FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 RAMADAN 18, 1442 VOL.14 NO. 5246 QR 2

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Amir condoles with AMIR MEETS SAUDI MINISTER King of Jordan A shot in the arm: Qatar QNA DOHA hits 1.5 millionth COVID HIS Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on vaccine dose milestone Thursday sent a cable of condolences to HM King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 29,942 COVID-19 on the death of His Royal Highness Personal Representative of His Majesty vaccine doses given the King, Prince Muhammad bin Talal. in a day: MoPH

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA UN declares March 10 QATAR surpassed the 1.5 million International Day of COVID-18 vaccine doses milestone, with nearly 30,000 vaccines shots munity and 345 from travellers re- Women Judges on being administered on Thursday. turning from abroad. Qatar’s initiative His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met HRH Minister of State and In its daily report, the Ministry of Also, 1,633 people recovered Member of the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Public Health (MoPH) said 29,942 from the virus in the past 24 hours, Al Saud, and the accompanying delegation, at Al Bahr Palace on Thursday. At the beginning of the meet- doses of COVID-19 vaccines were bringing the total number of recov- ing, HRH Prince Turki conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin administered in the past 24 hours, eries in Qatar to 187,951. Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman taking the total doses given so far in Sadly, five people aged 41, 49, 65, bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Chairman of the Council Ministers and Minister of Defence the country to 1,526,775. 75 and 82 succumbed to the virus, to HH the Amir, wishing him continued health and happiness, and the Qatari people further progress and “About 43 percent of the eligi- taking the death toll in the country prosperity. For his part, HH the Amir conveyed to HRH Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet of the ble population have now received 450. “Of them, four had a history Kingdom of Saudi Arabia his greetings to his brother, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin at least one dose of the vaccine,” the of chronic diseases. All were receiv- Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman MoPH said in a statement. ing the necessary medical care,” the bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wishing them good health and wellness and the Saudi people more progress and About 85.5 percent of the people MoPH said. prosperity. During the meeting, they reviewed the relations between the two brotherly countries and the over 60s (the most vulnerable popu- The MoPH said it is important THE In a resolution adopted by con- means of supporting and strengthening them. (QNA) lation group) have been vaccinated for everyone to play their role in sensus, United Nations General As- with at least one dose, while 74.4 controlling the virus by following sembly (UNGA) has declared that March percent have received both doses, it precautionary measures such as ad- 10 of every year will be observed as added. hering to physical distancing, wear- International Day of Women Judges. Qatar on Thursday reported 687 ing a face mask, and washing hands The UNGA’s decision came after an COVID-19 cases — 342 from com- regularly. initiative of Qatar. Before the resolution was adopted, 72 countries joined the sponsorship and adoption of the draft QA to ship medical aid resolution, including a number of Arab countries, namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Kuwait, Algeria, Morocco, Tuni- to India free of charge MoPH amends COVID 2nd sia, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania and South Sudan. The initiative of Qatar to present the 300 tonnes of dose vaccination process draft resolution to designate an Inter- national Day of Women Judges comes aid to be own TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK as a result of the second high-level to India DOHA meeting of the Global Judicial Integrity Network of the UN Of ce on Drugs and TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK THE Ministry of Public Health Crime during Feb. 25-27, 2020, hosted DOHA (MoPH) has announced changes to by Qatar. (QNA) PAGE 2 the COVID-19 second dose vaccina- QATAR Airways is supporting tion process. international efforts to tackle The MoPH said people who re- the second COVID-19 surge in India lauds QA announcement ceived their first dose in a health cen- India by shipping medical aid INDIA has welcomed the announcement by Qatar Airways shipping tre will be booked into the same health and equipment to the coun- essential medical supplies gifted to India from around the world centre for their second dose. try free of charge from global free of charge. “India welcomes and deeply appreciates the an- “Patients who received their first suppliers. The airline intends nouncement made by Qatar Airways for shipping essential medical dose at a health centre in the last 20 to transport 300 tonnes of aid supplies gifted to India from around the world free of charge,” the days and were referred to a drive- G People who received their first from across its global network Indian Embassy in Doha said in a statement. “This gesture is tes- through vaccination centre for their dose in a health centre will be to Doha. From Doha, it will be tament to very close and longstanding partnership between India second dose, will receive an SMS to re- booked into the same health flown in a three-flight cargo air- and Qatar. Prime Minister of India held a telephonic conversation schedule the appointment at a Primary centre for the second dose craft convoy directly to destina- with His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar on April 27 and Health Care Centre (PHCC) health cen- Qatar University wins tions in India where it is most conveyed our appreciation for the expression of solidarity and sup- tre,” it added. G Referral to a drive-through desperately needed. port for India’s ght against COVID-19,” it said. (TNN) The MoPH said people visiting the centre for the second dose THE recognition for Qatar Airways Group Chief centre without a fixed or scheduled ap- will only be for patients who work towards UN SDGs Executive, Akbar Al Baker said: cargo leaders, with an exten- ready transported well over 20 pointment will not be vaccinated. received their first dose at “The State of Qatar has a long sive international network, we million doses of the COVID-19 “Patients will be requested to show QNCC QATAR University was recognized by and special relationship with stand ready to provide humani- vaccine for UNICEF as part of their Ehteraz status as green, their vac- Times Higher Education (THE) Impact India, and we have watched tarian support by transporting the five-year MoU to support cination card and their Qatar ID, before Rankings 2021, being placed between with great sorrow as COVID-19 these much-needed supplies, UNICEF’s Humanitarian Air- vaccination,” it said. their first dose at Qatar National 101-200 among 1115 universities has once again caused a signifi- and help the country fight back freight Initiative.” The MoPH said referral to a drive- Convention Center (QNCC). worldwide. (QNA) PAGE 13 cant challenge to the country. against this appalling virus. through centre for the second dose “As one of the world air Qatar Airways Cargo has al- Continued on page 14  will only be for patients who received Continued on page 14 

Children below 12 years should not be Qatar records budget surplus of QR0.2 bn in Q1 SATYENDRA PATHAK ministry said. allowed to use e-scooters, says HMC DOHA The report added that Qatar’s econ- omy is expected to recover from the ef- CHILDREN below the age of 12 years should not be QATAR recorded a budget surplus of fects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 allowed to use e-scooters, the Hamad Injury Prevention QR0.2 billion in the first quarter of 2021, with an anticipated real GDP growth Program (HIPP) of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said in of 2.2 percent. Factors contributing to has advised. The recommendations came in the wake its report. the recovery are the National Vaccina- of a rise in e-scooter injuries. “New users should prac- According to the report, Qatar’s to- tion Programme, the gradual easing of tice on a smooth surface in an area speci cally desig- tal revenue for the first quarter of 2021 restrictions, and the recovery of oil de- nated for e-scooters before going out on the road. Only reached QR45.2 billion, thanks to recov- mand and price. 1 user can/should safely use an e-scooter,” the HIPP ery in oil prices. The total expenditure Citing the Planning and Statistics recommended. “Carefully inspect and test the e-scooter for the same period amounted to QR45 Authority (PSA), the report said that Qa- before using it for the rst time to better understand billion. As a result, the budget balance tions by 28.2 percent. This was mainly tar’s real GDP contracted by 3.7 percent the speci cations, features and capabilities of the recorded a surplus of QR 0.2 billion, it driven by the rapid recovery in oil prices in 2020. The contraction was primarily machine you will be using. All users of e-scooters must added. and the fact that the hydrocarbon revenue driven by the COVID-19 outbreak and its wear a helmet on every ride,” it added.(QNA) PAGE 2 “The total revenue for the first quarter estimate for 2021 was based on a con- adverse impact on both the hydrocarbon of 2021 outperformed the budget projec- servative oil price of $40 per barrel,” the and non-hydrocarbon sectors. PAGE 7 02 Friday, April 30, 2021

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ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS QATAR’S AMBASSADOR Qatar’s Acting Charge d’Affaires attends meeting of HE Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Repub- Moldova’s President with heads of diplomatic missions lic of Albania Olta Xhacka QNA met with Ambassador of the CHISINAU State of Qatar to the Republic of Albania HE Ali bin Hamad PRESIDENT of the Republic Al Marri. During the meeting, of Moldova HE Maia Sandu they reviewed bilateral coop- held a meeting via video con- eration relations between the ference with heads and rep- two countries. (QNA) resentatives of diplomatic missions and consular offices accredited to her country. The meeting was attended by Hamad bin Rashid Al Athba, The meeting discussed the Acting Charge d’Affaires at the constitutional court’s decision Embassy of the State of Qatar declaring that the parliament’s emergency in the Republic tional, as well as the upcoming in the Republic of Moldova. decision to declare a state of of Moldova was unconstitu- parliamentary elections.

UNGA declares March 10 Int’l Day of HMC shares best practices for Women Judges on Qatar’s initiative

QNA safe e-scooter use in Qatar NEW YORK TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in crashes with vehicles travel- THE United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) DOHA ling more than 50 kph; Speed declared in a resolution adopted by consensus limits for e-scooters, ranging that March 10 of every year will be observed as THE Hamad Injury Preven- from 10-20 kph, must be intro- International Day of Women Judges on the ini- tion Program (HIPP), Hamad duced and enforced in in order tiative of the State of Qatar. Trauma Center (HTC) of Hamad to reduce the number of crashes, Before the resolution was adopted, 72 Medical Corporation (HMC) has depending on the environment countries joined the sponsorship and adop- advised families and residents and road user mix. E-scooter tion of the draft resolution, including a num- to practice proven safe e-scooter speeding has been identified as ber of Arab countries, namely the Kingdom use specially during Ramadan in a cause of almost 40% of crash- of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar. es; speed limits will reduce the the State of Kuwait, Algeria, Morocco, Tuni- HE Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani Globally, e-scooters are a Dr. Rafael Consunji ticularly during Ramadan, when number of crashes that happen; sia, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania and new and trendy means of per- children and other users will ride E-scooter drivers must not use South Sudan. velopment, and that gender equality and the sonal transportation potentially heavily regulated. them mostly at night, so they are their mobile phones for calls The initiative of the State of Qatar to present empowerment of all women and girls will make improving micromobility for “HIPP hopes that we will be sharing best practices for the use or texting, as this behavior has the draft resolution to designate an Interna- a vital contribution to achieving progress in many road users. Recently, there able to implement and enforce and regulation of e-scooters. been associated with e-scooter tional Day of Women Judges comes as a result all sustainable development goals and targets, are even e-scooter rideshare op- proven regulations that will im- Children under the age of fatalities from crashes; and E- of the second high-level meeting of the Global stressing the gender perspective in implement- tions available here in Doha. prove the safe use of e-scooters 12 should not be permitted to scooters should only drive on the Judicial Integrity Network of the UN Office on ing the 2030 Agenda. User convenience, environmen- and prevent any further fatali- ride e-scooters. Before taking roads or designated lanes, be- Drugs and Crime during February 25-27, 2020, The decision emphasized the active partici- tal concerns and even transpor- ties or injuries in Qatar. Let us to the road, new users should having like a bicycle, not on the hosted by Qatar. The meeting launched a pio- pation of women on an equal footing with men tation costs have all been cited not only embrace new trends in practice on a smooth surface in sidewalks or crosswalks. neering initiative to designate an International in decision-making at all levels as a fundamen- as rationale for their increasing micromobility in Qatar, but also an area specifically designated The leading causes of e- Day of Women Judges that is celebrated global- tal matter for achieving equality, sustainable use. While it seems inevitable put best practices for e-scooter for e-scooters. An e-scooter scooter accidents were speed, ly under the UN umbrella and aims to enhance development, peace and democracy, and af- that the number of scooter us- safety in place before we have to can/should only be used by losing control of the scooter, the presence of women in the judicial field in firmed the commitment to formulating and im- ers and scooters will increase, respond to more deaths or seri- one person. Before using the e- and colliding with a pothole or a order to strengthen the rule of law. plementing appropriate and effective national what the general public does not ous injuries caused by unsafe scooter for the first time, care- stationary object such as a pole. In a statement made by HE the Perma- strategies and plans to advance the position of know is the great risks they face e-scooter use “ said Dr. Rafael fully inspect and test it to better Speed limits, restrictions on dis- nent Representative of the State of Qatar to the women in judicial justice systems and institu- when using them and what are Consunji, Director of HIPP. understand the specifications, tracted or impaired driving, and United Nations Ambassador Sheikha Alya bint tions at the leadership, administrative and the proven means of increasing The Hamad Trauma Center features, and capabilities of the designated e-scooter lanes can Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, the State of Qatar con- other levels. one’s safety when using one. has already treated victims with machine. Every rider on an e- help to address these issues. firmed, before the draft resolution was adopted, The resolution called on all Member States, E-scooters have been intro- severe e-scooter injuries, and scooter must wear a helmet. In the United States, there that International Day of Women Judges is an entities of the UN system, other international duced and widely used in many there have been reports of many The HIPP’s recommenda- was a 222 percent increase in annual occasion to reaffirm the importance of and regional organizations, civil society, and cities and towns around the minor to moderate injuries re- tion to prevent e-scooter injuries e-scooter injuries reported be- women’s participation in public institutions, other relevant stakeholders to celebrate the world; however, a pattern has quiring treatment at Qatar’s includes e-scooters should be tween 2014 and 2018, following including the judiciary, and the commitment of International Day of Women Judges every emerged in almost all of these various emergency rooms. The banned from roads with speed the introduction of ride-sharing the international community that participatory year in the most appropriate manner, includ- locations. Only after multiple e- Hamad Injury Prevention Pro- limits greater than 50 kph. Sig- e-scooter options. It is estimated and representative decision-making at all levels ing through educational and public awareness scooter crashes resulted in fatali- gram does not want e-scooters nificantly more vulnerable road that over 50,000 e-scooter in- requires a balance between the genders. activities, to promote the full participation of ties or severely disabling injuries to be the cause of more serious users, like e-scooter users, cy- juries occurred in the United The General Assembly resolution also re- women on an equal basis with men in all levels have e-scooters been banned or injuries or deaths in Qatar, par- clists and pedestrians, are killed States last year. ferred to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- of the judiciary system. MME supplies 100 snow Sudan praises QC for support of its health sector TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK that the support will contribute ried out numerous other pro- geese to SC for Al Bayt DOHA to saving the lives of thousands jects to combat blindness and of patients who had previously endemic diseases, as well as Stadium, Aspire Park pools THE Sudanese government suffered in order to obtain these the construction of new large- expressed gratitude to Qatar solutions. capacity hospitals, such as TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK by displaying these birds to Charity (QC) for providing 79 Iman said that Qatar has Khartoum’s Al-Attiyah Hospi- DOHA the public. tons of intravenous solutions always been proactive in chari- tal. It also works to improve the Meanwhile, the Al Shee- to the country’s health sector table work, thanking the gov- health system’s readiness to re- THE Ministry of Munici- haniya Municipality, repre- at a time when the Ministry of ernment, people, and Qatar spond to emergencies in Sudan. pality and Environment sented by the Health Control Health revealed an acute short- Charity. “We value their efforts, Qatar Charity’s support for (MME) has provided the Department of the Municipal age of medicines. and we thank them on behalf the Sudanese health sector re- Supreme Committee for De- Control Department, carried Dr. Iman Mukhtar, Direc- of the government of Sudan,” ceived widespread public sup- livery and Legacy (SC) with out an evening inspection tor of Bilateral and Multilateral Iman said, indicating that these tar Charity has implemented a gencies. As part of the Darfur port, particularly after it dis- 100 snow geese to be dis - campaign on food establish- Relations at the Ministry, stated efforts help provide health ser- number of significant projects initiative, it has established patched a plane loaded with aid tributed to both the Al Bayt ments in the Jamiliyeh area that Qatar Charity’s support vices, medicines, and solutions in support of Sudan’s health eight comprehensive service and medical equipment to pro- Stadium water pool and where workers were remind- with large quantities of intrave- to Sudanese citizens. sector in order to strengthen complexes for dispensaries and tect medical personnel fighting the Aspire Park, within the ed of the need to adhere to nous fluids was timely, noting It is worth noting that Qa- its ability to respond to emer- health centers. It has also car- the coronavirus. framework of cooperation health requirements in food between the ministry and chain and instructions for the SC to enhance the en - preventing coronavirus dur- vironmental aspect and en- ing the sale or circulation of rich the tourist attractions foodstuffs. Qatar’s Embassy in Sudan launches Ramadan Iftar project QNA programmes that the State of KHARTOUM Qatar has been implementing during the blessed month of ON the initiative and with sup- Ramadan to help the needy, port from the Qatar Fund for and it serves as a supplement Development, the Embassy of to the humanitarian aid pro- the State of Qatar in the Repub- vided as part of its humanitar- lic of Sudan launched a Rama- ian duty to which it is commit- dan Iftar project in Khartoum. ted. The project was launched in The project’s beneficiaries the presence of Talal Farhan Al thanked the State of Qatar for Anzi, Acting Charge d’Affaires its ongoing efforts to imple- of the Embassy of the State of ment humanitarian projects Qatar in Sudan. were distributed to poor fami- various areas of Khartoum The Ramadan Iftar pro- that target vulnerable segments Ramadan Iftar baskets lies and groups of society in State. gramme is one of the annual of society. Friday, April 30, 2021 03 Islam

Fasting of the Pregnant Woman Who Is in Good Health

Question: My wife is pregnant and I am worried that she might have difficulty fasting. She is in good health other than normal throw ups, headaches and weakness in the joints. What is right that we should do? Should she fast no matter what she is feeling or she is excused from fast- ing and she should make up for it some latter time?

Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sal- lallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. A pregnant woman should not break the fast unless she fears for her health or the health of her fetus if she fasts. So, if she fears she may break the fast but she is obliged to make up any day she breaks the fast out of fear for her health and the health of her fetus. However, she is obliged to expiate for breaking the fast and make it up if she breaks the fast out of fear for the health of her fetus only and not out of fear for her own health. The expiation is to feed a poor person on each day she breaks the fast RAMADAN: out of fear for the health of her fetus. To conclude, a pregnant woman may break the fast if she fears for her health or the health of her fetus. Nonetheless, if the dif culty of fasting does not reach the level of fear- ing harm on the mother or the fetus, then she is not permitted to break the The greatest opportunity fast as there is no pregnancy without a hardship and weakness. Allah Knows best.

Giving Charity on Behalf of the Deceased

Question: Can one give charity food to the poor and orphans on behalf of the deceased or is it forbidden? People in India, Pakistan and most of the Islamic world have done so for generations.

Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. The best action which a living person could do for his deceased relative is to give charity on his/her behalf, i.e. donating while intending the reward for the deceased. ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that a man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and said: “My mother died suddenly and I think that if she were able to speak, she would have given char- ity. May I give charity on her behalf? He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, replied, “Yes! Give charity on her behalf.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] It is also con rmed that Sa’d Ibn ‘Ubaadah, may Allah be pleased with him, asked the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, if he can give charity on behalf of his dead mother and he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, permitted him to do so. [Al-Bukhaari] Indeed, the scholars, may Allah have mercy upon them, agreed in a consen- sus that charity and supplicating Allah to forgive the dead reaches them. Ibn Al-Mubaarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: ‘There is no difference of opinion that the reward of giving in charity on behalf of the dead reaches them.” Allah Knows best. N the midst of the able habits to righteousness and hustle and bustle of Strength is an indispensable provision for a Muslim upright conduct. this worldly life and because it helps him to attain the truth and establish it, Fasting contains elements of the severe struggle helps him to gain authority on the earth, assists him to be strength, resoluteness and strong that people are going will that are indispensable tools “O Allah! I seek refuge with You from (being given to) through to acquire its treasures, victorious and subsequently leads him to the love of Allah for one who wants to attain high I and His pleasure. That was why the Messenger of Allah, failure, indolence, cowardice, (and from being sent man still realises that he is des- degrees and prosperity in this perately in need of a sanctuary peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The world and the Hereafter. Allah back to) old geriatric age and niggardliness, and I seek in which he can seek refuge and strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than Says what means: “O you who under whose shade he can un- the weak believer, but there is good in both.” have believed, decreed upon you refuge with You from the punishment of the grave and wind in order to be able to refresh is fasting as it was decreed upon from the af iction of both life and death” – [Muslim] himself and strengthen his deter- those before you so that you may mination to move forward in his one must seek for and exploit all in the night for prayers and re- become righteous.” [Qur’an 2: journey to success. means that can lead to the pleas- maining steadfast on these are 183] Strength is an indispensable ure of Allah and His favours. some of the apparent means of The days of this blessed month provision for a Muslim because it It is a manifestation of Allah’s strengthening one’s will. This rapidly move to an end. There- helps him to attain the truth and bountiful blessings on His slaves is in fact an immense opportu- fore, let those who have been neg- establish it, helps him to gain au- that He provides a lifetime of op- nity and could be a turning point ligent hasten to recover what has thority on the earth, assists him portunities for them by which which is an object of craving been missed of good deeds. Let to be victorious and subsequently they can attain this aim. Fasting for the people who have vision; them work in these days for their leads him to the love of Allah and the blessed month of Rama- those who humble themselves future, for the doomed is the one and His pleasure. That was why dan are at the forefront of these before their Lord and seek the who is deprived of the Mercy of “Allah The Almighty Says: I Have no reward other than Para- the Messenger of Allah, peace opportunities. way of approach to Him. It is a Allah in this month. and blessings of Allah be upon Ramadan is a wide and ex- transformation towards a bet- Fear Allah and beware of dise for My believing slave who (remains patient) and hopes him, said: “The strong believer is pansive avenue for developing ter way of life; a change from the wasting your life away in useless for My reward when I take his dearest person from among better and more beloved to Allah one’s strength in all areas; ab- ignominy of sins to the glory of matters. Make use of your time by than the weak believer, but there stention from food, drink and obedience; from weakness and doing positive things, for it is by the inhabitants of the worldly life.”– Al-Bukhari is good in both.” Therefore, all marital-relations during the day, laziness to strength and vigour; doing so that you can achieve the reasonable people will agree that being patient on that, waking up from bad customs and detest- pleasure of Allah.

SAVING THE BEST FOR THE LAST TEN DAYS

URING the time of the witness the Night of Al-Qadr. solace with people, waste time in He would get comfort, happi- ward from Allah, The Almighty. Prophet, peace and bless- Consider how they insisted talk, delay the prayer, indulge in ness and pleasure only from this That is why towards the end of ings of Allah be upon on continuing the fast without a a variety of foods and drinks until prayer, which people are now too those days, when the outcome him, some of the Compan- break until the Messenger of Al- they miss the long Rak‘ahs (units lazy to perform and rather like to was about to appear, the Com- ions would attempt to fast lah, peace and blessings of Allah Towards the end of of prayer), and then sleeps as if get rid of its burden by refraining panions and our righteous pre- Dwithout a break for food and drink be upon him, did that with them he has striven against himself and from standing (in prayer before decessors used to strive more, between fasts, in order to make for two days, till the new moon Ramadan, they would strive done what had not been done by Allah, The Almighty) in it. unlike the believers in these days; the most of the fleeting days of appeared. This indicates that he even more in worship day anyone else. Towards the end of Ramadan, once the acts of worship are about Ramadan. However, the Prophet, used to fast continuously without and night in expectation of Of course, those last ten (days they would strive even more in to come to an end, they are seized peace and blessings of Allah be a break during the last ten days, the outcome. They did so to of Ramadan) did not come so that worship day and night in expecta- by laziness, weariness and frus- upon him, forbade them from when one becomes close to the obtain the reward of Allah, the Messenger of Allah, peace tion of the outcome. They did so tration, and inclined to return to that and said: “Whoever likes to Mercy of Allah, The Almighty, and blessings of Allah be upon to obtain the reward of Allah, The their previous state. continue fasting without a break, and attains emancipation from The Almighty, and end their him, would say: “We would like Almighty, and end their deeds If greater striving rather than let him do so until a short while Hell. He would fast day and night, deeds with a good to sleep a little and rest a bit!” with a good conclusion. The out- boredom, weariness, hesitation before dawn only.” [Al-Bukhari] and refrain from food and drink, conclusion. The outcome is His comfort and happiness lay come is about to appear and the and indulgence marks the end of They reduced their food to only simply to dedicate all his time about to appear and the one in his standing (in prayer) to one whose deeds will be accepted the deeds, then, it is more likely one meal during that short time and effort to prayer, worship and whose deeds will be his Lord, The Almighty, as de- will be of the successful, Allah that after Ramadan, one becomes to make up for both the iftaar and standing (in prayer), so that Al- scribed by Allah Who Says (what willing, or of those of the high de - in a better state, closer to Allah, suhour, with the intention to ded- lah, The Almighty, would see him accepted will be of the means): {And those who spend grees. The Almighty, and more stead- icate all their time to Allah, The in that very state. He did so until successful, Allah willing, or of [part of] the night to their Lord On the other hand, the one fast on His way. However, if one Almighty, obtain solace with Him when he would come out to per- those of the high degrees. prostrating and standing [in whose deeds will not be accepted feels bored, weary, reduces the and seek His forgiveness. They form the ‘Eid Prayer, he would prayer].} [Qur’an 25:64] will return with failure, as Rama- amount of work and returns to would take account of their deeds break his fast with a few dates, as The Prophet, peace and dan has come and was over and his previous state of laziness, and words, rectify their relation- we have seen in his Sunnah (Pro- cessors, which is quite different blessings of Allah be upon he has not changed. It is the fail- negligence and relaxation, it is ship with their Lord, engage in phetic tradition). from what we see in these days. him, said: “And the comfort ure which he expects. He expects more likely that this state will those means that qualify one to This was the I‘tikaaf (seclu- Unfortunately, today, many peo- of my eye has been made in neither a high degree nor accept- aggravate and persist long af- win the reward of the Lord and sion) of those righteous prede- ple who perform I‘tikaaf, take prayer.” [Ahmad and An-Nasaa’i] ance (of deeds) nor the great re- ter Ramadan. 04 Friday, April 30, 2021 World China launches rocket with core module for its space station

DPA should push forward “the permanent outpost in space nance could operate for more BEIJING spirit of innovation and self- The rocket is carrying the after the International Space than 15 years. reliance.” China’s Premier Tianhe (Heavenly Station (ISS). If the ISS were “We will learn how to as- CHINA launched a rocket car- Li Keqiang also watched the to cease service as planned in semble, operate and maintain rying the core module for its launch from the Beijing Space Harmony) core module for 2024, China would become large spacecraft in orbit, and first permanent space station Centre. the Tiangong (Heaven’s the only nation to operate a we aim to build Tiangong into on Thursday. Ten minutes after take-off, Palace) space station, space station. a state-level space lab support- A Long March 5B rocket the module successfully sepa- which is due to be The Tianhe core module ing the long stay of astronauts lifted off from the Wenchang rated from the missile, which completed around 2022 is 16.6 metres long with a di- and large-scale scientific, tech- space port on the southern triggered loud applause in the ameter of 4.2 metres. It is to nological and application ex- Chinese island of Hainan. control centre. provide electricity and pro- periments,” the space station’s The rocket is carrying the Shortly afterwards, the so- tronauts are preparing to fly pulsion and has accommoda- chief designer Bai Linhou told Tianhe (Heavenly Harmony) lar sails also opened smoothly. aboard the Shenzhou 12 to tion for three astronauts - or Xinhua news agency. core module for the Tiangong A little later, Tianhe also Tianhe, and are scheduled to taikonauts as they are known China’s space station ef- (Heaven’s Palace) space sta- reached its predetermined stay for three months. in China - to stay on board for forts come almost three dec- tion, which is due to be com- orbit, Chinese state media re- The construction phase up to six months. ades after it first drew up simi- pleted around 2022. ported. requires a crowded flight Two other parts will be at- lar plans. Chinese President Xi Jin- Two further Chinese space schedule: A total of 11 flights tached to form a T shape. However, delays were ping called the space station flights are set to follow in the are planned: three flights At around 90 tons, the caused by problems with an “important flagship project coming weeks. with modules, four cargo mis- Tiangong space station will be the new rocket, and the pro- for building a strong country The Tianzhou 2 cargo craft sions and four manned space much smaller than the 420- gramme was condensed in in science, technology and is due to dock in May, carrying flights. ton ISS. order to be ready in 2022 as A Long March 5B rocket, carrying China’s Tianhe space station core space.” He congratulated the fuel and supplies. The Tiangong space sta- It is designed to run for 10 planned, putting officials un- module, lifts off from China’s Hainan province on Thursday. (AFP) team and said those in charge And in June, three as- tion would be the second years, but with proper mainte- der significant pressure.

News India sees record COVID cases, in brief Israel reopens Gaza shing zone after shelling eases GAZA/TEL AVIV: Following a calming of the situation in the Gaza Strip, Israel has reopened the shing zone off the Pales- casualties as crisis worsens tinian Territory. After security consultations, it was decided to re-establish the zone at 15 nautical miles (about 28 kilome- tres), the responsible authority COGAT announced on Thursday. More than 379,000 new COVID-19 cases and 3,645 deaths reported in the last 24 hours After continuous rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, the shing zone in the Mediterranean Sea had been DPA closed on Monday until further notice. Israel’s air force had NEW DELHI also attacked facilities of Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, in response to the new shelling of its border towns. A INDIA reported a new record condition for a further return to routine was an observance of in daily coronavirus infec- calm, the COGAT statement said on Thursday. (DPA) tions with more than 379,000 cases recorded in the past 24 hours, figures from India’s Hamas warns of cancellation of Health Ministry showed on Palestinian election, blames Israel Thursday. In addition, 3,645 people died as a result of the GAZA/RAMALLAH: Ahead of a possible cancellation of the Pal- disease, the ministry said. estinian election, the Islamist Hamas movement has warned From May, all adults in that it will hold Israel responsible. India are to be able to get Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, does not agree to vaccinated. a postponement or cancellation of the election scheduled for When people were able May 22, it said in a statement released on Wednesday even- to register online from ing. It also said it was unacceptable to hold the election with- Wednesday, the rush was so out a vote in East Jerusalem. Palestinian President Mahmoud great that the registration Abbas was scheduled to meet representatives of several website’s servers were over- Palestinian groups in Ramallah on Thursday evening. There loaded at times, Indian me- had been speculation that Abbas might announce a postpone- dia and many Twitter users ment of the rst election in more than 15 years following the reported. meeting. (DPA) Initially, vaccinations are to be available only after on- line registration. Iraqi court orders detentions over But vaccines in India are deadly Baghdad hospital re in short supply given a popu- lation of more than 1.3 bil- BAGHDAD: An Iraqi court on Thursday issued arrest warrants lion - even though India pro- for an unspeci ed number of employees at a hospital in the duces vaccines en masse and capital Baghdad in connection to a massive re that swept is known as the “pharmacy of through the facility last week leaving at least 82 people the world.” So far, less than dead. At least 110 others were injured in the blaze that 10 per cent of people have erupted on Sunday at the Ibn al-Khatib Hospital, which cares received at least one vaccine for Covid-19 patients, in south-eastern Baghdad. An investi- dose. People try to console a woman mourning for the demise of her relative who died of COVID-19 coronavirus as the body is being transferred into gation court on Thursday issued the arrest warrants against India’s ambassador to an ambulance at a mortuary in New Delhi on Thursday. (AFP) of cials in charge of maintenance, re ghting, an administra- Russia said that India would tor and other employees, the Higher Judiciary Council, Iraq’s also start using the Russian The total number of in- countries, the health minis- highest judicial authority, said. (DPA) vaccine Sputnik V from Sat- US tells its citizens to leave India fections has risen to more try said on Thursday. urday. than 18 million in the popu- Germany’s air force is DB Venkatesh Varma said WASHINGTON: The United States has told its citizens to leave India lous South Asian nation. In preparing to fly medical and Indonesia designates Papuan rebels Russia’s Gamaleya Institute, as soon as possible as the country battles a devastating corona- addition, a total of more than oxygen supplies to India, the as terrorist group which developed the Sputnik virus wave. The US embassy warned that “access to all types of 200,000 people have died Defence Ministry in Berlin shot, declared that the vac- medical care is becoming severely limited”. in connection with the coro- said on Thursday. JAKARTA: Indonesia on Thursday designated separatist cine is also effective against The Level 4 “do not travel” advisory is the highest of its kind navirus since the pandemic Two A400M cargo air- rebels in Papua province as a terrorist group, after an army strains of the coronavirus issued by the Department of State. began. craft will transport an oxygen general was killed in an ambush by the insurgents over the prevalent in India. In the advisory, US citizens were told “not to travel to India or According to the World production plant in the com- weekend. “We are treating organizations and people who India expects a delivery of to leave as soon as it is safe to do so”. “US citizens who wish to Health Organisation (WHO), ing week, and there are also commit massive violence in Papua as terrorists,” Indone- 200,000 doses in early May, depart India should take advantage of available commercial trans- 38 percent of the coronavi- plans for 16 paramedics to sia’s Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud said at a press followed by 3 million doses portation options now,” it said. rus cases reported worldwide set up the plant and provide conference. by the end of the month, a Some US citizens have reported being denied entry to hospitals last week were from India. instructions about its use. “By de nition, what the armed criminal group did, what- statement said. due to a lack of space, it added. (AGENCIES) India has now received Some 120 ventilators ever their organization is called, were terrorist acts,” he The fierce second wave promises of aid supplies are to be flown to India in a added. Mahfud said the government’s decision to label the has not been helped by huge such as oxygen manufactur- first flight on Saturday, as insurgent group terrorists followed recommendations from religious festivals and elec- cent weeks, as well as a virus infectious and resilient to im- ing equipment and oxygen announced earlier by the security agencies, politicians and local people in Papua. (DPA) tion campaign events in re- variant that is slightly more munity. cylinders from more than 40 Health Ministry in Berlin. Germany assures support Turkey enters lockdown as COVID-19 cases rise to Kabul after troops leave DPA million will only be allowed on will still have to continue work- ISTANBUL the streets for essential shop- ing, with no financial support DPA times at all costs,” he added. ping at restricted hours during offered those remaining at KABUL During his visit, which took THOUSANDS of residents Turkey’s harshest lockdown home. place under massive security in Turkey’s metropolises, since the start of the coronavi- The measures, also includ- GERMAN Foreign Minister measures, Maas met President including Istanbul and the rus pandemic. ing the closure of schools and Heiko Maas has assured Af- Ashraf Ghani. capital Ankara, hit the road shopping malls and restricted ghanistan during a visit to Ka- Maas has promised to con- on Thursday, hoping to reach intercity travel, come after a bul on Thursday of continued tinue to support the sluggish the countryside or tourism Turkey has recorded more recent surge in infections and support after the withdrawal of peace negotiations between hotspots before a harsh nation- than 4.7 million coronavirus deaths. NATO troops. the Afghan government and wide lockdown took effect. cases since last March, Turkey has recorded more “Germany remains a reli- the Taliban militants. Heavy traffic and accidents while the death toll is more than 4.7 million coronavirus able partner on the side of the “The peace process needs were reported along the main than 39,000 cases since last March, while people in Afghanistan,” Maas a new diplomatic push,” Maas Anatolian Highway, which the death toll is more than said after his arrival. said before the meeting. stretches from Istanbul into 39,000. Maas’ visit comes only two The foreign minister also the Anatolian heartland, state Mosques will remain open The lockdown also comes days before the start date of the assured further financial aid news agency Anadolu reported. for prayers. at a time of anticipated delays official withdrawal of NATO for civil society. Germany has Many others flocked to airports Workers in such sectors as in the country’s vaccine roll- troops from the country. promised to provide 430 mil- and bus terminals to leave construction, production and out over the next two months, He said the military opera- lion euros (520 million dollars) Istanbul. Travellers wait to board a coach as they prepare to leave the city from supply chains are not affected, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tions would end soon, but on this year, and the same sum Streets, shopping malls and the Esenler national bus station in Istanbul on Thursday. (AFP) however, and will have to go to said on Wednesday. all other levels Germany’s in- each year until 2024. supermarkets were crowded work. Tourists are also exempt As many as five cases of volvement would continue. But the government wants as people rushed to stockpile Turkey entered its first pm and will continue uninter- from the restrictions. the Indian coronavirus vari- “To guarantee a good and to make the funds conditional essentials, as well as alcohol, national coronavirus lockdown rupted until 5 am on May 17, Labour unions have ant were identified in Istan- secure outlook for the Afghans on the development of the sales of which were being as infection rates continue covers the Eid holidays after criticized the government for bul while the British variant is in our European interest. We peace process and other fac- halted, local media, including to climb in the country. The the fasting month of Ramadan. ignoring the fact that 70 per remains widespread, Koca want to avoid a relapse to old tors such as human rights. Hurriyet daily, reported. shutdown, which started at 7 People in the country of 84 cent of the working population added. World Friday, April 30, 2021 05

News America is now turning peril into in brief New York City to ‘fully reopen’ on July 1

NEW YORK: Over a year after the initial COVID-19 outbreak shut possibility, Biden tells Congress down schools, businesses, eateries and everything else that makes the Big Apple great, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday New York City would “fully reopen” on July 1. US president’s rst address to a joint session of Congress marks end of his rst 100 days in oce “Our plan is to fully reopen on July 1. We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, of ces, theaters - full DPA strength,” he said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” The comments WASHINGTON came after months of incremental adjustments to lockdown measures - most recently, the end of bar and restaurant curfews US President Joe Biden on over the course of May. US President Joe Biden recently said he Wednesday told lawmakers the wants Americans to be able to gather in small groups by July 4, country is “turning peril into marking “our independence from this virus.” possibility” in his first address Throughout the reopening process, the mayor and Governor to a joint session of Congress. Andrew Cuomo have engaged in an often bitter back-and-forth The wide-ranging speech over the details. (DPA) marks the end of Biden’s first 100 days in office. “Now - after just 100 days Britain’s MI6 is looking for new ‘Q’ to of my administration - I can run foreign intelligence report to the nation: America is on the move again. Turning LONDON: Britain’s secret service is looking for a new director peril into possibility. general to run its foreign intelligence agency. Crisis to opportunity. Set- The role at the Secret Intelligence Service is also known backs into strengths,” Biden as “Q,” or Quartermaster, and will be familiar to many from the said. British spy lm franchise James Bond. The president said his ad- Applicants will need to show they have experience in digi- ministration has acted to re- tal, technology or engineering. The role will involve overseeing store confidence in democracy teams who create technology to help defeat adversaries. and show that it can deliver The successful applicant is required also to be discreet results, with the progress made about applying for the job and is encourage to not tell anyone over its first 100 days “one of apart from a family member or partner. the greatest logistical achieve- The person who is chosen for the role will also not be pub- ments this country has ever licly announced. In the James Bond movies, the role has been seen.” played by British actors John Cleese and Desmond Llewelyn. “We’re vaccinating the na- Most recently, the role has been played by Ben Whishaw since tion. We’re creating hundreds 2012. (DPA) of thousands of new jobs. We’re delivering real results people, they can see it and feel it in their Britain is cutting 85% of funding, says UN own lives,” he told lawmakers. US President Joe Biden st-bumps Vice President Kamala Harris after addressing a joint session of Congress with Speaker of the House Nancy LONDON: The United Nations sexual and reproductive health “That’s democracy in action.” Pelosi in Washington on Thursday. (AFP) agency said the British government’s decision to cut foreign Biden also used the address dollars to offer two years of free aid means it will see 85 percent of its funding for family plan- to promote a massive social undergraduate studies at com- ning slashed. benefits package aimed at sup- Russia unsure on US summit amid barbs from Biden munity colleges, which gives United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director porting families and increasing students the opportunity of a Natalia Kanem said its 2021 budget of 154 million pounds funding for education. MOSCOW The US has engaged in “hostile” acts interest the Americans, and, naturally, we can more affordable college degree (211 million dollars) will now be reduced to around 23 mil- The plan would cost about against Russia, the Kremlin’s spokesperson interact,” he said in comments reported by the afterwards. lion pounds. In addition, 12 million pounds is being cut from 1.8 trillion dollars over 10 years charged on state TV on Thursday, which make it TASS news agency. “At the same time, just one day Another 85 billion dollars is UNFPA’s core operating funds. and is to be financed with tax hard to commit to an invitation to a summit be- after or even simultaneously with these remarks, an to be spent on the extension of “These cuts will be devastating for women and girls and increases and more consist- tween the two country’s leaders, he added. “We action comes on the notorious deterrence of Russia existing scholarships. their families across the world,” she said in a statement on ent collection of taxes due, the cannot understand the situation: we see verbal or simply a hostile step takes place. This compli- In addition, Biden wants Thursday. “With the now-withdrawn 130 million pounds, the White House announced on offers of cooperation in elds that pose mutual cates the analysis of the situation by the Russian to expand the child tax credit UNFPA Supplies Partnership would have helped prevent around Tuesday evening. interest. Some things interest us, some things side,” he said. (DPA) and help with childcare costs, 250,000 maternal and child deaths, 14.6 million unintended Biden’s proposal includes depending on income. Paid sick pregnancies and 4.3 million unsafe abortions.” She add- investments of about 1 trillion according to his administra- plans to spend 200 billion dol- olds. leave and up to three months of ed UNFPA recognised the challenging situation faced by donor dollars and 800 billion dollars tion. lars on funding two years of The US government also maternity leave are also to be- governments during the coronavirus crisis. (DPA) in tax reductions for families, For example, the president pre-school for 3 and 4-year- aims to invest about 109 billion come the norm in the US.

Life to gradually 24 migrants from Africa found dead in boat off Canary Islands return to normal DPA tims once the boat was towed in a long time. A boat carrying ugee agency UNHCR, which in France from BARCELONA to the port of Los Cristianos in 15 dead migrants was found off recorded more than 22,000. Tenerife. Earlier, it had been the islands last August. So far this year, 4,300 peo- May 19: Macron A small boat carrying 24 dead reported that 17 people had ple have sought to reach the migrants from sub-Saha- died. Three people — two men archipelago, according to UN DPA ran Africa has been found at Three people - two men data. PARIS sea, some 500 kilometres off and a woman - were rescued and a woman — were res- Reliable data regarding the the Canary Islands. by helicopter on Monday. All cued by helicopter on number of deaths that occur at FRENCH President Emma- The boat seemed to have of the other people in the boat Monday. All of the other sea is difficult to come by. nuel Macron plans to gradu- drifted off its course and was were already dead by then. people in the boat were The Canary Islands are ally let larges parts of public sighted by accident by an air The boat had been adrift already dead by then only about 100 kilometres west life return to normal under force plane during a training for 22 days, according to those of the coast of West Africa, but strict rules from May 19, with flight on Monday, Canarias7 who were rescued. many of those who try to make an eye on resuming operations television channel reported, All of those in the boat Despite the perils, the the journey have small, flimsy in shops, cultural facilities and citing the regional govern- were from countries in sub- number of people who risked boats powered only by out- restaurants’ outdoor areas. ment. Saharan Africa. A Spanish maritime rescue vessel arrives with a wooden boat in tow the journey to the Canary Is- board motors. Those who lose The night-time curfew Officials were only able to The case is the worst refugee at the port of Los Cristianos on the island of Tenerife after it was found lands rose significantly last their way or miss the islands currently applying from 7 pm ascertain the number of vic- disaster near the Canary Islands drifting off the coast of the Spanish Canary Islands on Wednesday. (AFP) year, according to the UN ref- have little chance of survival. would also be pushed back to 9 pm, Macron added. “Starting May 19, we must rediscover our French way of life,” he told regional newspa- pers in a partial interview pub- Navalny appears in court looking EU hits 30 million lished on Thursday. “Life in the nation can’t be reduced to the developments gaunt after ending hunger strike coronavirus cases of [infection] curves,” he said. DPA Health Organization (WHO) The entire interview will come DPA result, Navalny said: “There COPENHAGEN said on Thursday that more out on Friday. MOSCOW is a crown that slips over the people in Europe have now “From June 9, the curfew ears. There are tonnes of lies MORE than 30 million coro- been fully vaccinated against will be rolled back to 11 pm, JAILED Russian opposition on television. And there is, of navirus infections have been the coronavirus than have and cafes, restaurants and leader Alexei Navalny appeared course, huge personal wealth.” registered in the European been infected with it. gyms will reopen” Macron by video link at an appeals Navalny, who survived an as- Union as of Thursday, accord- It has been 462 days since added. The curfew will be hearing on Thursday with his sassination attempt last year, ing to the European Centre for the first infections were re- lifted completely on June 30, head shaved and looking gaunt has faced several legal cases Disease Prevention and Con- ported in the European region, according to the newspapers’ after ending his hunger strike. since he was taken into custody trol (ECDC). WHO Europe Regional Direc- report. The hearing was connected upon returning to Russia from There were almost 30.29 tor Hans Kluge said. The French president also to his attempt to overturn the Germany in January. million confirmed cases in the Since then, he said, the vi- confirmed that restrictions on conviction and fines he received In this case, Navalny was European Economic Area by rus has been detected in 5.5 movement within the country in February for allegedly de- charged with insulting a vet- the end of last week. per cent of the total European are to be lifted from Monday. faming a World War II veteran. eran who appeared in a mon- If cases in the non-EU population, while 7 per cent The seven-day incidence As expected, the court on tage praising a constitutional countries Norway, Iceland and have been fully vaccinated. rate of infections per 100,000 Thursday upheld the ruling, change that many say boosted Liechtenstein are subtracted For the first time in two people currently sits at about meaning Navalny must pay the Putin’s powers. from the total, the number months, Europe registered a 300 in France. fines totalling 850,000 rubles Navalny was charged after stands at 30.17 million. significant drop in new infec- The situation in intensive (11,400 dollars), which is about he tweeted a clip of the video, That is around 845,000 tions last week, Kluge said, care units (ICUs) remains twice the average annual salary calling the people who ap- more than a week ago. while warning that caseloads strained, even though case in Russia. Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appears on screens via a video link peared in it “traitors.” The vet- The ECDC only publishes still remained extremely high. numbers have been somewhat His lawyers announced from prison before a court hearing, in Moscow on Thursday. (AFP) eran in question said he was updates on the number of cas- The WHO counts a total of declining recently. they would take the case to so offended by Navalny’s com- es and deaths once a week. more than 50 countries in the However, Macron added the European Court of Human ciated and with a shaved head. according to a report by the ments that his health deterio- The EU reached the mark European region, including that a kind of emergency brake Rights. His wife Yulia was sitting in the independent Dozhd internet rated, prompting him to press of 20 million detected infec- places like Turkey, Russia and could be applied if the situa- Navalny joined the hearing courtroom for the hearing. channel. defamation charges. tions in the first half of Febru- Ukraine. tion starts to worsen again - by video from the prison camp In his remarks, Navalny If Putin continues to rule, Meanwhile on Thursday, ary. France, Italy, Spain and In these countries, there for example, if the seven-day where he has been held for al- displayed his usual irony, this he said, a stolen decade will be a senior member of Navalny’s Germany have recorded the have been a total of 51.3 mil- rate goes above 400 or ICUs most 100 days. time by referring to the “The added to an already “lost dec- staff said the politician’s region- most cases so far. lion infections so far, including are overwhelmed. Late last week the 44-year- Emperor’s New Clothes” fair- ade.” “I would like to say, my al teams will halt their work in Around 450 million people nearly 1.37 million in the past According to Le Parisien old called off a weeks-long hun- ytale. dear court, that your emperor is light of recent judicial action. live in the EU. There have been seven days. newspaper, exercising both ger strike he had been on, fol- He mocked President naked. And it is not just a little Navalny confidant and 678,000 coronavirus-related According to Kluge, about indoors and outdoors will be lowing advice from his doctors Vladimir Putin as an “emperor” boy shouting this around, that strategist Leonid Volkov wrote deaths in the bloc. Experts be- 215 million doses of vaccine allowed again from May 19, who feared for his life. with no clothes. the emperor is naked,” Navalny on Telegram it was no longer lieve the actual infection and have been administered in the with stadiums also permitted Live images from the court- “The naked emperor wants said of Putin. possible for the network of re- death rates are higher than of- region so far. An estimated 16 to reopen with a limited num- room’s television monitors to rule until the end; he has Twenty years of incompe- gional activist groups to safely ficial figures. per cent of the population has ber of spectators. showed Navalny looking ema- clung to power,” Navalny said, tent leadership had led to this operate. Meanwhile, the World received at least one dose. 06 Friday, April 30, 2021

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN Opinion ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COVID-19 Pandemic Underscores Need To Biden Strikes Right Tone Invest In Child Care NTIL a year ago, parents’ struggles to find quality, af- fordable child care were largely considered a personal Uproblem. Just another thing to juggle when working while raising kids. In Speech To Congress The pandemic upended that conventional wisdom, as work and family obligations collided. With child-care centers shuttered, providers scarce, and schools and work- US president reaches out to both TV viewers and Congress, outlines his accomplishments in the rst 100 days places operating remotely, the system’s shortcomings be- came everyone’s problem and, increasingly, a public-pol- of his administration and delineates an agenda that if realised will put him in league with Lyndon Johnson icy issue. The Child Care for Working Families Act, reintroduced DAVID ZURAWIK by US Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., last week, aims to change all that. The bill would make quality child care and preschool more available, and more affordable for lower- T is hard enough to simultaneously income working parents. It’s a systemwide solution whose address a TV audience of millions time has come. and an in-person group of several The act would create a federal-state partnership to en- hundred and keep both engaged sure that no working family earning less than 150 percent with your speech. It is even more of the state median income would pay more than 7 percent Idifficult when the in-person group is in of its income on child care, with lower-wage earners pay- a large room like a chamber of Congress ing less or nothing at all. built to accommodate as many as 1,400, The bill would expand access to preschool pro- but only 200 are on hand. grammes for 3- and 4-year-olds and take several steps to But President Joe Biden managed increase the supply of quality care. This is exactly the type to hit just the right personal tone to of comprehensive support needed to help parents escape do just that on Wednesday night in a the Catch-22 of not being able to afford the child care that speech to a joint session of Congress would enable them to financially support their families. as he outlined his accomplishments in Murray’s proposal would broaden and support state the first 100 days of his administration lawmakers’ decision this session to expand eligibility and delineated an agenda that if real- for the state Working Connections Child Care and Early ised will put him in league with Lyndon Childhood Education and Assistance programmes. Al- Johnson, if not Franklin Roosevelt. though official cost estimates are pending, outside experts There was some deft phrasemak- have estimated fully implementing Murray’s bill could cost ing in the speech. He noted that he as much as $600 billion over the next 10 years. A phased had promised 100 million vaccinations approach or scaled-back programme would be a more af- in his first 100 days, but had actually fordable first step. more than doubled that with 220 vac- But the cost of inaction is also steep: In 29 states, in- cinations. That’s an impressive statis- cluding Washington, the annual cost of full-time, centre- tic. But statistics are generally cold. based child care exceeds the average in-state tuition at So, Biden put some flesh and blood on US President Joe biden addresses a joint session of Congress as US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Speaker of the House public colleges and universities, according to a 2018 analy- them by explaining how the accelerated Nancy Pelosi applaud at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on April 28. (AFP) sis from nonprofit child-care advocates Child Care Aware. campaign resulted in more “parents The prohibitive cost and limited availability of child and grandparents hugging children in their trunks.” The images had rocked jobs are for you. I want to speak directly But Biden managed to thread the care is a drag on the state economy: Even before the pan- and grandchildren instead of pressing me as well when I first saw them on TV. to you: My American Jobs Plan is a blue needle by using eye movement and demic wreaked havoc with work and child-care arrange- hands against windows to say goodbye.” “I don’t know about you, but I nev- collar blueprint to build America. Wall pauses to hold the room while speak- ments, the lack of quality, affordable care cost the state For me the phrase called to mind er thought I’d see that in America,” he Street didn’t build America. The middle ing in a voice only slightly larger than about $2.08 billion per year in employee turnover and images burned into many of our memo- added, seeming to address viewers like class did. And unions built the middle his more intimate one. Indeed, he am- missed work, according to a 2019 report from the Wash- ries of Americans looking at loved ones me as well as those members of Con- class.” plified his voice when he hit an impor- ington State Child Care Collaborative Task Force. Nearly on screens or through panes of glass, gress in the room. In terms of media performance, tant point or was reacting to applause. one in five Washington parents surveyed as part of that being unable to hold their hands as they Biden used direct address to make what struck me was how quietly Biden But, in the main Wednesday night, he report said they’d turned down a job offer or promotion died of COVID. sure the TV audience was never left out. spoke through much of the speech. He seemed to be personally addressing the because they couldn’t find care. Another vivid image that he used As the president talked about how his is at his best when he speaks one-on- TV audience rather than just the room. The last 12 months have made an already-dire situa- to talk about the economic impact of infrastructure and climate plans would one to a camera in a low, earnest, inti- It was a triumph of tone. tion worse for parents. But they’ve also clarified the prob- COVID and the relief his administration create jobs for Americans (and he talked mate voice, sometimes husky with emo- lem. There’s no denying now that child care is essential to provided was that of “cars lined up for a lot about jobs), he said: “I know some tion. But you can’t do that when you are (David Zurawik is The Balti- a healthy economy. It’s time to treat it as such. miles waiting for a box of food to be put of you at home are wondering if these in a room with 200 people. more Sun’s media critic) ASEAN’s Next Steps For Ending The Myanmar Crisis ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar has the potential to push the warring parties onto the path of peaceful dialogue MUHAMMAD WAFFAA the commitments created by the five-point resentatives from all parties involved, to parties to the negotiating table, and per- KHARISMA consensus. Indeed, some have described convince them of the plan for an ASEAN- haps even a degree of cultural intuition the meeting as a breakthrough. led facilitation, and to secure their com- about how to handle different actors, will ASEAN appears cognizant of the fact mitment to stop the violence. also be important in the choice of who N general, the Association of Southeast that in the worst-case scenario, the chaos The process of securing these visits to should serve in the important post. After Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognizes that and instability born out of a possible civil the representatives of “all parties” in My- all, the envoy needs to achieve a certain engaging with the Myanmar military as war in Myanmar could have serious effects anmar will also be hard, since ideally the form of acceptability to “stay” among the an actor and institution is necessary for on the region. And civil war is perhaps the envoy will have to meet not only with the conflicting parties and play multiple con- the resolution of the country’s present likeliest scenario if the end goal is the im- Tatmadaw and the National Unity Govern- necting roles in a limited timeframe before crisisI and the future stability of Myanmar. mediate removal of the Myanmar armed ment (NUG), but also a number of EAOs. the process matures. This understanding was what con- forces, or Tatmadaw, from their privi- This will be necessary if the ASEAN-led ef- These personal-level criteria will be vinced ASEAN to convene a special sum- leged position in Myanmar’s politics. The fort is to minimize grievances and contrib- important since, to induce concessions, mit on Myanmar on April 24, and extend situation becomes all the more challeng- ute to a real and lasting peace in Myanmar. the envoy will still have to at least do two an invitation to junta leader Sen. Gen. ing when we consider that the Tatmadaw In reaching out to these newer stake- things: persuade all parties in Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing. The Southeast Asian is also enmeshed in Myanmar’s economy holders and building a personal rapport that a negotiated outcome is preferable to bloc has made the difficult-to-swallow but and society in complex ways. with them, the success of the initial visits a continuation on the current track, and workable decision to interact with the very To avoid this, ASEAN leaders have when it comes to a possible future moni- will likely depend on the envoy’s agility, to persuade them that the envoy’s attempt party whose seizure of power on February opted to find a solution based on bringing toring mission, what violence is related to stamina, and persistence, as well as their to communicate with their opposition will 1 triggered the ongoing political crisis. about a quick end to the violence, while the coup and the long-running confronta- ability to read multiple different situations not work to harm the recognition of their As a result of these efforts, the meet- trying to somehow open the potential for tions between forces in outlying parts of and react with tailored words. Building own political demands. ing reached what has been described as negotiations aimed at giving the people of the country? If no differentiation is made, impressions and personal rapport with To guarantee entry from the Tatmad- a “firm” consensus, indicating Min Aung Myanmar a chance to decide their own fu- the challenge becomes even greater. counterparts in Myanmar will be impor- aw, gain the trust of the NUG, and secure Hlaing’s acceptance of five points agreed ture. Next, ASEAN will also have to work tant for the success of the envoy’s mission a hearing from the EAOs, will require both during the summit: the “immediate ces- Of course, the question is now, what within the realities on the ground, taking which can be summed up by three objec- a certain degree of leverage, courtesy not sation of violence in Myanmar and for follows ASEAN’s five-point consensus? note of the hardship of the people, the de- tives: first, to open barriers to communica- only from the special status of the envoy, all parties to exercises utmost restraint; ASEAN’s top priority in the implemen- gree of their persistence, and the fact that tion between mistrusting parties; second, but also of his or her personal background. future commencement of constructive tation of the consensus will revolve around few people are likely to accept an immedi- to secure access for the delivery of human- The biggest challenge now for ASEAN is dialogue between all parties in the inter- working to ensure an end to violence. Ide- ate return to normalcy. Some among the itarian aid to affected areas; and third, to to find such distinguished person with the ests of the people; the appointment of a ally, the first step is for a rapid or gradual protesters have experienced significant sell the idea of a Myanmar-led, Myanmar- stature and ability to capture the respect special envoy to facilitate mediation of the show of restraint from all parties, particu- traumas that have hardened their position owned ASEAN-facilitated dialogue. and trust of the various contending par- dialogue process with the assistance of the larly the junta, without the elimination of against the military, complicating efforts Outside Myanmar, the envoy will also ties in Myanmar, enough to press forward ASEAN Secretary-General; the provision the space for the right to peacefully pro- to reinstate the old status quo. have to deal with the task of working with a difficult process of negotiation. Whoever of humanitarian assistance through the test, followed by some return to normalcy One can simply listen to field accounts Southeast Asian diplomats daily to main- he or she is, the person will have to be able AHA Center; and planned visit for the spe- (e.g., resuming the flow of basic necessities of doctors, nurses, and other medical tain the support of ASEAN member states, to embody ASEAN’s (limited) leverage in cial envoy and delegation to meet with all to the public). workers, who have left their posts for the and to interact with ASEAN dialogue part- Myanmar. parties concerned.” First of all, ASEAN will sooner or later sake of the protest, claiming “no return to ners, especially China, Japan, India, and For the time being, the first task is Both the organization of the summit have to clarify what it means by a “cessa- work” without an end to junta rule, to un- Russia, and international institutions like big enough: to secure from the Myanmar and its result have been controversial. tion of violence.” Defining this short-term derstand the degree of resolve within the the United Nations and the International parties a swift commitment for an end to Those highlighting the human rights situ- goal will also likely relate to the scope of rank of the protesters. Finding a balanced Committee of the Red Cross. violence and a willingness to embark on a ation in Myanmar remain adamant that of stakeholders to be engaged. Does the ces- and workable way of addressing the views The credibility of the envoy will play a process of peaceful dialogue. the summit risks legitimizing the perpe- sation of violence refer to the security of protesters will be another big task. significant role in determining the pros- trator of the coup. Those inclined to follow forces’ violence towards civilian protesters To advance these aims, ASEAN’s ap- pect of success. A record of first-hand ex- (Muhammad Waffaa Kharisma ASEAN processes have commended the only, or will it also include the violence in- pointment of a special envoy is crucial, as perience in the country and/or in similar is a research assistant at the Cen- progress made by the bloc and its willing- volving struggles between the military and is the question of who will fill that role. To cases are the most likely foundation of tre for Strategic and International ness to communicate its views directly to ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in ru- break the impasse, ASEAN’s special envoy the envoy’s credibility. Next, the ability to Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta. The arti- Min Aung Hlaing in Jakarta, in addition to ral areas? How will ASEAN differentiate, will have the responsibility to meet rep- muscle in some small “warnings” to push cle appeared in The Diplomat)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. GIS posts QR705 mn in Q1 revenue PAGE 9

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021

34,066.71 10,911.40 49765.94 1,772.70 +246.33 PTS -29.18 PTS +32.10 PTS GOLD -0.07 % US recovery from pandemic DOW QE SENSEX recession showing momentum PAGE 8 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 26.17 BRENT 68.64 +2.04 % WTI 65.10 +1.94 % SILVER +0.20 % Qatar records budget surplus of QR0.2 bn in Q1 2021, says MOF Qatar’s total revenue of QR45.2 billion for the rst quarter of 2021 outperforms budget projection by 28.2% as oil prices recover

SATYENDRA PATHAK subdued due to the preventive DOHA measures undertaken to combat 2021 FIRST QUARTER PUBLIC BUDGET STATEMENT the pandemic. On the other hand, QATAR recorded a budget surplus the hydrocarbon sector contracted of QR0.2 billion in the first quarter 2.1 percent last year on the back of 2021, the Ministry of Finance of weaker demand and declining (MOF) has said in its budget report prices due to global lockdowns and for the first quarter of this year. restrictions. According to the report that pro- According to the report, the level vides detailed fiscal data covering of public debt for the first quarter of performance during the first quar- 2021 remained unchanged, main- ter of 2021, Qatar’s total revenue for taining the same level and split as the first quarter of 2021 amounted of 2020 year-end at QR381.9 bil- to QR45.2 billion driven by a recov- lion. There were neither new public ery in oil prices. debt issuances, nor were there any On the other hand, the total scheduled maturities during the expenditure for the same period first quarter of 2021. amounted to QR 45 billion. As a re- However, compared to the same sult, the budget balance recorded a period of last year, total public debt minor surplus of QR 0.2 billion. declined 1.9 percent. Despite the “The total revenue for the first $10 billion eurobond issuance in quarter of 2021 outperformed the the second quarter of 2020, the budget projection by 28.2 percent. Ministry of Finance was able to re- This was mainly driven by the rapid duce total public debt year-on-year recovery in oil prices and the fact through a combination of scheduled that the hydrocarbon revenue esti- payments and early redemptions mate for 2021 was based on a con- during the third quarter and the servative oil price of $40 per barrel,” fourth quarter of 2020. An early re- the ministry said in the report. demption of internal bonds totalling Public expenditure during the QR13.1 billion was carried out in the first quarter was largely on target fourth quarter of 2020. representing 23.1 percent of 2021 Total internal public debt by Budget, the report said adding that the end of March 2021 stood at QR the combination of controlled ex- 152.9 billion representing 40 per- penditure and enhanced revenue cent of the total public debt. The collection shifted the budget bal- internal debt consists of local bonds ance from an anticipated deficit to and loans. a surplus. Total external public debt by the Total revenue of QR 45.2 billion, end of March 2021 stood at QR229 which accounts for 28.2 percent of billion representing 60 percent of the 2021 Budget, represents an in- the total public debt. The external crease of 14.7 percent compared to debt consists of external bonds and the previous quarter. The growth loans. in total revenue was primarily sup- At current oil prices, the report ported by the steady increase in oil said, the Ministry of Finance is not prices since November 2020. anticipated to require any financing “Non-oil revenue for the first for the State Budget during 2021. quarter of 2021 totalled QR5.5 bil- Moreover, total maturities for the lion. The relatively low collection as year stand at $7.4 billion of which percentage of the total estimate for $4.2 billion are external. The Min- 2021 is not considered an underper- istry of Finance intends to redeem formance. Non-oil revenue for the external maturities in full in order first quarter, third quarter and the to reduce the level of external debt, fourth quarter are expected to aver- it said. age about QR6 billion per quarter. decreased 6.1 percent. The decline projects and milestones are expect- economy is expected to recover 3.7 percent in 2020. The contrac- According to the report, three The substantial share of non-oil rev- in operational expenditure, which is ed to be delivered. from the effects of the COVID-19 tion was primarily driven by the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Stadi- enue is anticipated to be collected in the result of measures taken by Qa- In addition, the report said, pandemic in 2021 with an antici- COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and ums- Lusail Stadium, Al Thumama the second quarter when corporate tar during 2020 to streamline sec- newly awarded projects during the pated real GDP growth of 2.2 per- its adverse impact on both the hy- Stadium Ras and Abu Aboud Stadi- taxes are due,” the report said. ondary expenses, is the main factor first quarter of 2021 totalled about cent. Factors contributing to the drocarbon and non-hydrocarbon um-will be completed this year. Expenditure for the first quar- contributing to the outcome. QR 4.6 billion. recovery are the National Vaccina- sectors. Similar budget reports includ- ter of 2021, in terms of both aggre- Expenditure on major projects According to the report, major tion Program, the gradual easing of Nevertheless, the recorded con- ing revenues, expenditures, debt gate and chapter split, remained during the first quarter of 2021 ac- projects to be completed in 2021 in- restrictions, and the recovery of oil traction was smaller than the initial- dynamics and other key fiscal and largely similar to the fourth quar- counted for 20.8 percent of the total clude Food Security Project, Lusail demand and price. ly projected 4.5 percent by the IMF economic developments will be ter of 2020. 2021 Budget. Nevertheless, larger Light Rail Transit, Doha Old Port Citing the Planning and Statis- during the onset of the pandemic. published periodically within 30 However, compared to the same payments are anticipated for the re- and Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor. tics Authority (PSA), the report said On one hand, the non-hydro- days of the end of each quarter, the period of last year, total expenditure mainder of the year as a number of The report said that Qatar’s that Qatar’s real GDP contracted by carbon sector growth last year was ministry said.

Hamad Port receives largest container vessel QSE gains 66 points in one week Hamad Port on Thursday welcomed container ves- SATYENDRA PATHAK in the previous week. Qamco sel APL TEMASEK, the DOHA was also the top volume trad- largest container vessel ed stock during the week with in terms of length and RESUMING weekly upward total traded volume of 300.8 capacity to ever call the trend, the Qatar Stock Ex- million shares. port. The APL TEMASEK change (QSE) general index Qatar Cinema (QCFS) was which has a length of gained 66.48 points, or 0.61 the best performing stock for 397.88m and a capacity percent, during the week to the week, with a gain of 13.9 of 17,292TEUs is part close at 10,911.40 points. percent. On the other hand, of the Ocean Alliance Market capitalisation in- Widam Food was the worst- CIMEX5 /MEA3 service. creased by 0.5 percent to performing stock with a de- QR630.88 billion as compared cline of 14.7 percent. to QR627.32 billion at the end Industries Qatar (IQ), Me- of the previous week. saieed Petrochemical Hold- Foreign institutions re- Qatari institutions, how- Qatar Aluminium Manufac- ing (MPHC) and Qamco were Qatar records money supply of QR614 bn in March mained bullish to end the week ever, remained negative with turing Company (Qamco) was the primary contributors to with net buying of QR168 mil- net selling of QR168 million the top value traded stock dur- the weekly index gain. IQ was TOTAL broad money supply mercial bank deposits reached tively in March compared to lion against net buying of against net selling of QR441 ing the week with a total trad- the biggest contributor to the (M2) in Qatar recorded about QR945.2 billion during March February 2021 and 126.1 per- QR338 million in the previous million in the week before. ed value of QR462 million. index’s weekly increase, add- QR612.4 billion during March 2021. The figure has recorded cent and 74.8 percent when week. Foreign retail investors Qatari retail investors also The week saw trading vol- ing 66.6 points to the index. 2021, an annual decrease of an annual increase of 5.8 per- compared to March 2020. also ended the week with net turned bearish with net sell- ume decline by 20.9 percent MPHC contributed 12.7 points 2.2 percent compared with cent compared to March 2020, In addition, the value of buying of QR13 million against ing of QR13 million against to 1.278 billion shares against to the index. Qamco added an- March 2020, according to the when deposits recorded ap- shares traded increased to net buying of QR51 million in net buying of QR52 million 1.616 billion shares in the pre- other 9.8 points. Planning and Statistics Au- proximately QR893.4 billion. QR10.9 billion during March the previous week. the week before. Trading value vious trading week. Of the 48 listed compa- thority (PSA) bulletin released According to the PSA bul- 2021, recording a monthly So far year-to-date (as of during the week decreased by The total number of trans- nies, 20 companies closed the on Thursday. letin, the number and value of increase of 39.5 percent and Wednesday closing), foreign- 13.6 percent to reach QR2.690 actions during the week also week in the positive territory, On the other hand, cash sold properties increased 27.5 an annual increase of 32.8 ers were net buyers of $556.7 billion against QR3.112 billion decreased by 18.1 percent to while 27 fell and one remained equivalents including com- percent and 45percent respec- percent. (TNN) million worth of Qatari shares. in the previous trading week. reach 49,216 against 60,067 unchanged. 08 Friday, April 30, 2021 Economy & Business McD comes roaring back as US recovery from pandemic restrictions ease recession showing momentum AGENCIES including a more simple menu. THE bounce back for Mc- Demand for delivery has Economy grew last quarter at a vigorous 6.4% annual rate, current quarter expected to be even better Donald’s as restrictions spiked for McDonald’s as were lifted across the U.S. well and is now available at AGENCIES ultra-low interest-rate policy, was so strong in the first 75% of its stores worldwide. designed to encourage bor- quarter that the company Delivery orders tend to be POWERED by consumers and rowing and spending, has pro- surpassed sales during the larger than in-store orders. fueled by government aid, vided significant support, too. same period even in 2019, The trick for McDonald’s the US economy is achieving In fact, the economy is expect- long before the pandemic will be to keep that sales a remarkably fast recovery ed to expand so fast that some broadsided the country. momentum going even as from the recession that ripped economists have raised con- McDonald’s revenue more U.S. dining rooms reo- through the nation last year cerns that it could ignite infla- jumped 9% to $5.1 billion pen and customers return to on the heels of the coronavi- tion. In part, this is because for the January-March pe- pre-pandemic habits. rus and cost tens of millions stronger demand has caused riod, better than most had CEO Chris Kempczinksi of Americans their jobs and supply bottlenecks and short- expected. said the company’s experi- businesses. ages of some components, no- Last year at this time ence in Australia and Japan The economy grew last tably semiconductors, which stores were closing globally indicates that even as dining quarter at a vigorous 6.4% an- are critical to the auto, tech- as the world sheltered from rooms reopen, demand for nual rate, the government said nology and medical device in- spiking COVID-19 infec- drive-thru and delivery will Thursday, and expectations dustries, among others. tions, so an improvement remain elevated. are that the current quarter At a news conference in sales during the same A new loyalty program will be even better. The num- Wednesday, though, Chair stretch this year was ex- ber of people seeking unem- Jerome Powell reiterated his pected. How easily it topped ployment aid — a rough re- confidence that any surge in 2019′s first-quarter sales flection of layoffs — last week inflation would prove tem- of $4.95 billion, however, reached its lowest point since porary. And he said the Fed was not. The positivity we saw in the pandemic struck. And the wants to see a substantial and U.S. same-store sales, the rst quarter was way National Association of Real- sustained recovery before it or sales at locations open beyond just the stimulus tors said Thursday that more would consider withdrawing at least a year, rose 13.6% checks. Americans signed contracts to its economic support. In the in the January-March pe- buy homes in March, reflect- meantime, Powell made clear, riod. Fewer diners visited, McDonald’s US President ing a strong housing market as the central bank isn’t even and many dining rooms re- Joe Erlinger summer approaches. close to beginning a pullback main closed. But those who Economists say that wide- in its ultra-low rate policies. did visit ordered more, with spread vaccinations and de- As more business restric- many picking up food for currently being tested in clining viral cases, the reopen- tions are lifted and more peo- the entire family rather than the U.S. and Germany and ing of more businesses, a huge ple venture out to shop and for one person. celebrity meal deals could infusion of federal spending A member of the wait staff delivers food to outdoor diners along the sidewalk at a restaurant in Chapel eat out, companies that serve A new round of fed- also boost sales as the year and healthy job gains should Hill, North Carolina. them are benefiting. McDon- eral stimulus checks likely progresses, he said. Mc- help sustain steady growth. ald’s, for example, posted a boosted first quarter sales, Donald’s plans to launch a For 2021 as a whole, they ex- The speed of the rebound- market. by a surge in people traveling, sharp jump in revenue last said McDonald’s U.S. Presi- meal collaboration with the pect the economy to expand ing economy has been par- By contrast, job cuts have shopping, dining out and oth- quarter – even surpassing the dent Joe Erlinger. New South Korean pop group close to 7%, which would ticularly striking given the fallen heavily on low-wage erwise resuming their spend- same period in 2019, long be- products, including a long- BTS in 50 countries on May mark the fastest calendar-year scope of damage the pandemic workers, racial minorities ing habits. fore the pandemic flattened awaited crispy chicken 26. growth since 1984. inflicted on it beginning in and people without college A major reason for the the economy. Likewise, most sandwich and spicy nuggets, McDonald’s expects its The gains have become March of last year. With busi- educations. In addition, many brightening expectations is major tech companies have re- also outperformed, he said. U.S. same-store sales to increasingly evident in recent nesses all but shut down, the women, especially working the record-level federal spend- ported impressive earnings. At “The positivity we saw continue to outpace 2019 weeks. In March, U.S. employ- economy contracted at a re- mothers, have had to leave the ing that is poised to flow into Apple, demand for the iPhone in the first quarter was way levels in the second quarter. ers added 916,000 jobs — the cord annual pace of 31% in the workforce to care for children. the economy. A $1.9 trillion and other company products beyond just the stimulus Worldwide, same-store biggest burst of hiring since April-June quarter of last year In its report Thursday, package that President Joe drove profits to more than checks,” Erlinger said dur- sales rose 7.5%, well above August. At the same time, before rebounding sharply in the government said the na- Biden got through Congress in double in the January-March ing a conference call Thurs- the 5% gain analysts fore- retail spending has surged, the subsequent months. tion’s gross domestic product March provided, among other period. day with investors. cast. Strong sales in China manufacturing output is up Still, for all the economy’s — its total output of goods rescue aid, $1,400 stimulus In New York City, Mayor Drive-thru windows and Japan helped offset and consumer confidence has gains, it still has a long way to and services — accelerated in payments to most adults. On Bill de Blasio said he expects available in nearly all U.S. softness in France and Ger- reached its highest point since go. More than 8 million jobs the January-March quarter top of that, Biden is proposing to expects the city to “fully reo- stores remain a competitive many, the company said. the pandemic began. remain lost to the pandemic. from a 4.3% annual gain in two additional huge spending pen” by July 1. “We are ready advantage. McDonald’s said About half of Europe’s “We are seeing all the en- And the recovery remains the last quarter of 2020. It was plans: a $2.3 trillion infra- for stores to open, for busi- around 90% of its U.S. sales dining rooms remain gines of the economy rev up,” sharply uneven: Most college- the first of three estimates of structure package and a $1.8 nesses to open, offices, theat- came through drive-thru closed, and drive-thru is said Gregory Daco, chief econ- educated and white collar growth last quarter; the gov- trillion investment in chil- ers, full strength,” he said. windows in the first quarter, less prevalent in that mar- omist at Oxford Economics. employees have been able to ernment will revise the figure dren, families and education The vigor of the rebound- up from around 70% before ket. Sales are also suffering “We have an improving health work from home over the past twice in coming weeks. that the president promoted ing U.S. economy has been the pandemic. The company in tourist-dependent mar- environment, fiscal stimulus year. Many have even built up Some economists say Wednesday night in his first particularly striking given the has made multiple changes kets like Italy and Spain, remain abundant and we are their savings and expanded growth in the current April- address to a joint session of scope of damage the pandemic to speed drive-thru times, Kempczinski said. starting to see rebounding em- their wealth from rising home June period could reach a 10% Congress. inflicted on it beginning in ployment.” values and a rocketing stock annual pace or more, driven The Federal Reserve’s March of last year. UCC Holding celebrates World Day of Safety at Work TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

UCC Holding (UCC), the diversified business conglomerate, has launched a series of new Occupational Safety and Health Systems (OSH) awareness initiatives to commemo- rate World Day of Safety at Work, building on the company’s proven track record of health and safely excellence. World Day of Safety at Work is an inter- national event led by the International La- bour Organisation (ILO) that celebrates suc- cesses and contributions towards improving Safety throughout every part of a company or organisation. Reflecting on the global pandemic, this year’s theme is centred on anticipating, preparing, and responding to crises, with the motto “Invest Now in Re- silient Occupational Safety and Health Sys- tems”. UCC’s management team leveraged this global event to raise awareness and stimu- late dialogue around the importance of creating and investing in resilient OSH sys- tems, drawing on both regional and country examples in mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Hundreds of UCC colleagues marked the occasion by creating banners, memos, and social media posts to highlight exceptional achievements and initiatives that are helping to make the workplace safer for all. As well as sharing information and stories around HSE best practice, UCC colleagues were is- sued with branded protective helmets, high- vis vests, and other props to make it a day to remember. Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding, said: “Health and safety is our up- most priority every day. This year’s World Day of Safety at Work is particularly sig- nificant as UCC, like every global business, reflects on the valuable lessons learned fol- lowing the COVID-19 pandemic. “The current crisis demonstrates the importance of strengthening OSH systems, including occupational health services, and we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring a healthy workplace for all. I would like to thank everyone at UCC for their great efforts today, and their continued commit- ment to health and safely excellence.” Economy & Business Friday, April 30, 2021 09 GIS posts QR705 million in Q1 revenue Gulf International Services’ revenue growth from insurance segment was entirely o set by reduction in revenue from all the other segments

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK mance. On the other hand, in- results were compared to Q4- investment portfolio on the DOHA surance segment continued its 20, excluding the impact of back of recovery in capital positive trajectory, while build- one-off impairment expense. markets. Unrealized gain on GULF International Services ing on premiums on the back revaluation of investment (GIS) on Thursday reported of segment’s market expan- Aviation portfolio contributed QR a net loss of QR5.5 million for sion strategies and successful Aviation segment report- 55 million towards the seg- three-month period ended contract renewals coupled with ed a total revenue of QR 165 ment’s bottom line earnings March 31, 2021. favourable pricing terms. million for the three-month for Q1-21 in comparison to Finance cost for Q1-21 de- period ended 31 March 2021, Q1-20. Macroeconomic environ- creased 41% to reach QR30 down by 11% compared to Segment revenue for Q1-21 ment million as against QR51 million Q1-20. The negative growth versus Q4-20 increased by 4%, During Q1-21, oil and gas in Q1-20 due to drop in inter- in revenue was mainly on the as the medical insurance busi- industry showed early signs est rates. Similarly, general back of ongoing impact of ness continued to gain mo- of recovery, amid cautious and administrative expenses COVID-19 restrictions, affect- mentum. On the other hand, global optimism arising from declined by 16% on account of ing the flight demand, both Q1-21 profitability declined by the vaccine rollout and ease of continued optimization drive. domestically and internation- 11% in comparison to Q4-20, lockdown restrictions in major Moreover, the performance ally, as the actual recovery in as the actual claims incurred markets. However, the pace of of Group’s investment portfo- terms of flying hours has been for Q1-21 increased by 31% economic recovery depends on lio was positively impacted due slower than expected during and the unrealized gain on re- the pandemic’s impact to filter to recovery in capital markets, Q1-21. valuation of investment port- through with subdued external and a recovery amounting to The segment net profit, folio declined by 79%. demand for energy and the re- QR55 million was noted on ac- reached QR 50 million, rep- lated services for the remain- count of unrealized gains on re- resenting a reduction of 15% Catering der of the year, before the wid- valuation of investment securi- compared to Q1-20. The re- Catering segment report- er spread of vaccine benefits ties, when comparing current duction in net profits was pri- ed a revenue of QR 86 mil- spur greater global economic period’s investment portfolio marily related to lower oper- lion, with a decline of 31% activity. performance with Q1-20. ating profits, amid decline in compared to Q1-20. This was Nevertheless, the posi- Revenue for Q1-21 repre- revenue. mainly as a result of lowered tive signs of economic recov- sented a moderate decrease Segment revenue for Q1- number of meals served across ery were not immediately felt of 4%, compared to Q4-20, 21 versus Q4-20 declined by majority of catering locations, within the Group’s operating mainly on account of negative The drilling segment of GIS reported a revenue of QR198 million for the three-month period ended 31 17%, amid reduction in rev- due to COVID-19 restrictions segments. growth in revenue from avia- March 2021, down by 32% compared to last year. enues from the Turkish sub- and lockdowns imposed, in Group’s revenue for the tion segment, due to reduc- sidiary and lowered MRO addition to demobilization of three-month period amounted tion in revenue from Turkish drilling segment’s profitabil- revenues. On the other hand, some contracts within both to QR705 million, a reduction subsidiary RSA, while MRO ity, considering major amount Q1 Results in a nutshell Q1-21 profitability improved the manpower and catering of 15% compared to Q1-20. revenue remained lower due of Group’s debt relates to the significantly in comparison contracts during Q4-20. Revenue growth from insur- to completion of a project car- drilling segment. Contin- ● Top line performance continued to be impacted by to Q4-20’s bottom-line per- The segment reported a ance segment was entirely ried out during the previous ued efforts are underway to challenging global macroeconomic conditions carried forward formance, due to absence of net loss of QR 0.5 million for offset by reduction in revenue quarter. achieve the targeted direction from last year any impairment provisions in three-month period ended 31 from all the other segments. Net loss for Q1-21 reduced in relation the funding strat- Q1-21, as compared to Q4-20. March 2021, compared to a The Group reported an by 98% compared to Q4-20. egy, which could lead to an op- ●EBITDA amounted to QR 112 million for the three-month Excluding the impact of one- net profit of QR 8 million for EBITDA of QR112 million for The significant reduction in timum funding levels with an period ended 31 March 2021 off impairment losses booked Q1-20, mainly due to lowered the period. net loss was mainly due to efficient and effective interest in Q4-20, the net profits had margins and declining rev- Topline performance of the the one-off, non-cash impair- cover for the Group. ●Total assets stood at QR 10.4 billion as of 31 March grown by 2% in Q1-21 versus enues. Group continued to be impact- ment provision amounting to 2021 Q4-20. The Board of Directors in ed by the external challenges QR308 million recorded dur- Performance by segments its meeting held on April 29 affecting the Group since the ing Q4-20 in relation to certain Drilling ●Cost optimization initiatives implemented last year, Insurance unanimously approved the ap- pandemic. The drilling seg- drilling and aviation assets. The segment reported a continued to offset to an extent impacts of challenging Revenue within the insur- pointment of Saad Rashid Al- ment remained under pres- The Group’s total assets in- revenue of QR198 million for external conditions ance segment for the three- Muhannadi as the Vice Chair- sure with ongoing suspension creased by 5% during the year, the three-month period ended month period ended 31 March man of the Board of Directors of rigs, coupled with lower rig to reach QR10.4 billion as at 31 31 March 2021, down by 32% ●Net loss amounted to QR 5.5 million for the three-month 2021, increased by 11%, as with immediate effect. day-rates, which were imple- March 2021, compared to last compared to last year. The period ended 31 March 2021 compared to Q1-20, to reach mented during mid of 2020. year. On the liquidity front, reduction in revenue was pri- QR 256 million. The growth Earnings Call Flying hours within the avia- the closing cash, including marily due to the ongoing rig notable increase in net loss cline in segment’s finance cost, in revenue was mainly due GIS will host an IR earn- tion segment witnessed a re- short-term investments, stood suspension within the onshore was primarily attributed to compared to Q1-20. to higher premiums from the ings call with investors to duction compared to Q1-20, at QR753 million, up by 8% fleet. In addition, the rig day- negative growth in revenue. Although, revenue for general insurance segment. discuss its financial results, mainly due to actual recovery as compared to 31 December rates, with effect from July However, this negative growth Q1-21 versus Q4-20 slightly The segment net profit business outlook and other in oil and gas services being 2020. The total debt at Group 2020, has been repriced with was partially offset by savings declined by 1%, the bottom- for Q1-21, increased by 134% matters on Thursday (May 6) slower than expected, affect- level stood at QR4.4 billion as reduced rates and currently in general and administrative line performance recorded a compared to Q1-20, to reach at 12:30 pm Doha time. The ing the overall flight demand at 31 March 2021. remained at the same levels for expenses and reduction in op- recovery, amid overall reduc- QR 15 million. The strong IR presentation that accom- from clients. As for the cater- The current levels of debt Q1-21. erating costs, as part of the on- tion in OPEX expenditures growth in bottom line profit- panies the conference call ing segment, restrictions and continue to impact the Group’s The segment reported going cost optimization drive. along with the absence of any ability was mainly supported will be posted on the ‘finan- lockdowns imposed by the gov- net earnings, as finance cost a net loss of QR 72 million, In addition, the segment also impairment provisions during by significant improvement cial information’ page within ernment and clients impacted is one of the key cost ingredi- compared to a net loss of QR benefited from lower interest Q1-21. Net losses recovered by in premiums, in addition to the Investor Relations section revenues and financial perfor- ents and especially limits the 0.4 million for Q1-20. This rates, with a QR 20 million de- 35%, when Q1-21 bottom-line strong recovery within the of GIS’ website.

Daimler Truck, Volvo POWERFUL SPORTS CAR to make fuel cells in MG Motor reveals more details about its Europe from 2025 cutting-edge, fully-electric Cyberster Concept Car AGENCIES Carbon dioxide, which is a product of internal com- GERMANY’S Daimler Truck bustion engines among other TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK AG and Sweden’s Volvo things, is the main green- DOHA Group say they plan to jointly house gas blamed by scien- manufacture hydrogen fuel tists for climate change. MG Motor has shared more details cells for trucks in Europe Efforts to limit emissions about its cutting-edge Cyberster con- starting in 2025 and called from passenger cars in Eu- cept car. Developed by the team at on European Union policy- rope have focused on the in- the MG Advanced Design Centre in makers to boost incentives troduction of large numbers London, the Cyberster is a two-door, for climate-neutral technolo- of electric cars powered by two-seater sports car recalling the gies. batteries only. brand’s heritage and featuring styling The companies said According to the Euro- cues from the classic MGB Roadster. Thursday their fuel cell joint pean Auto Manufacturers’ The Cyberster introduces super- venture, named cellcentric, Association, there were only car-level performance from a fully- is carrying out preparatory 2,018 fuel-cell vehicles on electric MG. Its intelligent all-electric work at a facility in Esslin- European roads in 2019. architecture delivers an Electric Ve- gen, Germany and that a de- Daimler and Volvo, how- hicle range of 800km (500 miles) and cision on a location for large- ever, said that while batter- a 0-100km/h time (0-62mph) in less scale series production will ies will work for short-haul than three seconds. It will also fea- be announced in 2022. trucks, they see hydrogen ture 5G interconnectivity. Addition- Daimler Truck and Volvo fuel cells playing a major role ally, a collaboration between MG and said they plan to start with for heavier loads and longer Bilibili e-sports has resulted in the customer tests of fuel-cell distances. co-creation of the industry’s first su- electric trucks in about three In a fuel cell, hydrogen per e-sports cockpit for the Cyberster. years and to launch large- and oxygen combine to pro- Showcasing an undeniably bold scale production by the end duce electricity, heat and and eye-catching exterior styling, the of the decade. water. There are no carbon Cyberster features classic round MG Showcasing an undeniably bold and eye-catching exterior styling, the Cyberster features classic round MG headlights, coupled The companies urged Eu- dioxide emissions or smog- headlights, coupled with a slim grille with a slim grille design. ropean policymakers to add producing pollutants. design, along with interactive ‘Mag- incentives, including taxing Hydrogen can have ad- ic Eye’ headlights that open when carbon and emissions trad- vantages over batteries in switched on. Other striking details Highlights ing, to make up for the fact refueling time, weight and include a ‘laser belt’ LED strip down ● that climate-neutral trucks range but places to refuel are the side of the car and the outline of Stunning convertible shape would be more expensive. expensive to build and cur- the door, which follows the direction recalls classic MG roadster They backed calls for rently few and far between. of the LED strip. ●Electric powertrain promises building 300 high-perfor- The two companies said Its powerful sports car profile has mance hydrogen refueling they would remain competi- a distinct two-stage shoulder line, 800km range stations for heavy-duty vehi- tors in developing new truck with a flattened ‘kamm tail’ rear. The ●Developed at the MG Advanced cles by 2025 and 1,000 sta- models even as they coop- tail lamps are of LED construction Design Centre in London tions by 2030. erate on the fuel cells that and are integrated flat into the rear European governments would power them. of the car, projecting a digital image are seeking to lower emis- Daimler Truck, maker that echoes MG’s British heritage. sions of carbon dioxide of Freightliner and Western Tom Lee, Managing Director of fer customers exclusive masterpieces across their economies un- Star brands, is slated to be MG Motor’s Middle East operations, that are truly unique”. der the 2015 Paris climate spun off later this year from commented: “With the release of the MG has confirmed its intention to accords, which aim to limit Stuttgart-based Daimler AG, Cyberster, the brand is adamant on ish heritage with its current high-tech has always been known for its sports manufacture the Cyberster as a pro- global warming and climate which manufactures Mer- bridging and strengthening its Brit- and state-of-the-art products. MG cars and we will always be keen to of- duction car. change. cedes-Benz luxury cars. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Struff leaves QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune it late to secure quarter-final berth at BMW Open PAGE 11 FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021

Sheikh Abdullah’s Qaiser goes from strength to strength TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK perior opposition. ner, responding to a couple of to assess. I was a bit worried DOHA The Antoine de Watri- reminders from Olivier Pesli- about the soft ground as this gant runner lifted the cloud er, subsequently took the lead. isn’t his forte. It was a bit of a HAVING only visited the of doubt harboured by his He prevailed by a length and a falsely run race, as the other racecourse for the first time connections after delivering quarter, but giving the impres- horses in the race were ‘reined’ in February, three-year-old a second career victory full of sion that he was very much in back, but Olivier Peslier gave Qaiser (FR) (Charm Spirit x promise, winning the Class 2 his comfort zone. him a good ride. Holly Polly) got off the mark Prix Vans Theault. The JC. Rouget-trained “Qaiser acquitted himself at the third attempt a fortnight In a race in which Got and Jean-Bernard Eyquem- very well and I’m very happy. earlier. In Class 2 Prix Vans Bright (Intello x Rumored) helmed Mothill (IRE) He was supplemented for this Theault won by five lengths at set the tempo, Qaiser trav- (Golden Horn x Jilnaar) was because of the lack of suitable Lyon, but that form was hard elled in mid-division in a heat second while the R. Avial other opportunities in the to weigh up. which had been reduced to Lopez-trained and the Ju- calendar. On Wednesday, card at La five runners. lien Grosjean-ridden Paper “We chose La Teste be- Teste-de-Buch, near Bordeaux The race was run at a mod- Trophy (FR) (Spanish Moon cause we were looking for a in France, the representative est tempo, but the pace quick- x Mislix) was further three flat track. I don’t know where of His Highness Sheikh Abdul- ened on the turn when the quarters of a length behind he goes next, but he will prob- lah bin Khalifa Al Thani was quintet was line abreast. The in third. ably be earmarked for a Class not only tackling the 2,400m horses then made a beeline Antoine de Watrigant, 1 or a Listed race. He’s coming (12f) trip for the first time, but for the stands’ side rail in the said, “Unlike today’s race, along gradually and is a colt he was also up against far su- straight, and the future win- Qaiser in action at the La Teste-de-Buch Racecourse in France on Wednesday. (Pic: Robert-Polin) the Lyon victory was difficult who strengthened up.”

PORTUGUESE GRAND PRIX Hamilton seeks 100th pole in F1 duel with Verstappen Al Shaqab Racing’s Noman made a winning debut at the Ayr Race- course in Scotland on Tuesday. (Racingfotos) DPA BERLIN

Al Shaqab Racing’s Noman WORLD champion Lewis Hamilton eyes the Formula returns with 2nd straight victory One milestone of 100 pole po- sitions on the weekend at the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK He did not have to force his Portuguese Grand Prix when DOHA talent as regards dominating he renews his duel with Max his two rivals. Logic dictated Verstappen. AL Shaqab Racing’s Noman that he looked capable of han- But the Mercedes star can (IRE) (Shalaa x Mathool) dling a rise in grade. The Da- not afford another mistake as made a seasonal winning de- vid O’Meara-trained and Cam two weeks ago in Imola if he but at the Ayr Racecourse in Hardie-helmed Doctor Par- wants to keep his fast Red Bull Scotland on Tuesday. nassus (IRE) (Make Believe rival at bay. The three-year-old colt x We’ll Go Walking) was the Hamilton won the season- completed a double on his runner-up. opener in Bahrain ahead of third career attempt, winning The Jim Goldie-trained Verstappen before the Dutch- I think this is really the rst time in the TV Profits Returned To and Paul Mulrennan-ridden man turned the tide in Italy, a long time that Red Bull have had Racing Novice Stakes, a three- Castle View (IRE) (Casamento with pole-sitter Hamilton rid- a championship-winning car, so I runner 2000-metre Class 5 x Spirit Of The Sea) was fur- ing out in a rare mistake after think it’s going to be close all the run for three-year-olds and ther 16 lengths behind. which he still managed to re- way through the year - and it’s just older, by three quarters of a Noman had opened his ac- bound from ninth to second at going to be, hopefully, more and length for trainer Hugo Palmer count on only his second start the chequered flag. with Jason Hart in the saddle. as a two-year-old last season. Red Bull ruled F1 with four more of these battles. straight drivers’ and construc- Lewis Hamilton tors’ titles 2010-2013 before Mercedes became unrivalled in the following years by La Liga sweeping all trophies on offer Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton attends the of cial press conference of the Portuguese Formula One Grand Prix at the Algarve Interna- - including six of the drivers’ tional Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, on Thursday. (AFP) Barcelona crash 2-1 againt Granada, titles for Hamilton. Koeman sent off Mercedes’s total domi- nance has helped Hamilton Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen of Red Bull continue their BERLIN: Barcelona missed the chance to move top of LaLiga after to his extraordinary record of suffering a shock 2-1 loss to Granada at the Camp Nou on Thursday. Li- pole positions and race wins early-season duel for Formula supremacy, with title holder Hamilton onel Messi’s 23rd-minute goal appeared to have Barca on course for a which stand at 99 and 96 re- fth straight home win, a result good enough to see them leapfrog both spectively heading to Porti- also aiming for a 100th career pole position. rivals Real Madrid and long-time leaders Atletico for in the table. How- mao where he won from first ever, Granada - who had failed to even manage a draw in any of their on the grid last season. But to reactions. tum and keep that all the way Vestappen said, adding that Looking at Portimao (and previous 25 league visits to their Catalan opponents - turned the game Red Bull are re-emerging as a That means we have to through the year.” being “very, very competitive” beyond) Mercedes motor around to further change the outlook in the title race. Darwin Machis major threat and according to keep up the pressure constant- Verstappen and Hamilton in both races was “very prom- sport chief Toto Wolff said: equalised before Barca boss Ronald Koeman was shown a red card, their advisor Helmut Marko ly, if not increase it.” have both said they welcome ising but no guarantee.” “We’re expecting another meaning the Dutchman had to watch on from the stands as Jorge Mo- this also contributed to Ham- Long-time Red Bull team the fight for supremacy, with Said Hamilton: “I think close fight with Red Bull, and lina was afforded time and space to head in a 79th-minute winner. The ilton’s mishap in Imola. principal Christian Horner Hamilton naming his mis- this is really the first time in a both McLaren and Ferrari dramatic turnaround had never appeared on the cards, yet Barcelona “They didn’t have continu- also hopes that the great start take in Italy “a lesson” for the long time that Red Bull have could also be in the mix too.” allowed their opponents to score with their only two attempts on target ous opposition, but that’s now will boost them for the season future as he seeks a record had a championship-winning Lando Norris was an im- to cause a huge upset. Messi had broken the deadlock after linking up the case with Red Bull and with a record 23 races. eighth title. car, so I think it’s going to be pressive third for McLaren with Antoine Griezmann, the Frenchman timing his delayed return pass Max Verstappen,” Marko told “It’s by far the best start “It’s great to be fighting close all the way through the in Imola and Charles Leclerc perfectly to allow his team-mate to zz a low, left-footed shot beyond broadcasters RTL. we’ve had for quite a few against Lewis, Mercedes who year - and it’s just going to be, followed in fourth for Ferrari, goalkeeper Aaron Escandell and into the far corner of the net. (DPA) “And apparently – human- years,” Horner said. “We just have been so dominant and hopefully, more and more of with both teams keen to follow ly understandable – that leads want to build that momen- they’re very difficult to beat,” these battles.” up on that in Portimao.

We won in Barcelona and Munich, we can win Of course, we played well in the rst half (vs in Manchester as well: PSG coach Pochettino Manchester City) and DPA uphill battle at the Etihad Sta- from home,” Pochettino told four European games against a great team, but we have to it’s our hope to go BERLIN dium next week. reporters post-game. City (D2 L2), only facing Ju- believe,” Pochettino said. “We and play well in However, PSG eliminated “We played well in Barce- ventus (eight) on more occa- have the talent to do it.” PARIS Saint-Germain head Barcelona 5-2 on aggregate in lona and also in Munich. Belief sions without ever winning in PSG will be without Idrissa Manchester away coach Mauricio Pochettino the last 16 following a 4-1 win is the most important. their history. Gueye for the second leg after from home. We pointed to his side’s knockout at Camp Nou before ousting “It’s very important to have PSG’s star forwards Ney- his red card for a late tackle played well in away wins at Barcelona and holders Bayern on away goals that information right now so mar and Kylian Mbappe - who on City midfielder Ilkay Gun- Barcelona and also Bayern Munich as he tries to following a 3-2 win at Allianz that you can play the 90 min- failed to attempt a single shot dogan, although Pochettino in Munich. Belief is reverse their 2-1 deficit against Arena in matches played be- utes back and build on it.” It for the first time in his Cham- refused to criticise the Senega- the most important. Manchester City in the Cham- hind closed doors. was the first time PSG suf- pions League career - had few lese midfielder. pions League semi-finals. “Of course, we played well fered Champions League de- chances on Wednesday, al- “I have nothing to say City triumphed 2-1 in Paris in the first half (against Man- feat when leading at half-time though Pochettino said “I think about it, it’s football, it can Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino in the first leg of their final- chester City on Wednesday) since 2001 - against Deportivo that will be different in a week”. happen,” Pochettino added. gives instructions during the UEFA Champions League rst leg four tie on Wednesday, leav- and it’s our hope to go and La Coruna. “It will be complicated, “We all make mistakes, and he semi- nal match against Manchester City at the Parc des Princes ing Pochettino’s PSG with an play well in Manchester away PSG are winless in their because Manchester City are made it that way.” Stadium in Paris, France, on Wednesday. (AFP) Sports Friday, April 30, 2021 11

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Sadd will Al Duhail, Al Ahli need to wait until Friday Saudi square off night to see if their nal in must-win tie tally of 10 AFC It might be another crazy points will JEDDAH match like we had previously. “I don’t think that the be good AL Duhail SC and Al Ahli defeat against Al Shorta put enough for Saudi FC will have the benefit pressure on us as we had an of knowing what they have to excellent start to the compe- them to do going into their 2021 AFC tition. We lost the only match Champions League Group C that we didn’t expect to lose. qualify as clash at the King Abdullah “We will be missing impor- Sports City Stadium on Friday. tant players like Benatia and one of the Both are tied on eight with Al Ahraq but we have players best three Esteghlal FC, with the Islamic who can replace them. Our Republic of Iran side playing ambitions tomorrow is to win runners-ups Iraq’s Al Shorta earlier on Fri- the match regardless of the day, with only the group win- other results.” ners assured of advancing to Al Ahli Saudi recovered the Round of 16. well from their opening 5-2 The three best runners-up defeat against Esteghlal to get from the five AFC Champions back into contention but their League West groups will also inability to defeat the Iranians advance, meaning Al Duhail over their two matches has and Al Ahli Saudi will have all cost them dearly. to play for even if Esteghlal Head coach Laurentiu beat Al Shorta. Reghecampf will have the Al Duhail could have task of motivating his play- avoided being in this posi- ers should Esteghlal defeat An Al Nassr player tackles Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah during their Group D clash for the top spot in the AFC Champions League in Riyadh on Thursday. Al Nassr won 2-1. tion had they not fallen to a Al Shorta in the earlier match shock 2-1 defeat to Al Shorta as that would mean Al Ahli on Matchday Five, which head Saudi’s best hope of advancing coach Sabri Lamouchi said - should they win against Al was their worst performance Duhail - would be by finishing of the campaign. as one of the three best group The French coach blamed runners-up. Al Nassr pip Al Sadd fatigue for the defeat but he “This will be the last match will need to galvanise his play- in the group so it will definitely ers for one last effort to ensure be a decisive one,” said Reghe- Al Duhail take their place in campf. “I have full confidence the Round of 16 as group win- in my players that they will give ners, with his team having their best in order to win the drawn 1-1 with Al Ahli Saudi in match. I hope that the players to book last 16 ticket the corresponding fixture. can understand that they are “Tomorrow’s match will be good and we must fight hard AFC wait until Friday night to see Ghannam’s cross - the first of the plot this time as he squan- steer Amrabat’s free-kick de- like a final for the two teams in order to qualify. We will pre- RIYADH if their final tally of 10 points several pivotal first half mo- dered a gilt-edged chance to livery into the net and Mano and we need a victory if we pare the players for this match will be good enough for them ments involving the prolific double the lead, missing a Manezes’ men edged closer to want to advance to the next very well and I hope that we will SAUDI Arabia’s Al Nassr de- to qualify as one of the best Moroccan striker. gaping net after Noureddine the last 16. stage,” said Lamouchi. “It will not have any absentees. feated Al Sadd SC of Qatar 2-1 three runners-up. It was Hamdallah who Amrabat had sprinted into the Al Sadd found a glimmer be a football battle tomorrow “I don’t like comparisons on Thursday to confirm their With both sides assured powered the hosts into the box to create the opportunity. of hope when Ali Al Lajami and the two sides will be look- with past results and this place in the 2021 AFC Cham- of a top two finish before the lead in the 33rd minute, but Al Sadd slowly but surely hauled down Yusuf Abdurisag ing for a victory. means that we don’t think of pions League Round of 16. match, the equation couldn’t the goal owed plenty to a dis- began to ask more questions just inside in the penalty area, “Al Ahli’s performance has Al Duhail’s results in the com- Goals from Abderrazak have been simpler: Win on astrous error from Al Sadd of the hosts after the interval, with Cazorla raising the stakes changed since the start of the petition. Three teams have a Hamdallah and Abdulelah Al the night and qualify for the goalkeeper Meshaal Bar- with Cazorla forcing Waleed by slotting the subsequent spot- tournament and we expect a chance to advance from the Amri either side of half-time Round of 16 as group winners, sham, whose botched clear- Abdullah into only his second kick but, despite a dramatic fi- difficult match because we are group and this will put pres- put the group hosts within lose and settle in for an un- ance went directly into the save of the night when the Al nal few minutes - which includ- playing against a strong team. sure on all the players.” sight of the knockout stage, comfortable 24-hour wait, and path of the 2020 ACL Golden Nasst shot-stopper got down ed Al Sadd boss Xavi being sent before Santi Cazorla made for it was Al Nassr who started the Boot winner, who seized the to deny the Spaniard in the off - Al Nassr held on to claim a nervy finale when he pulled a stronger. opportunity to slam home 70th minute. the crucial three points they goal back from the penalty spot They could have been his fourth of the tournament But that momentum was needed to advance. with seven minutes remaining. ahead as early as the sixth from 15 yards. abruptly halted when Al Nassr Scoreline: Al Nassr 2 (Abder- While Al Nassr can look minute, with Hamdallah miss- The Hamdallah show con- found the all-important sec- azak Hamdallah 33’, Abdulelah forward to September’s Round ing the target with a header tinued five minutes before the ond goal four minutes later, Alamri 74’) bt Al Sadd 1 (Santi of 16, Al Sadd will need to after he latched onto Sultan Al break, but there was a twist to with Al Amri rising high to Cazorla 83’ (P)).

Five Super League club Nagelsmann still has work ahead as executives resign Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi and player Ismail Mohamed speak Leipzig visit Bremen in Cup semis to the media ahead of their crucial AFC Champions League Group C DPA 18 they would be joining a new match against Al Ahli Saudi FC on Friday. BERLIN Super League competition, DPA club record. which faced scorn before it BERLIN Coach Florian Kohfeldt felt FIVE high-profile club execu- was formally announced after his position was threatened, but tives have resigned from their news leaked out in the preced- JULIAN Nagelsmann has was given guarantees he can roles on Premier League sub- ing hours. plenty to do at RB Leipzig keep his job - at least for now. Persepolis top Group E committees following the Eu- It provoked fury, with before officially taking on his “We believe that Florian ropean Super League debacle. the ‘closed-shop’ element of new coaching job at Bayern and the team have a responsi- AFC Golmohammadi’s side fi- Stats Perform News un- the proposed new competi- Munich this summer. bility to show a clear reaction GOA nally – and deservedly – broke derstands Manchester Unit- tion set to see six of the Pre- Though he has been an- in the Cup against Leipzig on the deadlock in the 27th min- ed executive vice-chairman mier League’s biggest clubs nounced as the replacement Friday and to reverse the trend PERSEPOLIS secured top spot ute when Moghanloo finished Ed Woodward and Liver- guaranteed riches far beyond for treble winner coach Hansi in the last few Bundesliga in Group E of the 2021 AFC off a rapid break that saw pool chairman Tom Wer- those available to their do- Flick, Nagelsmann must shift games,” he said. Champions League on Thurs- Omid Alishah feed Mehdi Tor- ner have stepped down from mestic rivals. his focus to the German Cup, Leipzig are expected to day as Yahya Golmohamma- abi down the left before receiv- the club broadcast advisory Within 48 hours, the pro- where he can secure Leipzig secure second place in the di’s side bounced back from ing the return pass and setting group, while Chelsea chairman ject had collapsed as the Pre- their first ever major piece of Julian Nagelsmann in Leipzig. Bundesliga, with Bayern on their loss against Al Wahda to up Moghanloo to score from Bruce Buck has left the audit mier League clubs withdrew, silverware. the verge of clinching a ninth hand Qatar’s Al Rayyan a 4-2 the edge of the area. and remuneration committee. but by showing they had On their way to the big fina- ing to beat top favourites Leip- consecutive title. For Nagels- defeat that ensured their pas- Pahlavan made it 2-0 Arsenal chief executive been willing to join in the new le in Berlin on May 13, they are zig, may be drawing hope from mann, the Cup is his final sage to the Round of 16. seven minutes later when he Vinai Venkatesham and his league, and doing so without due to meet an ailing Werder a quote by their former coach chance to secure silverware The two-time finalists had twisted and turned on the edge Manchester City counterpart consulting others that may be Bremen on Friday, while in Otto Rehhagel that “the Cup with the team before he moves slipped to a 1-0 loss to the club of the area, beating Al Rayyan Ferran Soriano have both re- affected, domestic rivals were the other semi-final game on has its own rules.” to Munich. from the United Arab Emir- defender Abdulrahman Al signed from the club strategic left incensed. Saturday, Holstein Kiel want For a second consecu- “It’s too early to say my ates on Matchday Five, but they Korbi twice before slamming advisory group. There were calls for points to write another chapter of tive season, Bremen slumped goodbyes and speak about eventually claimed all three a low right-foot shot past You- The moves came to light penalties or financial pun- their football fairytale against into the relegation battle in my memories because I’m points against Laurent Blanc’s nis as Persepolis claimed the 11 days after these clubs, and ishments to be imposed, but Borussia Dortmund. the Bundesliga, and have lost not done here yet in Leipzig,” already-eliminated side after a cushion their first half perfor- Tottenham, declared on April those now seem unlikely. Bremen, meanwhile, aim- seven league games in a row, a Nagelsmann said. nervy second half at the Jawa- mance warranted. harlal Nehru Stadium. Al Rayyan, however, rallied Shahriyar Moghanlou early in the second half when opened the scoring in the 27th Boli netted from eight yards minute having earlier hit the out after Persepolis goalkeeper Struff leaves it late to secure BMW Open QF berth crossbar with a header before Hamed Lak was only able to Ehsan Pahlavan doubled the parry Ali Farydoon’s long- DPA said Struff in his on-court in- Galan, and will meet Norbert Iranian side’s advantage seven range attempt after restart. LONDON terview. Gombos in the last eight. minutes later. But two goals By the 68th minute the “I played a not good sec- At the Estoril Open, from Yohan Boli kept Al Rayy- Iranians had restored their JAN-LENNARD Struff reeled ond-set tie-break. Before the 22-year-old Frenchman an in contention in the second advantage. The Al Rayyan de- off the last four games of the set was OK, but I couldn’t Corentin Moutet stunned top 45 minutes and Persepolis fence only partially cleared match to edge past fellow lock into his service games seed Denis Shapovalov. needed further efforts from a corner, allowing Torabi to German Dominik Koepfer that much. Moutet, ranked 73 in the Hossein Kanani and Isa Alkasir send over a curling centre to- and reach the quarter-finals “I am very happy that I world, ousted the Canadian to confirm their fifth victory in wards the far post that Kanani of the BMW Open in Munich broke him in the third set and I 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to register his six games in the group phase. headed past Younis. on Thursday. am very happy to be through.” best career win. The Iranian club had been Boli struck again 18 minutes Struff recovered from 4-2 Struff will attempt to reach Britain’s Cameron Norrie dominant throughout the from time when Yacine Bra- down in the first set and draw- his second Munich semi-final reached his fourth quarter- opening quarter of the game, himi’s initial shot was blocked, ing a blank in the second-set when he faces fourth seed Filip final of 2021 with a 4-6, 7-6 (7- with Moghanloo heading but the Iranians claimed their tie-break to advance 7-6 (7-3), Krajinovic on Friday. 1), 7-5 victory against Spanish Vahid Amiri’s inviting cross fourth less than a minute later 6-7(0-7), 6-2 in two hours and Nikoloz Basilashvili also qualifier Pedro Martinez. against the woodwork hav- when Alkasir netted from seven 39 minutes. Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff serves the ball to Germany’s Dominik reached the quarter-finals Norrie will face second ing seen an earlier free-kick yards out, finally sealing the “I am very, very happy that Koepfer at the ATP Tennis BMW Open in Munich on April Thursday. with a 6-4, 6-2 win against Co- seed Cristian Garin of Chile on pushed to safety by Al Rayyan win that guaranteed his team I turned around the first set,” Struff won 7-6, 6-7, 6-2. (AFP) lombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Friday. goalkeeper Fahad Younis. top spot in Group E. 12 Friday, April 30, 2021 Sports HARARE CRICKET TEST Shaw, Dhawan shine in comprehensive Pakistan take control DC win over KKR

ANI AHMEDABAD after Hasan, Shaheen PRITHVI Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan starred with the bat as Delhi Capitals defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) encoun- dismantle Zimbabwe ter here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. Shaw and Dhawan played AGENCIES knocks of 82 and 46 respective- HARARE ly as Delhi Capitals registered a win with 21 balls to spare. With PAKISTAN took command this win, Delhi has moved to on the opening day of the first the second spot in the points ta- Test against Zimbabwe as ble with 10 points. Chasing 155, four-wicket hauls from Hasan Delhi Capitals got off to a flying Ali and Shaheen Afridi helped start as Prithvi Shaw smashed bowl the hosts out for 176 at six boundaries in the very first the Harare Sports Club. over bowled by Shivam Mavi. Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Hasan and Afridi returned Shaw along with Dhawan con- Shaw scored 82 runs against 4/43 and 4/53 respectively to tinued the carnage and Delhi’s Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL blunt Zimbabwe’s batting line- score read 67/0 after the end of match played in Ahmedabad up, even as the debutant Roy the sixth over. on Thursday. (BCCI/IPL) Kaia scored a fighting 48 to Dhawan and Shaw con- boost the total. tinued with their momentum ets each as Delhi Capitals Abid Ali and Imran Butt, and KKR had no answers on restricted KKR to a score of the Pakistan opener, added a how to stop both the batters. 154/6 in the allotted 20 overs. quickfire 103 in the final ses- With just 23 runs needed for For KKR, Shubman Gill sion to reduce the deficit to 73 the win, KKR finally managed got going with the bat as he runs by stumps. to get a breakthrough as Pat played a knock of 43 runs. Zimbabwe opted to bat in Cummins had Dhawan (46) Andre Russell and Pat the morning, but struggled adjudged leg-before wicket, Cummins also played useful against Pakistan’s pacers. ending the first-wicket part- knocks of 45 and 11 respective- Hasan broke through in the nership of 132 runs. ly but KKR had to settle with a very first over, seeing off Kevin Cummins also removed below-par score. Kasuza for nought. After bowling out Zimbabwe for 176, Pakistan ended the rst day at 103/0 on the rst day of their rst Test at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday. Shaw (82) and Rishabh Pant Unfortunately for Zimba- (16) in the 16th over, but in the Scores: KKR 154/6 (Shubman bwe, the rest of their batsmen Zimbabwe from 127/7 to 176, end, Delhi Capitals registered Gill 43, Andre Russell 45*, Lalit didn’t fare much better. Prince Scoreboard even as Afridi ran through the an easy victory to move to sec- Yadav 2-13) vs Delhi Capitals Masvaure, the other opener, Zimbabwe (1st innings) R. Ngarava b Afridi 1 Pakistan (1st innings) rest of the tail. ond place in the points table. 156/3 (Prithvi Shaw 82, Shi- was dismissed by Shaheen P. Masvaure c Butt b Afridi 11 Extras: 0 Imran Butt not out 43 The Pakistan openers then Earlier, Axar Patel and khar Dhawan 46, Pat Cummins for a 30-ball 11, while Tarasai K. Kasuza b Hasan 0 Total: (All out; 59.1 overs) 176 Abid Ali not out 56 put on a fine display of bats- Lalit Yadav scalped two wick- 3-24). Musakanda (14) and Brendan T. Musakanda b Nauman 14 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Kasuza), 2-18 (Masvaure), Extras: (b1, nb3) 4 manship. Taylor (5) failed to build the B. Taylor c Ashraf b Hasan 5 3-30 (Musakanda), 4-30 (Taylor), 5-89 Total: (For no loss; 30 overs) 103 Butt and Abid were gritty M. Shumba run out 27 (Shumba), 6-124 (Kaia), 7-127 (Chakabva), Yet to bat: Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, partnership that Zimbabwe R. Kaia lbw b Hasan 48 8-141 (Chisoro), 9-164 (Muzarabani). Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen for the most part, but didn’t desperately needed. R. Chakabva c Butt b Hasan 19 Bowling: Afridi 15.1-5-43-4, Hasan 15-2-53-4, Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan. hesitate to go for the shot The pressure racked up on D. Tiripano not out 28 Nauman 11-1-29-1, Ashraf 7-2-14-0, Sajid Bowling: Muzarabani 9-2-20-0, Ngarava 9-2-32- when the chance presented the middle order as Zimbabwe T. Chisoro b Shaheen Afridi 9 11-1-37-0. 0, Chisora 6-1-17-0, Tiripano 6-1-33-0. itself. were reduced to 30/4 in 18.2 B. Muzarabani b Afridi 14 Toss: Zimbabwe. Abid went on to register overs. It was then that Milton his second Test fifty in Tests, Shumba and Kaia combined the fifth wicket, resisting Paki- Shumba was run out for 27. just two runs short of a maid- while Butt ended the day forces to help Zimbabwe reach stan for nearly 18 overs. Their Hasan then had the well- en Test half-century. Howev- needing just seven more runs a respectable total. resilience came to an anti- set Kaia dismissed leg-before er, Donald Tiripano continued on the second morning to The duo added 59 runs for climatic end, however, when wicket with a searing yorker, the fight, his 28* helping take bring up his own half-century. Second Test vs Bangladesh Thirimanne, Karunaratne tons put Sri Lanka on top Quinton de Kock of Mumbai Indians during his unbeaten innings of 70 ANI Karunaratne and Thirimanne eter to reach 5,000 Test runs runs against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League at Delhi PALLEKELE (SRI LANKA) took Sri Lanka over the 100- in terms of matches played. on Thursday. (BCCI/IPL) run mark without losing wick- Karunaratne scored his SRI Lanka skipper Dimuth ets, with both batsmen reach- 5,000th run in his 72nd Test Karunaratne (118) and Lahiru ing their respective fifties. and 138th innings. Thirimanne (131*) both scored The duo continued their Former Sri Lanka skip- De Kock, Krunal centuries as the hosts domi- dream run and piled further per Kumar Sangakkara is still nated all three sessions on day misery as Sri Lanka reached 188 the highest run-scorer for the one of the second Test against for the loss of no wicket before country with 12,400 Test runs star as MI register Bangladesh here on Thursday. tea. Meanwhile, Thirimanne under his belt. An unbroken 82-run sec- surpassed the 2,000 Test runs SCOREBOARD ond-wicket stand between and Karunaratne scored anoth- Sri Lanka (1st innings) 7-wkt win over RR Thirimanne and Oshada er century as the openers put Sri Dimuth Karunaratne c Liton b Fernando took Sri Lanka to Lanka in full control. Shoriful Islam 118; Lahiru Thiri- ANI not fall behind the asking rate. 291/1 at the end of the open- In the third session, manne not out 131; Oshada NEW DELHI De Kock brought up his ing day’s play. Shoriful broke the opening Fernando not out 40 first half-century of this sea- Shoriful Islam was the stand of 209 in the 64th over Extras: (w1, nb1) 2 QUINTON de Kock and son and Mumbai looked well lone man from Bangladesh as he dismissed Karunaratne. Total: (For 1 wkt, 90 overs): 291 Krunal Pandya starred with on their way to register a win. who gave visitors something However, Thirimanne contin- Fall of wicket: 1-209 the bat as Mumbai Indians The duo put on 63 runs for to cheer about as Sri Lanka ued scoring runs and brought (Karunaratne). registered a comprehensive the third wicket, but with just batsmen enjoyed another day up his third Test century, also To bat: Angelo Mathews, seven-wicket win over Ra- 26 runs away from the win, of run-fest on Thursday. his second of the year. Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum jasthan Royals in their Indian Krunal (39) ended up losing Opting to bat first, Sri Lan- Bangladesh were not able Nissanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Premier League (IPL) encoun- his wicket to Mustafizur Rah- ka got off to a steady start as to make any further inroads as Ramesh Mendis, Suranga ter here at the Arun Jaitley man in the 17th over. opening batsmen Karunaratne Sri Lanka ended day one of the Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando and Stadium on Thursday. In the end, Kieron Pollard and Thirimanne batted second Test on 291/1. Praveen Jayawickrama. De Kock and Krunal played a quickfire cameo of 16 through the first session. During the game, Bowling: Abu Jayed 16-3-47-0 played knocks of 70* and 39 runs off just eight balls to hand Sri Lanka went to lunch at Karunaratne also became the (w 1, nb 1), Taskin Ahmed 17-3- respectively to give Mumbai a Mumbai a seven-wicket win Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Thirimanne (L) and Oshada Fernando look at a 66/0 with both batsmen well 10th Lankan batsman to score 69-0, Mehidy Hasan 22-4-67-0, much-needed win this season with nine balls to spare. television screen for an unsuccessful review decision on the rst day set, forming a solid base for 5,000 runs in the longest for- Shoriful Islam 16-3-52-1, Taijul and with this innings, Krunal With this win, MI has held of their second and nal Test versus Bangladesh at the Pallekele the innings ahead. mat of the game. He is also the Islam 19-2-56-0. also made a comeback of sorts on to its fourth position in the International Stadium in Kandy on Thursday. (AFP) In the second session, fourth fastest Sri Lanka crick- Toss: Sri Lanka. after witnessing a dull period points table and the side now with the bat in the first five has 6 points from 6 games. matches. On the other hand, Rajasthan Chasing 172, Mumbai In- Royals remain at the seventh dians got off to a solid start as spot with just 4 points. Breaching Anti-Corruption Code openers Rohit Sharma and Earlier, Jos Buttler, Sanju Quinton de Kock put on 49 runs Samson, and Shivam Dube got Wasn’t involved in any match- xing, position was clari ed by ICC: Heath Streak for the first wicket, but on the fi- among the runs as Rajasthan nal ball of the sixth over, Rohit Royals posted a score of 171/4 HARARE (Zimbabwe): After be- relationship. This position has to resume his involvement in the genuinely believed it was a safe was a bottle of whisky and my (14) ended up handing a simple in the allotted 20 overs. ing handed an eight-year ban by been con rmed by the ICC itself game on March 28, 2029. “In space. I also hoped the relation- wife was gifted a phone. Several catch to Chetan Sakariya off the Samson (42), Buttler (41), the International Cricket Council in its own statement,” Streak’s 2017, I met an individual keen ship would be bene cial not only months down the line the ICC bowling of Chris Morris. and Dube (35) got starts, but (ICC) for breaching Anti-Corrup- statement read, as reported to invest in cricket in Africa, to myself and to the academy then brought to my attention Suryakumar Yadav then none of them scored at a rol- tion Code, former Zimbabwe by ESPNcricinfo. Streak was and in particular they wanted but to Zimbabwean cricket and I the fact that the individual with joined de Kock in the middle licking pace and as a result, skipper Heath Streak on Thurs- charged by the ICC as a partici- to sponsor a T20 tournament pursued its growth with vigour,” whom I had been dealing, and and both batsmen scored runs Mumbai Indians’ death-over day released a statement saying pant under the Code by virtue of in Zimbabwe, which would be said Streak. some of the information that I at a brisk pace to form a 34- specialists Trent Boult and Jas- that he was not involved in any his status as the coach of Zim- called the Safari Blast. The indi- “At the onset I was engaged, had shared during our friend- run stand for the second wick- prit Bumrah managed to main- sort of match- xing. babwe from 2016 to 2018 and vidual was subsequently vetted and paid the Bitcoin, to assist ship/interaction may have been et. However, this partnership tain a stranglehold in the end. “I also want to place on record as the coach of various domes- and cleared through the usual in buying and building teams in used for online betting,” he was cut short in the 10th over to the public and fans that I was tic teams. Under the provisions protocols and to be honest, I let different regional T20 competi- added. Streak also said that he by Morris as he sent Surya (16) Scores: Rajasthan Royals not involved in any match- xing, of the Code, Streak chose to my guard down as the friendship tions, which was successful, does not want cricket in Zimba- back to the pavilion. 171/4 (Sanju Samson 42, Jos spot- xing, or attempts to inu- admit the charges and agreed and potential business partner- resulting in the purchase of a bwe to suffer for his actions and Krunal Pandya then came Buttler 41; Rahul Chahar 2-33) ence a game or share informa- with the sanction with the ICC ship blossomed. The nature team in Dubai for this individual. he also said that he intends to at the crease to provide sup- vs Mumbai Indians 172/3 tion from a changeroom during in lieu of an Anti-Corruption of our relationship was frater- Much later on in our friendship, serve out the sanction handed port to de Kock and the duo (Quinton de Kock 70*, Krunal a match at any given time in our Tribunal hearing. He will be free nal and cordial at all times. I the only other thing I received by the ICC. (ANI) ensured that their side does Pandya 39; Chris Morris 2-33). Nation Friday, April 30, 2021 13 Qatar Foundation award helps start-up provide health insurance to Nigerian women & children environmental problem, caus- and waste collection system. e innovator supported by WISH says ing pollution and public health The fund will also be used to issues, and negatively affects continue their awareness cam- funding proved crucial during COVID-19 marine life. paigns, aiming to reach at least “More than 90 percent of 350,000 people before the end TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to micro health insurance and Nigeria’s 200 million popula- of 2021. DOHA care in over 1,000 hospitals in tion does not have access to WISH Head of Innovation, Nigeria. ‘Micro’ refers to the basic health insurance. With Mahmoud El Achi, said: “We “THE funding from WISH has small financial transaction that more than 100 million people are very proud of the SOSO been a tremendous help to each health insurance policy living below the poverty line, Care team, who truly embody SOSO Care, as the COVID-19 generates. The policy, aimed out-of-pocket health financ- the spirit of innovation, with pandemic had disrupted our at supporting low-income ing means more people are their passion for caring for revenue, almost driving us out populations, covers specific dragged into poverty every their fellow humans and the of business. This funding has benefits that have been pri- year from unexpected health planet. Achieving global health given us a headway to set up oritised, at extremely afford- spending. Both these problems equity is crucial to sustainable a collection process across the able premium rates. are catastrophic. We thought of development and we have the Rivers State,” said Nonso Opu- The start-up has recently how best to solve them by using collective responsibility to en- rum, founder of SOSO Care. partnered with Hotel Alliance one problem to tackle the oth- sure that everyone around the SOSO Care, a young Ni- in Rivers, one of Nigeria’s nine er, so we created SOSO Care.” world has access to equal and gerian start-up, showcased its crude oil-producing states. The team’s ambitious plan proper healthcare. Through innovative enterprise at the A total of 100 hotels operate to make micro health insur- our Innovation Program, we 2020 World Innovation Sum- under the Alliance. The part- ance available to everyone is will continue to support health- mit for Health (WISH), Qatar nership aims to consign 1,590 not limited to Nigeria but en- care entrepreneurs who share Foundation’s (QF) global health tonnes of recyclables, includ- visions its reach to cover the our goal to create a fairer and initiative. As a result of partici- ing Polyethylene Terephthalate whole African population. healthier world.” pating in the WISH Innovation (PET) plastic bottles from all “Our mission is to ensure The WISH Innovation competition, the start-up won hotels to SOSO Care as a CSR Nonso Opurum, founder of SOSO Care everyone in Africa has access to Programme was formally $5,000 for its innovative ap- initiative. The money gener- quality healthcare irrespective launched in 2013. To date, 128 proach to bringing health insur- ated from the exchange will “The impact will not only additional funds and support sion and environmental sus- of their financial status. This innovators from around the ance to millions of Nigerians. be used to insure 5,000 vul- ensure health inclusion but to ensure proper evacuation of tainability. drives us to constantly search world have participated. The Founded in September nerable women and children also mitigate environmen- wastes across the hotels and to “Every year, 30 million for alternative forms of sustain- programme was expanded last 2019, the fintech social enter- across orphanage homes in the tal pollution, as plastics that replicate the same operational tonnes of waste is generated able healthcare financing to year to incorporate several prise collects and uses recycla- southern state. With the fund- would otherwise end up in model in two other Nigerian around Nigeria, accounting ensure access to health for eve- new incentives and benefits ble waste as a financial resource ing from WISH, SOSO Care landfills or drainages that lead states by the end of April,” for more than 20 billion plas- ryone.” SOSO Care is currently for innovators, including cash to give millions of uninsured was able to start the process of into the ocean will now be re- says Nonso. tic PET bottles, of which less focused on securing $250,000 prizes, workshops with inves- Nigerians, mostly pregnant collecting the waste and fuel its cycled and put to good use. SOSO Care’s business than 5 percent is collected and funding to grow their team tors and business mentors, and women and children, access operation. We are also hoping to raise model promotes health inclu- recycled. This creates a huge and improve their operation WISH media support. HBKU-CIS launches project QU’s Biomedical Science students to develop comprehensive present their graduation projects

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK and college of pharmacy at QU negative bacilli. source on Islamic reform DOHA as well as School of BioSciences Using Zebra fish model and Technology in India. in the research field was the QATAR University’s (QU) 13 A study titled ‘profile of oxi- dominant feature of three dif- Compilation will highlight major Biomedical Science students dative stress genes in response ferent studies. The first one was Islamic reform movements and presented eight different re- to obesity treatment’ was su- supervised by Dr Huseyin Yal- search projects recently online pervised by Dr Nasser Rizk, as- cin, assistant professor at the inform academic scholarship in light of COVID-19 pandemic sociate professor of Biomedical biomedical research centre and circumstances. These presenta- Science at QU. This study was conducted by students Nabila TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tions were the fruitful conclu- conducted by students Amira Moulana and Sara Suleiman to DOHA sion of four years of undergrad- from college of Pharmacy. An- Mohemd and Huda Farah and develop a vasoconstriction hy- uate studies. other study was supervised by found using mice models that pertension model in zebra fish. THE College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Three students, Asmaa Al- Dr Hatem Zayed, associate pro- decreasing oxidative stress The second one was supervised Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has launched a louch, Tara Fathi and Asma fessor at Biomedical Sciences, damage in skeletal muscles by Dr Gheyath Nasrallah, asso- new mega project to produce a comprehensive Hassan, conducted two dif- focusing on signalling cascades through the NrF2 pathway ciate professor of Immunology source on Islamic reform. ferent studies focusing on the of multiple myeloma cells treat- would be a potential anti-obe- at QU, where toxicity of AEO In keeping with CIS’ intent to lead in contem- effect of different substances ed with pristimerin. sity drug. surfactant was evaluated by the porary and applied Islamic studies, the compila- against human breast and colo- This study was conducted Another project was under student, Aldana Al-Dosari. The tion will aim to highlight major Islamic reformers, rectal cancer cells under the su- by students Rehab Elkardawy the supervision of Dr Nahla third study was supervised by reform themes, movements and contemporary pervision of Prof Ahmad Malki, and Heba Almaghrbi using bio- Omer, research associate of Dr Maha Alasmakh, assistant reform issues. The project outcomes will include Dr Akel Kahera associate dean of academic af- informatics approach and ac- biomedical research centre. In professor of embryology at QU, a bibliographic guide as well as a spatial and fairs at Health Sciences College. cepted for publication in a peer- this project, students Hanin to evaluate the toxic effect of wa- chronological digital inventory of Islamic reform- eral of its senior faculty members to undertake The studies were in col- review scientific journal. This Nizar and Noora Shams com- ter-pipe smoking on embryonic ers. CIS’ objective is to leverage the compilation to the mammoth project, which will require meticu- laboration with Prof Ala Ed- study was in collaboration with pared different methods to in- development of zebra fish. This reshape the academic teaching of Islamic studies, lous research and scholarship. The first task force din Moustafa from college of Translation Research Institute vestigate the in vitro activity of study was conducted by the stu- but also to rekindle the spirit of reform in Muslim will begin by collecting all scholarly works in the medicine and Prof Ashraf Khalil at Hamad Medical Corporation colistin against different gram dent Shima Aladawi. societies and contribute meaningfully to designing field of Islamic reform. Dr Emad El-Din Shahin, a better humanity. founding dean of CIS; Dr Louay Safi, profes- Explaining the overall aims, Dr Akel Kahera, sor of political science and Islamic thought; Dr professor of Islamic Architecture and Urbanism Dheen Mohammed, professor of comparative and the lead focal point for the project at CIS, religion; and Dr Muhammad Modassir Ali, sen- HBKU, said: “Our intent through this major pro- ior researcher at CIS’ Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Times Higher Education recognises ject is to educate and inform scholars, students, Thani Centre for Muslim Contribution to Civili- and the general public on the trajectories of Islam- zation (CMCC), will produce a bibliographical ic reform throughout Muslim history. We see it as guide including key reformist contributions and QU for its work towards UN SDGs important to demonstrate the relevance of Islamic develop a spatial and chronological digital inven- traditions and Muslim thought to contemporary tory of Islamic reformers. QATAR University has been clude zero hunger (ranked sec- water (first in Arab world and of the UN, Qatar is committed to global challenges. In this regard, the project re- The second task force will identify major recognised by Times Higher ond in Arab world, first in Gulf), Gulf), life on land (first in Arab fulfilling its obligations towards flects CIS’ aim of producing reform-oriented fu- pressing themes in the contemporary world. Dr Education (THE) Impact Rank- good health and wellbeing, world and Gulf), peace justice implementing the SDGs. ture generations that can make tangible contribu- Akel Kahera, professor of architecture and ur- ings 2021. QU has been ranked quality education, clean water and strong institutions, and fi- QU continues to make tions to humanity. banism; Dr Ibrahim Mohamed Zain, professor between 101 and 200 among and sanitation (ranked fourth nally, partnership for the goals waves in various international “The project will serve the wider academic of Islamic studies and comparative religion; Dr 1,115 universities worldwide. in Arab world, third in the Gulf), (fourth in Arab world, second in rankings. Last month, the uni- community, by shedding light on issues of consid- Alexandre Caeiro, associate professor of Islamic THE Impact Rankings measure affordable and clean energy, de- Gulf). versity was placed 26 in the erable importance to Islamic scholarship. For our studies, and Dr Joseph Lumbard, associate pro- global universities’ success in cent work and economic growth When QU launched its strat- overall THE Emerging Econo- part, we will also work toward integrating Islamic fessor of Quranic Studies, will focus on topics delivering the United Nations’ (fourth in Arab world and Gulf), egy in 2017, it did so in align- mies University Rankings for reform contributions into teaching and academic such as social justice, environmentalism, po- Sustainable Development Goals reduced inequalities, sustain- ment with the Qatar National 2021 and was recognised by QS courses, in keeping with HBKU’s commitment to litical accountability, human dignity and gender (SDGs). able cities and communities Vision 2030, insuring that the Quacquarelli Symonds World excellence in research.” equality, identifying Islamic reform contribu- Out of 17 UN SDG’s evaluat- (fourth in Arab world, first in University worked towards na- University Rankings in 13 differ- CIS has put together two task forces with sev- tions to these debates. ed, QU submitted 13, which in- Gulf), climate action, life below tional goals. As a member state ent subjects. (TNN) Visual Arts Studies Third Annual Conference 2020-2021 concludes

QNA the aftermath of the COV- that the conference presented DOHA ID-19 pandemic. various and useful studies of Participants from On the last day of the museum work, which con- across world THE Visual Arts Studies conference, the participants tributes to the development Third Annual Conference presented a set of research of museums as part of the ● Held under the theme 2020-2021, organised virtu- papers. cultural and educational fa- ‘The Future Museum in the ally by Mathaf: Arab Museum Director of Mathaf Dr Ab- cilities, and works to develop Future City’, the conference of Modern Art in collabora- dellah Karroum told Qatar knowledge, ideas and skills was attended by artists, tion with Doha Institute for News Agency (QNA) that the of the work team and the de- researchers, museum Graduate Studies, came to a conference, which was held velopment of museum collec- practitioners and curators close. Held under the theme for the third year, has suc- tions as part of the cultural ‘The Future Museum in the ceeded in strengthening co- action. from around the world Future City’, the conference operation between the Doha The conference examined ● The conference was attended by artists, re- Institute for Graduate Stud- the repercussions of the glob- examined the repercus- searchers, museum practi- ies and the Mathaf, as it was al pandemic, and how both tioners and curators from able to communicate ideas the city and museum have sions of the global around the world. and issues related to muse- been impacted by COVID-19. pandemic. It also It discussed, over three ums to the general public. At It also discussed the manners discussed the manners in days, the future scenarios the same time, it affirmed the through which the museum which the museum and the open to multiple possibilities, interest in the science of crea- and the city narrate this cru- city narrate this crucial by stimulating critical think- tivity and its integration into cial moment of transforma- moment of transformation ing about what may arise in daily life, he said, stressing tion, as and when it occurs. 14 Friday, April 30, 2021 The Last Word

Ooredoo promotes historic Changes to second FM Meets Saudi Minister of State & Member of Cabinet Qatar Airway’s Shipment dose vaccination to India includes PPE, Ramadan customs and process oxygen canisters traditions of the country Continued from page 1  Continued from page 1  TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to win prizes worth up to “PATIENTS will receive an SMS THE cargo shipment will include PPE DOHA QR25,000. specifying the time slot during equipment, oxygen canisters and other Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, which they can visit the drive- essential medical items, and consists OOREDOO has announced its Director PR at Ooredoo, through for their second dose of of donations by individuals and com- partnership with Al Rayyan said: “We’re delighted to be vaccine,” it added. No second doses panies around the world in addition to TV to support the local station partnering with Al Rayan TV will be given before the due date: 21 existing cargo orders. Qatar Airways with its quiz show, Ala Lyal as on this culturally important days after the first dose for Pfizer/ has been a leader in the fight against the Exclusive Communication show. A commitment to pro- BioNTech and 28 days after the COVID-19 and in the early stages of the Sponsor, moting and preserving Qa- first dose for Moderna, it noted. pandemic, provided similar aid flights The Ala Lyal Show aims tari culture and heritage is “Patients need to visit the drive- to China, shipping supplies to Beijing, to highlight historic Ramadan a key part of our corporate through centre in their own vehicle, Guangzhou and Shanghai in February customs and traditions from social responsibility strat- or taxi (no buses or people on foot 2020. QA has become the first global the past so that future genera- egy, never more so than in are permitted), and will be request- airline in the world to achieve the pres- tions can enjoy them. the holy month of Ramadan, ed to show their Ehteraz status as tigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Hassan Al Mohannadai and we’re proud to be playing green, their vaccination card and HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrah- Rating by international air transport and Hessa Al-Kuwari host the a part in ensuring our future their QID,” it added. The MoPH said man Al-Thani, on Thursday met with HRH Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet of rating organisation, Skytrax. This fol- show, which airs from Souq Al generations will get to enjoy if patients miss the scheduled time of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, lows HIA’s recent success as the first Wakrah. Viewers are quizzed the same Ramadan customs their second dose, they will receive who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations and only airport in the Middle East and on Ramadan customs and tra- and traditions we’ve enjoyed an SMS with a rescheduled appoint- between the two countries. (QNA) Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star ditions and have the chance for years.” ment at a PHCC health centre. COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. Ooredoo continues to support vital Qatar’s population drops to community center during Ramadan TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 2.64 million in March: PSA DOHA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK dents cases excluding the ac- QATAR’S leading telecom- DOHA cidents without injuries dur- munications company has an- ing March 2021, showing a nounced that it will continue THE total population of Qatar monthly decrease of 2.9 per- its long-standing support for has decreased from 2.80 mil- cent and an annual increase the Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney lion in March 2020 to 2.64 by 26.9 percent. Light injuries Center in Doha during Rama- million at end of March 2021, with 88 percent accounted for dan. the Planning and Statistics the vast majority of traffic ac- As part of the company’s Authority (PSA) monthly bul- cidents cases during the same efforts to support the commu- letin has revealed. month, followed by severe in- nity and bring joy to the pa- According to the bulletin, juries by nine percent. How- tients at the Center, Ooredoo 1,789 live births were regis- ever, 18 deaths were recorded, donated gift vouchers to the tered during March 2021 with equivalent to only three per- Center. an increase in the total Qatari cent of the total traffic acci- Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, live births by 9.5 percent com- dents cases. Director PR at Ooredoo, said: pared to last month. On the A total of 5,342 new vehi- “We’re delighted and proud other hand, 250 deaths were cles were registered in March to be continuing our long- members of the community, around the world.” recorded during the same pe- 2021, showing a monthly in- established partnership with and initiatives such as these Several similar CSR activi- riod, representing an increase crease of 3.9 percent and an the Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney are the ideal way in which we ties are planned for the rest of of 40.4 percent compared to cates by 3.8 percent with 373 monthly increase of 2.5 per- annual increase of 24.4 per- Center this Ramadan. Our can demonstrate this commit- Ramadan. This initiative is February 2021. marriage contracts and 176 di- cent for the value of social se- cent, according to the bulletin. corporate social responsibility ment in a practical way. We part of the Ooredoo AlKhair March 2021 also recorded vorce cases, respectively. curity and a monthly increase More information and de- strategy includes a firm com- wish a peaceful, blessed Rama- campaign, which was launched a monthly increase in mar- As for the Social Security, of 0.5 percent for the number tailed data is available at the mitment to supporting the dan to all patients and staff at during Ramadan to support a riage contracts by 25.2 percent QR84 million was distrib- of beneficiaries. Planning and Statistics Au- communities in which we op- the Center, and indeed to our variety of charitable organisa- while it witnessed a monthly uted to 14,681 beneficiaries The bulletin shows that thority website: www.psa.gov. erate, including the vulnerable communities in Qatar and tions and the community. decrease in divorce certifi- in March 2021, recording a there were 613 traffic acci- qa One coffee mug at a time connects people together AILYN AGONIA tion grew from his trips, gifts from friends and now. Hence, it’s more expensive should you DOHA from trading or mugs exchange with his fellow wish to buy it from the sellers. Through collect- “muggers” not only in Qatar but also in the ing mugs, my skills in Geography has improved THE passion of Filipino expat Robin Oira for Philippines and in other countries. a lot. Among my treasured item in my collec- collecting coffee mugs has not only brought “I believe all of my fellow collectors would tion is the 1st version of the Starbucks Qatar him good memories, but also new friends. agree that collecting Starbucks mugs brings Icon mug. It bears The Torch design in front ASIDE from owning hundreds of coffee mugs, back a lot of good memories, especially when and The Pearl Qatar design at the back. The he and another collector started a social media you bring a mug or two from your travels. It’s last time I checked it from our local and inter- group to connect with people from Qatar and also a good way to remember the iconic places national FB groups, it costs between $500 and around the world who share their passion for you’ve visited in a country. A few years ago, my $600!” collecting mugs. fellow collectors and I in Qatar hosted some According to Robin, while his collection “I was able to connect with other collectors muggers from Germany, Vietnam, and the is still considered modest in comparison with through our Facebook group Qatar Starbucks United States. They transited through Doha that of other avid collectors, he is content with Star Collectors. During the pre-pandemic pe- on their way to their final destination, and we what he has so far. “My mugs collection gives riod, we usually meet as a group at least once a had the opportunity to show them around the Robin Oira with his collection Robin’s late mother used to look after his me a feeling of happiness only a mugger like me month and as often as twice a week, depending beautiful places that we have here in Qatar. extensive mug collection, which adorned their could understand in this time of uncertainty. on our trading activity. We are always on the Of course, The Torch is always on their itiner- lecting Starbucks mugs because of their unique home in the Philippines. Maybe I’ll add a few mugs that are not yet a part lookout for newly released mugs and look for- ary, as they happily pose in front of the camera design, and that you have to visit that specific of my collection in the future. My only worry is ward to meeting our fellow collectors from di- while holding the VHTF (very hard to find) and country or city to obtain one. His personal fa- specific country, city, or even province. that our wall in our family home’s dining area verse backgrounds,” Robin told Qatar Tribune. precious Starbucks Qatar Version 1,” Robin vourite is the Starbucks Icon mugs collection, Robin said, “Nowadays, you could hardly back in the Philippines may not be able to ac- He started collecting mugs in 2013 during said. which has grown in popularity because it de- get the icon mugs from Starbucks stores as commodate if I would still add some more to his visit to Dubai. Over the years his collec- He said that he became interested in col- picts iconic places or things that represent a they have been discontinued for a few years it,” Robin added. Early diagnosis and autism awareness important: HBKU experts TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Autism is understood to be nal confirmed diagnosis cannot Are there treatments, over time. Early diagnosis and ASD tend to perform well in sci- DOHA a disorder of very early brain be made until the age of two or and what are QBRI’s re- behavioral interventions are ence and engineering, research, development, with behavioural older. searchers working on? essential in propelling improve- accounting, information tech- APRIL is Autism Awareness signs and characteristics com- There is currently no cure ments observed in individuals nology, manufacturing, journal- Month. Dr Abeer Al-Shammari monly manifesting between 18 Are symptoms consist- for autism. A one-size-fits-all with ASD, taking full advantage ism, art and design, and animal- and Dr Sara Abdulla, research months and three years of age. ent for all individuals? treatment is not appropri- of a young brain’s remarkable related careers. Their quality of fellows at the Qatar Biomedical The earliest signs usually in- ASD varies considerably in ate either, as many with ASD neuroplasticity. This leads to life depends on the foundation Research Institute (QBRI) Neu- volve the absence of typical be- symptoms and levels of severity have additional comorbidities what is known as “optimal out- provided from childhood. rological Disorders Research haviours rather than the pres- as well as associated comorbidi- and treatment plans must be come”, a term commonly used Center (NDRC) at Hamad Bin ence of atypical ones. Parents ties, hence its label ‘spectrum individualized to meet spe- for symptoms that are subdued What is the difference Khalifa University (HBKU), are in the best position to spot disorder’. This can sometimes cific needs. Early intervention or even lost later in life as a re- between a child diagnosed discuss what we should know the earliest warning signs and make the diagnosis difficult. As and support programs, such sult of appropriate intervention. with ASD and a child that is about autism spectrum disor- they should continuously moni- the famous quote says: “If you as speech, behavior, and occu- hyperactive or has a short der (ASD), and their research tor their child’s verbal, social, know one person with autism, Dr. Sara Abdulla pational therapy, are effective What will my child’s fu- attention span? aimed at improving early diag- emotional and cognitive devel- you know one person with au- strategies. They can help to re- ture be like? Attention Deficit Hyper- nosis and intervention. opment while keeping in mind tism”. Some children with au- a role. Variations in some genes duce symptoms and improve Many individuals with ASD activity Disorder (ADHD) is that children develop at differ- tism exhibit only mild impair- have been linked to autism, and cognitive ability and daily living successfully and happily inte- the medical term for children What are the character- ent paces. Nevertheless, sharing ments while others have more so far, hundreds of genes have skills, which can help the child grate into society, each with a considered to be overly ac- istics of ASD? concerns with your doctor if you difficult obstacles to overcome. been identified, which further be more independent and bet- range of abilities, skills, and in- tive and exhibit a short at- Autism is characterised by feel your child is not meeting However, every child on the complicates the mechanisms ter integrate within the wider terests. By identifying their pro- tention span. Characteristics difficulty in social interactions, milestones is important. spectrum has, to some degree, for a genetic contribution to community. Unfortunately, ficiencies, one can suggest suit- of ADHD include the inva- communication challenges and impairments in the following autism. Environmental factors there are no laboratory tests able career choices. Some are sion of one’s personal space, restricted, repetitive behav- How is ASD diagnosed? areas: difficulties in social com- linked to autism include the to determine if a child will de- more visually orientated with a inability to read social cues, iours. Many with autism are There is no medical test to munication (verbal and nonver- parents’ advanced age, mater- velop, or has ASD, and this is an keen attention to detail, which trouble paying attention to very sensitive to sensory stimuli diagnose ASD, but a qualified bal), deficits in social interac- nal infections during pregnancy area of investigation at QBRI. gives them an edge in technol- people, constantly moving, such as sounds, lights, smells healthcare professional - a de- tions, and restricted, repetitive and birth complications (i.e. ex- A new collaborative project is ogy, systems, and program- and having meltdowns. Be- and touch. Several medical velopmental pediatrician, child patterns of behaviour, interest treme preterm babies, and very under way at QBRI to utilise ming. Others are exceptional cause these behaviors also conditions commonly co-occur psychiatrist, or clinical psychol- or activities, and sensory issues. low birth weight). These factors machine learning and artificial with facts. They are known to manifest in ASD, it can be dif- with autism, including intellec- ogist and specialists - would alone are unlikely to cause au- intelligence techniques to create approach situations more logi- ficult to distinguish between tual disability, anxiety, epilepsy, utilize validated screening What are the probable tism; however, combined ge- an objective diagnostic tool for cally, and hence are more objec- the two, especially in younger gastrointestinal issues and sleep tools and rely on the history of causes? netic and environmental factors early detection and diagnosis. tive in decision-making. They children. The two conditions disorders. a child’s development and ob- Although the exact cause is and the interactions between also show joy in research and can occur together in an indi- serving their behavior to make still unclear, research suggests them are likely to increase the Is ASD for life? obtaining knowledge, especially vidual. However, there are key At what age can we ob- a diagnosis. It can be detected that both genetic and environ- risk. Yes, although varying symp- in a topic of interest to them. differences, and they are two serve its manifestations? as early as 18 months, but a fi- mental factors are likely to play toms can improve or reduce Consequently, individuals with distinct conditions.