of war. ing that at least a dozen of the tory drugs, and three people and scrawled in pencil on pag- pneumatic drill. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 AMERICAS/BRITAIN/EUROPE

Museum acquires Biden pushes unity days Trump blimp

AFP before assuming offi ce London AFP recovery remains in the balance. Speculation is mounting over Capitol rioter allegedly hoped to sell Pelosi laptop to Russia: FBI Washington And after Trump refused for whether Trump will take the un- he infamous blimp of out- more than two months to ac- precedented and legally murky A woman identified as having taken part in the (FBI) agent said Williams was seen near the off ice of going US President Don- cept the results of November’s step of issuing himself and his storming of the US Capitol reportedly stole a laptop House speaker Nancy Pelosi. Tald Trump dressed as a little more than 48 hours presidential election, the coun- children, who work as campaign belonging to top Democrat Nancy Pelosi and hoped A witness, identified in the court document only as W1 baby could soon greet visitors to before becoming presi- try is seething with division and and White House advisers, pre- to sell it to a Russian spy agency, according to an FBI but who claimed to be “the former romantic partner the Museum on London, which Adent, Joe Biden pressed anger. emptive pardons. criminal complaint. of Riley June Williams”, alleged that Williams planned announced yesterday that it had yesterday for unity, while Presi- When Biden takes the oath of According to CNN and other The complaint, filed late on Sunday in US District Court to send the laptop to a friend in Russia to sell it to the acquired the infl atable effi gy. dent Donald Trump remained offi ce at noon tomorrow, he will outlets, Trump has a list of about in Washington, seeks the arrest of Riley June Williams SVR foreign intelligence agency. “Having toured the world, the secluded in the White House at face a city under the protection 100 people he will grant clem- of Pennsylvania on grounds including “violent entry That sale “fell through for unknown reasons, and Trump Baby blimp is now head- the centre of a capital inundated of 20,000 National Guard sol- ency. and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds”. Williams still has the computer device or destroyed it”, ing to its fi nal resting place, the with troops and security barri- diers. After what the New York Times Her whereabouts are unknown. the aff idavit says. Museum of London, where it ers. Checkpoints and large zones reports has been an intense lob- Relying on several photos and videos of the chaotic It was unclear whether a laptop belonging to Pelosi will be conserved and poten- Biden was marking the Mar- closed to ordinary citizens mean bying eff ort, these are expected January 6 intrusion, a Federal Bureau of Investigation was actually stolen. tially displayed in the museum’s tin Luther King, Jr holiday with there will be only a smattering of to be a mix of white collar crimi- future new home,” the central a trip from his home in Delaware guests. nals and people whose cases US Capitol locked down briefl y over nearby fi re London museum said in a state- to Philadelphia to perform com- Similar lockdowns have been have been championed by crimi- ment. munity service – a gesture sym- imposed at state capitol build- nal justice activists. The US Capitol complex was shut down for about an plex was temporarily shut down. There is no threat to The institution said in 2019 bolising his call for Americans to ings around the country where More controversial possible hour yesterday out of an abundance of caution after the public,” the US Secret Service said on Twitter. that it wanted to acquire the come together after four divisive local authorities fear provoca- pardons that have been the sub- a small fire broke out nearby, underscoring security The lockdown follows the Janu 6 attack on the US blimp, “recognising its impor- years. tions from right-wing groups ject of speculation for months jitters days before President-elect Joe Biden’s inaugu- Capitol by supporters of outgoing President Donald tance in the protests” that met “Service is a fi tting way to ahead of the inauguration. would be for the likes of Ed- ration. Trump, some calling for the death of Republican the president during his 2018 start to heal, unite, and rebuild Trump, who has still not con- ward Snowden, Julian Assange, The Capitol Police in a statement said the lockdown Vice-President Mike Pence as he presided over the visit to Britain. this country we love,” he said in a gratulated Biden or invited him and Trump’s infl uential adviser was lifted and the fire nearby was contained. certification of Democrat Biden’s November election “From the Suff ragettes of the video marking the occasion. for the traditional tea visit in the Stephen Bannon. “Out of an abundance of caution the US Capitol com- victory. early 20th century to the anti- But the 78-year-old Demo- Oval Offi ce, has been largely out If Trump gave himself or his austerity marches, free speech crat’s fervent appeals for opti- of the public eye since his sup- children a pardon – something and Black Lives Matter most re- mism and healing – which are porters rampaged through Con- currently not expected, accord- which is expected to start an im- Tomorrow Trump will travel Andrews to catch Air Force One cently – the capital has always also set to dominate his inaugu- gress on January 6, triggering his ing to latest US reports – that peachment trial soon. to his Mar-a-Lago golf club – the presidential plane that been the place to have your say,” ration ceremony at noon tomor- historic second impeachment a would ensure a politically ex- Trump, the fi rst president to residence in Florida, departing will no longer be his to use from said Sharon Ament, Museum of row, January 20 – are running up week later. plosive fi nale to one of the most lose re-election since George the White House early in order noon. London director. “By collecting against the hard reality of multi- According to US media, one of polarising presidencies in US HW Bush was replaced by Bill to benefi t from full presidential According to a Bloomberg re- the baby blimp, we can mark the ple crises. Trump’s fi nal actions could be history. Clinton, is skipping Biden’s in- travel privileges up to the last port, Trump is organising a mili- wave of feeling that washed over The coronavirus pandemic is announced today at the latest: A self-pardon might also auguration – the fi rst former minute. tary style send-off for himself at the city that day and capture a out of control, vaccine distribu- scores of pardons for convicted harden anger at Trump among president to snub his successor Marine One will take him from Andrews. particular moment of resist- tion is stumbling, and economic criminals. Republicans in the Senate, in a century and a half. the White House to Joint Base ance.”

Keiko Fujimori vows to pardon her Virgin Orbit reaches space with key mid-air rocket launch father if she’s elected Peru president Peru’s opposition leader Keiko Fujimori has said that she would pardon her jailed father, former president Alberto Fujimori, if she Reuters LauncherOne has reached or- gin Orbit into an increasingly wins April’s general election. Washington bit!” the company announced competitive commercial space The 82-year-old Fujimori is serving a 25-year sentence for crimes on Twitter during the test mis- race, off ering a unique “air- against humanity and corruption. sion, dubbed Launch Demo 2. launch” method of sending sat- Even if not elected, his 45-year-old daughter, who is herself being illionaire Richard Bran- “In both a literal and fi gurative ellites to orbit alongside rivals investigated for corruption and spent more than a year in pre-trial son’s Virgin Orbit reached sense, this is miles beyond how such as Rocket Lab and Firefl y detention, said she would ask the winning candidate to pardon her Bspace for the fi rst time on far we reached in our fi rst Launch Aerospace, which have designed father. Sunday with a successful test of Demo.” small-launch systems to inject “After what we’ve been through, I’m in favour of pardoning my its air-launched rocket, deliver- Roughly two hours after its smaller satellites into orbit and father, and I prefer to say so openly, just as I said it openly when I ing 10 Nasa satellites to orbit and Cosmic Girl carrier craft took off meet growing demand. was against it and defended a legal way out,” Fujimori said in an achieving a key milestone after from the Mojave Air and Space Virgin executives say high-al- interview with the Cuarto Poder television programme. aborting the rocket’s fi rst test Port in southern California, the titude launches allow satellites to Previous attempts to have him freed on legal or compassionate launch last year. rocket, a 70’ launcher tailored for be placed in their intended orbit grounds have failed, but Fujimori said she felt her sick father had The Long Beach, California- carrying small satellites to space, more effi ciently and also mini- “been through enough”. based company’s LauncherOne successfully placed 10 tiny sat- A photographer takes pictures as the Virgin Orbit ‘Cosmic Girl’ – a mise weather-related cancella- Alberto Fujimori is serving time after being found guilty of ordering rocket was dropped mid-air ellites in orbit for the National modified Boeing 747-400 carrying a LauncherOne rocket under its tions compared to more tradi- two massacres by death squads in 1991 and 1992 while president from the underside of a modifi ed Aeronautics and Space Adminis- wing – took off for the Launch Demo 2 mission from Mojave Air and tional rockets launched vertically (1990-2000). Boeing 747 nicknamed “Cosmic tration (Nasa), the company said Space Port on Sunday in Mojave, California. from a ground pad. He was sentenced in February 2007, and although another Girl”, some 35,000’ over the Pa- on Twitter. Virgin Orbit’s government disgraced former president, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, pardoned him cifi c at 1139am PT before lighting The rocket aimed to place 10 The successful test and clean prematurely moments after re- services subsidiary VOX Space in December 2017, that was overturned by a court 10 months later. its NewtonThree engine to boost tiny satellites in orbit for Nasa payload deployment was a need- leasing from its carrier aircraft. LLC is selling launches using the itself out of Earth’s atmosphere, roughly two hours into the mis- ed double-win for Virgin Orbit, The shortened mission gener- system to the US military, with a demonstrating its fi rst successful sion, though Virgin Orbit had which last year failed its attempt ated key test data for the com- fi rst mission slated for October Seven United Nations members lose trek to space. not confi rmed whether they were to reach space when Launcher- pany, it said. under a $35mn US Space Force “According to telemetry, deployed as planned. One’s main engine shut down Sunday’s test also thrusts Vir- contract for three missions. right to vote over unpaid dues

Seven countries have lost their right to vote in the UN General Assembly because of unpaid dues, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said yesterday. The UN charter calls for such a voting rights suspension for Kremlin critic Navalny in pre-trial detention for 30 days countries whose arrears equal or surpass the amount of the contributions due from them to UN coff ers in the previous two years. Reuters would hold rallies nationwide on do not encroach on national The countries are Iran, Niger, Libya, the Central African Republic, Moscow Saturday. legislation of sovereign states Congo Brazzaville, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe, Guterres said in Navalny, 44, called his treat- and address problems in your a letter to the president of the General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir of ment illegal under Russian law own country,” foreign ministry Turkey. Russian judge has re- and accused President Vladimir spokeswoman Maria Zakharova The letter spells out an amount each country can pay, short of their manded Kremlin critic Putin of throwing the criminal wrote on Facebook. total debt, to recover their right to vote. AAlexei Navalny in pre-trial code out of the window in fear. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Iran, for instance, needs to pay at least $16.2mn. detention for 30 days for violat- The Kremlin did not respond, said Western countries’ expres- The UN’s budget is around $3.2bn per year. ing the terms of a suspended jail but has previously said that Na- sions of outrage were designed The budget for peacekeeping operations is separate and totals sentence, ignoring calls from valny must face justice if he has to distract their citizens’ atten- around $6.5bn. Western countries to free the op- done anything wrong. tion from domestic problems and position politician immediately. About 200 Navalny supporters that Moscow was unfazed by po- The ruling, a day after police had gathered outside the police tential damage to its image. World migration down 30% due to detained him at the airport when station in freezing temperatures “We should probably think he returned to Russia for the ﬁ rst and demanded he be set free, a about our image, but we’re not coronavirus pandemic: UN report time since being poisoned by a Reuters witness said. young ladies going to a ball,” La- military-grade nerve agent last Navalny is escorted out of a police station in Khimki, outside Moscow, Four masked police offi cers vrov told reporters. The coronavirus pandemic has slowed global migration by nearly August, could be the prelude to following the court ruling that ordered him jailed for 30 days. detained Navalny at passport Moscow residents interviewed 30%, with around 2mn fewer people than predicted migrating him being jailed for years. control on Sunday evening as by Reuters TV were divided on between 2019 and 2020, according to a UN report released last Moscow’s prison service has The United Nations and West- Navalny, in a video released on he returned to Russia after be- Navalny’s detention. week. applied to convert a suspended ern countries told Moscow before Twitter after the ruling, urged ing treated in Germany for what “He probably did the right Some 281mn people were living outside their country of origin in three-and-a-half year embez- the ruling to let Navalny go, and Russians to protest. German military tests showed thing and acted like a real man 2020. zlement sentence in the same some countries have called for “Don’t be afraid, take to the was poisoning by a Novichok (by returning),” said one Mus- The report, entitled International Migration 2020, showed that two- case, which he says was trumped new sanctions after earlier pen- streets. Don’t go out for me, go nerve agent, a version of events covite, Yuri Elizarov. “But from thirds of registered migrants lived in just 20 countries, with the US up, into real jail time early next alties from the EU over his poi- out for yourself and your future,” the Kremlin rejects. a political viewpoint he didn’t, at the top of the list, with 51mn international migrants in 2020. month. soning. Navalny said. The Russian foreign ministry because nothing is probably go- India topped the list of countries with the largest diasporas in 2020, He faces three other separate Moscow told them to mind Leonid Volkov, a Navalny ally, has brushed off criticism. ing to change here in the coming with 18mn Indians living outside their country of birth. criminal cases too. their own business. wrote on Twitter that supporters “Respect international law, years.” Refugees account for some 12% of all international migrants.

German cops target Vietnamese people smuggling German federal police said yesterday that they are stepping up European cross-border co-operation to fight Vietnamese human traff icking, after Thousands of US-bound migrants held up in Guatemala Berlin became a key hub in a network of exploitation in service industries. Lured by jobs in Europe, Vietnamese migrants are smuggled illegally often through China or Russia, Carsten Moritz, head of the human AFP met in the southeastern town ferent directions after Sunday’s bricklayer and more, but I cannot grant rhetoric by Donald Trump. traff icking unit of the Federal Criminal Police Off ice (BKA), told public Vado Hondo, Guatemala of Vado Hondo, near the border confrontation with security ﬁ nd work to take care of the fam- The Guatemalan government broadcaster RBB. with Honduras, with tear gas and forces, and more than 1,500 have ily” in Honduras, he said. has denounced what it said was Arrivals from Vietnam frequently work under “exploitative conditions” to batons wielded by police and sol- returned to Honduras. Saying they are desperate to a violation of its national sover- pay off smuggling debts, which cost around €10,000-20,000 ($12,000 to housands of Honduran diers with orders to stop anyone Those staying the course, in- escape poverty, unemployment, eignty, and urged Honduras to $24,000) per person. migrants trying to reach without travel documents or a cluding families with young chil- gang and drug violence and the “contain the massive departure A “huge network” that is “active all over Europe” is behind traff icking Tthe United States on a negative coronavirus test. dren, spent a second night on aftermath of two devastating of its inhabitants”. from Vietnam, according to the BKA, generating “enormous sums” for journey of thousands of kilome- An estimated 4,000 people re- Sunday outdoors in Vado Hondo, hurricanes, the migrants aim to Honduras has, in turn, com- criminals. tres through Central America mained in the north-bound cara- less than 50km (31 miles) inside cross Guatemala and Mexico to plained about the way its citizens A Europe-wide operation will be launched this year to tackle the problem on foot remained stuck in Gua- van yesterday, according to Gua- the Guatemala border. the United States. have been treated in Guatemala. initiated by the BKA and bringing in police from countries including temala yesterday, their advance temala migration authorities, Among them, 50-year-old They are hoping for a warmer Guatemala, Mexico and Hon- Poland, Britain, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic stymied by security forces. of about 9,000 who had set out Melvin Cabrera told AFP that he welcome, and a better life, in the duras have an agreement with and Belgium as well as EU law enforcement agency Europol. On the third day of their jour- from Honduras since last Friday. had no intention of turning back. America of President-elect Joe the US to stop north-bound mi- ney on Sunday, the group was Hundreds dispersed in dif- “I am a welder, a carpenter, a Biden after years of anti-immi- gratory ﬂ ows. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 9 INDIA

MEDIA CRIME COMMENT ANGER LEGAL Opposition seeks probe Baby-traff icking ring UK ‘not giving details Kerala chief minister Case filed against into Arnab comments busted by Mumbai police on Mallya’s extradition’ gags KSRTC chief Mirzapur web series

Opposition parties yesterday called for an Police in Mumbai have charged nine alleged The government yesterday informed the Supreme Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came down heavily After the web series Tandav, it is now Mirzapur investigation into chat messages from a top TV members of a baby-traff icking ring — among them Court that Vijay Mallya’s extradition has been raised on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation manag- that is facing the heat. A case was filed against anchor that they said showed prior knowledge a nurse at a maternity hospital and agents who at the highest political level, but the UK govern- ing director Biju Prabhakar, and asked him not to the producer of the web series Mirzapur and of air strikes carried out against Pakistan in 2019. operated in the impoverished slums of city, off icials ment has refused to share details of the confidential arbitrarily issue public statements against off icials ‘Amazon Prime’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur dis- Arnab Goswami, editor-in-chief of Republic TV said yesterday. In the second such case in the proceedings delaying his extradition. “In December, and employees. In a press conference last week, trict yesterday. According to the police reports, a network, told the head of a TV ratings agency city in five years, the nine are accused of having External Aff airs Minister Dr S Jaishankar raised the Prabhakar said a section of off icers and employees case had been lodged by one Arvind Chaturvedi that India would launch a “bigger than a normal bought and sold at least seven babies over a issue with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and were not doing the job and some were even moon- at the Kotwali police station. The complainant strike” on Pakistan - three days before the attack. six-year period. The mothers of three infants and a most recently in January 2021, the home secretary lighting while drawing fat salaries from the corpora- has alleged that the Mirzapur web series hurts Spokesmen for the defence and foreign ministries man who had bought a baby were also arrested in of India raised it with the UK permanent undersec- tion which is falling into deep debts. The KSRTC religious, social and regional sentiments and dam- did not immediately respond to requests for a four-day police operation. “We’re now investigat- retary of home. UK’s response remained the same”, managing director had also lashed out against the ages social harmony. Meanwhile, a team of four comment on the transcripts. Republic has often ing how many more children have they sold and if solicitor general Tushar Mehta told the court. The executive director of the corporation and said that police off icials have left for Mumbai where they adopted positions supportive of the Modi govern- there are more agents operating in the area,” said government has been informed that there is a this off icer was responsible for misappropriation of will interrogate the makers of Tandav. Charges ment and Goswami is known for his aggressive police inspector Yogesh Chavan, who received a further legal issue that needs to be resolved before funds from the organisation. The off icer, Sreekumar were lodged against the makers of the web series attacks on the opposition. tip-off about the baby-traff icking racket last week. the fugitive tycoon can be extradited, he said. was transferred to Kochi immediately. in Lucknow on Sunday night. Yediyurappa warns Thackeray over tweet on border dispute

IANS He also tweeted that “bringing Bengaluru Karnataka-occupied Marathi- speaking areas into Maharash- tra will be a true tribute to those eaders cutting across po- who accepted martyrdom in the litical lines in Karnataka, boundary battle. We are united Lincluding Chief Minister B and committed towards it.” S Yediyurappa, yesterday came Asserting his commitment down heavily on Maharashtra to solving the “border dispute”, Chief Minister Uddhav Thack- Thackeray added he will fulfi l his eray’s tweet on “incorporating promise. Marathi-speaking areas” in Kar- Thackeray had kicked off a row nataka into Maharashtra. over the age-old border dispute In a series of tweets, Yediy- between both states in December urappa through his offi cial han- 2019, when he referred to Bela- dle @CMofKarnataka declared gavi as “Karnataka-occupied- that the Mahajan Commission Maharashtra” in the Maharash- report recommendations on the tra Assembly. border dispute between Mahar- Taking strong exception to ashtra and Karnataka was “abso- these statements, opposition lute and conclusive”. leader Siddaramaiah warned “Maharashtra CM’s raking up Thackeray to not “politicise the of border issue with us smacks issue”. of arrogance and audacity. His Asserting that the Mahajan statement on Belagavi is a slap report on the issue was “fi nal”, Farmers sit along a blocked highway as they continue to protest against the government’s recent agricultural reforms at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border in Ghazipur yesterday. on the face of the country’s fed- Siddaramaiah called out the Ma- eral structure. He should realise harashtra chief minister for his this as it is a foregone conclusion “irresponsible statement”. when both states have agreed Siddaramaiah also appealed to and implemented the Mahajan Yediyurappa to give a befi tting Commission report’s recom- response to the “stupid com- mendations long ago,” he said. ments” made by Thackeray. In another tweet, Yediyurappa Former Karnataka CM and Police, not judges, to decide said that it was painful to note JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy that the person occupying chief also warned Maharashtra to not minister’s post should have in- test the patience of peace lov- dulged in politicking over the ing Kannadigas by raking up border dispute. “settled” border dispute long “This is nothing but an at- ago. on tractor rally issue: court tempt to disrupt the harmoni- Kumaraswamy said the Ma- ous atmosphere in Karnataka. harashtra chief minister’s state- Marathas living in Karnataka ment shows nothing but the IANS not going to tell you about your sary to maintain law and order. court to issue directions to re- order of injunction restraining assimilated with Kannada and “expansionist mindset” of New Delhi powers.” Advocate A P Singh, coun- strain farmers from disrupt- anyone from conducting any Kannadigas very meaningfully, Thackeray. The bench stressed that the sel for the Bhartiya Kisan Un- ing the Republic Day parade, to protest march either in the form similarly Kannadigas living Ma- “In order to prove that Bela- Delhi Police have the authority ion (Lokshakti), submitted that which the chief justice replied of tractor/trolley/vehicle march harashtra have assimilated with gavi is integral part of our state, ith farmer unions in- to take a decision on the issue, the farmers were willing to hold “Does the Union of India want or any other mode in the nation- Marathas beautifully. culture and pride of our lan- sisting on holding a and not the Supreme Court. peaceful protests at Ram Lila the Supreme Court to tell that al capital on Republic Day. “Let this peaceful and af- guage, I had taken a decision to Wtractor rally on Re- The observation from the top Maidan. “If the authorities pro- you have powers under the Delhi The government said it had fectionate coexistence not be hold the legislature session in public Day, the Supreme Court court came after attorney gen- hibit, then the matter is sup- Police Act.” come to the knowledge of the disturbed by anyone including Belagavi by constructing the Su- yesterday told the Centre that eral K K Venugopal said the Cen- posed to come before the court,” When the attorney general security agencies, through vari- Maharashtra CM,” Yediyurappa varna Vidhan Soudha there when the top court cannot be the fi rst tre was seeking restraint orders the court observed . pointed out that thousands of ous sources, that small groups of urged and added that “the least I was chief minister (2006 to authority to deal with the mat- against the farmers from enter- The chief justice said it was farmers were camping at various protesting individuals/organi- I expect from Uddhav Thackerey 2008),” he said. ter and instead the onus falls on ing Delhi as “the court had taken not for the court to decide on Delhi borders, the chief justice sations have planned to carry is that he should respect our fed- Karnataka Water Resources the Delhi Police to decide on the charge of the matter”. how many farmers should be replied that the court had not out a tractor/trolley/vehicle eral structure and laws that gov- Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi who issue. The Centre through the Delhi allowed into the city and the taken charge of the matter, and march on Republic Day on Janu- ern our land.” is also Belagavi district in-charge A bench headed by chief jus- Police had moved the top court nature of conditions to be im- its intervention has been misun- ary 26. On Sunday, Thackeray while minister said Thackeray’s re- tice S A Bobde and compris- seeking direction to restrain the posed on them. “Who should derstood. “Any disruption or obstruc- paying tributes to the martyrs marks on Sunday on “incorpo- ing justices L Nageswara Rao farmer unions from conducting be allowed and who should not, The top court will conduct tion to the said functions would of the border hostilities asserted rating Marathi-speaking areas” and Vineet Saran said “we have the tractor rally as a method to and the numbers will be dealt by further hearing on the matter not only be against law and or- that bringing back Marathi- in Karnataka into Maharashtra is not taken charge of the matter disrupt the Republic Day cel- the police. We cannot be the fi rst tomorrow. der, public order, and public in- speaking areas of Karnataka into nothing but an attempt to create except for one issue...appar- ebrations. authority to deal with it,” the The Centre, through the Delhi terest but would also be a huge Maharashtra was the only fi tting unnecessary confusion over the ently our intervention has been The chief justice said the po- chief justice said. Police, have fi led an affi davit in embarrassment for the nation,” tribute. issue. grossly misunderstood. We are lice have all the powers neces- Venugopal insisted the top the Supreme Court, seeking an it said. Will defeat Mamata or Time out Fear factor hits govt’s else quit politics: Suvendu Covid vaccine drive AFP go up as confi dence is strength- New Delhi ened. And for that, we have to IANS from that seat. She also added no more a political party now. tackle misinformation.” Kolkata that Nandigram is lucky for her. It has become a private limited The Hindu newspaper report- “I will contest from Nandigram. company,” Suvendu said. he government yesterday ed that in Tamil Nadu, the turn- It’s lucky for me,” the TMC su- He said that hiring a political stepped up eff orts to bol- out was only 16%. ours after West Bengal premo said. strategist from Bihar proved that Tster trust in coronavirus At a community health centre Chief Minister Mamata The chief minister said that the BJP has an advantage in the vaccines after it was revealed that in Rohtak in Haryana, only 29 out HBanerjee yesterday an- she would contest the election upcoming polls in the state. nearly a third of those invited to of 100 people expected showed nounced that she will contest from two constituencies, includ- BJP state unit president Dilip get jabs at the launch of a nation- up, a doctor said. the upcoming Assembly elec- ing Bhabanipur in Kolkata, which Ghosh, however, dubbed Mama- wide drive failed to turn up. “People are very scared. We tion from Nandigram, its legisla- is her home turf. “I don’t want ta’s announcement as a tactical The government has launched can’t force anyone to take the tor and newly-joined BJP leader to neglect Bhabanipur also,” she move as the West Bengal CM is one of the world’s most ambi- vaccine, it is voluntary,” said Suvendu Adhikari hit back at added. unsure about her win from Bha- tious vaccine programmes, aim- the doctor, speaking on condi- Mamata saying that he will de- All India Trinamool Congress wanipore seat. ing to innoculate 300mn of the tion of anonymity. With public feat the Trinamool chief with at (AITC) state president Subrata “Mamata is not confi dent 1.3bn population by July. doubt about the drugs spreading least a 50,000 vote margin or quit Bakshi also announced Mama- about her win from Bhawani- In the fi rst two days of the on social media, Health Min- politics. ta’s name from Nandigram con- pore so she is looking for a safe drive, which started Saturday, ister Harsh Vardhan changed “If I cannot defeat her by stituency in the coming election seat. She is testing the waters in the government said 224,000 of his Twitter profi le header to say 50,000 votes in Nandigram I that is due by April-May this Nandigram for that. No matter 300,000 planned vaccinations “VACCINES WORK”. will quit politics. She only re- year. where Trinamool leaders go, we were carried out. “From the very beginning, we members Nandigram when Nandigram came into the po- will defeat them,” said Ghosh. In New Delhi, only 53% of have warned people not to be election time comes,” Suvendu litical spotlight in 2007 after Meanwhile, as per the IANS people came forward for jabs, ac- worried about this misinforma- said here. 14 villagers were killed in po- C-Voter Battle for the States sur- cording to a health offi cial. tion that is being spread,” Vard- Earlier in the day, Mamata an- lice fi ring for protesting against vey Mamata Banerjee remains “These are initial days and we han told media. nounced at a rally in Nandigram a proposed special economic the fi rst choice of people to lead understand people are waiting India has the world’s second- — the Assembly constituency zone project, cleared by the West Bengal, while BCCI chief to see how the procedure pans largest number of coronavirus represented by rebel Trinamool then Communist Party of India- and former India cricket captain out and how other vaccines fare,” cases, almost 10.5mn. It has so leader Suvendu Adhikari who Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Front Sourav Ganguly, who is yet to an- Soldiers rest as they take part in the rehearsal for the said Suneela Garg, a member of far approved two vaccines for joined the BJP in West Bengal last government in Bengal. nounce his entry into politics, is Republic Day parade, in New Delhi yesterday. the coronavirus task force for use, one of which is yet to com- month — that she will contest “The Trinamool Congress is placed at number three. the capital. “These numbers will plete its clinical trials. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deconstructing a Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar complex process [email protected] 44350478 (News), “Corporate structure and environment confl icts and assessing the losses that criticises Dr Heath regarding the phenomenon that forced researchers to can give way to unethical and borderline aff ected humans’ lives, health, and identifi cation of the four factors behind deeply reconsider their usual analysis 44466404 (Sport), criminal behaviours. People’s mental stability. Moreover, such policies criminal conduct in companies. He tools. They also marked a major 44466636 (Home delivery) perceptions of their attitudes and instigate confl icts for the benefi t of the believes that the culture of society has unprecedented turn in the history of positions (as corporate actors) also play fi nancial market. western origins, referring to the epochs European thought. 44350474 a signifi cant role in their readiness to In this context, Wael Hallaq has and cycles of material modernism in Hannah Arendt contends that, “The facebook.com/gulftimes commit numerous crimes” an important observation about the new world; this culture was initially originality of totalitarianism is horrible, — Joseph Heath framing societies, which avoid harmful established outside the system of moral not because some new ‘idea’ came twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar behaviours to their environment by values. into the world, but because its very default, as being aff ected by misleading This society that was merged with actions constitute a break with all our mass rhetoric that gives a deceptive the thought of material modernism did traditions; they have clearly exploded reassurance by promoting that such not question it through value-based our categories of political thought and behaviours are mere deviations by charters and laws. Hallaq, perhaps, our standards for moral judgment. GULF TIMES some companies. Consequently, such refers here to the schools of thought Events trump concepts.” This is not behaviours sneaked into society, which that prevailed in the modern western limited to seizing power. have become an ethically conducive world, without invoking the fi erce left- Here, we are back to the reference environment for corporate crime. wing opposition, to extend capitalism to dilemma. Saving the Jews was a human This is a complex process that individuals and society. obligation, but occupying Palestine The world cannot should be deconstructed, suffi ce to Hallaq links his criticism to the and the intersection with the capitalist say that societies lack neutralisation fact that Heath cited in his PhD totalitarianism of modernism is a mechanisms to protect themselves thesis Hannah Arendt, the Jewish, criminal act according to the same and individuals and enable market German-born, American professor of factors defi ned by Heath. The ideology aff ord inaction on behaviours. This dilemma is not limited philosophy (1906-1975) who criticised of savage profi t is a totalitarian model to economic life as it also touches the fundamentalist totalitarianism. Arendt here, supported by modern western political and cultural spheres. This is was chased by Nazis and she helped culture, and imperialism is prevailing how societies are held hostages of long save the Jews of Europe and create a in society and academia, including climate change seasons of oppression and extortion, homeland for them at the expense of advocates of moral philosophy today. while systems of criminal behaviour occupied Palestine. In this context, We cannot overlook this By Muhanna al-Hubail derive their power from within victim totalitarianism and moral philosophy distinguished eff ort in tracking Dr As the US deals with the tragic drama of President Donald societies. are defi ned within contemporary Heath’s market dilemma, as it leads us Trump’s fi nal days in offi ce, and the world reels under a now- Heath identifi ed four factors that can philosophical doctrines that completely to the knowledge market, but who sets yearlong assault by a virus, the Earth continues to evolve into a r Joseph Heath, Canadian lead to corporate crime. The fi rst factor neutralise the global human community. its standards? dangerously inhospitable environment. And it is our collective philosopher and ethicist from is bureaucracy in large corporations. But this bias to the portion of the Where is the totalitarianism that the University of Toronto, The second factor is limiting individuals philosophical perspective that is controls it? How was it formed in fault. published a critical study to local information that is dominated linked to western history, and selective modern academia? How to combat This past year was, in essence, in a statistical tie with 2016 D introducing a four-factor framework by the market itself, given the lack of remorse, or neglecting the broad fi nancial market crimes without regard for the hottest on record, with temperatures driven upward by for criminal and unethical behaviours liberation from this market, which moral vision, mark this framework to Arendt’s recommendation to review the warming eff ects of human activities that spew carbon and in the global capitalist market, which would normally ensure information that fails to include moral philosophy research methods? other greenhouse compounds into the atmosphere. dominates the economic scene, in an accuracy. The third factor is ideological with references beyond the author’s If Arendt herself may not reach Temperatures breached 100C in, of all places, Siberia, attempt to enable ethical philosophy in hostility. Heath considers it an ideology, physical geography and historical total moral standards, because of what protecting humanity from the growing given that winning and success have and social affi liations, which revolve Heath himself mentioned, i.e. the setting a record for north of the Arctic Circle. Climate change- and successive encroachments on the become an ethical belief, rather than a around material modernism. The market does not allow the circulation of driven wildfi res scorched the Earth’s surface from Australia planet. participatory economic pattern. This opposing discourse in academia is also information outside it, and if the market to the American West – the August Complex fi re in Northern It is interesting that Dr Heath hostility targets any market regulations determined by modernism. here is western academia, then how can California became the fi rst in the state to burn more than 1 uses the terms “hostile policies” and that benefi t the people and harm the Arendt was concerned with the moral philosophy be liberated before million acres – to the Arctic, all adding yet more greenhouse “hostility” when describing market ideology. The fourth factor is adversarial challenge raised by totalitarian regaining intellectual independence? behaviours and plans against society. or competitive interactions between ideologies, in a reference to Nazis and And how do you regain independence if gases to the atmosphere. One might think that this description is fi rms at the expense of society. Marxists and their totalitarianism. access to a new world of information is It is telling, some climate scientists argue, that the 10 exaggerated, but one might change their Hallaq, prominent scholar of Islamic At the time, these ideologies marked restricted by material modernism and warmest years on record have occurred since 2005 – including opinion after understanding market law and Islamic intellectual history, the emergence of a radically new its totalitarian vision? each of the last seven years – suggesting a steady pace upward that could push the average global temperature to 1.5C above preindustrial levels within the decade. That, notably, is the level at which scientists believe nature Temperatures will deliver even more dire breached consequences than what we’re Biden’s challenges—from already experiencing. 100C in So what is the world doing about this? Hardly much of Siberia last anything at levels suffi cient to year address the problem. Part of Kim Jong-un to the budget the drag has been the Trump administration’s abject opposition to eff orts to reduce our By Peter Martin returning to the deal. and other retaliatory measures available December, General Mark Milley, production and use of fossil fuels, an immoral and arrogant Trump’s 2017 National Defence to Biden. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , policy of prioritising short-term (and short-lasting) profi ts Strategy identifi ed “great power Although Trump promised to bring said the Pentagon’s “desired” real above the health of the planet and everything that lives on it. lobal events have a way of competition” with China and Russia American troops home from “endless growth in spending of 3% to 5% isn’t But other nations have been slow to act as well, something forcing presidents to focus on as the defi ning theme for America’s wars,” Biden will have to weigh the risks likely. He said the Defence Department we hope will change with President-elect Joe Biden’s pledge to defence — even when they’re defence policies, supplanting the involved in extracting remaining US needs a “reality check” on its likely reluctant to do so. President- concentration on international forces from combat zones. budgets. once again make the US a global leader. He already has named G elect Joe Biden is unlikely to be an terrorism that followed the September That’s especially true in Afghanistan Flat spending will mean tough John F Kerry who, as the Obama administration’s secretary of exception, despite his pledge to zero in 11 attacks. That focus is unlikely to where, despite a fragile peace accord, choices over US military deployments State, was instrumental in reaching the 2015 Paris Agreement on fi ghting the coronavirus and healing change under Biden. an American departure would risk a overseas, as well whether to cut back to combat climate change, as an international envoy on the the battered US economy. Although the new administration return to militant rule by the Taliban spending on older “legacy” weapons — issue, and is creating a White House offi ce to address climate Here are defence issues likely to will seek to work with China on and potentially a safe haven for terrorist which have entrenched congressional confront Biden — and Lloyd Austin, issues such as climate change, it also groups including Al Qaeda and Islamic cheering sections for the hometown change domestically to be led by Gina McCarthy, President his nominee for defence secretary, if will continue eff orts to counter the State. jobs they create — in order to pursue Barack Obama’s head of the Environmental Protection the retired Army general wins Senate country’s expanding military presence Christopher Miller, Trump’s acting more innovative alternatives such as Agency. Both will be working within the framework of Biden’s confi rmation and a congressional in the contested South China Sea, as defence secretary, announced on Friday autonomous vessels and robots. It ambitious climate change agenda. waiver from a law that restricts former well as its frequent military manoeuvres that US troop levels in Afghanistan and also will raise doubts about the Trump As the United Nations annual Adaptation Gap Report military offi cers from taking the top around Taiwan. The new administration Iraq have been drawn down to 2,500 in administration’s plan to add 82 new civilian post. is likely to continue “freedom of each country. Navy ships over the next fi ve years, 37 released recently shows, nations have a long way to go. The North Korea’s leader Kim Jong- navigation operations” at sea, which While Biden has ruled out calls for more than previously projected. report found that while nearly three of four nations recognise un may stage missile tests to compel carry a risk of direct confrontation, as major reductions in the military budget, The military also will continue to the need for direct and concerted action to adapt to the the new president’s attention to his well as close co-operation with US allies defence spending is nevertheless play a major role in the fi ght against changes already underway, few have actually devised plans expanding nuclear arsenal, as he did such as South Korea and Japan. likely to be fl at at best under his Covid-19. suffi cient to address it, and annual global funding by wealthy early in Donald Trump’s term. Tensions with Russia are also likely administration. Progressive Democrats “The next secretary of defence will nations to help under-developed nations is less than half of In an initial sign that Kim is to be an early focus after US offi cials favour defence cuts in areas such as need to immediately quarterback an determined to force his way onto unearthed a sweeping cyberattack on US the US nuclear arsenal to help fund enormous logistics operation to help what is needed. Biden’s agenda, his regime appeared to government and private sector networks a progressive agenda at home, while distribute Covid-19 vaccines widely and That followed annual UN reports released in December that stage a military parade this month as for which it holds Russia responsible. fi scal hawks may look to keep spending equitably,” Biden wrote in a December found similarly distressing mismatches between individual part of a party congress that declared US Cyber Command will be central to tight after successive rounds of fi scal opinion piece in The Atlantic. He said nations’ need to reduce emissions, and the reality. Even if the US its “biggest main enemy” and the military’s eff orts to respond to the stimulus during the pandemic. Austin is especially well-suited to the countries meet the promises they made under the Paris predicted that Washington’s “hostile threat, together with possible sanctions Speaking at a virtual event in task because he “oversaw the largest policy” toward Pyongyang would logistical operation undertaken by agreement, the average global temperature would still rise by continue. the Army in six decades — the Iraq the end of the century to 3.2C above preindustrial levels. The President Donald Trump lavished drawdown.” world’s nations would need to triple promised reductions in Kim with the attention he craved, Controversy surrounding Austin’s carbon emissions to meet Paris’ target of 2C, and quintuple the veering between threats of unleashing appointment, and the waiver he’d need, reductions to hit the lower, preferred target of 1.5C. “fi re and fury,” imposing “maximum highlights another thorny challenge for Adapting to the realities of climate change will be expensive, pressure” sanctions and claiming Biden: the need to heal civilian-military that a “love aff air” developed in two relations, which are arguably more but not confronting this head-on and in as unifi ed a manner unsuccessful summit meetings and one contentious than at any time since the as possible will endanger lives, disrupt food chains and brief handshake along the North Korea- Vietnam War. biospheres, propel even more migration of climate refugees, South Korea border. Yet the entire During the last year, military leaders and potentially destabilise governments. The world cannot time, Kim was building up his nation’s resisted Trump’s eff orts to call in aff ord that. — Tribune News Service nuclear arsenal and improving on its active-duty troops to quell sometimes missile technology. violent protests over racial injustice. But Biden has criticised Trump’s “made- National Guard units played a major role for-TV summits” and promised “a in strife-torn cities. sustained, coordinated campaign with The military’s role in domestic our allies and others – including China turmoil remains far from settled. To Advertise – to advance our shared objective of a Critics said the Pentagon was too slow denuclearised North Korea.” to mobilise the National Guard to end [email protected] Tensions between Washington and the riot at the Capitol on January 6, and Display Tehran are also high as the Trump era other Americans may be unnerved by ends. Critics had expressed concern the massive show of force mobilised 44466621 44418811 that Trump could order a military strike to head off disruption of Biden’s against Iran, and Iran has made so-far inauguration. Classified unfulfi lled pledges to retaliate for the US Within the military, the next 44466609 44418811 killing last year of a top general, Qassem secretary of defence will face unresolved Suleimani. social justice questions, from the Subscription Biden has pledged to return the US congressionally approved eff ort to to the multinational nuclear accord rename military bases named after [email protected] with Iran that Trump renounced, Confederate heroes to evidence of and then press to expand its reach. PROBABILITY: While President Joe Biden has ruled out calls for major reductions far-right extremists among the troops But that won’t be easy. Israel is also in the military budget, defence spending is nevertheless likely to be flat at best and persistent cases of sexual abuse. — © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved determined to dissuade the US from under his administration. Bloomberg News/Tribune News Service Gulf Times Tuesday, January 19, 2021 11 PAKISTAN Govt set to make Broadsheet documents public

Internews made public after written ap- NRO in the form of fi ne. The by entering into a settlement tract, illegal payments from ment dated 20 May 2008 with to turn a blind eye to damage Islamabad proval was obtained from Broad- country is still being aff ected by agreement with an unauthorised Pakistan to wrong entities; and James and companies con- that would or might be caused sheet’s lawyers,” he stated. the mistakes that former rulers individual and paid around $1.5 all that led the court to ascer- trolled by him and/or in mak- to it by entering into the Set- The adviser said they had ap- made in the past,” he noted. million to his fake fi rm. tain that NAB was involved in ing payments to him or them tlement Agreement with James dviser to Prime Minister proached Broadsheet to make “The contract between the The arbitration court that intentional wrongdoings. thereunder.” and his Colorado companies on Accountability and the judgement clear on the in- National Accountability Bu- heard the case — Broadsheet LLC The anti-graft body and In May 2008, Pakistani au- and/or in making payments to AInterior Shahzad Akbar structions of the prime minister reau (NAB) and Broadsheet was vs. The Islamic Republic of Paki- Broadsheet had signed the thorities had paid around $1.5 them under it. I HOLD that that has said the country has been to ensure transparency. signed in June, 2000 and Nawaz stan and the National Account- agreement in June 2000, which million to Jerry James, head of a was ‘reckless’ conduct by NAB badly aff ected by deals made by “The prime minister has Sharif went abroad in December, ability Bureau — was chaired by was breached by Pakistan in fake company, blackballing the which gives rise to tortious li- previous governments and na- formed a ministerial committee 2000 after a deal with Mushar- Sir Anthony Evans. October 2003. actual one Broadsheet LLC, an ability, as alleged,” the judge tional reconciliation ordinances on Broadsheet and directed them raf,” he said. The court’s ruling titled Part The judgment documents re- Isle of Man entity. ruled. (NROs) issued in the past that to furnish its recommendations The adviser stated, “The anti- Final Award (Liability issues) veal what the arbitration court After the ruling from the The lengthy judgment lists cost the national exchequer bil- within 48 hours,” he said. “The corruption watchdog ended the was handed down in August had concluded that the claim- London Arbitration court, conclusions that hold, find, lions of rupees. government’s next course of ac- contract in 2003 and $1.5mil- 2016 under the Chartered In- ant [Broadsheet LLC] was en- Broadsheet LLC leapt for the declare and award in favour Addressing a news conference tion will be decided in the light lion were paid after settlement stitute of Arbitrators, Case No titled to recover damages from Quantum decision, forcing Pa- of Broadsheet stating that the in Islamabad yesterday, Akbar of those recommendations.” on 20 May, 2008. An appeal was 12912001. the respondents [the Islamic kistan to pay up more than $28 company is entitled to recover said the government has decided “Former prime minister Na- lodged in high court in July 2019 The case details the whole Republic of Pakistan and the million in damages. damages from the NAB and Pa- to make public the judgment of waz Sharif went abroad in 2000 but the verdict came in Broad- saga from establishing NAB to National Accountability Bu- “There was, in my judgment, kistan for their wrongful repu- a British court regarding Broad- after making a deal with erst- sheet’s favour.” signing and then three years reau] for the “tort of conspir- a deliberate decision by NAB diation of the (Asset Recovery sheet and Pakistan involving li- while president General (retd) A London court ruled that the later rescinding the agreement ing to cause unlawful economic to disregard the known risk of Agreement) ARA dated 20 June ability and quantum awards. Pervez Musharraf. Pakistan suf- NAB knowingly ‘conspired’ to between the NAB and Broad- loss to the Claimant by enter- economic harm to Broadsheet 2000 by their solicitors’ letter “The documents are being fered the consequences of this fi nancially harm Broadsheet LLC sheet LLC, breach of the con- ing into the Settlement Agree- IoM or, as Claimant submits, dated October 28, 2008.

Of Zoom and room ECP suspends 154 MPs over failure to submit details

Internews sain Shah Rizvi and 18 others statements are submitted. through a press release, shall Islamabad have been debarred from the Reacting to the development, publish the names of Members Sindh Assembly. Ali Zaidi tweeted that he had who failed to submit the req- The ECP has suspended 26 submitted his asset declaration uisite statement of assets and lection Commission of members of the Khyber Pa- form on January 5 and added: liabilities within the period Pakistan yesterday sus- khtunkhwa Assembly, includ- “Don’t understand the fuss!” specifi ed under subsection (1). Epended memberships ing Kamran Khan Bangash and Almost every year, the ECP (3) The Commission shall, of 154 federal and provincial six from the Balochistan As- suspends the membership of on the sixteenth day of January, lawmakers over failure to sub- sembly, including Sardar Yar scores of lawmakers for not by an order suspend the mem- mit assets and liabilities state- Muhammad Rind. submitting the statement. Last bership of a Member of an As- ments. Under the sub-section (1) year, over 300 lawmakers had sembly and Senate who fails to The commission has sus- of Section 137 of the Elections failed to submit their asset de- submit the statement of assets pended memberships of Act 2017, with rule 137 of the tails. and liabilities by the fi fteenth three senators namely Mu- Elections Rules 2017, a mem- Section 137 of the Elections day of January and such Mem- sadik Masood Malik, Kamran ber of an assembly and Senate Act reads: ber shall cease to function till Michael, and Shamim Afridi. is required to submit a copy of (1) Every Member of an As- he fi les the statement of assets Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, his statement of assets and li- sembly and Senate shall submit and liabilities. Ali Zaidi, Amir Liaquat Hus- abilities every year on or before to the Commission, on or be- (4) Where a Member sub- sain, Dr Fehmida Mirza, Mohsin December 31. fore 31st December each year, a mits the statement of assets Dawar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiq- If the member of assem- copy of his statement of assets and liabilities under this sec- ui are also included among the blies or Senate fails to sub- and liabilities including assets tion which is found to be false 48 members suspended from mit the documents, then the and liabilities of his spouse and in material particulars, he may, the National Assembly. ECP can, under sub-section 3 dependent children as on the within one hundred and twenty Students holding placards in Rawalpindi yesterday during a protest while demanding authorities to Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, of Section 137, suspend their preceding thirtieth day of June days from the date submission hold examinations online. The government reopened educational institutions after these remained who did not take an oath, is membership. The member- on Form B. of the statement, be proceeded closed as a preventive measure against Covid-19 coronavirus. (AFP) among 52 lawmakers suspend- ship will be reinstated once (2) The Commission, on the against for committing the of- ed in Punjab, while Nasir Hus- the assets and liabilities fi rst day of January each year fence of corrupt practice.

PDM announces new round of rallies against PTI countrywide

Internews PDM had decided to hold a ‘Million Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). rise to doubts and suspicions. undisclosed foreign funding of the PTI. rally” will be held in Rawalpindi’s Li- Karachi March’ in Karachi on January 21 and He said the meeting discussed the The PDM scheduled march to the The PDM chief appealed to Pakista- aquat Bagh where Kashmir’s political Kashmir rally in Rawalpindi’s Liaqat strategy for today’s protest outside the Election Commission of Pakistan on nis to participate in the protest for the parties have also been invited. Bagh on February 5. ECP and it was decided that the PDM January 19 will be a protest and not an sake of “national security” and against Following the scheduled public meet- s part of anti-government cam- Besides, he said the PDM will hold leadership will enthusiastically stage “attack”, Rehman said. “obtaining funds from anti-Pakistan ings, the PDM will take a decision about paign, the Pakistan Democratic public gatherings in Hyderabad and a protest demonstration regarding the He accused the premier of illegally lobbies”. staging a long march to Islamabad, Reh- AAlliance (PDM) yesterday an- Sialkot on February 9 and 13, respec- case. collecting millions of rupees from He said today’s meeting had given man added. nounced a new round of protest rallies tively. Rehman said the fi nal date of The PDM head said the foreign around the world in the name of his fi nal shape to a schedule for protests Answering a question, the PDM chief and public gatherings in diff erent cit- ‘Long March’ will be decided in PDM’s funding case is the country’s biggest party and “using them for political dis- and rallies across the country, and an- clarifi ed that the protest in front of the ies. next meetings. scandal whose central character he ruption and election rigging by bring- nounced that the PDM leadership will ECP should not be equated with the alli- Addressing a news conference after Fazl maintained that the opposition said was Prime Minister Imran Khan. ing the money into the country”. participate in an “Israel Na Manzoor” ance’s planned long march. “Long march the PDM’s steering committee meet- alliance will also hold a sit-in at Elec- “We will demand the ECP to im- The foreign funding case against the (Israel not accepted) “million march”. will be from the whole country; here ing, the opposition alliance head and tion Commission of Pakistan today to mediately give a decision on the crime PTI was fi led in November 2014 by Ak- On February 5, he said, the day will we’re not calling people from the entire Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam - Fazal (JUI-F) press the ECP to announce verdict in which has been accepted,” he said, bar S Babar, a founding member of the be observed to express solidarity with country but workers can arrive and par- chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the foreign funding case against the ruling adding that further delays were giving party. The case relates to allegations of Kashmiris, while simultaneously a “big ticipate at their own will,” he added.

Obaid-Chinoy among 18 Clean-up Top singer Hadiqa set best Asian film directors for acting debut on TV Two-time Academy Award winning Pakistani film-maker Known for her seraphic Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has voice, Hadiqa Kiani will be made it among the top 18 seen on screens in an up- Asian directors list compiled coming serial Raqeeb Se by Asian Tatler. The list also alongside eminent TV stars features the likes of Academy Sania Saeed, Iqra Aziz, Far- Award winning director Bong yal Mehmood and Noman Joon-Ho, who is also the jury Ejaz. president of the 78th Venice Hadiqa shared an im- International Film Festival. promptu video of herself Joon-Ho’s Parasite (2019) and Saeed on the sets on became the first South Ko- the social media. “While on rean film to win Best Interna- set for Raqeeb Se, the leg- tional Feature Film and Best endary Sania Saeed and I Picture at the Oscars in 2020, HONOUR: Obaid-Chinoy had an impromptu singing bringing him worldwide fame. session. Such a genuine and Now, Chinoy feels elated to known for her work that put beautiful soul, it has truly NEW ROLE: Hadiqa Kiani have been featured along the spotlight on the inequal- been an honour filming with such critically acclaimed and ity that women face. Because her and the whole team ing the role of a woman renowned names. of this, she has received two these past few months.” named Sakina whom “Now that’s a cool list to be Academy Awards, six Emmy The duo’s growing friend- Saeed connects with well. a part of! Thank you @tatler- Awards and a Knight Interna- ship is a treat for the eye. The drama is inspired by hongkong. Look forward to tional Journalism Award. The upcoming drama fea- Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem the adventures 2021 brings!” “To honour her achieve- tures Hadiqa’s first ever of the same title. Not she shared on Instagram. ments and contributes, composition as an OST. only that, it is written by Listing her on number 16, the Pakistan government She stated that the official award-winning duo Bee the outlet read: “Sharmeen bestowed her the Hilal-i- soundtrack has been written Gul and Kashif Nasir who Obaid-Chinoy wears a lot of Imtiaz, the second-highest by her mother Khawar Kiani are known for previous hats. She’s a journalist, an activ- civilian honour in the coun- and intoned by her, herself. projects like Darr Si Jati ist and also a filmmaker, most try in 2012. ” Workers cleaning glass panels of a highrise in Karachi yesterday. (AFP) Hadiqa will be repris- Hai Sila. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 QATAR

Spread over an area of about 3,000sq m, the project covers a single-storey main building with the main clinical building, nine clinics, South Al Wakra annex buildings, mosque, support services building, guards building, Health Centre monitoring chamber, electrical and mechanical maintenance annex, a refl ects Qatari garage for ambulances, and 125 parking slots. heritage and culture The South Al Wakra Health Centre building design reflects the heritage and culture of Qatar without compromising international standards of safety for fire protection, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said yesterday. Main works of The building has a three- star rating as per the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), and includes next-generation technologies in the field of medical equipment, said engineer Hind al-Mahmied, the head of the Health Projects South Al Wakra section at Ashghal’s Building Projects Department. The GSAS three-star rating for energy saving and environment preservation include using solar energy for the purpose of in-house water heating, using natural sunlight through Health Centre all panoramic roof windows and allowing sunlight in to save electricity and to disinfect the area. These are in addition to the rational consumption of water inside and outside the building, growing green areas and done: Ashghal landscapes around the facility, and preserving the environs he Public Works Authority during the implementation of (Ashghal) has completed the project. Tthe main works of the Ashghal has been granted two South Al Wakra Health Centre. Sustainability Awards (2016) in The works were carried out health and education facilities by the Building Projects Depart- by the Gulf Organisation for ment to serve about 360 visi- Research and Development tors a day, an Ashghal statement (Gord), which is the leading said, in accordance with the organisation related to the government plan for developing performance-based system of and implementing better health GSAS implementation and de- services in Qatar. velopment in the Mena region. Engineer Hind al-Mahmied, Over the past years, the Gord head of the Health Projects examined the designs of build- Section at Ashghal’s Build- ing projects of educational and ing Projects Department, said health buildings, and conducted the centre is being prepared for site visits to Ashghal’s projects handover to the Ministry of Pub- to verify that they match GSAS lic Health (MoPH) after the major standards. works are ﬁ nished. The design considered the requirements of people with special needs. Three more health centres are being constructed – at Al 3,000sq m, the project covers a paediatric clinics, medical labs, es close to the main entrances a huge proportion of materials Khor, Ain Khalid, and Al Sadd – single-storey main building with an x-ray and ECG room, an iso- and ramps in place of steps. used in projects are locally made. and they will be delivered to the the main clinical building, nine lation room, and a mosque build- The new project comes as a The percentage of local mate- MoPH along with the National clinics, annex buildings, mosque, ing. realisation of the Qatar National rials used in the South Al Wakra Health Laboratory this year. support services building, guards The project design has consid- Vision 2030, which is the basis of Health Centre is 45%. The project took about building, monitoring chamber, ered the requirements of people Ashghal strategy to provide inte- The materials include iron, 682,000 man-hours without electrical and mechanical main- with special needs, including grated infrastructure and public steel, MEP items, and glass. lost-time injury, since Ashghal tenance annex, a garage for am- signage messaging, illustrations utilities that serve all sectors, es- The health facility projects oc- provides all safety precautionary bulances, and 125 parking slots. and braille script, special needs- pecially the health sector. cupy a major chunk of Ashghal’s measures for the workers in the The services covered by the friendly toilets, wide walkways Ashghal implemented 24 building projects in co-operation light of the coronavirus (Cov- ground ﬂ oor of the main build- for easy movement, and re- health facilities from 2004-2018. and co-ordination with health- id-19) pandemic. ing has two pharmacies, six gen- ception desks with convenient As per Ashghal’s vision to sup- care sector entities represented Spread over an area of about eral clinics, one dental clinic, two height, besides car parking spac- port the growth of Qatar’s GDP, by the MoPH. Qatari summits Ama Dablam under the harshest conditions

ahad Badar, the Qatari high-altitude Winter expeditions are a real challenge climber, adventure seeker, banking for any mountaineer who desires to sur- Fexecutive leader and the ﬁ rst Arab pass his or her limits. man to summit the Everest and Lhotse in Amid challenges posed by the corona- a single trip, reached the summit of Ama virus pandemic, Ama Dablam is one of the Dablam on January 14, it was announced perfect destinations for achieving such a in Doha yesterday. feat, requiring technical knowledge and Ama Dablam – which translates to endurance through harsh conditions. “mother’s necklace” – is a life-changing Besides the thrilling climbing routes ascent. made of snow, ice, and rock, the expedi- Located in the Nepalese Himalayas, tion itself had a higher level of diffi culty Ama Dablam is a daunting peak rising due to the season. 6,856m in elevation. Ama Dablam is among the most techni- It is a popular mountaineering destina- cal and challenging climbs on Earth. tion for experienced mountaineers, not All these conditions tested Badar’s only for its incredible natural appeal but abilities and resilience, providing experi- also for the exhilarating challenges that ences that would be useful in his upcom- accompany the climb. ing trips. The uniqueness of Badar’s achievement “I was looking forward to reaching the is evident from the fact that due to its im- summit of Ama Dablam. I’ve been away mense altitude and geographic location, from the mountains for quite a long time, Ama Dablam can only be climbed at two and I have the need to return to the place points in the year: from April to May or where I feel the most alive,” he said. September to October. He also mentioned how important it The Qatari adventurer, who keeps chal- was to train himself mentally during these lenging himself after every mountain- months, with many expeditions cancelled eering expedition, was looking for more due to the coronavirus pandemic. challenges and started his expedition in Badar conducted his expedition with all Located in the Nepalese Himalayas, Ama Dablam is a daunting peak December. the required precautions and measures. rising 6,856m in elevation. Fahad Badar (left) conquers Ama Dablam.