Sunday April 25, 2021 Ramadan 13, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5241 QR 2

Fajr: 3:41 am Dhuhr: 11:32 am fine Asr: 3:01 pm Maghrib: 6:04 pm High : 40°C LOW : 26 °C Isha: 7:34 pm

RAMADAN TIMING World 5 Business 7 Sports 12 Today Tomorrow Iftar imsak India gasps for Time ripe for equity Xavi delighted as Al Sadd oxygen as COVID-19 investors to enter stay on course in AFC 6:04pm 3:40am cases explode Qatar: Seetharaman Champions League

Drive-through vaccination a massive hit More than 110,000 used drive-through centres at Al Wakra and Lusail: MoPH Recoveries surge as Tribune News Network date for your second dose — 21 Doha days after the first dose for Pfizer/ BioNTech and 28 days after the More than 110,000 people have first dose for Moderna. No sec- new COVID cases fall used COVID-19 drive-through ond doses will be administered vaccination centres in Lusail and earlier. 39.5% adults receive at least one vaccine dose Al Wakra, the Ministry of Public  People attending the drive- Health (MoPH) has announced. through centers are seen on a first- Tribune News Network ber of cases recovered in Qatar to The drive-through centre in come-first basis. At peak hours, Doha 179,974. Lusail opened on March 1, while you may be required to wait while Five people -- aged 45, 56, 59, the one in Al Wakra started opera- other people are seen first. For this For the fifth consecutive day, the 62, and 62 years – succumbed to tion on March 27. reason, it is important to come pre- Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) the virus. Three of them had chronic Together, they account for vac- pared: recorded a significant decrease in diseases. cinating nearly 8 percent of the  Bring a drink and small the number of COVID-19 cases. The As for vaccination, about 39.5 people who have taken the jabs snack with you in case the wait is MoPH reported 718 COVID-19 cases percent of the eligible population has since the start of Qatar’s national longer than expected on Saturday. now received at least one dose of the vaccination campaign against  Bring a book to read or have The MoPH said the decline in cases vaccine, the MoPH said. COVID-19. something to listen to on your car is a result of strict implementation of About 84.3 percent of over 60s So far, 1,394,781 people have stereo the precautionary measures, and the (the most vulnerable population been vaccinated, with nearly 40 People going for the drive-through centres for COVID-19 vaccination are seen on  If possible, avoid bringing acceleration in the national vaccination group) has been vaccinated with at percent of the adult population a first-come-first basis. young children who may get impa- campaign against the virus. least one dose, while 71.2 percent receiving at least one shot of the tient with any potential delay. On Friday, the MoPH recorded has received both the doses. vaccine. usually at 11pm, however, please your first dose, to gain entry.  Ensure that you have enough 798 cases, on Thursday 800 cases, A total of 1,394,781 COVID-19 Here are some steps one needs note at times of very high demand  Those attending the drive- fuel in your car for the duration of on Wednesday 819 cases, and on vaccine doses have been adminis- to keep in mind if you are heading this may be earlier. through must be in a vehicle to your visit. Tuesday 885 cases. tered since the start of the National to one of these centres:  The centres cater only to proceed for their vaccination —  Plan your visit for when you Also, the MoPH recorded 1,513 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. As  Note that Ramadan opening people receiving their second dose. and with a maximum occupancy of know you do not have any impor- recoveries from the virus in the past many as 22,385 doses have been hours are from 1pm to midnight, You will need to bring your vacci- four people per car. tant appointments within the next 24 hours, bringing the total num- administered in the past 24 hours. seven days a week. Last entry is nation card, showing the details of  You must wait until the due few hours.

Qatar calls for ending Qatar celebrates World Immunisation Week crises in Middle East Vaccination drive progressing Qatar has called for efforts to reduce at a rapid pace, says official tensions and end crises in the Mid- dle East, in view of the challenges The Ministry of Public Health national vaccination campaign the region is witnessing, including the (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corpora- against COVID-19 in Qatar is effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It tion (HMC), and Primary Health progressing at a rapid pace, stressed the need for fruitful coop- Care Corporation (PHCC) cel- where nearly 1,400,000 doses eration and the consolidation of the ebrated the World Immunisation have been administered to the principles of good neighbourhood and Week organised under the theme most venerable members of the mutual respect. “Vaccines Bring Us Closer”. community. The MoPH is keen This came in a statement made The celebrations of the World to secure the best internation- by Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Immunization week this year Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi. ally approved vaccines which are HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani before the UN Secu- comes amid the implementation considered a crucial tool for the rity Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, of the largest campaign in Qa- municable Disease Control at control of this pandemic and the QVC in India to start including the Palestinian question. tar’s history for the vaccination of MoPH Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi gradual return to normal life.” The statement stressed Qatar’s support of all international the population against COVID-19. said vaccination is considered The Head of Vaccination at efforts aiming to make a real progress in settling the Middle- The celebrations focus this year as one of the most successful MoPH Dr Soha Al Bayat said processing domestic East’s long-lasting issue, noting that this calls for continued on the importance of taking the interventions in the field of public immunization is known to save attention from the UN Security Council and the solidarity of the vaccination during this pandemic health and Qatar is always keen millions of lives every year. “Vac- international community with the Palestinian people until they in order to prevent and curb the to reach the highest coverage cines have been used for hun- workers’ applications obtain their full rights, ending their sufferings, and creating spread of the virus. rate of safe and high quality vac- dreds of years to protect people favourable conditions for the peace process. page 6 Director of the Department cinations. by providing immunity from many Tribune News Network try said on Twitter, adding that of Health Protection and Com- “The implementation of the serious diseases. page 16 Doha appointments for it can be ob- tained through QVC website. The Qatar Visa Centres in Qatar has seven visa cen- India will start processing ap- tres in India — in the cities plications for people seeking of New Delhi, Mumbai, Kol- Watch out for Supermoon tomorrow: QCH US recognition of Armenian ‘genocide’ to come to Qatar as domestic kata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, opens deep wound, says Turkey workers or under similar cat- Chennai and Kochi. They will The Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has announced that the full moon egory from Sunday (April 25), facilitate and simplify the re- of the Holy Month of Ramadan this year will be completely different. US President Joe Biden’s recognition of the mass killings of Arme- the Ministry of Interior said on cruitment and work visa pro- Known as “Supermoon”, it will appear approximately 14 percent nians by Ottoman Turks as “genocide” opens “a deep wound that Saturday. cedures for Indian expatriates larger than the usual full moon, and 30 percent more luminous, undermines our mutual trust and friendship,” the Turkish Foreign Both men and women can travelling to Qatar for work because it will be a bit closer to the earth — about 358,000 kilo- Ministry says. Ankara rejects the US move as a “vulgar distortion file the application, the minis- before their arrival in Qatar. meters from the center of the earth. Dr Bashir Marzouq, an astrono- of history,” saying that it serves “the agenda of those circles that mer at QCH, said the residents of of Qatar can enjoy seeing and try to foment enmity from history,” the statement adds. “We reject observing the supermoon phenomenon with the naked eye from the and denounce in the strongest terms the statement of the Presi- evening of Monday, Ramadan 14, 1442 AH. (QNA) dent of the US regarding the events of 1915,” it says. page 4 Scattered rain likely until Wednesday: QMD

Karwa Motors to produce 1st ‘Made in Oman’ bus this year Tribune News Network country are expected to in- Doha crease gradually from Mon- Tribune News Network buses per year, and it will con- day afternoon until Wednes- Doha The company will produce tribute to stimulate economic Some parts of the country day with a chance of scattered 200 buses this year. The activity in the Special Eco- are likely to witness scattered rain on intermittent basis, Karwa Motors is preparing plant has a capacity to nomic Zone of Duqm by using rain intermittently from Mon- especially on Tuesday and to manufacture 200 buses this produce 500 buses per the facilities of Duqm Port and day until Wednesday, the Qa- Wednesday. It may become year from its plant in Duqm year. other ports of the Sultanate to tar Meteorology Department thundery along with strong Economic Zone in Oman. import spare parts, bus struc- (QMD) has said. wind causing blowing dust at Karwa Motors is a joint tures, and other raw materials The weather charts indi- times,” the QMD said. venture partnership between percent stake. and export buses. cate the influence of low pres- It is worth mentioning Mowasalat, Qatar national A report released by the “Karwa Motors is currently sure system over the country that this period is known transport company, with a Oman News Agency said the preparing to produce the first accompanied with southeast- as Alsarayat, which is well 70 percent equity stake and company will produce 200 bus from its factory located in erly wind, the QMD said in a known for sudden and quick Oman Investment Authority buses this year. The plant has the Special Economic Zone of tweet. changing weather, the QMD (OIA) with the remaining 30 a capacity to produce 500 Duqm,” the report added. “The cloud cover over the added. 02 Sunday, April 25, 2021

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Qatar’s relief aid brings succour to Typhoon Vamco in Philippines Tribune News Network disaster. tents, water and sanitation units, in- Doha The aid, amounting to 40 tonnes, flatable boats and mosquito nets at a has helped in addressing the urgent cost of $315,757. Qatar, through the coordination needs of the affected people based on In addition, Qatar Armed forces, on of the Qatar Fund for Development the initial assessment like shelters and December 4, 2020, delivered aid to the (QFFD), has provided emergency aid to food items. Philippines via an air bridge from the the victims of Typhoon Vamco, which Qatar Charity focused on food se- Qatar Armed Forces. hit many towns and villages in the curity by providing relief materials Besides, Qatar Red Crescent Soci- northern parts of the Philippines late with a total value of QR113,700, equiv- ety’s technical team in the Philippines last year. alent to $31,236. and the Philippine Red Cross also de- The relief was organised in partner- On its part, the Qatar Red Cres- livered aid to 623 families (about 3,115 ship between Qatar Charity (QC) and cent Society, funded by the Qatar beneficiaries) in theR izal province. the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Fund for Development, provided food The relief aid was also provided to in coordination with the Philippine baskets, shelter tool kits and various the other provinces. About 6,500 peo- The relief aid was organised in partnership between Qatar Charity (QC) and the Qatar Red Crescent Red Cross to help those affected by the non-food items, including blankets, ple benefited from the assistance. Society (QRCS) in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross to help those affected by the disaster.

QIB collaborates with QC to sponsor iftar projects Ooredoo celebrates Tribune News Network situation imposed by Covid-19.” posed by the pandemic. Ramadan with Doha Jassim Mohammed Al Ema- QIB’s contribution to the iftar di, director of Programmes and project, which serves low-income Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), in Community Development at community members during the exciting promotions collaboration with Qatar Char- Qatar Charity, expressed grati- holy month, is part of the bank’s ity (QC), is sponsoring iftar pro- tude for QIB’s ongoing support social responsibility programme Tribune News Network ject for fasting workers in the of Qatar Charity programmes and reflects the bank’s commit- Doha industrial area as part of Qatar and projects, as well as for spon- ment to Islamic values and Qa- Charity’s ‘Ramadan of Hope’ soring the iftar Project, which tari traditions of social solidarity. Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications op- campaign, in light of the cur- is aimed at workers during the Every year, QIB supports similar erator, has announced two exciting promotions for its rent challenging conditions. The Holy Month of Ramadan. Jas- programmes to reaffirm its com- customers in celebration of Ramadan. sponsorship of the programme sim emphasised that the collab- mitment to the community. Customers will be able to win instant vouchers as is part of the bank’s community- oration reflects QIB’s ongoing QIB prioritises social re- well as up to one million Nojoom Points through Oore- focused CSR initiatives. efforts to support charitable ini- sponsibility as a leading bank doo Puzzle and Fawazeer Commenting on the spon- tiatives while embracing Qatari in Qatar and an active partner Ramadan. sorship, Mashaal Abdulaziz Al and Islamic values associated providing continuous support to Customers can use Oore- Derham, assistant general man- with social solidarity. the community. This is reflected doo Puzzle to solve the puz- Instant vouchers ager, head of Corporate Commu- Jassim also emphasised in its contributions to human zle and win instant vouch- and chance to win nications & Quality Assurance at to learn that our collaboration distributed to industrial workers QIB’s significant contribution assistance, health, education ers. There will be a variety 1million Nojoom QIB, said: “Ramadan is a time of with Qatar Charity is assisting while adhering to the require- to assisting a large number of and sports activities as part of of vouchers available from Points on offer giving, generosity, compassion, the community in breaking their ments of the national health au- workers during the holy month, QIB’s social responsibility pro- Urban Point and Nojoom and tolerance. We are proud fast with a good meal, which is thorities, in light of the current especially given the challenges grammes. partners. Customers participat- ing in Fawazeer Ramadan can answer one question per day to collect tickets and get entry to win an incredible one million Nojoom points. There are also 500,000 and 250,000 Nojoom Points up for grabs. Filipino nurses group in Qatar elects new officers Both promotions are available to Hala, Shahry and Mobile Broadband customers and will be available until extended their gratitude to the May 12, 2021. Customers’ MSISDNs must be valid and More than 100 Filipino nurses in Qatar former officers for their invalu- not suspended in order for them to participate. able service during the past two “We’re delighted to be celebrating Ramadan with took part in the virtual event years. these fun promotions this year,” said Sabah Rabiah Al Esloyo said, “We will never Kuwari, director PR at Ooredoo. Our ultimate goal is Ailyn Agonia Qatar Care. falter and we will continue to complete customer satisfaction, and with some exciting DOHA According to Esloyo, his be the beacon of hope among prizes on offer, including an incredible one million No- presidency for PNA-Q shall aim Filipino nurses and the com- joom Points, we’re confident our customers will enjoy The Philippine Nurses As- to achieve developing a new ID munity they serve, especially participating in the games. We wish everyone a blessed sociation-Qatar (PNA-Q) an- system, strengthening collabo- when our service is direly and peaceful Ramadan and good luck in the draw for nounced its new set of officers rations and improving continu- needed in these challenging one million Nojoom Points.” during its virtual annual as- ing education programmes for times.” sembly held recently. nurses relevant to the commu- The current global pan- More than 100 Filipino nity they serve. demic may have curtailed nurses in Qatar took part in the Speaking on the occasion, many plans and activities of virtual event which also saw the Mary Rose Uy, the 2019-2020 PNA-Q but it remains un- oath-taking of the officers to PNA-Q president, urged the daunted in spreading positivi- serve the association for 2021- newly-inducted president Es- ty and unity where it is needed 2022 headed by Peach Dale Es- loyo to continue what the asso- manager under the new leader- Raga (Secretary), Jane Lam the most. loyo as the new president. ciation had started and estab- ship of the association. (Treasurer), Grethel Dela Paz The virtual oath-taking cer- Esloyo works as the Educa- lished, especially in serving the Aside from Esloyo and Uy, Hajan (Auditor) and Zorayda emony was also witnessed by tion and Training Director and Filipino nurses in Qatar and the PNA-Q new leadership also Zaide (Public Relations Of- Engr Adonis Talabo, chairman Continuing Professional De- the community. includes Norwil Baguio (Vice- ficer). of the Philippine Professional velopment (CPD) Chairman of Uy will serve as business President), Vesa Lara Malaine PNA-Q 2021-2022 officers Organization – Qatar (PPO-Q). USQBC releases ‘Qatar Sustainability Report: A Leader in Green Initiatives’

Tribune News Network and is assuming global leader- managing director of USQBC. Carbon Capture and Storage dunes and ice sheets with ra- Doha ship. “In 2021, not only was Qa- (CCS) facilities. dar technology. Qatar has prioritised envi- tar ranked 18th overall in the “Environmental steward- In addition, American- The US-Qatar Business Coun- ronmental stewardship across Earth.org Global Sustainabil- ship and sustainability is at based Texas A&M University cil (USQBC) has released the the vision’s four pillars: hu- ity Index, but the country also the heart of Qatar’s future at Qatar has introduced a ma- “Qatar Sustainability Report: man development, social de- topped the MENA Region in development,” said Sheikha jor programme called the Qa- A Leader in Green Initiatives” velopment, economic devel- the World Economic Forum’s Mayes bint Hamad Al Thani, tar Sustainable Water and En- on the occasion of Earth Day opment, and environmental Energy Transition Index.” managing director of USQBC’s ergy Utilisation Initiative and 2021 and the Leaders’ Summit development, throughout the Qatar has ensured that Doha Office. T“ he country has is also playing a crucial role in on Climate hosted by Presi- Qatar National Vision 2030, sustainability is at the heart ensured a green future by in- recycling carbon byproducts dent Joe Biden on April 22 and the country’s roadmap for fu- of the country’s economic de- vesting heavily in research, from natural gas production 23. The report contains critical ture growth. velopment by ensuring that education, and community en- and converting them into car- information on how Qatar is Qatar has also made sig- some of the largest upcoming gagement initiatives.” bon nanotubes to be used in driving sustainability through nificant progress towardsprojects and initiatives are Qatar has pushed sustain- Qatar’s manufacturing facili- policy, global leadership, and achieving the United Nations environmentally friendly. In ability to the forefront of the ties. how the country’s key projects Sustainable Development 2022, Qatar is set to host the country’s educational and This report will be fol- adhere to the highest sustain- Goals, having established in- first-ever carbon neutral FIFA research initiatives with key lowed by another publication ability standards. dicators for 80.2 percent of World Cup with many of the partnerships with US institu- that will discuss some of the In response to rising CO2 the total number of indicators stadiums using solar-power tions. In 2020, Qatar Foun- important initiatives Ameri- emissions, water scarcity and specified by the UN frame- for electricity generation. In ity Strategy which established down emission intensity of dation partnered with the can companies invested in other global environmental work. 2021, Qatar Petroleum, the several targets in line with the the country’s LNG facilities by United States’ NASA to find Qatar are taking to combat cli- challenges, Qatar has incorpo- “Qatar is quickly becoming world’s largest producer of goals of the Paris Agreement. 25 percent and its upstream buried water in earth’s deserts mate change. rated ambitious sustainability a global leader in sustainabil- Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Some of the goals set forth in facilities by at least 15 percent through the design of a sat- Download the report: htt- goals into its national policy ity,” said Mohammed Barakat, unveiled its new Sustainabil- the strategy include cutting as well mandating the use of ellite mission to probe sand ps://www.bit.ly/3elFmqp Nation Sunday, April 25, 2021 03 Qatar-based internal auditor Rajeswar selected to IIA Board’s Global Advocacy Advisory Council Tribune News Network and has served on the Board in advancing the profession complishing this goal is ad- ty audits. Doha since its inception for 15 The IIA’s strategic plan of internal auditing,” said vocacy. The IIA’s advocacy efforts years. includes raising the profile Charles T Wright, chair- The three principle advo- influence standard-setting Sundaresan Rajeswar, He previously served in of and demand for internal man of the Board Nominee, cacy messages are: Internal bodies, oversight entities, board member, point of con- the Research and Education in his letter of invitation to audit makes organizations regulators and other stake- tact, chief advisor, and past Committee of the IIA Global audit and ensuring the pro- Rajeswar. stronger; IIA Standards holders to endorse or adopt president of the Institute of for three years, 2016-2019, fession is recognised as an The IIA’s strategic plan provide the foundation for the International Standards Internal Auditors (The IIA) and has been in the Global indispensable resource by includes raising the profile high-quality audits that help for the Professional Practice Qatar, has been appointed Council, a thought leader- key stakeholders. of and demand for inter- ensure complete, accurate of Internal Auditing (Stand- to the Global Advocacy Advi- ship body of the IIA, for the nal audit and ensuring the and reliable information ards), ensure that internal sory Council for the two-year past 10 years. profession is recognised as is reported to the Board; auditing is at the governance 2012-23 term. “The councils help to tributions of members like an indispensable resource and Certified Internal table and is acknowledged Rajeswar is one of the determine and drive IIA yourself that the IIA is able by key stakeholders. One Auditors demonstrate profi- as a cornerstone of effective chapter’s founder members priorities. It is through con- Sundaresan Rajeswar to maintain its leadership of the principal tools in ac- ciency to deliver high-quali- governance. Abu Hamour campus of MES School starts virtual classes

Olive International School students excel at Qatar debate contest Tribune News Network second. Doha Aside from these group awards, Adithya Pillai and Tribune News Network a holistic person,” said K Abdul Olive International School Nithen Aswath of OIS were Doha Karim. Debate Teams of boys and ranked sixth and seventh in “Dealing and fruitfully en- girls dominated the final the individual category of best The MES Indian School’s Abu gaging the students of the 21st rounds of the Qatar Prepara- speakers. Hamour campus started virtual century is the biggest challenge tory School Debate League Ms. Anu Thomas Abra- classes on Tuesday. The pre- for teachers. But, if we are well Nationals, which were recent- ham, Debate Coach, and Ms. opening interaction with par- aware of the problems and ly organized by Qatar Debate Punam Antil, Debate Coor- ents and students began with make advance preparations, Centre, a member of the Qa- dinator, trained the team messages from President of the this can be done comfortably. A teacher communicates with students via an online platform. tar Foundation for Education, of 18 Olivians. The team at- Governing Board K Abdul Ka- Along with traditional teaching- Science, and Community De- tended all of the Qatar De- rim and Principal Dr Moham- learning, the new generation classes and established a rap- The exclusive highlights of Principal Dr Haneef, urged velopment. bate team’s educational and med Haneef. of children needs a lot of addi- port with them. Teachers en- the school like FM Radio, Green parents to provide maximum The Open Grand Final enlightening workshops. In “The long-cherished dream tional aspects to keep them oc- couraged the students to be Army, Star Chase, Happiness support to their kids to get on Championship was won by both tournaments, the young of the management to open a cupied with academic matters. ready for a wonderful educa- Centre, Value Education, Moral with the online classes and the Junior Girls team, which debaters competed against second campus is a reality to- For that, the school will do all tional onward journey with ME- Education, etc. will also be im- complete the tasks. The role of included Khadija bint Johar, several schools from Qatar day, and by this we mean to it can to make the schooling a SIS, with an exclusive activity- plemented in a modified way the parents during the virtual Umme Kulsum Meher, and before qualifying for the Qa- extend and offer the outstand- pleasurable experience for the based learning pedagogy. From to suit the online methodology. learning period is more than the Anamika Priya. In the semi- tar Debate Open Grand Final ing educational service of MES learners,” the principal said in Wednesday onwards the school The school is also planning to actual learning time. The school finals,they defeated Pakistan Championship. Indian School to a larger com- his speech. became fully functional with the conduct its first ‘School Parlia- will eventually justify the tag- International School in an Olive International School munity, providing quality edu- Later, the teachers inter- commencement of the virtual ment Election’ in a 100 percent line ‘Together, Towards an Edu- impromptu round on the mo- won against many established cation for every child to grow as acted with the students of their classes. democratic way. Revolution’. tion. champions despite the fact In the grand finale round, that it was their first time par- Olive International School’s ticipating in the Qatar Prepar- Junior Girls team faced off atory School Debate League. against their immediate op- Olive International School, in MES school marks Earth Day with array of activities ponents DPS- Modern Indian collaboration with the Qatar School. They opposed the mo- Debate team, will remain a Tribune News Network tion on the floor and the team part of Qatar’s debating com- Doha OIS was declared the Open munity in the coming years. Grand Final Champions. The Principal, Manage- With the objective of pro- The Junior Boys’ Debate ment, and the entire Olive moting environmental aware- Team, which included Adithya staff congratulated both teams ness and sensitising students Pillai, Vassudev Vinod, and as well as the teachers who on the need to protect our Dhwanit Dave, finished trained them. planet Earth, MES Indian School commemorated ‘The Earth Day’ on April 20 under the theme, ‘Together, We Can Restore Our Earth’. A special assembly was held virtually to celebrate the day, where the students gave speeches and pledged to pre- serve and conserve the self- sustaining planet. The students of KG-I to V-VIII and ‘Collage Making’ a Reporter activity’ (Power- effects of rampant construc- students and urged them to be XII enthusiastically partici- for classes IX and X provid- Point Presentation) gave the tion activities, cutting down grateful to the Mother Earth pated in the various activities ing students with a platform students of Classes XI and XII of trees, pollution, destruction for all its bountiful gifts in the organised by the Campus Care to showcase their artistic and an opportunity to play the role of forest and extinction of wild form of flora, fauna and beau- Force during the 6th & 7th pe- creative skills. of young environment report- life etc. Virtual certificates tiful landscapes. riods. ‘Be a Designer’ (paint- Students made amazing ers and these budding, inquis- were awarded to encourage The teachers-in-charge ing) activity was organised and creative products like wall itive journalists compiled in- the students for their active of the day’s event were Jency for the Kindergarten. ‘Poster hangings, cards, pen stands, teresting reports in the form of participation. George, Celci Sebastian, Su- Designing’ for classes I-IV, bags, paper boxes, flowers power-point on various envi- Hameeda Kadar, principal, mayyabi Shanuj, Sibby Shaji Olive International School building. ‘Best out of Waste’ for classes and even beautiful dresses. ‘Be ronmental issues like adverse appreciated the efforts of the and Nisha George. Birla Public School hosts parent orientation programme The principal urged parents to spend quality time with their children and to encourage them with positive words Tribune News Network teaching methodologies and Doha the co-scholastic activities. The webinar panel in- Birla Public School (BPS) cluded BPS Principal A P recently organised a virtual Sharma, Vice-Principal Co- orientation programme for Scholastic Rajesh Pillai and the parents and guardians Campus Coordinator Bhay- of Primary Section students atri Pillai. who have enrolled for vari- Welcoming parents to the ous grades this year with re- new academic session, the newed enthusiasm. principal informed the stu- The idea behind the pro- dents about the importance Vice-Principal Pillai ex- have not been able to tour gramme was to help partner of positive behaviour, keep- pressed his gratitude to all the school. A brief presen- with the parents who, along ing pace and following a set the parents for being a con- tation on the academic and with the management, staff routine in life, being grateful stant support throughout the co-scholastic activities of the and students, are important and doing small acts of kind- year. school apprised the parents stakeholders in the pursuit of ness in this Holy Month of The campus coordinator with the school ethos and imparting holistic education. Ramadan. spoke about the curriculum the spirit. The orientation also He urged the parents to to be followed during the The webinar and the ses- aimed to familiarise the par- spend quality time with chil- academic year. sion helped parents to have ents as ‘partners in progress’ dren and motivate them with A virtual tour of the an overall view of their chil- with the curriculum, rules positive words of encourage- school campus was shown dren’s upcoming academic and regulations of the school, ment. as the parents and children year. 04 Sunday, April 25, 2021 World

News Turkey rejects Biden’s remarks in brief Turkey launches offensive against Kurdish militants in Iraq’s north on Armenian ‘genocide’ claims Istanbul Turkey has launched a new military operation against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq, conducting a series of airstrikes against them, state broadcaster TRT reported on Saturday. ‘Statement by US President, who is neither legally nor morally authorised to judge history, has no value’ The army started hitting targets of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the border city of Hakkari with jet and Agencies artillery strikes late on Friday, TRT said. Paris/Istanbul Special forces, armed drones and helicopters joined clashes in northern Iraq on Saturday, it said. US President Joe Biden’s remarks on Strikes intensified on theG ara region and the remote Armenian claims about the events of Qandil mountain range, where the PKK is headquartered, the 1915, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on report added. The offensive aims to “eradicate the pack of kill- Saturday said that the statement lacks ers,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a video message any scholarly or legal basis and is not shared by state news agency Anadolu. (dpa) supported by the evidence. “We reject and denounce in the strongest terms the statement of the EU condemns Russia’s designation of President of the US regarding the Meduza outlet as ‘foreign agent’ events of 1915 made under the pres- sure of radical Armenian circles and Moscow (dpa) - The European Union on Saturday condemned anti-Turkey groups on 24 April,” the the Kremlin’s classification of the internet portal Meduza as a ministry said in a statement. “foreign agent” in Russia. The ministry added that none of “It is extremely worrying that the Russian authorities are the conditions required for the use of further restricting the work of independent media platforms, the term “genocide” – strictly defined individual journalists and other media professionals,” the in international law – are met by the European External Action Service said, adding that Russia was events of 1915. thereby violating international obligations. “The nature of the events of 1915 The Russian Justice Ministry announced on Friday that it does not change according to the cur- had added Meduza, a news outlet critical of the government, rent political motives of politicians to its register of “foreign agents,” saying that the company or domestic political considerations. was registered in Latvia. According to Russian law, media and Such an attitude serves only a vulgar non-governmental organizations have to register as “foreign distortion of history,” stressed the agents” if they finance themselves with money from abroad. statement. The controversial law was expanded a few months ago and is The ministry said the statement now also applicable to individual journalists. (dpa) by Biden, who is neither legally nor morally authorized to judge historical Anadolu. 1915 is that the deaths of Armenians events, has no value, it said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mev- Ties between Ankara and in eastern Anatolia took place when ‘We’re fine’: Volunteers leave French Biden’s genocide recognition lut Cavusoglu earlier wrote on Twit- some sided with invading Russians cave after 40 days opens “a deep wound that undermines ter that the classification was “based Washington have already been and revolted against Ottoman forces. our mutual trust and friendship,” the solely on populism” and “the greatest strained by a string of issues, A subsequent relocation of Armenians Paris An experiment that involved 15 people spending 40 days Turkish Foreign Ministry said, adding betrayal to peace and justice.” including the US support to resulted in numerous casualties. in a cave in France ended on Saturday, as the volunteers, all that Ankara rejects it as a “vulgar dis- In a letter to the Armenian patri- Syrian Kurdish militia and Turkey objects to the presenta- wearing sunglasses, emerged in front of live cameras. tortion of history.” arch in Turkey ahead of Biden’s state- Turkey’s purchase of Russian tion of these incidents as “genocide,” “We’re fine,” said one participant after leaving the cave in “We reject and denounce in the ment, Erdogan said he “remembers describing them as a tragedy in which the French Pyrenees near the town of Tarascon-sur-Ariege. strongest terms the statement of the with respect the Ottoman Armenians missile defence systems both sides suffered casualties. The experiment was meant to test how humans adapt when President of the US regarding the we lost in World War I” and “shares Ankara has repeatedly pro- they lose all reference to space and time. Participants did not events of 1915,” the ministry said, sorrow” of the victims’ relatives. On April 24, 1915, thousands of posed the creation of a joint have phones or watches, French news agency AFP reported. charging that it “hinders” peace and Biden has recognised the Armenian intellectuals suspected of commission of historians from The research was triggered by the experiences of being in stability in the region. mass killings of Armenians by hostility towards Ottoman rule were Turkey and Armenia as well as inter- lockdown, the head of the mission and founder of the Human It is an extremely unfortunate and Ottoman Turks as “genocide”. rounded up. national experts to tackle the issue. Adaptation Institute, Christian Clot, had said in March. saddening day in terms of our bilateral Biden’s move wasn’t unexpected: As a According to estimates, up to 1.5 In 2014, then-Prime Minister Erdogan The participants, ages 25 to 50, entered the cave, which ties [with the US],” Erdogan’s com- presidential candidate, he had spoken million Armenians lost their lives dur- expressed condolences to the descend- was 12 degrees Celsius and had 95 percent humidity, in mid- munications director Fahrettin Altun about the “genocide” of Armenians at a ing that time. ants of Armenians who lost their lives March. (dpa) said, as quoted by state news agency remembrance day event. Turkey’s position on the events of in the events of 1915. Italian singer British PM Johnson under pressure SpaceX capsule carrying Milva, known four astronauts docks for vocal range over Downing Street refurbishment with space station and red hair, dpa about. That is the behaviour of dpa kilometres above the Indian London a tin-pot dictatorship. Britain, Washington Ocean, NASA said. dies at 81 frankly, deserves a lot better SpaceX, a private US British Prime Minister Boris than that.” Conservative former A SpaceX capsule carrying a aerospace company founded dpa Johnson was under pressure attorney general Dominic Grieve crew of four docked with the by Elon Musk, has now car- Rome on Saturday to explain how - a long-standing critic of John- International Space Station ried 10 astronauts to the ISS the lavish refurbishment of his son - also called for transparen- (ISS) on Saturday, mission in the past year, after previ- Italian singer Milva has Downing Street flat was paid for cy, describing the prime minister controllers said. ously only hauling cargo to died, her daughter told the following an explosive attack by as a “vacuum of integrity”. The three men and one the orbiting outpost. This Italian news agency Ansa on his former chief adviser Domi- “It is all smoke and mirrors. woman had blasted off on Fri- crew consists of two US astro- Saturday. nic Cummings. He hasn’t said when he decided day with the help of a SpaceX nauts - Shane Kimbrough and “La Rossa,” as Maria Ilva In an incendiary blog post, to repay it or whether he has Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Megan McArthur - as well as Biolcati was also known in Cummings accused his former now repaid it,” Grieve told the the Cape Canaveral spaceport Akihiko Hoshide of Japan Italy because of her red hair, boss of plotting an “unethical, BBC. in Florida. and Frenchman Thomas Pes- died on Friday in Milan at the foolish, possibly illegal” plan to “The fact is that he did get, I They arrived at 0908 quet. They will stay aboard age of 81. get Conservative party donors think it has become quite clear, GMT as the ISS was flying 424 for six months. “Milva was one of the to secretly fund the work. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson shows his skills during a visit a significant gift towards the re- strongest interpreters of Ital- The government said for to Hartlepool United Football Club in Hartlepool on Friday. (AFP) furbishment of the flat. My im- ian chanson,” Italy’s Culture the first time on Friday that pression is there has been con- the prime minister paid for the seeking answers from the Con- amount that was spent and we stant wriggling about the source revamp - reported to have cost servative Party over whether need to know who paid for the of the money for this refurbish- 277,000 dollars - out of his own any sums relating to the work work in the first place, who the ment.” pocket. should have been declared un- prime minister now proposes to The claim by Cummings However, the opposition der the law on political dona- reimburse,” he told BBC radio. was part of a wide-ranging at- Labour party said that Mr tions. “If people are making signif- tack and denial after govern- Johnson needed to explain how Labour’s communities icant donations to the Conserv- ment sources briefed newspa- he obtained the money in the spokesman Steve Reed said the ative Party, to the government, pers the former aide was the first place to pay for the work government must now publish we need to know who they are source of a number of damaging overseen by his fiancee Carrie any correspondence relating to so that we can make sure the leaks - including text messages Symonds. payments or donations around government isn’t doing favours exchanged between the prime Meanwhile, the Electoral the refurbishment. for them in return. minister and the entrepreneur Crew members of the ISS welcome crew members of the SpaceX’s Commission has said it is still “We need to know the full “That is what sleaze is all James Dyson over tax matters. Crew Dragon spacecraft on Saturday. (AFP)

Maria Ilva Biocalti.

Minister Dario Franceschini More than half of British population J&Js COVID-19 vaccine is safe: Experts said on Saturday. She was born in 1939 as has had first coronavirus jab: NHS dpa fectively 1.9 cases per million the daughter of a dressmaker Los Angeles people in the general population, and a fisherman in the small dpa slash infection and are likely or 7 cases per million women un- Italian town of Goro on the London Experts have said vaccines to cut transmission. A federal advisory panel der 50. The panel rejected a plan Adriatic coast. should be able to control Just one dose of either the recommended on Friday that COVID would have explicitly But she had to pitch in More than half of Britain’s the COVID-19 pandemic Pfizer/BioNTech or Oxford/ immunizations with Johnson called on women between the early and earn money for the total population has received as they published new AstraZeneca vaccine leads to & Johnson’s COVID-19 vac- ages of 18 and 50 to “be aware” family when her father got into a firstdose of a coronavirus a two-thirds drop in corona- cine be resumed despite a tiny of the risk of the clotting disor- financial difficulty. vaccine, figures showed on real-world British data virus cases and is 74 per cent risk of blood clots. shot vaccine. All six of those der and make clear that they She moved to Bologna, Saturday. showing that jabs slash effective against symptomatic On a 10-4 vote, the Centers cases involved women between “may choose” another Covid-19 entered a singing competition NHS (National Health infection and are likely to infection. for Disease Control and Preven- the ages of 18 and 48. vaccine. and received training in sing- Service) England data up to cut transmission After two doses of Pfizer, tion’s [CDC] Advisory Commit- The blood clots were unusu- Panel members cautioned ing and acting. April 23 shows that of the there was a 70 percent re- tee on Immunization Practices al because they were accompa- that such language might be She recorded dozens of 38,189,536 total doses given duction in all cases and a 90 reaffirmed its earlier guidance nied by a dangerously low level seen as requiring these women albums and also sang on the in England so far, 28,102,852 estimated to be 66,796,807, percent drop in symptomatic that the vaccine be used for peo- of platelets, the building blocks to give explicit consent to taking stage, seamlessly making the were first doses - a rise of so the latest figures show that cases - these are the people ple ages 18 and up. of blood clots. the Johnson & Johnson shot, or move from pop to classical 107,656 on the previous day. more than half the population who are most likely to trans- The vote effectively ends a The initial six cases rose to 15 that it might oblige vaccine clin- singing. It means the British have now had a first dose of a mit coronavirus to others. “pause” recommended on April when safety experts went back ics to carry alternative vaccines, In 2010 she announced the first dose total so far is now coronavirus vaccine. Experts are still collecting 12 by experts at the CDC and the and reviewed records of adverse thereby imposing logistical and end of her career. In a televi- 33,496,293, with more recent Experts have said vaccines data on two doses of Astra- US Food and Drug Administra- reactions to the J&J vaccine. All other constraints that could sion interview the same year, figures still to be reported by should be able to control the Zeneca but say their findings tion [FDA]. Their concern arose of those cases were in women, hamper vaccination. she had spoken of health prob- Wales, Scotland and Northern Covid-19 pandemic as they show that both vaccines work from six cases of a rare and per- and all but one of was under 50. The FDA granted emergency lems that prevented her from Ireland. published new real-world and are effective in the real plexing clotting disorder seen Even so, the advisory panel use authorization for the J&J performing. The British population is British data showing that jabs world. among recipients of the single- said the risk was still tiny - ef- vaccine in February. World Sunday, April 25, 2021 05

Pakistan’s India gasps for oxygen as COVID-19 death toll COVID-19 cases explode hits new high dpa The worst outbreak of COVID-19 globally has seen India add over a million infections in the past 4 days alone Islamabad Pakistan on Saturday re- dpa with a late and callous re- ported a record number of New Delhi sponse. daily deaths amid a surge State election rallies and of new coronavirus infec- Hospitals in India are the mammoth weeks-long tions that are choking hos- sending SOS alerts over the Kumbh festival attended by pitals and putting pressure dearth of oxygen supplies for tens of millions of people, po- on oxygen supplies. their COVID-19 patients as tential superspreader events, The South Asian coun- shortages of anti-viral drugs were allowed. try recorded 157 deaths and equipment spawn a black Experts say India’s vac- within the last 24 hours, market for desperate relatives. cine rollout should have hap- the highest tally since India, staring down its pened much faster: only 135 the pandemic first hit the worst-ever health emergency, million doses have been ad- country. is struggling under an explo- ministered among its 1.3 bil- Pakistan has so far re- sion of virus cases that has led lion population since January. corded 790,016 cases and to the collapse of medical fa- India took months to approve 16,999 deaths in total, ac- cilities across major cities. foreign vaccines as it stuck to cording to the Ministry The worst outbreak of its nationalistic stance on two of Health. The number of COVID-19 globally has seen domestically-made vaccines. critical care patients stands India add more than a million “We failed in prepared- at 4,682, also all time high. infections in the past four days ness. Nobody, the medical “The actual number of alone, taking its total caseload community, scientists or the coronavirus-related deaths to over 16 million. government expected such a is bigger than what is being Patients in ambulances, massive second wave. Even reported,” Qaiser Sajjad, stretchers and private vehi- today, we don’t have much the secretary general for cles have been waiting outside data, information how muta- the Pakistan Medical Asso- hospitals filled to capacity. tions have spread, our genome ciation, told dpa. Families wait hours to per- sequencing is limited,” Indian Sajjad said that those form the last rites as reports Medical Association president who die out of hospitals say furnaces made of iron at J A Jayalal said. were not being reported crematoria are melting be- “While the worst-affected while many families con- cause of overuse. states are enforcing lock- ceal the cause of death in Oxygen supply has been downs to break the chain, order to have a normal fu- a huge problem, particularly these measures need to con- neral for their loved ones. in New Delhi, the hardest-hit tinue at least two weeks till The new surge is over- among Indian cities. hospitals and the medical whelming clinics across the Several hospitals have A coronavirus patient is lying on a stretcher in a hospital complex in New Delhi on Friday. (AFP) community can recoup to country and in the capital, warned patients admitted in tackle the crisis. where the city’s major hos- the intensive care units could the Pentamed Hospital. plying oxygen cannisters to Delhi as well as poor states There is an acute manpow- pital announced it was un- die, since they have only hours Lack of hospital beds is an- patients. like Bihar. Abhijit said his er crisis and staff are stressed able to accommodate more of oxygen stocks left. other major problem. Footage PM blamed “Oxygen supplies have inquiries revealed that a 100 out.” In an interview with a COVID-19 patients. Supplies have been reach- showed patients on stretchers Premier Narendra Modi’s been drying up since January milligram vial of Remdesi- digital news platform Mojo, Meanwhile, suppliers of ing just in the nick of time, in outside the GTB hospital be- government, in a triumphal- as cases increased. Everyday vir was being sold for 30,000 top virologist Shahid Jameel oxygen warned authorities many cases. ing administered oxygen in ist mode thinking it had I get between 250 and 300 rupees, six times the official choked back tears recounting of extreme shortages in the Among the city’s main make-shift arrangements. won over the first wave, has calls. But I can supply only to a price. the loss of a friend who was country due to the surge, hospitals, Sir Ganga Ram John Abhijeet from Del- been slammed for having limited number. I will be able Delhi police spokesman denied a hospital bed and oxy- saying production had hit Hospital, saw a controversy hi’s suburbs of Faridabad has misread the situation and to supply 50 cannisters today, Chinmoy Biswal said some ar- gen supply. its maximum capacity, Geo on Friday when some of its been in an anguished situa- 100 people are still waiting in rests had already been made There was huge under- News reported. doctors contradicted the man- tion the past week, dealing coming up with a late and the queue,” he said. and warned of strict action. counting of deaths, he said, Pakistan started its agement and blamed deaths with both challenges. callous response Shortages in supply and “We are trying to proactively with local media reporting of vaccination campaign in of 25 COVID-19 patients on After he arranged a hos- hoarding by people has led to detect the black marketing. a discrepancy between official February but only around oxygen shortages. “I have pital bed for his critically-ill and uncertain time. I’ve often the black marketing of oxygen We are conducting raids us- data and cremations taking 1.5 million people - out of both my parents admitted in mother with great difficulty, broken down in tears trying to cylinders, Majumdar said, ing police personnel as decoy place. a population of 216 mil- the intensive care unit, but he was forced to shift her to get mentally prepared to col- with “agents” selling oxygen customers.” “This data (of deaths) is lion - have been vaccinated the hospital now tells us they another hospital owing to lack lect her body and bury her,” cylinders three to four times Premier Narendra Modi’s completely skewed, manipu- so far, and restrictions are have run out of oxygen and of oxygen supplies. The pri- he said. their price at 4,000 rupees (53 government, in a triumphal- lated and false. barely followed. get your own cylinder. They vate-sector executive, his wife In the eastern metropolis dollars). ist mode thinking it had won Numbers are being fudged, On Friday, the govern- are leaving patients to die. It’s and child were found positive of Kolkata, Anjan Prasad Ma- A huge demand has also over the firstwave, has been big time. There is a complete ment called in the military all up to God now,” a woman, later. jumdar, a theatre actor who led to anti-viral drugs being slammed for having misread breakdown of the system. India to enforce the rules. Garima, told reporters outside “Its been such a traumatic has turned volunteer, is sup- sold on the black market in the situation and coming up has lost the plot,” he said.

News Hopes of finding the crew alive fade in brief

Wave of killings in Kabul target police Objects from missing Indonesian submarine found officers, university lecturer dpa “The objects found near the search effort. Jakarta the last location of the subma- The German-made KRI Kabul: At least 22 people have been killed in multiple attacks rine are believed to be parts of Nanggala-402 lost contact across five Afghan provinces, officials said onS aturday. Search teams have the submarine,” he said. about 95 kilometres north In the capital Kabul, unknown gunmen assassinated four found objects from an Indone- “These objects would have of Bali in the early hours of policemen, a university lecturer, and a government employee in sian military submarine that never got out of the submarine Wednesday during a torpedo three separate incidents, police spokesman Ferdows Faramarz went missing off Bali with 53 unless there was pressure,” he attack exercise, officials said. said. Two of the incidents happened on Saturday while the people on board, the armed added. The Navy said on Thurs- third took place on Friday evening. forces chief said on Saturday, Australian frigate HMAS day that the oxygen reserve of Targeted killings are on the rise in Kabul after a few weeks as hopes of finding the crew Ballarat and US reconnais- the submarine was expected of relative calm. Security forces, government employees, alive faded. sance aircraft P-8 Poseidon ar- to run out early on Saturday. activists and journalists are often the targets. There are rarely The discovery of the ob- rived in Indonesia on Saturday It said that the submarine was claims of responsibility for the targeted attacks that have put jects means the search had to join dozens of Indonesian suspected to be 600-700 me- the Afghan capital on edge. In the country’s south-eastern entered the “subsunk phase”, vessels that have scoured the tres underwater, although it Ghazni province, at least four civilians were killed in a roadside meaning that the KRI Nang- Bali sea to locate the subma- was designed to dive only to bomb blast, local officials said. (dpa) gala-402 is considered to have rine, the military said. depths of 250-500 metres. sunk, Air Marshall Hadi Tjah- Singapore’s submarine Aerial surveillance by a janto said. rescue ship MV Swift Rescue helicopter found an oil spill Israel strikes targets in Gaza in The objects include a bot- was expected to arrive later in in the location where the response to rocket attacks Family members hold photographs of a Marine Colonel Harry tle of lubricant to grease the the day, he said. submarine was last detected, Setiawan, commander of the Navy’s KRI Nanggala (402) submarine periscope and a device that Malaysia and India are but it was not clear if it was Tel Aviv/Gaza (dpa) - Tensions were high along the Israeli-Gaza that went missing off the coast of Bali, in Depok on Saturday. (AFP) protects a torpedo. also sending ships to support connected. border on Saturday after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Palestinian militants fired 36 rockets overnight, prompting retaliatory strikes. Israel’s Iron Dome defence system intercepted six of the rockets, the IDF reported, while other rockets were said to have fallen short of Israeli territory. ASEAN leaders urge Myanmar The IDF said it responded by hitting Hamas military sites in Gaza, including underground infrastructure and rocket launch- junta to stop violence, allow aid ers. Hamas security officials and witnesses told dpa severe damage was inflicted on the targets, which were spread out dpa It was his first known trip commitments: end the vio- across the Gaza Strip. Earlier the IDF said Israeli families had Jakarta abroad since the military seized lence, start an inclusive dialogue taken cover in bomb shelters as rockets were fired towards power and ousted the civilian among stakeholders and open southern Israel from Gaza. (dpa) Leaders of South-East Asian government led by Aung San access to humanitarian aid. nations on Saturday urged My- Suu Kyi, who has since been de- “An inclusive dialogue process anmar’s military ruler to end the tained. must be started. Political prison- Iran’s parliament stands in way of violence against protesters and “The situation in Myanmar is ers must be released immediate- possible nuclear deal compromise allow humanitarian aid as they something that is unacceptable ly,” he said, adding that a special met at an emergency summit in and should not continue,” Indo- envoy from ASEAN needed to be Tehran: Hard-liners in Iran’s parliament have indicated that Jakarta to discuss the crisis after nesian President Joko Widodo appointed to push for such dia- they would block a possible compromise in negotiations a February 1 coup. said at a news conference after logue. Malaysian Prime Minis- aimed at getting Iran and the United States back to the More than 700 civilians have the meeting. “Violence must be ter Muhyiddin Yassin echoed his nuclear deal. been killed by soldiers in Myan- stopped and democracy, stabil- Indonesian counterpart. “The results of the nuclear negotiations in Vienna must mar during the near-daily anti- ity and peace in Myanmar must “The deplorable situation in be in accordance with [Iranian] nuclear law ... otherwise coup protests, according to hu- be restored immediately,” he Myanmar must stop immedi- they are unlawful,” parliamentarian Aliresa Salimi said on man rights groups. said. Joko said his views were ately,” he told the summit. “My Saturday. Myanmar’s junta chief Min shared by other leaders in the second point is to call for a In particular, a compromise reportedly discussed by both Aung Hlaing was present at meeting, which was closed to the meaningful, inclusive political sides that would see the US only partially lift sanctions is the meeting of the Association media because of restrictions to dialogue which can only take legally worthless unless approved by parliament, he said, of South-East Asian Nations prevent the spread of Covid-19. place with the prompt and un- according to the Tasnim news agency. (dpa) (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is Joko said the leaders demanded conditional release of political a member. Myanmar’s junta make three detainees,” he said. 06 Sunday, April 25, 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

Biden Set The Right Climate Goal. Now Qatar Calls For Reducing We Have To Meet It

ow, of course, comes the hard part. Tensions And Ending President Joe Biden opened an international Nclimate summit on Thursday with a pledge that the US would reduce carbon emissions by 50% by the end of the decade. It’s an appropriate and reachable goal, per the experts, but one that will take sweeping Crises in the Middle East efforts, actions and investments. Regrettably, Biden didn’t describe his road map for getting there, but he has included some elements Qatar, due to its commitment to resolving crises peacefully, will continue to work on ways to enhance security and in earlier proposals, such as ending the use of fossil fuels to produce the nation’s electricity and adding stability in the region through constructive dialogue that benefits all the region’s countries and people: Sheikha Alya at least 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations to shore up consumer interest in electric vehicles (a pro- QNA the unimpeded access of aid to those in posal he offered in his campaign). New York need throughout Syria, including across He laid out a big-picture vision in his comments, borders through the UN mechanism. tying the effort to job creation. “I see an opportunity atar has called for work to reduce With regards to providing humani- to create millions of good-paying middle-class un- tensions and end crises in the Mid- tarian support, the statement indicated ion jobs,” Biden said, describing “line workers laying dle East, in light of the crises and Qatar’s commitment to its responsibil- thousands of miles of transmission lines for a clean, challenges the region is witnessing, ity in providing aid to the Syrian people, modern, resilient grid” and others working to seal off Qincluding the effects of the corona- with aid exceeding $2 billion, in addition abandoned wells and mines, “putting a stop to the virus pandemic. to the recent pledge of $100 million at methane leaks and protecting the health of our com- It stressed the need for fruitful co- last month’s donors conference. munities.” operation and the consolidation of the The statement noted the commitment He also called for using hydrogen to more cleanly principles of good neighbourliness and of Qatar to supporting the impartial and power heavily polluting steel and cement plants, and mutual respect. independent international mechanism for persuading farmers to use “cutting-edge tools to This came in a statement made by based on its legal and moral responsibil- make soil of our heartland the next frontier in carbon Permanent Representative of Qatar to the ity towards justice and accountability for innovation.” United Nations HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed war crimes and crimes against humanity, Lots of vision, not a lot of details. bin Saif Al Thani before the UN Security which contributes to the sustainability of This will not be easy. And although a unified fed- Council Open Debate on the situation in peace. It said the atrocities committed in eral government leading the charge is vital, much of the Middle East, including the Palestinian Syria are one of the best-documented, in- the onus will fall on consumers who have been slow question. cluding the use of banned chemical weap- to buy electric vehicles instead of the gas-powered The statement stressed Qatar’s sup- ons against civilians. pickup trucks and SUVs with which they’ve been so port of all international efforts aiming to The statement said these atrocities enamored. make a real progress in settling the Mid- were documented by many international And by some estimates, new motor vehicles re- dle-East’s permanent issue, noting that reports, the latest of which was the report main on the road for an average of 11 years before be- this calls for continued attention from the process. and operate power stations, to reduce the of the investigation and identification ing scrapped, which means more than half of the 15 UN Security Council and the solidarity of The statement of Qatar also high- worsening of the humanitarian situation team on the Saraqib incident, issued last million new vehicles expected to be sold this year will the international community with the Pal- lighted the importance of the Palestinian and the difficult living conditions in the week. still be burning gasoline in 2030 unless the govern- estinian people until they obtain their full elections, stressing that the importance Strip. Regarding the crisis in Libya, the ment comes up with a transition plan. (Biden has sug- rights, end their suffering, and create fa- of the elections success and the full par- That is in addition to $1.5 billion of statement expressed Qatar’s welcom- gested reviving the Obama administration’s “cash for vourable conditions for the peace process. ticipation of Palestinians in all the occu- Qatari aid to meet emergency and devel- ing of the positive developments that clunkers” program to incentivize car owners to switch The statement added that reaching a pied Palestinian territories. opmental needs, and develop the infra- the country has witnessed during the to electric or hydrogen cell vehicles.) fair, comprehensive, and permanent set- The statement stressed the need at structure over the past eight years. past months, leading to the election of Further, nearly half of US homes are heated with tlement of the Palestinian issue serves this stage for the recovery of the Pales- On the Syrian crisis, the statement representatives of the Interim execu- gas furnaces; converting those to electric fuel pumps the interests of Palestinians and Israelis tinian economy, especially in light of the said Qatar believes that military solutions tive authority and the attainment of the or other sources will be expensive. Americans love together, in addition to helping enhance negative effects of the coronavirus pan- will not work, and stressed that the reso- confidenceof the interim government of their beef and other meats, but raising the animals the region’s stability. demic, calling on the international com- lution can only come through a political national unity in the house of representa- — particularly cattle — is a significant contributor to The statement said the foundations munity to support through the ad hoc process facilitated by the UN in line with tives, affirming Qatar’s full support for the problem. Not only do the animals emit copious for peace were well known to all, repre- contact committee in which Qatar par- the Geneva statement of 2012 and the im- the new government in order to achieve amounts of methane, but ranchers around the globe sented in the commitment to a two-state ticipates in. plementation of UN Security Council res- the aspirations of the Libyan people for also are clearing critical carbon-sucking forest for solution based on international law and In that context, the statement stressed olution 2254, to maintain the sovereignty development, stability and prosperity. pastureland. UN resolutions to establish a Palestin- the critical importance of continuing to and unity of Syria, reiterating the impor- The statement of Qatar also expressed And on and on. Burning fossil fuels undergirds ian state on the borders of 1967 with East provide the necessary international fund- tant role of the constitutional committee. the hope that the new government would much of our existing economy; that’s what needs to Al Quds as its capital, where it can live ing to ensure the continuity of the indis- The statement expressed Qatar’s pave the way for a comprehensive politi- change. peacefully side-by-side with Israel, end- pensable services of the United Nations readiness to provide support in coop- cal solution that preserves the unity of the So it’s good that Biden has declared this ambi- ing the occupation of all Arab land, and Relief and Works Agency for Palestine eration with the Special Envoy of the UN Libyan territories, respects the rights of tious goal, and that other countries are pushing simi- reaching a just resolution to the issue of Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It Secretary-General and the continuous in- the Libyan people, and establishes a state lar though in many cases less-ambitious agendas. But refugees. noted that Qatar welcomes the United teraction with the Syrian parties, as well of law and civil institutions. that sets up a political challenge for the president do- The statement noted that the contin- States decision to resume providing sup- as to support the voluntary return of Syr- It stressed the need for all Libyan par- mestically. Republicans, following the lead of former ued expansion of settlements in the oc- port to the Palestinians, saying it would ian refugees. ties to adhere to the set election date and President Donald Trump, balk at such significant and cupied Palestinian territories, including alleviate their suffering and support ef- In the context of Qatar’s continued work to achieve a comprehensive recon- expensive changes in the US so long as other coun- East Al Quds, attempts to annex lands, forts aimed at confronting the pandemic. constructive efforts with international ciliation. Qatar also praised the efforts of tries — especially economic rival China — do not the demolition and displacement of Pal- The statement highlighted that Qatar partners, the statement referred to the the UN mission and the role it plays in make them too. estinian buildings and other illegal prac- is considered one of the major donors to joint ministerial statement of the first enhancing stability and ending the crisis That’s foolish. The science is clear that human tices undermine the two-state solution. UNRWA, in line with its duty to stand consultative meeting of Qatar, Turkey, in Libya. activity is propelling climate change, and the costs of The statement also warned that the with the brotherly Palestinian people be- and the Russian Federation on March 11 The statement said Qatar, due to its delaying an effective response run well into the tril- policies of Judaization in the city of Al sieged in the Gaza Strip, referring to the in Doha. commitment to resolving crises peaceful- lions of dollars. And historically, the US has been the Quds and attempts to harm religious grant that His Highness the Amir of Qatar The statement also said that there was ly and adhering to international law, will largest contributor to carbon emissions — it is what sanctities, and the use of excessive vio- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has a need for measures to build confidence continue to work on ways to enhance se- powered our industrial rise and wealth. lence against Palestinian civilians by allocated to the Gaza Strip worth $360 and protect human rights, especially the curity and stability in the region through It’s clear the US must lead by act and moral exam- Israeli forces does not help build the million to pay the salaries of employees, issues related to detainees. It stressed the constructive dialogue that benefits all the ple, and bring the rest of the world with us. confidence needed to advance the peace provide financial aid to needy families, importance of the continuing to facilitate region’s countries and people. Chauvin Case Verdict Is Just A Start The conviction of Derek Chauvin on all three charges in the death of George Floyd was a measure of justice, but it was not the whole verse, and certainly not the whole song Matthew Rothschild It took the courage and perse- verdict brings some semblance of in the past 11 months since George verance of the Floyd family. It took comfort. was murdered.” y wife and I hugged when the massive, spontaneous outpour- For the United States, I hope it The statement went on to say the verdict came down. ing of protests not just in Minne- brings neither self-congratulation that “our communities need and We felt, as did many peo- apolis, but all over the country and nor complacency, but the urgent demand more than a guilty ver- ple, a blend of relief and around the world. recognition that we’ve got huge dict delivered through an unjust vindication. How many And it took the leadership of problems on our hands — namely, and racist system. We require real moreM victims of police brutality do the Black Lives Matter movement systemic racism and how police accountability for police and real we have to mourn for change to to show white Americans, over operate in this country. safety for our communities. . . . The happen? and over again, that the murder of This case was about so much time is now to divest from deadly The conviction of Derek Chau- George Floyd was no anomaly in more than George Floyd and Derek policing and invest in a vision of vin on all three charges in the death the United States. Chauvin. public safety that protects us all.” of George Floyd was a measure of Otherwise, this case would nev- As if we needed any reminders, It’s going to take a whole lot justice, but it was not the whole er have ended in a conviction. With the police killings of Daunte Wright of work — by lawyers, legisla- verse, and certainly not the whole no video and no eyewitnesses, we and Adam Toledo in the days lead- tors, journalists, activists, and any song. wouldn’t even know George Floyd’s ing up to the verdict are staring us American with a heart — to tackle Look what it took for Chauvin name today. in the face today. the problem of racist policing and to be found “guilty.” It took the cell- The culpable police would have How many more victims of po- systemic racism in our country. phone video of Darnella Frazier covered up his murder, like so his car. After he got out, he physi- Medical Center by ambulance lice brutality do we have to mourn Only then will we be able to sing and other eyewitness testimony. many more that have come before cally resisted officers. Officers were where he died a short time later.” for change to happen? the whole song of justice, measure It took the efforts of Minnesota it. Let’s remember, here’s how the able to get the suspect into hand- Such grotesque lies, blatant The Movement for Black Lives by measure and verse by verse. Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Police Department cuffs and noted he appeared to be distortions and crude cover-ups issued a statement after the verdict, who put together the legal team first described what happened to suffering medical distress. Officers are commonplace in police reports sending love to Floyd’s family and (This column was pro- that prosecuted the former Minne- George Floyd: called for an ambulance. He was across the United States. thanking “the millions of people duced for The Progressive apolis police officer. “He was ordered to step from transported to Hennepin County For the Floyd family, I hope the who have acted to defend Black life magazine)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Cool things you can do with the new Huawei MatePad T 10s page 8

Sunday, April 25, 2021

34,043.49 10,844.92 47878.45 1,777.80 +227.59 pts +4.99 pts -202.22 pts Gold -0.24 % Chevron and Toyota announce Dow QE sensex alliance on hydrogen technology page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 26.11 Brent 66.11 +1.09 % WTI 62.14 +1.16 % Silver -0.40 % Qatar joins other countries to Time ripe for equity form ‘net zero producers forum’

Tribune News Network technologies, diversification Doha from reliance on hydrocarbon investors to enter revenues, and other measures Qatar, United States, Saudi in line with each country’s na- Arabia, Canada, and Nor- tional circumstances.” way, collectively represent- “Qatar is pleased to be ing 40 percent of global oil among this distinguished Qatar: Seetharaman and gas production, will come group of signatory nations together to form a coopera- that will undertake this tive forum that will develop unique cooperative endeav- Substantial growth in trade volume between Qatar and South Africa: Ansari pragmatic net zero emission our to develop net zero-emis- strategies, Minister of State sion strategies. We believe Satyendra Pathak for Energy Affairs HE Saad that our engagement in this Doha Sherida Al Kaabi has said. forum is an important mis- In a press statement is- Minister of State for Energy sion consistent with, and The recent decision by Qa- sued on Saturday, Kaabi said, Affairs HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi supported by, our ambition tar’s cabinet to approve a draft “The net zero-emission strat- to create a better and more law allowing foreign investors egies will include methane proach, development and de- sustainable future for human- to own up to 100 percent of abatement, advancing the ployment of clean energy and ity,” the minister said in the Qatari shareholding compa- circular carbon economy ap- carbon capture and storage statement. nies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange is a great opportuni- ty for foreign investors to en- ter into Qatar’s growing finan- cial market, Doha Bank Group CEO R Seetharaman has said. QNB gets ‘Green Market Addressing a webinar enti- tled ‘Bilateral and Synergistic Opportunities between Qatar Pioneer in Qatar’ award and South Africa’ organised by Doha Bank, Seetharaman Tribune News Network said, “Qatar’s stock exchange Doha has remained stable despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This QNB Group, the largest finan- shows the resilience of Qatari cial institution in the Mid- economy.” Dignitaries take part in a webinar entitled ‘Bilateral and Synergistic Opportunities between Qatar and dle East and Africa, has won Seetharaman especially South Africa’ organised by Doha Bank. the ‘Green Market Pioneer took the name of Doha Bank’s in Qatar’ award at the sixth Qatar Exchange Traded Fund strategies for diversification of helped South African compa- ket is worth $1.3 trillion. Many Climate Bonds Awards, an- (QETF) as an ideal tool for sources of natural income and nies in financing. We expect opportunities prevail for SMEs nounced by the Climate Bonds foreign investors to reap the to reduce the dependence on a bigger role from Doha Bank in agriculture. A Qatar South Initiative (CBI). benefits of investing in listed fossil fuel.” in boosting trade ties between Africa Business Council needs The Climate Bonds companies. “South Africa has an excel- the two countries. The banks to be established to facilitate Awards, provided by the He said, “One of the best lent relationship with Qatar. in Qatar should work with interaction between Qatar and London-based non-profit ways for investors to seek an The air-service agreements BRICS Bank in South Africa. South African Businessmen. CBI, recognises institu- exposure to Qatar economy between Qatar and South Af- We are looking forward to South Africa is a stable invest- tions who have demon- is via QETF. The QETF repli- rica support business, tourism enhancing relationships be- ment location,” Moosa said. strated leadership through cates the investment outcome and enhance ties between the tween business chambers of Souq Ukaz Chief Operat- pioneering initiatives and The QNB headquarters in Doha. of the Qatar Stock Exchange two countries. Qatar Airways both countries. The embassies ing Officer Cobus Lombard green issuances to support price index, through investing has 31 flights a week from in both countries are enhanc- spoke on the role of retail in specific climate-related or able economy, and provide QNB has developed a mean- in the underlying companies Doha to Johannesburg, Dur- ing initiatives on tourism. The the Qatari market. environmental projects. our international investors ingful sustainability strategy based on their individual in- ban and Cape Town, plus 15 embassy of Qatar is always “The entire retail land- Commenting on this, QNB further opportunity for sus- aligned to the 2030Qatar Na- dex weights and is therefore cargo flights. The trade vol- ready to provide all support to scape changed during Qatar Executive General Manager tainable investment.” tional Vision (QNV), the Unit- an easy and efficient way for ume between the two coun- Qatar banks and companies,” Blockade as Qatar was suc- and Group Chief Business The award acknowledges ed Nations Sustainable Devel- investors to participate in the tries has witnessed substantial he said. cessful in finding alternate Officer Yousef Mahmoud Al QNB’s position as a regional opment Goals (UNSDGs) and robust market.” growth in the last five years to HE Faisal Moosa, Head of suppliers. There are great op- Neama said, “QNB is hon- hub for issuing green bonds the Qatar Stock Exchange’s He also highlighted the approximately $2 billion,” An- Mission at the South African portunities for high quality oured to receive this prestig- for sustainable projects in (QSE) directives on sustain- initiatives taken by Qatar’s sari said. Embassy in Doha, gave insight South African products in the ious award in recognition of Qatar and across the Middle ability standards. government during COVID-19 Agreements have been on South Africa’s natural re- Qatar retail segment, particu- the performance and com- East and Africa. It also demonstrated that to support the country’s pri- signed on Double Taxation sources, infrastructure devel- larly in the grocery segment. mitment the Group has dem- In September 2020, QNB the bank has identified mate- vate sector and the recently and Protection of Investment opment, technology develop- Qatar has a very mature re- onstrated in supporting the Group became the first bank rial environmental risks and announced LNG expansion and Promotion of Technical ments and power generation tail market. The retail hospi- development of a green bond in Qatar to debut green bonds, opportunities and that it is plans. Co-operation between both programmes in South Africa. tality market is also a major market in the region, whilst issuing a $600 million green ready to face, invest and de- Ambassador of Qatar to countries, he said adding that “The African Continental consumer of imported items. attracting a more diversified bond under its Medium Term liver upon them. South Africa HE Tariq Ali the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Free Trade Area framework Lombard ended off by re-it- and socially conscious base of Note (MTN) programme. The The bond, which was list- Faraj Al Ansari said, “Qatar is an active regulator and can will provide great opportunity erating that Qatar is open for investors. This achievement is proceeds of the issuance were ed on the London Stock Ex- and South Africa should focus handle the emerging challeng- to provide trade relationships business,” Lombard said. also a testament that we are used to finance, re-finance -as change (LSE), received sub- on trade, economy and bank- es of 21st century. between Qatar and various Signal Risk Director Ro- on the right path to support sets in eligible green projects. scriptions in excess of USD 1.8 ing co-operations. Qatar has “Doha Bank Representa- countries on the African conti- nak Gopaldas also addressed the transition to a low carbon The issuance was a proof to billion, demonstrating strong a national vision and sectoral tive Office in South Africa has nent. The single African mar- the webinar. and environmentally sustain- the investor community that global investor confidence.

QIIB upgrades apps, provides access to immediate finance

Tribune News Network to time, the new mobile banking we have previously achieved in Doha and internet banking update from the field of digital channels. These QIIB allows submission of ap- channels gained our customers’ Qatar International Islamic plications to participate in IPOs satisfaction and have become Bank (QIIB) has launched a new via mobile banking and internet permanent branches from which qualitative update to the bank’s banking with ease, without the they obtain various services at mobile banking and internet need to visit any of the bank’s all times”. banking applications, which will branches. “Clients’ ambitions are busi- provide value addition to a wide QIIB Business Development ness plans for the bank. We always range of banking services already and Alternative Channels Sec- strive to keep pace with the latest available to customers through tor Head Omar Abdulaziz Al global developments in the bank- the bank’s 24x7 digital channels. Meer said, “We are pleased to in- ing sector and provide customers In particular, the new update form our customers of the avail- with the best, swift, most profes- allows customers to apply and ob- ability of more important services sional and most reliable banking tain immediate personal finance through QIIB’s mobile banking solutions. We are happy with our without the need to visit any of and internet banking applica- customers’ strong response to the bank’s branches. tions. These are part of our com- these efforts, which was reflected Customers can also update mitment to provide the best bank- Omar Abdulaziz Al Meer on our expanding customer base their information through QIIB ing solutions to our customers, ing as well, which is a leap that tant service that the new mobile and a higher index of satisfaction mobile banking and internet whether through branches or dig- we hope will save our customers banking and internet banking up- bank’s plan to increase its opera- with the products and services banking applications, thus avoid- ital services that are witnessing an a lot of time, efforts and proce- date has been able to introduce is tional efficiency during IPOs.” that we offer them,” he said. ing any unnecessary visit to the unprecedented boom around the dures and provide them with the IPO subscriptions through these He said, “QIIB used to an- Meer said, “The bank is cur- bank’s branches and any partial world. At QIIB, we are keeping ability to submit applications and digital channels. This means, cus- nounce updates on its digital rently seeking to launch new or complete interruption of the pace with this boom by providing update their account information tomers no longer have to wait at channels at long intervals. But services and features on its vari- banking services as a result of the more services through our various instantly, at any time, without the centres that handle the IPO pro- now, we announce the availability ous digital channels. We recently customer’s delay in updating his digital channels.” need to visit the bank’s branches. cesses. During future IPOs, our of new services more frequently, launched a visual banking phone or her information. He said, “The most important We are thus pleased to respond to customers will be able to com- as part of our response to the service, the first of its kind in Qa- In order to facilitate custom- characteristic of the new update is continuous demands made by our plete their subscription from the market conditions, and our de- tar. And we are looking at hav- ers’ participation in initial public the switch from providing bank- customers in this regard.” comfort of their home or place sire to transform challenges into ing our digital channels cover all offerings announced from time ing services to providing financ- Meer said, “The other impor- of stay, with ease, as part of the opportunities and build on what banking services soon.” 08 Sunday, April 25, 2021 Economy & Business Qatar-Algeria trade crosses $36 mn in 2019 Minister Kuwari highlights strength of bilateral relations as he addresses launch meeting of Joint Qatari-Algerian Business Council Tribune News Network Doha

Trade between Qatar and Algeria amounted to $36.13 million in 2019, said Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari while addressing the first meeting of the Joint Qatari- Algerian Business Council held recently. He said the bilateral rela- tions, especially in the field of economy and investment, were strong, with Qatari in- vestments accounting for 74.31 percent of Tunisia’s for- eign investment. The historic visit of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Algeria in February 2020 led to further consolidation of the bilateral cooperation, pointed out the QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani addressing the first meeting of the Joint Qatari-Algerian Minister of Commerce of Algeria Kamal Raziq addressing the first meeting of the Joint Qatari-Algerian ministry. Business Council held virtually recently. Business Council held virtually recently. He said the investment cooperation between the two Al Mana, as well as its mem- do not reflect the capabilities the Algerian National Agency countries witnessed great pro- bers Nasser Sulaiman Al of the two countries, today I for Investment Development gress following the establish- Haidar, Nabil Abu Issa, Sheikh am sure that there are impor- provided a brief presentation ment of the Algerian-Qatari Faisal bin Fahad, Abdullah Al tant opportunities waiting for on investment opportunities, Steel Company in Algeria. Kubaisi, Ramez Al-Khayyat, us, especially in the field of which included the sectors of The company, set up with an Maqbool Habib Khalfan and trade and investment.” agriculture, pharmaceutical investment of $2 billion, is Ihsan Al Khayimi, besides its For their part, the ambas- industries, tourism, renew- considered one of the most Deputy General Manager Sa- sadors, Dr Mustafa Boutoura able energy, and communi- important joint projects in the rah Abdullah. and Hassan bin Ibrahim Al cation technology. Also, The region. Qatar Chamber of Com- Maliki delivered welcoming measures that have been The virtual meeting of the merce and Industry rep- speeches in which they ex- taken in order to encourage joint business council was resentative Saeed Ibrahim pressed their happiness in investment, such as non-ret- hosted by the Qatari Business- Bougharbia, the Acting Chief participating in the meeting. roactivity of laws, protection men Association and the Alge- Executive Officerof Qatar In his speech, Sheikh through international agree- rian Chamber of Commerce General Insurance and Re- Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani ments, institutional appeals, and Industry. naissance company, also par- delivered felicitations on the guaranteeing the transfer of Besides Kuwari, the meet- ticipated in the meeting. occasion of the blessed month profits, the possibility of as- ing was attended by Minister Algerian minister Kamal of Ramadan, expressing his signing assets, and the cumu- of Commerce of Algeria Ka- Raziq praised the positive happiness for the launch of lative utilization of various mal Raziq, Algerian Ambas- steps taken by Algeria to es- the Qatari-Algerian Business support systems, were pre- sador to Qatar HE Dr Mustafa tablish a policy of sustainable Council, which is an impor- sented. Boutoura and his Qatari coun- development, attract foreign tant step in strengthening Concluding the meeting,. terpart Hassan bin Ibrahim Al investment and develop en- Qatari-Algerian relations, Chaibab Tayeb, Vice Presi- Maliki, trepreneurship through the achieving more economic dent of the Algerian Cham- QBA Chairman Sheikh amendment and introduction and commercial cooperation ber, thanked everyone for Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani of a set of laws and legislative and enhancing mutual invest- this meeting and pointed out chaired the Qatari side of the texts that would support and ments between the two coun- the need to establish an air meeting while head of the organize national economic tries. and navigation lines between business council, Kamal Mola, activities and was developed “Today we are facing a the two countries to increase chaired the Algerian side. in accordance with interna- global crisis that requires se- trade movement, stressing The meeting came as part tional standards. rious cooperation between vestor, such as the new invest- side, spoke about the impor- such as food industries, ag- that launching the joint busi- of the QBA’s efforts to com- He also spoke about the private sector institutions ment law that allows 100% tance of the Joint Business ricultural products, tourism ness council in light of the cur- municate with similar eco- economic relations between and businessmen around the ownership in most economic Council, using the saying “in and transportation, contract- rent crisis is an affirmation of nomic institutions around the Qatar and Algeria. world in order to support our sectors, in addition to logisti- the union is strength”, ex- ing, import and export of the strength of relations and world in order to discuss op- Qatar is the eleventh part- countries’ efforts to overcome cal elements such as the single pressing his country’s interest various products, transfer and solidarity of both sides in or- portunities for economic co- ner of Algeria at the Arab the consequences of this cri- window, free zones, Hamad in strengthening cooperation export of dates and cosmetics. der to overcome the crisis to- operation during the current level, as the volume of trade sis,” he said. International Airport, and with Qatar. As for the Qatari side, it also gether. global crisis and to consoli- exchange between the two “We, in the State of Qatar, Hamad Port. Therefore, we Algerian companies are defined its companies and the At the end of the meeting, date ties to identify and ben- countries during the last five value our economic partners invite Algerian investors to strong, competitive and have sectors they represent, such as all parties valued the continu- efit from global experiences years amounted to about around the world and view the take advantage of the promis- many capabilities that enable food industries, contracting, ous efforts of the business and discuss proposed solu- $344.8 million, while the Algerian market as a market ing investment opportunities them to access large markets, hospitality, retail, banking sector to maintain effective tions to support private sector share of Algerian exports full of Investment opportuni- provided by the Qatari econo- he said. and financial services. communication, and QBA companies and institutions. amounted to around $25.75 ties in the different sectors. my, and to work side by side The meeting also saw The participants also Chairman, Sheikh Faisal, ex- Several officials of QBA million, and Algerian im- “We are also witnessing to achieve common economic companies from the two sides talked about the possibil- tended an invitation to meet also participated in the meet- ports during the same period a great economic openness interests.” introducing themselves. ity of exchanging informa- with the members of the ing, including its board mem- amounted to $319.05 mil- supported by the attractive in- For his part, Kamal Mola, On the Algerian side, the tion on projects and possible Council immediately after the bers Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser lion,” he said. vestment incentives provided Chairman of the Business Algerian companies presented investment opportunities to crisis ends, wishing everyone Al Thani and Saud bin Omar “Although these statistics by the state to the foreign in- Council from the Algerian the sectors they represent, be studied by both sides, as stay safe and in good health.

Designed to suit needs MGA President Kassim to deliver Cool things you can do with the GECF Gas Lecture on Monday Tribune News Network new Huawei MatePad T 10s Doha The Gas Exporting Countries Tribune News Network means, all you have to do is blast some tunes hands-free App Multiplier lets us- Forum (GECF), the global Doha pick the movie and then kick when you’re at home with ers make the most of the platform of the leading gas back and enjoy. Histen 6.1 friends, horizontal orientation with a producing nations, will be Got your hands on the new ensures that audio is fine- The MatePad T 10s is smart split screen view that hosting the next in its signa- Huawei MatePad T 10s and tuned at every volume level, designed to suit your needs. lets one app to show two ture GECF Gas Lecture Series excited to try out some With an 80.6% states at once. For example, on Monday (April 26, 2021) at of its cool features? screen-to- you can browse through 11 am Doha time. Be it binge watching body ratio emails on one side for refer- Featuring Hazli Sham your favorite movies and a ence, while typing out an Kassim, President of Malay- and series or even set- display email on the other. sian Gas Association (MGA), tling down to get a few ratio of The MatePad T 10s the lecture is entitled “Collab- things done on the go, the 16:10, includes eye protection fea- orative Government-Associa- MatePad T 10s can do it it is tures which can be enabled tion Synergy for a Sustainable all with ease. Thanks to its with the TÜV Rheinland- and Vibrant Gas Industry” impressive 10.1-inch screen, certified Eye Comfort mode and will be the 52nd lecture stunning audio and more to protect user’s eyesight. An of the series and the fourth as the International Gas Un- the boards of PETRONAS smart features, everything eBook mode is also avail- lecture for this year. HE Hazli ion’s Regional Coordinator Trading Company (PETCO) you do on the MatePad T able. When enabled, the will be sharing with the GECF for South & South East Asia to and Trans-Thai Malaysia- 10s will be a new experience tablet adjusts the colours on his expertise about the role of strengthen the region’s posi- Thailand (TTMT). all by itself. Here are a few display to offer a paper-like collaboration and cooperation tion in the global gas industry. A member of the Soci- cool things you can do with reading experience. And between governments and gas Recognising his capa- ety of Petroleum Engineers Huawei’s latest tablet. and a new Dark Mode that is associations in achieving a bilities, in 2014, Kassim since 1991, HE Kassim holds With the MatePad T users developed based on human sustainable gas industry. was appointed the Country a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) 10s’ massive 10.1 inch FHD can factors research to offer E Kassim has been leading Chairman for PETRONAS in Petroleum Engineering display with Huawei ClariVu enjoy HUAWEI MatePad T 10s users a more comfortable the Malaysian Gas Association Indonesia, President Direc- from Texas A&M University Display Enhancement tech- a bass experience when using the (MGA) as its President since tor of PETRONAS Indonesia and completed an Advanced nology, you are guaranteed a boosting effect projected complemented with a high tablet in the dark. 2016. MGA is Malaysia’s lead- upstream companies, and a Management Program from viewing experience like nev- from the compact tablet. resolution of 1920 x 1200 to Thanks to these features, ing advocate for the gas indus- board member of the Indo- Harvard University in 2017. er before! To top it off, the With dual huge stereo ensure you don’t miss scenic you are never going to run try, playing a prominent role nesian Petroleum Associa- Since 2014, the GECF Gas viewing experience is made speakers, you can be sure details in picturesque mo- out of things to do on your in promoting engagement, tion. This was preceded by his Lecture Series has developed complete with amazing sur- to feel right in the mood ments. The display is ideal MatePad T 10s. Watch- discourse, and dialogue with work across several divisions from a small and modest at- round sound with the help for movies. Not only does not only for movies and ing movies, playing games, key stakeholders to develop of PETRONAS Carigali, the tempt to foster dialogue into of Harman Kardon tuned quality audio add to the entertainment, but also for studying or even working the gas industry and fuelling company’s exploration and a reputable platform of excel- dual-huge amplitude speak- atmosphere when you’re reading books or completing is all made easier and more Malaysia’s socio-economic production services arm. He lence – committed to the pur- ers and novel Huawei Histen watching a movie, you can office work with ease. immersive making this easily growth. Given his extensive is one of the trustees of PET- suit of high-quality debate, 6.1 audio technology. This use your MatePad T 10s to Meanwhile, the Huawei your next tablet. exposure and knowledge, HE RONAS’ Petroleum Research insights, and service to the Kassim has been appointed Fund and was a member of gas industry. Economy & Business Sunday, April 25, 2021 09

A l Attiyah Foundation|Energy Market Review Oil falls on Asian virus surge but Chevron and Toyota loses capped by recovery support announce alliance on

il settled higher on Friday, supported by bullish economic data from U.S. and Eu- Orope. However, a rise in coronavirus cases in India was still pressuring prices, causing an hydrogen technology overall weekly fall in prices. On Friday, Brent crude settled up 1.1%, to $66.11 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 1.2%, to $62.14 a barrel. For the week, both benchmark crudes fell about 1% due to the resurgence of infec- tions in India and Japan, the world’s third and fourth largest oil importers. Euro zone Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for April showed a stronger-than-expected recovery as more European states began easing coronavirus lockdowns. France said schools would reopen on Monday. U.S. data added to the upbeat outlook with the number of Americans filing new claims for unem- ployment benefits falling to a 13-month low last week. U.S. refinerV alero also said demand for gasoline and diesel were at 93% and 100% of pre- pandemic levels. However, demand concerns in India remain, as the world’s third-largest oil user, last week contin- ued to report the world’s highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to take precautions to halt the spread of COVID-19, but stopped short of impos- ing lockdowns. Restrictions also continue to ham- per travel worldwide. Several countries, including The Chevron-Toyota venture aims “to advance a functional, thriving global hydrogen economy”. Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates have barred or cut flights from India. per mmBtu. Agencies firstglobal line-up of battery elec- proposals that require specific ac- The week’s underlying bearish sentiment was Demand was also strong elsewhere, with tric vehicles, including an SUV ex- tions on climate change as well as a also stoked by progress on talks between Iran and Argentina’s IEASA seeking 10 partial cargoes for Chevron and Toyota have an- pected to reach consumers in just measure requiring more disclosure world powers to resurrect the 2015 nuclear accord. delivery over June to August into the Escobar nounced a first step towards a over a year. about the company’s lobbying ac- Analysts predict that Iran has the potential to terminal, while Thailand’s PTT bought a cargo at strategic alliance to commercialize Chevron has faced pressure tivities. provide about 1-2 million barrels per day (bpd) in $8.50 per mmBtu. hydrogen, which is seen as an en- from environmentalists to match additional oil supply if a deal is struck. India’s Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) vironmentally-friendly transporta- commitments by European oil gi- Hydrogen fuel cells for ships bought a cargo for delivery in June, but gas tion fuel option. ants like Royal Dutch Shell and To- Royal Dutch Shell says it is Asian LNG prices at 3-month high demand from India is taking a slight hit as COV- The alliance, which is centred tal, which have set targets to reach conducting a feasibility study with Asian spot prices for liquefied natural gas ID-19 cases surge in the country. Indian gas-based on the United States, is expected to net-zero carbon emissions. partners to trial the use of hydro- (LNG) rose to a three-month high last week, boost- power demand was already down due to the high focus on three areas: collaborating Chevron said it has no plans to gen fuel cells for ships in Singa- ed by demand for power generation ahead of sum- spot prices, but now city-gas demand is also on public policy to promote hydro- shutter its gas stations. pore, the first such move for the oil mer and as some buyers stockpile ahead of winter. reducing. gen infrastructure, assessing the “Fuels have and will continue major. However, the surge in coronavirus infections in In the U.S, natural gas futures eased on Friday market for fuel cell electric vehicles to change over time and offering If successful, the trial will pave India, which threatens gas demand, capped price from a seven-week high in the previous session, on and the hydrogen supply that will hydrogen at retail sites is a contin- the way for cleaner, hydrogen- gains. The average LNG price for June delivery forecasts that the weather will moderate over the be needed, and exploring oppor- uation of that change,” a Chevron powered shipping, the company into Northeast Asia was estimated at about $8.65 next two weeks. tunities to jointly research and de- spokesman said. said, adding that its analysis points per million British thermal units (mmBtu), up That small decline came despite a smaller- velop hydrogen powered transpor- “Ultimately, consumer prefer- to hydrogen with fuel cells as the $1.05 from the previous week, industry sources than-expected storage build, record exports and tation and storage. ences help drive the offerings at zero-emissions technology having said. small declines in production. The venture aims “to advance a Chevron-branded retail fuel sta- the greatest potential to help the Firm demand from China, as buyers stockpile Traders also noted that colder-than-normal functional, thriving global hydro- tions; however, we anticipate that shipping sector achieve net-zero ahead of winter, and requirements from South weather last week boosted heating demand by so gen economy,” the companies said gasoline and diesel will continue emissions by 2050. Korea were the two main factors responsible for much that utilities could take the unusual step of in a joint press release. to be important offerings that con- The trial will involve the de- boosting prices in the week. PetroChina on Thurs- pulling gas from storage. The memorandum of under- sumers will require. We are com- velopment and installation of an day sold a cargo to BP for delivery into North Asia The last time utilities pulled gas from storage standing announced Wednesday is mitted to the Chevron and Texaco auxiliary power unit fuel cell on June 1-5 at $8.75 per mmBtu, data from price in April was in 2018. Front-month gas futures fell non-binding, but “lays out the path brands, and reliably supplying gas- an existing roll-on/roll-off vessel agency S&P Global Platts showed. South Korea’s 0.7% on Friday, to settle at $2.73 per mmBtu. On to a formalized strategic alliance by oline and other fuels to our loyal that transports goods, vehicles and Prism Energy and GS Energy were also seeking Thursday, the contract closed at its highest since early third quarter 2021,” a Chev- customer base.” equipment on lorries between Sin- cargoes for delivery in June while Guangzhou Gas March. For the week, the front-month was up 2% ron spokesman said in an email. At its annual meeting in May, gapore and Shell’s Pulau Bukom bought a cargo for May delivery at $8.30 to $8.40 after rising 6% the previous week. At this week’s Shanghai motor Chevron is expected to battle manufacturing site located on an show, Toyota unveiled plans for its against a number of shareholder island near the mainland.

‘everyone is a winner with MG’ MG Qatar launches special Ramadan offer on wide range of MG cars soft curves with the sleek lines that MG buyers stand a chance to enter a special flow from the bonnet and down the side before rising at the rear to raffle draw to win back the value of the car sweep over the rear lights, which consist of 21 individual LEDs that light up sequentially. While chrome Tribune News Network our valued customers”. moldings feature both on the side Doha and below the rear bumper. MG5 The cabin of the all-new MG HS On the holy month of Ramadan, Designed with the tech-savvy simply oozes class, reinforcing the MG Qatar is presenting a special millennial audience in mind, the brand’s reputation for delivering offer on a wide range of MG sedans MG5 is equipped with a raft of premium finishes at non-premium and SUVs. The full range of MG cutting-edge features. The on-board prices. Some 85% of the interior is cars is available in the showroom infotainment system includes covered with soft material, while of Auto Class Cars, the authorized a 10.1-inch touch screen, Apple customers can opt from three at- distributor of MG in Qatar, at Salwa CarPlay and Android Auto. Cruise tractive interior color schemes. Road. control comes as standard, while Valid until May 31, 2021, the of- push button start, keyless entry, a MG ZS fer allows MG buyers benefit from a panoramic sunroof, electrically ad- The MG ZS is the perfect option package of added features including justable seats with manual lumbar for buyers seeking a good-looking, free car registration and compre- support for both driver and passen- well-equipped, well-built car at a hensive insurance for one year, the ger, a rear-view camera and a 360o sensible price. A distinctive grille, longest warranty period available surround-view camera for ultimate increased MG branding and a in the market of 6 years warranty safety are also available, depend- delicate front end give the car a / 200,000 KMs (whichever comes ing on model. Despite sitting in the refined look that carries through its first), service up to 200,000 KMs, highly competitive compact sedan MG cars are available in Auto Class Cars showroom on Salwa Road. sweeping corners to the robust rear free tinting and a chance to win ei- sector, the MG5 is particularly end. A combination of quality and ther an iPhone 12 or free fuel cards roomy. The MG5 comes with a with a 160 hp, 1.3L Turbo engine, 2.0-litre turbo engine. entry level standard or mid-range a premium finish have been at the worth QR 1000. lively yet efficient 1.5L petrol engine delivering maximum torque of Its spacious modular interior COM models. The more power- heart of MG’s design philosophy In addition, everyone is a win- delivering max power of 118hp and 230 Nm, and mated to a six-speed features adjustable rear seats and ful 2.0T power plant is mated to a for the MG ZS, with every surface, ner with MG. Each customer buy- up to 150 Nm of torque, and mated automatic gearbox for smoother the largest third-row space in its 6-speed automatic gearbox and is material and fitting selected for its ing a new MG car will get a coupon to a fuel efficient VC T. acceleration. The new unit greatly segment. An array of premium offered for either COM or top-of- visual impact, as well as durability to enter a special raffle draw which improves the performance of the materials including wood grain the-range LUX trim levels, with the and longevity. the chance to win back the value of MG ZST upgraded MG ZS. The acceleration and soft-touch trim gives the RX8 latter featuring All-Wheel Drive The MG ZS is available in NSE their car they bought during Rama- The MG ZST takes this value for of the 1.3Turbo is 9.8seconds from a high-class feel. And, modern The MG RX5 boasts an attrac- Major 1.3L Turbo engine or 1.5L dan offer. money package on to another level, 0 to 100 kmph and has a top speed features such as a 10-inch touch tive, futuristic design that is in- engine, giving it unrivalled fuel Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al Tha- adding a state-of-the-art virtual of 185 km/h. It complements the screen in-car entertainment system, stantly recognisable, notably at the efficiency for its class. Delivering ni, Managing Director – Auto, NBK instrument panel for the driver, a fuel efficient 1.5L powerplant that ventilated seats and wireless mobile front where the stylish square LED true driving excellence, the MG ZS Group said, “Celebrating the holy 360o surround parking camera that delivers 6.2L/100km. device charging capabilities make headlamps, imposing wing-shaped offers three power assisted steer- month of Ramadan, we are pleased eliminates all blind spots, curtain the RX8 the perfect partner for an grille and innovative fog lamps ing modes – Urban, Normal and to launch the strongest offer on a airbags for extra safety and a Tro- MG RX8 active family. endow it with real on-the-road Dynamic – which are designed to wide range of MG cars. MG port- phy Sports Kit that emphasizes the A robust and spacious SUV – presence. give the driver complete control. It folio embraces a wide range of cars new model’s sporty credentials. A with the largest wheelbase in its MG RX5 is equipped with a 6-speed auto- that meet the demands of various huge panoramic sunroof is avail- segment - the new seven-seater The MG RX5 appeals to a range MH HS matic gearbox. customers. With MG, everyone is a able on ZST LUX model, making introduces MG Motor to a seg- of customers in Qatar, especially Offering a 231hp 2.0L Turbo The MG line up of cars are winner, as we always endeavor to life on board even more pleasant ment it has previously never been younger buyers looking for value engine mated to a 6-speed dual available now at Auto Class Cars present our clients the best offers, for passengers. As a crossover, present in. The MG RX8 is a fully for money in a stylish, technologi- clutch gearbox, Super Sport button, showroom on Salwa Road. The especially in terms of car warranty practicality remains a key require- equipped 4x4 with six different cally-advanced package that allows bucket racing seats and red rac- showroom opens in Ramadan from and service mileage. Auto Class ment and here the extra-large boot driving modes. Its strong truck them to stand out from the crowd. ing calipers, the all-new HS brings Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 Cars will stay committed to the lo- with flexible configuration options chassis frame is capable of handling Equipped with a 1.5T petrol engine MG’s celebrated sporting herit- am to 02:00 pm and from 08:00 cal community and offer best deals certainly delivers. the toughest off-road terrains, and or 2.0L and 7-speed automatic age to a state-of-the-art SUV. The pm to 12:00 am, and on Fridays that reflect the strong relations with The new MG ZST is equipped is powered by an efficient 220HP gearbox the MG RX5 is available as sporty look of the MG HS combines from 08:00 pm to 12:00 am. 10 Sunday, April 25, 2021 Economy & Business

QNB ECONOMIC COMMENTARY Tokyo Motor Show in fall to be cancelled over pandemic China’s recovery Agencies “We decided to cancel the tric vehicle models. Toyoda said he supports jobs related to the sector in auto show, as it seems diffi- He also said during the Suga’s 2050 emissions-cut the country, as such vehicles The Tokyo Motor Show cult to offer main programs in virtual news conference that target, but argued it should without combustion engines is well under way scheduled for this fall will be a safe environment,” Toyoda, the auto industry body op- be addressed by the efforts of need fewer parts compared to canceled due to a resurgence president of Toyota Motor poses the Japanese govern- all industries, including the conventional cars. of coronavirus infections, Corp, said in an online press ment’s policy of banning sales government’s measures to Amid a recent global shift but new growth Akio Toyoda, chairman of its conference. of new gasoline-engine vehi- increase electricity generated to EVs, Toyota and other Jap- organizer the Japan Automo- Toyoda said the associa- cles. “We need to first expand by renewable sources. anese automakers have de- bile Manufacturers Associa- tion has considered the pos- other (technological) options For example, he said the veloped a wide range of elec- drivers are needed tion, said Thursday. sibility of holding the motor to achieve carbon neutrality. use of innovative greener fu- trified vehicles such as hybrid The biennial auto show show online, but it wanted We should follow the right or- els for combustion engines and fuel cell vehicles. is a major event attracting the event to be held physi- der,” he said. including biofuels could lead Referring to a global chip people and companies from cally. Prime Minister Yoshihide to lower carbon emissions. shortage that has been af- automotive and various oth- Meanwhile, China already Suga has pledged to achieve Toyoda’s remarks point fecting automakers around er fields, with the last round opened Auto Shanghai, an- net-zero carbon emissions in to the cautious stance taken the world, Toyoda also said in 2019 drawing around 1.3 other major motor show in Japan by 2050 and unveiled by the Japanese auto indus- the association has started a million people. It will be the East Asia, on Monday with the goal of making all new try on shifting too quickly study to secure stable supply first cancellation of the event, many global automakers cars sold in the country elec- to all-electric vehicles that of semiconductors for Japa- which was first held in 1954. showcasing their latest elec- trified by 2035. could affect about 5.5 million nese car manufacturers. America’s gas-fuelled vehicles imperil Biden’s climate goals Roughly 279 mn gas-powered hina continues to show a strong eco- According to the China vehicles need nomic performance National Bureau of Cin the wake of the Covid-19 Statistics, China’s GDP replacing in less pandemic. The positive mo- grew by 18.3% y/y in Q1 than a decade to mentum came after a sud- 2021, marking the den economic collapse in meet the goal Q1 2020, when the country fourth consecutive quar- experienced the first year- ter of economic expan- on-year (y/y) GDP con- sion within the recovery. Agencies traction in decades, on the back of Covid-19-related even with the pandemic, For President Joe Biden to lockdowns and other social the country’s GDP is now reach his ambitious goal of distancing measures. expected to grow by 11% slashing America’s green- China’s economic from 2019 to 2021. In other house gas emissions in half by strength can be explained words, by the end of this 2030, huge reductions would by an effective management year, China is expected to have to come from somewhere of the pandemic, robust be only 1% away from the other than one of the worst global demand for electron- pre-pandemic GDP trend. culprits: auto tailpipes. ics and powerful policy This is an extraordinary That’s because there are stimulus. According to the achievement as most just too many gas-powered China National Bureau advanced and emerging passenger vehicles in the of Statistics, China’s GDP economies are likely going United States — roughly 279 grew by 18.3% y/y in Q1 to take years to return to million — to replace them in 2021, marking the fourth even pre-pandemic GDP less than a decade, experts consecutive quarter of eco- levels, not to mention a say. In a typical year, au- nomic expansion within the potential catch up with the tomakers sell about 17 mil- recovery. This piece dives pre-pandemic GDP trend. lion vehicles nationwide. into three key points asso- Third, despite the Even if every one of the new ciated with recent Chinese economic recovery in ones were electric, it would economic activity. recent quarters, Chinese take more than 16 years to Drivers enter Sacramento on Highway 50 to come to a near stand still as traffic backs up in West Sacramento, California. First, while China’s domestic private consump- replace the whole fleet. GDP growth in Q1 2021 was tion remains weak. This What’s more, vehicles than the Biden timetable. ships and airplanes, is the of natural gas, solar and wind have to come from sectors seemingly extraordinary, suggests that post-Covid-19 now remain on America’s Last year, fewer than 2% of single largest source of such power, as well as reduced other than the auto industry it was propped up by “base growth is still over-reliant roads for an average of near- new vehicles sold in the Unit- pollution. Of the nearly 6.6 demand as the economy has to reach the goals. She de- effects,” i.e., it was unusu- on state-induced, credit- ly 12 years before they’re ed States were fully electric. million metric tons of car- evolved to achieve gains in fended the administration’s ally high due to the low intensive infrastructure scrapped, which means that “If every new vehicle sold bon dioxide that were emit- energy efficiency. decision not to set a specific base for comparison in Q1 investments. While public gas-fueled vehicles will pre- today was an electric vehicle ted in the United States in Biden, who unveiled his deadline for ending sales of 2020, when the pandemic- investments may have dominate for many years to and it was entirely powered 2019, transportation pro- goals at a climate summit new gas-powered cars or for induced economic collapse been important to sup- come. by renewable energy over- duced 29%. Next was elec- with world leaders Thurs- achieving net-zero emissions took place. If considered port the economy during “We’re not going to be night, it would take 10 years tricity generation at 25%. day, has yet to detail the from the transportation sec- on a sequential quarter- the pandemic, they are not able to meet the target with or more for us to achieve a Then came factories at 23%, greenhouse gas reductions tor. on-quarter basis instead expected to be a sustainable new-car sales only,” said 50% reduction in greenhouse commercial and residential that his administration envi- “We have a whole lot of of y/y basis, the economy source of long-term growth. Aakash Arora, a managing gas emissions,” said Chris buildings at 13% and agricul- sions for each sector of the ways” to cut U.S. greenhouse printed a more moderate China’s infrastructure is director with Boston Con- Atkinson, a professor of me- ture at 10%. economy. Overall, the reduc- gas emissions in half without 0.3% expansion. This is still already highly developed sulting Group and an author chanical engineering and Electricity generation is tions are intended to limit a transportation goal, McCa- a positive development, but and additional investments of a study on electric vehicle director of smart mobility at the most likely source of fast- global warming as part of the rthy said. far from what a two-digit in the sector tend to be less adoption. “The fleet is too Ohio State University. er reductions. That sector has president’s vision of a nation For the transportation y/y growth figure would efficient, often contribut- big.” Which means that other already made major strides. that produces cutting-edge sector, the government says normally suggest. ing to create inadequate So unless government in- sectors of the economy would Last year, carbon emissions batteries and electric cars, a it will improve vehicle effi- Second, despite the levels of indebtedness and centives could somehow per- have to slash greenhouse gas from electricity generation more efficient electrical grid ciency, invest in low-carbon unprecedented Covid-19 overcapacity. Economic suade a majority of Ameri- emissions deeply enough to were 52% lower than the gov- and caps abandoned oil rigs renewable fuels and produce shock last year, the Chinese authorities are therefore cans to scrap their cars and make up the shortfall in the ernment had projected they and coal mines. transit, rail and bicycling economy is on track to looking to promote “higher trucks and buy electric vehi- auto industry. would be in 2005, according Gina McCarthy, Biden’s improvements. The adminis- re-gain lost ground. As an quality” growth drivers cles, reducing tailpipe emis- Transportation as a to government’s Lawrence top climate adviser, appeared tration also wants to convert example, in October 2019, in the future, focusing on sions by anything close to whole, which includes not Berkeley National Labora- to signal Thursday that deep- the 650,000-vehicle federal the IMF expected that the consumption, tech exports 50% would take far longer only cars and trucks but also tory. The reasons: more use er cuts in emissions would vehicle fleet to battery power. Chinese GDP would have and private business invest- grown by 12% from that ments. year to the end of 2021. All in all, China is once Such projection did not again proving that its econ- account for the massive ex- omy is extremely resilient ogenous “black swan event” to exogenous shocks. The Honda launches Ramadan promotion shock that emerged with recovery is now well under the pandemic. However, way and GDP is expected to Tribune News Network els over and above the gold minivan called the Odys- given China’s fast recovery, grow by 8.6% this year. Doha and diamond gift voucher. sey. Customers looking for a The New Honda City comes convenient way to drive a car Domasco Honda has with an additional free can also opt to lease a Honda launched a special Ramadan 20,000 KM Service pack- car easily through Domasco. offer that promises to make age. The Honda Accord and Honda cars are also avail- every drive a “Golden drive” Civic come with additional able online for purchase when customers choose to benefits like 5 years warran- through www.domasco.com. buy a new Honda car. ty no matter the kilometres, Customers can choose to pay With every Honda car 5 years or 50,000 KM Free a token amount to reserve the that is purchased, customers service whichever comes vehicle or choose to pay in get a QR2,000 gold and dia- first and not to forget a low full. The online finance cal- mond jewellery gift voucher price of QR65,000 for the culator also gives customers from Damas. The vouchers Civic and QR81,500 for the a simulation of their monthly can be used at any Damas Accord. instalments with their choice outlet in Qatar to redeem it “Ramadan is a month of of down payment. for gold and diamond jewel- generosity and at Domasco Honda cars are distrib- lery of their choice. Honda we want to be gener- uted in Qatar by Doha Mar- In addition to this, cus- ous in our offerings to our keting Services Company tomers can also benefit from customers apart from the (Domasco), a leading multi- low EMI’s payable over 48 traditional offers provided brand company in Qatar and months with down payment by most car companies. This a member of the Al Futtaim starting from 5% through unique offer wherein our group. It has a diversified Domasco’s in-house finance. customers get a Gold vouch- portfolio of passenger cars, Customers wanting to trade er upon buying a Honda car Honda is providing special deals on select models over and above a motor bikes, commercial in their existing car can do so gives joy to the customer gold and diamond gift voucher it offers with every Honda car purchase. vehicles, marine and power for any make or model to buy knowing that they will be products, watches and elec- a new Honda car. getting gold jewellery which rector, Domasco Honda. prising of the Pilot, CRV, tronics representing some of Honda is also providing has a lasting value,” said The Honda range of cars HRV, a sedan range of the the world’s most visible and special deals on select mod- Faisal Sharif, Managing Di- include the SUV range com- Accord, Civic, City and a award-winning brands. Sunday, April 25, 2021 11 Economy & Business E-commerce in sub-Saharan Africa: Can COVID-19 growth be sustained?

Tribune News Network Doha  COVID-19 prompted widespread growth in sub-Saharan e-commerce he coronavirus pandemic trig-  The African digital economy is set to continue its exponential growth trend gered an e-commerce boom in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside the rest of the world. With a global recovery under way, the questionT now is: can that growth be sustained? There is no doubt that 2020 was a watershed year for the digital tran- sition. Lockdowns around the world ac- celerated the deployment of digital solutions in most aspects of daily life: the expansion of e-commerce was one standout consequence. According to a report published by Oxford Business Group (OBG), e-commerce companies and plat- forms enjoyed a rise in activity and profits, while retailers that had not previously developed their online presence found themselves obliged to do so in order to survive. To take an example, the report said, Latin America saw a boom in the sector, with an estimated 13 mil- lion people making an online trans- action for the first time in 2020, while retail e-commerce in the re- gion grew by 36.7 percent to around $85 billion, according to data com- pany Statista. A recent UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report anticipates that this growth will be sustained even as the pan- demic is brought under control, with e-commerce platforms likely to retain gains in market share, and around 50 percent of consumers planning to continue to shop on- line more often than they did before COVID-19. However, growth in e-com- merce has been unevenly spread in global terms, being concentrated in One notable African success story has been e-commerce platform Jumia, which reported a 50 percent rise in transactions during the first six months of 2020. wealthier countries and regions. On a related note, the UNCTAD the average of developing (47 per- form, as well as the continent’s first seen impressive growth in recent Development Fund partnered AfCFTA negotiations – covering e- report highlighted that the ben- cent) and developed (86.3 percent) unicorn, in 2016. Today, it is often times. For instance, by March this with transport company SafeBoda commerce and digital trade – are efits of this uptake will depend on countries. mentioned in the same breath as year Paystack, a Nigerian finan- Uganda to create an e-commerce set to take place this year. the digital readiness of individual Other common barriers in- other regional leaders, such as Chi- cial payments company with more platform designed to connect small If this impetus can be har- countries. clude the high cost of broadband; na’s Alibaba and Latin America’s than 60,000 merchants across businesses to customers. nessed, e-commerce could continue One key determinant is ICT in- limited digital training and a lack Mercado Libre. Africa, reported a five-fold in- As well as mitigating the worst expanding in the sub-Saharan re- frastructure. As OBG has detailed, of trust among citizens; a tradi- Capitalising on its success dur- crease in transactions relative to effects of the pandemic, the broader gion, as per a report released at the one of the most important chal- tional preference for cash; and little ing the pandemic, in December pre-pandemic levels. e-commerce offering has changed end of last year by Google and the lenges currently facing emerging government support. 2020 Jumia raised $243 million Logistics companies have simi- consumer habits. International Finance Corporation. markets is the digital divide. Notwithstanding these consid- by selling American depositary larly enjoyed a surge in business. In Survey results published in the According to their findings, This is particularly important erations, however, e-commerce in shares. This move was followed Nigeria, Max.ng and Gokada piv- UNCTAD report in March found Africa’s digital economy could in the context of e-commerce. If the region saw significant successes by a secondary share offer at oted away from ride-hailing at the that more than 40 percent of cus- contribute $180 billion to the con- enough people do not have access to last year, suggesting that growth in the end of March, which netted outset of the pandemic in order to tomers in four large African coun- tinent’s GDP by 2025 and $712 the internet, the expansion of digital this field could be sustained going $341.2 million. concentrate on logistics, while Ken- tries were planning to reduce their billion by 2050, an increase on the commerce will be severely curtailed. forwards. While there are still question ya’s GetBoda, an e-commerce deliv- supermarket shopping in the future $115 billion for which it is currently Sub-Saharan Africa is particu- One notable African success sto- marks around Jumia’s medium- ery company, saw a 150 percent rise by purchasing food, clothing and responsible. larly prone to the effects of limited ry has been e-commerce platform term prospects – the company has in orders in the first weeks of the electronics online. Meanwhile, the digital econo- ICT infrastructure: the Interna- Jumia, which reported a 50 percent yet to make a profit – these results pandemic. Other developments are also my’s contribution to GDP in Kenya , tional Telecommunication Union rise in transactions during the first show confidence in both the com- Elsewhere, various initiatives set to boost e-commerce in the which leads the way among African estimates that the proportion of six months of 2020. pany and the future of e-commerce were launched to cater to an in- region, among them the African countries in this regard, followed by individuals in the region who use Jumia was founded in 2012 in in the region. crease in demand amid the chal- Continental Free Trade Area (Af- Morocco and South Africa, is set to the internet at least occasionally is Lagos, Nigeria, and grew to become Companies within the broader lenging conditions. For example, CFTA), which became operational rise from 7.7 percent to 9.2 percent 28.2 percent – considerably below Africa’s biggest e-commerce plat- e-commerce ecosystem have also in April last year the UN Capital on January 1. The third phase of by 2025 and 15.2 percent by 2050.

IATA launches destination tracker to spur recovery of global tourism sector

also help governments in cau- programme will start. The online tool will allow governments to tiously reopening borders. Global airlines are still update information on infection rates, The measure is the latest reeling from the impact of the adopted by global airlines to pandemic and their revenue positivity rates and vaccination roll-out facilitate safe travel amid con- is expected to take longer data to help travellers tinuing resurgence of COV- to recover from the COVID- ID-19 in parts of the world. 19-driven slowdown than Airlines such as Etihad previously estimated, IATA Tribune News Network forecast to remove an addi- Airways and Emirates are said last week. Doha tional 7 billion passengers by trialling IATA’s Travel Pass, Industry revenue this year the end of 2021, representing a coronavirus ‘digital travel is only likely to recover to 43 The International Air Trans- a decline of 47.5 per cent in passport’ that allows users to percent of 2019 level, com- port Association (IATA) and global passenger traffic, ac- upload pre-departure test re- pared with a previous fore- the World Tourism Organisa- cording to Airport Council sults via an app. cast in December of 55 per tion launched a destination International. Although an Running until May 31, cent, the global airlines’ trade tracker to help passengers accelerated vaccine roll-out passengers travelling be- body said. Travel restrictions have access to the latest COV- and reducing cross-border tween Abu Dhabi to Chicago, that remain in place in many ID-19 updates as internation- restrictions are encouraging New York, Washington and countries mean that a return al travel cautiously picks up. signs, international air travel Global airlines are still reeling from the impact of the pandemic and their revenue is expected to Toronto, can download the to break-even for the industry “The collaboration be- is expected to remain weak take longer to recover from the COVID-19-driven slowdown than previously estimated. app and then book an ap- is no longer likely this year tween IATA and the UN agen- during the first six months of pointment with an accredited Airlines globally are fore- cy will help boost confidence this year, ACI said. websites. garding transiting through the as the joint tracker is needed testing facility. cast to make a loss of $47.7 and accelerate recovery of the The UNWTO-Iata desti- The tracker will show in- country, and regulations such to get up-to-date rules and On Friday, Bahrain and billion this year, although tourism sector when borders nation trackers will work with formation on infection rates, as dining out and visiting at- regulation. Israel said they will allow this is a 62 percent reduction reopen,” IATA said in a state- governments and national positivity rates and vaccina- tractions will be supported by “Travellers and compa- residents who have been vac- on the $126.4 billion lost last ment on Saturday. tourism organisations to help tion roll-out data by country local tourism organisations. nies will be able to check re- cinated against COVID-19 to year, it said. “When governments have travellers and travel agencies and destination. It will also The tracker will help plug a quirements in place for air travel between the two coun- The industry is likely to the confidence to re-open obtain the latest information display air travel regulations, gap in providing clarity on travel, as well as what meas- tries without quarantining. burn through about $81 bil- borders people will be eager for safe and efficient plan- including test and quarantine tourism, according to IATA. ures will be in place at the The so-called ‘green’ lion of cash in 2021, on top to travel. And they will need ning, he added. requirements provided by One in three destinations visited destination,” UNWTO passport will allow residents of about $149 billion last accurate information to guide The destination tracker IATA’s ‘Timatic’ solution. around the world remains Secretary General Zurab Po- to travel without restriction year. Government measures them,” said IATA Director is available on the websites Safety measures in places closed to tourism, according lolikashvili said. between Bahrain and Israel, have helped and airlines have General Willie Walsh. of both IATA and the World at the destination country in- to the World Tourism Or- With all required data though details have not yet taken drastic steps to reduce The COVID-19 crisis is Tourism Organisation cluding use of masks, rules re- ganisation and services such in one place, the tracker will been released on when the overheads. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Karunaratne’s QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune double ton, De Silva’s century pushes first Test towards draw SUNday, APRIL 25, 2021 page 15

HH Sheikh Mohammed’s Coefficiente wins Prix De La Croix Saint-Ouen Tribune News Network steered to success by cham- front of the more experienced a straight track. She has im- Doha pion jockey Pierre-Charles PHAIDRA (IRE) (Camelot proved. She made up for fact Boudot. x Piacere) who is trained by that the race didn’t really go Coefficiente (Siyouni x Al Drawn on the outside of Markus Munch and was ridden her way through sheer class. Reem) opened her scorecard the 9-runner field, the bay filly by Mickael Barzalona. She is still immature and will for her owner and breeder His dropped in behind the leaders The Carlos Laffon Parias- improve with racing.” Highness Sheikh Mohammed on the outside. Boudot tracked trained Heroic Star (IRE) (Sea Coefficiente is the first bin Khalifa Al Thani at Comp- the leaders, keeping his filly The Stars x Heroic Heart) was runner and first winner for her iegne, France, on Friday. under cover, and Coefficiente further 1½-lengths behind in dam, Al Reem, who also ran in She won the Prix De La travelled very strongly through- third under Arthur Mosse. the colours of HH Sheikh Mo- Croix Saint-Ouen, a maiden out the race. He unleashed her “We came here expecting hammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. for 3-year-old fillies over in the final 200 metres and to win”, explained Boudot. Al Reem is a daughter of 1,400m, in impressive style. she showed a very smart ac- “The filly did it easily and the high-class racemare Tres Trained by French maestro celeration to quickly take the showed class. She ran well last Rapide, who was multiple Coefficiente won the Prix De La Croix Saint-Ouen impressively at Compiegne, France, on Friday. (Pic: Scoopdyga) Andre Fabre, Coefficiente was lead, winning by 1¾ lengths in time out for her first run on Group placed. FIF A WORLD CUP 2022 Xavi delighted as Al Sadd stay on course in AFC Champions League

AFC Riyadh

Al Sadd head coach Xavi was thrilled after his side beat Al Wehdat 2-0 to stay in sight of the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16. Goals by Santi Cazorla and Ali Asad powered Al Sadd to their second win in Group D, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin addresses media representatives placing them second with sev- during a press conference following the UEFA Executive Committee en points, one behind leaders meeting in Montreux, Switzerland on April 19. (UEFA/AFP) Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia. Al Sadd will now set their sights on Foolad Khouzestan FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran UEFA president on Monday, where another three points will set them up nicely for the group finale against Al Nassr praises Qatar’s three days later. “I am happy because we got the three points, against a very good team,” said Xavi. preparations “I have to congratulate them (the players) because Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez during the AFC Champions League QNA (QFA), adding that these as- they played really well, aggres- Al Sadd’s Nam Ttae-hee was named the Man of the Match. match against Al Wehdat on Friday. Nyon (Switzerland) sociations were ready to help sive and organised in defence. QFA in any way. “We dominated many ers Yusuf Abdurisag and Ali Abu Zema is satisfied with how UEFA President Aleksander He also praised President parts of the game, and when Sad, for their exceptional per- I am happy because we got the three points, against his charges have performed Ceferin praised Friday the of PSG Nasser Al Khulaifi, you score first, it’s much easier formance. a very good team. I have to congratulate them (the players) and will use their final two State of Qatar’s preparations stressing that he looks for- to win. We suffered a little bit “We have a good squad matches to gain experience. for hosting World Cup 2022. ward to working with him on in the second half with their with young and talented play- because they played really well, aggressive and organised “Al Sadd deserved the vic- Cerefin told the press shaping the future of corners and crosses but I’m ers like Yusuf. He didn’t only in defence. The three points are very important for us, and tory,” said Zema. “If we had 10 that preparations for hosting European football. happy because we won a dif- help in the second goal but now that we’re second in the group, we are in the race. more minutes, we could have World Cup 2022 were going He stressed that Al Khu- ficult game. how he played defensively and at least secured a draw. on well, saying that the visit laifi, Bayern Munich CEO “The three points are very for the team. I’m happy for the Xavi Hernandez “I am very satisfied as he paid a visit to Doha in Jan- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, important for us, and now that team.” a coach, especially with the uary which showed him first and Dortmund CEO Hans- we’re second in the group, we Nam Tae-hee, named team’s gradual improvement. hand how well the country Joachim Watzke had a great are in the race. I’m happy with Player of the Match, said team another final and we have to be difficult game but we played We are hoping to change this was preparing for the event, role in what he called a victory the performance of the team effort led the team to the con- ready and work hard together. together, defended together negative result into a positive expressing his pride at the in the war for football, follow- to win two games in a row vincing win. “I just tried to do my best and attacked together.” thing, as the Jordanian season strong cooperation between ing the recent breakaway at- against the same team.” “It was a very tough game to help the team, and today I The defeat means Al Weh- has yet to begin, we are taking European association and the tempt to form the European The legendary Spaniard but I’m happy with the three think our whole team deserved dat have no chance of advanc- this as a preparation stage for Qatar Football Association Super League by 12 clubs. also praised his budding play- points. The next game will be to be the best player. We had a ing but head coach Abdullah the future.”

Ligue 1 Mbappe double helps PSG put pressure back on Lille

DPA Berlin

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain claimed a straightforward 3-1 victory at Metz on Saturday to put the pressure back on Lille in the Ligue 1 title race. By no means were Mau- ricio Pochettino’s side out- standing as a collective at Stade Saint-Symphorien, but Mbappe was, the France strik- er deadly in front of goal as he took his league tally to 25 for the campaign. Mbappe’s first arrived ear- ly on as PSG initially appeared in the mood, though they faded somewhat and failed to build on that goal despite Metz offer- ing precious little themselves. At least, that was the case until the break. Metz levelled just 49 seconds into the sec- Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 Teammates celebrate with Kylian Mbappe at the Saint Symphorien stadium in Longeville-lès-Metz, France, ond half thanks to Fabien Cen- football match against Metz at the Saint Symphorien stadium in Longeville-lès-Metz, on Saturday. (AFP) on Saturday. Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain claimed a straightforward 3-1 victory. (AFP) tonze as PSG looked in dan- ger of dropping points for the Mbappe’s deflected effort just Parisians’ lead and a late there was no collapse from the two points clear of Lille. to their date with Manchester in midweek having not in- third time in six games, but before the hour restored the Mauro Icardi penalty ensured defending champions, who go PSG can now look forward City in the Champions League creased the heat on themselves. Sports Sunday, April 25, 2021 13 Klopp insists Reds should Liverpool pegged back by late strike not be ‘trashed’ over Super League as Newcastle United snatch point DPA London DPA ing in confidence,” said Wil- London lock, whose goal lifted New- Liverpool manager Jurgen castle nine points above the Klopp admits he struggled see- Newcastle midfielder Joe three-team drop-zone. ing the reputation of the club Willock snatched a 1-1 draw “What we’re showing now “trashed” in the wake of their against Liverpool at Anfield on the pitch is brilliant and I abortive involvement in the with a goal in injury-time. feel if we can continue we’ll be now-failed Super League. An extra minute was add- safe for sure.” Owners Fenway Sports ed for a video assistant ref- Klopp admitted in his pro- Group, led by John W Henry, eree (VAR) decision which had gramme notes he found it dif- were among the principal ruled out a Callum Wilson goal ficult seeing the reputation of drivers of the project as part of in stoppage time and on-loan the club “trashed” in the wake the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’, Arsenal man Willock took full of the Super League fallout and as a result have come in advantage. when the criticism should have for huge criticism. The unconvincing per- been aimed squarely at John W But Klopp, who has been formance did little for Reds Henry’s Fenway Sports Group. outspoken on breakaway pro- boss Juergen Klopp’s hopes of Around 150 supporters posals for a couple of years, restoring the club’s battered greeted the team coach’s ar- felt that should not have re- reputation in the wake of the rival but only a fraction took flected as badly as it did on the Super League controversy and the opportunity to protest, as historic institution that is the even less for their top-four as- the manager had asked them football club. pirations. not to, with home-made ban- “I don’t think you can cre- ners which carried slogans like ate many better chances than ‘£nough is £nough FSG Out’ we did. We scored a wonderful and ‘Henry, you have blood on goal but didn’t finish the game your hands’. off,” Klopp told BT Sport. Salah set about restoring “They deserved the goal be- their fallen status with a well- cause they had scored before ... taken goal after just three min- we didn’t even take the present. Newcastle United’s English midfielder Joe Willock scores the equalising goal during their English Premier League match against Liverpool at utes but, like other things this “ We were lucky with VAR Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Saturday.(AFP) week, completing the job was today and gave another chance considerably more difficult. away, it makes no sense and fifth-placedW est Ham. pearances and moved into the was another laboured and dis- Becker was handball. While his 20th Premier it’s really tough to take. Why it Mohamed Salah’s goal from top 12 of the club’s all-time appointing afternoon in front of Their reprieve was short- League strike of the season was, happened I don’t know. their first shot on target was a goalscorers with 123 in 198 an empty Anfield. lived but long enough for an- indeed, super the subsequent “It’s a point but it feels like class apart as he succeeded matches. With the clock showing 93 other substitute, Willock, to finishing was significantly less a defeat. Today I didn’t see where Robbie Fowler and Luis Unfortunately none of his minutes Liverpool were looking drive home with the aid of a so. Liverpool’s German manager that we deserved to play in the Suarez came up short by scor- previously prolific team-mates good for a spot back in the top deflection off Fabinho to leave Salah, Mane and Diogo Jurgen Klopp speaks to the Champions League next year.” ing 20 Premier League goals in came anywhere close to match- four when Wilson bundled the Klopp fuming at another wast- Jota, making up a rarely-seen media ahead of the match Liverpool are sixth, four points a season for a third time. ing him as despite a largely pas- ball over the line only for VAR ed opportunity. front four with Roberto Fir- against Newcastle United at behind fourth-placed Chelsea The Egypt international sive Newcastle allowing them to rule the ricochet onto his “We pushed very hard in mino missed several gilt-edged Anfield on Saturday.(AFP) who secured a vital 1-0 win at now has 93 in 140 league ap- plenty of opportunities, this elbow off goalkeeper Alisson the second half and were grow- chances. “It is difficult for me in truth, because I have found some of the reaction around it difficult to take,” he wrote Perez: Including in his programme notes for Chelsea edge ahead in top four race Saturday’s home game against top four in each Newcastle. country is Super “And by this I don’t mean those who were against it or League solution with win over 10-man West Ham the protests. This was a great victory for DPA DPA a free-kick and prodded goal- football supporters - I want to Madrid London wards. make this clear from the out- His effort was blocked on set. Florentino Perez remains Chelsea edged ahead in the the line by Cesar Azpilicueta “I agreed with their oppo- adamant the European Su- race for the top four with a 1-0 with VAR confirming, despite sition. I made this clear to our per League must go ahead as victory over fellow Champions West Ham’s pleas, that the owners. “football is severely damaged”, League hopefuls West Ham. Blues skipper had not handled “The part I have struggled with the Real Madrid presi- A rare goal from Timo the ball. with is seeing this club, a place dent suggesting the possibil- Werner, only his second in the Instead it was Chelsea who I love and am now proud to ity of the top-four teams from league since November, saw went in ahead at the break call my home, trashed - and each country featuring in the the Blues move three points after Werner laid the ball off done so in a manner which breakaway competition. clear of their fifth-placed hosts. to Christian Pulisic and then suggests no redemption is Plans for a Super League “I had a second chance and raced into the box to receive possible. That I can’t take. to rival UEFA’s Champions I think I have to score. But I Ben Chilwell’s low cross and “It was right to take apart League were announced on have to come back slowly. One convert from eight yards. the concept and it was fair to Sunday, with 12 founding goal is enough,” a relieved West Ham were still in the criticize it, along with those members – Madrid, Barce- Werner told Sky Sports. match until, with eight min- who came up with it and also lona, Atletico Madrid, Man- “Maybe if I’d scored twice utes left, Balbuena cleared the how it was presented. All le- chester United, Liverpool, today it would be too much ball and caught Chilwell on the gitimate in my view. Chelsea, Manchester City, Ar- from the beginning. But, no, calf. “The anger and disap- senal, Tottenham, Juventus, I’m joking. Not a single Chelsea player pointment was justified but Inter and Milan. “It’s really important for complained and play contin- there were times when the But after widespread criti- me and the team to be back on ued, but VAR intervened and distinction between ‘club’ and cism from UEFA, FIFA, clubs, the scoresheet. Very happy we referee Chris Kavanagh duti- this decision (and yes, those governments, fans and pun- win this game, it’s important Chelsea’s English defender Ben Chilwell (L) vies with West Ham United’s Czech defender Vladimir Coufal fully trotted to the monitor responsible for it) were too dits, all six Premier League in the race for the top four.” It during their English Premier League match at The London Stadium on Saturday. (AFP) before sending the Paraguayan quickly blurred into one. clubs pulled out, while Atleti- was hardly Super League stuff defender off. “To do so is an insult to the co, Inter, Milan and Juve fol- from Thomas Tuchel’s side, ference, had every reason to done by again when a late seen the last of David Moyes’ It virtually ended the supporters in my view. And lowed suit. but they got the job done ahead be affronted at the proposed video review (VAR) decision boys in the Champions League match as a contest although the players. Perez – who had been ap- of a genuine European show- breakaway league given that saw defender Fabian Balbuena mix. Blues substitute Tammy Abra- “This was a mistake. A big pointed as chairman of the down against Real Madrid on they were above four of the six shown one of the most ludi- West Ham’s best chance of ham missed the chance to mistake. And it’s right they competition – has continued Tuesday. clubs involved when it was an- crous red cards of the season. the first half came in the 35th mark his late appearance with (FSG) take responsibility for to stress the need for the Super West Ham, who kicked off nounced. Nevertheless a favourable minute when Tomas Soucek a goal when he headed over in it. But it doesn’t mean ‘the League and he flagged the idea behind Chelsea on goal dif- They were feeling hard run-in means we may not have pounced on a loose ball from stoppage-time. club’ should feel ashamed.” of moving away from an exclu- sive group of clubs. “These things get manipu- lated,” Perez told Diario AS, with the full interview to be published on Saturday. “It Bayern Munich miss title chance with slump in Mainz is not a plan which excludes clubs and nor is it designed to DPA 1971-72 record. have taken 27 points in the sec- missal moved them within two go against other leagues. Berlin Topping the table by 10 ond half of the season to sit five points of their hosts in third “The Super League project points, Bayern could yet be clear of the play-off berth. while Eintracht Frankfurt are is the best possible solution, Bayern Munich missed crowned champions this week- “Certainly it was a good first fourth, one above Dortmund and it has been created to help their first chance to confirm a end if second-placed RB Leip- half today with many chances, and one below Wolfsburg, football get out of the crisis. record-extending ninth con- zig lose at home to VfB Stutt- then after the break solid de- after losing 3-1 at Bayer Lev- Football is severely damaged secutive Bundesliga title on gart on Sunday. fensive work with irrepressible erkusen in the late game. because its economy has been Saturday when they slumped Their bid to seal matters will,” said Mainz sporting di- “I think that we are now ruined and it has to adapt to to a 2-1 defeat at Mainz in a under their own steam faltered rector Martin Schmidt. psychologically in the advan- the new era we are living in. miserable performance. immediately when Burkardt’s “Wins against Munich are tage,” said Dortmund’s Marco “The Super League does not A terrible error from goal- shot from the edge of the box never expected and are one of Reus. “We have to use the sit- go against domestic competi- keeper Manuel Neuer gifted was parried by Neuer, who the most beautiful things. We uation when we have the mo- tions and its objective is to en- Jonathan Burkardt a third seemed unsighted by the sun, are not safe yet ... the situation mentum.” Joel Pohjanpalo’s sure that more money is avail- minute opener and Robin into the corner of the net. has improved, but we have to hat-trick kept Union Berlin’s able for all sections of football. Quaison doubled Mainz’s lead Quaison headed in Phil- keep the level high.” European dream on track The concept is to generate more before half-time. lipp Mwene’s free kick in the The title does seem inevi- with a 3-1 win over relegation- interest for the games. The on-form hosts missed 37th but by then Mainz had hit table for Bayern though with threatened Werder Bremen, “Nor do I think that the plenty other chances to score the post twice through Danny Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski is shown a yel- three games remaining - their who have lost seven in a row. changes which UEFA have but - unlike when they lost 5-2 Latza and Danny de Costa de- low card by the referee Harm Osmers during the Bundesliga match next chance to make things Midtable Hoffenheim made are a real solution to the in Munich after leading Bayern flections. between Mainz 05 vs FC Bayern Munich, in Mainz on Saturday. (AFP) safe is at home to Borussia drew 1-1 at Freiburg in the problem because what has been 2-0 at half-time earlier in the “I first have to digest this Moenchengladbach on May 8. other Saturday match. proposed isn’t even an improve- season - were not punished. defeat,” said Bayern coach time since a March knee in- passionately. “We have tried Fifth-placed Borussia Third-last Cologne won ment on the current model. Bayern struggled with even Hansi Flick. jury, but he curled high over but we didn’t deserve to take a Dortmund created a Cham- 3-2 at Augsburg on Friday “Also, we cannot wait un- fit-again star RobertL ewan- “The has not had the inten- the bar. point with us.” pions League log-jam with a while Sunday also has Glad- til 2024. But in any case, we dowski unusually slack in front sity on the pitch that we know. “We didn’t create enough In the second half Bayern crucial 2-0 win at Wolfsburg bach v Arminia Bielefeld. must have done something of goal, though he did net his It looked slow.” chances and were punished could not build pressure and despite Jude Bellingham’s Schalke v Hertha Berlin badly. We are going to try to 36th of the season with an in- Bayern did make a great for our mistakes,” said Neuer there was no repeat of their red card. was postponed as the Berlin- turn this around and develop jury-time consolation to move opportunity to level for Le- to Sky, while Thomas Mueller comeback against Mainz in Erling Haaland’s double ei- ers are in quarantine after a more ideas.” within four of Gerd Mueller’s wandowski, back for the first admitted: “Mainz defended Munich. Mainz, now 12th, ther side of the teenager’s dis- coronavirus outbreak. 14 Sunday, April 25, 2021 Sports ‘Qatar’s progress is everywhere – Proud to have played a part in World Cup preparations’

Civil engineer Williams Morales looks back at the construction of Al Janoub Stadium n 2013, Williams Mo- rales took a life-changing phone call. At the time, he was the civil engineer inI charge of Basra Sport City in Iraq – a complex which in- cluded a 65,000-capacity sta- dium, five-star hotel and other sporting facilities. But on the other end of the line was a voice from Qatar, asking if he would be interested in help- ing the country prepare for the FIFA World Cup™. Williams Morales inside (above) and outside the Al Janoub Stadium (right). “I was intrigued about Qa- tar,” said Morales, who was tar was having my family with nothing apart from sand, dust are different and it required As the rapturous cheers of He said: “It is an amazing played a part in making that born in Venezuela to Span- me. It was the perfect match.” and our portacabins. The chal- a detailed design and a huge more than 36,000 fans filled feeling when we meet people happen.” ish parents. “The person was After arriving in Qatar, lenge was to begin digging and amount of logistics work with the stadium during the inau- from all over the world. I love Away from Al Janoub, talking about the World Cup Morales was tasked with his replicate the stunning design. experts from all around the guration, Morales felt incred- seeing their faces when they Morales loves exploring Qatar – and it does not get any big- most demanding project to- And thanks to an incredibly world to deliver this unique ibly proud of his contribution. see the stadium or walk on with his family and friends. ger than that. I needed to find date – working closely with motivated team, we managed masterpiece of engineering “It was my baby. It was defi- the pitch for the first time. We However – wherever he goes out more about this incredible the Supreme Committee for to achieve that.” and architecture. Hard work, nitely a moment of great emo- welcome people from all walks – he cannot avoid World Cup opportunity.” Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) sen- The design of Al Janoub is collaboration and coordina- tion because during those last of life – schoolchildren, presi- preparations. Morales arrived in Iraq ior management team to build especially striking. Its flowing tion with global experts en- months in the lead-up to the dents and former players. Hav- “If you drive around the after managing several infra- Al Janoub Stadium – the first patterns are inspired by dhow sured we delivered everything launch, it was very intense. We ing idols like Xavi Hernandez, country, you see the progress structure projects in Spain, Qatar 2022 venue to be built boats used by Al Wakrah’s to perfection.” were putting together the final Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Sam- everywhere – whether it’s sta- including the construction of a from scratch. seafaring community. In years On 16 May 2019, Al Janoub touches and all the details had uel Eto’o here – and kicking a diums, the expressways, the bank’s headquarters. Working He fondly remembers gone by, pearl trading pro- Stadium was inaugurated. It to be perfect. For me, the most ball with them on the pitch – is metro or new harbours. It’s in Iraq, however, meant being breaking ground at the con- vided the cornerstone of the Al became the second fully-func- magical moment was when the an incredible feeling.” incredible to see Qatar develop away from his family – some- struction site in 2014 and Wakrah economy. tional Qatar 2022 stadium ceremony started and the lights After almost eight years something completely unique.” thing that would not be the recalls his first meeting with Morales said one of the key after Khalifa International, switched on. I immediately felt with the SC, Morales cannot Morales added: “When I case in Qatar. the designers, who explained challenges was building and which was redeveloped prior relaxed. It was beautiful watch- wait until the stadium hosts first arrived here from Basra, “Qatar gave me an op- the unique elements of the constructing the stadium’s roof. to its inauguration in 2017. ing it come to life.” matches during the World I didn’t know what to expect portunity to work with the 40,000-capacity venue, which “As an engineer, the chal- The spectacular opening cer- Today, Morales stands Cup. Al Janoub is slated to from Qatar. But then I dis- best of the best in engineer- would feature innovative cool- lenge was to bring Zaha Had- emony of Al Janoub included a proudly outside the completed host seven games up to the covered the traditions, the ing and construction – it was ing technology for the benefit id’s beautiful concept to life. stunning laser show, fireworks venue, where he continues to round of 16 stage in 2022. sense of humour and the way something I could not turn of players and fans. The curved roof, stunning and cultural performances – manage daily operations and “It will be thrilling to see of life are very similar to my down,” said Morales. “Also, Speaking outside the sta- façade and structural system one of which paid tribute to special events. He also leads the world’s best teams here own. Qatar really has a magic being away from my family in dium, Morales said: “This comprise one of the most com- the late Hadid, who died three tours of the stadium on a regu- in 2022. It will be the biggest – a charm – and I recommend Iraq was very hard. One of the whole area was completely plex structures in the world. years before the stadium was lar basis – a task he describes event in Al Wakrah’s history everyone to visit the country great benefits of moving to Qa- empty – there was absolutely Practically all the elements completed. as very rewarding. and I am very proud to have for the World Cup.”

Tiger Woods re-emerges Nadal sets up final clash with a smile, a dog, a with Tsitsipas in Barcelona glimpse of his new life DPA ATP Washington Barcelona Tiger Woods has given the Rafael Nadal made it world a glimpse of his life through to his 12th Barcelona since the shocking car crash Open Banc Sabadell final on that has left doubts over the Saturday with a 6-3, 6-2 win future of the golf superstar. against countryman Pablo On crutches and with his Carreno Busta. right leg in a brace, Woods The 11-time champion was pictured on a golf course landed 13 forehand winners with a dog by his side. and claimed four service breaks And fans of golf’s greatest to extend his unbeaten ATP superstar of the past 30 years Head2Head record against would have enjoyed the sight Carreno Busta to 8-0. Nadal of Woods smiling broadly at made quick starts to both sets the camera. and reached his 69th clay final In dark shorts and T- after 89 minutes (60-8). Spainiard Rafael Nadal celebrates beating Spain’s Pablo Carreno shirt, Woods was sporting a “I am very happy to be Busta in the ATP Barcelona Open semi-final at the Real Club de Tenis Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas after winning his ATP Barcelona Open goatee beard and a back-to- back in a final here at an his- in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP) semi-final against Italy’s Jannik Sinner on Saturday.( AFP) front white baseball cap in toric event, a home event the picture. Tiger Woods with his dog on a [and] an important one for The Spaniard’s only loss in the second player to defeat be ready to increase my level The Mallorcan showcased “My course is coming golf course. me,” said Nadal. “I think I did Barcelona after reaching the Nadal from two sets down at and let’s see.” his impressive court coverage along faster than I am,” things well today, better than final four came in 2019, when a Grand Slam. Nadal owns Nadal attacked Carreno skills and used his forehand to Woods wrote on Instagram, at his Florida home, with the the other days. I have been im- he fell to eventual champion a 6-2 ATP Head2Head ad- Busta’s backhand and dictated overpower his opponent. Na- accompanied by a smiling hope he can one day return proving every single day a lit- Dominic Thiem. vantage against the reigning rallies with his forehand to dal reached his 12th Barcelona face. “But it’s nice to have a to competition. tle bit more.” The top seed will meet Ste- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters charge into a 5-1 lead in the final (11-0) when Carreno Bus- faithful rehab partner, man’s The Los Angeles County Nadal is chasing his 12th fanos Tsitsipas for the trophy champion. first set. The 20-time Grand ta struck a backhand return best friend.” Sheriff said Woods was driv- title at the ATP 500 event. The in a repeat of the 2018 Barce- “Tomorrow will be a very Slam champion dropped serve into the tramline. Rehabilitation is like- ing at over 80 miles per hour 60-time clay-court titlist is the lona final. On that occasion, tough one. (Stefanos) is play- when he tried to serve out the Carreno Busta was at- ly to be a long process for in a 45mph (72-kilometer- only player to lift 12 or more Nadal defeated the first-time ing probably better than ever,” set at 5-1 and was forced to tempting to reach his second the 15-time major winner, per-hour) zone when he lost tour-level trophies at the same ATP Tour finalist 6-2, 6-1. said Nadal. save three break points on his final of theE uropean clay with Woods suffering severe control of his Genesis SUV tournament, having claimed The 34-year-old will be “Not one set lost in Monte- second attempt as Carreno swing. The 29-year-old cap- leg injuries in the February and came off the road, hitting 13 titles at Roland Garros. seeking revenge for his loss to Carlo and here, so it will be the Busta raised his level. tured his fifthA TP Tour crown 23 single-car crash in Los a tree. He was said on the day Nadal owns a combined the Greek in this year’s Aus- toughest opponent possible. I After clinching the opener, earlier this month at the Any- Angeles. of the crash to have been for- 23-1 record in Barcelona tralian Open quarter-finals, hope to be ready. It is going to Nadal made another impres- Tech365 Andalucia Open in He has been recovering tunate to survive the impact. semi-final and final matches. when Tsitsipas became only be a tough one, but I need to sive start to the second set. Marbella.

Quick read Bordeaux fans in city centre protest as club hits financial rocks Watford secure Premier League return with victory over Millwall Berlin: Hundreds of Bordeaux London: Ismaila Sarr’s who came down with them awarded to the hosts in the change on the hour, with fans took to the city centre to pro- penalty early in the first half last season. 10th minute. Nathaniel Chalobah and test against investors King Street proved to be just enough to Millwall came close on a Kiko Femenia’s burst forward Andre Gray coming on, and withdrawing financial support and earn Watford a 1-0 victory number of occasions to de- saw the Spaniard exchange felt they should have been leaving their football club facing in- over Millwall and confirm an laying a promotion party that passes with Sarr, who was awarded another penalty solvency proceedings. The protest instant return to the Premier traditionally sees Hornets brought down just inside straight away when Sarr went took place on Saturday, 24 hours League. fans jump in a town centre the box on the right by Billy down under Mahlon Romeo’s after the six-time French champions Brentford’s win at Bourne- pond, but Watford hung on. Mitchell’s lunge. nudge in the back. entered “protection from the trade mouth earlier Saturday Jed Wallace forced Watford Sarr stepped up to slot the They endured a nervous court of Bordeaux,” according to meant that only three points goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann spot-kick past goalkeeper finale but Watford held out club officials. Currently Bordeaux Girondins de Bordeaux’ supporters of the “Ultramarines” group hold portraits of would be good enough for into a routine save in the Bartosz Bialkowski with ease to celebrate referee Dean are 16th in the Ligue 1 table and Bordeaux’ CEO Frederic Longuepee to ask for his resignation as they gather on Xisco Munoz’s Hornets to be opening exchanges that were a minute later. Whitestone blowing the final fighting relegation.(DPA) Pey-Berland square in front of the City Hall in Bordeaux on Saturday. (AFP) promoted alongside Norwich, brought to life by a penalty Watford made a double whistle. (DPA) Sports Sunday, April 25, 2021 15

FIVB World Tour Cancun Hub - 2nd Event Younousse, Ahmed make a winning start FIVB Swiss have already added at Cancun (Mexico) least 80 points to their total. For Gerson, the key is to focus Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne (R) celebrates after scoring a double Qatar’s beach volleyball duo on what they can control. century (200 runs) as teammate Dhananjaya de Silva applauds on of Cherif Younousse and Tijan “I try not to put too much the fourth day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Pallekele Ahmed defeated Canada’s Sam thought on it,” the defender International Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. (AFP) Pedlow and Samuel Schachter added. “I know that we need 2-0 (21-17, 23-21) in the main to have good results to im- draw to stay on course for a prove our position in the rank- Karunaratne’s quarter-final berth at the FIVB ing and get closer to the Olym- World Tour Cancun Hub - 2nd pics, but the only way to do it event in Mexico on Friday. is playing well. Being at the double ton, De Silva Meanwhile Swiss duo -- Olympics is a big goal we have Adrian Heidrich and Mirco and we want to play well to be were one of the sensations there. If we continue playing century pushes 1st of the first day of the second like we did today, that will give tournament in Mexico as they us a good chance.” upset two teams ranked in the The other pool winners Test towards draw top 20 of the world to win Pool in the men’s tournament in E and secure their spots in the Mexico were Norway’s Anders ANI In the second session, de Round of 16. Mol/Christian Sorum, Latvia’s Pallekele (Sri Lanka) Silva converted his fifty into a In the morning, the Swiss Aleksandrs Samoilovs/Janis ton as he hit his seventh Test defeated Spain’s Pablo Her- Smedins, Poland’s Maciej Ru- Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth century. rera and Adrian Gavira 2-0 dol/Jakub Szlankiewicz and Karunaratne hit a double ton Karunaratne and de Silva (21-16, 22-20). In the even- Piotr Kantor/Bartosz Losiak, while Dhananjaya de Silva added 252 runs at the end of ing, they had an even strong- Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Tijan Ahmed during their match against Canada’s Sam Pedlow and Samuel Brazil’s Alison Cerutti/Alvaro scored an unbeaten 154 as the the second session as the duo er showing against Poland’s Schachter at the FIVB World Tour Cancun Hub - 2nd event in Mexico on Friday. Filho, USA’s Phil Dalhausser/ hosts didn’t lose a single wick- extended their solid stand to Grzegorz Fijalek and Michal Nick Lucena and Italy’s Adri- et on day four of the opening 252, piling further misery on Bryl to secure another 2-0 (21- week. We’re handling the wind pressure on the World Tour Canada’s Sam Pedlow/Sam an Carambula/Enrico Rossi. Test against Bangladesh on Bangladesh bowlers. 15, 21-11) triumph. and the heat better and are right now as they currently sit Schachter, Poland’s Piotr Saturday’s schedule for Saturday, before bad light After 139 overs in the in- “We certainly didn’t play making better decisions too. I in 15th place in the provisional Kantor/Bartosz Losiak and the men included the Round stopped play. nings, play was stopped due to our best in the previous tour- think today was great to show Olympic Rankings and would Germany’s Nils Ehlers/Lars of 24 and the Round of 16. It was a wicketless day for bad light. But the match began nament,” Gerson reflected. how much we’ve improved be the last team guaranteed a Fluggen, could approach and The quarterfinals and semifi- Bangladesh with Karunaratne soon after with Sri Lanka scor- “We improved a little bit in over these last few days.” berth in Tokyo if the qualifica- even pass them depending on nals are scheduled for Sunday (234*) and De Silva (154*) ing 55 in the next ten overs our second match but I think The Swiss are one of the tion process ended today. the results of the tournament. and the medal matches for sharing an unbeaten 322- before the proceedings halted we’ve been a lot better this teams dealing with the most Some teams, including With Friday’s pool victory, the Monday. run stand as Sri Lanka went again due to bad light. to stumps with 512 runs on In the third session, de board. Silva went past 150 while The hosts are still trailing Karunaratne hit his first dou- by 29 runs with seven wickets ble ton as Sri Lanka crossed in the bag as the Test moves the 500-run mark before um- Samson, Morris shine in Rajasthan towards a draw. pires called stumps. Sri Lanka had ended day three on 229/3 after Bangla- Scoreboard desh declared their first in- Royals’ six-wicket win over KKR nings at 541/7 at the Pallekele BANGLADESH, 1st Innings 541/4 decl. (Iqbal International Cricket Stadium 90, Shanto 163, Haque 127; Fernando 4/96 on Thursday. SRI LANKA, 1st innings (229/3 overnight) ANI reduced to 61/4 at the halfway Resuming day four, Dimuth Karunaratne not out...... 234 Mumbai mark. Karunaratne and de Silva en- Lahiru Thirimanne lbw b M Miraz...... 58 Oshada Fernando c Das b T Ahmed...... 20 While Nitish Rana was sured Sri Lanka went through Angelo Mathews b Islam ...... 25 Skipper Sanju Samson’s removed by Chetan Sakariya, the first session without losing Dhananjaya de Silva not out...... 154 unbeaten 42 runs after Chris skipper Eoin Morgan regis- a wicket, adding 102 runs to Extras: (b4, lb5, nb3, w9)...... 21 Morris’ stand out spell helped tered a diamond duck in the the overnight total. TOTAL: (149 Ov,for 3 wkts)...... 512 Rajasthan Royals to defeat 11th over. Yashasvi Jaiswal Karunaratne brought up To bat: Pathum Nissanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) redeemed himself as he took his 11th Test century and his PWH de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru by six wickets in the Indian a stunning catch running and knock helped hosts further Kumara, Vishwa Fernando. Premier League (IPL) match diving forward to send Narine reduce the first-innings deficit Fall of wickets: 1-114 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 38.6 ov), 2-157 (Oshada Fernando, 53.3 ov), here at the Wankhede Stadi- back in the hut. against the visitors to below 3-190 (Angelo Mathews, 62.3 ov). um on Saturday evening. However, Rahul Tripathi 300. Bowling: Abu Jayed 13-1-58-0, Taskin Ahmed Morris picked four wickets kept batting freely and hit Meanwhile, de Silva com- 25-6-91-1, Ebadot Hossain 17-1-82-0, and restricted KKR to 133/9 timely boundaries to revive pleted his half-century as Sri Mehidy Hasan Miraz.52-6-123-1, Taijul Islam in their allotted 20 overs. In KKR’s innings. Rahul along Lanka went past the 300-run 39-9-136-1, Mominul Haque 1-0-8-0, Saif reply, Samson’s gritty knock with Dinesh Karthik stitched mark before the completion of Hassan 2-0-5-0. of 42 off 41 balls helped the a 33-run stand before the for- the first session. side to chase the total with mer departed in the 16th over. seven balls to spare. Chasing Karthik took KKR over 134, Jos Buttler and Yashasvi the 100-run mark in the 17th Jaiswal stitched a 21-run brief over. Andre Russell perished partnership for the opening before he could unleash the Olympic champion Simone wicket before spinner Varun beast within. The all-rounder Chakravarthy dismissed the smacked a six in the 18th over Biles leaves Nike for Athleta former at 5 in the fourth over. but wasn’t able to carry for- After Buttler’s wicket, David Miller of Rajasthan Royals and Sanju Samson Captain of Rajasthan Royals celebrate the win against Kol- ward the momentum. Biles said that the com- skipper Samson joined Jaisw- kata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday. (BCCI) In the same over, Karthik pany’s stance on diversity and al in the middle. Samson add- too departed as Morris bagged inclusion, as well as its em- ed a 19-run stand with Jaiswal at the crease for long as he was Earlier, in the last three Put in to bat first,KKR got two wickets in three balls to phasis on empowering wom- for the second wicket. Shivam picked by pacer Prasidh Krish- overs, KKR scored 23 runs and off to a bad start which even- leave KKR reeling at 118/7. In en, were important factors in Mavi sent Jaiswal (22) back to na in the 14th over. Tewatia lost Dinesh Karthik, swash- tually worsened as the innings the end, KKR was only able to her decision. the pavilion in the sixth over. just scored five runs. buckling batsman Andre Rus- progressed. score 133 runs as Cummins Biles, who holds the record Shivam Dube and Samson David Miller came in to bat sell, and last match’s hero Pat The side scored eight runs failed to replicate what he did for most world championship steered the side after the de- at number six. He along with Cummins. Morris dismissed in the first two overs and then against CSK on Wednesday. medals and was one of many parture of openers. The duo Samson took the responsibil- all the three batsmen to deny lost the wicket of Shubman Scores: KKR 133/9 in 20 DPA victims of abuse by USA Gym- built a 45-run partnership for ity to take the side over the line. KKR any chance of slogging in Gill in the sixth over. overs (Rahul Tripathi 36, Dinesh Los Angeles nastics’ team doctor Larry the third wicket. In the 11th Samson scored unbeaten 42 the death overs. Jos Buttler’s direct hit Karthik 25; Chris Morris 4-23); Nassar, follows fellow Olym- over, Chakravarthy bagged while Miller amassed not out 24. On the last ball of the ended Gill’s knock with KKR Rajasthan Royals 134/4 in Simone Biles has left Nike pian Allyson Felix in leaving another scalp as he removed For KKR, Chakravarthy KKR’s innings, Morris re- scoring 25 runs in the power- 18.5 overs (Sanju Samson and joined Athleta. Nike and joining Athleta for Dube (22). picked two while Mavi and moved Shivam Mavi to bag his play. KKR kept losing wickets 42*, David Miller 24*; Varun The Gap-owned company similar reasons. Rahul Tewatia did not last Krishna bagged a wicket each. fourth wicket of the day. at regular intervals and got Chakravarthy 2-32). announced the news Friday The decorated sprinter on Twitter, saying the deal was joined in 2019 after publicly “fueled by our shared com- criticizing Nike for its lack of mitment to empower the next support for pregnant women generation of girls.” The four- and new mothers. Athleta cit- Cleveland Browns exercise Suzuka to host Japanese GP time gold medalist expressed ed its success with Felix in its her own excitement as well decision to pursue Biles. fifth-year option on and quoted the Wall Street “When Allyson joined our for another three years Journal article that first re- team, we recognized right QB Baker Mayfield ported the news. away how powerful this was DPA “I felt like it wasn’t just for the brand, but we also rec- DPA rating of 95.9 was the third- Tokyo about my achievements, it’s ognized how deep that rela- Washington best mark in franchise history. what I stood for and how they tionship went,” Athleta chief Having thrown 21 inter- Suzuka will continue to host were going to help me use my product officer JanaHenning The Cleveland Browns have ceptions in 2019, Mayfield was the Japanese Grand Prix for voice and also be a voice for said, “so as we were thinking locked in Baker Mayfield for picked off only eight times in at least the next three years, females and kids,” she said about, ‘Who do we want to 2022 after exercising their 2020, his touchdown to in- Formula One announced on of the new partnership with partner with, who is out there fifth-year option on the quar- terception ratio of 3.25 good Saturday. the company, which is 97 per in the world?’ Simone was an terback’s contract. enough for ninth in the NFL, The figure-of-eight track cent female. obvious choice just from the Cleveland announced their per Stats Perform. has been a favourite for driv- “I feel like they also sup- beginning.” move on Friday after Mayfield Yet the upside of Cleve- ers and fans since being added port me, not just as an ath- This is the second depar- led the Browns to their first land’s passing game still ap- in 1987. lete, but just as an individual ture in one week for Nike after playoff victory in 26 years last peared limited. “Japan holds a special outside of the gym and the Vanessa Bryant left the com- season – a shock win over the Mayfield was a disappoint- place in the hearts and minds change that I want to create, pany with the expiration of Pittsburgh Steelers. ing tied for 17th with 43 com- of F1 fans all over the world, which is so refreshing.” While Kobe Bryant’s contract. Mayfield - the number one pletions of 20 yards or more. and Suzuka has played host to there is no value of the con- In December, Nike also pick in the 2018 NFL Draft Mayfield ranked sixth many of the sport’s most leg- tract reported, Athleta is pro- lost Jerry Lorenzo to Adidas – had a breakout 2020 cam- in the NFL in passer rating endary moments, with 11 driv- The Japanese Grand Prix will remain at Suzuka until at least the end viding Biles with her own line as the Fear of God designer paign in which he threw for (118.4) on throws of 21 air ers’ titles being decided there,” of the 2024 season after Formula One and circuit owners announced of performance and casual became their head of bas- 3,563 yards [3,258 meters], yards or more among quar- F1 chief executive Stefano Do- a three-year contract extension on Saturday. wear and has pledged to sup- ketball and will establish his 26 touchdowns and just eight terbacks with at least 25 such menicali said in a statement. port Biles’ own post-Olym- own athletic company under interceptions, while his passer attempts. “The Japanese Grand Prix has always showcased gripping, edge-of-your-seat drama.” pics gymnastics tour. their umbrella. 16 Sunday, April 25, 2021 The Last Word MoPH, health sector partners mark World Immunisation Week This year’s celebrations come amidst roll-out of largest national vaccination campaign against COVID-19

Tribune News Network that within the over 60s age Doha group, non-vaccinated people are 40 times more likely to be The Ministry of Public Health admitted to ICU than those (MoPH), Hamad Medical who are fully vaccinated. This Corporation (HMC) and Pri- is clear, real-world evidence mary Health Care Corporation that these vaccines work,” said (PHCC) are celebrating the Dr Maslamani. World Immunization Week Dr Khalid El-Awad, direc- from April 24 to 30, 2021. tor of the Health Protection This year’s celebrations Department at PHCC, said the are being organised under World Health Organization the theme ‘Vaccines Bring Us estimates that vaccinations Closer’, which was selected by are so effective that they can the World Health Organiza- prevent between two to three tion (WHO). million deaths worldwide each The celebrations of the year. World Immunization week He encouraged people to comes amid the implementa- foundation to guarantee the municable Disease Control at and the gradual return to nor- ous diseases, including hepa- dose every day,” added Dr listen to trusted health infor- tion of the largest campaign in establishment of solid, deep- MoPH, said that vaccination is mal life.” titis B, measles, meningitis, Bayat. mation and ensure they re- Qatar’s history for the vaccina- rooted and flexible health considered as one of the most Dr Rumaihi added that mumps, rubella, tuberculosis Dr Muna Al Malsamani, ceive all recommended vacci- tion of the population against systems and a comprehensive successful interventions in the vaccination process by and seasonal influenza. The medical director of the Com- nations. coronavirus (COVID-19). healthcare coverage. Vaccina- the field of public health, add- Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna global COVID-19 vaccination municable Disease Center at “At PHCC, we offer a wide The celebrations focus tion can save millions of lives ing that Qatar is always keen is progressing rapidly across campaign, the largest vacci- HMC, said the roll-out of the range of vaccines to people on the importance of taking every year and is recognised to reach the highest coverage PHCC health centres, the Qa- nation campaign in history, COVID-19 vaccination pro- at all stages of their lives and the vaccination during this as one of the most effec- rate of safe and high-quality tar National Convention Cent- is highlighting the important gramme in Qatar is helping to we know that vaccines play pandemic in order to prevent tive healthcare interventions vaccinations. er, the new vaccination centre role that vaccines play in pro- protect the population from an incredibly important role and curb the spread of the vi- worldwide. Regarding the vaccination in the Industrial Area and the tecting people of all ages and the threat of the virus. in supporting people’s health rus. The World Immunization In this context, various campaign against COVID-19, two drive-through vaccination health status from disease,” “The Pfizer and BioNTech and saving lives. For this Week also aims at highlight- types of media campaign is Dr Rumaihi said, “The im- centers in Lusail and Al-Wak- she said. and Moderna vaccines being reason, it is important that ing the importance of vaccines being carried out with the aim plementation of the national rah Areas. “Almost every country in used in Qatar have been shown people receive information in general and assist in the of raising public awareness vaccination campaign against Dr Soha Al Bayat, head of the world has been affected by through extensive clinical tri- related to vaccines only from launch of a long-term vaccina- on the importance of vaccina- COVID-19 in Qatar is pro- Vaccination at the Ministry COVID-19. After more than a als to be safe and effective and official sources as there is a lot tion support. tion, its vital role in eliminat- gressing at a rapid pace, as of Public Health, explained year living under the threat of are around 95 percent effec- of misleading and incorrect The celebrations also aim ing contagious diseases and nearly 1,400,000 doses have that immunisation is known the virus, the COVID-19 vac- tive in preventing sympto- information circulating on at promoting the importance increase vaccination rates. In been administered to the most to save millions of lives every cines now offer the best hope matic COVID-19 infection af- the internet and social media. of awareness to protect per- addition, awareness messages venerable members of the year and is widely recognised for a return to normal life. ter two doses. We have known While we focus our efforts for sons of all ages against dis- will be displayed on screens community. The Ministry of as one of the most effective Around the world, and here since the start of the pandemic now on the COVID-19 vac- eases, enhance children’s across all primary healthcare Public Health is keen to se- healthcare interventions in the in Qatar, the public response that the virus poses the great- cines, there remains a need to health, as well as highlighting centres. cure the best internationally world. to the COVID-19 vaccines has est threat to the health of the ensure routine vaccinations the importance of regularly Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, approved vaccines which are “Vaccines have been used been overwhelmingly positive. elderly, and so it is extremely – such as for the seasonal flu taking the vaccination which director of the Department of considered a crucial tool for to protect people by provid- Globally, around 16 million reassuring to know that own – are not missed,” said Dr El- is considered as the base and Health Protection and Com- the control of this pandemic ing immunity from many seri- people are receiving a vaccine our data here in Qatar shows Awad. 90 school students put their programming Healthcare professionals skills to test at HBKU-QCRI competition across country complete Tribune News Network WCM-Q training sessions Doha

Creative Space, part of the Tribune News Network Qatar Computing Research In- Doha stitute (QCRI) under Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Physicians, nurses, other has announced the winners of healthcare professionals and its Python Programming Com- academicians working in Qa- petition, which challenged 90 tar completed research train- middle and high school stu- ing sessions offered by the dents to put their coding skills Division of Continuing Pro- to the test. fessional Education (CPD) at The students learned the Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar coding language during a 30- (WCM-Q) recently. hour online programme offered The latest sessions of- the scientific method and an does not take long for health- by QCRI over the course of the fered by WCM-Q included understanding of how to in- care professionals to gain current academic year. a comprehensive five-day tegrate scientific rigour and a firm grounding in these The participants comprised Introduction to Qualitative ethics in qualitative research. technical skills, but once two groups of students from Research course directed by In a separate event, enti- they have mastered them it international schools and five lands; Nour Tabet, outreach cellent preparation for the chal- – Teams Python Bros with biomedical statistics experts tled ‘Certificate in the Anal- opens up a whole new world groups from 11 Ministry of coordinator for computer sci- lenges of the university-level Mohamed Refaaz and Hamad Dr Ziyad Mahfoud, associ- ysis of Medical Data: Ad- of research for them. These Education and Higher Educa- ence at Carnegie Mellon Uni- programmes offered at HBKU Refaaz; and Programmers with ate professor of Population vanced Applied Biostatistics newly gained expertise ena- tion’s schools. The successful versity in Qatar; Ahmad Mu- but challenged the students to Mohammed Nasser Al Bader Health Sciences, and guest for Health Care Profession- bles the participants to draw programme concluded with the sleh; and Wafa Waheeda, both demonstrate their academic and Akram Alhariri. expert Dr Gladys Honein- als’, Dr Mahfoud demon- meaningful conclusions Python Competition held on software engineers at QCRI. and personal skills. Well done “The course had several AbouHaidar, assistant pro- strated to participants how from the data they collect April 10, challenging the stu- “The students impressed us to our winners.” positive aspects, but from my fessor at the American Uni- to use a number of key ana- through their clinical work dents to programme a Tic-Tac- with their programming skills QCRI’s Python Competi- point of view I think giving versity of Beirut (AUB). The lytical methods to help them or through other avenues, Toe game using Python. and problem-solving abilities, tion winners are: in first place the students the opportunity workshop introduced partici- understand the data they col- boosting their careers and With the option of compet- said Ikram Zidani, Creative - Team Creative Coders with to innovate was the distinctive pants to the design and im- lect for their research. This contributing to biomedical ing individually or in teams of Space coordinator at QCRI, Anas Osama Abdulhamied one that gave a beautiful and plementation of qualitative included instruction on how research in Qatar and the two, the students submitted after the competition. “QCRI Mosaad and Ahmad Osama unique character to the course, research and offered guid- to generate a multiple lin- wider region.” their programmes with a video designed the intensive Python Abdulhamied Mosaad; and and of course all thanks to Dr ance on when to use qualita- ear regression and a multiple Both of the events were to demonstrate their under- course and the competition Individual Mahmoud Amr Eman Fituri, director of Educa- tive research, which method- logistic regression, how to accredited locally by the standing. to help equip these budding Mohamed. tional Initiatives at QCRI, and ology to use, how to conduct analyse data from a one-way Ministry of Public Health’s QCRI invited a team of four programmers with the skills, In second place - Team Engineer Ikram for guiding us the research, how to present ‘analysis of variance’ (ANO- Department of Healthcare judges to help in selecting the knowledge and experience in Artificial Intelligence withand teaching us throughout results and how to increase VA), and how to analyse data Professions – Accreditation individual winners and teams. the intricacies of programming Momen Ahmed Awad Albanna the course,” said AlBulushi, a the trustworthiness of quali- using non-parametric sta- Section and internationally The judges were Abdelkarim language to begin their learning and Ali Hamza Shaar; and In- student from Qatar Banking tative research studies. The tistics, among other founda- by the Accreditation Council Zidani, an offensive security path early. dividual Mohamed Abdulma- Studies and Business Adminis- course also gave the partici- tional skills. for Continuing Medical Edu- engineer based in the Nether- “The course is not only ex- jeed AlBulushi. In third place tration School. pants a firm grounding in Dr Mahfoud said: “It cation (ACCME). Scale7 launches first wave of its Accelerator Programme The programme is specifically developed for Qatar’s most-promising fashion and design start-ups

Tribune News Network est industry dynamics, in line not the least, financial sup- Held virtually, Scale7’s Doha with Scale7’s vision to be a port for their nascent busi- intensive 10-week catalyst for reshaping fashion nesses along with excellent Acceleration Programme Scale7, the first fashion and and design technology in the networking opportunities. design business incubator region, and beyond. Scale7’s Accelerator Pro- will run until June 22, in Qatar, founded by Qatar Thirteen innovative start- gramme follows the success- 2021. The programme is Development Bank (QDB) ups – scouted from over 30 gramme aims to provide spe- and the current challenges vinced that by joining this ful completion of Qatar’s conceptualised to empower in partnership with M7, has applications – were short- cialised mentoring and guid- faced globally, the Accel- programme, our local entre- first fashion and technology promising start-ups in their launched Qatar’s first Ac- listed after a thorough and ance and deliver business erator Programme has been preneurs will be able to scale virtual Hackathon, held in celerator Programme for the meticulous selection process. development activities, ena- launched to facilitate ambi- higher and compete globally, March 2021. The Hackathon “scale-up phase” to accel- fashion and design industry. The thirteen start-ups were bling participating start-ups tious entrepreneurs over- subsequently paving the way offered the ideal platform for erate their growth and fur- Being held virtually, invited to present their busi- to grow locally and expand come the inevitable chal- for future Scale7 waves. entrepreneurs to compete, ther develop their products Scale7’s intensive 10-week nesses via a virtual selection globally, all while boosting lenges of running a start-up Entrepreneurs taking build and develop exciting Acceleration Programme will day, which was judged by a sales and building a robust and to fulfil their ambitions part in the Accelerator Pro- concepts. Winners were enti- and services within the con- run until June 22, 2021. The panel from the entrepreneur- customer base. The focus of to become independent, suc- gramme will receive profes- tled to several benefits aimed text of the latest industry programme is conceptual- ial ecosystem along with fash- the programme will be on cessful businesses. This pro- sional one-on-one mentoring at providing a wide range of dynamics, in line with ised to empower promising ion and design specialists and fundraising and internation- gramme will offer a suitable and guidance sessions with support to fashion and design Scale7’s vision to be a cat- start-ups in their “scale-up experts representing QDB al development. innovative environment for industry specialists as well entrepreneurs who are inter- phase” to accelerate their and M7. At the final stage, six Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al- promising start-ups in the as partners from world-class ested in fashion technology alyst for reshaping fashion growth and further develop start-ups were chosen for the Khalifa, chief executive of- fashion and technology sec- professionals and global lead- and to grow and tap into the and design technology in their products and services Accelerator Programme. ficer of QDB, said, “Despite tor to explore ways to boost ers in fashion technology; co- opportunities within Qatar as the region, and beyond within the context of the lat- The Accelerator Pro- these unprecedented times their growth. We are con- working space at Scale7, and, well as global markets.