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FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 / JUMADA AL THANI 16-17, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17600 16 PAGES 150 FILS U.S. HOLD ON F-35s TO UAE AMONG ARMS SALES Iran near weapons-grade enrichment

Interfaith meeting in Ur Grace extends time for 90% near violators of residency TEHRAN, Jan 28, Pope to meet Shiite leader Sistani in Iraq (AP): Iran has ex- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28, (Agencies): Minister of In- ceeded 17 kilograms ROME, Jan 28, (AP): Iraq’s top Catholic official said Thursday that a hope,” Sako said. “We have always been persecuted and we have paid terior Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al-Sabah has issued a of 20% enriched ura- deadly suicide bombing in Baghdad hasn’t thwarted Pope Francis’ plans for our faith to Christ and the Gospel with our blood, not only in the past decision giving a new grace period to residency viola- to visit, and he confirmed the pontiff would meet with the country’s top but also recently.” tors to help them adjust their status as of the first of nium within a month’s Shiite cleric, Ali al-Sistani, in a significant highlight of the first-ever pa- But the first visit by a pope to Iraq also has a strong interfaith com- February and March 2. time, state TV reported pal trip to Iraq. ponent. Francis is scheduled to travel to Najaf on March 6 to meet with Those who didn’t adjust their residency status dur- Thursday, moving its The Chaldean patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, provided the al-Sistani, one of the world’s leading Shiite leaders, and to host an inter- ing this period will be punished, in line with the law, first details of Francis’ March 5-8 itinerary during a virtual news con- faith meeting that same day in the ancient city of Ur, the birthplace of the prevented from obtaining valid residency and deport- nuclear program closer ference hosted by the French bishops’ conference. The Vatican has prophet Abraham, according to Sako. ed, the Ministry’s security media department said in to weapons-grade en- confirmed the visit, but it still could be called off given the coronavirus Francis has spent years trying to forge improved relations with Mus- a statement. richment levels amid pandemic. lims. He signed a historic document on human fraternity in 2019 with They also will not be allowed to come back to Ku- heightened tensions The trip is aimed primarily at encouraging the country’s beleaguered a prominent Sunni leader, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of wait, it added. Christians, who faced decades of discrimination by the Muslim majority Al-Azhar, the seat of Sunni learning in Cairo. The decision gives further time for the violators to with the US. before being targeted relentlessly by Islamic State group militants start- Brother Amir Jaje, an Iraqi Dominican who is an expert on Shiite rela- legalize their status so as to avoid any punishment and Parliament Speaker Mo- ing in 2014. tions, said he hoped Sistani would also sign onto the fraternity document, measures to be taken by the ministry after the end of hammad Bagher Qalibaf, “What we Christians expect (from the pope’s message) is comfort and which calls for Christians and Muslims to work together for peace. this period, it noted. during a visit to the country’s Fordo nuclear facility, said in a televised speech that in less than a month, scientists passed 17 kilograms (37.5 pounds) of 20% enriched uranium. Uranium enriched to 20% is a short technical step away from weapons-grade 90% enrichment. Western nations have criticized Iran’s enrichment activity and called on Tehran to adhere to a 2015 nuclear accord. Iran has said it would produce 120 kilograms of 20% enriched uranium per year, or 12 kilo- grams per month on average, so 17 kilograms would exceed that timetable. Roughly 250 kilograms (550 pounds) of 20% enriched ura- nium are needed to convert it into 25 kilograms of the 90% enriched needed for a nuclear weapon. The development brings Iran closer to crossing the line between nuclear operations with a poten- tial civilian use, such as enriching nuclear fuel for power-generating reactors, and nuclear-weapons work, something Tehran has long denied ever carrying out. Former US president Donald Trump in 2018 unilaterally with- drew America from Iran’s nu- clear deal, in which Tehran had agreed to limit its uranium en- richment in exchange for the lift- ing of economic sanctions. After the US then ramped up sanctions, Iran gradually and publicly aban- doned the deal’s limits on its nuclear development. President Joe Biden, who was vice-president when the deal was signed during the Obama admin- istration, has said he hopes to re- turn the US to the deal. KUNA photo Kuwait’s Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah on an inspection tour that included a number of military units. – See Page 5 Hold on arms sale The Biden administration has put a temporary hold on several major foreign arms sales initi- Time needed to fix demographic imbalance ated by former president Donald Trump. Officials say that among the deals being paused is a massive Bonds, asset sales seen to right economic imbalance $23 billion transfer of stealth F-35 fighters to the United Arab Emir- By Sulaiman Al-Jarallah Assembly support us in our endeavor to adjust the ates. That sale and several other massive purchases of US weap- Deputy Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times economic imbalance. We put great confidence in Newswatch their understanding. We are partners in correcting onry by Gulf Arab countries had been harshly criticized by Demo- Jobs bill to axe expats KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Within the framework the economic path and amending the imbalance.” Speaking of the political file and the govern- crats in Congress. The officials KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait listed of a government “Glasnost” which opts for dis- did not identify the other sales that By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh closure and openness in all issues that are of con- ment’s relationship with the National Assembly, Arab Times Staff 588 new coronavirus infections in response to the desire shown by MP Musaed had been temporarily halted. and one virus-related death on cern to the nation, especially at this watershed and The new administration is historic stage Kuwait and the world is passing Al-Ardhi to interrogate him within the constitu- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: MP Hesham Al-Saleh has submitted a bill Thursday taking the total cases tion and the law, the Prime Minister said, “I say to reviewing the sales but has not up to 163,450 as deaths rose to through, and keeping in mind the good principle made any determination about on amending Civil Service Law No. 15/1976 in order to nationalize that believes in the ‘fourth authority’ (the press) him hello and welcome.” 958 respectively, the health min- He added: “The constitution and the law govern whether they will actually go public sector jobs. istry said. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah through, the State Department According to the bill, the appointment, reshuffle, promotion and del- Al-Khaled met held a meeting with the editors-in- us during interrogation, and if we disagree, there The number of people hospi- is something to decide on the matter,” indicating said. It called the pause “a rou- egation of employees must be based on the decision of the relevant talised with the virus currently chief of local newspapers. tine administrative action” that executive institution, except the supervisory jobs which require the is- stands at 6,105, with 46 of them This is the third time the Prime Minister met that during the 15th legislative term of the parlia- ment he emphasized on four ‘NOs’ – No to refer most incoming administrations suance of a special decree. in intensive care units, according with the editors-in-chief since the emergence of the take with large-scale arms sales. The bill stipulates that the recruitment of expatriates must be on to ministry spokesman Dr Ab- Corona pandemic, and in a brainstorming session, the interrogation to the Constitutional Court, no to refer it to the Legislative Affairs Committee, no to “The department is temporar- temporary basis and only if no Kuwaiti or anyone under the other cat- dullah Al-Sanad, who revealed Sheikh Al-Khaled put the facts in front of everyone, ily pausing the implementation egories is available for the job. The order of priority in recruitment is that some 9,964 swab tests were whether with regard to the economic and financial request an extension of the time, no to discuss it conducted over the last day out of in a secret session. of some pending US defense as follows: situation or with regard to the relationship with the transfers and sales under Foreign A. Kuwaitis a total of 1,500,913. (KUNA) National Assembly, stressing at the same time on ❑ ❑ ❑ Military Sales and Direct Com- B. Children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis two firm positions – the citizen will get support mercial Sales to allow incoming C. Bedouns KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s rank- without putting a hand in his pocket and that inter- leadership an opportunity to re- D. Citizens of other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council ing improved by seven spots on rogation is the right of the every deputy within the Options to get out view,” the department said. (GCC) Transparency International’s framework of the Constitution and the law. “This is a routine administra- E. Other nationalities annual 2020 Corruption Percep- On the economic level, Al-Khaled said: “We tive action typical to most any If employees under category E are appointed with more than KD tions Index, registering improve- have been suffering from a major economic im- of financial crisis transition, and demonstrates the 750 salary, their names and job descriptions must be published in the ments made on tackling corrup- balance before the pandemic, and if this imbal- Administration’s commitment official Kuwait Gazette. tion in the country since 2019, ance continues without reform, it will affect our — Details Page 4 — to transparency and good gov- Before appointing employees under category E, the concerned in- Kuwait’s Anti-Corruption Au- financial solvency. We must face the challenge ernance, as well as ensuring US stitution must consult the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to ensure thority (Nazaha) said. without making excuses, as the Constitution stip- On the file of “amnesty,” Al-Khaled said: “The arms sales meet our strategic that no one among the applicants under the other categories is available Kuwait scored an additional ulates justice and equality, and we are sworn to objectives of building stronger, for the job. two points climbing to 42 on the that, and if there are deficiencies we must correct deputies have the right to present a comprehen- CPI, which ranks 180 countries sive amnesty law, but it is not placed as a con- interoperable, and more capable MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari has proposed amendment of Penal them and return to the right track. security partners,” it said. on their respective corruption He added, “We must not fail the citizens. We dition now. As for a special pardon, no one has Code No. 16/1960 and Procedures Code number 17/1960 in view of the right to dispute it with His Highness the Amir, In its waning months, the the rising number of violence cases. levels, with a score of 100 re- are committed to keep all their entitlements, fl ecting freedom from corruption neither I nor anyone else. Trump administration authorized The bill defines ‘cold weapon’ or ‘white arm’ as including all services and salaries intact. We started with the tens of billions of dollars in new and zero being highly corrupt. government housing project without hurting the In response to a question about what is being said objects which could cause cuts, damages or bruises like knives, (KUNA) about the “unconstitutional dissolution of the Na- arms sales, including announc- swords, daggers, lances, single-edged and double-edged knives, ❑ ❑ ❑ citizen’s pocket in any way.” ing plans to send 50 F-35s to the Sheikh Al-Khaled warned of the danger if the tional Assembly, Al-Khaled said: “I do not have this pointed or sharp metal bars, axes, penknives, sticks with pointy right and I do not have the right to debate it when it is UAE. That announcement came ends and iron. WASHINGTON: Cybercrimi- nation continues to stray away from reform, point- shortly after Trump lost the Nov. nals shifted away from steal- ing out that there are tools that help improve the not within the power of the prime minister.” Cold weapons are not covered by the law on weapons and ammu- He added, “My duty is to communicate with the 6 election to now-President Joe nitions in terms of importing, selling, possessing and carrying. They ing individual consumers’ in- economic situation, such as the public debt and Biden and followed the signing formation in 2020 to focus on financial security, and reminded that the govern- members of the National Assembly, the political shall be covered by the executive decree which will be issued by forces and civil society, and hear from them and of the Abraham Accords between the interior minister who takes decisions on when and where cold bigger, more profi table attacks ment was unable to pass the two laws in the previ- Israel, Bahrain and the UAE, un- on businesses, according to a ous Assembly. sit with them to chalk out the next stage. It is true weapons are prohibited, as well as the procedures for importing and that the political process is witnessing tension, but der which the Arab states agreed selling them. report from the Identity Theft He said: “We in the government have started by Resource Center. as long as I have a constitution and a law, I am on to normalize relations with Israel. Whoever violates the executive decree will be imprisoned for a max- ourselves to deal with the difficult economic situa- Congressional critics have The nonprofi t, which sup- tion, so why do we choose the difficult path while the right path, and this is what we are keen on and imum period of three months and fined KD 1,000 maximum or any of ports victims of identity crime, what we have sworn to. expressed disapproval with such these penalties. conditions are available? It is important that we sales, including a major deal with found that the number of US have the means to deal with the difficult situation. On the issue of another very urgent file, Al- MP Osama Al-Shaheen presented a proposal to curb the spread of data breaches fell 19% in 2020 to Khaled stressed that combating corruption will Saudi Arabia, that then-Secretary negative phenomena, such as the spread of violence. He suggested the 1,108. But the number of individ- He spoke of issuing bonds and liquidating as- of State Mike Pompeo pushed sets, and asked if there is no one who accepts the amend the economy, pointing to the existence of Public Relations and Media Security General Department in the Min- ual victims of such cybercrimes hotspots that are draining the country’s economy. through after bypassing lawmak- istry of Interior should conduct public awareness campaigns for the fell 66% compared with the year difference between the two solutions? He went on ers by declaring an emergency youths to know the consequences of engaging in violence. prior. (AP) to say, “I am sure that the members of the National Continued on Page 4 required it. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 2

Dubai International Academic City

Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s New Campus in Knowledge City Murdoch University University of Birmingham Dubai New Campus, Drone Footage

UAE to enhance position as a leading hub for higher education Dubai’s higher education sector optimistic on ’21

ubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park are col- youth. The optimism of youth is reason alone to be cautiously optimistic out of effective vaccines in 2021, we at Murdoch Dubai look forward to the Dlectively home to more than 27,000 students and believe the emirate’s about the future.” full activation of our amazing new campus in Dubai Knowledge Park and education sector has more than a few reasons to be optimistic about the For his part, Ben Bailey, Campus Director, University of Birmingham an eventual return to face-to-face teaching and events.” future. Dubai, said: “After what has been a challenging year, we were incredibly In October 2020, Dubai International Academic City, KPMG and The A COVID-19 vaccine roll-out encouraging more students back to cam- proud to see our University of Birmingham Dubai graduates qualify and Talent Enterprise launched the key findings of a collaborative research ef- pus, progress on key projects and the introduction of golden visas has cre- enter great employment destinations. Our team have worked tirelessly to fort called What About Youth? The study found that 72 per cent of students ated a favourable wind for the UAE’s academic community, despite ongo- ensure that high quality education has continued for all of our students are confident in their soft and hard skills to compete for work anywhere in ing global challenges. throughout 2020 and we are now looking forward to 2021 with great opti- the world. It represents the views of more than 153,000 young people across After breaking ground in 2019, construction on The University of Bir- mism. the region, revealing that nearly eight in 10 young people are excited about mingham’s state-of-the-art campus in Dubai International Academic City He added: “We will be opening our new state-of-the-art campus in Sep- what the future holds, with 88 per cent believing the best is yet to come. is in full swing. Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, the elite tember, and as vaccines begin to help manage the ongoing impact of CO- Dubai International Academic City is the world’s largest academic British institution will accommodate up to 2,900 students upon completion. VID-19 in the UAE and around the world, Dubai and the UAE are well ecosystem and is home to 27 universities from nine countries including Meanwhile, the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) opened the positioned to support the continued growth and development of the Higher Middlesex University, University of Manchester, University of Strathclyde, doors of its 200,000 sq ft Campus of the Future in Dubai Knowledge Park Education sector in the Emirates. We remain committed to providing excel- University of Bradford, Hult International Business School, Curtin Univer- in August 2020. It features a modern architectural design that combines lent education and an outstanding and safe student experience, and look sity, SP Jain School of Global Management, Amity University, BITS Pilani contemporary and innovation-focused learning spaces with cutting-edge forward to welcoming new undergraduate and postgraduate students to and Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Dubai Knowledge Park, a technologies. As the first international university in the UAE, UOWD also our Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Education and community focused on education, vocational training and human resources, generated the highest admissions intake in seven years in 2020, following a Law programmes for 2021.” is also home to an impressive roster of world-renowned institutions. series of successful marketing campaigns. Professor Mohamed Salem, President of University of Wollongong About Dubai International Academic City Heriot-Watt University Dubai has also been readying for a move into Dubai, noted: “University of Wollongong Dubai has a 27-year history of Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world’s largest ecosys- a new state-of-the-art 218,000 sq ft campus in Dubai Knowledge Park in academic excellence in the UAE and is a leader in the regional tertiary tem dedicated to higher education. Established in 2007, as part of TECOM 2021. The digitally-enabled campus is conceived to adhere to the latest di- education landscape. Our new campus embodies UOWD’s commitment to Group, DIAC aims to develop the region’s talent pool and help establish the rectives from the government, guaranteeing students’ safety, from blended offering students the most advanced learning journey in the region, and UAE as a knowledge-based economy through the provision of multi-tiered learning to providing remote access to resources, allowing for the changing reflects our passion for innovation in the field of higher education. As the academic institutions that are internationally accredited. landscape of education post COVID-19. world shifts towards blended learning and the digitalisation of the conven- Australia’s Murdoch University also inaugurated a 27,000 sq ft campus tional education model, the launch of our new campus is particularly timely DIAC is located on a fully-appointed 18 million sq ft campus with state- in May 2020 in Dubai Knowledge Park, twice the size of its former prem- – incorporating traditional and modern teaching elements that are critical of-the-art facilities. It is home to 27 universities from 9 countries, including ises in Dubai International Academic City. It features world-class facilities for today’s students to excel.” Amity University Dubai Campus, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, including a dedicated cybersecurity lab and education-focused furniture Commenting on the 2021 outlook, Professor Ammar Kaka, the Provost University of Wollongong Dubai, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, Hult Inter- and interiors to promote a collaborative teaching and learning environment. and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai said: “2020 has seen national Business School, Murdoch University Dubai, and The University All of the institutes are focused on future-proofing the next generation the pandemic impacting several industries, however with the roll-out of of Manchester Middle East Centre to name a few. of graduates, a task that has become more pertinent following the global the vaccine, we are confident that we will see the start of economic recov- DIAC provides more than 500 certificate, diploma, undergraduate, post- academic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. ery in 2021. We are eagerly looking forward to the new year and all that graduate and PHD programmes to over 27,000 students of 150 nationalities Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai International Aca- it will bring. Most importantly, we have made significant progress in the and continues to grow as per the needs of its robust and talented academic demic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, said: “Education is facing its big- development of our new campus and will be readying for the move into community. gest upheaval in decades, but our communities are uniquely positioned to our new building in a few short months from now. Located as it is in Dubai About Dubai Knowledge Park adapt. With a number of future-focused campuses already open or poised Knowledge Park means we will now be right at the heart of the modern Dubai Knowledge Park is the world’s only ecosystem dedicated to hu- to do – alongside favourable rules and regulations from our wiser leaders business and digital community in Dubai. This makes the campus location man resource management and learning excellence. Launched in 2003 with – the emirate has become an even more attractive destination for learning a rich environment for industry-academia collaboration and will also open the aim of strengthening Dubai’s position as a destination for professional and development. up work-based learning opportunities for our students. We laud the wise development, DKP and its more than 500 business partners and 3000 peo- He added: “Education and talent are intrinsically linked to the UAE’s vi- leadership of the UAE for all the steps they have taken in mitigating the ple have helped introduce global best practices that have enabled Dubai’s sion for a knowledge and innovation-based economy. Recent studies have impact of COVID-19 and ensuring speedy availability of the vaccine and transition into a knowledge-based economy while creating a talent pool in shown that young people are confident about competing for jobs globally look forward to a bright and successful 2021.” the UAE to drive that transformation. and we have a responsibility to ensure they succeed. As the world’s largest Dr James Trotter, Dean and Academic President at Murdoch University DKP offers an ecosystem that enables empowerment through knowledge academic ecosystem, it’s our role to create the right environment with state- Dubai, added: “2020 has been a challenging year but not without recur- and the development of professionals, bringing together a unique blend of of-the-art infrastructure, space to scale, and business-friendly regulations ring instances of harmony and resilience, and the constant reminder that programmes encompassing human resource management (HRM), consul- to attract the best universities to Dubai to capitalise on the confidence of together we can overcome any challenge. With the hope of a successful roll tancy, training, and personal development.

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next 24 hrs: light to moderate north westerly wind Bubyan 23 09 Prayer Timings By Day: Warm to rather hot and with speeds of 15-45 km/h and a Jahra 28 11 Fajr ...... 05:17 Asr ...... 14:57 partly cloudy with light to moderate chance for rising dust. Salmiyah 23 15 Sunrise ...... 06:39 Maghrib ...... 17:17 freshening at times south easterly Station Max Exp Min Rec Ahmadi 21 16 Zohr ...... 11:59 Isha ...... 18:37 wind to southerly wind with speeds of Kuwait City 25 14 Nuwaisib 24 09 15-50 km/h causing rising dust. Kuwait Airport 27 08 Wafra 27 09 By Night: Rather cold to cold with Abdaly 29 07 Salmy 27 11

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

NAPESCO sheds 27 fi ls, Kuwait Finance House fi rms up Kuwait’s stock market wraps up week with slight pullback By John Mathews Zain added 1 fi l on back of 2.3 million shares Kuwait International Bank too did not budge from at 243 fi ls. UUS$/KDS$/KD Arab Times Staff taking the month’s gains to 27 fi ls whereas Oore- its earlier close of 210 fi ls. Burgan Bank dialed up ACICO Industries eroded 1.5 fi ls whereas Ed- ▲ 0.30280.3028 doo whittled down 2 fi ls to end at 686 fi ls. stc 1 fi l on back of 9.7 million shares while Boubyan ucational Holding Co and KCPC held ground at KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Kuwait bourse saw a sprinted 28 fi ls while Agility skidded 9 fi ls to 749 Bank followed suit to end at 574 fi ls. 330 fi ls and 437 fi ls respectively. KPPC trimmed ▲ Euro/KD 0.3671 feeble pullback on Thursday as it wrapped up the fi ls after pushing 3.8 million shares. Humansoft Ahli United Bank BSC gave up 2 fi ls before 0.5 fi l whereas Gulf Petroleum Investment edged week on a dull note. The All Shares Index fell Holding eased 1 fi l to KD 3.629 and Boursa ending at 224 fi ls whereas Ahli United Bank of 0.2 fi l higher. IFA Hotels and Resorts scaled 7.1 ■ Yen/KD 0.0029 4.89 points to 5,747.89 pts in volatile session Kuwait Securities erased 2 fi ls. Kuwait closed fl at. Commercial Bank and Al Ahli fi ls and OSOS Holding gave up 2.6 fi ls before even as the overall mood turned soggy. Firm Bank held ground at 501 fi ls and 210 fi ls respec- closing at 87.2 fi ls. ▼ British £/KD 0.4143 The Premier Market slipped 5.22 pts to tively. Warba Bank trimmed 1 fi l. The market opened fi rm and headed south in Unchanged 6,284.66 points while Main Market gave up 4.26 National Investment Co and KMEFIC took in ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0041 points. The BK Main 50 was down 7.67 points early trade. The main index continued to drift 1 fi l whereas Kuwait Investment Co ticked 1 fi l Kuwait Foundry Co dropped 11 fi ls to 290 fi ls at 4,860.24 pts. The volume turnover meanwhile lower in choppy trade as sentiment turned nega- and Synergy Holding ticked 0.1 fi l into red. Oula in red. International Financial Advisors added 1.7 ■ Philippines Peso/KD shrank for the second straight session. Over 403 tive and plumbed the day’s lowest level of 5,727 fi ls with brisk trading up to 85.2 fi ls and Arzan Fuel and Soor Fuel were unchanged at 125 fi ls and 0.0062 million shares changed hands – a 16 pct drop pts well past the mid-session. It rebounded sharp- Financial Group crept 0.7 fi l higher to 76.4 fi ls 124 fi ls respectively whereas Al Rai Media Group ly thereafter and clawed back most of the losses whittled down 0.8 fi l. Inovest clipped 2 fi ls whereas from the day before. after pushing 26.3 million shares. KAMCO In- ▼ FTSE -41.22 pts at closing Jan 28 The sectors closed mixed. Consumer Services at close. vestment eased 0.1 fi l to 74.4 fi ls. Al Manar dialed up 2.2 fi ls. Top gainer of the day, IFA Hotels and Resorts Jazeera Airways fell 2 fi ls to 703 fi ls and outshone the rest with 0.91 pct gain whereas Oil and Green Gas shed 1.31 percent, the biggest loser of the day. soared 25 pct to 35.5 fi ls while Tamdeen Invest- ALAFCO was down 3 fi ls at 215 fi ls after mov- ▼ Nikkei -437.79 pts at closing Jan 28 Volume wise, Financial Services continued to top ment scaled 6.9 percent to stand next. Osoul skid- Noor Financial Investment gave up 3 fi ls be- ing 1.2 million shares. Burgan Company For Well with 159.7 million while Banking sector was way ded 6.52 percent, the steepest decliner of the day fore settling at 180 fi ls and Amwal International Drilling clipped 1 fi l and Combined Group Con- ahead in value with KD 20.2 million. and IFA Hotels and Resorts topped the volume tripped 1 fi l. KFIC dialed up 1.5 fi ls and Kuwait tracting Co closed 2 fi ls in red. Hayat Commu- ▼ Gold 1846.40 per oz (London) with 75.5 million shares. Financial Centre (Markaz) took in 0.5 fi l. Aayan nication added 3.9 fi ls and Mubarrad Transport Shares Refl ecting the day’s downtick, the losers out- Leasing and Investment clipped 1 fi l and Bayan dialed up 1.8 fi ls. Automated Systems Co inched NYMEX crude In the individual shares, sector bellwether Na- numbered the winners. 64stocks advanced where- Investment t crept 0.2 fi l into green. 0.2 fi l up to 72.2 fi ls. ▲ $52.67 per barrel tional Bank of Kuwait eased 1 fi l to 873 fi ls after as 50 closed lower. Of the 136 counters active on Kuwait Cement Co and HEISC fell 2 fi ls each The market was largely upbeat during the week. trading 5.7 million whereas Kuwait Finance House Thursday, 22 closed fl at. 12,165 deals worth KD to 238 fi ls 447 fi ls respectively while Kuwait The main index closed higher in three of the fi ve ▼ Brent crude $55.74 per barrel dialed up 2 fi ls after pushing 9.4 million shares. 47.82 million were transacted during the session. Portland Cement shed 19 fi ls. Shuaiba Industrial sessions gaining 60 points week-on-week. It has Investment conglomerate KIPCO tripped 1 fi ls to In the banking sector, Gulf Bank was unchanged gave up 4 fi ls and Metal and Recycling Co dialed rallied 201 points from start of the month after LIBOR rate 0.21150% close at 167 fi ls while NAPESCO dipped 27 fi ls. at 220 fi ls after pushing 10.2 million shares and down 1.3 fi ls. United Projects Co was down 6 fi ls shedding 736 points during whole of 2020.

KUNA photo His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah receives Commander of the US Central Command Gen Kenneth McKenzie and the accompanying team.

PM receives US Centcom Commander His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh ister Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser Al-Mo- Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah re- hammad Al-Sabah. ‘Fighting corruption top priority’ ceived on Thursday Commander of the The meeting was also attended by US Central Command Gen Kenneth Kuwait Chief of the General Staff Lt McKenzie on the occasion of the latter’s Gen Sheikh Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah, visit to Kuwait. Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lt ‘Cabinet will take time’ ‘Ship killed Bay whale’ The encounter was held in the pres- Gen Fahad Al-Nasser and foreign min- ence of Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister istry Assistant Secretary of State for and Defence Minister Sheikh Hamad Americas Affairs Hamad Al-Mashaan. KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28, (KUNA): His Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Foreign Min- (KUNA) Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Strict eye on fi shing law violators Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah confi rmed KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Maritime con- confirmed that it died as a result of colliding mp profile getting to know you that the government’s top priority is fi ght- trol patrol teams in the Public Authority with an object such as a ship which frac- for Agricultural Affairs and Fish tured its spine. ing corruption and protecting public mon- Resources (PAAAFR) are continuing ❑ ❑ ❑ ey, saying that this digital transformation their activities for implementing laws Sunken ships peril: Kuwait local divers Voting Record in governmental work helps combating related to fishing. They recorded a total of 45 violations in January, reports Al-Rai in a deal worth KD 30,000 (nearly USD corruption. 100,000) that aims to protect the local daily. ■ Disqualifying parliamentary “The government has submitted 87 notices regarding marine environment from the perils of public money to Kuwait’s Anti-Corruption Authority According to the Deputy Director sunken ships at sea. election candidates convicted in of- General of the Fishing Sector at PAAAFR fending lawsuits in 2016 – approved (Nazaha), 44 of which have referred it to the Public The one-year pact will bolster efforts to Fares Saad Al-Otaibi ■ DNA Law in 2015 – approved Prosecution Office,” His Highness the Premier during Marzouq Al-Azmi, PAAAFR has eight curb any practices deemed detrimental to Sunni/Independent/Tribal ■ Cybercrimes Law in 2015 – ap- a meeting with local papers’ editors-in-chief. teams that patrol the Kuwaiti territorial the aquatic ecosystem, in addition to elim- Third Constituency proved “The government has also referred 122 cases of misap- waters in pursuit of violators of the fish- inating hurdles facing marine navigation, ■ Partnership Enterprises Law in ing law. A total of 18 citations were 2014 – approved propriation of public money, in addition to 1691 cases of said Environment Public Authority Chief FARES SAAD AL-OTAIBI was encroachment on state property and 282 cases of residency issued against fishermen, 13 for viola- Sheikh Abdullah Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. born in 1974 and holds Bachelor of trade to the Public Prosecution,” he said. tions by picnic boats, and 14 for unknown Water pollution has plagued the wid- Business Administration. violations in which the culprits escaped, Statement Data er Arab region in recent years, chiefl y He worked as monitor at Kuwait leaving behind their fishing equipment. caused by the dumping of toxic waste Municipality and was a member of Al-Otaibi commented on the inci- “We found a number of notes that were referred from the He revealed that there is a plan for and other hazardous material, which has the Board of Directors at Khaitan dents during the opening session of the Cabinet to (Nazaha) and are reserved by the authorities due PAAAFR to create more than 24 patrol resulted in the stunted growth of various Cooperative Society. 16th parliamentary term to lack of information data, therefore, the Minister of Justice, teams to work in the Maritime Control species living in coastal communities, Al-Otaibi contested the in 2020. He said: “The with the help of the government have set up a guideline to Department, in addition to the entry of the inauguration session of ensure that everyone is obligated to correct their report added the offi cial. 2008 parliamentary elec- “Sabah” boat for service two weeks ago He cited tightened local restrictions on tions in the Third the 2020 Parliament wit- before referring it to (Nazaha) and the public prosecution,” as part of the fleet to ensure the safety of he continued. the export and sale of timber as a step in Constituency but he lost as nessed a number of viola- Kuwaiti waters from violators. tions such as insulting the His Highness said that after the Amiri decree was issued the right direction, saying such measures he obtained 2,183 votes appointing him as Prime Minister that His Highness the Amir In addition, Al-Azmi highlighted the bode well for environment conservation and ranked 24th. MPs, distributing suspi- ongoing coordination with the Ministry of cious ballots for electing Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah instructed me efforts in Kuwait. He also lost in the 2013 to make all efforts to combat corruption and protect public Education to hand over the skeleton of the Kuwait is no stranger to such deals elections with 1,153 votes the speaker and lack of security. All these entail money. dead whale in order to display it in the min- that seek to protect the marine environ- that put him 17th place, He stated that the Anti-Corruption Convention was signed istry’s Scientific Museum based on the ment, according to local dive team leader and in the 2016 elections questioning the parties Al-Otaibi involved such as the by Kuwait in 2003 and a decree of an anti-corruption law was ministry’s request. He revealed that the Waleed Al-Fadhel, who highlighted that when he ranked 15th with issued in 2006 indicating that there are entitlements on physical examination of the whale’s body such endeavors constitute a global cause. 1,882 votes. Secretariat General of the Kuwait related to the need to pass ten laws in order to raise He emerged victorious in the Parliament and security guards.” He Kuwait’s ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index. 2014 elections with 2,137 votes also disclosed that his priorities for the “There are several laws have not been completed in 2006 which put him in second place. coming period include general amnes- that are very important, and the government is currently He also won in the 2020 elec- ty, developing small and medium working on seven laws that are pending and waiting to be tions when he got 2,942 votes and enterprises (SMEs), and combating authorized by the Anti-corruption authority, those seven laws ranked ninth in his constituency. corruption. include criminalizing bribery in the private sector, a law prohibiting conflicts of interest, a law of bribery for public employees, and a law on the right to access information in all state institutions, particularly this law was issued after it was approved by Parliament and its executive committees,” he Ban on export, ‘In quarantine’ added. On a different front, the premier said that we can overcome sale of timber the issue of public budget deficit can be solved when coop- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28, 200 judges on direct fl ight eration with the Parliament is ideal. (KUNA): The Ministry of KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: More than 200 Egyptian Program Commerce and Industry has prohibited the trade of lo- judges, court employees and public prosecutors ar- Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Wednesday cally cut timber on compa- rived in the country recently through direct Kuwait hoped that the program of the upcoming government could nies and individuals aiming Airways fl ight from Cairo International Airport address all pending files and issues that concern citizens. to protect vegetation in the to Kuwait International Airport, reports Al-Qabas In a speech while meeting with editors-in-chief of local country. daily. newspapers, Sheikh Sabah Khaled said that forming the This came as Minister of This confi rms a report that the daily published ear- cabinet requires more time, adding he will meet with law- Commerce and Industry and lier about the arrival of the above-mentioned Egyptian makers, activists, experts and specialists to listen to their State Minister for Economic views. The package of laws agreed upon and programs of the Affairs Faisal Al-Medlej is- judiciary staff. government will be discussed with these figures to make suc- sued a ministerial decree The Ministry of Justice employees welcomed the cessful efforts, he added. confi rming the decision, ac- Egyptian judiciary personnel, while buses and cars Asked about the little number of those who received coro- cording to a press statement. were waiting outside the airport to transport them to navirus vaccines, Sheikh Sabah Khaled said that “I will not The move bars the display, the buildings owned by the ministry in preparation for accept dealing with any unsafe and unapproved vaccine from sale, marketing or export of their quarantine for a period of two weeks. US Food Drug Administration and European Food Safety locally sourced timber unless The ministry obtained approval from the ministerial Authority”. prior approval is obtained He stressed keenness on selecting the most efficient for the from relevent authorities with committee dealing with corona-related emergencies government’s leading posts. Choosing officials is a key for legal measures taken against for judges, court employees and public prosecutors many matters, he said, pointing to training to select the most those found in violation. coming from Egypt to enter Kuwait directly. professional for undersecretary or assistant undersecretary posts. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 LOCAL 4

‘CSC keen on expediting process of completing lists correctly’ ‘Do not give incorrect info about frontliners to get incentive’ KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Offi cials, clause of the relevant law, reports view their lists, is the exaggerated to the ministerial committee and in dealing with the coronavirus bursement process for deserving employees or anyone should re- Al-Rai daily quoting sources from number of benefi ciaries and put- then start the disbursement pro- crisis. employees. Sources underscored frain from giving incorrect infor- the Civil Service Commission ting them in categories higher than cess. Sources warned the concerned the need for offi cials and com- mation regarding those entitled (CSC). what they deserve. Sources affi rmed the CSC is offi cials in the institutions that mittees in charge of preparing the to the incentive for workers on Sources revealed one of the sa- Sources pointed out some of- keen on expediting the process will fail to amend their lists lists to ensure accuracy in regis- the frontline of the fi ght against lient points that the CSC noticed fi cial entities have been tasked to of completing the lists correctly will be referred to Kuwait Anti- tering eligible employees within coronavirus as they will only in the lists submitted by 25 insti- follow up the lists of benefi ciaries in order to reward the workers Corruption Authority (Nazaha), the categories specifi ed by the place themselves under the penalty tutions, which were asked to re- in preparation for submitting them who exerted tremendous efforts indicating this will delay the dis- Council of Ministers. PACI completes expatriates’ transactions in fi ve minutes No crowding cited during evening shift

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Only fi ve minutes is needed to complete each transaction of expatriates at the Public Indian ambassador during the meeting with Major-General Al-Ma’arafi . Authority for Civil Infor- mation (PACI) during the Indian envoy pays visit to Maj-Gen Ma’arafi evening shift, as there is no crowding during this period, The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, HE and discussed, inter-alia, Diaspora mat- Sibi George met with Major-General Ta- ters, including possible ‘transfer’ of Indi- reports Al-Rai daily quot- lal Ma’arafi , Assistant Undersecretary ans serving time in Kuwaiti jails. ing Director of the External for Reforms Institutions, and senior of- In the meantime, both sides have fi cers of the institutions and jail authori- agreed to hold regular meetings at the Centers Department at PACI ties, at the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait, level of senior offi cers. Mansour Al-Harbi. During an interview with the daily at the expats hall in PACI during the ‘Adhere to health requirements’ evening working hours, he explained that 300,000 clients were received during the past year in 30 external Municipality teams organize surprise centers affi liated to PACI. These centers include 150 employees, and the transactions varied from renew- campaigns on stores, supermarkets ing, issuing, and canceling of civil ID cards, changing of address, changing By Abdul Nasser Al-Aslami ity, while the control team of the Mubarak Al-Seyassah Staff Al-Kabeer Municipality branch has issued or adding pictures, adding a newborn four citations related to cleanliness and is- or changing the date of birth. KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: The supervisory sued 15 warnings to shops for not adhering Based on directives of the Director teams of the Kuwait Municipality launched to health requirements, while the control General of PACI Musaed Al-Asousi, surprise campaigns on a number of mar- team at the Jahra Governorate Municipality and in view of the repercussions of the kets, stores, central markets, retail stores, branch lifted seven abandoned cars. COVID-19 pandemic and the crowd- supermarkets and commercial complexes in Meanwhile, deputy head of the judicial ing, work has been distributed so that Farwaniya to ensure they adhere to the Mu- seizure team at the Ministry of Electricity citizens, Gulf citizens and Bedoun nicipality’s conditions and controls and the and Water (MEW), Ahmed Al-Shimmari residents are received in the morning workers’ commitment to health requirements. said violations in the camel area varied be- period, and the evening period is al- The head of the emergency team at the Far- tween direct current delivery without a me- located to expatriates because most of waniya branch of the Municipality, Ahmed ter and tampering with the power network Al-Shurika, said the tour resulted in the issu- by changing the capacity of the fuses. them are at work during the morning ance of 7 citations for not renewing the ad- Al-Shimmari told Al-Seyassah daily, the hours. vertisement license, and 8 warnings to shops campaign continues in the Camel Area un- The limit of pre-booking dates has for non-compliance with health requirements til all violations are rectifi ed and violators been raised to 700 clients per day, as during work, after examining 35 stores. punished. the transaction is completed within He called on the owners of shops and During the campaign the team has so far fi ve minutes from the moment the cli- commercial complexes to adhere to health issued 1,532 citations – the second larg- ent receives his number to enter the requirements and take all preventive meas- est during the campaign carried out by the hall, thanks to the efforts of the work- ures such as wearing gloves and masks and MEW in cooperation with the Ministry of ers and the cooperation of the clients. obliging the public to maintain physical dis- Interior and the Public Authority for Youth. tancing to avoid the spread of the virus, as Al-Shimmari thanked and appreciated Top and above: Some photos from the online discussion session. Appointment well as ensuring the licenses of stores and the support of all institutions for enabling A client can now get an appoint- advertisements are in place. the team to perform its tasks. ment on the same day. In the past, it For its part, the control teams of the He stressed the keenness of the senior took two weeks for appointments, but Capital Governorate Municipality branch offi cials in the MEW to confront the in- Bangladeshi Embassy organizes online removed the camps in the Ashirj and Doha fringements on the electrical network and to now he gets to even choose the hour regions, in cooperation with the Ministry of provide all capabilities and support for the when he wants to visit, as the work Interior and the Environment Public Author- judicial police team to play its role. discussion on the ‘Life of Bangabandhu’ in the evening period is from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: The were the key note speakers and brave, compassionate and lov- He affi rmed that PACI is constantly PAAET signs MoU with KOC Embassy of Bangladesh in Mafi dul Hague played the role of ing. Bangabandhu had a great working on launching its online ser- Kuwait is celebrating “Mujib moderator on that discussion ses- vision but unfortunately did not vices for the convenience of public, Borsho” by organizing several sion. The ambassador of Bangla- get enough time to materialize the most important of which is the programmes such as art compe- desh in Kuwait welcomes all the his dreams for the country and its “Kuwait Finder” application and the Distribution of apartments early Feb tition, essay competition, quiz distinguished guests, speakers people whom he loved more than “Hawiyyati” application. Through the competition, poetry evening, and participants from home and himself. He was also fearless and application, citizens and residents can KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Minister of State at Ahmadi Hospital, reports Al-Jarida daily. cake festival, sports competition, abroad to the online discussion uncompromising. Discussants complete all his transactions. They for Housing Affairs and Minister of State This comes as an extension of the memo- photo exhibition, blood donation, session in his opening remarks. also highlighted that the untime- for Services Affairs, Dr Abdullah Ma’arafi randum of understanding that was signed in can even travel without carrying their said the process of distributing government the past between the two sides. etc. round the year to mark the He provides a brief biography of ly death of Bangabandhu was a actual civil cards. birth centenary of the Father of the chief guest and other valued great loss for the country. apartments in Jaber Al-Ahmad residential The Acting Director-General of PAAET, the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh speakers and moderator. In the open forum segment of He called on clients to benefi t from city will be from early February, reports Al- Dr Jassem Al-Ansari said, “This construc- Mujibur Rahman in a befi tting During the session, the eminent the discussion session, the am- these online services to complete their Qabas daily. tive cooperation between PAAET and KOC manner. As a part of celebrat- discussant of Bangladesh spoke bassador of India in Kuwait, am- transactions without the need to visit Minister Ma’arafi explained he has in- is in the interest of the PAAET students and ing “Mujib Borsho” a discussion on “Life of Bangabandhu” high- bassador of Bhutan and ambas- the PACI headquarters. structed the offi cials of the Public Authority the company’s employees.” session on zoom platform on the lighting “Bangabandhu as Politi- sador of Sri Lanka placed their Al-Harbi explained that PACI will for Housing Welfare during a meeting which He affi rmed the authority is looking for- topic of “Life of Bangabandhu” cian” and “Bangabandhu as stra- valuable remarks/comments on soon open a service center in the Ku- was held at the PAHW in South Surrah, to ward to more cooperation with the company was organized by the Embassy tegic leader”. They also discussed the event. Bangladesh ambassa- wait Bar Association, upon its request, set a timetable for the distribution of apart- in various disciplines it provides, to achieve of Bangladesh in Kuwait on 27 on the versatile life and contribu- dor in Jordan also expressed her to complete the transactions of its cli- ments in Jaber Al-Ahmad City to ‘deserving’ sustainable development for both parties. January. Around 40 participants tions of Bangabandhu. Speak- views on the event. ents in the coming days. These service citizens, indicating that the announcement For his part, the CEO of the KOC Imad from both the countries includ- ers discussed the struggles and H.E. Lt. Col. Muhammad centers complete the transactions of will be made on Wednesday, Feb 3, and the Al-Sultan, stressed the company is keen to ing chairman of Parliamentary roles that Bangabandhu Sheikh Faruk Khan, M.P., in his speech fi rst lottery will be drawn on Feb 10. train and develop the skills of its employ- citizens and those holding Article 20 The minister said all employees are ees, pointing out that this cooperation is Standing Committee on Foreign Mujibur Rahman played and also paid deep homage to the Fa- residency, and the service centers in working to their full capacity to begin im- only an extension of previous joint agree- Affairs of Bangladesh, Ambas- highlighted the signifi cance of ther of the Nation and his fam- the immigration departments serve plementing the plan according to the sched- ments signed with the authority. sador/High Commissioner of liberation war to the audience. ily and prayed for their departed expatriates. ule and that about 350 Kuwaiti families Al-Sultan stated, “the College of Nurs- different countries stationed in Discussants also praised Bang- soul. The chief guest thanked the Transactions stand to benefi t. ing is one of the basic building blocks for Kuwait, Bangladesh Ambassa- abandhu’s leadership in very dif- speakers and participants for their Meanwhile, the Public Authority for Ap- the training of nurses, and that the real con- dor/ High Commissioner abroad, fi cult times, his positive ideology, elaborate discussion on various During the morning period, the plied Education and Training (PAAET) has struction of the national workforce comes senior government offi cials, emi- and his place among Bengalis as aspects of life of Bangabandhu electronic signature department re- signed a memorandum of understanding from the concerted efforts of the authority nent personalities and members a role model. After the discussion and Bangladesh. He also said that ceives the transactions of citizens and with the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to link to train and prepare students, and its keen- of Bangladeshi community in session, participants felt that a defi nitely this discussion session expatriates who wish to approve his the outputs of the College of Nursing affi liat- ness on human investment in national cad- Kuwait has actively participated person can be very religious, but has enriched our knowledge on ed to the PAAET with the employment plan res.” in the above mentioned discus- at the same time be modern and our Father of the Nation. electronic signature, provided that he sion session. secular in ideology and thoughts The online discussion session personally visits the department, and H.E. Lt. Col. Muhammad - Bangabandhu was such a pow- came to an end with the vote of his card is valid for more than nine Faruk Khan, M.P., was the Chief erful presence. Throughout his thanks given by H.E. Major Gen- months. The department receives an Guest and Prof. Shamsuzzaman life Bangabandhu was moderate, eral Md. Ashikuzzaman, ndc, average of 120 clients per day. Khan, Dr Atiur Rahman and Dr people-centered and liberal; in afwc, psc, G, the Ambassador of Al-Harbi revealed that there is a Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury his towering personality, he was Bangladesh in Kuwait. plan to be implemented in the current year to open ten new centers in order to reduce crowding, so that these cent- PACI to launch residents data service for property owners ers will be close to the places of resi- dence of people. He explained that the tasks of the Citizens not allowed to change their address within service centers include completing the issuance or renewal of the Kuwaiti one year from one electoral constituency to another card, changing photograph, and add- ing a photograph for children who KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Direc- property to another in the same way of verifying their identity. have reached the age of fi ve, provid- tor General of the Public Author- constituency. In January 2020, the requirement ed the guardian visits to sign the ap- ity for Civil Information (PACI) In a press statement Tuesday, was to take the fi ngerprint of the proved image, as well as adding citi- Musaed Al-Asousi has clarifi ed Al-Asousi pointed out the author- owner to ensure that the latter zenship for those who have reached that citizens are not allowed to ity used to apply new procedures knows or consents to adding ten- 18 years old, replacing lost card, and change their address from one every year in an effort to combat ants or residents in his property. registering a service for the fi rst time, electoral constituency to another fake address changes as a spe- He disclosed the authority will and to carry out transactions of article unless one year has passed since cial warning service for property soon launch the residents data 20 holders. the last address change, reports owners was launched on the au- service for property owners to Also, these centers will be tasked Al-Qabas daily. thority’s website in October 2018 access these data automatically with registering a newborn and the Al-Asousi made the announce- and this enables property owners after verifying the identity of issuance of a “To whom it may con- ment as PACI is now prepar- to follow up any case of adding the owner using the ‘My Iden- cern” certifi cate for individuals, in ing to receive citizens within the or removing tenants or residents tity’ application and submitting addition to the attestation of marriage specifi ed period for changing their in his property. the required documents to prove and divorce certifi cates (only in Sab- address. He said the above men- He explained that in January ownership of the property. The han and Yarmouk centers) as well as tioned rule is applicable only if the 2019, those applying for change service also allows submitting a the issuance of company certifi cates change is from one electoral con- of address were required to un- complaint in case of fi nding fl aws with a civil number in the Single Win- stituency to another, not from one dergo fi ngerprint scanning as a in the data, he concluded. dow Offi ce in Ishbiliya area. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 LOCAL 5

Other Voices

‘Continued Govt, Assembly rift to keep us lacking in global race’ “WILL the relationship between the National Assembly and the upcoming gov- and its tools are the media owned by merchants, deputies, politicians and senior the domestic workers needed by the citizen. ernment to be formed by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled change, and officials who are working day and night to implement what is being asked of “There are also decisions known to those who have houses under construc- will the next phase turn into cooperation between the two parties for the sake of them without taking into account the real interest of the nation and the people. tion which favor engineering offices, while the government obliges the citizen Kuwait? Will the government be able to fulfill the commitments announced by “There are many examples of the struggle for influence in the country, including, to submit the application through an engineering office even though the trans- His Highness in terms of reform and begin work that he talked about in his state- for example, but not limited to, what happened when some influential people par- action is submitted electronically, which makes the citizen pay many dinars in ment?,” columnist Sattam Al-Jarallah wrote for Al-Seyassah daily. ticipated in the attempt to thwart Kuwait Airways through senior government offi- fees to the engineering office, and another 150 for the municipality’s approval, “To answer this question, we have to look around us, at the neighboring cials and other government agencies to implementing the agendas of some mer- as well as 250 dinars for any modification in the building permit that the office countries, which are similar to us in everything, and have the same concerns, chants, when the government presented a plan to develop the Kuwait Airways by receives from the citizen, and this unfair situation must be addressed. and have the same obligations, and how they worked to overcome the eco- purchasing new aircraft so the merchants through their media weapon launched a “I am satisfied with these examples perhaps one of the deputies will turn and nomic and financial crisis caused by the Corona pandemic. systematic attack on the government’s approach and began to talk about favoritism adopt these suggestions and demand the amendment of these unfair decisions.” “In spite of all the restrictions imposed by the pandemic they went about in and bribes, and some of the MPs and politicians were fooled. This ultimately led to ❑ ❑ ❑ their business in the way of implementing major projects which will undoubt- the rejection of the development plan and resulted in huge losses of public money. edly change its features for the better, while in Kuwait, we hardly come out of “It is not possible to overlook projects that have been disrupted under the “The phenomenon of violence has not stopped among young people -- quar- one crisis until we stumble into another, because of the incalculable adventures pretext of flimsy arguments, including the development of the northern fields rels, murder and loss of life for trivial reasons,” columnist Mohammad that MPs and ministers resort to during the struggle to and the fourth refinery, and the partnership with the Dow Chemical Company, Al-Juma’a wrote for Al-Rai daily. achieve individual, not national gains. which was the focus of a political struggle. “From time to time, the media informs us about bloody quarrels whose pro- “Before the deputies resort to the escalation in the face “There are other examples, including the North Oil Field and Island tagonists, unfortunately, are young people and for trivial reasons. of the government that His Highness Sheikh Sabah Development Project, which was adopted by Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah, may “When some parents heard about a quarrel in which a young man was the Al-Khaled will form, they must read the developments God have mercy on him, as it was a state project and it would make a big shift victim, they called their children to check on them. in the region and the world, and realize that every hour in the country’s economy if it were implemented. “How long will we live in this abnormal phenomenon, in which the lives of that passes without production will increase the burden “However the merchants and the influential people who only care for their some peaceful youths are lost in the hands of some reckless youths, as it hap- of the local crisis and raise the cost even more, as it does own interests intervened by using their tools (the MPs and the media) to attack pened in commercial complexes that led to the death of an educated youth? not address a very important issue, which is improving that project with repeated arguments related to sovereignty and violation of the “Where is the role of government and private agencies in dealing with these the credit rating for the country, which undoubtedly has law, which are arguments that are used to deceive those who are gullible until negative phenomena? Where are the parents who should advise and guide their many negative consequences. a public opinion is formed opposing this project because that class of mer- children to avoid these hostilities? Damascus Street connects the areas of “At a time when neighboring countries began to chants wants that project to be at its disposal and must fit their agenda. Rawda and Adailiya and between Al-Nuzha and Al-Fayhaa. The people in emerge from their crisis, we saw in Kuwait a clear aban- Al-Jarallah “The commercial war by proxy is always launched by parties and tools, as these areas cannot sleep at night or during the day, because of the inconve- donment of commitment to the interest of the homeland usual -- the MPs and the media -- who will be motivated to thwart these projects.” nience caused by young men driving jeeps and the so-called ‘wanits’.” in order to achieve the interests of individuals, so the new National Assembly ❑ ❑ ❑ began its march with conflict and aggravation, transforming some minor issues ❑ ❑ ❑ into a mountain from a mole hill and resorted to mobilize the street as if elec- “After a long wait, the health authorities decided to allow the domestic labor “We congratulate His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled for gaining the tions are just around the corner. offices to resume work and bring in domestic workers, but according to accept- trust of the political leadership as he has been appointed prime minister and ‘The Kuwaitis gave a fitting reply to former MPs, and thus a valuable oppor- able health conditions and unreasonable hotel fees for the citizen who sponsors tasked to form the government for the third time,” columnist Dr Mohammad tunity now has been lost that could have been a strong lever to emulate popular any expatriate. This condition confirms that there are officials deliberately issu- Al-Duwaihees wrote for Al-Shahid daily. demands. This is a clear sign that the MPs have failed to remain true to their ing unpopular decisions that benefit some merchants, without taking into account “We hope that His Highness the Prime Minister will take time to choose his election campaign promises. the financial situation of the citizen who groans from the burden of loan install- ministerial team as the matter requires deliberation, studying results of the “As a result of this reality, it can be said that at a time when Saudi Arabia, ments and demands that they be dropped, however nobody cares for alleviating recent elections, as well as the economic, financial, political and health condi- for example, is pumping billions into gigantic projects, the two authorities – the the citizens’ sufferings,” columnist Misfer Al-Naees wrote for Al-Rai daily. tions the country is going through. We hope he selects the appropriate minis- executive and the legislative body -- in Kuwait are pumping corruption into the “Not only am I surprised with the silence of the MPs but also because they ters for this stage and according to the requirements of the current and future state, which leads to a further acceleration of the pace to collapse, so does claim to be helpless in the face of government decisions, as if an MP’s life is phases, bearing in mind the interest of the homeland and citizens to coexist everyone realize the seriousness of the stage and work to cooperate to repair linked to Twitter and does not have constitutional tools and is unable to ask with the effects of the corona pandemic (Covid-19), while passing through the what the adventures of the last stage have ruined? This question should play on parliamentary questions, which -- at the very least -- make the citizen know his transformation stages and achieving sustainable development goals. the minds of everyone, especially the representatives of the nation.” orientation from popular issues and some unfair decisions. “His Highness the Prime Minister has gained experience over the past years Also: “Here I will try to shed light on decisions and laws issued by some officials that qualifies him to choose a qualified and appropriate ministerial team to deal “I was and I am still fully convinced that the conflict raging in the country over that have harmed -- and continue to harm -- the citizen who suffers a lot, for he with the next stage and cooperate with the legislative authority in accordance the years appears to be political in nature but primarily a commercial war and is caught up between the anvil of MPs and their shaky positions, and the gov- with Article 50 of the Constitution, which states: ‘In conformity with the provi- struggle for influence, through which various types of tools are used to promote ernment hammer that broke his back and burdened him with fees and debts, sions of the Constitution, the system of government shall be established on the individual agendas and interests which has led to continued stumbling and confu- such as the decision to bring in domestic workers which compels the sponsor basis of separation and cooperation of powers. No authority shall be allowed to sion in all areas,” columnist Oweid Al-Sulaili wrote for Al-Shahed daily. to pay 490 dinars for corona tests and a 14-day hotel quarantine for workers waive all or part of its jurisdiction as prescribed in this Constitution.’ “If we go back to modern history, we will find that the ongoing political who do not know what a hotel is, and have not lived in one all their life. “We wish His Highness the Prime Minister success in his third opportunity struggle between successive governments, political currents and the National “This decision, which benefits some hotel owners makes us wonder how and we are optimistic this time.” Assembly is done in the name of fighting corruption, nepotism and favoritism, expatriate teachers, corporate workers and others are not quarantined just like — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli Other Voices ‘Maintain preparedness, develop Back to building homes chaos t seems that my article on the upcom- of the prevailing Corona conditions skills and upgrade performance’ Iing social, logistical, and even moral and the desire to amend the demo- catastrophe regarding the govern- graphics ? ment’s issuance of 12,000 building It is therefore necessary for the gov- permits for private housing, touched a ernment to move quickly and postpone sensitive nerve among many, especial- the issuance of building permits, and ly those concerned with the fate of this reconsider the current construction country, so their written and verbal ratios that allowed the conversion of communications began early morning more than half of the new family model giving propos- housing into residential apartments, als and showing with huge sizes that harm the public their concerns view and the suburbs of Al-Mutla’a and their obser- and Abdullah Al-Mubarak are not vations, so I exceptions as it is expected that almost find it necessary everyone will benefit from the maxi- to return to mum permissible building ratios, and writing on this this will result in bad landscape of the subject. residential area, and put great pressure The govern- on the infrastructure due to the expect- ment adminis- ed population density as a result of tration com- unjust leasing. plains about alsarraf There will also be a great shortage of what looks like agricultural area and other parking lots. disintegration, after the issue of corrup- The middle sidewalk will be used to tion has been rampant in all its joints park the residents’ cars, and the and all of this cannot allow dealing General Traffic Department will be seriously with the issuance of 12, unable, as it is now, to cite violations building permits at once two months against owners of these vehicles from now. It is necessary for the gov- because it knows that this is the only ernment to stop this disaster and available place for parking. arrange the situation before matters run It is not too late, and the rational out of control. It is not reasonable to government has not lost all its powers, place the responsibility for the existing and the matter of stopping the issuance situation on the citizen and hold him of building permits is not impossible, responsible for what will happen next. as it is like vaccination that is in the The building materials market com- interest of the owners of these homes plains of a shortage of supply, and before others, so will we act in a ratio- prices are high and will inevitably rise nal manner, even once, this year? even more with 12,000 citizens flock- *** ing to buy them at once. It was not Note: I am certain that a large per- surprising that the supply company centage of those who will build their bought reinforcing bars at a value of homes in the two new areas will say to 317 million dinars to provide it to the the contractor: I only have 70,000 owners of these homes at subsidized dinars (which is the amount of the gov- prices. ernment loan) and I want to build a KUNA photo There is also a frightening and actual house of three floors, so manage it and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah salutes to the troops during his visit to one of the army shortage in the number of manpower, the reader should imagine what the units. and the contractors of sanitary work, level of construction will be. iron smiths and others, so how can one ❑ ❑ ❑ imagine to build 12,000 villas without the availability of workers in the midst email: [email protected] Fire claims one dead Defense minister visits various army units About 200 kg drugs seized KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28, ity of the country. (KUNA): Kuwait’s Deputy He called on the officers in all the units News in Brief he visited to maintain their level of pre- as CID ambush smugglers Prime Minister and Minister paredness, and constantly strive to achieve KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Personnel from the Criminal of Defense Sheikh Hamad development of their skills and upgrade their performance in order to reach the adjourned to summon the prosecuting Investigation Department (CID) of the Capital Investigation Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah con- ‘My husband beat me’: An unidenti- Department thwarted an attempt by a bedoun and an Arab desired levels, so that they are always fied Filipina has filed a complaint with officer and also to authorize the defense ducted an inspection tour of a ready to carry out the various tasks and team to photocopy the interrogation min- resident to smuggle into the country 200 kilos of hashish the police accusing her Egyptian husband into the country by sea, reports Al-Seyassah daily. number of military units. duties entrusted to them. of assaulting her, reports Al-Rai daily. utes of the previous session, reports According to a statement issued by In her complaint to one of the police Al-Seyassah daily. The daily added, the suspect and the contraband have Pride stations in the Jahra Governorate the According to the case file, the previ- been referred to the General Department for Drugs Control the Department of Moral Guidance and (GDDC). Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali expressed Filipina said the man attacked her after ous session witnessed the defendants Public Relations of Kuwait Army, the his honor and pride about the members of she left a store where she works. denying all charges leveled against Contraband minister was accompanied by the Chief the ground force “Hamat Al-Areen”, of She told police she was involved in them by the Public Prosecution. The of the General Staff of the Kuwait whose many achievements and sacrifices an argument with the husband before defense team requested the release of The arrest came after the Directorate General of Public Relations and Security Media Department of the Interior Army Lieutenant General Khaled Saleh in the fields of honor and heroism have she left for work in the morning and the their clients on bail of any value that Al-Sabah, the Deputy Chief of the man came to the place of work and the court deems proper, but the court Ministry said a report was received by the CID that some been witnessed throughout the history of waited for her until she left and assault- rejected the request. people were planning to smuggle the contraband into the General Staff of the Kuwait Army this unit through their participation with ed her. The Public Prosecution had charged country. Lieutenant General Fahad Al-Nasser, their brothers in the Arab wars in the years She has given police description and Salehi of participating with the 17 other According to the plan the drugs were to be dumped into the and a number of senior commanders of 1967 and 1973 in addition to their active other details of the husband. When the defendants including the head of an sea to be recovered later. After identifying the location where the army. participation with the peacekeeping forces man was summoned for interrogation he investment company who is imprisoned the drugs were to be dumped in sea, the security authorities in Somalia in the year 1993 under the admitted to beating her and said it was a for a period of 15 years for seizing the lay in ambush and seized the men and the contraband. Greetings umbrella of the United Nations. family matter and he had to punish his funds of the Kuwait Port Authority, in Meanwhile, a Saudi resident who is believed to be in his During the tour, Sheikh Hamad Jaber He said they are today concluding a wife because of what he called ‘misbehav- hiding the source of several funds seized sixties died, after a fire broke out in his home in the Al-Ali conveyed the greetings and mes- series of such distinguished posts by stand- ior’. by companies from the authority, and Al-Waha area of Jahra. The husband has been referred for sages of appreciation from His Highness ing side by side with their brothers in the using them to purchase real estate, luxury Severe the Amir and the Commander in Chief of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Operation more interrogation. cars and expensive items. ❑ ❑ ❑ According to a security source, the Ministry of Interior the Armed Forces Sheikh Nawaf “Restoration of Hope” as a national duty The prosecution also charged a number Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His aimed at defending the unity, security and Hearing on Feb 10: The Criminal of defendants with falsifying several car operation room received a fire report, and immediately the log books, smuggling liquor with the securitymen, paramedics and fire-fighters rushed to the Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh stability of the GCC countries. Court presided over by Judge Abdullah Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, According to the statement, Sheikh Al-Othman adjourned to February 10 the intention of trafficking, possessing psy- house and rescued the Saudi who had severe burns all over money laundering case filed against the chotropic substances with the intent to his body. and His Highness the Prime Minister Hamad Jaber Al-Ali began his tour by Iranian national Fouad Salehi and 17 oth- use, possessing unlicensed weapons and He was rushed to the Al-Babtain Hospital for Burns, but Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah visiting the Brigade “Commandos 25” ers who are accused of laundering more ammunition and evading customs, but the doctors could not save him. to the soldiers for their sincere dedication where he was received by the Commander than KD 4 million. The case was they all denied the charges. His remains have been referred to Forensics. The cause of and efforts, and their continuous diligence of the brigade Colonel Nasser Al-Otaibi, the fire is being investigated. to preserve the security, safety and stabil- and a number of the leaders of the brigade. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 LOCAL 6

‘Light at the end of the tunnel as vaccination programs roll out’ Partner with air transport industry on restart plans, IATA urges govts GENEVA, Jan 28: The International attention to re-establishing global air and cost advantages, it is clear that experience they can help governments travelers are not caught in the middle Travel Pass is an industry solution that Air Transport Association (IATA) connectivity, IATA is ready to partner PCR testing will play a role as many with their preparations for eventually when governments do not recognize will help governments, airlines and called on governments to partner with with them to facilitate a globally con- governments are requiring tests within safely re-establishing global connec- each other’s testing regimes. Standard- individual travelers manage vaccine the air transport industry to devise sistent, effi cient and effective approach. a 48- to 72-hour window prior to travel. tivity for their people, businesses and izing the appropriate testing certifi cates or testing requirements with accurate plans to safely re-link people, business Already we can see some governments ● Crew: The ICAO-CART guidance economies,” said de Juniac. is also essential. information, secure identifi cation and and economies when the COVID-19 evolving principles in their testing/vac- recommends that crew be exempted Practicalities: Global Standards ● Digital Travel Credential (DTC): verifi ed data. As an industry-supported epidemiological situation permits. A cination programs that could form the from testing processes and restrictions are Essential: ICAO has published standards to cre- solution, it will be cost effective, pro- priority for this critical cooperation is foundation for global harmonization. that are designed for passengers. IATA Underlying all scenarios for the re- ate a DTC from ePassports. Along tect privacy and respect global stand- acceleration of the establishment of These include: supports crew health management establishment of air connectivity is the with enabling contactless travel ards. global standards for vaccination and ● Vaccinations: Most governments protocols which include, for example, development of global standards so as recommended by ICAO-CART The fi rst pilot program to test the app testing certifi cation. are pursuing a vaccination strategy regular testing and health checks at that the requirements of one country guidelines, the credentials are an es- in a real travel situation commenced “We can see the light at the end of that seeks to protect their health care home bases, along with strict guide- can be followed by travelers originat- sential component in digitally match- with Singapore Airlines in December the tunnel as vaccination programs workers and most vulnerable popula- lines limiting interaction with the local ing in other jurisdictions. Key global ing travelers to their vaccination and 2020. A growing list of airlines are roll out. Turning this vision into a safe tions fi rst. IATA supports re-opening community during crew layovers. This standards that are being developed testing certifi cates. The standard exists confi rming their intention to use IATA and orderly re-start will require careful borders to travel when this has been enables airlines to manage the risks of include: and the challenge now is implementa- Travel Pass, including IAG, Emirates, planning and coordination by govern- achieved, as the greatest risks will have COVID-19 while maintaining opera- ● Vaccination certifi cates: The tion. Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. ments and industry. This will be chal- been mitigated. tional viability. WHO is leading efforts to build the “As we have seen, unilateral gov- “Based on our deep experience of lenging as the priority for the weeks ● Vaccinated individuals: The ● Multi-layered bio-safety meas- standards needed to digitally record ernment decisions are very effective in driving transformational change in and months ahead will be containing Greek government last week proposed ures: The ICAO recommendations vaccination information that will be shutting down global mobility. Re-es- global air transport, we believe that the spread of new variants. But even that vaccinated individuals should be for multi-layered bio-safety measures critical to re-establishing international tablishing the freedom to travel, how- IATA Travel Pass will offer the best as the crisis deepens, it is important immediately exempted from travel re- (including mask-wearing) are being travel. The Smart Vaccination Certifi - ever, can only be done with coopera- support to governments in managing to prepare the way for a resumption of strictions, including quarantine. IATA globally implemented. IATA supports cate will be the digital successor to the tion. Governments are already seeing vaccination and testing data to safely fl ights when the epidemiological situ- supports moves by governments, in- such measures remaining fully in place long-established “yellow book” used how challenging that will be without facilitate travel. But the success of any ation permits. Understanding govern- cluding Poland, Latvia, Lebanon and for all travelers until such time as the to manage vaccinations such as yellow global standards for vaccines or tests. of the solutions being developed will ment policy benchmarks and agreeing the Seychelles, to implement this ex- epidemiological situation allows for fever. This puts a spotlight on the urgency depend on governments working with the global standards needed to support emption. relaxation. ● Global framework for testing: The of the essential work being done by and trusting each other. Air transport a return to normality in travel will en- ● Testing: Many governments are “There are plenty of moving parts OECD is laying the foundation for a WHO, OECD and ICAO. IATA is par- built its reputation on safety by cooper- sure that air transport is well-prepared implementing testing regimes to fa- in the equation. The number of peo- global framework to help governments ticipating in these initiatives and stands ating with governments to ensure uni- and does not become a meaningful vec- cilitate travel, which IATA supports. ple vaccinated, and the availability of trust testing data based on mutual rec- ready to help governments with imple- versal implementation of transparent tor for reimportation. Airlines are ready Germany and the US, for example, are testing are key among them. Airlines ognition of testing results. The urgency mentation,” said de Juniac. global standards. That’s a compelling to support governments in this task,” taking advantage of the rapid improve- have adapted their operations in order of such a framework was demonstrated Building the Future with IATA model for how industry and govern- said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Di- ment in testing technologies to accept to maintain cargo operations and some by the recent suspension of fl ights be- Travel Pass ments can work together to re-connect rector General and CEO. PCR and antigen testing to safely man- passenger services, while complying tween the UAE and Denmark over con- IATA is building the information the world using opportunities created Principles: age the risks of travel. While rapid an- with the numerous and uncoordinated cerns about the UAE’s testing regime. infrastructure to safely re-start travel testing and vaccination progress,” said When governments do turn their tigen tests are preferred for their speed restrictions imposed. Building on this A trusted framework will ensure that with the IATA Travel Pass. The IATA de Juniac. Philippine Embassy fi rm against blood money negotiation for murder of OFW ‘Our position is for execution of the culprit’

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: The Embassy of the Philippines In a report published recently by ABS-CBN News in the Philippines, in Kuwait remains fi rm in its stand not to negotiate re- Ambassador of the Philippines to Kuwait Mohd Noordin Pendosina Lo- garding blood money in the case of Jeanelyn Padernal mondot was quoted as saying, “fi rst, we pursued death sentence against the employer. The result is good as the Kuwaiti Criminal Court sentenced Villavende, a Filipino domestic worker who was tortured the female employer to death.” to death by her female employer due to jealousy. The Kuwaiti employer of Villavende killed her on Dec 28, 2019. The Kuwaiti Criminal Court issued a verdict the following year, sentencing the female employer to death by hanging, and the husband to four years imprisonment for covering up and not reporting the crime. Lomondot went on to say: “This is what we had wanted - death for death, life for life, and blood for blood. So, our embassy has no other position but for the execution of the person who killed Villavende so she can get jus- tice.” Attorney Sheikha Fawzia Al-Sabah, a Kuwaiti human rights lawyer and the embassy’s lead counsel, affirmed that the court’s ruling is fair and in compliance with the law and Sharia. According to Lomondot, Attorney Fawzia also rejected the request of the lawyer of the other party to negotiate on blood money. He pointed out that neither the embassy nor Attorney Fawzia has the authority to engage in this kind of negotiation. “Our posi- tion is for execution of the culprit,” he reiterated. The Sharia Law stipulates that a death sentence may be commuted to life imprisonment if the next of kin of the victim receives ‘dia’ or blood IMA webinar poster money from the convicted party in exchange for a ‘Tanazul’ or letter of IMA webinar Jan 29 forgiveness that is needed for the commutation of the death sentence. Indian Muslim Association Kuwait Dr Vinod Grover, Ex-President Lomondot clarified “it is up to the is organizing a webinar on the oc- Indian Doctor Forum, will be our accused if he/she will negotiate with casion of Indian Republic Day. chief guest of the event. the next of kin of the victim. If the Eminent personalities from Indi- All Indian community members next of kin will agree, the sentence an community will join and address are requested to join this event on may be commuted. The family of the this gathering. The main topic “Har- Jan 29, 2021 07:30 PM Kuwait time. victim may negotiate because they are monious and Inclusive Society: The Zoom Meeting https://bit. entitled to it. The Qur’an and the Spirit of Indian Constitution” will be ly/2MmJX0W Shariah are clear that they could nego- delivered by a renowned speaker in Meeting ID: 854 3704 8205 - tiate for blood money.” Kuwait, Sharafuddin B.S. Passcode: 596810 Tanazul The Kuwait justice system allows the lawyer of the Kuwaiti woman on Challenges, trends death row to appeal the death verdict before the Court of Appeals and the Court of Cassation, provided they can obtain a ‘Tanazul’ or letter of forgive- JNU to hold conference ness from Villavende’s next of kin and present it to the court. Lomondot asserted, “What we want on ‘children’s literature’ is life for life. You killed, you took a life, so you must pay the same. That is KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28, (KUNA): the issue of child literature in Ku- The Jawaharlal Nehru University wait and the experience of the the position of the embassy. But the (JNU) of India, announced Thurs- Kuwait News Agency in its pub- entitlement of the family of the vic- day, that a hypothetical international lication of the magazine (Kuna Al tim, the next of kin, to get blood conference under the title ‘Chil- Saghir), as well as the emergence money from the accused is beyond dren’s Literature in India and the of child literature and its journalism us.” Arab countries: Past & Present’ will in the State of Kuwait. In related news published by be held on Jan 30 and Jan 31, at the He also said that a large group Inquirer.net, Foreign Affairs Secretary university premises with the partici- of Arab researchers participat- Teodoro Locsin Jr reportedly instruct- pation of a number of researchers ing in the conference, will include ed Lomondot to block an alleged from India and the Arab countries. researcher Maryam, Dr. Saeed attempt to pay off the murder of The general coordinator of the Bahoun, the critic Abdullah Lali, Villavende with P7.5 million in ‘blood conference, Mahboub Alem, told researchers Wael Ali and Muham- money’ as justice matters more. Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) mad Abd al-Tawab, Dr. Sabah Locsin tweeted: “The P7.5 million that the Center for Arab and Afri- Essawi, Muhammad al-Shuyi, Dr. blood money to pay off this horror is can Studies at the Jawaharlal Ne- Ibrahim Abu Talib, Dr. Antoine KUNA photos changing hands even as I tweet. On hru University, which is located in al-Shartouni, Badia Al Hashemi, KRCS sending relief aid to Lebanon. our part we must match the P7.5 mil- New Delhi, is honored to host this Asma Al Zarouni and Professor lion offer to her surviving kin now.” conference with the aim of learn- Hussein Harf. KRCS sends medical aid, urgent health supplies He also instructed Lomondot to ing about the reality of children’s Alem explained also researchers ensure that the death sentence on literature in India and the Arab participating in the conference will Villavende’s employer would be car- countries and learning about the be Nasreen al-Nur, Lubna Belkh- ried out. contributions of writers in different iri, Dr. Hessa Al-Awadi, Hafida Kuwaiti plane carrying relief aid in Lebanon “Malacañang is on to this ignomi- types of children’s literature. Rabia, Dr. Wafa Al-Shamsi, Ham- ny. There must be hell to pay if any- Alem explained the conference moud Al-Toqi, as well as many one on our side shows ambivalence will deal with the reality of child researchers and those interested in BEIRUT, Jan 28, (KUNA): A plane Counselor Abdullah Al-Shaheen and ordinator at the Lebanese Red Cross, literature and the challenges faced children’s literature from various carrying relief aid sent by the Kuwait the embassy staff. Youssef Botrous, praised in a similar and a lack of total commitment. This is unforgivable,” he said in another by them in terms of recent trends Arab and GCC countries and In- Red Crescent Society (KRCS) arrived at For his part, head of the Kuwaiti statement to (KUNA), the quick re- and changes in the era of science dian universities. Rafi c Al-Hariri International Airport in Red Crescent mission in Lebanon, Dr. sponse of KRCS, and the Kuwaiti hu- tweet. Villavende’s embalming certificate and technology, considering that He mentioned the conference Beirut on Thursday, as part of Kuwaiti Musaed Al-Enzi, said in a statement to manitarian efforts in support of Leba- the importance of the conference sessions will discuss the topic of relief plans for the Lebanese people. (KUNA) that the plane carried medical non in various circumstances. stated that the cause of death is “acute lies in the fact that it will provide a children’s literature in its origin In a statement to KUNA, Kuwaiti equipment, medicines, health supplies. He pointed out that the aid, which in- failure of heart and respiration as vital platform for Indian researchers and development in different Arab ambassador to Lebanon Abdelaal Al- The supplies will be delivered in cludes beds, respirators, medicines and result of shock and multiple injuries in in particular and those interested in countries, in addition to the different Qenaei said that the plane is loaded coordination with the Lebanese Red medical supplies, will be distributed to the vascular nervous system.” children’s literature in general to get arts, educational values, humor, the with medical aid and urgent health Cross immediately and directly to hos- various Lebanese hospitals to enhance However, the National Bureau of acquainted with an excellent group image of women in children’s lit- supplies provided to the Lebanese Red pitals to support their efforts in facing their medical capabilities in facing the Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines of Arab children’s literature writers. erature, popular children’s anthems, Cross. the outbreak of the virus. outbreak of the Coronavirus. conducted another autopsy and this This will contribute to the de- the importance of media and read- Al-Qenaei stressed Kuwait’s keen- Al-Enzi stressed KRCS’s perma- KRCS continues its relief and hu- showed that Villavende’s brain, heart, velopment of children’s literature ing to children, the personal anthro- ness to support the humanitarian efforts nent readiness to provide all humani- manitarian efforts with various support and some internal organs were miss- and their journalism in writing pomorphism of children’s stories, made by the Lebanese society to face tarian support to the Lebanese brothers, and supplies for the needy Lebanese ing and that she also suffered multi- and translation. He stated the main trends in educational discourse and the emerging Coronavirus (COVID-19). especially in these critical economic families, Syrian, and Palestinian refu- ple, severe traumatic injuries, includ- speaker at the conference will Dr. its sources in the culture of children The relief plane was received by rep- and health conditions. gees in Lebanon throughout the year ing on her genitals – an indication that Tariq Al-Bakri, who will discuss and Arab children’s stories. resentative of the Kuwaiti ambassador For his part, the relief operations co- and in various regions. she was sexually abused. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021

7

Indian artistes singing the patriotic songs. The Bohra Band performing during the musical evening. Indian envoy invites Kuwaiti friends to experience ‘new India’ Embassy organizes musical evening to celebrate 72nd Republic Day By Paul Francis X. Fernandes flation of the old and the new. Arab Times Staff “They will be greeted by diverse nu- ances of cuisines, faiths, arts, crafts, mu- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: The Indian sic, nature, landscapes, tribes, history, Embassy in Kuwait as part of the 72nd adventure sports, wellness and medical Republic Day celebrations organized tourism. We need to get them to travel the Musical Evening at the Embassy’s to India to experience the new India. We auditorium. need to make ‘India their first foreign The evening witnessed a spectacular visit destination after Covid 19’. and mesmerizing moments of musical The ambassador thanked HH the performances of patriotic songs pre- Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al- sented by a group of Indian artistes. Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Speaking on the occasion, HE the Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber ambassador of India to Kuwait, said Al-Sabah, the Government and the Covid-19 put restrictions of many ac- friendly people of Kuwaiti for hosting tivities that the embassy organized in the big Indian community and for their the past and that included the flag hoist- efforts and support in further strength- ing ceremony which unlike yesteryears ening “our deep-rooted and multifac- could not allow the vast number of ex- eted bilateral relations.” patriates on the embassy grounds in He also thanked the artistes who compliance with health regulations of performed at the event and called on the government of Kuwait to prevent other groups, small and big, to come the virus from spreading. forward and join the Indian embassy to The ambassador said, “Every year celebrate India in Kuwait. we used to organize a get together in Ambassador speaking at the musical evening. Ambassador with Mrs Sibi (right) lit the traditional lamp before the event He disclosed, in coming weeks and the evening for our community mem- began. months, “we will celebrate, virtually bers and Kuwaiti friends to celebrate and in hybrid format, the 60th anni- the Republic Day. Due to the Covid-19 ery day. tive articles and reports on India they last six months, I see that while most of sociations and groups in Kuwait orga- versary of establishment of diplomatic pandemic we cannot organize the eve- The ambassador also thanked the published, which goes a long way in our Kuwaiti friends, particularly the el- nize should endeavor to develop that relations between India and Kuwait ning reception this year. I am happy community members and Kuwaiti helping the young generation of our der generation have excellent personal interest for India among our Kuwaiti and also the 75th anniversary of our that we organized a musical program friends for their “greetings and mes- Kuwaiti friends to know India better. I connect with India, many in the young friends, of all ages. Independence. These are occasions to of patriotic songs, this evening, of sages send to me on the solemn occa- thank the many business partners who generation are not aware of the steady “Many of our Kuwaiti friends,” he make our Kuwaiti friends of all ages course, fully adhering to the Covid-19 sion of our Republic Day. I also thank supported them to bring out these sup- economic and scientific transformation said, “have in their ‘wish list’ a visit to know more about India, its cultural pandemic. I dedicate this evening’s our media friends who are present plements, irrespective of the Covid-19 that India witnessed in recent years. to India. My endeavor is to move that diversity, its economic transformation patriotic songs program to our soldiers here today for the special supplements challenges they themselves face.” “We need to reach out to them. Ev- from the ‘wish list’ to a ‘to do’ list. The and its scientific advancement. I invite who protect our borders and fight the they published to mark the Republic The Indian envoy went on to say, “In ery event that we do in the Embassy young generation in Kuwait needs to you to join hands with the Embassy in cross-border terrorism that we face ev- Day and also for the very informa- my experience of being in Kuwait, in the and every program various Indian As- know that India offers a mesmeric con- this endeavor.”

Photos from the event. Association praised for philanthropic works Tulu Koota Kuwait organises virtual Tulu Parba 2020 KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Tulu Koota Kuwait, a well-known and prestigious association of coastal Karnataka people ‘Jon Oliver’ spotlights mental fitness residing in Kuwait, held its annual Tulu Parba 2020 on the virtual medium on Jan 8. It was broadcast live on Namma Kudla TV Channel, YouTube channel, 19-yr-old Indian student pens engaging novel Facebook Channels and TKK Facebook. KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Sushyanth fails to realise that Finn Larsen is a For the past 21 years, the association Sridhar is a 19-year-old Indian ex- figment of his imagination. has been spreading its name and fame pat engineering student studying at The imaginary world created by A photo from the event. by conducting various activities, social, the National Institute of Technology. Jon is set in the year 1931. Jon cultural and philanthropic works. Keep- Through his avid participation as a builds his alter ego, Gin Oliver, to ing in mind the rules of the State of Ku- delegate and a director in Model chase Finn Larsen and bring down wait for the Covid-19 pandemic, Tulu United Nations conferences in sev- his criminal empire. Finn Larsen Parba 2020 event was held virtually with eral arenas, Sushyanth researched joins hands with a burgeoning fas- grand fervor. It was viewed by lakhs of several areas of world politics and cist syndicate based in London to Tuluvas spread around the world and subsequently became predisposed immortalize his power. the efforts for putting this beautiful ex- to history. He has incorporated his This novel narrates two spectac- travaganza under the able leadership of research and brought us his first ular battles: Gin fighting his formi- Ramesh S Bhandary was applauded by engaging novel, Jon Oliver. dable nemesis and Jon fighting his one and all. Jon Oliver subtly highlights the terrible psychosis disorder. The program was inaugurated with importance of mental fitness. The The book was released on all the lighting of the lamp by the Tulu Koota protagonist of the book, Jon, em- online portals – iBook, Googleplay, Kuwait President Ramesh S Bhandary, barks on a holiday with his family to Amazon, Kobo, and Flipkart – on Malaysia in 2018. Jon happens to 14 January, 2021. The paperback Management Committee Members and be an easy prey to the vile effects version is also available in Kuwait. Advisors. The program commenced of a psychosis disorder and ruins Please call 97363053 to order your with blessings from three prominent his holiday. He gets haunted by a copy! There was a formal Virtual personalities of Tulunadu, Padmab- man called Finn Larsen, who he as- Book Launch Event by prominent hushan Dr. D. Veerendra Hegde, Dar- sumes to be his arch-nemesis. He Sushyanth Sridhar personalities on 22 January, 2021. madhikari of Sri Kshetra Darmastala, most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop, Diocese of Mangalore and Mr in Kuwait live with harmony and peace viewership and public demand, the pro- the whole program with his unique Haji Abdul Rashid President of Syed like one family with utmost respect and gram was re-telecast on Namma Kudla anchoring skills leaving the virtual MadaniDarga, Ullal, Mangalore. TKK is a lovely family of all the Tuluvas 247 TV channel and Facebook channels audience mesmerized. The event con- Padmabhushan Dr. D. Veerendra living in Kuwait. He extended sincere on Sunday, Jan 10. cluded with a Vote of Thanks rendered A flyer of the event. Hegde expressed that he is very satis- thanks tothe event sponsors, well-wish- The main focal point of the program by Vijay Wilson Albuquerque, Gen- fied with the work that Tulu Koota Ku- ers, committee members and supporters was TKK Welfare Video presentation eral Secretary of Tulu Koota Kuwait. wait is undertaking in Tulu Nadu and in of Tulu Koota Kuwait.He also congratu- where all the welfare activities carried The praises and congratulatory com- Event to be aired live on FB Kuwait. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha lated all the Merit scholarship winners out by Tulu Koota Kuwait during tough ments from the viewers throughout the said that Tulu Koota Kuwait is keeping and awardees of TKK Merit Award for COVID Pandemic Year 2020 were high- program were adequate to claimthat up the Tulu Nadu culture and doing the Academic Excellence in 10th and 12 Std lighted including major projects such as Tulu Parba 2020 was a Huge Success. SDK holds ‘Sukrutham Sugathapadham’ good work of passing on the culture to Board Exams. new house donation to widow Ms Leela- Tulu Koota Kuwait is glad that although the next generation. Haji Abdul Rashid The cultural program included vari- vathi Bangera from Bantwal, Mangalore it was held virtually, Tulu Parba 2020 KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Seva Darshan krishnan. applauded the unity of Tulu Koota Ku- ety of dances and songs were performed under TKK Ashraya Yojane, food kits managed to capture lakhs of viewers. Kuwait (SDK) is organizing an online Smt. Sugathakumari was a poet wait. The dignitaries praised Tulu Koota on stage by famous cultural team Mak- distribution, medical grant, death grant, The sponsors of the event are Al event ‘Sukrutham Sugathapadham’ to and nature lover who stood for the Kuwait, where people of all communi- kimane Kalavrinda, Mangalore. Rib- laptop donation, merit scholarship, felic- Mullah Exchange Company Kuwait, commemorate the beloved Malayalam sidelined and ignored people in the ties irrespective of caste and religion tickling comedy skit was performed itation to Kuwait Covid-19 warriors etc. Khain Properties & Builders Udupi, poet Late Smt Sugathakumari on Jan society, through her words and ac- come under one umbrella based on one by well-known artists, Baletelipale and Viewers at large appreciated the efforts Al Ahleia Insurance Company Ku- 29 at 5:00 pm. The event is scheduled tions. On the occasion, her various language. Majabharata fame, Maskiri Kudla team. put by the association in the welfare front wait, Bader Al Samah Hospital, TVS to be aired live on the Facebook Page poems will be recited and the re- While addressing the virtual viewers Kechu Kalyana Yaksha Hasya Rasa under the leadership of dynamic Presi- Hyder Group Kuwait, FK Jewelers of Seva Darshan Kuwait. cording will be presented as a poetic all over the world, President Ramesh S was performed by famous artists of Tu- dent Ramesh S Bhandary and dedicated Kuwait, Oriental Group of Restau- The function will be graced by the dedication to her by the residents of Bhandary expressed his joy and happi- luNadu, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Va- Welfare Officer Lionel Mascarenhas rants Kuwait, Land Trades Builders presence of celebrated musician Sri Kuwait and Kerala. ness, that Koota was able to organize manjoor, Dinesh Kodapadav, Prasanna well supported by Committee members, and Developers Mangalore, Archana Kavalam Sreekumar, author and critic For more details please contact Tulu Parba 2020 through the virtual Shetty Bailur. Lakhs of virtual viewers TKK well-wishers and donors. Projects Udupi and Gersen Interna- Dr Sreesailam Unnikrishnan, environ- [email protected] or call us on medium despite of painful situation due were stuck to their TV screens to watch Nithin B. Salian, well known TV tional Gen. Trad&Cont . Company, mental activist and orator Dr N. Unni- 51649555 / 97218519 to COVID-19. He stressed that Tuluvas the event until the end. Owing tothe high anchor of Namma Kudla 24/7 hosted Kuwait. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 8

Cybercrime

FBI makes ‘arrest’ Cybercops derail malware botnets THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Jan 28, (AP): European and North American cyber cops have joined forces to disrupt what may be the world’s largest network for seeding malware infec- tions. The operation appears to strike a major blow against criminal gangs that have used that network for years to install ransomware for extortion schemes and to steal data and money. Separately, the FBI announced the arrest Wednesday of a Canadian as part of a bid to disrupt a ransomware gang that has targeted the health care sector, but has also hit municipalities, law enforce- ment and school districts, mostly in the United States. The FBI said it seized nearly half a million dollars in crypto- currency. European Union police and the judi- cial agencies Europol and Eurojust said Wednesday that investigators took con- trol of the infrastructure behind the botnet known as Emotet. A botnet is a network of hijacked computers typi- Williams cally used for malicious activity; this one has effectively served as a primary door-opener for cyber- criminals since 2014. “This is a really big deal,” said Allan Liska, an analyst with Recorded Future. “Emotet was one of the largest, if not the largest, botnets delivering a wide variety of malware. Their botnet consisted of hundreds of thousands compromised hosts which were used to send more than 10 million spam and phishing emails a week.” President Joe Biden delivers remarks on climate change and green jobs, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, Jan 27, in Washington. (AP) The Emotet model of recent years was “a game changer for ransomware gangs who otherwise rely on other access meth- ods,” said Jake Williams, president of Rendition Infosec, another cybersecurity firm. America Targets Emotet has allowed ransomware gangs to skip the the initial step of penetrating computer networks and instead focus on sowing malware that has crippled networks at Western gov- Blinken takes diplomatic helm ernments, health care systems and educational institutions. This ransomware scrambles data at the targets, who can only get a decoding software key after paying up. Victims who don’t pay risk having the hackers expose their data publicly. Williams said via text message that although someone will Biden pauses Trump policies eventually fill the gap, “there’s no question that this will hurt (attackers) and help defenders in the short/mid term.” WASHINGTON, Jan 28, (AP): The journalists and to restore the State that he himself made to lawmakers at Authorities in the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, Biden administration paused or put Department’s daily press briefings his confirmation hearing just last the UK, France, Lithuania, Canada and Ukraine took part in under review a wide swath of Trump- beginning next week. week. Blinken said the administration the international operation coordinated by the two Hague- era foreign policies as America’s new On policy matters, Blinken said he is prepared to ease sanctions that the based agencies. top diplomat took the helm of the State was particularly concerned by the Trump administration re-imposed on Dutch prosecutors said the malware, run out of eastern Department. “foreign terrorist organization” desig- Iran as long as Iran returns to full com- Europe by a Russian-speaking organization, was first dis- The administration placed at least nation for the Iran-backed Houthis that pliance with the 2015 deal. At that covered in 2014 and “evolved into the go-to solution for temporarily holds on several big-ticket former Secretary of State Mike point, Blinken said the administration cybercriminals over the years.” It’s been responsible for arms sales to the United Arab Emirates Pompeo announced just 10 days before would look to strengthen and lengthen hundreds of millions of dollars in losses beginning with and Saudi Arabia, while newly the end of the Trump administration. the terms of the accord. But, he said, financial theft. They said two of the main servers for the installed Secretary of State Antony Many fear that move, which comes “we’re a long way from that point.” infrastructure were based in the Netherlands and a third in German Chancellor Angela Merkel Blinken said he is looking urgently at with strict US sanctions, will unneces- Biden has vowed to reverse Trump’s an undisclosed country. arrives for a meeting of the German a terrorism designation against sarily exacerbate what is already one approach, which had alienated many The Emotet botnet was effectively used to manage the Federal Parliament, Bundestag, at Yemen’s Houthi rebels that his prede- of the world’s worst humanitarian cri- traditional U.S. allies who perceived it infection of victims and provide a distributed bulwark against the Reichstag building in Berlin, cessor enacted shortly before leaving ses. as a hardline unilateral approach that takedown attempts by authorities. Law enforcement agents Germany, Thursday, Jan 28. (AP) office. Of all the steps that Trump and left no room for negotiation. Blinken disrupted Emotet by routing its command-and-control infra- On his first full day on the job, Pompeo took in their waning days said that after four years, the United structure to servers they controlled, cutting off criminals from Blinken said Wednesday the adminis- “that’s the priority in my book,” States would again engage with allies their quarry. tration has initiated a comprehensive Blinken said of the designation. on a reciprocal, rather than a purely Europol said the law enforcement agencies’ approach was review of the US relationship with “We’re taking a very urgent and a very transactional, basis. “unique and new.” Russia and is examining details of a close look at that.” The Treasury “The world is watching us intently Later Wednesday in Washington, D.C., the FBI announced US-Taleban peace deal signed nearly a Department has already moved to sus- right now,” Blinken said. “They want an attempt to disrupt NetWalker, a relatively new ransomware year ago. He said the administration pend some of the sanctions affiliated to know if we can heal our nation. strain authorities say was used to extort tens of millions of had, however, asked Trump’s special with the designation, but aid groups They want to see whether we will lead dollars. According to ransomware expert Brett Callow of the envoy for Afghanistan, former ambas- say that mass famine could result if with the power of our example and if cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, NetWalker’s victims include sador to the United Nations Zalmay they are not all lifted. we will put a premium on diplomacy Khalilzad, to remain on the job for with our allies and partners to meet the Michigan State University, the Champaign-Urbana Public Suspension Health District in Illinois, the College of Nurses of Ontario continuity’s sake. great challenges of our time - like the Speaking to reporters just hours The pause in the arms sales to the pandemic, climate change, the eco- and the medical school of the University of California at San Duterte Locsin Francisco, which paid a $1.1 million ransom. after his ceremonial but coronavirus- UAE and Saudi Arabia, which were nomic crisis, threats to democracies, An FBI spokesman said Sebastien Vachon-Desjardins of limited entrance into the State announced just days after the Nov. 6 fights for racial justice and the danger Gatineau, Quebec, was arrested in the scheme. In a statement, Department’s main lobby, Blinken election that Trump lost to now-Presi- to our security and global stability the agency said cryptocurrency worth $454,000 in ransom- Asia also said the administration is willing dent Joe Biden, is also related to posed by our rivals and adversaries.” ware income was seized. An indictment unsealed Wednesday to return to commitments under the Yemen. Critics fear the two Arab Blinken, a 58-year-old longtime said Vachon-Desjardins took part in a scheme to extort an 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which nations may use advanced US weap- Biden confidant, was confirmed to be Manila protests new China law: former President Donald Trump with- onry to continue the Saudi-led war in the 71st secretary of state by the Senate unnamed Tampa, Florida, business. The US will be seeking The Philippines has protested a new Chinese Vachon-Desjardin’s extradition, according to Justice law that authorizes its coast guard to fire on drew from, but only if Iran returns to Yemen with a significant risk of civil- on Tuesday in a 78-22 vote. The posi- Department spokesman Joshua Stueve. foreign vessels and destroy other countries’ full compliance with the accord. ian casualties. The department billed tion is the most senior Cabinet post, Earlier this week, authorities in Bulgaria took down a dark structures on islands it claims, Manila’s top In his remarks to a demoralized the temporary suspension, which with the secretary fourth in the line of web site that NetWalker used to communicate with its victims, diplomat said Wednesday. diplomatic corps that was often deni- includes a halt to a $23 billion transfer presidential succession. A former dep- the FBI statement said. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr grated or ignored over the past four of stealth F-35 fighters to the UAE, as uty secretary of state in the Obama The cryptocurrency intelligence firm Chainalysis said said in a tweet that the new Chinese law “is years, Blinken vowed to rebuild the “a routine administrative action” for a administration, Blinken pledged that NetWalker, which first appeared in August 2019, was among a verbal threat of war to any country that ranks of the foreign service and rely on new administration. US global leadership is back and that the world’s top five ransomware strains last year. It has defies” it. Failure to challenge the law “is its expertise as the Biden administra- Blinken said the sales are under the State Department will be “central” extracted more than $46 million in ransoms from more than submission to it,” he said. tion tries to restore US global standing. review to determine if they meet US to that. 300 victims in 27 countries, mostly in the United States, “While enacting law is a sovereign pre- He said the world is watching how national security objectives. Blinken inherited a deeply demoral- Chainalysis said. rogative, this one - given the area involved, America pursues foreign policy after On Afghanistan, Blinken said the ized and depleted career workforce at Callow said it was too early to say how big of an impact the or for that matter the open South China Sea Trump’s “America First” doctrine that Biden administration wanted to take a the State Department. Neither of his arrest would have on NetWalker, which is run by Russian - is a verbal threat of war to any country that alienated many US allies. detailed look at the February 2020 two immediate predecessors under speakers who lease the “ransomware-as-a-service” to crimi- defies the law,” Locsin said. Blinken spoke Wednesday to the peace deal negotiated between the Trump, Rex Tillerson or Pompeo, China’s Coast Guard Law, which was foreign ministers of Britain, France, Trump administration and the Taliban offered strong resistance to repeated nals who conduct attacks. He said he was not aware of the passed on Friday, empowers the force to group using Emotet for distribution. Germany, Israel, Australia, the to try to extricate US troops from the attempts to gut the agency. Those were “take all necessary measures, including the Philippines and Thailand, as well as to country after nearly 20 years of war. thwarted only by congressional inter- Attacks use of weapons, when national sovereignty, NATO’s secretary general, following “We need to understand exactly what vention. sovereign rights, and jurisdiction are being calls late Tuesday to his counterparts is in the agreement” before deciding Blinken said he would promote and The Emotet and NetWalker operations build on an effort by illegally infringed upon by foreign organi- Microsoft late last year to disrupt a different botnet known as zations or individuals at sea.” in Canada, Mexico, Japan and South how to proceed, he said. Khalilzad, the protect the foreign service, which had Trickbot that was also used in ransomware attacks. The US The law also authorizes the coast guard Korea. chief US negotiator, has been asked to been sidelined during the Trump era, National Security Agency was also reported to have tried to to demolish other countries’ structures Appearing in the press briefing remain on the job so he can “continue and that after four years of atrophy the take down Trickbot. built on reefs and islands claimed by room, which had been rarely used dur- the vital work he is performing.” State Department will once again play Costin Raiu, research director at the cybersecurity firm China and to seize or order foreign ves- ing the Trump administration, Blinken On Iran, Blinken repeated com- a leading role in America’s relations Kaspersky, said the Emotet takedown “should impact other sels illegally entering China’s territorial pledged to respect and be accessible to ments Biden has made previously and with the world. cybercriminal groups’ ability to maintain and grow their bot- waters to leave. nets. It remains to be seen if they will be able to stage a come- The Chinese law raises the stakes and the back, be it either as Emotet, or perhaps merge with another possibility of clashes with regional mari- country’s Internal Security Act, it added. saying that authorities do not intend to to douse the mosques. group and continue from there.” time rivals. The department said its investigation charge the teen as he was underage and He later decided to use a machete and Emotet’s malicious “door-opening” software for taking The Philippine protest is the latest strong- found the boy was working alone and had hadn’t carried out the act. But he said it was had studied how to slash the main arteries of over target computers was delivered in infected email attach- ly worded public criticism by Manila of planned to strike two mosques near his worrying as it marked the first case of right- his victims. (AP) ments containing Word documents. Dutch prosecutors said China’s increasingly assertive actions in the home on March 15, the second anniversary wing extremists targeting Muslims in the ❑ ❑ ❑ different lures used to trick unsuspecting users into opening disputed waters, despite cozier ties nurtured of the Christchurch attack. tiny Southeast Asian nation. by President Rodrigo Duterte with Beijing. Just like the gunman in that attack, he Authorities said the teen will undergo a 89 held for violating rules: Police those attachments included invoices, shipping notices and Last July, Locsin warned China of “the COVID-19 information. planned to livestream his act by strapping rehabilitation process involving religious, raided a party at a bar on a popular resort severest response” if military exercises mobile phones to a vest, the statement said. psychological and social counselling. island in southern Thailand and arrested 89 Meanwhile, the elite Russian hackers who gained access to being staged by China’s People’s Liberation computer systems of federal agencies last year didn’t bother It said he also prepared two statements to be Giving further details, the department foreigners for violating coronavirus regula- Army in the South China Sea spilled over distributed just before the attack. statement said the teen had explored various tions, officials said Wednesday. trying to break one by one into the networks of each depart- into Philippine territory. ment. Law and Home Affairs Minister K. options including obtaining a firearm The Tuesday night raid on the Three China and the Philippines, along with Shanmugam was quoted by local media as online, building a bomb and using gasoline Sixty Bar on Koh Phangan also netted 22 Instead, they got inside by sneaking malicious code into a Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, software update pushed out to thousands of government agen- have been locked in territorial rivalries in Thais, including one identified as the bar’s cies and private companies. the South China Sea in tense decades-long owner and another, said police Col Suparerk It wasn’t surprising that hackers were able to exploit vulner- standoffs. Indonesian forces also have had Pankosol, superintendent of the provincial abilities in what’s known as the supply chain to launch a mas- confrontations with the Chinese coast guard immigration office. sive intelligence gathering operation. US officials and cyber- and fishing flotillas in what Indonesian offi- He said the gathering was illegal under a security experts have sounded the alarm for years about a cials say are their territorial waters near the national state of emergency declared last problem that has caused havoc, including billions of dollars in South China Sea. (AP) March to combat the coronavirus. financial losses, but has defied easy solutions from the govern- ❑ ❑ ❑ Those arrested were from more than 10 ment and private sector. countries, including the US, Britain, S’pore detains 16-year-old: Autho- Switzerland and Denmark, Suparerk said. “We’re going to have to wrap our arms around the supply- rities in Singapore have detained without chain threat and find the solution, not only for us here in Photos of the raid distributed by police trial a 16-year-old student who made showed a dark, crowded room with casually America as the leading economy in the world, but for the detailed plans and preparations to carry out planet,” William Evanina, who resigned last week as the US dressed partygoers, almost all wearing face “terrorist attacks” on two mosques with a masks. government’s chief counterintelligence official, said in an machete. interview. “We’re going to have to find a way to make sure Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province The Singaporean teen was inspired by an is a popular destination for young back- that we in the future can have a zero-risk posture, and trust our Australian white supremacist who killed 51 suppliers.” worshippers at two mosques in New packing travelers and is known especially In general terms, a supply chain refers to the network of Zealand in 2019, the Internal Security for its all-night Full Moon beach parties. people and companies involved in the development of a par- Department said Wednesday. However, Thailand has barred virtually The teen, an ethnic Indian Christian all tourists from entering the country ticular product, not dissimilar to a home construction project since last April. that relies on a contractor and a web of subcontractors. The who wasn’t named as he is underage, was “self-radicalized, motivated by a strong There have been 29 confirmed COVID- sheer number of steps in that process, from design to manufac- 19 cases in Surat Thani out of a national ture to distribution, and the different entities involved give a antipathy towards Islam and a fascination with violence,” the department said in a Vice-President Kamala Harris, (right), ceremonially swears-in Antony Blinken, total of 15,465. However, 11 of the 29 cases hacker looking to infiltrate businesses, agencies and infra- (left), as Secretary of State, next to his wife Evan Ryan, Wednesday Jan 27, in have been found in the last month as structure numerous points of entry. statement. The teen detained in December was the Harris’ ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the Thailand experienced a resurgence of the youngest terror suspect to be held under the White House complex in Washington. (AP) disease. (AP) American Airlines lost $8.9 billion in a year of pandemic

American Airlines lost $2.2 bil- Group Inc. lost $8.9 billion after ed to volatile trading that has el, which are both crucial to An American lion in the fourth quarter as peo- earning nearly $1.7 billion the seen other stocks, notably American and rivals such as Airlines Boeing ple stayed put in the pandemic, year before. GameStop, become wrapped up Delta and United, are expected 777 is framed sending the carrier’s revenue Shares of the Fort Worth, in a battle between small inves- to recover more slowly. by utility wires plunging by nearly two-thirds Texas, company surged more tors and short sellers. The fourth-quarter loss of as it prepares from the same period a year than 20% in trading before the Airlines are hoping that a roll- $2.18 billion amounted to $3.86 to land at Miami ago. opening bell, seemingly part of out of vaccines against COVID- per share, after removing spe- International American predicted that simi- volatile trading elsewhere on 19 will lead to at least a partial cial gains. That was slightly bet- Airport on Jan lar revenue trends from late Wall Street this week. recovery in travel this summer or ter than Wall Street expected. 27, 2021, in 2020 will carry over into the first American shares jumped as later in the year. Most people Industry analysts expected per- Miami. (AP) three months of 2021. much as 10% Wednesday with flying now are leisure travelers share loss of $3.92, according to The results ended a dismal most of the market selling off who typically pay lower fares. a survey by Zacks Investment year in which American Airlines strongly, which analysts attribut- Business and international trav- Research. (AP)

Market Movements 28-01-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts GERMANY - DAX +45.47 13,665.93 AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries -142.57 6,917.59 FRANCE - CAC 40 +50.90 5,510.52 JAPAN - Nikkei -437.79 28,197.42 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +20.66 3,557.04 S. KOREA - KRX 100 -110.64 6,645.51 PHILIPPINES - PSEi -11.77 6,851.84 INDIA - Sensex -535.57 46,874.36 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -292.08 46,166.05 CHINA - Shanghai SE -68.17 3,505.18 Business Move comes as economy stumbles U.S. JOBLESS CLAIMS DROP Federal Reserve stresses commitment to low rates US economy shrank 3.5% in WASHINGTON, Jan 28, (AP): Chair the economy and corporate profits Jerome Powell said Wednesday that amid a still-raging coronavirus pan- the Federal Reserve will keep pursuing demic. Traders were also focused on its low-interest rate policies until an the eye-popping surge in shares of economic recovery is well underway, GameStop, a money-losing video acknowledging that the economy has game seller that became the focus of a faltered in recent months. battle between small investors bidding ’20 after growing 4% last qtr The Fed said in a statement after its it higher and big hedge funds betting it latest policy meeting that hiring and would fall. economic growth had slowed, particu- For now, the job market is faltering, larly in industries affected by the rag- with 9.8 million jobs still lost to the Pandemic bites ing pandemic, notably restaurants, pandemic, which erupted 10 months bars, hotels and others involving face- ago. Hiring has slowed for six straight to-face public contact. months, and employers shed jobs in WASHINGTON, Jan 28, The officials kept their benchmark December for the first time since (AP): Stuck in the grip of a short-term rate pegged near zero and April. viral pandemic, the U.S. said they would keep buying Treasury The job market has sputtered as the and mortgage bonds to restrain longer- pandemic and colder weather have dis- economy grew at a 4% term borrowing rates and support the couraged Americans from traveling, annual rate in the final economy. shopping, dining out or visiting enter- three months of 2020 and Speaking at a news conference, tainment venues. Retail sales have Powell made clear his belief that the declined for three straight months. shrank last year by the economy will struggle in the coming largest amount in 74 years. weeks and months, until widespread Rebound For 2020 as a whole, a year vaccinations and government rescue Yet the Fed still envisions a sharp when the coronavirus inflicted the aid eventually fuel a sustained rebound in the second half of the worst economic freeze since the rebound. year as the virus is brought under end of World War II, the economy “We’re a long way from full recov- control by vaccines and government- contracted 3.5% and clouded the ery,” he said. “Something like 9 mil- enacted rescue money spreads lion people remain unemployed as a through the economy. Americans outlook for the coming year. The consequence of the pandemic. That’s fortunate enough to have kept their economic damage followed the as many people as lost their jobs at the jobs have stockpiled massive savings eruption of the pandemic 10 peak of the global financial crisis and that suggest pent-up demand that months ago and the deep recession the Great Recession.” could be unleashed, with a big lift to it triggered, with tens of millions The Fed statement warned that the the economy, once consumers of Americans left jobless. virus is posing risks to the economy. increasingly feel safe about resum- Thursday’s report from the But the officials removed phrases from ing their old spending patterns. Commerce Department estimated that their previous statement in December Powell was pressed during the news the nation’s gross domestic product - that had said the pandemic was pres- conference on whether the Fed should its total output of goods and services - suring the economy in the “near term” respond to the recent speculative surge slowed sharply in the October- and posed risks “over the medium in the prices of some individual stocks, December quarter from a record 33.4% term.” notably shares of GameStop, and This file photo shows the latest generation of SunPower solar panels that are stacked in Positive Energy Solar’s whether that buying frenzy suggested surge in the July-September quarter. Potential That gain had followed a record-shat- warehouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The future looks bright for solar and other renewable energy technology. a dangerous bubble in overall stock tering annual plunge of 33.4% in the The sector should benefit from a much friendlier administration in the White House. (AP) Powell said that language was prices. Powell deflected the questions April-June quarter, when the economy removed because the Fed policymak- by saying the Fed’s interest rate poli- sank into a free-fall. Renewable energy stocks rise ers see the pandemic increasingly as a cies aren’t well-suited to address spec- The pandemic’s blow to the econo- short-term risk that will likely fade as ulation in the stock market. my early last spring ended the longest vaccines are distributed more widely. In addition, he said, “if you look at U.S. economic expansion on record - But he also cautioned that the threat what’s really been driving asset prices nearly 11 years. The damage from the remains a serious one, particularly in the last couple of months, it isn’t virus caused GDP to contract at a 5% US investors see green returns because of the potential harm from monetary policy. It’s expectations annual rate in last year’s January- new strains of the virus. about vaccines and also fiscal policy. NEW YORK, Jan 28, (AP): The future initiatives going forward,” said lion plan to create a carbon pollution- “We have not won this yet,” Powell Those are the news items that have March quarter. Since then, thousands looks bright for solar and other renew- David Lebovitz, global market strat- free power sector by 2035. of businesses have closed, nearly 10 said. “There’s nothing more important been driving asset values in recent able energy technology. egist at J.P. Morgan Asset That could greatly benefit compa- to the economy now than people get- months.” million people remain out of work and FirstSolar, Enphase and SunPower Management. nies developing solar and wind more than 400,000 Americans have ting vaccinated.” Powell also noted that the Fed is are among the renewable energy Renewable power sources such as power technologies. Other Biden ini- As Powell spoke, a broad sell-off keeping rates low and buying bonds to died from the virus. stocks that are benefiting from a much wind and solar now make up 12% of tiatives include investments in bat- The estimated drop in GDP for 2020 on Wall Street knocked more than support economic growth. Reversing friendlier administration in the White all energy generation, up from 4% in tery storage and negative emissions 600 points off the Dow Jones those policies to offset potential bub- was the first such decline since a 2.5% House, whose agenda includes tack- technologies. fall in 2009, during the recession that 2011. During the same period, energy Industrial Average, handing the bles in the stock market, he said, could ling climate change and bolstering Optimism around the industry was followed the 2008 financial crisis. generated from hydroelectric sources stock market its worst day in nearly harm the economy. That was the deepest annual setback green energy. Their stocks soared last remained at 8%, while coal fell to 24% bolstered in December when the gov- three months. “We don’t actually understand the since the economy shrank 11.6% in year, far outpacing the wider market’s from 44%. ernment passed a fiscal stimulus pack- The drop, which followed a recent trade-off,” he said. “Will it actually gains. age that included extensions for solar record-setting run, came as investors cause more damage, or will it help? I 1946, when the economy was demobi- Surged lizing after World War II. The most On his first day in office, President and wind production tax credits and focused on the uncertain outlook for think that’s unresolved.” catastrophic annual contraction in Joe Biden rejoined the 2015 Paris cli- Shares of Tempe, Arizona-based other incentives. records dating to 1930 was a 12.9% mate agreement, revoked a permit for First Solar jumped nearly 80% last The government’s recent approval the fall in 1932 during the Great the Keystone XL oil pipeline and halt- year, and another 7% so far in 2021. of a lithium mine in Nevada operated bottomline Depression. ed oil and gas leasing in Alaska’s Fremont, California’s Enphase, which by Lithium Americas should increase The government’s report Thursday Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. makes technology to manage solar access to a key component of recharge- “Part of what drove that move last power, surged by more than six times able batteries, which could accelerate was its first of three estimates of SAN RAMON: Apple’s delayed launch NEW YORK: Riding a sales surge amid growth last quarter; the figure will be year was the idea there would be a last year. development of electric vehicle tech- bit more policy support for these Biden’s platform included a $2 tril- nology. of its latest iPhones unleashed a holiday a global pandemic, Tesla Inc. on revised twice in the coming weeks. buying frenzy that propelled sales of the Wednesday reported that it posted its The outlook for the 2021 economy trendsetting company’s most popular first annual net profit in 2020. remains hazy. Economists warn that a Before the virus hit the United States product to its fastest start in years. In a year that saw its stock soar to sustained recovery won’t likely take hard last March, weekly applications The apparently pent-up demand for make it the world’s most valuable auto- hold until vaccines are distributed and for jobless aid had never topped AUB congratulates winners four different iPhone 12 models high- maker, Tesla earned $721 million, administered nationwide and govern- 700,000. lighted Apple’s latest quarterly report capped by a $270 million profit in the ment-enacted rescue aid spreads Overall, nearly 4.8 million Wednesday. fourth quarter. It was the company’s through the economy - a process likely Americans are continuing to receive of ‘Al-Hassad’ weekly draw Apple’s iPhone sales during the sixth straight quarterly net profit after to take months. traditional state unemployment bene- October-December period totaled $65.6 years of mostly losses. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve fits. That is down from nearly 5 mil- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28, (AP): In accor- billion, a 17% increase from the same A year earlier, Tesla lost $862 million. took note of the economic threats. It lion the week before and from a stag- dance with full preventive guidelines time in the previous year. Data provider FactSet says 2020 ended a kept its benchmark interest rate at a gering peak of nearly 25 million in and measures set by health authorities, Part of the gain reflected pandemic- string of annual red ink that began in 2006. record low near zero and stressed that May when the virus - and lockdowns Ahli United Bank (AUB) held the week- driven production problems that pushed Once again the company needed regu- it would keep pursuing its low-rate and other measures to contain it - ly draw of 27 January 2021 of Al-Hassad back the release of the new iPhone until latory credits purchased by other auto- policies until a recovery is well under- brought economic activity to a near Islamic account which is the very first October and November. In past years, makers in order to make a profit. Without draw account in Islamic banking in including 2019, Apple rolled out its new $1.58 billion in credits for the year, Tesla way. halt. The drop suggests that some of would have lost money. Other automak- The Fed acknowledged that the the unemployed are finding new jobs Kuwait and has won the “Best Savings iPhones in late September, resulting in a Product in Kuwait 2019” by the presti- spike in sales in an earlier quarter than ers buy the credits when they can’t meet economy has faltered in recent months, and that others have exhausted state emissions and fuel economy standards. with hiring weakening especially in benefits. gious Banker Middle East Magazine for how things unfolded last year. the numerous unique features it pro- Now the big question appears to be Tesla said that excluding special industries affected by the raging pan- The job market remains under strain whether Apple will be able to keep up items, it made $2.24 per share for the demic, notably restaurants, bars, hotels even though the spread of COVID-19 vides. Al-Hassad Islamic account offers year, falling short of Wall Street expecta- over 750 prizes, Over 12 Month Period with the iPhone demand. Some proces- and others involved in face-to-face vaccines offers hope for an end to the build their short and long-term savings sors and other components may still be tions of $2.45. Full-year revenue was public contact. health crisis and a return to normal and has reshaped the lives of thousands $31.54 billion, beating estimates of lucky winners. through a unique savings account with in short supply as factories continue to Meanwhile, the number of economic life. many advantages. try to catch up with the backlog caused $31.1 billion. (AP) Americans applying for unemploy- The United States is now recording The bank and announced 20 Winners ❑ ❑ ❑ of KD 1,000 as follows: Loulwah Jaber Furthermore, for the first time in last year’s pandemic-driven shut- ment benefits fell but remained at a just under 150,000 new coronavirus Kuwait, the AUB Al-Hassad presents the downs. (AP) historically high 847,000 last week, a cases a day. That is down from nearly Ahmad, Athari Yousef Mathkouri, NEW YORK: McDonald’s ended 2020 “Privilege Draw”, which is a quarterly ❑ ❑ ❑ on a strong note, recovering nearly all of sign that layoffs keep coming as the 250,000 a day early this month but still Yousef Fahad Al-Hssaini, Hamdan Mohammad Ghanaim, Abdulrahman draw of KD 25,000 exclusively for NEW YORK: Facebook capped a the global sales lost in the pandemic coronavirus pandemic continues to more than twice the levels seen from Al-Hassad customers who maintained despite a resurgent virus. rage. March until a resurgence in cases in Abdullah Al-subaiee, Mohammad tumultuous 2020 with soaring earnings Abdalraheem Salem, Khaled Ahmad their balances for more than one year and in the final quarter, its user base boosted But it was costly to get there, and the Last week’s claims dropped by late October. So far, more than 425,000 have not won a prize in the past five years. fast food giant fell short of Wall Street’s 67,000, from 914,000 the week before, Americans have died from the pan- Al-Shaheen, Mohammad Meshal by people staying home and its revenue For all draws, the clients are eligible buoyed by a shift to digital advertising earnings and sales expectations for the the Labor Department said Thursday. demic. Al-Zamanan, Shabeer Muthira Kalayil, fourth quarter. Revenue fell 2% to $5.3 Mohd Faleh Al-Hajery, Faraj Mubarak for one draw chance for each KD 50 amid the pandemic. deposited in their Al-Hassad account. But the company predicted uncertain- billion, below analysts’ forecast of $5.4 Al-Ajeel, Salah Rashed Al-Azmi, billion, according to FactSet. ty for 2021 and said its revenue in the Nasser Hussain Khulaif, Abeer Adel It is worth mentioning that Al-Hassad McDonald’s said marketing spending Kamel, Ahmad Rashed Al-Radaan, Islamic account has won the “Best latter half of the year could face signifi- was higher than usual in the fourth quar- Nada Mohammad Al-Ajran, Khalid Savings Product in Kuwait 2019” by the cant pressure. ter because of the launch of a new ad Ahmad Mohammad, Mazen Hessain prestigious Banker Middle East Magazine Because revenue grew so quickly in campaign. The company also said it Abujarad, Wafaa Jaber Al-Harbi And for the numerous unique features it pro- the second half of 2020, the social net- faced higher-than-expected costs to close vides. Such features include the simplest work could have trouble keeping up that underperforming restaurants, including Hessah Khaled Al-Rashdan. pace. The draws of Al-Hassad include and easiest program, highest number of around 200 in the U.S. winners, largest prize value, unique draws It’s also facing challenges in how it McDonald’s same-store sales – or several cash prizes, such as KD targets advertisements, including 100,000 each Eid and the grand quar- during Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, loy- sales at locations open at least a year – Apple’s coming launch of privacy pro- were down just 1.3% worldwide in the terly draw of KD 250,000 prize which alty multipliers, unique online account tections that could limit Facebook’s abil- continues to be a key aspiration for opening feature, transparent draws held October-December period despite store ity to target ads. closures in Italy, Spain and Germany. customers who are wishing to fulfill during radio shows with live broadcast on Facebook earned $11.22 billion, or the Bank’s social media platforms,. Sales moved into positive territory in their dreams. Al Hassad offers 20 $3.88 per share, in the October- key markets, including the United weekly prizes of KD 1,000 for each For more information about December period, well above the $3.19 Kingdom. winner. In addition to this attractive Al-Hassad Account added to the invest- that analysts expected and up 53% from U.S. sales were the biggest bright spot, package of rewards, Al-Hassad Islamic ment savings account, the prizes it offers a year earlier. Revenue grew 22% to pumped up by new menu items like spicy A man walks out of a Marc’s Store in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Fewer account incorporates a Wakala con- and relevant criteria, please visit any of $28.07 billion, higher than the $26.36 Chicken McNuggets and a meal deal col- Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, lowering claims tract for projected annual profits, mak- AUB branches, contact “Hayakom” billion analysts were predicting, accord- laboration with Colombian singer J Balvin. to 900,000, still a historically high level that points to further job cuts in a ing this account beneficial to all cus- Service on 1812000 or visit our website: ing to a poll by FactSet. (AP) U.S. same-store sales rose 5.5% in the raging pandemic. (AP) tomer segments that are aspiring to www.ahliunited.com.kw. ❑ ❑ ❑ October-December period. (AP) ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 BUSINESS 10

Samsung reports profi t jump driven by strong chip demand

Samsung Electronics Co. said Thursday sung has gotten a boost from surging de- ery in overall global demand but uncertain- A visitor tries its operating profi t for the last quarter rose mand for its computer chips and devices as ties persist over the possibility of recurring out Samsung by more than 26% as it capped off a ro- the pandemic forces people to work from COVID-19 waves,” Samsung said in an Electronics’ bust business year where its dual strength home. emailed statement. notebook at its in parts and fi nished products allowed it to Samsung has also dealt with legal issues Samsung’s operating profi t of 9.1 trillion shop in Seoul, thrive amid the pandemic. surrounding its vice chairman and de facto won ($8.1 billion) for the October-December South Korea, But the South Korean tech giant expects chief, Lee Jae-yong, who last week was quarter represented a 26.4% increase from Thursday, Jan its profi t to weaken in the current quarter sentenced by the Seoul High Court to two the same period a year before, while its rev- 28, 2021. (AP) with a weak dollar and costs associated with and a half years in prison for his involvement enue rose by 2.8% to 61.6 trillion won ($55.3 expanded production lines likely affecting in a 2016 corruption scandal that spurred billion). The company’s operating profi t for its bread-and-butter computer memory chip massive protests and ousted South Korea’s the full year of 2020 was at 36 trillion won business. then-president. ($32.3 billion), rising by more than 29% from Like many technology companies, Sam- “For 2021, the company expects a recov- 2019, according to a regulatory fi ling. (AP)

Action needs to be taken before US reaches an ‘unemployment cliff’ in March Amid stimulus talks, Biden signs order to help factories WASHINGTON, Jan 28, (AP): Seek- al funding for vaccinations as useful ing to galvanize the economy and help while cautioning that any economic factories, President Joe Biden signed aid should be more targeted. an executive order to boost govern- Psaki said Monday that the process ment buying from US manufacturers was designed to get feedback from as he begins the negotiation process lawmakers, emphasizing that the goal with Congress over a $1.9 trillion is bipartisan agreement and that there stimulus package. needs to be progress in the next several US stocks rise sharply The executive order is among a fl ur- weeks. ry of moves by Biden during his fi rst “In our view, this is working exactly full week to publicly show he’s taking as it should work,” Psaki said. “We swift action to heal an ailing economy. don’t expect the fi nal bill to look ex- Biden’s aides have hammered the actly the same as the fi rst bill he pro- talking points that the country is in a posed.” precarious spot and relief is urgently Increasing needed. But the order will likely take 45 But Biden is trying to shape the days or longer to make its way through economy without having to wait on the federal bureaucracy, during which Congress. His Monday order was time wrangling with Congress could aimed at increasing factory jobs, produce a new aid package. That which have slumped by 540,000 since would be a follow-up to the roughly $4 the pandemic began last year. trillion previously approved to tackle “America can’t sit on the sidelines the economic and medical fallout from in the race for the future,” Biden said the coronavirus. before signing the order in the Eisen- Biden’s team held a call Sunday to hower Executive Offi ce Building. outline the stimulus plan with at least a “We’re ready, despite all we’re fac- dozen senators, while the president has ing.” also privately talked with lawmakers. Biden’s order would modify the An administration offi cial, speaking rules for the Buy American program, on condition of anonymity to discuss making it harder for contractors to private conversations, said Sunday’s qualify for a waiver and sell foreign- call was constructive and gave Biden’s made goods to federal agencies. It team a chance to explain details of the also changes rules so that more of proposal to lawmakers. Among the a manufactured good’s components features of the stimulus plan are a na- must originate from US factories. tional vaccination program, aid to reo- America-made goods would also be pen schools, direct payments of $1,400 protected by an increase in the gov- to individuals and fi nancial relief for ernment’s threshold and price pref- state and local governments. erences, the difference in price over which the government can buy a for- Urgency eign product. In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, trader Samantha Tavares, right, works with colleagues on the fl oor, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. “There’s an urgency to moving it It’s an order that channels Biden’s (AP) forward, and he certainly believes own blue-collar persona and his prom- there has to be progress in the next ise to use the government’s market couple of weeks,” White House press power to support its industrial base, an Europe mixed, Asian shares drop secretary Jen Psaki said Monday. She initiative that former president Donald warned that action needed to be taken Trump also attempted with executive before the US reaches an “unemploy- actions and import taxes. NEW YORK, Jan 28, (AP): pandemic as part of the reason for the ment cliff” in March, when long-term “Thanks to past presidents grant- forecast. unemployment benefi ts expire for mil- ing a trade-pact waiver to Buy Amer- Stocks were moving sharp- Meanwhile. hopes are high for Presi- Trading sites restrict trading lions of Americans. ican, today billions in US tax dollars ly higher Thursday morn- dent Joe Biden’s proposed a $1.9 trillion But Republicans on Capitol Hill leak offshore every year because the ing, a day after sinking to COVID-relief package, but worries are were not joining in the push for imme- goods and companies from 60 other growing the plan might also be scaled in GameStop and other fi rms diate action. countries are treated like they are their worst loss since Oc- back. Adding to caution, the Federal Re- One key Republican, Sen Susan American for government procure- tober amid lingering wor- serve said Wednesday it would keep its NEW YORK, Jan 28, (AP): money. Collins of Maine, said after Sunday’s ment purposes,” said Lori Wallach, ries about the long-term low interest rate policies in place, but it Robinhood and other online trading Besides GameStop, Robinhood said call that “it seems premature to be director of Public Citizen’s Global also released a sobering assessment of platforms are moving to restrict trad- trading in stocks such as AMC considering a package of this size and Trade Watch and a critic of past economic damage from the the gradual recovery ahead. ing in GameStop and other stocks that Entertainment, Bed Bath & Beyond, scope.” Collins described the addition- trade agreements. pandemic. “Investors will likely focus on the have soared recently due to rabid buy- Blackberry, Nokia, Express Inc., Koss Investors continued to closely pace of vaccinations around the globe ing by smaller investors. Corp., American Airlines, Tootsie watch the nauseating moves of while also keeping an eye on the pro- GameStop stock has rocketed from Roll, Trivago and Naked Brand Group stocks like GameStop and AMC, gress of President Biden’s fi scal rescue below $20 earlier this month to more would be affected by the new restric- which have become targets of on- plan that may be facing some road- than $400 early Thursday as a volun- tions. blocks in the US Senate,” Prakash Sak- teer army of investors on social media Interactive Brokers also placed line retail investors that have sent pal and Nicholas Mapa, senior econo- challenged big institutions who had option trading of AMC, BlackBerry, their shares skyrocketing even as mists at ING, said in a report. placed market bets that the stock Express, GameStop and Koss “into big hedge funds bet they will fall. Markets had been meandering near would fall. The stock fell, however, to liquidation,” citing extraordinary vola- The S&P 500 was up 1.8% as of record highs since last week as inves- around $240 after sliding more than tility in the markets. It also tightened 11:05 am Eastern. The Dow Jones in- tors weighed solid corporate earnings 30% in midday trading. margin requirements indefinitely on dustrial average was up 1.9% and the results against renewed worries that Robinhood said Thursday investors “short stock positions.” “We do not Nasdaq composite was up 1.3%. troubles with COVID-19 vaccine roll- would only be able to sell their posi- believe this situation will subside until Investors are also focusing on com- outs and the spread of new variants of tions and not open new ones in some the exchanges and regulators halt or pany earnings. More than 100 compa- coronavirus might delay a recovery cases, and Robinhood will try to slow put certain symbols into liquidation nies in the S&P 500 are scheduled to from the pandemic. the amount of trading using borrowed only,” the company tweeted. tell investors this week how they fared Meanwhile ,global shares skidded during the last three months of 2020. on Thursday as a reality check set in Apple fell 2% after the iPhone about longtime economic damage from Benchmarks in Japan, South Korea, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 fell maker posted a record quarterly profi t, the coronavirus pandemic, giving Wall Australia and China declined Thurs- 1.5% to fi nish at 28,197.42. Austral- helped by big sales of iPhones and Ap- Street its worst day since October. day. The region is looking ahead to ia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 1.9% to ple Watches during the holiday season. France’s CAC 40 gained 0.93% earnings season for a read on how 6,649.70. South Korea’s Kospi sank Investors focused on the fact that Ap- to 5,510.52, while Germany’s DAX companies are faring amid COVID-19 1.7% to 3,069.05. Hong Kong’s Hang In this Jan 25, 2021, fi le photo, President Joe Biden answers questions ple was conservative in its full-year climbed 0.33% to 13,665.93. Britain’s infections, which have been relatively Seng dropped 2.6% to 28,550.77, from reporters in the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex, outlook for 2021, which the company FTSE 100 was down 0.63% to close at low in some nations such as New Zea- while the Shanghai Composite shed in Washington. (AP) cited economic uncertainty and the 6,526.15. land, compared to other global regions. 1.9% to 3,505.18. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

‘Virus will kill many more’ Take 2nd dose on time to combat COVID: CDC WASHINGTON, Jan 28, (Agencies): The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that based on recommendations people should get their second dose as close to the recommended interval as possible. “The CDC still recommends that people get their second dose as close to the recommended interval as possible. That would be three weeks for the Pfizer vaccine and four weeks for the Moderna vaccine,” US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at the White House Covid-19 Response Team’s first press briefing. “However, we also know that life can get in the way, and that some of those doses may be missed in the best time win- dow. And in those circumstances, the second dose may be given up to six weeks, or 42 days, after the first.” “Second, the CDC has reiterated that the Covid-19 vac- cines are not interchangeable. However, it’s also true that in ex- tremely rare circumstances, people may not simply remember, or have documentation of, which first dose they received. In these extremely rare situations, we have said that any avail- able mRNA Covid-19 vaccine may be administered as the second dose,” “I want to take a moment here to emphasize that the Covid-19 vaccines are safe and they work. And this is backed up with data.” Fauci “Let me be clear, these are rare, treatable outcomes and the Covid-19 vaccines are safe. It’s also important to put this into context. The risk with getting sick with Covid-19 are much higher than the risk of allergy or anaphylaxis from the vaccine.” “Get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” Walensky added. On another front, Andy Slavitt, senior adviser to the White House Covid-19 Response Team, said “I want to level with Edin Mackic, TVAR patient and his family. the public that we’re facing two constraining factors. The first is getting enough supply quickly enough, and the second is the ability to administer the vaccines quickly once they’re produced and sent out to the sites,” Slavitt said. Health “We are taking action to increase supply and increase ca- pacity, but even so, it will be months before everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one,” Slavitt added. Stockpile 69-year old undergoes latest TAVR procedure “Any stockpile that may have existed previously no lon- ger exists. Our practice is to maintain a rolling inventory of two to three days of supply that we can use to supplement Heart patient ‘feels younger’ after op any shortfalls in production and to ensure that we are making deliveries as committed”, Slavitt said. As many as 90,000 ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan 28: Abu Dhabi Americans are projected to die from the coronavirus in the resident Edin Mackic believes that he next four weeks, the Biden administration warned in its first now has something in common with Hol- Medical views on cholesterol in science briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic, as experts out- lywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In lined efforts to improve the delivery and injection of COV- October 2020, while the 69-year-old pa- ID-19 vaccines. tient of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an food are changing, find experts The hourlong briefing Wednesday by the team charged by integral part of Mubadala Health, was un- CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jan 28: While “Your genetic makeup – not President Joe Biden with ending the pandemic, was meant to dergoing a minimally invasive transcath- high levels of “bad” cholesterol in diet – is the most important driv- deliver on his promise of “leveling” with the American peo- eter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the blood, which have been linked ing force behind blood cholesterol ple about the state of the outbreak that has already claimed the capital, he read media reports of the73- to heart disease, remain an im- levels, says Dr. Nissen. “The body more than 425,000 U.S. lives. It marked a sharp contrast from Boyd Emergency Medical Services year-old star having the same operation portant health concern, evidence creates cholesterol in amounts what had become the Trump show, in the last administration, director Charles Cremeans demon- miles away in the US. shows people should no longer much larger than what you can eat, when public health officials were repeatedly undermined by strates one of the newly acquired res- “It was exciting to read that we were be overly concerned about eating so avoiding foods that are high in a president who shared his unproven ideas without hesitation. pirators in Ashland, Ky, Wednesday, going through the same experience. foods that are high in cholesterol. cholesterol won’t affect your blood The striking deaths projection wasn’t much different from Jan. 27. The respirators, which will be I’m from Bosnia and he is from Austria Steven Nissen, MD, a cardiologist cholesterol levels worn in conjunction with a mask, cre- and I’ve seen a lot of his movies, and from a top American hospital, Cleve- very much.” what Biden himself has said, but nonetheless served as a stark ate a negative pressure environment land Clinic, explains that what has About 85% of reminder of the brutal road ahead. after this valve replacement operation for the wearer. The respirators are at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, I can changed is that many researchers the cholesterol in Wednesday’s briefing was conducted virtually, rather than part of the department’s ongoing ef- and physicians believe that eating the circulation is in person at the White House, to allow for questions from say that I feel as strong as he looks in forts to keep workers safe in the battle them,” says film fan Edin. cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs manufactured by health journalists and to maintain a set timing no matter the against COVID-19. (AP) may not have a very big effect on the body in the liv- situation in the West Wing. But it was not without technical Edin presented to the hospital with blood cholesterol levels. er. In other words, glitches. heart failure symptoms, including short- “However, people with certain it does not come It featured Jeff Zients, the Biden administration’s coor- ness of breath and chest pain. What he did health problems, such as diabetes, directly from the dinator for pandemic response; his deputy, Andy Slavitt; Discovery not know was that he had been suffering should continue to avoid cholester- cholesterol that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease from severe aortic stenosis, caused by a ol-rich foods,” says Dr. Nissen. Dr Nissen you eat, accord- expert; Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the chair of Biden’s calcific and degenerative valve disease. He adds that the issue of wheth- ing to Dr. Nissen. Cable trouble in upgrades: Spacewalk- This valve problem restricts the blood er cholesterol is harmful is compli- It is also likely that people with a COVID-19 equality task force, and Dr. Rochelle Walen- flow from the left ventricle to the aorta but cated. family history of heart disease share sky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and ing astronauts encountered cable trouble Wednesday while attempting to make im- may not cause symptoms immediately. Cholesterol is a waxy substance common environments that may in- Prevention. “I’ve always been healthy with not that ultimately ends up in the walls crease their risk, according to the US “The White House respects and will follow the science, provements to the International Space Sta- tion’s European lab. many complaints except for high blood of arteries. It causes the plaque Centers for Disease Control and Pre- and the scientists will speak independently,” said Slavitt. Only one of the two lab upgrades was pressure and the occasional spike in my that leads to heart attacks and vention (CDC). Zients, who previously ran the Obama administration’s ef- completely successful. blood sugar levels. But I’ve usually put strokes. The US Dietary Guidelines The greater danger for everyone forts to salvage the rollout of HealthCare.gov, used to sign up NASA’s Mike Hopkins and Victor Glov- a lot of my health concerns down to call for a daily cholesterol limit of is in foods that are high in trans 300 milligrams. fats, explains Dr. Nissen. for Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges, repeated that er installed a new antenna on Columbus, age. In October, I felt like someone was the federal government no longer has a stockpile of vaccines one of three high-tech labs at the orbiting Dr Nissen explains that the rela- “Those often appear on food la- stabbing me in the back with a knife. I tionship between cholesterol in the bels as hydrogenated oils or par- to distribute. He added that the Biden administration was outpost. It took a few tries by scientists was afraid and decided to see a doctor.” examining additional ways of speeding vaccine production, in Europe to get it turned on properly. No diet and the body is complicated for tially hydrogenated vegetable oil,” a day after the president announced the U.S. plans to have longer needed, the boxy antenna cover was Lesson various reasons including: he says. “Those types of fats do ■ The body largely regulates how tend to raise cholesterol and do delivered enough doses for 300 million Americans by the end thrown overboard. Dr. Ahmad Edris, a Staff Physician “Here we go. Countdown: 3-2-1,” Glover much cholesterol is in your blood. tend to increase the risk of heart of summer. in the Heart and Vascular Institute at ■ There are different kinds of cho- disease.” The issue of saturated fat But injecting them in arms is a different matter. radioed as he heaved it safely away from the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who is space station. lesterol. Low-density lipoprotein or is more complicated. “Most states are getting better at putting needles in arms,” part of Edin’s multidisciplinary care LDL (bad) cholesterol contributes All in all, he recommends that peo- Zients said, called on Congress to swiftly act to pass Biden’s Elsewhere on the lab, Glover could not team, says his case should serve as an hook up all the power and data cables on a to plaque buildup along with triglyc- ple look for the words “trans fat” and “American Rescue Plan.” The $1.9 trillion bill includes $400 science research platform that’s been await- important lesson for people to get ex- erides, another lipid. High-density “hydrogenated fat” on labels at the billion for measures specifically aimed at controlling the vi- ing activation for almost a year. He man- amined for heart issues regularly. lipoprotein or HDL (good) choles- grocery store. The American Heart rus, including dramatically increasing the pace of vaccina- “A lot of older people ignore symptoms terol is not linked to plaque buildup. Association does recommend limit- aged to hook up four of six cables. They ■ tions and building out an infrastructure for widespread test- checked out well with power flowing, en- because they think shortness of breath and LDL is the bad cholesterol that can ing dietary saturated fat intake and ing. abling partial use of the platform. reduced physical activity is part of grow- increase your risk of heart disease. focusing more on eating fruits, veg- ■ The way people process choles- gies, whole grains, lean animal pro- Vaccinations But connectors on two cables would ing old. But a significant number also not close all the way, and those had to be have valve disease and regular screening terol differs. Some people appear tein or plant-protein sources. Zients added that the federal Department of Health and capped. Engineers will try to come up with can help identify problems like heart mur- to be more vulnerable to cholester- (Source: Cleveland Clinic Cor- Human Services acted Wednesday to make more profession- a work-around for a future spacewalk, so the murs early on, which helps improve the ol-rich diets. porate Communications) als available to administer vaccinations. The government will entire platform can house experiments. outcomes for these patients,” he says. authorize nurses and doctors who have retired to administer SpaceX delivered the platform named “At the same time, physicians caring avoiding side effects of typical open- every step of the preoperative evaluation. vaccines, and professionals licensed in one state will also be Bartolomeo to the space station last spring. for the elderly shouldn’t feel like they are heart surgery. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu able to give shots in other states. Such measures are fairly The shelf was installed with the station’s ro- out of options to treat them because they Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is the Dhabi have also achieved a low pace- standard in health emergencies. bot arm, but had to wait until Wednesday’s think open heart surgery can be risky for highest volume TAVR center in the maker rate in patients that have under- Fauci told reporters there was reason to be concerned about spacewalk to get hooked up. the frail. In fact, most of our patients un- country with all patients included in a gone this surgery. the impact of some coronavirus mutations on vaccines, but Airbus, which built and runs Bartolomeo, is looking to sell space on the platform for dergoing TAVRare above the age of 75 registry to evaluate and report outcomes. “We have achieved this by our im- that scientists have plenty of options for adjustments to main- private research projects. It’s Europe’s first years, and almost all are discharged the “We use a minimalist approach for plantation technique to avoid the elec- tain the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments. commercial venture outside the station. next day with swift recovery.” this procedure and have implemented the trical system of the heart. This means Fauci said there was particular concern about the so-called Danish astronaut Andreas Morgensen In TAVR, the valve is replaced using same best-practices as Cleveland Clinic that we have only had to implant a per- South African variant, because lab tests have shown that it guided the spacewalkers from Mission catheter-based technology through a small Foundation in the United States. This manent pacemaker in a single patient can diminish the protective power of the vaccines approved Control in Houston, where controllers wore opening in the leg artery. The minimally has allowed us to achieve excellent and in the last two years,” says Dr. Edris. to date. He stressed that the level of protection provided was masks and were seated apart because of invasive TAVR can be performed in ap- comparable outcomes. It takes about 45 Edin says that the surgery has given still well within what he called the “cushion” of vaccine ef- the pandemic. The spacewalk lasted seven propriately selected low-risk patients. minutes to perform the procedure and 90 him a new life. “No words can express fectiveness, but added that the government was working with hours. (AP) “The decision to perform TAVR is percent of our patients are discharged the how thankful I am for the care I re- pharmaceutical companies on potential “booster” shots for ❑ ❑ ❑ made after careful consideration of the next day,” says Dr. Edris. ceived at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. the new variants. patient’s medical history by an experi- Dr. Edris explains that a minimalist I feel younger now and have been out ‘Military to leave rainforest’: Brazil’s Walensky, the new head of the CDC, said her agency’s lat- ongoing military-led operation to curb il- enced multidisciplinary team comprised approach means using minimal sedation and about since leaving the hospital. est forecast indicates the US will reach between 479,000 and legal deforestation and fires in the Amazon of both cardiac surgeons and cardiovas- rather than general anesthesia, avoiding My message to people is that it is im- 514,000 deaths by Feb. 20. More than 425,000 Americans rainforest will end April 30, Vice President cular medicine consultants. With Edin,we most of the invasive catheters used in portant to see your doctor, especially have already died in the pandemic. Hamilton Mourão said at the World Eco- discoveredclinical features, including se- open heart surgery, and avoiding more as you get older so that you can live The new thrice-a-week briefings, beginning just a week nomic Forum on Wednesday. vere disease involving the arteries leading invasive ultrasound or echocardiogram a longer and healthier life. If I have into Biden’s tenure, are meant as an explicit rejection of Don- Mourão defended the success of Opera- to his brain that placed him at high risk imaging guidance and using imaging any health problems now, my doctors ald Trump’s approach to the coronavirus outbreak. tion Green Brazil 2, which was launched for stroke with traditional open-heart sur- through the chest wall instead. know that, like Arnold, I’ll be back.” “We’re bringing back the pros to talk about COVID in an last May and saw deployment of thousands gery,” says Dr. Edris. “A significant portion of our pa- For more information or to book an unvarnished way,” Biden told reporters Tuesday. “Any ques- of soldiers across the Amazon. The vice The TAVR team was able to replace tients have chronic kidney disease. So, appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu tions you have, that’s how we’ll handle them because we’re president leads the government’s Amazon his valve with the latest fourth genera- we have adopted several measures to Dhabi, call 800 222 33visitwww.cleve- letting science speak again.” Council to fight deforestation in the region. tion TAVR technology using conscious minimize contrast exposure before and landclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Trump claimed center stage and muddled the message of Since Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro took sedation rather than general anesthesia, during the TAVR procedure. We have Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app. the nation’s top public health experts in the critical early days office, domestic and international concern has which further reduces the risk of com- worked closely with our cardiac imaging (Source: Cleveland Clinic Abu grown over the president’s calls for economic plication and improves recovery, while experts to minimize contrast exposure at Dhabi) of the virus and eventually largely muzzled them as the pan- development in the Amazon. His critics have demic’s mortal toll grew steeper. said the military operation has failed to clamp The new briefings are part of Biden’s attempt to rebuild down on rampant illegal logging. public confidence in institutions, particularly the federal gov- Government data showed that just over ernment, with a commitment to share the bad news with the 11,000 square kilometers of forest disap- sharks, it sounds like he’s describing Jedis fleets have doubled since 1950. good. peared between July 2019 and August 2020, of the ocean. “They are terrific predators, “You drop a fishing line in the open “I’ll always level with you about the state of affairs,” he up 9.5% compared to the previous year and fast swimmers and they have amazing sens- ocean, and often it’s sharks that are there said Tuesday, repeating a central pledge of his inaugural ad- the most since 2008. es - they can detect any disturbance in the first - whether or not they’re the primary tar- dress. Conclusion of the program means envi- ocean from great distance,” such as smells get,” said Sandin, who works at the Scripps It’s a message that helped carry Biden to the White ronmental agencies will once again be re- or tiny changes in water currents. Institution of Oceanography. sponsible for monitoring the country’s vast Their ability to quickly sense anything Scientists have known for decades that in- House. As a candidate he warned that the nation faced outside the norm in their environment helps dividual shark species are declining, but a new a surge of coronavirus cases in what would be a “dark rainforest, Mourão said. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ them find prey in the vastness of the open study drawing on 57 global datasets under- winter”; Trump, for his part, falsely claimed the worst of ocean. But it also makes them especially scores just how dramatically worldwide popu- the virus was over. Shark populations drop 71pct: When vulnerable in the face of increased inter- lations have collapsed in the past half century. marine biologist Stuart Sandin talks about national fishing pressure, as global fishing Mourão Sandin (AP) Television FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 FFeatureseatures the ageof83. Jonas Gwangwa, jazz trombonistandcomposer Oscar-nominated anti-apartheid pouring inforSouthAfrica’s than submittoapartheid censor- Gwangwa leftthe country rather to repressivewhite minorityrule, Black SouthAfricans’ resistance steps CBShastaken.(AP) the NABJisoptimisticabout ing atmosphereatCBS.Hesaid experiences totellaboutthework- least fi Lemon saidhehadtalkedtoat of broadcast,onTuesday. Lemon, theNABJ’svicepresident no otherwaytoputit,”saidKen reporter. “Thisistoxic.There’s fi Black full-timereporterandwent WCBS-TV hadonlyonefemale staffs, sayingNewYork’s tions laginmaintainingdiverse bosses, theTimesreported. ing withaninternalreviewofhis leging hewasfi Human RelatesCommissional- complaint withthePennsylvania the cultureandanotherhasfi quit becauseshecouldn’ttolerate guy.” Oneexecutiveatthestation chor inPhiladelphiaas“justajive referred toaBlackmalenewsan- Chicago York, Angeles, SanFrancisco, ated byCBSinbigcitieslike head ofstationsownedandoper- of BlackJournalists. CBS andtheNationalAssociation and asubsequentmeetingbetween tion bytheLosAngelesTimes over theweekendinaninvestiga- the networksaidinastatement. action istakenwherenecessary,” are investigatedandappropriate where allvoicesareheard,claims inclusive andrespectfulworkplace external investigation. on leavependingtheresultsofan dent fornewsatthestations,are David Friend, CBS TelevisionStations,and individual stations. operations insomeofitslargest women andminoritiesatnews a hostileworkenvironmentfor leave asitinvestigateschargesof top executivesonadministrative ve years withoutamaleBlack JOHANNESBURG: NEW YORK: the fi years. car-nominated actresstoproducing,shehasupendedexpectationsfor From writingandrappingatthestartofhercareertobeinganOs- LOS ANGELES,Jan28,(AP):QueenLatifahthrivesongoingbig. Latifah fi therole rstBlackwomantoportray in‘Equalizer’ projects tothesprawlingsite. nearly 40years.TaxcreditsfromthestatehavehelpedlureTVandfi Sinatra, aswelltheNBAandNHL,onceplayedclosedin2015after Meadowlands ArenainEastRutherford,NewJersey,herhomestate. harder.” us allaboostaroundhereandmadegoevenharderwork has beenworkingreallyhardunderdiffi said Wednesdayonavideocall.“Itwasgreatboostforourcrewthat years forshowslike“Friends,”“Survivor”and“UndercoverBoss.” and AdamGoldberg. own redemption.Herco-starsincludeChrisNoth,LorraineToussaint skills todefendthosewhocan’thelpthemselveswhilepursuingher introduce LatifahasRobynMcCall,anex-CIAoffi into itsregularSundaynightslotonFeb.14. Bowl, typicallytheyear’smost-watchedprogram.Theseriessettles With drivingmusicthatfi Since thestorywaspublished, The NABJhassaidCBSsta- The TimessaidDunnhad Since 2009,Dunnhasbeen The accusationswereoutlined “CBS iscommittedtoadiverse, Peter Dunn, Her latestchaptercomesinthenewCBSseries“TheEqualizer”as The arenawherefellowJerseyitesBruceSpringsteenandFrank Latifah isgettingherlicksandkicksinonthreesetsbuiltinside “I’m sostokedthatwe’recomingonaftertheSuperBowl,”Latifah The post-SuperBowlslothasprovidedmonstrousratingsoverthe The footballgameoffersthepotentialofahugelead-inaudienceto The showdebutsFeb.7inthecovetedtimeslotfollowingSuper rst Blackwomantoportraytheroleinfranchise. ve other peoplewithnew Boston, Philadelphia This imagereleasedbytheSundanceInstituteshowsReeceShearsmithinascenefrom‘InEarth,’anoffi and others. ❑ CBS hasplacedtwo seniorvicepresi- red forcooperat- presidentofthe whohasdiedat Tributes are New red up led a and Los ternational community againstthe our countryandmobilized thein- South Africansinspired millionsin dedication tothefreedom ofall tors whosecreativegeniusand great orchestraofmusicalances- him Hugh Masekela,AbdullahIbra- South Africanmusiciansincluded ship. Otherprominentexiled “Jonas Gwangwaascendstoour Ends” and“IntheSameBreath”-areoftenstrikingfor do spirit,theresults-including“Homeroom,”“HowIt Even inanindependentfi fullest lookyetofmoviemakingunderthepandemic. “Malcolm &Marie.”ButSundancewillsupplythe the heistcomedy“LockedDown”andromance demic haverecentlyhitstreamingplatforms,including feat ofmakingamoviein2020. at thefestivalwhomanagedseeminglyimpossible during quarantine.Buttherearenumerousfi before thearrivalofCOVID-19-manythemedited and deliveredtoSundance? how couldfi given theconstraintsongatheringssincelastMarch, birth -afreshcrop,newwavethanSundance.But there. it hasalsoreshapedmanyofthefi Park City,Utah,festivalintoalargelyvirtualevent,but Thursday. Thepandemichastransformedtheannual that willdebutattheSundanceFilmFestivalbeginning completed -documentary,isoneofthe74featurefi to do?Howarewepossiblygoingfi land. “Thenshortlyafterthatitwas:Whatarewegoing moment,” Nickssays,speakingbyZoomfromOak- third actturnsvirtual? denly emptied,theschoolmusicalcanceledandyour mentary aboutschoollifewhenthehallwaysaresud- color,” hesays. “Something like‘TheBreakfastClub’withkidsof the lifeofmulticulturalteenagersOakland. institutions, Nickshadsetouttodocumentayearin tially, Nicks’film.AfterchroniclingotherOakland tling ofpromandgraduationceremonies,but,poten- an announcementthatwouldsignalnotjustthescut- templating thecancellationofschool. and othersmilltogetherinaclassroom,excitedlycon- when thepandemichit. P At Sundance,pandemicdramasunfold and cult conditions.Itjustgave A handfulofhigh-profi The majorityoffi No festivalmorerepresentsanannualcinematicre- “Homeroom,”Nicks’fi “The fi But howdoyoumakeanintimate,observationdocu- Soon, theprincipalisheardoverloudspeaker- “It’s intheBay,”saysonestudentofvirusashe students ofOaklandHighSchool,inCalifornia, eter Nickshadformonthsbeendocumentingthe Variety Miriam Makeba. rst orderofbusinesswasjustcapturingthat lmmakers gettheirmoviesmade,edited cer whousesher Sinclair BroadcastingendsEricBolling’s weeklyshow By JakeCoyle lms showingthisyearwereshot lm worldpredicatedonacan- le fi ttingly titled-andultimately lm lms madeduringthepan- Film lms thatwillunspool wnw Dunn Gwangwa areas oftheshow. tous violence.Asanexecutiveproducer,herinfl up forsomeonewho’sbeingbullied,”shesaid. unless youweredefendingyourmother,brother,you’resticking ourselves, taughtusallthesemoves,andthentoldnevertousethem police offi fi roles. and ViolaDavis-allofwhomwereGoldenGlobe-nominatedfortheir hour-long networkdrama,joiningTeresaGraves,KerryWashington believes LatifahisjustthefourthBlackwomantoplayleadonan thrown off-balance. On thejob,hercharacterisstrong,coolandskilled,butathomeshe’s thing different.” did withthefeaturefi zel Washington. That showspawnedfi from the1980swithawhiteman(EdwardWoodward)intitlerole. said Latifah,aself-proclaimed“huge”footballfan. ght, somethingsheandherbrotherlearnedasyoungstersfromtheir nish thismovie?” While Latifahlovesactionandfi “My fathertaughtushowtofi Latifah getstocruiseonamotorcycle(apassioninreallife)and Debra MartinChase,anexecutiveproducerontheshow,saidshe Latifah’s characterisadivorcedsinglemomtoteenagedaughter. “I didwatchtheoriginalseriesasakid,”Latifahsaid.“WhatDenzel The crimedramaisbeingreimagined,followingtheoriginalseries “We’re acrossthestreetfromGiantsStadium,forcryin’outloud,” lmmakers cer-father. ‘Homeroom’ acoming-of-agetale lms lms in2014and2018starringOscarwinnerDen- lms hasbeenincredible.Wewantedtodosome- the kindofself-refl isn’t aboutthepandemic,butit’sclearlyaproductof eve ofanimpendingasteroidapocalypse.Themovie her newlyvisibleyoungerself(CaileeSpaeny),onthe ter-Jones) walkingaroundadesolateLosAngeleswith sions, theybeganoutliningafi look like.” world butwhatourfutureasfi vulnerability andalotofuncertaintynotjustaboutthe “The Craft:Legacy”and“BandAid.”“Alotoffear dle, alittlebitscared,‘Thisisgoingtomyfi something.’ Andsomepeoplewerekindofinthemid- people weresupereager,like:‘Yes,I’mdyingtodo scenes mostlyonpatios,backyardsanddoorsteps. misen, HelenHunt,NickKroll-forcameos,andshot world wasinanexperimentalplace,”saysLister-Jones. emotions,” saysLister-Jones,theactress-fi did reallyterrifyme,”saysLister-Jones.“Manydays To dosowhenwewereinsucharawemotionalstate quently diffi of dailylifeinthepandemic,makingacomedywasfre- haven’t evenleftthehouse.’” Drawing fromtheirownanxietiesandtherapyses- “Some peopleweren’tready,”saysWein. They calledupactorfriends-OliviaWilde,FredAr- “It wassortofexperimentalinnaturebecausethe “That adjustmentwasbringingupsomanyintense “It takesahugeamountofenergytoproducefi Given thealwaysfl pandemic normalinLosAngeles. Wein, whoaremarried,werealsotryingtoadaptthe be opentomakethoseadjustmentsandseeit.” ries -howandwhythingsarerevealed.Youjusthaveto it,” saysNicks.“That’spartofwhyIlovedocumenta- rative thatbeganinthebeginning,wejustdidn’trealize Floyd protests,thatrefl a coming-of-agetale,rivenwithactivismandGeorge tive shootingopportunities.“Homeroom”morphedinto of thestudents’owncellphonefootageandmoreselec- Nicks decidedtocontinueproduction,relyingonamix ing toeradicateoffi sponding toahistoryofpolicebrutality,hadbeenpush- age andrealizedhehadarichthread.Thestudents,re- their resourcefulness. The writer-directorsZoeLister-JonesandDaryl “We startedtorecognizethatwehadapowerfulnar- With schoolclosed,Nickssiftedthroughhisfoot- cult -notjustlogistically butemotionally. ght atayoungage,howtodefend ghting, shedoesn’tgoinforgratui- Ramaphosa apartheid system,”President of the Jazz Epistles, a group that of theJazzEpistles, agroupthat to prominencein1959 asamember Soweto said inhistribute. 1985, buthesurvived,Ramaphosa was bombedbyapartheidforcesin musical activismthathishome Raised in Johannesburg’s Raised inJohannesburg’s So potentwasGwangwa’s ection itbroughton. Uncertainty uctuatingemotionalrollercoaster cers fromthehigh-schoolcampus. township, Gwangwa rose township, Gwangwa rose cial selectionofthePremieressectionat2021SundanceFilmFestival.(AP) ected alargerawakening. saidinatribute. uence extendstoall lmaboutawoman(Lis- lmmakers wasgoingto lmmaker of lmmaker Cyril rst thing.I Chinese lab.” saying “it’sdamnnearcertainthisvirushastohavebeenalteredina theory. COVID andshippedittoChina.Thereisnoevidencebackupthat suggested July afterBollingfeaturedaninterviewwithaconspiracytheoristwho occasionally appearedon“AmericaThisWeek”forinterviews. reached. a formerFoxNewsChannelpersonality,couldnotimmediatelybe sional opportunities.”Thecompanydidnotelaborate,andBolling, ter thisweek’sepisode“asErichasdecidedtopursueotherprofes- company ownsin81marketsacrossthecountry,willshutdownaf- cized formisstatementsaboutthecoronaviruspandemic. “America ThisWeek”showwith LOS ANGELES: In October,Bollingwasreportedlyeditedbyhisbossesagainafter One episodeof“AmericaThisWeek”waspulledfromtheairlast Bolling wassympathetictoformerpresident Sinclair saidtheshow,whichhasbeensenttostationsthat lm. culture, in2010. outstanding contribution inartsand South Africa’shighest honorfor awarded theOrderofIkhamanga, racial equality.Gwangwawas which wereviewedaspromoting it restrictedjazzperformances posed astateofemergencyin1960, When theapartheidregimeim- included MasekelaandIbrahim. fah isabadass.’Theegoinmewantsthemtosaythat.” she said.Latifahadded:“Hopefully,they’llstarttosay,‘Damn,Lati- for centuries,fromHatshepsuttoStaceyAbramsKamalaHarris,” Black womenontelevisionandinaleadrole.We’vebeenequalizing brains. That’swhatyouhaven’tseenenoughof,particularlyfrom He wasnominated foranOscar “I wanttoseeRobynfi Dr. AnthonyFauci realize shewasstartingafi and widespreadtollofChina’sone-childpolicy,didn’t documentary “OneChildNation”analyzedthepersonal in NewJerseywhoseSundanceprize-winning2019 YouTube footageshotworldwideinasingleday. “Life inaDay2020.”It’scomposedof15,000hours but that’sexplicitlythepurposeofKevinMacdonald’s ding resort.Mostfi in Texas,withthecastquarantiningtogetheratawed- “The BlazingWorld”withaskeletalcrewlastAugust mer. CarlsonYoungshotherfantasy-horrorthriller Earth,” ahorrorfi about?” (AP) April, Istartedthinking:OK,nowwhatisthefilm worse. Itchangedthefilm,”saysWang.“InMarch, like thatshouldn’tbehappeninginthesamewayor that Americaisamoreadvancedsocietyandthings than itoriginallystartinginChina.Ihadthisnotion grew. in America,too.Thescopeof“IntheSameBreath” another regime.Soon,shewasorganizingfilmcrews saw adifferentbutcomparablevirusresponsefrom spread beyondChina,andintheUSresponse,Wang reality. ture theyawninggapbetweenpartypropagandaand working with10cinematographersinChinatocap- feature film.HBOcameonboard.AndWangstarted film. Thenthescopeofoutbreaknecessitateda to newsoutlets.Thenshestartedplanningashort At first,shetriedhandingoffwhathadgathered chive them.” later itwouldbedeleted.Thatcompelledmetoar- Wang. “Iwouldseesomethingandthentenminutes about theoutbreakbeingcensoredinrealtime,”says posts shesawcomingoutofChinainJanuary. just kepttakingscreenshotsandrecordingsocial-media pandemic sprint. 3,500 featurefi tures, butit’snotforlackofsubmissions.Morethan so incredibletoseethewaysinwhichitnourishedme.” or aloud,‘Ican’tdoit.’Bytheendofthatday,itwas when wewentouttoshootbeforeIwouldsayquietly TheSinclairBroadcastGroupsaysitisendingits Nanfu Wang,theChina-borndocumentarianbased “The outbreakintheUSshockedmeevenmore But moretwists,ofcourse,followed.Theoutbreak Wang wasinthemidstofseveralotherprojects. “I wasseeingtheinformationaboutvirus, British fi Sundance’s slateisdownfromtheusual120fea- lmmaker BenWheatleymade“Inthe lms weresentin.Somemadeina lm setinthepandemic,oversum- Also: manufacturedthevirusthatcauses lms madein2020aretimecapsules Eric Bolling, ght, notjustwithherhands,but lm whenshedid.Atfi tively. (AP) died in2018and2019 respec- musician giants Masekelaand Zimbabwean friends andfellowAfricanmusic anniversary ofthedeathshis and which starred 1987 movie“CryFreedom,” for musichecomposedthe Gwangwa’s deathfellonthe whichhasbeencriti- Donald Trump, Kevin Kline. Oliver Mtukudzi, Denzel Washington

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ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Film

Hungry for content Sundance robust market heats up By Lindsey Bahr

hree years ago, filmmakers Julie Cohen and Betsy TWest got a dream Sundance debut. They pre- miered their film “RBG” to a sold-out crowd with Jus- tice Ruth Bader Ginsburg not only in attendance but seeing it for the first time. There was a standing ova- tion, a bidding war and a big sale. It also went on to be a major awards contender. It’s the kind of Sundance experience most filmmakers fantasize about. This year they’re returning to the festival with their follow-up, “My Name is Pauli Murray” about the somewhat obscure legal trail- blazer, and while their excite- ment remains high, the festival itself will be quite different. Like so many in the past year, Sundance has had to reinvent itself as a mostly virtual expe- rience. Still, the 2021 Festival which kicks off Thursday is shaping up to be a robust mar- ket for companies looking for Wilde content. More than 72 feature fi lms are debuting over the sev- en days. It’s slimmed-down lineup from the previous years’ 118 and some already have ways to get to audi- ences, like Robin Wright’s “Land” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” which will both be available to the masses in the coming weeks. But many this year are acquisition titles seeking distribution deals. “Buyers and sellers have found a rhythm for con- ducting business at virtual markets, to great success. And consumers are continuing to ask for more con- tent,” said Deb McIntosh, an SVP at Endeavor Con- tent. “I’m confi dent that we’ll fi nd distribution part- ners for all of our fi lms.” Julie Dansker, an executive at Shout! Studios, is Actress Cloris Leachman gestures to honoree Mel Brooks in the audience during the American Film Institute’s 41st Lifetime Achievement Award Gala on June 6, coming to the virtual festival looking for fi lms to buy 2013, in Los Angeles. Leachman, a character actor whose depth of talent brought her an Oscar for the ‘The Last Picture Show’ and Emmys for her comedic work in and Sundance, she said, always offers a variety of ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and other TV series, has died. She was 94. (AP) fi lms from established and emerging talents. Projects This year there are high profi le projects from well- Obituary known names like actor Rebecca Hall’s directorial de- but “Passing,” starring Ruth Negga and Tessa Thomp- son as two light-skinned Black women who choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1929 New York. Jerrod Carmichael is making his debut with the ‘Irreplaceable’ actor of extraordinary range dark satire “On the Count of Three” with Christopher Abbott and Tiffany Haddish. Questlove is too with his opening night documentary “Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised).” Zoe Legendary actress Leachman dies Lister-Jones also reunites with her “Craft: Legacy” star Cailee Spaeny for “How It Ends,” co-starring Ol- LOS ANGELES, Jan 28, (AP): Clo- of contestants in “Dancing With the Morgenstern (Valerie Harper). Phyl- ivia Wilde and Fred Armisen. And “CODA,” a day one fi lm from Sian Heder about a child of deaf adults, ris Leachman, an Oscar-winner for Stars,” not lasting long in the com- lis was so unexpectedly engaging that is expected to be one of the breakouts. her portrayal of a lonely housewife petition but pleasing the crowds with Leachman starred in a spinoff series As always, the documentary sections are fertile in “The Last Picture Show” and a her sparkly dance costumes, perching of her own, “Phyllis,” which ran on ground for buyers. Cohen and West’s “My Name is comedic delight as the fearsome Frau herself on judges’ laps and cussing CBS from 1975 to 1977. Pauli Murray” is among the sales titles as is Mariem Blücher in “Young Frankenstein” and during the live broadcast. With “Young Frankenstein,” Pérez Riera’s “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided self-absorbed neighbor Phyllis on She started out as Miss Chicago in Leachman became a member of “the to Go For It,” which examines how the entertainer “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” has the Miss America Pageant and will- Mel Brooks stock company,” also ap- battled racism to become one of the few performers died. She was 94. ingly accepted unglamorous screen pearing in “High Anxiety” and “His- to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Lucy Leachman died in her sleep of nat- roles. tory of the World, Part I.” Her other Walker has a documentary about the history of wild- ural causes at her home in Encinitas, “Basically I don’t care how I look, fi lms included Bogdanovich’s “Daisy fi res, “Bring Your Own Brigade” and Jonas Poher California, publicist Monique Moss ugly or beautiful,” she told an inter- Miller,” and “Texasville,” repeating Rasmussen will debut his animated refugee documen- Daryl Wein, (left), and his wife Zoe said Wednesday. Her daughter Dinah viewer in 1973. “I don’t think that’s her role in “The Last Picture Show.” tary “Flee.” Lister-Jones, the co-directors, co- Englund was at her side, Moss said. what beauty is. On a single day, any In 2009, she released her autobiog- And then there’s the more unconventional efforts writers and co-producers of ‘How It A character actor of extraordinary of us is ugly or beautiful. I’m heart- raphy, “Cloris,” which made tab- like animator Dash Shaw’s psychedelic “Cryptozoo,” Ends,’ pose together for a portrait to range, Leachman defi ed typecasting. broken I can’t be the witch in ‘The loid headlines for her recounting of featuring the voices of Lake Bell, Michael Cera and promote the film for the Sundance In her early television career, she Wizard of Oz.’ But I’d also like to a “wild” one-night stand with Gene Grace Zabriskie. Or Nattawut Poonpiriya’s Wong Film Festival, Jan 27, in Los Angeles. appeared as Timmy’s mother on the be the good witch. Phyllis combines Hackman. Kar-Wai produced drama “One for the Road” and the Lister-Jones is also a cast member in the film. (AP) “Lassie” series. She played a frontier them both. Cloris Leachman grew up on the Timur Bekmambetov-produced social media age Ro- prostitute in “Butch Cassidy and the “I’m kind of like that in life. outskirts of Des Moines, Iowa, where meo and Juliet riff “R#J.” Sundance Kid,” a crime spree fam- I’m magic, and I believe in magic. she was born in 1926. The large fam- There are boundless “discovery” opportunities for ily member in “Crazy Mama,” and There’s supposed to be a point in life ily lived in an isolated wooden house parties looking beyond the fl ashy names who might Variety Blücher in Mel Brooks’ “Young when you aren’t supposed to stay be- with no running water, but the mother just stumble upon the next Ryan Coogler or Damien Frankenstein,” in which the very lieving that. I haven’t reached it yet.” had ambitious ideas for her children. Chazelle. mention of her name drew equine Cloris took piano lessons at the age As Sundance programmer Kim Yutani said, “You During the 1950s, Leachman be- don’t really know what these fi lms are until you see NEW YORK: Halsey has something new commentary. came busy in live TV drama, demon- of 5; since the family could not afford them.” to sing about: motherhood. “Every time I hear a horse whinny I strating her versatility, including in a piano, she practiced on a cardboard Audience enthusiasm for a particular fi lm might be The pop star announced on Instagram will forever think of Cloris’ unforget- roles that represented casting stand- drawing of the keys. harder to judge virtually, though. on Wednesday that she is expecting her table Frau Blücher,” Brooks tweeted, ards of that era. “I’m going to be a concert pia- fi rst child. The 26-year-old posted photos calling Leachman “insanely talented” nist,” the girl announced, and her “There’s all this energy that happens at a festival Triumph when you’re in person that is hard to translate to a vir- of her baby bump with the caption: and “irreplaceable.” mother encouraged her with book- “surprise!” Salutes from other admiring col- “One week I’d be on as a Chinese ings at churches and civic clubs. She tual environment,” said Jordan Fields, head of acquisi- A representative for the singer didn’t tions for Shout! Studios. “But on the upside, it gives leagues poured in on social me- girl, the next as a blond cockney and arranged for Cloris to ride on a coal immediately reply to an email seeking weeks later as a dark-haired someone us the ability to judge movies a little more objectively comment or additional information. dia. Steve Martin said Leachman truck to Des Moines for an audition because we’re not necessarily infl uenced by a crowd Halsey has released three platinum al- “brought comedy’s mysteries to the else,” she recalled. In 1955, she made for a Drake University student play. who stands up to cheer it at the end.” bums and is known for hits like “Without big and small screen.” “Nothing I her fi lm debut in a hard-boiled Mick- She was given the role and appeared Me,” “Bad at Love” and “Closer” with could say would top the enormity of ey Spillane saga, “Kiss Me Deadly” in other plays at a local theater. After Streaming the Chainsmokers. my love for you,” posted Ed Asner of - “I was the naked blonde that Mike high school, she won a scholarship to And indeed, for better or worse, that in-person Halsey has since earned a #1 album “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” “Ap- Hammer picked up on that dark high- study drama at Northwestern Univer- energy has often played a role in negotiating the on the Billboard 200 with Hopeless plause on every entrance and exit,” way.” sity. price. Sometimes the hype is warranted, and you Fountain Kingdom (2017), as well as said Rosie O’Donnell. She followed with Rod Serling’s Admittedly a poor student, Leach- get a “Little Miss Sunshine.” But other times off two #2 albums with Badlands (2015) and “There was no one like Cloris. court-martial drama, “The Rack,” and man lasted only a year. As a lark the mountain, the glow fades and companies are left Manic (2020), the latter of which became With a single look she had the ability a season on “Lassie.” She continued while in the Chicago area, she tried with a flop. Prices have also been going up steadily the highest-selling debut and the most to break your heart or make you laugh in supporting roles on Broadway and out for a Miss Chicago beauty con- due to the influx of deep-pocketed streaming com- streamed album by a female artist in 2020. She has earned two #1 singles on ’till the tears ran down your face,” in movies, then achieved her triumph test and was chosen. She competed panies who don’t have to worry as much or at all Juliet Green, her longtime manager, with Peter Bogdanovich’s “The Last in the 1946 Miss America pageant in about box office returns. the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, including “Closer”, a collabora- said in a statement. Picture Show,” based on the Larry Atlantic City, qualifying as a fi nalist. Six years ago, Amazon and Netfl ix both struggled to In 1989, Leachman toured in McMurtry novel. Her consolation prize: a $1,000 talent get titles. Now, the streamers are some of the biggest tion with The Chainsmokers, and “With- out Me”; she has also attained a top-fi ve “Grandma Moses,” a play in which When Leachman received the Os- scholarship. players in the game. Last year saw Hulu and NEON single with “Bad at Love”. (Agencies) she aged from 45 to 101. For three car as best supporting actress of 1971, With new ambition, she went pay over $17.5 million (a record) for the worldwide ❑ ❑ ❑ rights to the Andy Samberg comedy “Palm Springs.” years in the 1990s she appeared in she delivered a rambling speech in directly to New York, where she “Boys State” also got a $12 million deal from Apple DOVER, Del: A Delaware judge major cities as the captain’s wife in which she thanked her piano and worked as an extra in a movie and un- and A24. This year there is an added anxiety about has approved a revised Weinstein Co the revival of “Show Boat.” In the dancing teachers and concluded: derstudied Nina Foch in the hit play content since many productions were put on hold be- bankruptcy plan that provides about $35 1993 movie version of “The Beverly “This is for Buck Leachman, who “John Loves Mary.” cause of the pandemic. million for creditors, with roughly half Hillbillies,” she assumed the Irene paid the bills.” Her father ran a lum- More understudy jobs followed, But there’s also opportunity in the fact that there that amount going to women who have Ryan role as Granny Clampett. ber mill. and she enrolled at the Actors Studio could be a bigger and more diverse audience seeing accused disgraced fi lm mogul Harvey She also had an occasional role Despite her photogenic looks, she to hone her craft. “I fi nally quit be- the fi lms who may never have had the opportunity to Weinstein of sexual misconduct. as Ida on “Malcolm in the Middle,” continued to be cast in character cause of the smoking,” she said later. attend the expensive festival. The cost of entry for the The judge approved the plan after winning Emmys in 2002 and 2006 parts. Her most indelible role was “I couldn’t stand that blue haze.” virtual fi lms is $15 a ticket and many are sold out. a hearing Monday, overruling objec- for that show. Her Emmy haul over Phyllis Lindstrom on “The Mary Ty- In 1953, Leachman married tions by attorneys representing producer “Taking Sundance off the mountain and to the Alexandra Canosa and actresses Wedil the years totaled eight, including ler Moore Show.” George Englund, later a fi lm director whole country will be a beautiful way to commune David and Dominique Huett, who have two trophies for Moore’s sitcom, Phyllis often visited Mary’s apart- and producer, and they had fi ve chil- together over our shared love and need for artistic ex- accused Weinstein of sexual assault, and tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus ment, bringing laments about her dren: Adam, Bryan, George, Morgan pression,” said McIntosh. a former Weinstein Co employee who as the top Emmy winners among husband Lars and caustic remarks and Dinah. The couple divorced in There have already been a few pre-Festival deals. claims she was subjected to a hostile performers. about Mary and especially about her 1979. Son Bryan Englund was found RLJE Films on Tuesday announced that it had acquired work environment. In 2008, Leachman joined the ranks adversary, another tenant, Rhoda dead in 1986 at age 30. the Nicolas Cage fi lm “Prisoners of the Ghostland,” The settlement amount is $11.5 mil- Magnolia Pictures took the rights to “A Glitch in the lion less than under a previous plan, Matrix” from “Room 237” director Rodney Ascher, which was scrapped after a federal Bleecker Street snagged the Ed Helms drama “Together judge in New York refused to approve a Together” and Juno Films picked up the documentary proposed $19 million settlement between will go to a liquidation trust for resolv- claims. A claimant who elects not to “The Most Beautiful Boy” about Swedish actor Bjorn Weinstein and some of his accusers. The ing non-sexual misconduct claims, and release Weinstein but to retain the Andresen. But many are holding back pre-screenings settlement in that purported class-action $9.7 million will be used to reimburse option to sue him in another court and waiting until the actual Sundance premiere. lawsuit was a key component of the defense costs for former company would receive 25% of the value of her initial bankruptcy plan. offi cials other than Weinstein. The bankruptcy claim. “I’m still excited,” said Hall, whose “Passing” pre- plan also releases those offi cials from According to court records, 55 sexual mieres Saturday. “But would I rather that we were all Roughly half of the approved settle- ment, about $17 million, is allocated liability for tort claims related to Wein- misconduct claims were fi led in the together wandering through the snow, freezing cold for a single sexual misconduct claims stein’s conduct. bankruptcy case, with 39 holders of such and, you know, trudging down Main Street? Yes, I fund, down from about $25.7 million Holders of sexual misconduct claims claims voting in favor of the plan and would, because that communal experience is part of allocated for three separate categories will receive 100% of the liquidated eight voting against it. Among holders it.” (AP) of sexual misconduct claims under the value of their claims if they agree of general unsecured claims, 81, or 96%, previous plan. Another $8.4 million to release Weinstein from all legal Weinstein Halsey voted for the plan. (AP) ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 SPORTS 14

Former IBU president Besseberg accused of lobbying intensely for Russia’s interests Biathlon report outlines corrupt conduct, favors for Russia SALZBURG, Austria, Jan 28, (AP): A report commissioned The commission did not have access to bank account data, The report said Besseberg declined to answer questions while by the International Biathlon Union stated Thursday there but said Norwegian authorities were investigating whether a criminal investigation into his conduct remains open, and was evidence of “systematic corrupt and unethical conduct Besseberg illicitly received money or other benefi ts. Resch said she couldn’t be interviewed for health reasons. at the very top” of the governing body, especially in protect- Former IBU general secretary Nicole Resch is accused of Besides his IBU role, Besseberg was formerly a member ing Russia on doping issues. having failed to request extra testing of Russian athlete Evg- of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s foundation board repre- The report, published in a redacted version, accuses for- eny Ustyugov at the doping-tainted 2014 Sochi Olympics senting Winter Olympic sports until he stepped down in 2018. mer IBU president Anders Besseberg of lobbying intensely after indications of “highly abnormal values” in his blood. “The allegations featured in this report are abhorrent to for Russia’s interests while showing little appetite for pursu- Ustyugov went on to win a gold medal but was stripped of all who care about sport integrity,” WADA president Witold ing doping cases which might embarrass the country. the honor last year after a ban over a separate allegation of Banka said in a statement. “However, it is to the credit of the It also said Besseberg, who ran biathlon for 25 years, was past steroid use. IBU that in the wake of this scandal, it has taken signifi cant taken on hunting and fi shing trips for free in Russia and had steps to enhance the integrity of its anti-doping program.” IBU employees transport his trophies home to Norway. The The report could lead to more athletes being charged over report cites evidence from a police investigation that Besse- BIATHLON past doping offenses. Jonathan Taylor, who chaired the com- berg admitted he “received the service of a prostitute” while mission, said it unearthed a previously unnoticed tactic used staying in Moscow, which he believed had been paid for by The report also said Resch offered “undercover” help with by the Russian anti-doping agency from 2012-14 to conceal a third party. doping appeals by three Russians and tried to infl uence the apparent doping. The commission which wrote the report said Besseberg chair of an anti-doping panel considering a case the IBU Taylor said it involved holding on to suspicious blood “appears, in the view of the Commission, to have had no In this Feb 13, 2009 fi le photo, Anders Besseberg, presi- brought against another Russian. data and entering it into the global anti-doping system only regard for ethical values and no real interest in protecting dent of International Biathlon Union, or IBU, (right), lis- Besseberg is also accused of failing to act on allegations much later, so that “the values found of athlete biological the sport from cheating,” and that he did only the “absolute tens to IBU Secretary General Nicole Resch before a of bribery, both when one Russian offi cial supposedly tried samples were not matched to the athlete until many months minimum” on anti-doping issues. press conference of the IBU Biathlon World Champion- to buy votes at an IBU congress and when Resch said she or years after the fact.” The report accuses the IBU leadership of repeated failures ships in Pyeongchang, east of Seoul, South Korea. (AP) was offered a jewelry box by another offi cial in 2008 or 2009 Evidence which wasn’t acted on while Besseberg and to even look for evidence in Russian doping cases. With re- when doping cases were being investigated. She said she did Resch ran the IBU was still available for other investigations, gard to blood doping, the report says a cover-up was impos- tory director Grigory Rodchenkov, who said he overheard not accept the box or open it. Taylor said, as was a syringe containing traces of blood and sible because the athletes’ profi les hadn’t been checked for a conversation between two Russian offi cials about a sum Both Besseberg and Resch stepped down from their posts the banned substance EPO. The syringe was found discarded signs of doping. of $200,000 to $300,000 which was supposedly paid to in 2018, shortly after a raid on the IBU’s headquarters by Aus- at a World Cup venue in 2015 but a DNA sample from the There is testimony from Moscow anti-doping labora- Besseberg and that Russia had “leverage” over Besseberg. trian police. Neither has been charged or convicted of a crime. blood was never matched with any athlete. Sevilla cruise to 3-0 win over Valencia Man U slump to surprise loss; Messi returns, Barcelona pip Rayo in Copa del Rey Tuchel’s ‘debut’ ends in draw MADRID, Jan 28, (AP): Lionel Messi returned from suspension to help Barce- lona avoid an upset in the Copa del Rey, scoring a goal and setting up another in Burnley twice come from behind to beat Villa 3-2 in EPL a 2-1 come-from-behind win over sec- ond-division club Rayo Vallecano in the LONDON, Jan 28, (AP): round of 16. Messi, coming off a two-game sus- Just when Manchester pension for hitting an opponent during United’s players were the Spanish Super Cup fi nal, scored an equalizer in the 69th minute and led starting to have the look the buildup to Frenkie de Jong’s 80th- of potential champions, minute winner that put Barcelona into they threw in their sloppi- the last eight of the Copa for an 11th straight season. est performance of the sea- De Jong also helped set up Messi’s son to lose to the Premier goal with a perfect through ball to An- League’s worst team. toine Griezmann, who crossed for the A 2-1 home loss to last-place Argentine playmaker to score his 18th Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, (right), Sheffi eld United not only prevent- goal in 11 matches against Rayo. duels for the ball with Rayo’s Anto- Fran García had put the hosts ahead nio Cortes during a Spanish Copa ed Man United from returning to on a breakaway in the 63rd. fi rst place at the expense of fi erce del Rey round of 16 soccer match rival Manchester City. It also un- between Rayo Vallecano and FC SOCCER Barcelona at the Vallecas Stadium in did much of the impressive work Madrid, Spain, on Jan 27. (AP) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team has produced in recent months, expos- Barcelona needed extra time to ad- champion will be trying to reach the vance past third-division club Cornellá semifi nals for the fi rst time since 2013. ing its lack of depth and defensive in the round of 32. It also played extra Valencia won its eighth Copa title in frailties in an alarming 90 minutes time in both Spanish Super Cup matches 2019 and reached the quarter-fi nals last at Old Trafford. this year - a win against Real Sociedad season, before losing to Granada. Suddenly, it’s advantage Man City in the semifi nals and a loss to Athletic De Jong scored in the 20th and 33rd in a title race that has ebbed and flowed Bilbao in the fi nal. minutes at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán all season. City, which has won its last Messi was sent off in that fi nal Stadium, and Rakitic added the third in seven games, leads by a point from against Athletic on Jan 17. He missed the 38th with a neat lob over Valencia United and has a game in hand over its the game against Cornellà and against goalkeeper Jaume Doménech from in- Elche in the Spanish league. Barcelona side the area. won both matches 2-0. Every Sevilla player touched the ball SOCCER Luuk de Jong scored two fi rst-half in the buildup of the second goal by De Sheffi eld United’s Billy Sharp, (left), and Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe battle for the ball during the English goals as Sevilla cruised to a 3-0 win over Jong. neighbor around the halfway stage. Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Sheffi eld United at Old Trafford, Manchester, Valencia, reaching the quarter-fi nals for The bad news for Sevilla was that A series of defensive blunders led to England, on Jan 27. (AP) the second time in three seasons. captain Jesús Navas had to be replaced Sheffield United’s deflected 74th-min- Ivan Rakitic also scored in the fi rst because of an apparent muscle injury in ute winner - scored by Oliver Burke - half for Sevilla, which also made it to the the 65th. Sevilla sits fourth in the Span- that also enlivened the battle to avoid last eight in 2019. The fi ve-time Copa ish league standings. relegation. Juve, Atalanta reach Italian Cup semis That’s two victories in three league matches for Chris Wilder’s team, TURIN, Italy, Jan 28, (AP): Juven- will face Inter Milan, which eliminat- Juventus is seeking a record- which was winless until beating tus eased past second-division ed AC Milan in a derby on Tuesday. extending 14th Cup title after losing French sailor Bestaven ‘wins’ Newcastle on Jan. 12 and heading for team Spal 4-0 to reach the Ital- Morata converted a penalty af- last season’s fi nal to Napoli. one of the worst campaigns in the ian Cup semifi nals despite resting ter a foul on Adrien Rabiot before Earlier, 10-man Atalanta beat Premier League’s 29-year history. regulars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Frabotta added the second in the visiting Lazio 3-2 and will next face solo global race after 80 days Now, the gap to safety is only 10 points and the so-called “great escape” Paulo Dybala. 33rd minute. either Napoli or Spezia, who play LES SABLES-D’OLONNE, France, fi nish line - that honor went to country- could be on. Alvaro Morata and Gianluca Kulusevski scored Juve’s third Thursday. Jan 28, (AP): French sailor Yannick man Charlie Dalin, who arrived in Les Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge Frabotta scored fi rst-half goals for in the 78th on a counterattack af- Aleksei Miranchuk scored the Bestaven won the Vendee Globe solo Sables-d’Olonne on Wednesday night. of Chelsea ended in a 0-0 draw at home Juventus while Dejan Kulusevski ter being set up by Chiesa, who winner for Atalanta four minutes round-the-world race after more than Bestaven, the skipper of Maitre Coq and Federico Chiesa added late completed the rout in injury time by after teammate José Luis Palomino to Wolves, while Burnley twice came 80 days and an unusually close fi nal IV, wrapped up his odyssey in the strikes. dribbling around the goalkeeper to was shown a direct red card for a early hours of Thursday behind Dalin In the two-leg semifi nals, Juventus deposit the ball into an empty net. foul on Manuel Lazzari. few hours to determine the winner on Thursday. and Louis Burton. But thanks to a time Bestaven wasn’t the fi rst to cross the bonus he earned for helping to rescue from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2. Tuanzebe and went in off the underside A new 3-4-2-1 formation. A funky a competitor, he was declared the win- England goalkeeper Jordan of the crossbar. deployment of some players, including ner in 80 days, 3 hours, 44 minutes, 46 Pickford’s error allowed third-place That gave Sheffield United the lead two No. 10s and a forward in Callum Leicester to equalize in the second half for the second time, with Kean Bryan’s Hudson-Odoi at wing back. A posses- in a 1-1 draw at Everton, while Brighton 23rd-minute header from a corner hav- sion-based approach that resulted in SAILING and Fulham drew 0-0. ing been canceled out by Harry more passes made (820) than any other Man United’s players have made a Maguire’s header, which also came team in a single game this season. seconds. Dalin was 2 1/2 hours behind. habit of coming from behind to win from a corner in the 64th from left back Thomas Tuchel certainly put his tac- Bestaven was given a time compensa- games in the league - they have done so Alex Telles. tical stamp on Chelsea in his first match tion of 10 hours, 15 minutes by an inter- seven times, all away from home - but Solskjaer rotated his squad by field- in charge of the team. A win proved national jury for his role in late Novem- they came up short this time against ing Tuanzebe, United’s fourth-choice elusive for the German coach, however. ber in the search and rescue of Kevin Sheffield United, conceding a winning center back, and Telles while resting In a game that highlighted the size of Escoffi er, who capsized 200 miles (320 goal Solskjaer described as “so poor, so central midfielders Fred and Scott the job facing Tuchel following his kilometers) west of Cape Horn. sloppy.” McTominay, who have been instru- arrival Tuesday as Frank Lampard’s German yachtsman Boris Herrmann Goalkeeper David De Gea passed the mental to United’s unbeaten three- replacement, Chelsea labored to a 0-0 also took part in the rescue of Escoffi er Chelsea’s new head coach Thom- ball out straight to visiting midfielder month run in the league. draw with Wolves that heralded the and received bonus time but his chanc- as Tuchel reacts during the English John Lundstram, who passed for Burke Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba start of another era at a club where es of winning the race vanished when Premier League soccer match be- to have a shot that was blocked by Axel regularly misplaced passes in midfield managerial changes are commonplace. Frenchman Yannick Bestaven holds he collided with a fi shing boat in the tween Chelsea and Wolverhamp- Tuanzebe. Lundstram collected the and United missed the presence in Still, Chelsea is languishing in eighth his trophy after winning the Vendee Bay of Biscay late Wednesday, around ton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge loose ball and again fed Burke, who attack of Edinson Cavani, who was also place, five points off the top four, and Globe solo round-the-world sail- 90 nautical miles from the end. He had Stadium in London, England, on was given time and space to send in a benched. United next plays away to has just two wins from its last nine ing race on Jan 28, in Les Sables- to slow down because of a damaged Jan 27. (AP) shot that struck the outstretched leg of Arsenal on Saturday. games. d’Olonne, western France. (AP) starboard foil. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 SPORTS 15

No. 14 Wisconsin weathers Maryland comeback in 61-55 win Mitchell drops 31 for No. 2 Baylor in rout of Kansas State WACO, Texas, Jan 28, (AP): Davion Mitchell and No. 2 Baylor again over- whelmed Kansas State in another lop- sided game. Mitchell made seven 3-pointers while scoring 31 points, besting his ca- reer high of 20 set last month against the Wildcats, and undefeated Baylor matched its second-best start in team history with a 107-59 victory. The former transfer from Auburn missed his fi rst two shots, but went on to fi nish 12-of-16 shooting, including 7-of-9 beyond the arc. He had a span of just over three minutes after halftime when he hit four 3s while making fi ve consecutive shots for Baylor (15-0, 8-0 Big 12). Wisconsin 61, Maryland 55 In College Park, Md., Micah Pot- ter had 23 points and 12 rebounds and No. 14 Wisconsin slipped past Mary- land 61-55 after blowing most of an 18-point halftime lead. D’Mitrik Trice added 13 to help the Badgers (13-4, 7-3 Big Ten) avenge a surprise loss to the Terrapins (9-8, 3-7) last month and bounce back from a home defeat to Ohio State over the weekend. Wisconsin fi nished with a 38-31 rebounding advantage and limited the Terrapins to 36 percent shooting. Clemson 54, Louisville 50 In Clemson, S.C., Clemson coach Brad Brownell was happy with the victory. He was even happier with the toughness his Tigers showed in break- ing their demoralizing losing streak. BASKETBALL

Aamir Simms had 16 points, Al- Amir Dawes added 15 and Clemson turned up the defense to beat No. 25 Louisville 54-50 on Wednesday night. The Tigers (10-4, 4-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) snapped their three-game losing streak by holding Louisville (10-4, 5-3) to a season-low in points and dynamic guard Carlik Jones to just 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting. Utah St. 83, UNLV 74 Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Carpenter (22) scores a goal against Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) in the third period of an NHL hockey game, on Jan 27, in Nashville, In Las Vegas, Rollie Worster had 19 Tennessee. (AP) points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals to lead all fi ve Utah State starters scoring in double fi gures and Drake 78, Missouri St. 73 the Aggies beat UNLV 83-74. In Springfi eld, Mo., Shanquan Neemias Queta, Justin Bean and Hemphill had a career-high 24 points Brock Miller added 13 points apiece as Drake won its 15th consecutive Duchene scores in shootout, and Marco Anthony scored 12 for Utah game to start the season, narrowly de- State (13-5, 10-2 Mountain West). feating Missouri State 78-73. Bean had nine rebounds and two steals Roman Penn had 18 points for and Queta grabbed eight rebounds and Drake (15-0, 6-0 Missouri Valley Con- blocked two shots. David Jenkins Jr. ference). D.J. Wilkins added 11 points. led UNLV (6-7, 3-3) with 29 points Tremell Murphy had 10 points. and Moses Wood scored 11. Predators edge Blackhawks Colorado 70, Washington St. 58 Colorado St. 78, Boise St. 56 In Boulder, Colorado, McKinley In Fort Collins, Colorado, David Wright IV scored 10 of his 16 points Roddy had a career-high 27 points plus in the fi nal eight-plus minutes, Jeriah Miller, Motte lift Canucks over slumping Senators 5-1 15 rebounds as Colorado State extend- Horne hit 3 of 5 from 3-point range ed its home win streak to seven games, and fi nished with 15 points, and Col- easily beating Boise State 78-56. orado held on for a 70-58 win over NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Isaiah Stevens had 12 points and 10 Washington State. Jan 28, (AP): Matt Duch- assists for Colorado State (12-3, 9-2 Wright made 11 of 11 from the free- NHL Results/Standings Mountain West Conference). He also throw line and fi nished with seven as- ene scored the only goal committed eight turnovers. John Tonje sists. Evan Battey added 14 points for of the shootout to give the added 11 points. Kendle Moore had 11 Colorado (13-4, 7-3 Pac-12). Nashville Predators a 2-1 WASHINGTON, Jan 28, (AP): Results points. Houston Baptist 73, UIW 57 and standings from the NHL games on Colorado State dominated the fi rst victory over the Chicago Wednesday. half and led 40-25 at halftime. The In San Antonio, Darius Lee came Blackhawks. Nashville 2 Chicago SO 1 Broncos’ 31 points in the second half off the bench to score 19 points to lift Vancouver 5 Ottawa 1 were a season low for the team. Houston Baptist to a 73-57 win over Nick Cousins had the regulation East Division Derrick Alston Jr. had 20 points for Incarnate Word. goal for Nashville. Juuse Saros GP W L OT Pts GF GA the Broncos (13-2, 9-1), whose 13- Pedro Castro had 14 points and sev- made 29 saves. Washington 7 4 0 3 11 25 23 en rebounds for Houston Baptist (3- Ryan Carpenter had the Chicago Boston 6 4 1 1 9 18 12 game winning streak came to an end. Philadelphia 7 4 2 1 9 25 25 Marcus Shaver Jr. added 10 points. 12, 2-5 Southland Conference), which goal. The Blackhawks have dropped Pittsburgh 7 4 2 1 9 23 26 Mladen Armus had seven rebounds. broke its fi ve-game losing streak. Bry- two in a row, but have earned at least New Jersey 6 3 2 1 7 14 16 cen Long added 10 points. one standings point in their last fi ve Buffalo 7 3 3 1 7 21 21 SE Louisiana 69, Central Arkan- Keaston Willis had 14 points for the games. NY Islanders 6 3 3 0 6 11 11 sas 57 Cardinals (6-7, 3-3). Brandon Swaby NY Rangers 6 1 4 1 3 15 18 In Hammond, La., Isiah Kirby re- added 10 points. Des Balentine had 10 ICE HOCKEY Central Division corded 17 points and 11 rebounds to points and eight rebounds. GP W L OT Pts GF GA lead Southeastern Louisiana to a 69-57 Arkansas 74, Ole Miss 59 Nashville 7 4 3 0 8 17 20 win over Central Arkansas. In the tiebreaker, Duchene skated Columbus 7 2 2 3 7 18 22 Keon Clergeot had 15 points for In Fayetteville, Ark., JD Notae Chicago 8 2 3 3 7 22 28 down the center of the ice, froze Chi- Dallas 3 3 0 0 6 12 3 Southeastern Louisiana (5-11, 3-4 scored 19 points to lead Arkansas to a 74-59 victory over Mississippi for its cago goaltender Kevin Lankinen with Florida 3 3 0 0 6 14 9 Southland Conference). Joe Kasper- a forehand move before lifting a back- Tampa Bay 4 3 1 0 6 15 10 zyk added 13 points. Gus Okafor had third straight win. Detroit 7 2 4 1 5 13 22 10 points. The Razorbacks closed the first hand under the crossbar of the fallen Carolina 3 2 1 0 4 9 6 Rylan Bergersen had 13 points and half on a 10-4 surge for a 37-25 half- goaltender. West Division six assists for the Bears (3-12, 2-5), time advantage and led by double Lankinen fi nished with 41 saves in GP W L OT Pts GF GA regulation and overtime, including 20 who have now lost fi ve games in a digits the rest of the way. A 12-2 run Vegas 7 5 1 1 11 23 17 row. Collin Cooper added 10 points. made it 53-33 with about 10 minutes in the third period. St. Louis 7 4 2 1 9 22 27 SK Shittu had 10 rebounds. left. Canucks 5, Senators 1 Colorado 7 4 3 0 8 25 18 The Razorbacks (13-4, 5-4 South- Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (40) battles with Ottawa Sena- Los Angeles 7 3 2 2 8 22 21 In Vancouver, British Columbia, tors defenseman Thomas Chabot (72) during the second period of an NHL Anaheim 7 3 2 2 8 12 14 eastern Conference) have won nine of J.T. Miller had two goals and an assist, hockey game, on Jan 27, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP) Minnesota 7 4 3 0 8 19 17 their last 12 games against Ole Miss Tyler Motte scored twice and the Van- San Jose 7 3 4 0 6 22 28 Arizona 7 2 4 1 5 17 20 (8-7, 3-5). couver Canucks handed the Ottawa coming midway through the fi rst pe- the 2021-22 season. Devontae Shuler scored 19 points Senators their sixth straight loss, 5-1. riod when he stood down Tkachuk on The club promoted assistant gen- North Division for Ole Miss. Jarkel Joiner had 11 Elias Pettersson also had a goal and a breakaway. eral manager Patrick Allvin to serve GP W L OT Pts GF GA points and Luis Rodriguez 10. an assist, and Thatcher Demko made The Vancouver goalie faced a fl ur- as general manager on an interim basis Toronto 8 6 2 0 12 26 22 Montreal 6 4 0 2 10 29 18 Sam Houston St. 75, Texas 42 saves for Vancouver. ry of action on Ottawa’s fi rst power while the club searches for a perma- Winnipeg 7 5 2 0 10 28 21 A&M-CC 70 Ottawa’s lone goal came from Josh play, with the Canucks’ penalty kill- nent replacement. Vancouver 9 4 5 0 8 32 35 In Corpus Christi, Texas, Demarkus Norris on a power play in the fi rst peri- ers struggling to clear the puck from Rutherford arrived in Pittsburgh Edmonton 8 3 5 0 6 23 29 od. Marcus Hogberg stopped 30 shots. in the summer of 2014 following the Calgary 5 2 2 1 5 16 13 Lampley had 21 points as Sam Hous- around the crease. Norris took advan- Ottawa 7 1 5 1 3 16 32 ton extended its win streak to 10 The Senators haven’t won since beat- tage of the commotion and buried a team’s second-round fl ameout against Note: Two points for a win one point for games, edging past Texas A&M-Cor- ing Toronto 5-3 in its season opener wrist shot 8:16 into the period, tying the New York Rangers. overtime loss. The top four teams in each pus Christi 75-70. Jan. 15. Following an uneven fi rst season in division will qualify for playoffs under this the game at 1-1. season’s temporary realignment. Zach Nutall had 18 points and seven The Canucks sealed it 11:46 into the ❑ ❑ ❑ which the Penguins made little head- rebounds for Sam Houston (13-5, 7-0 third period after Jay Beagle collected way under head coach Mike Johnston, Southland Conference). Tristan Ikpe the puck from a messy faceoff. He Pittsburgh Penguins general man- Rutherford’s rebuild picked up steam fully defend its championship. Ruth- added 12 points. sent it careening to the front of the net, ager Jim Rutherford, a Hockey Hall in December 2015 when he replaced erford’s resignation comes with Pitts- Kansas State guard Mike McGuirl Simeon Fryer scored a season-high where it defl ected in off Motte. of Famer who helped lead the team to Johnston with Mike Sullivan and cre- burgh off to a solid 4-2-1 start. (00) has his shot blocked by Baylor 22 points for the Islanders (3-10, 0-4), Motte has fi ve goals, surpassing the a pair of Stanley Cup titles, resigned ated a roster around stars Sidney Cros- “It has been a great honor to serve as forward Flo Thamba (0) in the first who have now lost four games in a four he scored for Vancouver in 34 regu- abruptly. by and Evgeni Malkin built on speed. general manager of the Penguins, and half of an NCAA college basketball row. Myles Smith added 16 points and lar-season appearances in 2019-20. The 71-year-old Rutherford cited The Penguins won consecutive to hang two more Stanley Cup banners game on Jan 27, in Waco, Texas. six rebounds. De’Lazarus Keys had 11 Demko was tested early and often, “personal reasons” in making the de- Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, the at PPG Paints Arena,” Rutherford said (AP) rebounds. with one of his best saves of the night cision. He was under contract through fi rst team in a generation to success- in a statement. Ex-NFL players hold mentoring sessions with prospects No. 24 West Virginia women win Texans hire Ravens assistant Culley as coach seventh straight, top Texas Tech LUBBOCK, Texas, Jan 28, (AP): taineers’ six 3-pointers. It was her HOUSTON, Jan 28, (AP): David Culley Senior Bowl players are spending handling the fi nancial windfall some violence assault following his arrest Kysre Gondrezick had 24 points, six ninth game this season scoring 20- has been hired as the coach of the Hous- their days this week meeting with NFL can expect. last weekend. rebounds and four assists, and No. 24 plus, and the 19th of her career. ton Texans, a person familiar with the teams and getting practice instructions Most of the Wheeler was additionally charged West Virginia beat Texas Tech 73-53 Martinez fi nished with 16 points hiring told The Associated Press. from NFL coaches. They get a differ- Senior Bowl with domestic violence unlawful im- for its seventh straight win. and nine rebounds for the Mountain- The person spoke to the AP on con- ent sort of tutorial in the evenings. players will prisonment and resisting arrest by eers. Jasmine Carson had 12 points off dition of anonymity because the hiring make plenty King County Prosecutors. Wheeler is BASKETBALL the bench and Kari Niblack added 10 hasn’t been announced. It will be the FOOTBALL more than that, scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 9. points and nine rebounds. fi rst head coaching job for the 65-year- and face a dif- ❑ ❑ ❑ Vivian Gray had 18 points and 10 ferent set of Gondrezick scored 14 points in rebounds to lead Texas Tech (8-8, old Culley, who has worked as an as- Jason Witten says he is retiring sistant for the Baltimore Ravens since Former NFL players including Tony challenges. the first half and Esmery Martinez 3-7). It was her second straight double- Richardson and Pro Football Hall of again, apparently for good this time. 2019. ❑ ❑ ❑ added 10 to help West Virginia (12- double, and she is now 11 points shy Famer Aeneas Williams serve as men- The longtime Dallas Cowboys tight 2, 6-2 Big 12) build a 36-25 lead. of 1,500 career points. Lexi Gordon He becomes the fourth coach in tors for the prospects ahead of Sat- Former end who spent his fi nal season with the The Mountaineers closed the third added 11 points and eight rebounds. Texans history, replacing Bill O’Brien, urday’s game. This year, that means Culley Seattle Se- Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 told ESPN quarter on a 12-6 run for a 54-40 ad- West Virginia, which is ranked for who was fi red after the team opened virtual sessions on Wednesday and ahawks of- that he was walking away “knowing vantage, and held a double-digit lead the fi rst time since Jan. 20 of last sea- the season 0-4. Thursday that are meant to help them fensive lineman Chad Wheeler was that for 17 seasons I gave it my abso- the rest of the way. son, plays at TCU on Saturday. Texas ❑ ❑ ❑ adjust to life in the league - including charged with first-degree domestic lute all.” Gondrezick made four of the Moun- Tech plays at Texas. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 29-30, 2021 16

Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, (left), and Burnley’s Chris Wood challenge for the ball during the English Pre- mier League soccer match between Burnley and Aston Villa at Turf Moor Stadium in Burnley, England, on Jan 27. (AP) – See Page 14 Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com

NBA Results/Standings

Harris stars, 76ers hand WASHINGTON, Jan 28, (AP): Results and standings from the NBA games on Wednesday. Indiana 116 Charlotte 106 Philadelphia 107 LA Lakers 106 Sacramento 121 Orlando 107 San Antonio 110 Boston 106 Cleveland 122 Detroit 107 Oklahoma City 102 Phoenix 97 Denver 109 Miami 82 Utah 116 Dallas 104 Milwaukee 115 Toronto 108 New Orleans 124 Washington 106 Brooklyn 132 Atlanta OT 128 Golden State 123 Minnesota 111 Lakers first road defeat Eastern Conference Western Conference Atlantic Division Southwest Division W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Philadelphia 13 6 .684 - San Antonio 10 8 .556 - Brooklyn 12 8 .600 1-1/2 Memphis 7 6 .538 -1/2 Durant leads Nets past Hawks 132-128 in OT Boston 10 7 .588 2 Dallas 8 10 .444 2 New York 8 11 .421 5 Houston 7 9 .438 2 Toronto 7 11 .389 5-1/2 New Orleans 6 10 .375 3 Southeast Division Northwest Division PHILADELPHIA, Jan 28, W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Atlanta 9 9 .500 - Utah 14 4 .778 - (AP): Tobias Harris made Orlando 8 11 .421 1-1/2 Denver 11 7 .611 3 Charlotte 7 11 .389 2 Portland 9 7 .563 4 a jumper with 3 seconds Miami 6 11 .353 2-1/2 Oklahoma City 8 9 .471 5-1/2 left, ending the Lakers’ Washington 3 11 .214 4 Minnesota 4 13 .235 9-1/2 Central Division Pacific Division 13-0 run and sending the W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Milwaukee 11 6 .647 - LA Lakers 14 5 .737 - Philadelphia 76ers to a Indiana 11 7 .611 -1/2 LA Clippers 13 5 .722 -1/2 107-106 victory over Los Cleveland 9 9 .500 2-1/2 Golden State 10 8 .556 3-1/2 Chicago 7 10 .412 4 Phoenix 8 8 .500 4-1/2 Angeles. Detroit 4 14 .222 7-1/2 Sacramento 7 10 .412 6 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit a 3-pointer with 1:05 left that pulled the Lakers to 105-104. LeBron SAfrica in trouble at 187-4 James hit Anthony Davis for the go-ahead basket with 11.2 seconds to go for a 106-105 lead and cap Pakistan seize control of that run. Harris scored 24 points. Joel Em- biid had 28 and Ben Simmons had 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. 1st Test with 3 late wkts James scored 34 points, and Davis had 23. Embiid appeared to have hurt KARACHI, Pakistan, Jan 28, (AP): his back when he was knocked down Pakistan grabbed three late wickets by by James. its spinners and left South Africa in Embiid, the All-Star center off to the trouble at 187-4 in its second innings best start of his career, drove down the at stumps on day three of the fi rst Test baseline for an attempted right-handed on Thursday. dunk when James pushed him in flight. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Embiid crashed hard on his tailbone, Dussen led South Africa’s resistance immediately grabbed his back and in overturning a 158-run fi rst-innings writhed on the court in pain as James defi cit. Their half-centuries in a gritty simply looked down and walked past 127-run stand nosed the Proteas ahead him. After a short video review, James after tea, but both batsmen were dis- was hit with a flagrant 1 -- “unneces- missed within the day’s last 33 balls, sary contact committed by a player along with Faf du Plessis for 10. against an opponent” -- and Embiid South Africa was effectively 29-4 sank both free throws. with two days to play. Legspinner Yasir Shah bagged 3-53 Jazz 116, Mavericks 104 - six for the match - and Nauman Ali In Salt Lake City, Rudy Gobert 1-27. had seasons high of 29 points and 20 “The wicket has started to take turn rebounds, Jordan Clarkson added a and there is also some bounce for the season-high 31 points, and Utah beat spinners,” Shah said. “Tomorrow, we Dallas for itsr 10th straight victory. will try to bowl them out quickly so South Africa’s Aiden Markram Gobert also had three blocks and that we do not have to chase that many plays a shot during the third day of three steals to help the Jazz pass the runs for victory.” the first cricket Test match between Lakers for the NBA’s best record at Aiden Markram made 74 and Van Pakistan and South Africa at the 14-4. der Dussen 64, digging in together for National Stadium, in Karachi, Paki- nearly 3 1/2 hours. At stumps, captain stan, on Jan 28. (AP) Quinton de Kock was yet to score and BASKETBALL nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj was 2 cit in the same over when he guided not out. Ashraf through gully to third man for a The teams will complete the two- boundary before falling to Shah. game set in Utah on Friday night. Shah ended Pakistan’s innings in the Joe Ingles had a season-high 21 points CRICKET fi rst hour with a fl ourish, making an un- - on seven 3-pointers - and eight assists beaten 38 off 37 balls and sharing a 55- for Utah. He matched his career high Shah ended the threatening stand by run, last-wicket stand with Nauman, 24. with the seven 3s, falling one shy of ty- Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, (center), goes up for a shot between Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, (right), having Van der Dussen caught close Pakistan recovered from 33-4 on ing the franchise record. The Jazz played and Marc Gasol during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Jan 27, in Philadelphia. (AP) to the wicket, and then had du Plessis day one to post a commendable total without leading scorer Donovan Mitch- plumb leg before wicket off a sharp on the back of Fawad Alam’s patient ell after he entered the NBA concussion tokounmpo had 24 points, 18 rebounds season-high 32 points and New Or- Anthony Edwards in a matchup of last century and contributions from the leans beat depleted Washington. googly. Du Plessis made a successful protocol. Ingles made his first start of the and nine assists, and Donte DiVincen- year’s top two draft selections. lbw video referral before he scored and lower order. season in Mitchell’s place. zo sparked a five-point sequence in the Bradley Beal almost single-handed- Edwards, who like Wiseman is just was also dropped on 6. Kagiso Rabada’s 200th Test wicket fourth quarter that helped Milwaukee ly kept the reeling Wizards in striking 19, also scored 25 points for his sec- Nuggets 109, Heat 82 Nauman secured Pakistan’s advan- was the highlight for South Africa after beat Toronto. distance with 47 points. ond-highest total with Minnesota. tage when he induced Markram for- Pakistan resumed on day three at 308- In Miami, Nikola Jokic had 21 points The Bucks (11-6) were leading by just and 11 rebounds and Denver won its Pacers 116, Hornets 106 Kings 121, Magic 107 ward to block and the ball nicked the 8. Rabada reached the milestone in his three points after a dunk by DiVincenzo, In Charlotte, N.C., Doug McDer- In Orlando, Florida, Buddy Hield bat’s shoulder and gave Abid his sec- fi rst over of the day when he uprooted fifth straight, building a 25-point half- who followed with a steal and drew time lead and beating Miami, mott scores 28 points, Damontas Sa- scored a season-best 29 points, hitting ond catch at silly point. Hasan Ali’s middle stump as the bats- a flagrant foul on Kyle Lowry. After bonis had 22 points, 11 rebounds and hit seven 3-pointers, and well-rested Earlier, Pakistan was bowled out for man attempted a reckless pull on 21. Michael Porter Jr. scored 17 points, DiVincenzo made the two free throws, JaMychal Green added 15 and Jamal 10 assists and Indiana beat Charlotte. Sacramento beat Orlando. 378 in the morning, Shah leading the The fast bowler, playing his 44th Murray had 14 for Denver. The Nug- the Bucks took the ball out of bounds and Questionable coming into the game Sacramento was playing for the tailenders with an unbeaten 38 valu- Test, became the youngest South Af- gets are 4-0 on a five-game trip - the Bryn Forbes made a 3-pointer for a 92-84 with a bruised knee, Sabonis started first time since Friday after two games able runs. rican at 25 to take 200 wickets. His in- first time they Nuggets have won four lead with 9:54 left. and finished 9 of 10 from the field. were canceled because of COVID-19 South Africa scored only 47 runs in nings fi gures were 3-70. games on a trip of any length since De- Nets 132, Hawks 128, OT Malcom Brogdon had 25 points, and protocols with the Memphis Grizzlies. the middle session and lost only Dean Rabada delivered 8,154 balls to cember 2013. In Atlanta, Kevin Durant scored 32 Justin Holiday added 19. Richaun Holmes added 20 points and Elgar, for 29 to Shah when wicket- become the third fastest bowler to keeper Mohammad Rizwan dived 200 wicket in test history in terms of Cavaliers 122, Pistons 107 points and James Harden had 31 to Spurs 110, Celtics 106 12 rebounds. lead a productive night for Brooklyn’s full length in front of the stumps and balls, after Pakistan bowling coach In Cleveland, Collin Sexton scored In San Antonio, DeMar DeRozan Thunder 102, Suns 97 Waqar Younis (7,730) and Dale Steyn big three scorers and the Nets beat At- scored 21 points, Keldon Johnson had plucked a stunning two-handed catch. 29 points and Andre Drummond had In Phoenix, Al Horford had 21 Markram and Van der Dussen rode (7,848). 23 points, 16 rebounds and five steals lanta in overtime. Harden added 15 as- 18 points and 10 rebounds, and San points and 11 rebounds, Shai Gil- sists and eight rebounds. Kyrie Irving their luck. “It’s a massive feat to be included against his former team, powering Antonio held on to beat Boston. geous-Alexander also scored 21 points Markram survived a video refer- in a list of such names,” said Rabada, Cleveland past Detroit, scored 26 point. LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points, and Oklahoma City beat Phoenix. Trae Young had 28 points and 14 as- ral on 22 and was dropped four runs playing his fi rst test in a year. “It is sat- Taurean Prince added 16 points and and Dejounte Murray had 11 points Chris Paul scored a season-high 32 isfying. But the show goes on.” sists for Atlanta. Cam Reddish scored a later by captain Babar Azam at 71-1. rookie Isaac Okoro had 10 points and a and 11 rebounds. points in his first game against the Thun- Van der Dussen was adjudged lbw by Shah ensured Pakistan stretched its season-high six assists to help the Cav- season-high 24 points while John Collins Warriors 123, Timberwolves 111 der after being traded to the Suns from umpire Aleem Dar off seamer Faheem lead beyond 150 runs by smashing aliers snap a two-game losing streak and De’Andre Hunter each had 21 points. In San Francisco, rookie center Oklahoma City during the offseason. Ashraf soon after reaching his half- four boundaries and also lofting Maha- and improve to 9-9. Pelicans 124, Wizards 106 James Wiseman came off the Golden Phoenix played without All-Star guard century but the South African got the raj (3-90) over long on for a six before Bucks 115, Raptors 108 In New Orleans, Zion Williamson State bench to score a career-high 25 Devin Booker, He missed his second decision overruled. the left-arm spinner ended the innings In Tampa, Florida, Giannis Ante- and Brandon Ingram each scored a points, dazzling opposite No. 1 pick straight game with a sore hamstring. Van der Dussen overhauled the defi - by having Nauman trapped lbw.

We don’t want to destroy any Olympic dream of any athlete: Bach IOC says speculating on Tokyo Olympics is damaging athletes GENEVA, Jan 28, (AP): IOC presi- The Tokyo Games are scheduled fi cial in Japan suggesting the country and workers at the Olympics are ad- dent Thomas Bach hit back at con- to open on July 23, with 11,000 ath- could focus on hosting in 2032. That’s vised to be inoculated but it would tinuing speculation about if the To- letes competing in 33 sports. A total the next available Summer Games af- not be mandatory to enter Japan. kyo Olympics may be canceled or of 61% of entry places - more than ter Paris hosts “We are not in favor of athletes postponed again, saying that such 6,700 - have been earned and con- in 2024 and jumping the queue,” he said. talk is damaging for the thousands fi rmed, the IOC said. Los Angeles in The 206 national Olympic bodies of athletes preparing to take part this 2028. have been urged by the IOC to liaise year. “I want to with their governments about the place The International Olympic Com- OLYMPICS say ‘good luck’ of sports in vaccination programs. mittee and organizers in Japan have if you would The COVID-19 pandemic has repeatedly insisted there is no Plan Bach noted that athletes don’t need have to discuss also affected the other major gather- B for the Tokyo Games, which were more distractions as they already have this with an ath- ing of Olympic offi cials this year. already postponed by one year dur- “to overcome the challenges in their lete who is pre- The IOC’s annual meeting, where ing the coronavirus pandemic. daily training and competitions with all paring for the Bach is set to be re-elected unop- Last week, Japan’s government the restrictions they are facing.” Olympic Games posed as president, will now take quickly and fi rmly dismissed a re- “We want not to destroy any Olym- Bach 2021,” Bach place online instead of in a confer- port that it had concluded the games pic dream of any athlete,” the IOC said Thursday. ence hall in Athens. would have be canceled. However, leader said, noting that not even scien- However, Bach stopped short of as- Bach said the virtual meeting will talk about whether the games can go tists can know the global health situa- suring the games will open on time. keep its March 10-12 dates, and ahead refuses to go away. tion in six months’ time. “For all these Similar pledges were made at IOC Athens will host the annual meet- “All these speculations are hurting reasons we are not losing our time and news conferences last March and three ing in 2025. That is when the next the athletes in their preparations,” energy on speculations.” weeks later the games were postponed. president will be elected after Bach Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela, (left), and forward John Collins defend Bach said after a monthly meeting of The Times of London’s report last Asked about vaccination pro- reaches the limit of 12 years leading against Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden during an NBA basketball game, on the IOC executive board. week quoted an anonymous senior of- grams, Bach repeated that athletes the Olympic body. Jan 27, in Atlanta. (AP)

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