BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Qatar seen pushing World title forward VAT would be icing implementation: EY on Bayern’s cake: Flick

published in QATAR since 1978

FRIDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11801 January 22, 2021 Jumada II 9, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir sends message to president of North Macedonia Saudi embassy in Doha will His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim reopen ‘in days’: report bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday a Ashghal’s development written message to President of the Republic of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski pertaining to bilateral relations and means to advance them. Charge’ d’Aff aires of the Qatari boost for Al Nasr Area embassy in North Macedonia Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani handed the message during a meeting with the president. Amir and Deputy Amir greet Algerian president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to President of Algeria Abdul Majeed Tebboune, expressing their happiness on the success of the surgery the president underwent, wishing him a speedy recovery. Awqaf announcement Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud. The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Aff airs has informed that Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Qatar on Wednesday that Egypt and Qatar the centres for teaching the Holy will reopen “in days”, Al Arabiya TV had agreed to resume diplomatic Qur’an in Qatar will reopen in the channel said yesterday, citing Saudi relations. coming week. The opening will be Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and carried out in co-ordination with the al-Saud, according to Reuters. Egypt agreed earlier this month at Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the The minister had made a similar the Gulf Summit in Al-Ula to restore ministry said in a tweet yesterday. statement to journalists in Riyadh a diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Streets wear a new look in Al Nasr area after Ashghal completed development works. As part of this, 22 Holy Qur’an few days ago, saying Saudi Arabia Qatar, which had been severed in memorisation centres for women, 21 expects to reopen its embassy in 2017. he Public Works Authority (Ash- Sewage Effl uent (TSE) network, in ad- areas with heavy traffi c fl ow such as Al community memorisation centres Doha in the coming days and “it is Accordingly, flights have resumed ghal) has announced the com- dition, to providing crossing ducts Mirqab, Fereej Al Nasr, Fereej Bin Mah- under the supervision of Awqaf and just a matter of logistics”. between Doha and cities in Saudi Tpletion of the main works of the for future infrastructure upgrading moud and Al Sadd areas. four memorisation centres for men will Full diplomatic relations will resume, Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. Also, Improvement of Main Roads in Al Nasr and protecting the existing electricity To ease the traffi c congestion and be opened. he had stressed. the Qatar-Saudi land border at Abu Area project, ushering in substantial and telecommunication lines,” he ex- enhance the traffi c fl ow on Al Mirqab Al The Egyptian foreign ministry said Samra has reopened. development to one of Doha’s bustling plained. Jadeed street, traffi c fl ow was changed commercial and residential zones. As part of the project, the stormwa- to one direction on the two lanes of Visa Presale for FIFA Club The completed works included the ter drainage network at Mohammed the street from the intersection with World Cup 2020 extended upgrade of 7km main streets in Al Nasr Bin Qasim street intersection with Al Mohammed Bin Qasim Street until the Following the success of the exclusive area, in addition, to completion of six Kinana street was also upgraded. Al- intersection with Suhaim Bin Hamad Visa Presale for the FIFA Club World Cup signalised intersections. Al Nasr, Al Zeyara said the expansion would make Street (C-Ring Road). The layout of the Qatar 2020, which was due to conclude Mirqab Al Jadeed, Al Kinana and Mo- it easier for motorists to park and walk rest of the street from the intersection yesterday, FIFA has now extended the 32 killed, 110 hurt in twin hamed Bin Qasim streets along with to the commercial facilities especially with Mohammed Bin Qasim Street to- sales period for Visa customers. Fans Al Syoul, Yaser bin Amar, Al Basateen, in Al Kinana and Al Mirqab streets as wards Al Amir Street is unchanged with will now have an extended and exclusive Zaid Al Khail and Al Ghotah streets the project provided 1,700 parking bays one lane in each direction. opportunity to secure match tickets on Baghdad suicide bombings have been upgraded. and almost 14km of pedestrian paths. The project, delivered by a local con- FIFA.com/tickets by using a Visa card Rashed al-Zeyara, project engineer Besides, the project included pedes- tractor, Al Darwish Engineering, has pro- until 12 noon Qatar time on January 24. AFP ond-hand clothes are sold at stalls, in the Roads Projects Department, said trian crossings and lighting systems for cured more than 65% of materials from Tickets for some matches are already Baghdad had been teeming with people after the newly upgraded roads have LED the safety of road users. local sources. Ashghal is now in the proc- available to the general public. FIFA the lifting of nearly a year of Covid-19 street lighting. “The works also includ- The Ashghal offi cial said the upgrading ess of undertaking landscaping works in expects further tickets for all matches, restrictions across the country. ed improving the stormwater network works have also signifi cantly enhanced Al Nasr Area’s main streets to enhance including the final, to become available rare twin suicide bombing An AFP photographer at the scene along all 7km of the project’s streets, the traffi c fl ow in the area and improved their look and feel. The remaining works in the coming days. Ticket prices range killed 32 people and wounded said security forces had cordoned off upgrading 6.5km of foul sewer network the road network safety level, in addition, are scheduled to be completed in the sec- from QR10 for a category 3 ticket for A110 at a crowded market in cen- the area, where blood-soaked clothes and creating a 5.8km-long Treated to facilitating access to many residential ond quarter of 2021. Page 12 the first five matches, up to QR300 for tral Baghdad yesterday, Iraq’s govern- were strewn across the muddy streets a category 1 ticket for the final. The FIFA ment said, the city’s deadliest attack and paramedics were rushing to take Club World Cup Qatar 2020 will be held in three years. away the casualties. from February 4-11. The fi rst attacker drew a crowd at The health ministry said those who the bustling market in the capital’s lost their lives had died on the scene Tayaran Square by claiming to feel of the attack, and that most of the Sandstorm envelops Doha sick, then detonated his explosives wounded had been treated and re- CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY belt, the interior ministry said. leased from hospital. See Pages As more people then fl ocked to the The attack was the bloodiest in O Events postponed as visibility plummets amid strong winds scene to help the victims, a second Baghdad since January 2018, when a O O suicide bomber set off his explosives. suicide bomber killed more than 30 Windy, dusty conditions expected today also Al Khor Carnival 4,5 & 6 The open-air market, where sec- people in the same square. to begin tomorrow, Qatar Strongest Man takes place next Friday Qatar Airways signs expanded codeshare agreement with Iberia atar Airways has signed an ex- ing more choice and seamless global panded codeshare agreement connectivity for our millions of pas- Qwith Iberia, Spain’s largest car- sengers. As global travel recovers, we rier and the leading airline connecting look forward to further expanding Europe with Latin America. our commercial cooperation with The agreement will enhance con- Iberia and continuing to provide the nectivity between the two airlines’ unrivalled five-star service our pas- complementary networks and offer sengers have come to expect.” additional travel options to Qatar Iberia Group Chief Executive Javi- Airways customers travelling be- er Sanchez-Prieto said, “The exten- tween the Iberian Peninsula, Latin sion of the codeshare agreement with America, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Qatar Airways is very good news for The sandstorm in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen the Middle East via Hamad Interna- us. At Iberia we work so that when tional Airport. has been our priority to maintain reli- countries eliminate their restric- By Joey Aguilar tar Met department and Ministry of Organised by Aspire Zone Foundation Sales of the added destinations have able global connectivity for our pas- tions, we can offer our clients the Staff Reporter Interior (MoI), advised motorists and (AZF) and originally set to be held to- commenced already with the addi- sengers. This expansion of our stra- widest and most comprehensive net- the public in general to exercise due day at Aspire Park from 4pm to 9pm, tional codeshare fl ights starting yes- tegic partnership with Iberia further work possible. The extension of this caution in such conditions. Qatar Strongest Man has been post- terday. strengthens connectivity between codeshare agreement with our one- oha and other parts of the Today’s forecast says strong winds poned until next Friday, January 29. Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- the hubs of Doha and Madrid ensur- world partner, Qatar Airways, opens country were yesterday blan- are again expected in the country along This was conveyed through an e-mail tive HE Akbar al-Baker said, “We are ing more fl exible travel options for our up new markets in Australia and Af- Dketed by a sandstorm that with dusty conditions and poor visibil- to reporters as well as through AZF’s pleased to further expand our code- customers. rica and improves the connectivity led to a sharp drop in visibility and ity. It will also be cold both during the Twitter page. “Due to the unexpected share cooperation with Iberia, Spain’s “Qatar Airways and Iberia have we offer between Spain and the rest prompted organisers to postpone day and at night. The events postponed weather conditions and for your safety, largest carrier and the leading airline enjoyed the mutual benefits our of the world with a very high-quality events planned for today as well. include Qatar Strongest Man 2021 and the event will be on Friday 29th January connecting Europe with Latin Amer- partnership has brought us since service offered by our partner, Qatar The authorities, including the Qa- the opening of Al Khor Carnival 2021. 2021,” the notice read. To Page 12 ica. Despite the challenges of 2020, it its establishment in 2017, provid- Airways.” To Page 3 Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 22, 2021 QATAR

Qatar condemns explosions in Baghdad

Qatar voiced its strong condemnation and denunciation of the two Ahmed Bin Mohamed Military explosions that took place in the centre of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, resulting in deaths and injuries. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry College celebrates Graduation Day of Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm position on rejecting violence and terrorism, whatever the motives and reasons. The statement expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Iraq, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Qatar was represented at the ACD ministerial meeting by HE Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. Qatar attends ACD

Ministry participates in meet ministerial meeting on GCC environmental portal QNA Doha The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, represented by the Monitoring and Environmental Laboratory Department, participated Ahmed Bin Mohamed Military College celebrated yesterday the distribution of certificates to the in a meeting on the application of the GCC environmental portal. The 16th batch graduates. The number of graduates of the batch reached 158 candidates from Qatar atar participated yesterday in the 17th ministerial meeting of meeting, which was held via videoconference, discussed a number and brotherly and friendly countries. The ceremony, which was held under the patronage of HE the the Asian Co-operation Dialogue (ACD), which was held un- of topics related to the portal. Those topics included the quality of air, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, was Qder the presidency of Turkey through visual communication maps, achievements in the environmental fields, the agreement on attended by HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces Lt General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen technology. Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE the Minister maintaining wildlife. Qatar has concluded all the requirements of the al-Ghanem and a number of senior off icers of the armed forces. The training course, which lasted for of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. In his speech, portal’s phase two, which will be launched soon. The department also four years, included military science curriculum, parachute jump, in addition to management, law, HE al-Muraikhi congratulated and thanked the Turkish Republic for held a meeting with a consultancy firm on the use cases of drones in accounting, information systems, and international relations. its successful presidency of the Asian Co-operation Dialogue, and ex- monitoring and surveying the marine environment and shores of Qatar. pressed his appreciation for the eff orts of the Secretary-General of the Asian Co-operation Dialogue. “The State of Qatar attaches great importance to the Asian Co-op- eration Dialogue, based on its fi rm belief in the importance, prestige and role of this dialogue in strengthening relations between member states,” the minister said. “There is no doubt that the exceptional cir- cumstances that the world is going through at all levels highlight the need for international solidarity and collective work to improve all as- pects of peoples’ lives and advance them at political, economic and social levels,” he added. In conclusion, the minister said Qatar is look- QU, CNA-Q sign pact for ing forward to the participation of all member states in the upcoming summit of the Asian Co-operation Dialogue to be held in Doha later this year. education, research MoPH further updates atar University (QU) velopment, exchange of aca- velopment. The MoU will be for has signed a memoran- demic information and carry- six years, “which will diversify Qdum of understand- ing out joint research activities the programmes and partner- list of Covid test facilities ing (MoU) with College of the and publications, exchange ship between the two institu- North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) of academic information and tions”, he added. for co-operation in the areas of materials, and the design and Dr al-Naemi added, “We he Ministry of Public and Treatment, Al Ahmadani education, training, programme implementation of continuing consider Qatar University to be Health (MoPH) has is- Medical Center, Imara Health development and research. The education programmes based a long-term partner. We have a Tsued an updated list of Care, KIMS Qatar Medical Cen- MoU was signed by QU presi- on the respective needs of history of collaboration across 39 health facilities that have tre, Allevia Medical Center, dent Dr Hassan al-Derham and both parties. different disciplines. It is a been approved by it to conduct Aster Medical Centre Plus-Al CNA-Q acting president Dr Sa- The collaboration and MoU commitment from both enti- Covid-19 swab tests. The list Muntazah, Al Jameel Medical lem al-Naemi. The event was will also provide a framework ties, to offer the best possible was published on the ministry’s Center, Atlas Medical Center, attended by officials and guests for exchange of experiences in education to our students, de- social media channels yesterday. Al Tahrir Medical Center, Na- from both institutions. professional development pro- velop their skills and prepare The updated list sees the ad- seem Al Rabeeh Medical Cen- The MoU emphasises the grammes, seminars, conferenc- them for the professional work- dition of one clinic – Planet tre Doha, Naseem Al Rabeeh co-operation and methods of es and academic meetings and place. Medical Center – as compared Medical Centre, New Naseem collaboration between the two other academic exchanges and “We want them to become ac- to the previous list, which was Al Rabeeh Medical Centre, As- entities, especially in academic activities that both parties may tive members in the community issued on January 11. ter Medical Centre-Al Khor, Al and training programmes and agree upon, such as research and take part in the country’s Following are the said health Kayyali Medical Center, Abeer activities, conducting joint re- and studies, access to simula- Dr Hassan al-Derham with Dr Salem al-Naemi. economic growth. The MoU facilities: Al Emadi Hospital, Medical Center, Al Esraa Poly- search and enhancing technical, tion and research laboratories we have signed is an important Turkish Hospital, Doha Clinic clinic, Value Medical Complex, research, training, cultural and and other possible fields of mu- between Qatar University and He also praised the continu- milestone in the journey that Hospital, Al-Ahli Hospital, Asian Medical Center WLL, Dr developmental co-operation in tual interest for both parties, College of the North Atlantic- ous efforts of the College in the our College is undertaking. We Queen Hospital, Dr Moopen’s Maher Abbas Polyclinic, Sidra the various specialisations pro- the statement notes. Qatar. “QU has always served fields of research, teaching and are gradually offering applied Aster Hospital, Magrabi Center Medicine, Al Mansoor Polyclin- vided by both institutions, QU In his speech during the the College with its expertise in training with Qatar University bachelor’s degree programmes for Eye, ENT & Dental, Elite ic, Nova Healthcare, Al Sultan has said in a statement. event, Dr al-Derham stressed the field of education and man- as well as the contribution of and will soon become the first Medical Center, West Bay Medi- Medical Center, Alfardan Medi- This includes curricula de- the constructive co-operation agement,” he said. the College towards Qatar’s de- applied university in Qatar.” care, Syrian American Medical cal with Northwestern Medi- Center, Future Medical Center, cine, Raha Medical Center, Al- Dr Khaled Al Sheikh Ali’s Medi- Shefa Polyclinic-D-Ring Road cal Center, Al Jufairi Diagnosis and Planet Medical Center.

MoPH reports 144,478 total Covid recoveries

he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 258 new confi rmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19), of which 221 Twere from community cases and 37 from travellers returning from abroad who are subject to quarantine. The MoPH also recorded 128 recoveries from the virus in the same period, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 144,478. A group photo of off icials at the ceremony. The MoPH issued a statement on Covid-19 developments in Qatar, which said the following: Measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qatar have succeeded in fl atten- ing the curve and limiting the spread of the virus and the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions is continuing to decline each week. Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing of suspected cases has enabled the authorities to identify a high number of positive cases in fl ydubai to resume Doha fl ights from Jan 26 the community. Qatar has one of the lowest Covid-19 death rates in the world. ubai-based airline fl y- 26 and to meet expected demand dubai.com.” Passengers will have use social networks and get the travelling.” In the UAE, fl ydubai dubai has announced the we are pleased to launch opera- the option to experience business latest news. has also partnered with Aster DM Dresumption of fl ights to tions with a double daily service. class enjoying space and privacy Passengers are also able to Healthcare and NMC Healthcare Qatar, with a double daily service We hope to be able to continue to in the cabin, a comfortable spa- choose between bundled (Flex/ to off er passengers PCR testing at from Dubai International (DXB) grow the service.” cious seat, infl ight entertainment Value) or unbundled (Lite) fares special rates. to Doha’s Hamad International Sudhir Sreedharan, senior vice with fi lms and TV shows avail- depending on their travel needs. To take advantage of these Airport starting on January 26. president (Commercial Opera- able to watch and a range of deli- “fl ydubai’s passenger experi- special rates, passengers must Return business class fares tions-UAE, GCC, Africa and the cious snacks and complimentary ence has been redesigned to en- be able to present a valid fl ydubai start from (Doha to Dubai) at Subcontinent) at fl ydubai said, hot and cold beverages. able travel in a safe environment booking confi rmation along with QR4,000 and economy class at “fl ydubai off ers convenient and Passengers travelling in econ- that minimises crew and passen- their Emirates ID or passport QR725, the airline said yesterday. reliable travel services between omy class will enjoy a Recaro de- ger contact and off ers passengers copy. Commenting on the an- both countries. Passengers have signed seat off ering optimal levels confi dence to travel at every step Passengers are required to nouncement, Ghaith al-Ghaith, the opportunity to choose how of space and comfort in the air. of their journey. make sure that they are up to chief executive offi cer at fl ydubai they would like to travel whether fl ydubai continues to roll-out The airline has recently intro- date with the regulations from said, “with today’s announce- it is in the comfort of business Wi-Fi across its fl eet enabling duced an extended multi-risk the IATA Travel Centre for their ment we see the fl ydubai network class or a customised experience passengers to stay connect- travel insurance that includes whole journey, and follow the grow to 64 destinations. Flights in economy class. Tickets are ed during their fl ight and can Covid-19 cover to off er passen- guidance issued by the authori- to Doha will start from January available to book today on fl y- browse the web, send e-mails, gers greater piece of mind when ties and the airline.

Doha Institute holds workshop on diversity issues in Mena countries

The School of Public members and researchers. The diversity issues, as it is currently press statement. Researchers to improve the representation Administration and Development workshop was held as part of at the centre of any movement highlighted the diff erent forms of marginalised social groups Economics at the Doha Institute the periodic meetings of the advocating for increased of discrimination preventing the in political and administrative for Graduate Studies has held research and events forum. The inclusion of ethno-cultural members of some social groups decision-making processes a workshop titled ‘Diversity goal of the workshop was to minorities, women, people with from achieving their full potential. and adapt public services to issues in Mena region countries’ examine the solutions adopted by disabilities and other marginalised Political reforms and policies their needs is equally among its with the participation of faculty the Mena countries to deal with social groups, according to a adopted by Mena countries objectives, the statement notes. Gulf Times Friday, January 22, 2021 3 QATAR/ARAB WORLD Qatar Airways to SAI launches training programmes resume Atlanta fl ights on June 1 atar Airways has an- nounced it will add its The Audit Bureau launched yesterday the plans for training programmes, strategic projects and Q12th gateway in the US development initiatives for the year 2021, which include 199 education initiatives designed to meet with the resumption of four- the training and qualification needs of the State Audit Institution (SAI) employees, employees of the weekly Atlanta fl ights, starting bodies subject to its control, and university and school students. The inauguration ceremony was June 1. attended by a number of leaders of the Bureau, in addition to a number of off icials and directors The national carrier will also of departments in various authorities in the country who attended the ceremony observing social signifi cantly increase frequen- distancing and Covid-19 preventive measures. cies adding an additional 13 weekly fl ights to operate a total of 83 weekly fl ights across its 12 gateways. Lebanon extends total lockdown by two weeks Having become the largest international carrier during the Lebanon decided yesterday to have remained exceptionally Intensive care units are near full, early stages of the pandemic, the prolong a total lockdown by two high and Covid-19 death tolls are with occupancy rates of 91% airline has applied its “unrivalled weeks to stem an unprecedented spiking. The health ministry said nationwide and more than 97% in knowledge” of global passenger rise in coronavirus cases and late yesterday that a record 67 Beirut on Wednesday, the World fl ows and booking trends to re- protect its collapsing health sector. people had died from the disease Health Organization (WHO) said. build its global network and ce- Qatar Airways to resume Atlanta services. The strict restrictions include in the previous 24 hours. Firass Lebanon has recorded 269,241 ment its position as the leading a round-the-clock curfew and Abiad, the head of Lebanon’s coronavirus cases and 2,151 deaths Middle East airline connecting lines and JetBlue. US to be added by Qatar Airways port rating organisation, Skytrax. limit grocery shopping to home main state hospital treating since February 2020 in total. the US with Africa, Asia and the “As we look forward to glo- since the start of the pandemic. This follows HIA’s recent deliveries. “The total lockdown coronavirus, backed the new Cases skyrocketed after families Middle East. bal travel recovering in 2021, we The launch of fl ights to Seat- success as the fi rst airport in is extended to February 8, 5:00 extension. Lebanon has reached gathered during the end-of-year Qatar Airways Group Chief will remain focused on provid- tle and resumption of Atlanta the Middle East and Asia to be am,” the Higher Defence Council, the stage of “an uncontrolled holidays and authorities allowed Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker ing seamless, safe and reliable will increase Qatar Airways’ US awarded a Skytrax 5-Star Cov- Lebanon’s top security body, said epidemic with limited additional revellers to gather in bars until said, “We are proud to be the connectivity to our millions of network to some 12 destinations id-19 Airport Safety Rating. in a statement. The complete health system capacity available”, 3:00 am, despite warnings from leading Middle East airline pro- passengers and ensuring we con- in the US, connecting onwards These recognitions provides lockdown had initially been due he said. Authorities have urged health professionals. Lebanon is viding safe and reliable con- tinue to earn their trust every to hundreds of American cities assurance to passengers across to run from January 14 to January hospitals to increase the number expecting its first vaccines next nectivity to and from the United time they choose to fl y with Qa- through strategic partnerships the world that airline health and 25. But daily infection rates of beds for coronavirus cases. month. States via the Best Airport in the tar Airways.” with Alaska Airlines, American safety standards are subject to Middle East, Hamad Interna- In line with the airline’s steady Airlines and JetBlue. the highest possible standards of tional Airport. rebuild of its US network, Qatar Atlanta and Seattle join exist- professional, independent scru- Qatar Airways signs expanded codeshare agreement with Iberia Having never stopped fl ying Airways plans to resume serv- ing US destinations including tiny and assessment. to the US throughout the pan- ices and increase frequencies Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Passengers can book fl ights From Page 1 El Salvador, Guatemala and Sen- by international air transport demic, we have steadily rebuilt to several destinations: Atlanta Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Hou- with peace of mind, knowing egal. rating organisation, Skytrax. our network, gradually resuming (four weekly fl ights starting ston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), that Qatar Airways off ers unlim- The expanded commercial As oneworld alliance part- Qatar Airways’ strategic in- destinations and adding more June 1), Chicago (increasing to Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), ited date changes and fee-free cooperation will increase the ners, Qatar Airways Privilege vestment in a variety of fuel- frequencies. With the upcom- 10 weekly fl ights from March 4), Philadelphia (PHL), San Fran- refunds for all tickets issued be- number of destinations avail- Club and Iberia Plus members effi cient, twin-engine aircraft, ing launch of Seattle and the Dallas-Fort Worth (increasing cisco (SFO) and Washington, DC fore April 30, for travel complet- able to Iberia passengers from are ensured recognition of their including the largest fl eet of Air- resumption of Atlanta, we will to 10 weekly fl ights from March (IAD). ed by December 31. 29 to 36 on Qatar Airways’ tier status with benefi ts includ- bus A350 aircraft, has enabled it reach 12 gateways in the US, two 2), Houston (increasing to daily The national carrier contin- The carrier’s industry-leading network, including new des- ing access to lounges worldwide, to continue fl ying throughout more than what we operated pre- fl ights from March 14), Miami ues to rebuild its global network, fl exible booking policy also pro- tinations in Angola, Australia, through check-in, extra baggage this crisis and perfectly posi- Covid-19. (increasing to three weekly fl ights which currently stands at more vides the permanent feature of Mozambique, New Zealand and allowance, priority check-in tions it to lead the sustainable “Our commitment to the US from July 3), San Francisco (ram- than 120 destinations with plans exchanging tickets for a travel South Africa. and boarding plus accrual and recovery of international travel. market has also seen us add and ping up to daily fl ights by July 2), to increase to over 130 by the end voucher with 10% additional Qatar Airways passengers redemption of miles, across the The airline recently took de- expand strategic partnerships Seattle (four weekly fl ights start- of March. Qatar Airways has be- value for all customers booking will also benefi t from additional partner carriers’ networks. livery of four new state-of-the- with American carriers, off ering ing January 29 and ramping up to come the fi rst global airline in the travel via qatarairways.com Full connectivity, with the ability to Qatar Airways has become the art Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, our passengers hundreds of ad- daily fl ights by July 1). world to achieve the prestigious terms and conditions can be had book travel to and from an ad- fi rst global airline in the world to increasing its total A350 fl eet to ditional fl ight connections with Seattle is the seventh new des- 5-Star Covid-19 Airline Safety from qatarairways.com/Flex- ditional four destinations on achieve the prestigious 5-Star 53 with an average age of just 2.7 Alaska Airlines, American Air- tination and the second in the Rating by international air trans- ibility Iberia’s network in Brazil, Chile, Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating years.

Partial closure on Al Wukair service road Closure on Jasim Bin Hamad and Umm Al Oshush Street

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced single lane traffic closure on both directions of Jasim Bin Hamad street along 1,400m from Al Markhiya Intersection up to Dahl Al Hamam Inter- section and a full closure of the access to and from Umm Al Oshush Street from today (Friday) for seven months. In addition, some local entries and exits located along Jasim Bin Hamad street will be tem- porarily closed. The diversion in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffic is to upgrade the surface and groundwater network on Jasim Bin Hamad street as part of FIFA Readi- ness Project 6. During the closure, two lanes will remain open to traffic in both direc- The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a partial closure on Al Wukair Road’s service tions. road in one direction from today (Friday) for two months. The closure in co-ordination with the Commuters who want to ac- Jasim Bin Hamad street via towards Al Daayen Street can Khalifa Street as shown on General Directorate of Traff ic is to enable completion of upgrading works on Al Wukair Road. cess Jasim Bin Hamad street Umm Al Oshush Street and reach their destination by the map. Ashghal will install The closure will take place for 0.3km from Gate 1 to Gate 2 of Al Wakra Hospital while keeping the via Al Jassasiya Street and Al Yoosifiya Street can reach using Al Jassasiya and com- road signs advising motorists access to the hospital open and diverting the existing traff ic to Gate 3 and the other gates as part Al Kharasa Street can reach their destination by using muters exiting from Jasim Bin of the temporary closure and of the Interim Road Improvements in Doha South-Phase 2. Ashghal will install road signs advising their destination by using Al Wasit Street. In addition to Hamad street towards Umm urged all to follow them and motorists of the temporary closure and urged all to follow them and abide by the speed limit to Daayen Street while com- that, commuters exiting Al Oshush Street can reach abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. muters who want to access from Jasim Bin Hamad street their destination by using ensure safety.

Waseef holds flu vaccination campaign Closure at Wadi Musheireb Intersection

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a closure at Wadi Musheireb Intersection from today (Friday) midnight until 6am Saturday. The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic is to enable completion of infrastructure works, as part of the B Ring Road Upgrade Project. Motorists coming from AlKhaleej Street to B Ring Road or Wadi Musheireb Waseef Company, a pioneer in the field of real estate management and marketing, organised a seasonal flu vaccination campaign for all Street can turn right towards Salwa Road and make a U-turn. Those coming from Salwa Road to employees working on its projects. The campaign was organised in Barwa Al-Baraha Labour Accommodation in co-operation with the AlKhaleej Street can continue straight on the bridge to Wadi Musheireb Street and make a U-turn Ministry of Public Health. All preventive and precautionary measures against Covid-19 were followed. at Electricity Intersection. Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 22, 2021 COMMUNITY Hearing and speech impaired teenager speaks through art

By Mudassir Raja my son through drawing,” said select a second language.” Staff Reporter Shobha while speaking to Gulf “Arjun selected painting as an Some of the drawings by Arjun Suvaraj. Times. optional subject that we can say Arjun, who has passed his 10th is his real mother-tongue and or Arjun Suvaraj drawing grade examination from the Ideal scored 94 marks,” his proud mum has been a tool for express- Indian School, has always been said. Fing himself ever since his helped by his parents, particu- “Arjun has been taking part in childhood. With the passage of larly mother. diff erent art competitions and time, he has not only mastered “I am a science graduate with have won many inter-school his language but has also made it electronics as major. However, contests and Indian Cultural more creative and artistic. I got a master degree in special Center organised tournaments,” Nineteen-year-old Arjun suf- education for my son and started Shobha pointed out. fers from profound hearing loss teaching at a school. I have now The parents are hopeful that and impaired speech. left my job to focus on my son,” their son will take art as a career Since he cannot hear and speak, said Shobha. The couple’s elder option. “I have seen him strug- he was introduced to drawing for son is studying for a university gle to get through the 10th grade learning and communicating. degree in India. exams. After a lot of research and The Doha resident has fast im- Arjun has been attending art thinking, we decided to let him proved his drawing and painting classes at the Museum of Islamic do what he enjoys the most. He skills that can soon earn him rec- Arjun Suvaraj Art (MIA). wanted to go for higher stud- ognition as a visual artist. “We always knew he is very ies, get a job and earn a living. Arjun’s parents – Rajesh Babu “We were extremely worried good at drawing as family mem- We have convinced him that he Arjun takes his creative strain traits of individuals and still preciation for art. “We already and Shobha Rajesh – were very when we first learnt of his hear- bers and friends love his sketch- can make art his career. Since very seriously. “When he is do- he likes that. Arjun says that see a lot of appreciation for his concerned about his health and ing loss. We then found a school es,” his parents said. then, he has been looking for the ing a painting or sketch, he will he wants to have a real face in creativity here. His MIA classes future after they discovered his for special kids in Chennai, In- Speaking about his school costly paintings and tries to rep- not look around. He cannot be his paintings. He has been do- are free with no fees charged. disability when he was eight dia, where we used to live before education, Shobha revealed that licate them with his own creativ- distracted easily. He follows a ing drawing, acrylic and now oil I think he can learn more and months. moving to Doha in 2011. It was “CBSE students have to opt to ity. Currently, he is going for art schedule. While painting he is paintings. He desires to draw evolve into a mature artist in However, they are now proud an early intervention school study two languages. Being a classes at the MIA, where he got totally focused. His handwrit- huge portraits. He also likes wall Qatar. Hopefully, in future he of their son as his creative talent for hearing impaired children. hearing impaired student, it was admitted without regular regis- ing is also very good,” added his paintings and murals.” can get opportunities to exhibit is fast being appreciated. Arjun They taught the children with hard for him to listen and mem- tration. father. Arjun’s parents are thankful his work here as there are many too is eager to further enhance the help of pictures and draw- orise any language other than “Arjun is a fast learner,” said The young artist is more into that their son is in Qatar, where galleries and museums,” Rajesh his talent. ing. That also helped me teach English. He could therefore not Shobha. portraits. “He started with por- there is huge recognition and ap- said.

DPS-MIS holds bus safety drill for KG students DMIS grade-1 student

PS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently arranged a sets world record Dbus safety drill for kindergarten students according to their respective arshika Vijayabalan, new world record. The school groups. The drill was conducted at the grade-1 student of the has extended congratula- school ground where the buses were VDoha Modern Indian tions to their young student parked. School (DMIS), recently cre- and her parents for the ex- The teachers explained to the children ated history by entering the traordinary achievement. about the use and operation of emer- International Book of Records The record video can be gency doors, fi re extinguishers, fi rst-aid by setting the record for ‘Fast- accessed on the given link: equipment, and how to sound horns if est Time to Identify Country https://www.international- they are left alone in the vehicle. They Flags and their Capitals in Re- bookofrecords.com/record/ instructed the children not to open win- verse Alphabetical Order.’ Identifying-country-fl ag dows when the vehicle is moving, the The little prodigy iden- The same video can be viewed importance of safe boarding and dis- tified all country flags and on YouTube (https://www. embarking, etc. The drivers emphasised their capitals in the reverse youtube.com/watch?v=AY- to the students on the need to maintain order within a surprising 7kUGHAUQ&feature=youtu. discipline and cleanliness inside the bus. eight minutes’ and set the Varshika Vijayabalan be) This year due to the pandemic, there were extra rules for children such as, maintaining social distance and sani- tising hands before and after board- ing the bus. Children were guided to wear masks throughout the travel on the bus. Eating and drinking (includ- Ideal team excels in TraQuest ing chewing gum) are not allowed on school buses. This rule protects stu- dents having food allergies and ana- phylaxis, prevents choking, and main- tains bus cleanliness. Nature Walk for kindergarten students

‘Nature Walk’ was re- briefed about the Nature Walk to observe the plants and sur- The children were full of cently arranged for kin- in their respective classes. roundings. queries during the walk. The A dergarten students of Divided into two groups, the The children were also in- aim of the exercise was to DPS-Modern Indian School students were taken out on sep- structed to maintain social dis- stimulate the children’s ap- (DPS-MIS) within the school arate days. tancing and not to touch any- preciation for the natural premises. All children were Teachers encouraged them thing for safety reasons. world.

n Ideal Indian School (IIS) team compris- District Residents Association Qatar (TRAQ). ing Fadi Mohamed and Aman Hashim, Principal Syed Shoukath Ali received the run- Astudents of class-X, has emerged as the ner-up trophy from Rahmathulla, president of runner up in the inter-school quiz competition TRAQ. He congratulated the winning team and – TraQuest – organised by Thiruvananthapuram the teacher-in-charge Pushparajan.

Shantiniketan Indian School celebrates Youth Day

CIG to hold career guidance seminar tomorrow Shantiniketan Indian School (SIS) recently organised a series of programmes to celebrate the National he Centre for Information and Guidance India (CIGI) aminations, held by various Indian universities. Youth Day marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The objective of the celebration was to will hold a career guidance seminar on Zoom for higher Besides, guidance will be given about higher study options and highlight the philosophy and the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and to promote rational thinking among T secondary students tomorrow at 6.30pm. The seminar opportunities available in India. Students and parents can attend. the youth of the country. A special assembly was organised by the secondary section students with the will be attended by field experts, who will focus on detailing 828 6513 8247 is the meeting ID and cigidoha is password. For fur- theme ‘Youth as Growth and Peace Ambassador.’ Senior secondary students watched inspiring stories of the proceedings for appearing for the UG and PG entrance ex- ther details contact 3366 7414. the young Indian entrepreneurs and followed up with writing essays on the role of young entrepreneurs in the revival of India and its march towards progress. Gulf Times Friday, January 22, 2021 5 COMMUNITY MFUA names Urdu literary award winners THE JURY rof Dr Shamim Hanfi , renowned Urdu critic and scholar from PIndia, and Prof Dr Moinuddin Aqeel, eminent author and scholar of Urdu literature from Pakistan, have re- cently been named winners of the Sil- ver Jubilee Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab Awards (AFUAA) [international awards for promotion of Urdu literature] for the year 2021. The annual awards was instituted by Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab (MFUA), world-renowned Qatar-based Urdu literary organisation, in 1996. The award will be presented to the winners at a function in October or No- Prof Dr Shamim Hanfi Prof Dr Moinuddin Aqeel vember this year, subject to approval by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, able services for the Urdu language and khs, Dayar-e-Shab ka Musafi r, Iqbal ka Qatar. literature. Harf-e-Tamanna, Ghalib ki Takhleeqi The award carries a cash prize of Hanfi has been given this award for Haissiyet, Tareekh Tehzeeb aur Takhlee- Rs150,000 and a gold medal for each his overall literary and critical works. qi Tajreba. winner. It is given every year to a fi ction Hanfi was born in Sultanpur, Uttar He presently resides in New Delhi and writer and/or research scholar and/or Pradesh, India, on November 17, 1938 serves as patron to many literary socie- critic, one each from Pakistan and In- to renowned advocate Mohamed Yasin ties and organisations like the Ghalib dia, for their signifi cant contribution Siddiqui. Academy, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Hind, towards the promotion of Urdu lan- His early life was spent in Sultanpur Ghalib Institute and Rekhta. nation from Government High School worked till 2000. fi lms of his interest in South Asian his- guage and literature. before he shifted to Allahabad for his He has written many papers – 100 Landhi, Karachi in 1963, intermediate He also taught in Osaka, Kyoto, Daito tory and culture of Muslims. Mohamed Atiq, chairman of the Ma- education. Here he came in contact in India and 50 abroad – which have examination from Urdu College, Kara- Banka universities in Japan and Japan’s In 2012, he donated 28,000 books, jlis, said the award winners were unan- with Firaq Saheb, who left a profound been published in refereed journals. chi in 1965, BA from Karachi University Ministry of Foreign Aff airs’ Language 80% of his stock, to the Asia Africa imously chosen by two independent ju- impression on him. The numbers of his papers published in 1968 and MA from same university in School. Area Studies Centre at Kyoto Univer- ries, comprising reputed Urdu scholars, After getting his MA and D Phil de- in conferences, seminars, and work- 1969 in fi rst class fi rst position, on the He then returned to Pakistan and sity, Japan which has preserved them in in New Delhi and Lahore. grees from the Allahabad University shops are 50 in India and 20 abroad. basis of which he was given the Anju- worked for four years as head of Urdu their library as ‘Aqeel Collection.’ Both meetings were conducted on- in 1962 and 1967, he got his D Litt de- He has also written 20 books on criti- man e Tarraqi e Urdu – Pakistan Award. department, Karachi University and Besides several offi cial appreciations line. gree from Aligarh Muslim University in cism, translated fi ve books from other He got his PhD and D Litt degrees from director of the Bureau of Composition and recognitions, Dr Aqeel was con- The Indian jury comprised Padma 1976. languages, written four plays and fi ve Karachi University in 1975 and 2003 re- and Translation. ferred the highest civil award Order of Bhushan winner and former chairman He began his teaching career with the books for children. spectively. In 2006, he joined the Interna- the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck of the Sahitya Academy India and an Aligarh Muslim University. In February In recognition of his services to Urdu In 1967, Dr Aqeel joined the US em- tional Islamic University, Islamabad, Ribbon by the emperor of Japan in April outstanding critic, researcher and in- 1976, he joined the Jamia Milia Islamia, language and literature, he has been bassy as an Urdu teacher. In 1968, he as chairman and dean, Faculty of Lan- 2013. tellectual, Prof Dr Gopi Chand Narang, New Delhi from where he has retired a honoured with the Maulana Abul Ka- received an off er from the Oriental guages and Literature. Further, a Festchrift, titled ‘His- as chairman, with Prof Shafey Kidwai, few years ago. lam Azad Award, West Bengal’s Pervaiz University Naples, Italy and worked Aqeel is a prolifi c scholar and has tory, Literature and Scholarly Perspec- Chander Bhan Khayal, Nawaid Anjum Jamia Milia Islamia has honoured Shahidi Award, Delhi’s Urdu Academy there in the Asian Studies Centre for travelled globally to deliver lectures. tives, South and West Asian Context, and Haqqani Al-Qasmi, as members. and retained him with the title of Pro- Award, Ghalib Award etc. two years. He has authored, edited and com- presented in honour of Dr Moinuddin The Pakistani panel was headed by fessor Emeritus. Prof Dr Moinuddin Aqeel, award During the same time, he visited a piled over 70 books and about 400 Aqeel, consists of articles from schol- renowned scholar, critic, researcher Hanfi is an Urdu critic, dramatist, winner from Pakistan, was born on number of universities in Europe, stud- research articles in Urdu and English ars of Pakistan, Japan, India, Turkey, and poet Prof Dr Khurshid Rizvi with historian, poet and proponent of mod- June 25, 1946, in India. He possesses ied their libraries, gave extensive lec- languages, which have been printed in US, and UK. Prof Fateh Mohamed Malik, Prof Dr ernist movement in Urdu literature. His a remarkable prominence of being tures and attended many seminars. internationally reputed journals and It was edited by Dr Jawed Ahmed Tehsin Firaqi and Prof Dr Zahid Munir books on modernism include Jadidiyat among the most eminent Urdu schol- In 1970, he joined the Pakistan Ship- has contributed chapters and papers in Khursheed and Dr Khalid Ameen and Aamir, as members. Ki Falsafi ana Asaas and Nai She’ri Ra- ars and writers of literature, history and owners College. In 1984, he joined the encyclopaedias and scholarly compen- published by Islamic Research Acad- Announcing the award, Narang said wayat. culture of Muslims of South Asia and is Karachi University. diums. emy, Karachi in June 2016. that Hanfi is recognised as an out- His other books on criticism include considered widely as an invaluable aca- In 1993, he received an off er from As a book-lover, Aqeel maintains Aqeel is well-versed with Urdu, Eng- standing critic and intellectual of the Ghazal ka Manzarnama, Kahani Ke demic asset. the Tokyo University of Foreign Stud- his personal library, containing books, lish, Persian, Arabic, Hindi, Italian and present times. He has rendered invalu- Paanch Rang, Firaq, Shair-wa- Sha- He passed his matriculation exami- ies, Japan, as an Urdu lecturer, where he manuscripts, documents and micro- Japanese languages.

CIC hosts reception for newly-elected Indian community leaders MES student excels in Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

The Centre for Indian Community (CIC) recently hosted a reception villages of India and make the World Cup a favourite sporting expe- for the newly-elected off ice-bearers of the diff erent apex bodies rience for the Indian community.” under the Indian embassy. CIC president K T Abdul Rahman chaired the event. P N Baburajan, president of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), said The managing committee members of diff erent apex bodies “during the pandemic, community members stood together for namely; Sajeev Satyaseelan, Afzal Abdul Majeed, Aneesh George alleviating the suff erings of the people and we should continue the Mathew, Sabith Saheer, Vinod V Nair, Sheji Valiyakath, Varkey same spirit in future too”. Boban and K Safeer Rahman and CIC former president K C Abdul Ziyad Usman, president of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum Lathif, also spoke on the occasion. (ICBF), urged the Indian community in Qatar to create new openings Mementos on behalf of CIC were presented to leaders and manag- for social empowerment by giving equal consideration to all. ing committee members. CIC vice president T K Qasim, general Dr Mohan Thomas, president of the Indian Sports Centre (ISC) said: secretary R S Abdul Jaleel, finance secretary Mohamed Kutty, “The power of sports lies in unity. Since Qatar will be hosting the organisational secretary K H Mushtaq, Women India president Sohan Sandeep collects his certificate. FIFA World Cup Football, as members of the Indian community it Nahya Beevi and Youth Forum president S S Mustafa also attended is our responsibility to spread the message of Qatar 2022 to the the reception. he ‘14th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest Sohan Sandeep, student of Grade-I from MES 2020’ was organised by Toyota and Ab- Indian School, won the second prize in the cate- Tdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co. (AAB), sole gory-1 (below 7 seven years). He canvassed his im- Chaliyar Doha felicitates ICBF, ICC presidents agent for Toyota, during November and Decem- agination on the eco-friendly theme of eco-cars ber, 2020. The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is titled ‘Toyota H3 (Heal, Hope, Happy) Cars’. Chaliyar Doha recently a world-wide competition organised by Toyota The budding talent was awarded with a certifi - felicitated P N Baburajan, Motor Corporation, Japan where children un- cate and gift voucher. newly-elected president of der the age of 15 years are invited to draw their Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, the the Indian Cultural Centre ‘dream car.’ winner was invited to the showroom to collect the (ICC), and Ziad Usman, Students from class I to IV participated in cat- prizes in person. MES principal Hameeda Kadar president of the Indian Com- egories one and two. National winners of the con- felicitated Sohan Sandeep for his commendable munity Benevolent Forum test were announced by the organisers recently. performance and artistic talents. (ICBF), in a ceremony which was held at Old Ideal Indian School Ground during the 7th edition of Chaliyar Sports Fest Cricket Tournament. BPS organises virtual science exhibition Chaliyar Doha chief patron Shaukatali Taj, patron Sid- dique Purayil, and Chaliyar president Abdul Latheef Fer- oke presented bouquets to the new community leaders. General secretary Zameel Ziad Usman, right, receives a bouquet. Abdul Wahid Chaliyam, treas- urer Keshav Das Nilambur, sports wing chairman Sid- dique Vazhakkad, Ratheesh Kakove, KMCC state acting secretary; Mustafa Elathur, Abhi Chungathara, Jabir Beypore, Ilyas Cheruvannur, Layis Kuniyil, C T Siddique Cheruvadi, Raghunath irla Public School (BPS) Primary II recently forts of the students as well as parents and urged Feroke, and Sabik Feroke ad- organised ‘Home & School Project’, a virtual them to explore nature with a rational outlook dressed the event. Bscience exhibition. without harming it. Baburajan and Usman It provided a platform for the budding Ein- The event was also graced by vice principal expressed their gratitude stein’s of grades-III and IV to come out with re- (CBQED) Bhavana V S, Primary II co-ordinator and appreciation for the search based innovative projects on the theme of 5 Bhayatri Pillai and KG co-ordinator Josephine reception by Chaliyar Doha. R’s (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle). Fernandes. They promised to extend all The students as well as the parents showed great The preliminary round was carried out in three support to the group. enthusiasm with 106 entries for the exhibition. diff erent Zoom rooms. The exhibits were moni- The main motive of the exhibition was to en- tored and judged by a panel of subject experts. P N Baburajan, right, receives a bouquet. courage bonding between the parent and the child. Feedback was also taken for any scope of further School principal A P Sharma applauded the ef- improvement. Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 22, 2021 COMMUNITY LEISURE/HOROSCOPE

Wordsearch Super Cryptic Clues Adam

Pooch Cafe

BILLIARD COFFEE DRESSING HIGH MULTIPLICATION PEMBROKE POOL ROUND WATER BIRD DINING GATELEG LEAGUE OCCASIONAL PERIODIC REFECTORY TIDE WRITING Across Down 1 Cheese might be said to 1 Italian city partly up a dual produce this (10) carriageway (5) 7 Pre-date form - that’s 2 The shape of a cricket Codeword bureaucracy (3,4) ground (4) Garfield 8 Little Tom’s digit (5) 3 A poser about musical Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. 10 Intend to be average (4) dramas (6) Squares with the same number in have the same letter 11 A game babes play with 4 Regales again and in. Work out which number represents which letter. everyone (8) withdraws (8) 13 Divine drink that may 5 Feathers or fruit seen on produce trance (6) time (7) 15 Goddess making hen eat 6 Walks seamen drop off ? (10) (6) 9 Nonsense makes a Norse 17 Bells head in battle? (4-4) god run (10) 18 Point to small pudding or 12 Reverie lasting 24 hours? potato (4) (8) 21 Material, by the sound of it, 14 Hide at one time in moved to fro (5) California (7) 22 Bugs in religious groups? 16 Blacksmiths’ blocks needed (7) about five new nails (6) 23 Bad art’s seldom produced 19 Choices of tools (5) by great painters (3,7) 20 Man, for example, I’ll hear Bound And Gagged (4) Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Solution Sudoku

Answers Codeword Wordsearch

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a ٩x٩ grid. The grid is also divided into nine (٣x٣) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every .anone is repeated

Colouring Horoscope

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

A co-worker could call you today, Aries, but you probably won’t Money matters may need your attention today, Taurus, and you Gemini, you tend to be a master psychologist. You don’t need to be able to figure out what this person is trying to say. Your probably aren’t in the right space to think along those lines. Your know people well in order to accurately size them up. But today this colleague’s mind is a bit muddled now, and he or she might not be mind is on diff erent things, probably on your projects. Nonetheless, ability could be temporarily lacking. You don’t sense much from able to explain the situation very well. Be patient. Sympathy and if you don’t at least make the attempt, you will worry about it all day. those you meet, and when you do intuit their thoughts and feelings, understanding are probably what’s called for. You’re the best person Give it your best and ask for help if you have to. Once that’s taken what you pick up isn’t likely to be very accurate. Don’t worry. Your for that right now. care of, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy yourself. mind should be back to normal tomorrow. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

You usually tend to be outgoing, Cancer, and you love talking to Today you might wonder what’s bothering a friend, Leo. This Today you might be temporarily catapulted into the public eye others. However, today you may feel far more reticent than usual, person may seem depressed and worried but not inclined to when you’d rather be alone, Virgo. Perhaps a premonition you once more inclined to listen than speak. There may not seem to be any share the worries with you. All signs are that these are probably expressed has actually come to pass and others want to discuss real reason for this. It isn’t as if you’re depressed or worried. Don’t money problems, which he or she wants to keep private. Let your it. Maybe you will be asked to repeat a story you once told. Your worry about it. View this as an opportunity to hear what others have friend know you’re there if needed, then concentrate on your own friends will probably want you to entertain them. If you aren’t in the to say. You will be yourself tomorrow. concerns. Your friend will share when the time is right. mood for conversation, it’s best to avoid social gatherings. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Spiritual or metaphysical concepts you hear about today may Today you might be constantly engaged in deep, intense thought, A friend or your partner may not be communicating with you the seem confusing and bothersome, Libra. You might go off alone to Scorpio. There probably isn’t a specific matter that you’re concerned way they should, Sagittarius. Something is bothering your friend, try to make sense of them, but this isn’t the day to do that. You will about, but you may find that a number of diff erent fragments of and he or she doesn’t want to discuss it. Even if you ask, the answers probably only confuse yourself more. Think of this as a good day to information capture your attention and get your mind going. Don’t are likely to be evasive. Pushing won’t be appreciated. Perhaps it’s collect information, not decide whether to accept any of it or not. write this off as crazy behaviour. Write down your thoughts. They best to leave your friend alone to work it out. Your honey will tell Tomorrow your mind will be clearer and more logical. may prove useful later. you about it when the time is right. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

The health of a friend or family member who lives far away may be Your intuitive abilities are flying high, Aquarius. Normally you’re Some problems with the structure of your house may need a bit worrying today, Capricorn. A lack of contact with this person sensitive, but today you might be picking up on the thoughts, attention, Pisces. Perhaps the plumbing or electrical wiring isn’t doesn’t help matters. You’re usually the type to phone at the drop of feelings, needs, and desires of strangers who pass in the street. If operating at maximum eff iciency. It probably isn’t a good idea to try a hat, but today you’re less inclined to do this. You shouldn’t make you turn this ability to those around you, you’re likely to be able to to fix this yourself, but you might not be able to reach a professional yourself crazy. If there’s someone else you can ask, do so. Otherwise, use it to increase your understanding of them, and thus bring you today. You will want to get this done soon. Don’t be tempted to take the initiative and call. closer together. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. forget about it. Gulf Times Friday, January 22, 2021 7 WORLD

England launches heftier Biden unveils fi nes on lockdown sweeping US violators

AFP London FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS: President Biden signing executive orders in the Oval Off ice Covid-19 plan of the White House, after his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States. olice in England will be able to issue bigger fi nes Reuters politics,” the White House said Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the next 10 days include health- Anthony Fauci, told the board of Late on Wednesday, the De- Pto those breaking coro- Washington in a statement outlining its DPA would also be used to speed care, immigration and climate the World Health Organisation partment of Education moved to navirus lockdown measures by strategy against the coronavirus. up delivery of protective gear. change. (WHO) yesterday. extend the pause of student loan partying, with penalties of up The pandemic has killed and The Trump administration Biden signed 15 executive ac- Trump had halted funding to payments and said it would keep to £6,400 ($8,775, €7,200), Priti S President Joe Biden infected more people in the had invoked the law, which tions on Wednesday, hours after the WHO and planned to with- the interest rate at 0% to help Patel, the interior minister, said moved swiftly yesterday United States than anywhere in grants the president broad au- he was sworn into offi ce, many draw from the group in July, ease fi nancial burdens amid the yesterday. Uon his fi rst full day in the the world, and left millions out thority to “expedite and expand aimed at sweeping away Trump’s which Biden reversed in an ex- pandemic. The new fi nes regime, which White House to fi ght the coro- of work due to lockdowns. the supply of resources from the policies, including mandating ecutive order on taking offi ce. Some of Biden’s early initia- comes into force next week, tar- navirus (Covid-19) pandemic, The virus cast a shadow US industrial base” for protec- masks on federal property, re- Fauci told ABC News that re- tives could get bogged down in gets those attending house par- his top priority as he turns the over Biden’s inauguration on tive gear, but never enacted it for joining the Paris climate accord, joining the WHO is a critical step Congress, where the Senate is ties and other illegal gatherings, page on four years of Donald the steps of the US Capitol on testing or vaccine production. and ending a travel ban on some in helping to fi ght the outbreak. considering how to proceed with with penalties doubling for each Trump’s tumultuous leadership. Wednesday. Biden will also direct the Fed- Muslim-majority countries. “It going to be really very the impeachment trial of Trump. off ence. The Biden administration is Crowds, which often reach eral Emergency Management The 10 orders that Biden was important. When you’re deal- The House impeached Trump People caught at parties of aiming at a co-ordinated fed- into the hundreds of thousands Administration (FEMA) to re- due to sign will establish a Cov- ing with a global pandemic, you last week for inciting an insur- more than 15 will initially face eral coronavirus response to the for the swearing-in of a presi- imburse states and tribes fully id-19 testing board to ramp up have to have an international rection in a deadly assault on the £800 fi nes, and could then face a 10-month pandemic, focused dent, were kept away for fear of for the costs associated with Na- testing, address supply short- connectivity,” he said. Capitol. maximum of £6,400 for further on boosting vaccines, increasing spreading infections. tional Guard-related eff orts to falls, establish protocols for in- Fauci said he is confi dent the Democrats now have a narrow breaches. testing, reopening schools and Biden was due to sign a series combat the virus. ternational travellers and direct United States could recharge its majority in both houses. “The science is clear: such addressing inequalities thrown of executive orders related to the The measure restores “full re- resources to hard-hit minority vaccine response, even as some Pelosi has yet to send the arti- irresponsible behaviour poses up by the disease. pandemic later in the day, in- imbursement” from the FEMA communities. states and localities have said cle of impeachment to the Sen- a signifi cant threat to public Trump, who frequently cluding requiring mask-wearing Disaster Relief Fund for costs re- Biden has pledged to provide they are running out of available ate. health,” Home Secretary Patel sought to play down the sever- in airports and on certain public lated to re-opening schools. 100mn doses of the coronavirus doses. A source familiar with the said at a Downing Street press ity of the virus which has killed transportation – on trains, air- FEMA funds are typically dis- vaccine during his fi rst 100 days Biden has proposed a $1.9tn planning said it could happen as conference. “We will not stand more than 405,000 Americans, planes and intercity buses, offi - persed after hurricanes, fl oods in offi ce. Covid-19 package that would early as today. by while a small minority put left much of the pandemic plan- cials said. or other natural disasters. His plan aims to increase vac- enhance jobless benefi ts and Under Senate rules, the trial others at risk.” ning to individual states, which The administration will also The new Democratic presi- cinations by opening up eligi- provide direct cash payments to would start a day after the House Current fi nes stand at £200, has resulted in a patchwork of expand vaccine manufacturing dent has put fi ghting the disease bility for more people such as households to alleviate the fi - delivered the charge. with police only able to hit the policies across the country. and its power to purchase more at the top of a daunting list of teachers and grocery clerks. nancial pain from coronavirus. It was unclear, however, organisers of events comprising “We can and will beat Cov- vaccines by “fully leveraging challenges, including rebuilding He will also issue a directive The House of Representatives whether a delay might be engi- 30 or more people with the high- id-19. America deserves a re- contract authorities, includ- a ravaged economy and address- including the intent to join the is planning to bring a coronavi- neered, as some Democrats have est penalties of £10,000. sponse to the Covid-19 pan- ing the Defence Production Act ing racial injustice. COVAX facility that aims to de- rus relief bill to a vote the fi rst hinted, in order to keep Biden’s London’s Metropolitan Police demic that is driven by science, (DPA)”, according to the plan. Other issues the administra- liver vaccines to poor countries, week of February, Pelosi said agenda and Cabinet appoint- said earlier this week that it had data, and public health – not House of Representatives tion plans to address over the Biden’s chief medical adviser, yesterday. ments on track. issued more than 140 fi nes total- ling £39,000 over two days. That included breaking up a 40-strong house party last Fri- day in the east of the capital, where attendees became hostile New Patagonian dinosaur may London, and three offi cers were injured. The new crackdown comes with England weeks into its third be largest yet, say scientists Brussels national lockdown, with schools and non-essential shops closed for the foreseeable future. AFP necked, long-tailed, plant- River Valley, but excavation row over Prime Minister Boris Johnson Buenos Aires eating dinosaurs – the largest work only began in 2015, ac- imposed the fresh stay-at-home terrestrial creatures ever. cording to palaeontologist Jose order after the emergence of a Among them, Patagotitan Luis Carballido of the Museo diplomatic more contagious virus variant cientists have unearthed mayorum, also from Argentina, Egidio Feruglio. and the easing of restrictions massive, 98mn-year-old weighed in at about 70 tonnes “We have more than half the in some parts of the nation over Sfossils in southwest Ar- and was 40m (131’) long, or tail, a lot of hip bones,” said status Christmas. gentina that they say may have about the length of four school Carballido, who also worked on Similar rules are in place in belonged to the largest dinosaur buses. the classifi cation of Patagotitan Scotland, Wales and Northern ever discovered. Alejandro Otero of Argenti- a few years ago. “It’s obviously AFP Ireland, where devolved govern- Human-sized pieces of fos- na’s Museo de La Plata is work- still inside the rock, so we have London ments have responsibility for silised bone belonging to the ing on piecing together a like- a few more years of digging health policy. giant sauropod appear to be ness of the new dinosaur from ahead of us.” Yesterday leaders in Belfast 10-20% larger than those at- two-dozen vertebrae and bits The massive skeleton was ritain and the EU are announced its lockdown will tributed to Patagotitan mayo- of pelvic bone uncovered so far. found in a layer of rock dated locked in a diplomatic row be extended for a further four rum, the biggest dinosaur ever He has published a paper on to some 98mn years ago during Bover London’s refusal to weeks to March 5, as transmis- identifi ed, according to a state- the unidentifi ed dinosaur for the Upper Cretaceous period, give full diplomatic status to the sion rates decrease there slowly. ment on Wednesday from the the scientifi c journal Creta- added geologist Alberto Gar- 27-member bloc’s envoy. Across the UK, increased case National University of La Ma- ceous Research, according to the rido, director of the Museum of After Britain left the EU in counts through December and tanza’s CTYS scientifi c agency. university statement. Natural Sciences of Zapala. January 2020, Brussels set up a earlier this month have led to Sauropods were long- The quest for more body “We suspect that the speci- European delegation in London. dramatic spikes in hospitalisa- parts, buried deep in rock, con- men may be complete or almost But both sides are at now log- tions and fatalities, with record- Left: This picture released by tinues. complete,” he said. “Everything gerheads over the diplomatic breaking daily death tolls this the CTyS-UNLaM Science For scientists, the holy grail depends on what happens with privileges that the EU’s ambas- week. Outreach Agency shows will be the large femur or hu- the excavations. sador to the UK, Joao Vale de Al- After announcing another palaeontologists during an merus bones, which are help- “But regardless of whether it meida, should enjoy. 1,290 deaths yesterday, Britain’s excavation of fossils at the ful in estimating a long-extinct is bigger (than Patagotitan) or The EU insists its envoy total mortality count stood at Candeleros Formation in the creature’s body mass. not, the discovery of an intact should be awarded the full dip- 94,580, while cases surpassed Neuquen River Valley in The massive fossils were dis- dinosaur of such dimensions is lomatic status of a sovereign 3.5mn. southwest Argentina. covered in 2012 in the Neuquen a novelty.” nation, as is the case for its am- bassadors to 143 other countries around the world where the bloc Three killed in ‘Fact-checkers’ proposed for this year’s Nobel peace prize has delegations. But London argues that the military helicopter With truth famously known as the “first casualty there are lies”, a rejection of his predecessor Don- EU envoy should only be given crash in New York of war”, a Norwegian parliamentarian announced ald Trump, who repeatedly disputed the results Top court rejects law the lesser privileges awarded yesterday that she is nominating “fact-checkers” of the presidential election and popularised the to international organisations, Three New York National for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. expression “fake news” when speaking of media such as the United Nations. Guard members were killed on Announcing the nomination on Twitter, Trine Skei outlets. giving special status Peter Stano, a spokesman for Wednesday evening when a Grande, a former leader of Norway’s Liberal Party, According to its website, the IFCN currently brings EU foreign policy chief Josep military helicopter they were in noted that “we live in a time when fighting lies is together 79 certified organisations that have Borrell, insisted that the EU crashed in the town of Mendon, so important that @JoeBiden mentioned it in his signed on to its code of principles. to Russian language had been “conferred substan- New York, while on a routine speech yesterday”. In addition to AFP’s fact-checking service, the tial competences by its member training mission, authorities said. “This year, I have nominated fact checkers for the Washington Post Fact Checker and Reuters are states”. The aircraft, a UH-60 medical Nobel Peace Prize. They need our support,” Skei also signatories, as well as South African website Reuters Russia’s RIA news agency As a signatory to the Lisbon evacuation helicopter, was part Grande added. Africa Check and fact-checking organisations in Chisinau quoted a source as calling it Treaty, Britain was “well aware of the Army Aviation Support Specifically, she proposed the International Fact- Asia and South America. “deeply regrettable” and a of the EU’s status in external re- Facility at Rochester International Checking Network (IFCN) for the famous peace Tens of thousands of people, among them are “politically opportunistic de- lations”, Stano told AFP. Airport, according to New York prize. parliamentarians and ministers from all countries, oldova’s constitu- cision”. “Nothing has changed since state’s military and naval aff airs The IFCN is a network of several dozen media and former laureates and certain university profes- tional court threw out Language is a core issue of the UK’s exit from the European division. organisations active in fact-checking worldwide. sors, are eligible to submit a nomination for the Ma law yesterday that national identity in Moldova, a Union to justify any change in It was not immediately clear what In his inaugural speech on Wednesday, the new Nobel Peace Prize. would have given special status country which consists mostly stance on the UK’s part,” he said. caused the crash. US president Joe Biden spoke of an “attack on The Nobel Institute in Oslo accepts all valid nomi- to the Russian language, passed of territory annexed by the So- In London, a foreign minis- The military aff airs division democracy and on truth”, and said citizens and nations sent in before the January 31 deadline. last month by the pro-Russian viet Union from Romania dur- try spokesman insisted that the said the incident was under “leaders” have a duty to “defend the truth and to The 2021 Peace Prize winner will be announced in parliament over the objection ing World War II. “EU, its delegation and staff will investigation. defeat the lies”. early October. of the country’s newly elected, Romanian, spoken by the receive the privileges and immu- There were three people on Biden also spoke of a “painful lesson” from recent Last year, the prestigious award went to the World pro-EU president. ethnic Moldovan majority, is nities necessary to enable them board, the Monroe County weeks and months saying “there are truths and Food Programme (WFP). The law would have made the state language, while Rus- to carry out their work in the UK Sheriff ’s Off ice said. Russian the language for com- sians, Ukrainians and others eff ectively”. munication between ethnic mainly speak Russian. Nevertheless, the EU’s chief communities, and required the Russia and the West have Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier 15 dead in Ukraine nursing home fire Cyprus rattled by rare earthquake names of goods, services and vied for infl uence in the coun- said that Britain should be “very medicines to be translated into try. careful” with regard to the issue. At least 15 people were killed yesterday after a blaze tore through An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 struck Cyprus yesterday, Russian. Vitalii Andrievschii, a politi- Speaking at a virtual event a residential home for the elderly in the eastern Ukrainian city of sending residents fleeing onto the streets, but there were no The court ruled it unconsti- cal analyst, said the language hosted in Ireland yesterday, Kharkiv. immediate reports of any casualties or damage, authorities said. tutional. law would have provoked po- Barnier dismissed Britain’s The fire broke out in the second storey of the home in the ex-Soviet The Cyprus Geological Survey said the quake struck at 4.27pm “The law presupposes giving litical passions. characterisation of the EU as an republic, which is one of the poorest countries in Europe and suff ers (1427 GMT) near Dasaki Achna, about 18km (11 miles) northeast of the Russian language a status “Moldovans willingly switch international institution, insist- from an ageing healthcare system. the coastal city of Larnaca, at a depth of 55km. similar to the state language, to Russian in communication ing that the bloc was a union. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the incident The US Geological Survey and the European-Mediterranean which is not provided for by with those who do not speak “The UK took part in this as “a terrible tragedy” and said 33 people had been in the building Seismological Centre put its strength at magnitude 4.9. the Constitution,” said Dom- the state language, but if they union for more or less 47 or 48 when the fire broke out. The rare quake was felt “strongly” across the Mediterranean island, nica Manole, the head of the are forced to do this on the years,” he said. “I hope that we Photos distributed by the emergency services showed smoke including the capital Nicosia, the Cyprus Geological Survey said. court. basis of the law, it will only will be able together to fi nd a billowing from charred windows on the second floor of the building, Cyprus lies in a secondary earthquake-prone zone, but tremors of Russian state news outlets worsen the current situation,” clever and objective solution to while firefighters in heavy coats worked to assess the damage. such magnitude are uncommon. criticised the ruling. he explained. the status of the EU in London.” Gulf Times 8 Friday, January 22, 2021 INDIA

TRAGEDY POLITICS CRIME OFFBEAT WEATHER Boy set ablaze by dad Congress to distribute 325,000 users’ data Harris’s uncle plans visit Srinagar freezes as cold over studies succumbs Priyanka calendar leaked in BuyUcoin hack to US after vaccination wave grips Kashmir

A 12-year-old boy set ablaze by his father for not The Uttar Pradesh Congress is preparing to In yet another data breach, sensitive data of Kamala Harris’s Indian uncle plans to visit the Minimum temperatures plummeted further taking his studies seriously and not attending distribute nearly 1mn calendars of the party’s nearly 325,000 users of India-based global US to congratulate her once he receives a across the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh yester- online classes succumbed to his injuries at a general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, across cryptocurrency exchange and wallet, BuyUcoin, Covid-19 vaccine, he said yesterday, after his day as the weather off ice forecast another spell government hospital in Hyderabad yesterday, every village and city of the state. According to has been exposed on the Dark Web. The data niece became the first woman, Black American of snow and rain during the next three days. police said. Police said Charan’s labourer father party sources, the 12-page table top calendar has leaked include names, e-mails, mobile numbers, and Asian American to hold the office of vice Another spell of moderate snow in Kashmir hills R Balu had set him afire on Sunday night at their a photograph of Priyanka on every page. It encap- encrypted passwords, user wallet details, order president. Gopalan Balachandran, is a senior and plains and higher reaches of Jammu and shanty in a private school campus in Kukatpally sulates her journey since she has plunged into details, bank details, KYC details (PAN number, defence scholar who lives in Delhi. He said he rain in the plains of Jammu is expected starting Housing Board Colony. Balu’s wife worked as an active politics and also reflects her various moods passport numbers) and deposit history. Accord- was happy to hear Harris mention her mother today. “Maximum activity is likely on January 23, attendant at the school. The police said that an and the compassionate side of a politician. Party ing to independent cyber security researcher in her speeches. “She is a good speaker. She and Jan 24,” an off icial of the weather off ice said. inebriated Balu first beat up the class VI student sources added that the calendar would be sent Rajshekhar Rajaharia, the 6GB file on MongoDB didn’t throw any surprise, she mentioned her Srinagar recorded a minimum night temperature over his educational activities even as the boy’s across various parts of Uttar Pradesh and the ex- database contains three backup files containing mother which she does often. I was happy about of minus 7 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 9.3 mother tried in vain to save him. Balu then ercise is designed to promote the party, under the BuyUcoin data. “This is a serious hack as key that,” Balachandran said. Indian media yesterday and Gulmarg minus 7.8. Leh town of Ladakh had poured turpentine oil on Charan and set him leadership of Priyanka, before the next Assembly financial, banking and KYC details have been celebrated Harris’s rise to power as another sign minus 16.2, Kargil minus 18.4 and Drass minus 27.1 ablaze. elections due in 2022. leaked on the Dark Web,” Rajaharia said. of the success of Indians abroad. as the minimum temperature.

India’s vaccine diplomacy in Asia pushes back against China

Reuters/IANS the AstraZeneca vaccine as a gift New Delhi/Kathmandu from India. “India is making the Astra- Zeneca vaccine which makes all ndia will give millions of the diff erence. It can be stored doses of Covid-19 vaccine and transported at normal re- Ito South Asian countries in frigerated temperatures and the next few weeks, government countries like Bangladesh have sources said yesterday, drawing that facility,” a Bangladesh health praise from its neighbours and offi cial said. pushing back against China’s India for years has struggled dominating presence in the re- to match the pace of Chinese in- gion. vestment in countries such as Sri Free shipments of AstraZene- Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives, ca’s vaccine manufactured by where China is building ports, the Serum Institute of India, the roads and power stations as part world’s biggest producer of vac- of its Belt and Road Initiative. cines, have begun arriving in the But the demand for vaccines Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh in these countries desperate to and Nepal. revive their tourism-dependent Myanmar and the Seychelles economies has off ered Prime are next in line to get free con- Minister Narendra Modi’s gov- Smoke billows after a fire breaks out inside the complex of the Serum Institute of India, in Pune yesterday. signments as India uses its ernment a way to claw back strength as one of the world’s ground, diplomats say. biggest makers of generic drugs India is considering giving to build friendships. away anything from 12mn to “The government of India has 20mn shots to its neighbours in shown goodwill by providing the fi rst wave of assistance over the vaccine in grant. This is at the next three to four weeks, one the people’s level, it is the public government source said. who are suff ering the most from India is also helping with Five die in Covid vaccine plant Covid-19,” said Nepal’s Minister the training of health workers for Health and Population Hri- in some of these countries and dayesh Tripathi. the setting up of the infrastruc- The gesture comes at a time ture to administer the shots, the that India’s ties with Nepal source said. blaze; production unaff ected have been strained by a territo- “It’s a well-crafted, calibrated rial dispute and Indian concern series of actions you are seeing, over China’s expanding political they confi rm the validity of our AFP in Pune, which is responsible for said the cause of the blaze was recent years enlarging and im- Indian fi rm Bharat Biotech. and economic infl uence in the ‘neighbourhood fi rst’ policy,” Mumbai producing millions of doses of not immediately known. proving the giant Pune campus. India began one of the world’s Himalayan nation sandwiched said a former Indian ambassador, the Covishield coronavirus vac- The complex where the fi re In January, Indian regulators biggest vaccine rollouts on between the Asian giants. Rajiv Bhatia. cine, developed by AstraZeneca broke out is a few minutes’ drive approved two vaccines — Cov- Saturday, aiming to vaccinate China, which had promised “It plays to our strengths in ive people died as a fi re and Oxford University. from the facility where corona- ishield, produced by the Serum 300mn people by July with both Nepal help to deal with the pan- science and pharma, and this is tore through a building in “It is not going to aff ect pro- virus vaccines are produced, re- Institute, and Covaxin, made by Covishield and Covaxin. demic, is awaiting Nepali clear- our moment to shine.” Fthe world’s biggest vaccine duction of the Covid-19 vac- ports said. ance for its Sinopharm shots. Ninety-two countries have manufacturing hub in India yes- cine,” a Serum Institute source Up to nine buildings are under “We’ve asked them to sub- approached India for Covid-19 terday, but the company insisted said, adding that the blaze was at construction at the complex to PM Modi ‘set to get Covid-19 jab’ mit more documents and in- vaccines.Sources said scores of that the production of drugs to a new facility being built on the enhance Serum’s manufacturing formation before we give them countries are approaching India, counter the coronavirus pan- 100-acre campus. capability, NDTV reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ers, who are being inoculated the approval,” said Santosh K C, as the word spreads that Indian demic would continue. A fi re offi cial earlier told re- Serum Institute — founded will get a coronavirus shot in the on priority, has been witnessed spokesman for Nepal’s depart- vaccines are showing negligible Rescue workers discovered fi ve porters that “three or four peo- in 1966 by Cyrus Poonawalla, second phase of the country’s in- pan-India. It is being attributed to ment of drug administration. side-eff ects, since the immuni- bodies in the under-construc- ple were inside” when the blaze Adar’s father — is the world’s oculation campaign, broadcaster doubts over the safety of the pre- Bangladesh was supposed to sation drive in the country began tion building after the blaze at broke out, but all had been res- largest vaccine manufacturer by NDTV reported citing sources, maturely approved Covaxin vac- get 110,000 doses of vaccine free on Saturday. the Serum Institute of India was cued. No-one is trapped inside,” volume, producing 1.5bn doses a as many states struggle to meet cine and adverse events in some from Chinese fi rm Sinovac Bio- In a letter to Prime Minister brought under control, media re- the offi cial said. year even before the coronavirus targets partly due to fears over people following immunisation. tech, but Bangladesh refused to Modi on Tuesday, Prime Minister ports said, with offi cials in Pune “We are deeply saddened and pandemic hit. possible side-eff ects. The health The poster also included quotes contribute towards the develop- Roosevelt Skerrit of the Domini- confi rming the toll. off er our deepest condolences It makes vaccines against po- ministry yesterday released of prominent health off icials ment cost of the vaccine leading can Republic, has also requested “Five people have died,” city to the family members of the lio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis posters to bring about vaccine like All India Institute of Medical to deadlock. for inoculation, signalling that mayor Murlidhar Mohol told departed,” the fi rm’s CEO Adar B, measles, mumps and rubella, awareness in a bid to combat Sciences director Randeep Bangladesh has instead turned the demand for Indian jabs has reporters. TV channels showed Poonawalla tweeted, without of- which are exported to more than rumour-mongering. Hesitancy Guleria and Niti Aayog member to India for urgent supplies and acquired a transcontinental ap- thick clouds of grey smoke bil- fering further details. 170 countries. The company has among the frontline health work- V K Paul. was due to receive 2mn shots of peal. lowing from the sprawling site Both police and the company spent nearly a billion dollars in No-trust motion against Elusive freedom Tractor rally talks end inconclusively

Kerala Speaker rejected in a peaceful manner,” Yogendra IANS New Delhi Yadav said. “Millions of farmers from across the country have IANS treasury benches were all praise tion against the Speaker. left for this parade, we cannot Thiruvananthapuram for Sreeramakrishnan. He said that Sreeramakrishnan he meeting between stop them.” Jumping to the speaker’s de- was doing a good job and the op- farmer leaders and Delhi In the meeting, the Delhi fence, MLA James Mathew said position was provided ample TPolice offi cials on the is- Police had suggested that the he Kerala Assembly wit- Sreeramakrishnan had an un- time in the House during every sue of the tractor march on Jan- farmers take out tractor parades nessed uproarious scenes blemished track record for the discussion. uary 26 remained inconclusive. on the KMP (Kundli-Manesar- Tyesterday as the no-con- past 40 years right from his days Sreeramakrishnan in his re- The meeting was held at the Palwal) and KGP (Kundli-Ghaz- fi dence motion moved by Indian as a student leader. marks said Chennithala was Mantram Resort yesterday. iabad-Palwal) highway outside Union Muslim League legisla- Mathew lashed out at the op- still behaving like a student Another meeting is expected Delhi. However, the farmers re- tor, M Ummer, against Speaker position stating they had no leader. to be held today. jected the proposal. P Sreeramakrishnan was rejected right to speak against Sreera- The Speaker said that the dis- The farmers are expected to Meanwhile, farmer leaders by the House. makrishnan. cussion on this matter and its discuss all issues among them- have welcomed the govern- In his no-confi dence motion, Opposition leader Ramesh proceedings have given him more selves fi rst, for which a joint ment’s proposal during the Ummer said that there were clear Chennithala in his speech said confi dence in the Assembly. He Kisan Morcha meeting will be 10th round of talks to resolve reports that Sreeramakrishnan the speaker had indulged in ex- added that he has done no wrong held at the Singhu border. issues related to the new- was involved in the dollar smug- travagance in the House and had and asked the opposition not to Yesterday’s meeting was at- ly passed agricultural laws gling case and therefore had no refurbished the central hall of the play to the gallery. tended by Delhi Police offi cials through a committee, keep- right to sit in the Speakers’ chair Assembly for no reason. Meanwhile the special eco- besides senior offi cers of the Ut- ing the legislations on hold for of the Legislative Assembly. He alleged that a huge amount nomic off ences court in Kerala tar Pradesh and Haryana Police. one-and-a-half years. He also alleged that the Speak- was squandered by the Speaker has given approval to the cus- Darshan Pal, Yogendra Ya- Terming the proposal “worth er had tried to shield his assistant in the renovation. toms department to arrest M dav, Yudhveer Singh and other considering”, the farmer lead- private secretary, who has been He called upon the Speaker to Sivasankar in the dollar smug- farmer leaders attended the ers said that representatives interrogated for over nine hours quit as his name had surfaced in gling case. meeting on behalf of the farmer of all the farmer organisations by the customs department. the dollar smuggling case. Sivasankar, former principal organisations. “While the farm- will hold consultations and The House witnessed unruly Chief Minister Pinarayi Vi- secretary to Vijayan, is now in ju- ers are adamant abouyt holding then apprise the government scenes when the ruling front jayan in his speech said there was dicial custody in the gold smug- Royal Bengal tigers roam in an enclosure at the Bengal a parade on Ring Road, the Delhi about their stand during the countered the opposition MLA no reason for the opposition to gling and other cases fi led by the Safari wildlife park, on the outskirts of Siliguri, West Bengal. Police is not ready to accept our 11th round meeting scheduled while the legislators from the bring such a no-confi dence mo- enforcement directorate. demand. The rally will be held to be held tomorrow. Gulf Times Friday, January 22, 2021 9 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Attire and adornment

llah Says what means: “O children of This is a very dangerous issue because it from the best of his clothing, perfumes himself Adam! We have bestowed upon you could result in one being deprived of entering if he has any, goes to the mosque, does not step clothing to conceal your private parts Paradise, and this is why Islam mandates over people’s heads (when trying to reach the Aand as adornment. But the clothing of concealing one’s private parts and defi nes the front rows), then prays whatever Allah decreed righteousness — that is best. That is from the ‘Awrah (i.e., the parts of the body that one for him to pray, and does not talk from the time signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.” is Islamically obliged to cover) and how to the Imam starts talking until he fi nishes, this [Qur’an 7: 26] cover it. The ‘Awrah is defi ned precisely and will be an expiation for his sins between that One of the visible favours of Allah upon His in detail for people of all ages and every phase: Friday and the next.” slaves is that He has created for them diff erent for infants up to two years of age, then for In this regard Allah Says [what means]: “O materials by which they can conceal their childhood, and then for the phase that lasts up Children of Adam! Take your adornment [i.e., private parts. to and beyond puberty. wear your clothing] at every Masjid…” [Qur’an Allah also Says what means: “So We said: ‘O Islam obligates clothing because nakedness 7: 31] Adam! Indeed this (Satan) is an enemy to you is a dispraised matter. A man once entered into Nowadays, people go to parties wearing their and to your wife. Then let him not remove you the presence of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi very best clothing, but if they go to pray in the from Paradise so you would suff er. Indeed, it is wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), while mosque, they wear the clothes that they sleep [promised] for you not to be hungry therein or wearing improper clothing, so he, sallallaahu in, or their most inferior clothing. be unclothed.” [Qur’an 20: 117-118] ‘alaihi wa sallam, asked: “Do you have money?” What type of clothes do stores sell for Hunger is internal humiliation whilst The man replied: “Yes, from all means. Allah men nowadays? They sell clothes that are nakedness is external humiliation, but neither has granted me camels, sheep, horses and outrageous and refl ect a total lack of manhood, of these two exists in Paradise. The dwellers of slaves.” Thereupon, the Prophet, sallallaahu and which contradict basic moral values. These Paradise enjoy wearing diff erent garments one ‘alaihi wa sallam, said to him: “Then let the are clothes that are absolutely unfi t for men to on top of the other. Allah Says what means: favour and blessings of Allah be apparent on wear, like tight trousers which form the parts, “And when you look there [in Paradise], you you.” Imam Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy or jeans with advertisements of intoxicants, or will see pleasure and great dominion. Upon upon him, commented on this narration clothes that contain images of actors, actresses, them [i.e., the inhabitants] will be green stating: “This means: wear the clothing that dancers and singers. Some of these clothes are garments of fi ne silk and heavy silk...” [Qur’an suits the level of bounties of Allah upon you, in shocking colours, or are so baggy that they 76: 20-21] and which is clean and pleasant, so that needy look ridiculous. Thus, clothing is a blessing from Allah people would recognise a person’s status and Some men are shameless enough to wear that He has bestowed upon us, as Allah Says know to ask from him charity. However, in shorts in public, claiming that they are [what means]: “O children of Adam! We have order to judge this issue in light of all relevant ‘beachwear’ - as if the Lord of the beach is bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your texts, one must be moderate in this regard and diff erent from the Lord of the mosque. As soon private parts…” [Qur’an 7: 26] not extravagant.” as a new fashion comes out, regardless of how Concealing one’s private parts is mandatory, This is how real scholars are: they judge an immoral or prohibited it is, many Muslims rush but this is not all; rather, Allah has, in addition, issue in light of all the relevant texts related to wear it. bestowed upon us adornment. Following this to it, and do not focus on an isolated piece of When some people see a person having adornment is the inner adornment, which is the evidence. This is an advice to all students of his garment fall no lower than the level of spiritual one, as Allah Says [what means]: “But knowledge who seek the truth, this is how you his mid-shin, as per the instructions in the the clothing of righteousness — that is best. should be, too - never take one text in isolation Sunnah, they accuse him of being backward That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps when there are other texts related to the issue and an extremist, but at the same time, they they will remember.” [Qur’an 7:26] that you are judging, so that you can have a themselves may wear Bermuda shorts, which If the clothing of piety is lost then one’s faults complete picture before making your fi nal are no longer than the clothing they mock. are exposed; and if the clothing of the body is judgment. It seems that just because the latter was gone, then his private parts become exposed, An example to illustrate this is if one states designed by the non-Muslims, it is the only which results in great trials, leaving Satan to that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, acceptable type of clothing. open an arena in which to lure mankind. This said: “Indeed Allah is Jameel (which implies Sometimes one thinks that people have is why Allah Says [what means]: “So We said: beauty) and He loves beauty” and therefore no brains and are like programmed machines ‘O Adam! Indeed this is an enemy to you and concludes that it is permissible for the woman whose remote controls are in the hands of the to your wife. Then let him not remove you to expose her beauty, since beauty is something Jews and the westerners. Women are exposing from Paradise so you would suff er. Indeed, it is that Allah loves. We ask such a person: Are their bodies and wearing tight, transparent [promised] for you not to be hungry therein or you aware of the other texts that specifi cally garments with splits. They wear short dresses be unclothed.” [Qur’an 20: 117-118] prohibit the woman to expose here beauty in and make up in order to seduce men. All the evil Unclothing is a plot of Satan, and the fi rst sin front of marriageable men and the texts that designs that the non-Muslims have concocted that was ever committed resulted in unclothing, command her to adhere to Hijab (i.e. Muslim are adopted in our countries, and this in as Allah Says what means: “O children of woman’s outfi t in Islam)? addition to what takes place during weddings, Adam! Let not Satan tempt you as he removed Some scholars who were wealthy would wear where dresses are so transparent that it is as if your parents from Paradise, stripping them of the best clothing that they possessed during these weddings are meat markets! their clothing (i.e., the garments of Paradise) to seasons such as Ramadan so that the poor could Where are the men who are supposed to be show them their private parts…” [Qur’an 7: 27] recognise them and ask them for charity, but the guardians of these women? Where are the Satan initiated his war against the children as soon as these seasons were over they would men with protective jealousy? of Adam by trying to entice them to expose wear modest clothing as a sign of their humility Such clothing, which seduces men and their private parts, and this battle continued and knowledge of the narration that they were moves their lusts and desires, is unacceptable Doing anything for the purpose of attracting Unfortunately, women nowadays wear until it has reached its peak in our time when well aware of, which is that of Mu’ath, may to Allah. What is our role in forbidding such people’s eyes and attention will fall under this garments that contain splits that are up to people have actually exposed their private Allah be pleased with him, who reported that things from occurring? Why do men insist on narration; the psychological punishment of it their thighs, and sometimes even higher. parts and there are nude clubs, nude beaches, the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa remaining useless and silent? Where is their is humiliation, while the physical punishment This is something that is resented by women and channels on satellite television for nudity, sallam, said: “Whoever voluntarily forsakes manhood? is fi re. who have a pure nature, and we are talking fornication and ‘summer fashions’, which is wearing elegant and expensive garments out of Some women wear clothes that are manly. Nowadays, people are obsessed with doing about common women and not women with practical nudity. All these things, which the humbleness, Allah will call him on the Day of Also, we witness that even very young girls are things that are out of the ordinary; they are knowledge or students of knowledge. sinners among the children of Adam thought Resurrection and give him, in front of all (His) wearing revealing clothes and are growing up obsessed with doing things that are strange We witness how the enemies of Allah have up with the help of Satan, are vividly shown on creation, the choice to wear whichever garment while being accustomed to this; it therefore with regards to their hairstyles, clothing, spread nakedness by all possible means, TV screens. of Belief he wishes.” [At-Tirmithi] becomes impossible to convince them to footwear, and even socks - to the point that through sports, swimwear, jogging-wear, Moreover, there are so many magazines and The clothing of the Messenger of Allah, change their minds, or to teach them chastity, some wear two diff erent coloured socks to gymnastics, and so on. In fact, the chairman Internet websites that feature nudity that it has sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was whatever when they become older. stand out. Many people wear clothes that have of a football league was complaining that the become something that many feel no shame in he could fi nd; he would wear wool at times The high heels that women wear almost crosses on them, while ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be female footballers were not wearing seductive publishing or viewing, because the plot of Satan and cotton at others - according to what was cause them to tumble. They also aff ect the pleased with her, said: “We do not wear clothes enough attire whilst playing. They aim to is to corrupt mankind by exposing people’s available for him at the time and without any manner in which they walk as well as harm that have crosses imprinted upon them.” spread corruption globally via athletics, and private parts. extravagance; he, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, their spinal cords and cause foot-joint pain. Likewise is the case with wearing clothes this is why some female athletes have moved on This is why Allah warns us by Saying [what would always thereby be acting in accordance One is truly grieved at the level to which the that have pictures of animate objects upon to become movie “stars”. means]: “O children of Adam! Let not Satan with the commands of Allah. One can eat, wear Muslims have sunk with regards to clothing. them, in which case one must disfi gure the Will we rise to face this? Will we stand for tempt you…” [Qur’an 7: 27] Satan does this by or drink anything (that is lawful) as long as it Those who wear clothing that is distinctly image, leaving no trace of the head and what it the truth? Will our protective jealousy wake up all means possible: movies, magazines, fashion is without extravagance or boasting. Men may for the disbelievers will have the following contains (i.e. eyes, mouth and nose). and cry out loud? Will we begin checking the shows, beauty contests, scanty clothing that not wear silk because there is a specifi c text that Prophetic narration apply to them: “He who Suffi cient for us is the statement of Imam clothes that we buy for our wives and daughters women wear to weddings, satellite television prohibits silk for men. resembles a people will be with them (i.e. on Abu al-Hasan al-Qasfan, may Allah have mercy to ensure they do not contradict Islamic channels, and so on. Immorality has become A Muslim is encouraged to adorn himself the Day of Resurrection).” upon him, regarding whether or not a Muslim teachings? When will we begin inspecting our readily available and people are constantly when going to the mosque. The Messenger Those who feel proud of wearing such woman can expose her breasts, back or stomach wives and daughters before they leave to attend exposed to it. of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: clothing and who walk arrogantly will meet to another woman, he said: “She is only allowed wedding parties to ensure that what they are Imam At-Tabari, may Allah have mercy upon “Whoever performs Ghusl (i.e., a ritual bath) Allah while He is Angry with them. Those to expose what she would expose to men who wearing will not cause the wrath of Allah? Or him, stated when commenting on this verse: “It on Friday, wears from the best of his clothing, who wear fashionable clothing in order for are non-marriageable to her. This is due to the will we continue to hastily drop them off while means: Let not Satan deceive you into obeying goes to the mosque, does not step over people’s others to look at and pay attention to, will fact that the lusts and desires of some women never bothering to check what they wear? him and therefore exposing your private heads (in trying to reach the front rows) and have the following Prophetic narration apply towards others are stimulated when they see Where is our jealousy? Where is our chastity? parts to others, thus depriving yourselves does not talk whilst the Imam is talking; this to them: “He who wears a garment of fame in such areas exposed. Thus, a woman may only Where is virtue? When will we adhere to the from entering Paradise, which is exactly will be an expiation for his previous sins.” this life - Allah will make him wear a garment expose the places of adornment on her hands rulings of Allah? what resulted in your father (i.e. Adam) being He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, also said: of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, and feet, regardless of whether or not the Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/ expelled from Paradise.” “Whoever performs Ghusl on Friday, wears then He will set it on fi re.” [Ibn Majah] woman is attractive.” emainpage/ Etiquette related to dressing

Muslim acknowledges that the following etiquette with respect to ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Wear white Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi completely with a large garment in he should begin with the left.” [Al- Allah has ordered him to wear dress: clothing for it is purer and better. And wa sallam, also said: “Wearing silk and such a way that he cannot get his hands Bukhari and Muslim] clothing in the verse (which 1. A Muslim (man) should not wear shroud your deceased in (white).” [An- gold has been forbidden for the males out of it. Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu 9. When a person puts on any Ameans):”O Children of silk on his clothing, head covering or Nasaa’i] of my Nation and is permissible for its ‘alaihi wa sallam, has prohibited such a clothing, he should begin from the Adam! Take your adornment (by wear- anything else except what has been 4. A Muslim woman should lower females.”[At-Tirmithi] manner of dress. right side. Aa’ishah, may Allah be ing your clean clothes) while praying legislated in extreme cases like skin her garment until it fully covers her Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi Similarly, a person should not pleased with her, stated: “Allah’s and going round the Ka’aba, and eat diseases, etc. This is because Allah’s feet. She should also draw down her wa sallam, saw a man wearing a gold walk wearing only one shoe. Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa and drink but waste not by extrava- Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa head covering so that it covers her ring and he took it off his finger and Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, loved to begin with the right in gance. Certainly, He (Allah) likes not sallam, stated: “Do not wear silk, for neck and chest. Allah has Said (what threw it aside, saying: “One of you sallam, said: “You should not walk all his matters, in putting on his shoes, the extravagant.”[Qur’an 7:31] the one who wears it in this world means): “O Prophet! Tell your wives takes a burning coal of fi re and puts it wearing one shoe only. Either walk in combing his hair and in purifying Clothing is also a bounty from will not wear it in the Hereafter.”[Al- and your daughters and the women of on his hand.” After Allah’s Messenger, barefoot or wear both of them himself.”[Muslim] Allah, as He Says (what means): “O Bukhari and Muslim] the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, left, it was together.” [Al-Bukhari] 10. Upon wearing a new garment or Children of Adam! We have bestowed 2. A man’s garment, pants, head all over their bodies.”[Qur’an 33:59] said to the man: ‘Take your ring and 7. A Muslim man is not allowed any new clothing, the person should raiment upon you to cover yourselves covering or cloak should not be so Allah also Says (what means): “(And benefi t from it. (i.e. sell it and use its to wear the dress of a woman and a say: “O Allah, to You is the Praise. You (screen your private parts) and as long as to go below the ankles. This tell the believing women to) draw price).’ He replied: ‘No, by Allah, I will Muslim woman is not allowed to wear are the One Who clothed me by it. I ask an adornment. And the raiment of prohibition is based on the statement their veils all over their faces, necks never take it after Allah’s Messenger, the dress of a man. You for its good and the good of what it righteousness is best...”[Qur’an 7:26] of Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi and bosoms and not to reveal their sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, threw it Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi was made for. And I seek refuge in You Allah also Says (what means): “And wa sallam, that: “What goes below adornment except’ to their husbands, away.’” [Muslim] wa sallam, stated: “Allah curses the from its evil and the evil of what it was We taught him the making of metal the ankles of the waist-cloth will be their fathers...”[Qur’an 24:31] 5. There is no harm in a Muslim eff eminate men and the masculine made for.” [Abu Daawood] coats of mail (for battles), to protect punished in the Hell fi re.” [Al-Bukhari] ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased male having a silver ring or engraving women.” [Al-Bukhari] 11. A Muslim should pray for his you in fi ghting. Will you then not be Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi with her, stated regarding the above- his name on it to use it as adornment He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, also Muslim brother when he sees him grateful?”[Qur’an 21:80] wa sallam, also said: “The one who mentioned verse: “May Allah have or as a type of engraving stamp for said: “Allah curses the man who wears wearing new clothes by saying: “May Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu lengthens the cloak, shirt and turban mercy on the women who migrated his letters or books, or as a kind women’s clothing and the woman you wear it until it disintegrates and ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his out of pride will not be looked at with from Makkah to Al-Madinah. When of signature. Allah’s Messenger, who wears men’s clothing. He also falls apart (that is, for a long, blessed mention), also ordered such in his approval on the Day of Resurrection.” Allah revealed this verse: ‘And tell the sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to curses the men who imitate women time).” [Al-Bukhari] statement: “Eat, drink, dress and give [An-Nasaa’i] believing women to draw their veils have a silver ring that had engraved and the women who imitate men.” Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi in charity without extravagance or Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi all over their faces, necks and bosoms’, on it, “Muhammad, the Messenger of [Al-Bukhari] wa sallam, made that supplication arrogance.” [Al-Bukhari] wa sallam, also said: “Allah does not they tore apart their thick woolen Allah” and he used to wear it on the 8. When a person puts on his shoes, when he saw, Umm Khaalid, may Allah Therefore, Allah’s Messenger, look at the one who lowers his garment garments and wore them as head little fi nger of his left hand. Anas, may it is recommended to begin with the be pleased with her, wearing new sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, made out of arrogance.” [Al-Bukhari and coverings.” Allah be pleased with him, stated: “The right foot. And when he takes them clothing. [Al-Bukhari] clear what type of clothing is Muslim] A Muslim male should not wear ring of Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu off , it is recommended to take off the Article source: http://www.islamweb. permissible and what is impermissible. 3. Though all colors are permissible gold. Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was on this” and he left shoe fi rst. This is based on the net/emainpage/ He also showed what is preferred for a to wear, a Muslim should give ‘alaihi wa sallam, said about gold and pointed to the little fi nger of his left Prophet’s statement: “If one of you Muslim to wear and what is disliked. preference to white clothing over other silk: “These are forbidden for the males hand.[Muslim] puts on his shoes, let him begin with Therefore, a Muslim should adhere to colors. Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu of my Nation.” [Abu Daawood] 6. A person should not wrap himself the right. And when he takes them off , Gulf Times 10 Friday, January 22, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Reversal a redemption after Trump’s Muslim ban damaged the US

As America closes the chapter on the Trump era, millions across the nation are breathing a collective sigh of relief. The incessant barrage of headlines fi xating on the one-term, twice-impeached president’s infl ammatory words, tweets and policies have exacted a heavy toll. American Muslims, in particular, won’t soon forget that four years ago, after taking his oath of offi ce to uphold the Constitution, one of Donald Trump’s fi rst orders of business was to violate the value of religious freedom enshrined within that charter by signing into law his discriminatory Muslim travel ban executive order. The fi rst iteration of the executive order mandated a 90-day moratorium on the entry of nationals from seven Muslim majority countries, an indefi nite moratorium on the entry of Syrian refugees Malta hails Qatar’s leading and a 120-day moratorium on the entry of all other refugees. When Trump enacted the travel ban, he was making good on a promise he’d made on the campaign trail to call for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can fi gure out what is going on.” The ban went into eff ect on Friday, January 27, 2017, and chaos role in crisis resolution erupted immediately after. Within an hour, QNA elections and wishes Qatar further he said Qatar and Malta completely administration is required to work with civil rights lawyers Doha progress, development and sustainable agree on the importance of solving all the rest of the world, and this is what Biden has vowed from organisations, growth. the disputes between the countries or it had demonstrated and confi rmed on including the Council He said Qatar’s eff orts to contain inside the same country by peaceful its fi rst day in offi ce, by its willingness to push lawmakers on American-Islamic alta’s Minister for For- the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) means and through dialogue and that to work with everyone for the sake Relations and the eign Aff airs and European in terms of providing the perfect the mediators must remain at the of global peace and security, and to contribute to solving world problems, to fi ght the surge ACLU, were fl ooded Relations Evarist Bartolo healthcare services to its citizens and same distance from the confl icting highlighted yesterday the residents without discrimination sets parties and work with patience without not causing it, calling on the Biden with frantic calls. Many M in hate crimes development of Qatari-Maltese ties an example for other countries to follow interference and imposing dictation, administration, at this particular time, civil rights advocates in all fi elds, noting that it continues to in terms of dealing with these condition and making the talks proceed freely to overcome the current problems of and honour scrambled to airports grow thanks to the joint political will by focusing on the humanitarian aspect. in order to fi nd ways to resolve the the country, in terms of achieving the to help immigrants who and the commitment of both sides to He also said he was pleased that disagreement and confl ict, and this is unity of Americans and overcoming American Muslims’ had been detained upon enhance it to benefi t the two coun- Qatar Airways was a leader in providing what Qatar and Malta have succeeded the coronavirus pandemic, so that the arrival and denied entry. tries and peoples, at a time where both fl ights from Qatar to Malta, becoming in doing. United States would be more able to deal contributions Passengers who were sides are looking to explore investment an important way for Maltese citizens He affi rmed, in this context, the and co-operate with other countries on nationals of the seven opportunities in the two countries, es- to return home. He also praised the important role played by Qatar at the issues of peace, security, climate change listed countries were advised to cancel their travel plans, as they’d be pecially with the coronavirus pandemic presence of a Qatari bank operating in international level as it became an and other international issues. unable to return to the United States if they left. fading around the world. Malta as it comes in the context of the infl uential player in confl ict resolution, In response to a question about Legal residents temporarily travelling outside of the country, In an exclusive interview with constantly developing ties between the so that it will always be part of solving the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by including those who had visas to work or study in the United States, QNA, he said Qatari-Maltese ties two countries. problems, not a cause or a party of it. Qatar next year, he said he was very were stranded abroad – uncertain if they’d be able to resume their stand on important pillars and were Bartolo expressed his great pleasure He added that Malta was happy happy with the extensive preparations jobs and studies. characterised by the activity of the at the end of the Gulf crisis and the with Qatar’s mediating eff orts in many that Qatar has made to make this As news stories broke of Customs and Border Protection agents two countries despite their small size achievement of reconciliation among confl icts, citing its eff orts to bring peace international sporting event a success. and population, in addition, to the the parties. He said that though Malta to the Middle East as well as its eff orts He disclosed that he visited one of the detaining passengers, word spread quickly on social media. mutual respect they have for each other was happy with the end of the crisis, to achieve harmony between the Afghan stadiums where the World Cup will be Protesters began packing airports in diff erent cities – passionately and their commitment to protecting the country was saddened by the Qatar parties themselves to bring peace and held, Al Rayyan Stadium, which has a chanting slogans like “No ban, no fear, Muslims are welcome here!” themselves in a world where no-one blockade. He noted that the blockade security in their country, by hosting capacity of 47,000 spectators, noting In Maryland, allies joined members of Congress at the needs to be taught what to do by however, helped Qatar become more their negotiations in Doha. He said that it is a modern sports facility that International Arrivals gate of the Baltimore-Washington another side. self-reliant and self-suffi cient in those negotiations have led to building has the latest and highest international International Airport – a gathering that grew fervently and He added that the Maltese side was terms of special products in the fi eld confi dence between them in order to standards and conditions in terms of passionately. excited by Qatar’s comprehensive of food production. He said that when achieve the interests of their people, the construction, lighting, pitch, and other With the crass stroke of a pen, Trump had codifi ed bigotry into law renaissance over the past few years, in countries face such a blockade, they security and stability of their country, required facilities. – signalling to his base and the world that the blanket scapegoating, accordance with a clear vision of how it either collapse or come out stronger, and build its future. In conclusion, the minister expressed profi ling and dehumanising of Muslim communities was permissible can build itself. adding that it was the latter that The minister hoped that peace and his complete satisfaction over the state and warranted. Bartolo expressed his appreciation for happened to Qatar. security would prevail in all confl ict of Qatari-Maltese relations and the This would prove to be only the fi rst of many cruel, discriminatory Qatar’s big and positive steps towards He expressed his hope that relations areas in the Middle East and the world, results of his visit to Doha, pointing family separation policies his administration would go on to democratic practice, stressing that the between the GCC would return to its and that armed confrontations and out that the two countries are now implement, all predominantly aff ecting people of colour. October Shura Council elections will be previous era after the reconciliation. confl icts that only arms dealers would harvesting what they planted over As the masses continued to mobilise in an unprecedented display a real addition to the country’s progress. Regarding the tensions, confl icts and benefi t from would disappear. the past years in the course of the wars in the Middle East area in general, He noted that the new American distinguished relations between them. of solidarity with Muslims, civil rights groups and states explored He said that Malta welcomes these legal options, drafted documents and prepared to obtain court orders and seek injunctions to limit the ban’s impact. Trump’s executive order suff ered multiple legal setbacks in the courts, leading to several iterations – all fundamentally rooted in the same discriminatory intent. And, shamefully, the Supreme Court ultimately voted to uphold Muslim Ban 3.0 in a 5-4 ruling made June 26, 2018. Trump’s animus toward Muslims manifested far beyond this executive order and included approval of surveilling US mosques and establishing a Muslim registry. Among President Joe Biden’s fi rst actions in offi ce, is repealing Trump’s travel ban, which ultimately imposed restrictions on more than a dozen countries. Biden has vowed to push lawmakers to fi ght the surge in hate crimes across the country. And he’s promised to honour American Muslims’ contributions, seek out our ideas, and take our input into consideration, especially when crafting policies that impact our communities. After years of challenging toxic rhetoric and attacks from the highest offi ce within our government, these commitments are a refreshing change in tone, and American Muslim leaders look forward to holding the incoming administration accountable. – Tribune News Service

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© 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved ALL PRAISE: Malta’s Minister for Foreign Aff airs and European Relations Evarist Bartolo has praised the important role played by Qatar at the international level as it became an influential player in conflict resolution, so that it will always be part of solving problems, not a cause or a party of it. Gulf Times Friday, January 22, 2021 11 PAKISTAN

China to donate 500,000 Election body ‘cannot doses of Covid-19 hold a public hearing’ vaccine Internews is an “important and sensitive” “comprehensive recommenda- South Waziristan, the prime eign funding case against the Later, on May 8, 2017, an ECP Islamabad case for which the verdict will be tions” to the ECP. minister said that the proceed- ruling PTI. bench stated that the body had done based on “merit” and “na- The ECP will then put forward ings should be open and that the Akbar S Babar, a founding complete jurisdiction over the AFP/Reuters/Internews tional interest”. these recommendations to both party heads should attend the member of the PTI, had fi led a case. Islamabad he Election Commission “Unnecessary and unsub- the parties in an open hearing, hearings. case against the Imran Khan-led In March 2018, a scrutiny of Pakistan (ECP) cannot stantiated comments on the case he said. “I can put it to a challenge that party in November 2014, claim- committee was formed to look Thold open proceedings should be avoided,” he said. “The ECP will hear the ar- the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ing in his petition that there were into the PTI’s foreign funding hina will donate 500,000 in the case of foreign funding to According to the spokesper- guments of both sides and de- (PTI) is the only political party massive fi nancial irregularities accounts to determine if there doses of its coronavirus political parties, a spokesperson son, the case is already being cide the case on merit,” said the that has been involved in politi- in handling of foreign funding to was any wrongdoing. C(Covid-19) vaccine to said yesterday. heard in the ECP with the peti- spokesperson, adding that the cal fundraising,” Prime Minis- the tune of nearly $3mn. The PTI at multiple times has Pakistan, Foreign Minister Shah According to the spokesper- tioners, media and other people body will decide the case with- ter Khan said, adding that the Following the petition, the sought secrecy in the scrutiny, Mahmood Qureshi said yester- son, the ECP Scrutiny Commit- from related agencies taking out any “fear or pressure”. country runs on remittance from PTI challenged the ECP orders in and had also approached the day. tee’s powers are similar to that of part in the hearings. The statement by the ECP overseas Pakistanis. the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ECP, in this regard. It comes as the number of a joint investigation team, which He added that a scrutiny com- comes a day after Prime Min- His challenge came after 11 in 2017. However, in October, 2019, coronavirus cases surged to is why the hearings cannot be mittee hears the points of view ister Imran Khan challenged all opposition parties, under the In the same year, the IHC sent the ECP turned down the party’s 527,146 in Pakistan, with over held publicly. of both the party, the accused those sceptical of his party’s banner of the Pakistan Demo- back the case to the electoral request. 11,000 deaths since the virus “A public hearing will also and the complainant. activities by saying that the pro- cratic Movement (PDM), pro- body to review its jurisdiction. Prime Minister Khan has at was fi rst detected in February make it diffi cult for the commit- The offi cial stated that af- ceedings of the foreign funding tested on Tuesday outside the In the case, the high court had multiple times accused the ECP last year. tee to work,” he said. ter reviewing the positions, case should be aired live on TV. ECP offi ce in the capital against also declared Babar as member of working for the interests of “Pakistan greatly appreciates The spokesperson said that it the committee will forward its Speaking to journalists in delayed proceedings in the for- of the PTI. the opposition in the case. the 500,000 doses of the vac- cine gifted by China,” Qureshi tweeted. The news follows similar an- nouncements from other na- tions in the region – the Philip- pines, Cambodia and Myanmar PM: Religious scholars are have all announced that they were set to receive vaccine dona- tions from Beijing. Qureshi had earlier told re- porters: “China has assured us vital for Pakistan’s future that the fi rst shipment of half a million doses will be free of cost and will arrive by end of Janu- Internews religious scholars have a pivotal ings of the Pakistani nation der to shoulder with him on the ary.” Islamabad role to transform Pakistan into and the entire Muslim Ummah matter and assured full co-op- He said he held a conversation a genuine Islamic welfare state. at the forum of the UN, tak- eration to turn Pakistan into an with his Chinese counterpart Commending the role played ing a fi rm stance on the sanc- Islamic welfare state. Wang Yi and discussed Paki- rime Minister Imran by the ulema to cope with sec- tity of the Prophet Muhammad They also appreciated the stan’s requirements. Khan has called for con- tarianism and extremism, the (PBUH) and the issue of Islam- government’s eff orts to bring “They have said, send your Ptinued co-operation of prime minister said that the ophobia. improvements in the seminar- aircraft and airlift this vaccine religious scholars to thwart the process of consultations with They also hailed Khan’s cat- ies. Prime Minister Khan: the process of consultations with religious immediately. So this is a happy “conspiracies” creating divi- religious scholars will continue egorical and unequivocal stance Commending the govern- scholars will continue to address the challenges faced by the country. bit of news for us, and we will sion and discord in the Muslim in order to take their guidance regarding Israel. ment’s steps for the protec- hopefully be successful in pro- Ummah. to address the challenges faced Alluding to the prime min- tion of minorities, the religious neighbouring country. tecting ourselves using this vac- He was speaking with a del- by the country. ister’s vision of transforming scholars said that at present, The religious scholars said cine,” the minister said. egation of religious scholars in The religious scholars were Pakistan as per the principles of minorities living in Pakistan the Islamic world sees Prime Ministry proposes “I thanked them and also told Islamabad yesterday. appreciative of the prime min- State of Madina, the religious consider themselves to be Minister Khan as a genuine them we need more than this, The prime minister said that ister for representing the feel- scholars said they stand shoul- safe, unlike the minorities in a leader of the Muslim Ummah. ‘Road to Makkah’ and in the future we will need project expansion 1.1mn doses, and they reassured us and said by the end of Febru- The ministry of religious aff airs ary we plan to meet this require- has presented a summary to ment for you as well,” Qureshi Fruit of one’s labour the Economic Co-ordination added. Nirmal Purja of Nepal (left) gestures upon his arrival along with his team at Islamabad Committee (ECC), to scale up the The minister said he had also airport, after becoming the first to summit Pakistan’s K2 mountain in winter. “Road to Makkah” project. raised the possibility of jointly This project was designed to ease manufacturing vaccines with Below: A blacksmith sprays paint on a decorative piece at his workshop in Lahore. Haj journeys of pilgrims arriving China. in Saudi Arabia from various Pakistan is also nearing com- Muslim countries. pletion of a phase three trial of Under the “Road to Makkah” another Chinese vaccine from Project, initiated by Saudi Arabia, Cansino Biologics Incorporated. all the immigration requirements Some 17,500 people had en- of pilgrims would be sorted out at rolled in the trial so far, and ini- the airport of origin. tial results would be available in This could potentially save the beginning of February, Faisal pilgrims several hours upon Sultan, the health minister, said reaching the kingdom, having on Wednesday. already gone through the Sultan said that if the Cansino immigration process at home. vaccine proved eff ective, Paki- The project includes Muslim stan could look to procure 20mn countries like Indonesia and doses. Malaysia. He said Pakistani offi cials had Pakistan implemented a pilot also been meeting with UK offi - project in 2019, at the Islamabad cials for discussions on procur- International Airport, and the ing vaccines from there. government now plans to extend Pakistan is hoping to eventu- the facility to potential pilgrims ally vaccinate at least 70% of its departing from Lahore and adult population to achieve herd Karachi. immunity, Sultan said. “One of the pre-conditions For years, China has focused for scaling up of the ‘Road to much of its attention in Paki- Makkah’ Project is a grant of stan on mammoth development special exemption on the import projects, bankrolling the con- of technical equipment in struction of roads, power plants Pakistan by the Kingdom of Saudi and a strategic port. Arabia,” the ECC said. Beijing has also recently Pakistan planned last year to tapped Islamabad – one of its widen the scope of the “Road to closest allies – to participate in Makkah” initiative, but the Haj the vaccine trials. was performed on a limited scale amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

PM launches Govt to appoint chief fi nancial offi cers at ministries: media administration, succession papers Internews Subsequently, the federal delegation of fi nancial powers of the offi ce of the CFAO, in and responsibilities for the Of- the system of allocation of an- Islamabad government enacted the Public based on the principles of bal- consultation with the Finance fi ce of the Chief Internal Audi- nual budget may be simplifi ed Prime Minister Imran Finance Management (PFM) Act ancing fi nancial authority of the Division, the Auditor-General tor. with an objective to empower Khan launched Letters of 2019, with the key objectives of PAOs, with responsibility, fi nan- of Pakistan, and the Controller- The Finance Division re- the PAO for re-appropriations Administration and Succession he federal government effi cient budget management, cial propriety, enhanced public General of Accounts. quested for approval of the pro- within the allocated budget. Certificates at a ceremony in has reportedly decided fi scal discipline, expenditure service delivery and delegation Accordingly, the Finance Di- cedures, role and functions of It was also suggested that in Islamabad yesterday. Tto appoint chief fi nance control, and cash management. of fi nancial powers to subordi- vision after extensive a consul- the offi ce of the CFAO in terms order to provide maximum as- The law ministry has devised and accounts offi cers (CFAOs) One of the important features nate offi cials. tations and views/comments of Section 28(2) of the PFM Act sistance to the PAO, each minis- a mechanism to establish in each ministry to look after of the PFM Act was to disband Accordingly, the Finance Di- from the relevant organisations, 2019. try/division could have separate Succession Facilitation Units in fi nancial aff airs, local media re- the Financial Advisers Organisa- vision had examined the existing prepared a fi nal draft on the pro- During the ensuing discus- CFAOs. collaboration with the National ported yesterday. tion (FAO), and establish the Of- systems in ministries/division/ cedures, role and functions of sion, the meeting observed After a detailed discussion, Database and Registration Under Article 79 of the Con- fi ces of the CFAO and the Certi- departments, including the de- the offi ce of the CFAO. that the introduction of the the CCIR approved the proposal Authority (Nadra) for the issuance stitution of Pakistan, matters fi ed Internal Auditor. fence services, and after detailed It was also apprised that Sec- CFAO and chief internal audi- with the following aspects; (i) of Letters of Administration and relating to public fi nances of the The Act also emphasises the consultation with all the stake- tion 29 of the PFM Act 2019 tor streams would be a good ini- allotment of only one demand Succession Certificates, within 15 federal government are being delegation of fi nancial powers to holders, had prepared a scheme stipulates position of the chief tiative bringing more effi ciency, for recurring expenditure and days of initiation of application by managed through the enactment the Principal Accounting Offi c- for delegation of fi nancial pow- internal auditor, who shall work transparency and fi nancial dis- one for development expendi- the legal heirs of the deceased. of rules, regulations, orders and ers (PAOs). ers to the PAOs, which was sub- under direct supervision of the cipline in incurring expenditure. ture to each ministry/division/ It normally took two to seven instructions/guidance issued by The Finance Division would mitted for information. PAO and whose appointment, The Cabinet Committee on department, instead of various years previously to get a simple the Finance Division. frame rules, regulations and The Finance Division further role and responsibilities may be Institutional Reforms (CCIR) demands for allocation of an- Letter of Administration or The system of fi nancial con- guidelines for implementation noted that Section 28 of the PFM prescribed under Civil Servant chairman appreciated the idea, nual budget and; (ii) each minis- Succession Certificate. trol and budgeting 2006 was of the PFM Act. Act 2019 stated that there shall Act 1973, in consultation with with remarks that the PAO try/division to have its own chief People-friendly law reforms are issued by the Finance Division All the existing instruments be a chief fi nance and accounts the Auditor-General of Paki- needed to be empowered to the fi nance and accounts offi cer. being considered crucial by the for the ministries/division/de- contrary to the provisions of the offi cer (CFAO) positioned in stan. maximum in fi nancial matters, In case of non-availability of present government. partments, while the ministry Act and rules made thereunder ministries/divisions to assist the Accordingly, the Finance Di- which will not only increase ef- BS-20 offi cers, senior offi cers of One of the most important pieces of defence also issued a revised shall have no legal eff ect. PAO in fi nancial management. vision after consultations and fi ciency reducing processing the Pakistan Audit and Accounts of legislation that was enacted system of fi nancial management Section 27 of the PFM Act Furthermore, the federal soliciting views/comments from time but also more responsibil- Service (PAAS) in BS-19, may in this regard was the Letters of for defence services in 1981, and provides that Finance Division government shall prescribe the the concerned entities, fi nalised ity with fi nancial independence. also be considered for posting as Administration and Succession fi nancial regulations in 1986. shall approve regulations for the procedures, role and functions a draft on the appointment, role It was also pointed out that CFAO. Certificates Act 2020. Gulf Times 12 Friday, January 22, 2021 QATAR

Strong winds, dusty conditions likely to

Snapshots of yesterday’s sandstorm and windy conditions in Doha. PICTURES: Jayaram, Ram Chand, Thajudheen and Shaji continue today: Met Kayamkulam fter yesterday’s sand- dusty to dusty conditions are storm, Qatar is again ex- likely and it will also be partly Sandstorm aff ects visibility, Apected to see strong winds cloudy at times. The tempera- and poor visibility due to dust ture is expected to range from events postponed today, according to the forecast. 15C to 20C in Doha today. The The Qatar Met department has Met department had earlier said also warned of strong winds with the country is expected to see From Page 1 high sea and poor visibility in strong winds from Wednesday off shore areas today. night and a noticeable drop in The much-anticipated opening of Al Khor Carnival, which was The wind speed may go up to temperature during the weekend. originally scheduled for yesterday, will now take place tomorrow. 41 knots at times off shore and “Weather charts indicate that the “The opening has been postponed. Due to the unexpected weather 35 knots in some inshore areas country will be aff ected by fresh conditions and for your safety, the opening will be on Saturday 23rd today, with the sea level rising to to strong northwesterly winds January 2021,” the organisers said in a post on social media. 14ft. from Wednesday night to Friday The inaugural Al Khor Carnival 2021, organised and managed by The detailed forecast also says (January 20-22),” the weather of- AZF, will be held at Al Bayt Stadium Park in Al Khor. it will be relatively cold during fi ce had said. Also, a member of cycling group Qatar Chain Reaction said the the day and clouds are expected There will be a noticeable drop Salwa Resort Triathlon, which was set to take place today, “will be along with blowing dust in some in temperature, with the maxi- moved to January 23” in view of the weather conditions. places. Cold conditions will also mum ranging from 18-24C and As strong winds and dust swept across Doha yesterday, many resi- prevail by night. the minimum from 8-16C, and dents had to forgo their outdoor activities at places like the Museum Visibility, meanwhile, may dropping below that especially ture’ would be less than that, perature equivalent perceived by tive humidity and wind speed, of Islamic Art Park and Doha Corniche, among others, and cut short drop to 2km or less in some plac- in the southern and external re- the weather offi ce had said. ‘Ap- humans, caused by the combined according to information avail- their walk or jog. es occasionally. Off shore, slightly gions. The ‘apparent tempera- parent temperature’ is the tem- eff ects of air temperature, rela- able online. Due to low visibility in most areas of the country, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) advised commuters to drive with caution and urged them to “buckle up, slow down your vehicle and maintain a reason- able, safe distance”. The MoI added that “driving in bad weather conditions such as dust storms requires extra care and attention to avoid road accidents”. “To enhance your safety on the road during bad weather, we advise you to be cautious and attentive and not to get distracted with other than driving.” Some businesses and activities at some locations in Doha and the Sealine area were also aff ected by the dust storm, temporarily halting or slowing down their operations yesterday, it is learnt. In a post on Twitter, the Qatar Met department said: “We are ob- serving a decrease in the horizontal visibility in most regions of the country, and currently reaching 2km in the capital.” “Most areas of the country are aff ected by northwesterly winds, from fresh to strong, which lead to blowing dust and dusty weather sometimes, especially during daytime hours. It is cold at night with low visibility especially in open areas, marine warnings still in eff ect,” it added. The inclement weather also prevented some people, especially those with respiratory problems, from going to markets. Instead, they opted for online shopping and home delivery. Visibility improved in most areas later in the day, with strong winds continuing to blow both inshore and off shore. Ashghal’s development boost for Al Nasr Area

Al Nasr Street’s intersection with Suhaim Bin Hamad Street (C-Ring A view of a street in Al Nasr Area after the completion of the development works by Ashghal. Road) after the completion of development works.

One of the streets in Al Nasr Area where development works were Ashghal has completed development works in Al Nasr Area in order A street in Al Nasr Area after Ashghal completed development works. carried by Ashghal. to ease the traff ic.