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FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 18 RAMADAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8608 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir reviews relations with Saudi Minister of State QNA — DOHA HRH Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Turki bin Hamad Al Thani, met in his office Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz was greeted at Al Bahr Palace yesterday upon his arrival at Hamad International Airport evening, HRH Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet of the by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd Al Thani. bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of his visit to the people further progress and During the meeting, they country. prosperity. reviewed the relations between At the beginning of the For his part, H H the Amir the two brotherly countries and meeting, HRH Prince Turki con- conveyed to HRH Minister of means of supporting and veyed the greetings of the Cus- State and Member of the Cabinet strengthening them. todian of the Two Holy Mosques of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HRH Minister of State and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al his greetings to his brother, Cus- Member of the Cabinet of the Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi todian of the Two Holy Mosques Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Arabia and His Royal Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd Prince Muhammad bin Salman Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi bin Abdulaziz arrived in Doha bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Arabia and His Royal Highness yesterday. He was greeted upon Prince and Deputy Chairman of Prince Muhammad bin Salman arrival at Hamad International the Council Ministers and Min- bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wishing Airport by Deputy Prime Min- ister of Defence to H H the Amir, them good health and wellness ister and Minister of Foreign Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meeting with the Minister of State and Member of the wishing him continued health and the Saudi people more Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al and happiness, and the Qatari progress and prosperity. bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Saud in his office at Al Bahr Palace yesterday. QA to ship essential medical supplies to India free of charge THE PENINSULA — DOHA international network, we stand Qatar Airways Cargo has Airfreight Initiative.” companies around the world in Ramadan ready to provide humanitarian already transported well over The cargo shipment will addition to existing cargo Timing Upon Amir H H Sheikh Tamim support by transporting these 20 million doses of the include PPE equipment, oxygen orders. bin Hamad Al Thani's directives, much-needed supplies, and COVID-19 vaccine for Unicef as canisters and other essential Qatar Airways has been a Today's Iftar: Qatar Airways is supporting help the country fight back part of the five-year MoU to medical items, and consists of leader in the fight against 6:07pm international efforts to tackle against this appalling virus. support Unicef’s Humanitarian donations by individuals and COVID-19 and in the early the second COVID-19 surge in stages of the pandemic, pro- Tomorrow's Imsak: India by shipping medical aid vided similar aid flights to 03:25am and equipment to the country Qatar airways intends to transport 300 China, shipping supplies to free of charge from global tonnes of aid from across its global network Beijing, Guangzhou and On Qatar’s suppliers. to Doha where it will be flown in a Shanghai in February 2020. initiative UNGA The airline intends to three-flight cargo aircraft convoy directly to Qatar Airways has become the transport 300 tonnes of aid first global airline in the world declares March 10 from across its global network destinations in India where it is most to achieve the prestigious 5-Star to Doha where it will be flown desperately needed. COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating International Day in a three-flight cargo aircraft by international air transport convoy directly to destinations rating organisation, Skytrax. of Women Judges in India where it is most des- This follows HIA’s recent QNA — DOHA perately needed. India appreciates Qatar Airways announcement success as the first and only Qatar Airways Group Chief airport in the Middle East and The United Nations General Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker India has welcomed and deeply appreciated conversation with H H the Amir on Tuesday Asia to be awarded a Skytrax Assembly (UNGA) declared in a said: “The State of Qatar has a the announcement made by Qatar Airways and conveyed appreciation for the expression 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety resolution adopted by long and special relationship for ship essential medical supplies gifted to of solidarity and support for India’s fight against Rating. consensus that March 10 of with India, and we have India from around the world free of charge. COVID-19 pandemic. “We are grateful to our These recognitions provide every year will be International watched with great sorrow as The Embassy of India said in a statement that international partners for their standing in assurance to passengers across Day of Women Judges due to the COVID-19 has once again this gesture is testament to very close and support of the people of India. This also reflects the world that airline health and initiative of the State of Qatar. caused a significant challenge longstanding partnership between India and the goodwill of the world for India’s own efforts safety standards are subject to Before the resolution was to the country.” Qatar. to step in when its international partners are in the highest possible standards adopted, 72 countries joined “As one of the world air Prime Minister of India held a telephonic need,” said the Embassy statement. of professional, independent the sponsorship and adoption cargo leaders, with an extensive scrutiny and assessment. of the draft resolution, including several Arab coun- tries, namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab MoCI implements measures to stabilise prices Ministry announces Emirates, the State of Kuwait, SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, THE PENINSULA run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Mau- in the country,” said Al Sayed. changes to second dose ritania, and South Sudan. Director of the Quality Licensing and Market Speaking in a Qatar TV programme, Al Sayed The initiative of Qatar to Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce said that the Consumer Protection Department vaccination process present the draft resolution to and Industry (MoCI), Mohamed Al Sayed, said monitors and inspects commercial outlets in the designate an International Day that the ministry has implemented a slew of local market across the country following Law FAZEENA SALEEM of Women Judges comes as a measures to ensure stability in the prices of No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection. THE PENINSULA appointment at a Primary result of the second high-level commodities and services in the country. “To ensure healthy competition in the market Health Care Corporation’s meeting of the Global Judicial “The measures include the issuance of daily and curb monopoly, the consumer affairs sector To ensure the smooth delivery (PHCC) health center,” said the Integrity Network of the UN price bulletin for basic consumer goods — veg- implements laws and regulations for strategic stock, of COVID-19 vaccination to the Minisrty. Office on Drugs and Crime during etables, fruits, fish and seafood. These commod- commodities on subsidised prices, daily price bul- public, the Ministry of Public The Ministry has also February 25-27, 2020, hosted by ities undergo daily auction at central markets letin and fixing profits,” said Al Sayed. `P2 Health (MoPH) has announced emphasized that people visiting Qatar. The meeting launched a changes to second dose vacci- a health centre without a fixed pioneering initiative to designate nation process, yesterday. or scheduled appointment will an International Day of Women “To ensure that we con- not be vaccinated. Judges that is celebrated globally tinue to deliver smooth and All attending an under the UN umbrella and aims efficient service, and for your appointment for second dose to enhance the presence of own safety and that of our of COVID-19 vaccination will women in the judicial field to healthcare staff, please follow be requested to show their strengthen the rule of law. the instructions when visiting Ehteraz status as green, their Permanent Representative the vaccination centers for vaccination card and their QID, of Qatar to the UN Ambassador your second dose of vaccine,” before vaccination. H E Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed MoPH said in a tweet. The Ministry has also clar- bin Saif Al Thani, confirmed According to the Ministry, ified those referrals to a drive- before the draft resolution was those receive the first dose of through center either in Lusail adopted, that International Day COVID-19 in a health center will or Al Wakra for the second dose of Women Judges is an annual be booked into the same health will only be for those who occasion to reaffirm the impor- center for their second dose. received their first dose at tance of women’s participation “Patients who received Qatar National Convention in public institutions, including Hamad Port welcomes largest container vessel their first dose at a health Centre (QNCC). the judiciary, and the com- Hamad Port welcomed yesterday the container vessel APL TEMASEK, the largest in terms of center in the last 20 days and People will receive an SMS mitment of the international length and capacity to ever call the port. The APL TEMASEK which has a length of 397.88m were referred to a drive- specifying the time slot during community that participatory and a capacity of 17,292 (TEUs) is part of the Ocean Alliance CIMEX5 /MEA3 service. through vaccination center for which they can visit the drive- and representative decision- their second dose, will receive through for their second making at all levels requires a an SMS to reschedule the vaccine. `P2 balance between the genders. 02 HOME FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021

Amir condoles with King of Jordan QNA — DOHA H M King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Kingdom of Jordan on the Hamad Al Thani and Deputy death of HRH Personal Repre- Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin sentative of His Majesty the PRAYER Hamad Al Thani yesterday King, Prince Muhammad bin TIMINGS sent cables of condolences to Talal. PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMINNGG

FAJR 03.36 am QU recognised by Times Higher SUNRISE 04.59 am Education for work towards UN SDG’s DHUHR 11.31 am THE PENINSULA — DOHA ASR 03.00 pm in the Arab world, first in Gulf), climate action, life below MAGHRIB 06.07 pm Qatar University has been water (first in the Arab world ISHA 07.37 pm recognised by Times Higher and Gulf), life on land (first in Education (THE) Impact the Arab world and Gulf), Rankings 2021, placing peace, justice, and strong insti- between 101-200 among 1115 tutions and finally, partnership universities worldwide. for the goals (fourth in the Arab THE Impact Rankings world, second in Gulf). measure global universities’ When QU launched its success in delivering the United strategy in 2017, it aligned with Nations’ Sustainable Devel- the Qatar National Vision FM meets Saudi Minister of State opment Goals (SDGs). 2030, ensuring that the Uni- WEATHER Out of 17 UN SDG’s eval- versity worked towards Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al TODAY uated, QU submitted 13, which national goals. As a UN Thani meets with the Minister of State and member of the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia include zero hunger (ranked member state, Qatar is com- HRH Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is currently visiting the country. second in the Arab world, first mitted to fulfilling its obliga- in the Gulf), good health and tions towards implementing wellbeing, quality education, the SDGs. clean water, and sanitation QU continues to make (ranked fourth in the Arab waves in various international o o 687 new virus cases, five deaths: MoPH world, third in the Gulf), rankings. Last month, the Uni- 27 C 37 C THE PENINSULA — DOHA COVID-19 vaccines have been introduction of new variants affordable and clean energy, versity placed 26 in the overall Minimum Maximum administered during the past into this country for several decent work and economic THE Emerging Economies Uni- Hot daytime and mild by night. Ministry of Public Health 24 hours. The total number of months but we are now seeing growth (fourth in the Arab versity Rankings for 2021 and Some clouds at night, becomes (MoPH) reported 687 new cases vaccine doses administered positive COVID-19 cases in the world and Gulf), reduced was recognized by QS Quac- fine later. of COVID-19 yesterday. Among since the start of the vacci- region and in Qatar with the inequalities. quarelli Symonds World Uni- W ALRUWAIS : 28o → 34o them 345 were travellers nation campaign is 1,526,775. new variants from the UK,” the Others are sustainable versity Rankings in 13 different W ALKHOR : 28o → 36o returning from abroad. “Every day, hundreds of Ministry added. cities and communities (fourth subjects. A total of 1,633 people people are becoming sick due According to the Ministry, W DUKHAN : 27o → 37o recovered from COVID-19 yes- to the COVID-19 with many the new variant is much more → A view of Qatar University W WAKRAH : 24o 33o terday, bringing the total requiring admission to hospital contagious and spread more W MESAIEED : 24o → 33o number of people recovered in to manage their symptoms. easily between people than the W ABUSAMRA : 29o → 39o Qatar to 187,951. Since 1 February, the existing strain and may be asso- The Ministry announced number of people with ciated with increased severity five new deaths, 41, 49, 65, 75 COVID-19 admitted to hospital of disease. “The good news is HIGH TIDE and 82 years of age. has doubled,” the Ministry said that the Pfizer-BioNTech and 5:41– 19:31 Four of them had chronic in its daily COVID-19 report. Moderna vaccines being used LOW TIDE 1:57 – 13:26 diseases and all of them “Qatar’s strict quarantine in our vaccination program are received necessary medical policy for returning travellers effective against the new var- care. Some 29,942 doses of enabled us to delay the iants ,” said the Ministry. Ooredoo partners with Al Rayyan Traffic accident cases fall in March: PSA MoCI implements TV’s ‘Ala Lyal’ quiz show THE PENINSULA — DOHA (compared to March 2020). The recorded during the same period, measures to value of shares traded increased increasing 40.4% compared to THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Planning and Statistics to QR10.9bn during March 2021, February 2021. stabilise prices Authority (PSA) in its 87th issue recording a monthly increase of March 2021 has seen a Ooredoo has announced it has of the Qatar Monthly Statistics 39.5% compared to February monthly increase of 25.2% in FROM PAGE 1 partnered with Al Rayyan TV bulletin disclosed that 613 traffic 2021 and an annual rise of 32.8% marriage contracts, while it wit- to support the local station accident cases were recorded in (compared to March 2020). nessed a monthly decrease of Mohamed Al Sayed said with its quiz show, Ala Lyal, March 2021, showing a monthly Furthermore, among the 3.8% in divorce certificates. The that following these laws and as the Exclusive Communi- decrease of 2.9% and an annual most notable changes in the total number of marriage con- regulations, the departments cation Sponsor. increase of 26.9%. monthly bulletin is the increase tracts was 373 contracts, whereas concerned play their roles The Ala Lyal Show aims to Light injuries accounted for in the number of ships arriving the total No. of divorces has shouldering their highlight historic Ramadan the vast majority of traffic at Qatar’s ports and the increase reached 176 divorce cases. responsibilities. customs and traditions of days accident cases during the same in total net tonnage of ships at a Social Security statements Al Sayed said the MoCI is gone by to ensure future gen- month, with 88%, followed by 9% monthly rate of 7.2% and 5.3%, reached QR84 mn in March 2021 entrusted to regulate prices of erations can enjoy them in severe injuries. However, 18 respectively (compared to Feb- for 14,681 beneficiaries, some commodities and years to come. deaths were recorded, equivalent ruary 2021), and at an annual rate recording a monthly increase of services under specific rules The show, which is to 3% of total traffic accident of 4.1% and 12.5% respectively 2.5% for the value of social and regulations regarding broadcast from Souq Al show. A commitment to pro- cases. (compared to March 2020). security and a monthly increase prices of commodities and Wakrah, is presented by moting and preserving Qatari The newsletter also added The demographic statistics of 0.5% for the number of bene- services. Hassan Al Mohannadai and culture and heritage is a key that 5,342 new vehicles were revealed that the total population ficiaries of Social Security. “From this point, the Min- Hessa Al Kuwari. Viewers are part of our corporate social registered in March, showing a of Qatar has decreased from 2.80 Total electricity consumption ister of Commerce and asked various questions on responsibility strategy, never monthly increase of 3.9% and an million during March 2020 to during March 2021 was Industry had issued a decision Ramadan customs and tradi- more so than in the holy annual increase of 24.4%. 2.64 million at the end of March 3022.6GWh attaining a monthly to set up a committee to fix tions and can win prizes up to month of Ramadan. We’re Meanwhile, the issue 2021. increase of 25.8% and an annual maximum prices and profit QR25,000. proud to be playing a part in recorded a rise in the number Meanwhile, 1,789 live births increase of 7.2%. While the total margins for some commodities Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, ensuring our future genera- and value of sold properties; a have been registered during water consumption has reached and services,” said Al Sayed. Director PR at Ooredoo, said: tions will get to enjoy the monthly increase of 27.5% and March 2021. Also, an increase in 50,720.8 thousand m3 during the He said that there is a list of “We’re delighted to be part- same Ramadan customs and 45.0%, respectively (compared the total Qatari live births by 9.5% same month, attaining a monthly commodities and services nering with Al Rayan TV on traditions we’ve enjoyed for to February 2021), and an annual compared to last month. On the increase of 6.7% and an annual which MoCI is supervising. this culturally important years.” increase of 126.1% and 74.8% other hand, 250 deaths were decrease of 4.9%. He noted that as per the local laws, other ministries and government entities are also 201 referred to prosecution HMC program shares best practices for safe e-scooter use responsible for some products; for example, medicines and QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA should be provided with their own des- medical facilities are under the ignated lanes. Additionally, sidewalks Ministry of Public Health The designated authorities referred 201 people The Hamad Injury Prevention Program have many structural obstacles and (MoPH). Manpower agencies to the prosecution for non-compliance with the (HIPP), Hamad Trauma Center (HTC) uneven surfaces that are not ideal for for domestic workers are reg- precautionary measures to limit the spread of of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) e-scooter use. ulated by the Ministry of coronavirus. Among them, 196 people were is advising families and residents to Safety tips include children below Administrative Development, referred for not wearing face masks in places practise proven safe e-scooter use the age of 12 years should not be Labour, and Social Affairs where they are mandatory, and five did not especially in Ramadan in Qatar. allowed to use e-scooters, new users (MADLSA). comply with home quarantine. The measures Globally, e-scooters are a new and should practice on a smooth surface in are in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree trendy means of personal transpor- an area specifically designated for Law No. 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases. tation potentially improving micromo- e-scooters before going out on the road. Ministry announces bility for many road users. It has been advised only 1 user can/ Recently, there are even e-scooter should safely use an e-scooter and also changes to 2nd dose rideshare options available here in to carefully inspect and test the vaccination process Doha. User convenience, environ- e-scooter before using it for the 1st time Dr. Rafael Consunji mental concerns and even transpor- to better understand the specifications, FROM PAGE 1 tation costs have all been cited as features and capabilities of the machine “No second doses will be rationale for their increasing use. While E-scooters have been introduced you will be using. given before the due date: 21 it seems inevitable that the number of and widely used in many cities and Also, all users of e-scooters must days after the first dose for scooter users and scooters will increase, towns across the globe, unfortunately wear a helmet on every ride and all Pfizer and BioNTech and 28 what the general public does not know there is a pattern that has been repeated e-scooter users must also wear pro- days after the first dose for is the great risks they face when using in almost all these locations. e-scooters tective eyewear [goggles], closed shoes, Moderna,” said the Minisrty. them and what are the proven means have been banned or heavily regulated elbow/knee pads, and gloves on every People need to visit the of increasing one’s safety when using only after fatalities or severe disabling ride. E-scooter users must turn on their drive-through center in their one. injuries from multiple e-scooter lights and wear hi-visibility [or own vehicle, or taxi (no buses The Hamad Trauma Center has crashes. reflective] clothing on every ride, or people on foot are per- already seen victims with severe “HIPP hopes that we can regardless if it is day or night. mitted) and will be requested e-scooter injuries and there have been implement and enforce proven regu- Top causes of e-scooter crashes to show their Ehteraz status as reports of many minor to moderate lations that improve the safe use of were speed, losing control of the green, their vaccination card e-scooter injuries needing care at the e-scooters and that Qatar does not have scooter, and hitting a pothole or a sta- and their QID. various emergency rooms in Qatar. The to suffer more fatalities or injuries. Let tionary object such as a pole. In case if anyone misses the Hamad Injury Prevention Program us not only embrace the new trends for HIPP has advised that e-scooter scheduled time of their second [HIPP] does not want it to be inevitable micromobility in Qatar; let us also injuries with speed limits, restricting dose, they will receive an SMS that e-scooters will be the cause of implement the best practices for distracted or impaired driving and des- with a rescheduled appointment more severe injuries or deaths here in e-scooter safety before we have to react ignated e-scooter lanes. at a PHCC health center. Under Qatar especially during Ramadan to more deaths or severe injuries from E-scooters should be banned from the National COVID-19 Vacci- where kids and other users will ride unsafe e-scooter use,” said Dr. Rafael roads with speed limits greater than 50 nation Program, 152,6775 them mostly at night, therefore they Consunji, Director of HIPP. kph. e-scooter speeding has been iden- COVID-19 vaccine doses have are sharing the best practice for the use Motorised vehicles, like e-scooters, tified as a cause of almost 40% of been administered since the and regulation of e-scooters. are hazardous for pedestrians and they crashes. start of the program. FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 HOME 03 CCQ to develop flexible learning model THE PENINSULA – DOHA such as self-study and time new technical skills from this management, 79% of the par- experience, while 95% indi- Planning to adopt flexible A survey was designed ticipating students confirmed cated that CCQ offered them education methods more that if they were to choose sufficient technical support. broadly, the Community to identify the most between distance education It is noteworthy that CCQ College of Qatar (CCQ) important features of and physical presence, they launched the Virtual Distance conducted a survey to evaluate the distance education would choose distance edu- Learning Academy in Summer its distance education expe- experience and the cation, 90% expressed their 2020 to support the faculty rience during Fall 2020-2021. lessons learned to satisfaction with the technical member’s professional devel- CCQ adopted distance support provided by CCQ opment in educational tech- learning following the precau- increase CCQ’s readiness during this period, saying that nology. The Academy serves as tionary measures observed to for crisis and ensure a the College provided them with a platform for faculty members combat the spread of the Coro- smooth educational the necessary technical support to share experiences and navirus and to protect students’ process regardless of to make the most out of this discuss best practices in online and faculty members’ health. experience, and 84% of the and hybrid learning to make the The survey was designed any future challenges. participating students con- educational process better and to identify the most important firmed that the educational more flexible for the students. features of the distance edu- platforms used by the College Dr. Mohammad Anwari, cation experience and the (Microsoft Teams and the Director of Planning and Insti- lessons learned to increase students. The results showed Blackboard Learning Man- tutional Effectiveness at CCQ, CCQ’s readiness for crisis and that 84% of the participating agement System) contributed said, “The results of the survey ensure a smooth educational students confirmed that their to knowledge acquisition showcase our ability to face process regardless of any distance education experience smoothly. and overcome challenges in a future challenges. was good overall. The second stage of the relatively short time and that The survey was divided Eighty-two percent of the survey was conducted from we are on the right path. We into two stages; the first sur- students indicated that com- March 18 to 25 with 120 faculty are proud of all our colleagues’ veyed students who were munication with faculty members, which accounts for efforts, who made the distance taking courses remotely during members was easy, which 78% of the professors who education process smooth and this period, while the second enabled them to understand taught the courses online. effective. Albania FM meets Qatari envoy stage measured the views of the educational material; 81% The survey results show “Their collaboration the professors who taught confirmed that interaction that 94% of the participants enabled us to achieve good Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania these courses. during the online lectures was confirmed that their expe- results that meet the needs of Olta Xhacka met with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the The first stage of the survey effective and fruitful, contrib- rience was good overall. CCQ students, who are the Republic of Albania Ali bin Hamad Al Marri. During the meeting, was conducted from February uting to their understanding of Comparing to traditional backbone of the future. We do they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations. 8 to 15 with the participation the educational material. classes, 78% of the surveyed our best to develop their of 1,500 students from all Also, 83% of the students faculty members confirmed knowledge and skills so that CCQ’s disciplines (21% males indicated that the experience that they managed to achieve they can face future challenges — 79% females); that is, more helped them acquire new tech- the same outputs. 96% agreed and meet the job market Mandarin Oriental, Doha presents than one-third of CCQ nical and non-technical skills, that they acquired requirements.” Ramadan staycation packages THE PENINSULA – DOHA selection of homemade bread, Ooredoo continues support for and dates. The authentic Guests can relax during the dishes include Harira Soup, Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center holy month of Ramadan with Mezze Platter, Mixed Grills, the new Ramadan by MO at Seafood Platter, and THE PENINSULA – DOHA a firm commitment to supporting Mandarin Oriental, Doha. Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani. the communities in which we Carefully designed with The delightful experience Ooredoo Qatar has announced operate, including the vulnerable guests’ needs in mind, the ends with a choice of dessert it is to continue its well-estab- members of the community, and package includes an iftar, fruit plate, Umm Ali, and lished support for the Fahad Bin initiatives such as these are the suhour for suite bookings, assorted pastries. Jassim Kidney Center in Doha this ideal way to demonstrate this early check-in, and late The Ramadan by MO stay- Ramadan. commitment in a practical way. check-out for utmost comfort. cation starts from QR1,400 Ooredoo provided gift We wish a peaceful, blessed Located in Msheireb and is valid during the holy vouchers to the Center as part of Ramadan to all patients and staff Downtown Doha and at the month of Ramadan until 12 the company’s efforts to support at the Center and our commu- heart of Barahat Msheireb, May 2021. the community and bring joy to nities in Qatar and worldwide.” Mandarin Oriental, Doha is Benefits are available for the patients. Several similar CSR activities situated in the city’s newest members of Fans of MO. Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, are scheduled throughout the and most exciting Guests will enjoy one Iftar Director PR at Ooredoo, said, remainder of Ramadan. neighbourhood. served via in-room dining in “We’re delighted and proud to be This initiative forms part of Whether it’s to relax in a the room for two adults or continuing our long-established the Ooredoo AlKhair campaign, private sanctuary or expe- four adults in a two-bedroom partnership with the Fahad Bin launched during the holy month rience a luxurious stay in a serviced apartment during Jassim Kidney Center this of Ramadan to provide support suite, guests can experience the stay, per booking. Guests Ramadan. Our corporate social to several charitable organisa- serenity by choosing the can enhance their experience responsibility strategy includes tions and the community. Officials during an initiative as part of the Ooredoo AlKhair campaign. Ramadan by MO staycation. by moving to a luxurious suite The set menu for iftar and and enjoy Iftar and Suhour for suhour will transport guests two adults. al khaliji donates to Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs on a culinary journey inspired There is provision for by the traditions of Ramadan. early check-in at 12pm upon THE PENINSULA – DOHA One complimentary Iftar availability on arrival and late The Qatar Society for experience is included in the check-out at 11.59pm the fol- Al Khalij Commercial Bank, package. lowing day. Qatar’s next generation bank, has Rehabilitation of Special One iftar and one suhour For reservations, please announced, in the spirit of the Needs is a non-profit experience for suite bookings visit mandarinoriental.com/ holy month of Ramadan, a organisation which aims with a choice of soup, appe- doha, contact Mandarin Ori- donation to Qatar Society for at the social, mental, tizer, main course, and ental, Doha at +974 4008 Rehabilitation of Special Needs, academic, and healthy dessert all served with com- 8888, or email modoh-reser- represented by Talib Afifa, plimentary refreshments, [email protected]. Member of the Board of rehabilitation of people Directors. with special needs. This comes as part of the bank’s corporate social respon- sibility programme and a long- and commitment to the overall standing commitment to persons development of society in line of special needs. with the human and social devel- The Qatar Society for Reha- opment pillars of the Qatar bilitation of Special Needs is a National Vision 2030.” non-profit organisation which al khaliji remains dedicated aims at the social, mental, aca- Talib Afifa, member of the Board of Directors of al Khaliji is giving to its far-reaching corporate demic, and healthy rehabilitation donation to a representative of Qatar Society for Rehabilitation social responsibility (CSR) plan of people with special needs in a of Special Needs. that is in line with a commitment way that is commensurate with towards the wellbeing and devel- the Islamic principles, traditions, donation, Rana Al Asaad Head of especially during Ramadan. Their opment of the community. Under customs, and peculiarities of the Personal Banking, at al khaliji, mission has contributed heavily its social wellbeing activities and Qatari society. The Society pro- said: “We proudly support the to the wider social, physical, and initiatives, al khaliji has been an vides care to all residents of the Qatar Society for Rehabilitation mental wellbeing of the Qatari avid supporter of the Qatar State of Qatar in an equal manner of Special Needs for their society over the years. We are Autism Society, Qatar Cancer and irrespective of financial level. extremely valuable work towards pleased to support such a cause Society (QSC) and Ehsan Center, Panoramic suite sitting room. Commenting on the the welfare of our communities, which shares al khaliji’s values to name a few. UCC launches awareness initiatives to mark World Day for Safety at Work THE PENINSULA – DOHA crises, with the motto “Invest and other props to make it a Now in Resilient Occupational day to remember. UCC Holding (UCC), the diver- Safety and Health Systems.” Moutaz Al-Khayyat, sified business conglomerate, UCC’s management team Chairman of UCC Holding, has launched a series of new leveraged this global event to said, “Health and safety is our Occupational Safety and raise awareness and stimulate utmost priority every day. Health Systems (OSH) dialogue around the impor- This year’s World Day of awareness initiatives to tance of creating and investing Safety at Work is particularly commemorate the World Day in resilient OSH systems, significant as UCC, like every for Safety at Work, building on drawing on both regional and global business, reflects on the the company’s proud track country examples in mitigating valuable lessons learned fol- record of health and safety and preventing the spread of lowing the COVID-19 excellence. COVID-19 in the workplace. pandemic.” World Day of Safety at Hundreds of UCC col- “The current crisis demon- Work (celebrated on April 28) leagues marked the occasion strates the importance of is an international event led by by creating banners, memos, strengthening OSH systems, the International Labour and social media posts to high- including occupational health Organisation (ILO) that cele- light exceptional achievements services, and we are unwa- brates successes and contribu- and initiatives that are helping vering in our commitment to tions towards improving safety to make the workplace safer ensuring a healthy workplace throughout every part of a for all. for all. company or organisation. Besides, sharing infor- “I would like to thank eve- Reflecting on the global mation and stories around HSE ryone at UCC for their great pandemic, this year’s theme best practice, UCC colleagues efforts today and their con- centres on anticipating, pre- were issued with branded pro- tinued commitment to health paring, and responding to tective helmets, high-vis vests, and safety excellence.” UCC officials mark World Day for Safety at Work. 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 Hamas rejects Full lockdown takes effect in Turkey idea of postponing AP — ANKARA People in Turkey stocked up on groceries, filled markets and left Palestinian polls cities for their hometowns or the southern coast yesterday AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM before the country entered its Hamas said voting must strictest lockdown of the The Islamist group Hamas has take place in east Jerusalem pandemic. rejected the idea of postponing President Recep Tayyip Palestinian elections ahead of but rejected the idea that it Erdogan imposed a “full a leadership meeting yesterday required Israel’s lockdown” that took effect at which President Mahmoud permission. Instead, it 1600 GMT and will last until Abbas’ Fatah party is expected called for the leadership to May 17 amid soaring COVID-19 to push for a delay, citing a explore ways of “forcing cases and deaths. It is the first dispute with Israel over voting nationwide lockdown lasting in east Jerusalem. the elections in Jerusalem nearly three weeks. The Turkish Hamas is expected to without the permission of government had previously perform well in the May 22 par- or coordination with the opted for partial lockdowns or liamentary elections because occupation.” weekend curfews in a bid to of widening divisions within reduce the economic impact. Fatah. Seizing on the sensitive Under the new restrictions, issue of voting in east Jerusalem residents are required to stay could offer a pretext for Abbas of or coordination with the home except for grocery to call off the first Palestinians occupation.” shopping and other essential elections in 15 years. It also issued a veiled needs, while intercity travel is People enjoy a warm and sunny day at a park a few hours before the start of a nationwide “full Israel has not said whether warning to Abbas without only allowed with permission. closure” until May 17 including a continuous lockdown, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. it will allow voting in east Jeru- mentioning him by name, Restaurants are allowed to salem but has expressed saying Hamas “will not be deliver food. packed with travellers, while Bodrum, broadcaster Haberturk supplies even though grocery concern about Hamas’ growing party to any postponement or Some businesses and indus- vehicles backed up in severe and other media reported. stores will remain open. This strength. Israel and Western cancellation and will not tries are exempt from the traffic at the entrance of the People crowded shops to month, Turkey’s confirmed countries view Hamas as a ter- provide cover.” shutdown, including factories and Aegean coastal resort of stock up on food and other COVID-19 infections averaged rorist group and would likely The responsibility for any agriculture, health care and around 60,000 per day during boycott any Palestinian gov- such decision “will rest with supply chain and logistics com- the peak week. The country ernment that includes it. those who take it in response panies. Lawmakers, health care recorded its highest daily death In a statement issued late to the veto of the occupation,” workers, law enforcement officers toll on April 21, with 362 fatal- Wednesday, Hamas said voting it said. and tourists are also exempt from ities. Erdogan said daily con- is a “fundamental national According to interim peace the stay-home order. firmed cases would have to right.” Hamas said voting must agreements reached in the Many people left large cities rapidly drop below 5,000 for take place in east Jerusalem but 1990s - which were rejected by such as Istanbul and Ankara to Turkey “to not be left behind” as rejected the idea that it Hamas - some 6,000 Pales- spend the shutdown — which many European countries start required Israel’s permission. tinians in east Jerusalem submit spans the holy Muslim month reopening. The country relies Instead, it called for the lead- their ballots through Israeli post of Ramadan, as well as the heavily on tourism to bring in ership to explore ways of offices. The other 150,000 can three-day Eid holiday — at foreign currency and wants to “forcing the elections in Jeru- vote with or without Israel’s vacation homes on the coast. slow infection rates before the salem without the permission permission. Bus terminals and airports were season starts. Saudi considers Lebanon suspends arrivals from India, Brazil over virus making ANADOLU/AGENCIES — BEIRUT country before being allowed to at 522,763 as of Wednesday, third-highest number of infec- 21 in Hail, 18 in Tabuk, 16 in the homegrown enter Lebanon, according to a including 7,197 deaths and tions after India and the US. Northern Borders region, 10 in Lebanon yesterday asked carriers statement by the Ministry of Public 453,865 recoveries. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia Najran, and eight in Al-Jouf. electric car operating at the Beirut Interna- Works and Transport. The National India is currently experi- announced 11 deaths from The total number of recov- tional Airport to prevent passengers Operations Room announced on encing a skyrocketing increase COVID-19 and 1,026 new infec- eries in the Kingdom increased BLOOMBERG — RIYADH from India and Brazil to land Wednesday that a complete in infections where since mid- tions yesterday. Of the new to 399,509 after 1,055 more because of a surge in coronavirus lockdown and curfew will be put April it registered more than cases, 441 were recorded in patients recovered from the Saudi Arabia has hired Boston infections in those countries. in place in Lebanon from May 1 to 300,000 daily infections that Riyadh, 233 in Makkah, 133 in virus. A total of 6,946 people Consulting Group to explore Any arrival from India or May 4. have brought its health system the the Eastern Province, 49 in have succumbed to the virus in establishing its own domestic Brazil must stay 14 days in another Lebanon’s infections stood to near collapse. Brazil has the Asir, 33 in Madinah, 33 in Jazan, the Kingdom so far. electric-car maker, according to people familiar with the matter. UN sends 65 truckloads The project is linked to Israel orders Palestinian families to evacuate their homes existing plans to build up ANADOLU — RAMALLAH of aid to Idlib automotive infrastructure in imposing restrictions on them. Housing units in the village were the country and boost local Israeli authorities yesterday ordered Denouncing the move, the Palestinian previously subjected to four demoli- ANADOLU — HATAY, TURKEY manufacturing, said the Palestinian families in a village in the Foreign Ministry said the evacuation tions, including as recently as last people, who asked not to be northern Jordan Valley, northeast of the decision is “a true test of the remaining November. The village is one of 38 The United Nations yesterday sent 65 truck- identified. Representatives for occupied West Bank, to evacuate their credibility of the international community Bedouin villages that are partially or loads of humanitarian aid to Syria’s north- Saudi Arabia’s sovereign- homes, saying the area was being cleared in its ability to fulfill its obligations and completely located within a field that western Idlib province. The trucks crossed into wealth fund didn’t immedi- to hold military exercises. shoulder its responsibilities in stopping Israel declared a military firing site. Idlib through the Cilvegozu border gate in ately respond to requests for Moataz Basharat, a senior official who this racial discrimination and occupation The UN Office for Coordination of Turkey’s southern Hatay province, according comment. monitors Israeli settlement activities, said project.” “What is required interna- Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates to UN officials in the province. The $400bn Public that Israeli forces notified the residents tionally is to take the necessary measures that around 200 Palestinian-owned People in need residing in Idlib and its Investment Fund has been of the village of Hamsa Al Fawqa to and penalties against the occupying properties in the occupied West Bank surrounding areas will receive the relief active in the electric-vehicle evacuate their homes as military exer- power to deter it from implementing its have been demolished by Israeli author- materials. Syria has been ravaged by a civil space going back several cises will take place next Monday. settlement plans, and to provide interna- ities in the first seven weeks of 2021, dis- war since early 2011, when the Assad regime years. It acquired a small stake Basharat condemned the move as tional protection for the Palestinian placing at least 285 people, including 150 cracked down on pro-democracy in Tesla Inc. in 2018, and offi- aimed at deporting the population and people,” the statement added. children. protesters. cials discussed supporting Elon Musk’s efforts to take the company private until the chief executive officer tweeted about his ambitions. The PIF sold almost all its Tesla shares before an epic rally that began in late 2019, though it’s now sitting on big gains from an investment in rival Lucid Motors Inc. The PIF and Lucid have been in talks about building a factory near the Red Sea city of Jeddah, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News in January. Saudi Arabia to provide SR2bn for tourism boost BLOOMBERG — RIYADH

Saudi Arabia will provide up to SR2bn ($533.4m) to fund 113 tourism projects nationwide this year, as the kingdom aims to expand the sector under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to diversify the economy. The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and Riyad Bank, which is backed by the coun- try’s sovereign wealth fund, will provide funding starting at SR1m and rising to SR100m for the biggest projects, according to a statement. Saudi Arabia Opens to Foreign Tourists —and Their Foreign Ways. Last week, TDF enlisted Riyad Bank to help finance a SR1.3bn project in the holy city of Madinah. Saudi Arabia started TDF with an initial capital of $4bn. FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 ISLAM 05 Remembrance of Allah

SADULLAH KHAN True believers are only he Quran undoubtedly those whose hearts tremble emphasizes the need for when the name of Allah is Tdhikr: O Believers! mentioned, and who, when Remember Allah with much His Signs are recited to remembrance and glorify Him them, have their faith early and late (Quran 23:41) Remember your Lord in your increased thereby, and who heart with humility and due put their trust in their Lord. respect (7:205) Who observe Prayer and The Quran itself is referred spend out of that which We to as al dhikr (The Remem- have provided for them. brance) in (15:9). Allah fur- thermore states: We have made These it is who are true the Quran easy to remember believers. They have grades (and an easy mode of remem- of rank with their Lord, as brance), are there any who well as forgiveness and an care? (54:17) honourable provision.” Tafakkur means thinking on a matter, constructively, pur- (Quran 8:2) posefully and in earnestness. Tafakkur (reflection) is the lamp of the heart, the food of the not create all this without spirit, the spirit of knowledge purpose. Glory to Allah! (Quran and the soul and light of the 3:190-191). Islamic way of life. Without In this verse Allah, the Most reflection, the heart is darkened, High, speaks highly of the ulul the spirit becomes exasperated albab or literally the “possessors and Islam is lived at a super- of mind” or those who ficial level devoid of meaning “reflect”/”contemplate”. This and profundity. quality of thinking (reflection/ Reflection is such a light in contemplation) is mentioned in the heart that good and evil, the Quran precisely because (Quran 73:8). True believers are only tuma’ninah. Tuma’ninah means harm and benefit and beauty Muslims are expected to imbibe Need for dikhr The Prophet reported that those whose hearts tremble calmness, serenity, peace- and ugliness can be discerned them. There are over 150 refer- Allah informs: I am with the when the name of Allah is men- fulness and tranquility. and distinguished from each This kind of “quality ences. in the Quran to words thought of My servant and am tioned, and who, when His Signs It signifies a state of com- other through it. thinking” formed an integral from the root dh-k-r (to with him when he remembers are recited to them, have their posure and equanimity. It Again, it is through part of the texture and culture remember, to mention, to Me. If he remembers Me in his faith increased thereby, and implies a feeling of total reflection that the universe of Muslims since the time of the invoke). heart, I too remember him in who put their trust in their Lord. security, of having complete becomes a book to study and Prophet. A saying attributed to Our focus here is specifically My heart. If he remembers Me Who observe Prayer and spend peace of mind, being at ease the verses of the Quran disclose Abdullah ibn Abbas docu- on dhikr (whether qalbi, ‘aqli, in an assembly, I too recollect out of that which We have pro- with oneself; a state so sought their meaning and secrets more mented by Imam Qurtubi in his lisani, ‘amali, whether singu- him in an assembly, and this vided for them. These it is who after yet rarely experienced in deeply. The quality of our tafsir states “tafakkur for an larly or in congregation) as it assembly is better than human are true believers. They have this age. That pleasant and thought is a very serious and hour is better than a whole pertains to ways in which Allah assembly. (Bukhari) grades of rank with their Lord, noble state (itminan) of the important subject for any night’s prayer.” This ability and is remembered (by name or in as well as forgiveness and an heart is attained through (dhikr) Muslim to consider. capacity to think deeply about essence) as the Supreme Being. Genuine dhikr honourable provision.” (Quran remembrance of Allah, Those The more we reflect on the things is the light of a Muslim. To pronounce words Dhikr is the companion and 8:2) who believe and whose hearts grand design of the universe, Makes reference to the reflecting the attributes or glory spirit of actions. See how Allah The above verses from find satisfaction in dhikr-Allah the more we are reminded of second important attribute of of Allah is dhikr by tongue. To has paired it with salah which Surah Anfal make reference to (the remembrance of Allah), the Designer. How many forces this level or quality of Muslim understand and reflect on is the best of all acts of worship, the signs of true Believers such find contentment. (Quran must come together with is remembrance (dhikr). Allah’s Majesty is dhikr by heart. and made dhikr the very reason (mu’minuna haqqa) and this 13:28) perfect coordination before a Tadabbur implies pondering Both these desirable modes of for it, when He says, Establish includes... The great spiritual luminary, seed can sprout? What keeps over something while giving remembrance reinforce each salah (prayer) for My dhikr Remembering Allah (dhikr) Hasan Al Basri, commenting on this immensely complex uni- careful consideration to its con- other; so conscious oral repe- (remembrance) (Quran 20:14). and its effect on them Reading the above verse said: “You verse working so flawlessly, sequences. In fact, one of the tition engraves the words in the Going through rituals of prayer the Quran (tilawah) and its should seek joy in three things: from the simplest to the most primary purposes of revelation heart while understanding and without the essential element effect on them Their performance of prayer, reciting complex things? is for humankind to engage in tad- reflection gives meaning and of remembering Allah reflects dependence on Allah (tawakkul) the Quran and the remem- There are indeed pointers abbur, to ponder and be mindful, life to the spoken word. strands of heedlessness and Their pursuance of spiritual and brance of Allah.” Furthermore, to the Creator in every atom of (This is) a Book that We have Together they assist us in hypocrisy. moral welfare through prayer forgiveness and reward from everything in this universe: In revealed unto you (O Prophet), full focusing on our destination Behold, the hypocrites seek (salah) Their pursuance of social Allah are promised to those men the creation of the heavens and of lasting Blessing that people may while journeying through life in to deceive God — the while it is and economic welfare through and women who remember the earth, and the alternation of ponder upon its messages and that this world. He who causes them to be charity (infaq) Allah... and men who remember night and day, there are indeed those who have understood may All forms of dhikr help us deceived (by themselves) and Allah much and women who Signs for people of under- take them to heart and be develop and reinforce our rela- when they rise to pray, they Dhikr and itminan remember Allah much — for standing - people who mindful (Quran 38:29). tionship with the Divine. Keep stand reluctantly, only to be The word mutma’innah such has Allah prepared for- remember Allah, standing, We note a distinctive ref- in remembrance the Name of seen and praised by people, occurs in related forms in giveness and immense reward. sitting and lying down. erence to tadabbur and the Lord and sincerely devote hardly remembering Allah God thirteen places in the Quran. (Quran 33:36). They realize that Allah did tazakkur in this verse. yourself wholeheartedly to Him. but seldom.(Quran 4:142). The noun from this word is www.islamicity.org

We should see the example of the Pious predecessors in Ramadan Prophet (PBUH), his SALMAN AL OUDAH but in Ramadan he would take Muwatta) Abdur-Rahman ibn assists one in further good Watching one's toung companions, and the three days to do so. During the Hurmuz said, “The reciters works. We can see here that the Abu Hurairah reported that he Prophet (peace be upon last 10 nights of Ramadan, he (leading the prayers) would blessings of fasting and of the Prophet (PBUH) said: “For earliest generation of him) said, “The best of my would read the entire Quran complete the reading of Surat meeting Jibreel increased the those who do not abandon false Muslims if we want TUmmah would be those every night. Al Baqarah in eight rak’ahs Prophet’s generosity and speech and false acts, Allah has of the generation nearest to Al Qasim ibn Ali described (units of prayer). When the charity, so much so that the no need of their abandoning of to get the maximum mine. Then come those nearest his father, Ibn Asakir, author of reciters took 12 rak’ahs to com- Prophet became more generous food and drink.”(Bukhari) benefit from this to them; then come those The History of Damascus, as plete it, the people regarded it than a beneficial breeze. Al Muhallab made the fol- nearest to them” (Bukhari and follows: “He used to always as if the reciters were making Al Zayn ibn Al Munir lowing observation about this blessed month of Muslim). perform his prayers in congre- things easy for them.” explained the description “ben- Hadith: “This shows that fasting We should see the example gation, and he was consistent (Musannaf Abdul Razzaq and eficial breeze” as follows: His entails refraining from obscene Ramadan. of the Prophet (PBUH), his com- in reciting the Quran. Sunan Al Bayhaqi) charity and good treatment for and false speech, just as it panions, and the earliest gen- He would always complete Nafi reported that Ibn Umar those who are the poor and the entails refraining from food and eration of Muslims if we want a reading of the entire Quran used to pray in his house during needy, as well as for those who drink. Those who engage in and drink but rather to leave off to get the maximum benefit by Friday. However, in the month of Ramadan. When are well-off and possess suffi- false or obscene speech detract lying, uttering falsehood, and from this blessed month of Ramadan, he would do so every the people departed from the cient means, are as general as from the value of their fast. engaging in vain talk.” Ramadan. We will look at some day and retreat to the eastern mosque, he would go off to the the relief brought by a bene- They expose themselves to their (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah) of the things to which our pious minaret of the mosque. Prophet’s Mosque with a flask of ficial breeze. Lord’s displeasure and to the Abu Dhar Al Ghifari said: “When predecessors used to pay extra Describing Abu Barakat Hibat- water. He would not leave the After Maghrib prayer, Ibn possibility of their fast to be you fast, be on your guard as attention during the month of ullah ibn Mahfuz, Adh-Dhahabi, mosque again until after Fajr Umar used to break his fast only unaccepted. much as possible.” (Musannaf Ramadan. the prominent scholar wrote, prayer (Sunan Al Bayhaqi) Imran in the company of the poor. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “If Ibn Abi Shaybah) “He learned Islamic law and ibn Hudayr narrated that Abu Whenever someone came to someone of you starts off the Jabir ibn Abullah said: Reading the Quran read the Quran. He was known Mijlaz would lead the prayers in him while he was eating and day fasting, they should avoid “When you fast, your hearing, Almighty Allah says: “The for his charity and his good Ramadan for the people in his asked him for something, he obscene speech and ignorant your vision, and your tongue month of Ramadan is that in deeds. In the month of neighborhood. He would recite would take from his food what behaviour. If someone abuses should also fast by avoiding lies which the Quran was revealed.” Ramadan, he would read the the whole Quran in prayer in the he deemed to be the beggar’s them or starts to fight with and sins. You should not abuse (2:185) For that reason, our Quran 30 times.” course of seven days (Musannaf rightful share. Then he would them, they should reply by your servant. pious predecessors used to Ibn Abi Shaybah). stand up and leave the rest of saying, “I am fasting; I am You should maintain your increase their recitation of the Night vigil prayer Ibn Abbas reported, “Allah’s the food for that person. He fasting.” (Muslim) composure and dignity on the Quran in Ramadan. Al Aswad Al Saib ibn Yazid said, Messenger (PBUH) was the most would then take what was in his Al Maziri, the most prom- day you fast. Do not make your ibn Yazid used to complete “Umar ibn Al Khattab ordered generous of all people in doing good, hand and give it to his family, inent Maliki jurist of all time, fasting day the same as your reading the entire Quran every Ubayy ibn Ka’ab and Tamim and he was at his most generosity so that when he woke up in the had the following observation normal day.” (Musannaf Ibn Abi two nights in Ramadan. He Ad-Dari to lead the people in during the month of Ramadan. next morning to resume his fast, about this Hadith, “It is possible Shaybah) would sleep between Maghrib prayer in Ramadan. They would Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) used to meet he would not have eaten any- that one is recommended to say, Abu Hurairah said: “When prayer and Isha prayer. Outside each read hundreds of verses with him every year throughout the thing the night before. “I am fasting; I am fasting,” only you fast, do not act in an of Ramadan, he would complete at a go, until we had to support month of Ramadan, so that the During the month of to remind him or herself that he ignorant manner and do not reading the Quran every six ourselves with canes because Prophet (PBUH) could recite the Ramadan, Ibn Shihab Az-Zuhri or she should refrain from insult people. If someone acts nights. of the length of time we had to Quran to him. would engage in nothing getting engaged in the exchange ignorantly toward you, say, ‘I Said ibn Jubayr would also stand. We would only finish Whenever Jibreel met with besides reciting the Quran and of insults.” am fasting’.” (Musannaf Abdul complete reading the Quran praying close to the time of Fajr him, he (the Prophet) became providing the poor with food. Umar ibn Al Khattab said: Razzaq) every two nights in Ramadan. prayer.” (Musannaf Abdul more generous than a beneficial Hammad ibn Abi Sulayman “In Ramadan one does not Mujahid said: “If you avoid It is also narrated that Al Walid Razzaq and Sunan Al Bayhaqi) breeze.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Al would take it upon himself to abstain only from eating and two things, then your fast will used to normally complete Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr narrated Muhallab, a famous Maliki scholar, provide 500 people with food drinking but also from lying, be all right. You must avoid reading the Quran every three that he heard his father say, “By explained this Hadith, saying, this enough to break their fast, from uttering falsehood, from backbiting and lying.” Abu Al nights, but on the whole, he the time we finished our prayers shows the blessings of good works during the month of Ramadan. engaging in vain talk, and from Aaliyah added, “A fasting would complete it 17 times in (i.e. night vigil prayer) in and shows that engaging in some Then, on the day of Eid Al Fitr, swearing.” (Musannaf Ibn Abi person is engaged in worship the month of Ramadan. Ramadan, the servants would good deeds opens the door to per- he would give each of those Shaybah) as long as he or she does not Qatadah used to read the have to rush to prepare food in forming others. people 100 pieces of silver. Ali ibn Abi Talib said: backbite someone.” whole Quran every seven days, fear of the coming of Fajr.” (Al Doing some good deeds “Fasting is not to leave off food www.islamtoday.com 06 AFRICA FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 Chadian rebels claim they shot down military copter AP — N'DJAMENA The Chadian government has said that the rebels Rebels seeking to overthrow blamed for killing President Idriss Deby Itno Chad’s new transitional last week have retreated across the border to government claimed yesterday neighbouring Niger. However, in a statement to have shot down a military released yesterday, the rebel group claimed it helicopter, while the government warned political controls the Chadian town of Nokou, located more opponents not to renew than 300km north of the capital. protests after violent demon- strations earlier in the week left shocking killing was announced. recent days in a display of force at least six people dead. Demonstrators blocked roads alongside police. The Chadian government and set tires ablaze, prompting Military spokesman Gen. has said that the rebels blamed a swift crackdown from security Azem Bermandoa Agouna has for killing President Idriss Deby forces. The government said said that the rebel’s leader is Itno last week have retreated Wednesday that six people had wanted for war crimes in across the border to neigh- been killed in the unrest neighboring Libya, and he has bouring Niger. However, in a including a retired police officer, accused the rebels of making Parents of students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization who have been abducted statement released yesterday, while opposition activists placed dangerous alliances with speak after a meeting in Kaduna, Nigeria, yesterday. the rebel group claimed it con- the toll at nine dead. Islamic extremist armed groups trols the Chadian town of Despite the threats made by active in eastern Niger. Nokou, located more than rebels to take N’Djamena, the Late Wednesday the 300km north of the capital. militants appeared to be still far general called on political Parents of Nigeria kidnap victims It was not immediately pos- from the capital on Thursday. opposition leaders to redirect sible to independently verify the The statement released by the their supporters in the claims made by the armed group rebels’ spokesman, Kingabe aftermath of Tuesday’s violent known as the National Front for Ogouzeimi de Tapol, criticized clashes. “This so-called peaceful plead for government help Change and Concord in Chad. Its the Chadian military for demonstration paradoxically fighters have threatened to attack launching a series of aerial bom- resulted in the deliberate REUTERS — KADUNA over 700 people have been Catherine Saleh, whose the capital, N’Djamena, in a bid bardments, saying it “lacks the destruction of 15 national police abducted at education institu- 29-year-old son Stephen to overthrow the new gov- courage to fight on the ground.” vehicles and two (gas) stations When Linda Peter last spoke to tions since December. President Shuani was taken from the for- ernment now led by Mahamat “Any aircraft flying over our belonging to the Total company,” her daughter, the brief phone Muhammadu Buhari in Feb- estry college, said she too had Idriss Deby, son of the slain positions will be treated as the statement said. “In addition, call left her relieved the ruary told state governments received calls from the kid- president. hostile to the Chadian people there were intentional assaults teenager was alive but that “rewarding” such crimes nappers, initially demanding Chad’s political opposition and will be shot down without on law enforcement officers distraught because she could with money and vehicles, could 500m naira ($1.31m) —an unat- also has decried the formation warning,” said the rebel while on duty.” not pay any ransom demanded. “boomerang disastrously”. tainable sum for the teacher of a transitional military gov- statement in which it claimed Calm prevailed Thursday in Peter’s 18-year-old Peter, faced with the with a 100,000 naira monthly ernment led by the 37-year-old it shot down the helicopter. The the city of 1 million people, daughter, Jennifer, was among prospect of losing her daughter, salary - before reducing that to Deby, saying that a civilian statement also accused the mil- where billboards bearing the 39 students abducted by said the government must do 50 million. interim government should have itary of employing Sudanese slain president’s image still line gunmen on March 11 from a for- more to free the students. “We cannot raise that been headed by the president of mercenaries. many boulevards. However, an estry college in the north- “I’m angry with them,” she money,” she said. “If I had the the National Assembly instead. There was no immediate opposition coalition group western Nigerian state of said through tears of the money, I wouldn’t send my Protesters took to the reaction from the military, known as FONAC said it would Kaduna. The captors, who Kaduna government, at a child to that school.” streets in several neighbor- which has deployed heavily keep up its resistance to the called from the teenager’s meeting of relatives whose loved The men purporting to be hoods of the capital on Tuesday, armed and turbaned soldiers new government led by Deby’s phone, threatened to kill the ones were taken in the same raid. the captors told her to call gov- a week after the president’s on the streets of the capital in son. male captives and force females Kaduna state’s security commis- ernment officials to demand into marriage, but did not sioner, responding to the com- they negotiate with them, but specify the ransom sum sought. ments, referred Reuters to an she does not know anyone to “The government is not April 16 statement. contact. “These children are Libyan oil minister seeks budget doing anything to help these “The governor will con- between life and death. They children,” said Peter, a widow tinue to work hard until ban- can shoot them at any time,” approval to hit 1.5m bpd target and mother of five who sells ditry is contained, without suc- Saleh said. vegetables for a living but has cumbing to emotional On the same day as the REUTERS — TRIPOLI for the Libyan state in general and the oil sector not worked since her daughter blackmail and gradual politici- meeting, Dorathy Yohanna, one in particular has been delayed and we do not was taken. “We don’t have any- zation of the unfortunate situ- of the dead Greenfield students, Libya’s oil production target of 1.5 million barrels know when it will be approved,” Oun said.. thing,” she said. ation,” it said. was buried. Her father, per day (bpd) by the end of 2021 depends on “It may have an effect if we do not reach the Kaduna Governor Nasir El- Much of the fear felt by Yohanna Meck, said he hoped parliament approving the national budget production target because of a lack of financial Rufai has repeatedly said his Peter and other worried parents state officials would learn from quickly, Oil Minister Mohamed Oun said. means,” he said, adding that a lack of mainte- state government will not nego- at the meeting, held on the tragedy. “Government Libyan oil output crashed last year when nance to surface equipment had caused problems. tiate with “bandits”, as the Wednesday, stems from the should be proactive, they forces allied with eastern commander Khalifa Oun is Libya’s first oil minister for years, marauding criminal gangs are killing of five students who should not just keep quiet,” he Haftar blocked exports to put pressure on the appointed as part of the Government of National known, or pay ransoms. were among around 17 people told reporters after the funeral. Tripoli government, but after the fighting stopped, Unity (GNU) that was sworn in last month to Kidnapping for ransom has kidnapped on April 21 from “They should be proactive to it rebounded to about 1.3 million bpd. replace warring administrations in Tripoli and become an industry in restive Greenfield University, elsewhere help the situation because it’s “Unfortunately, the adoption of the budget the east. northern Nigerian states where in the state. getting out of hand.” Sudan’s basic income scheme aims to ease economic pain

REUTERS — KHARTOUM government pursues an aggressive of the racing inflation in Sudan,” said economic reform programme moni- Mohammed al-Jak, a University of For Intisar Altayib, who ekes out a tored by the International Monetary Khartoum economics professor. living drawing henna tattoos in Fund, hoping to win relief on at least Sudan has received $820 million Khartoum, soaring prices in Sudan $50bn in debt and access funding from from the World Bank and donor coun- mean running up tabs at local stores international lenders. The ongoing tries for the programme’s first two and cutting back on evening feasts reforms have included a sharp cur- phases, which aim to cover 24 million during the holy month of Ramadan. rency devaluation in February and fuel people in 12 states for six months, the She is one of millions struggling subsidy cuts over the second half of World Bank says. through an economic crisis that has last year. The IMF said in an October The programme is not yet funded deepened as Sudan tries to emerge report on the reforms that they could to reach the remainder of the targeted from decades of isolation and conflict. lead to economic contraction, higher 32.5 million, or for a potential extension Inflation has risen to more than 340% inflation and social tensions in the of payments to a year. and there are shortages of everything short term. Some beneficiaries told Reuters from power to medicines. The basic income scheme, known they would use the money to pay off To ease the pain of reforms the as Thamarat (fruits) or the Sudan debts, or cover rent or home mainte- government is introducing a donor- Family Support Programme, is an effort nance. Intisar, however, said the funded scheme that aims to provide a to soften the blow, officials say. money wouldn’t make a huge dent in temporary $5 basic monthly income A survey of more than 3,000 fam- daily expenses and would be more to 80% of its population of 43 million. ilies across Sudan from November to useful for her family if she saved it up The roll-out, which began in Feb- January showed that 30% were unable to and started a business. ruary, is a test for the transitional buy staples like bread and milk, with price “This amount has an impact, espe- civilian-military partnership that is due increases worsened by the COVID-19 pan- cially in Ramadan,” said Mohamed to govern Sudan until 2023. Many demic, said Milena Stefanova, country Aldai, a day laborer living in the Id Sudanese complain they have not seen manager for the World Bank. Hussein area who said his family of six the benefits of an uprising, triggered The start of the support programme received 11,400 Sudanese pounds Magda Ahmed, mother of orphan children who applied for Sudan’s Thamarat by the deteriorating economy, that was pushed back to late February ($30). Family Support Programme, holds a bowl of food in South Khartoum. overthrew former President Omar al- because donors conditioned the release Payments were made to 84,028 Bashir two years ago. of funds they had pledged last year on families in March and April, the World Altayib, who has registered for the or five times higher than a year ago public transport beyond reach. the closing of the gap between the Bank says. The government estimates welfare programme but is yet to and her family has all but stopped “Ramadan is expensive, we have to rely official and black market exchange family size at about five, and each receive money, says that in her neigh- buying meat. on God,” she said. The family support rates. “The delay in implementing the member is entitled to a local currency bourhood of Al Kalakla, prices are four Fuel price increases have put programme came about as the programme reduces its impact because monthly payment worth $5. Kenya tells UN it will shut two camps with 410,000 refugees Gunmen kill 20 in Ethiopia’s Oromiya REUTERS — NAIROBI REUTERS — NAIROBI Kenya’s President Uhuru camps in northern Kenya, the tweet read. Legal chal- Kenyatta and UN refugee Dadaab, close to the sensitive lenges could follow. Earlier this Gunmen killed at least 20 people last week in western Ethiopia, Kenya said yesterday it had told agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo border with war-racked month, a Kenyan court ruled a regional government official said yesterday, in what he and two the United Nations it will shut Grandi met in Nairobi and a joint Somalia, was set up in 1991. In against the closure of the residents described as an attack on civilians from the Amhara by June 2022 two camps team will be formed to finalize 2011, amid famine and chaos in camps. ethnic group. The incident occurred in the district of Limmu Kosa, holding over 430,000 refugees and implement a road map Somalia, it was the world’s Authorities in Nairobi first in the Jimma zone of the Oromiya region. who fled from wars in the east toward the closure of the camps, largest camp. announced their intention to At least 20 civilians were killed in the attack, the Oromiya and Horn of Africa, adding it the UN and Kenyan government Yesterday’s announcement shut the Dadaab camp back in regional government’s spokesman Getachew Balcha told Reuters. planned to repatriate some and said in a joint statement. appeared to be the decisive step 2016, citing national security He said the attackers were from OLF-Shane or Oromo Liberation give others residency. Kenya and the UNHCR by Kenya after years of dis- concerns over infiltration by Army (OLA), a splinter group of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), The interior ministry made “agree that refugee camps are cussion about closing Dadaab. militants from the Somalia- a formerly banned opposition group that returned from exile after the announcement on Twitter not a long-term solution to “Among the precursory activ- based Al Shabaab. Relations Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office. about five weeks after ordering forced displacement” and are ities in (the government’s) between Kenya and Somalia The Oromo are the country’s largest ethnic group and the the closure of the Dadaab and committed to working together roadmap is repatriation of ref- have deteriorated badly in the Amhara are its second largest. Clashes between people from the Kakuma refugee camps and to find alternative solutions in ugees to countries of origin and past year since Mogadishu cut two groups killed 18 people in another part of the country earlier giving the United Nations two line with the Global Compact on socio-economic integration of diplomatic ties with Nairobi, this month. The Amhara and Oromiya regions share a border and weeks to present a plan to carry Refugees, the statement read. some of them through Work/ accusing it of interfering in its attacks between the two ethnic groups in border areas have been this out. One of the two refugee Residence Permits (in Kenya),” internal affairs. rising in recent months. FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 ASIA 07 India’s coronavirus cases top 18 million

REUTERS — NEW DELHI/MUMBAI for vaccination said they failed, complaining on social media of India’s total COVID-19 cases India reported 379,257 being unable to get a slot or passed 18 million yesterday new infections and even to simply get on the after another world record 3,645 new deaths website, as it repeatedly number of daily infections, as yesterday, health crashed. gravediggers worked around “Statistics indicate that far the clock to bury victims and ministry data showed, from crashing or performing hundreds more were cremated the highest number of slowly, the system is performing in makeshift pyres in parks and fatalities in a single day without any glitches,” the gov- parking lots. since the start of the ernment said on Wednesday. India reported 379,257 new pandemic. More than 8 million people infections and 3,645 new deaths had registered, it said, but it was yesterday, health ministry data not immediately clear how showed, the highest number of many had got slots. fatalities in a single day since principal scientific adviser to A local official in Mumbai Medical workers are seen inside the ICU ward where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease the start of the pandemic. the government, was quoted as said the city had paused its vac- are being treated at Holy Family Hospital in New Delhi, yesterday. The world’s second most saying in the Indian Express cination drive for three days as populous nation is in deep crisis, newspaper. supplies were running short, with hospitals and morgues “While we were all aware while officials said the worst- ambulances and private are entitled to a full and honest The supplies began arriving overwhelmed. of second waves in other coun- hit state of Maharashtra was vehicles, some gasping for air account of what led more than yesterday, it added. Mumbai gravedigger Sayyed tries, we had vaccines at hand, likely to extend strict corona- as their oxygen cylinders ran a billion people into a catas- The United States also has Munir Kamruddin, 52, said he and no indications from mod- virus curbs by another two out. In the ICU, patients lay on trophe,” Vikram Patel, a global redirected its own order of and his colleagues were elling exercises suggested the weeks. trolleys between beds. health expert at Harvard AstraZeneca manufacturing working non-stop to bury scale of the surge.” India’s mil- Only about 9% of India’s “Someone that should be in Medical School, said in the supplies to India, to allow it to victims. itary has begun moving key population of about 1.4 billion the ICU is being treated in the Hindu newspaper. make more than 20 million “I’m not scared of supplies, such as oxygen, across has received a dose since the wards,” Dr Sumit Ray, head of India expects close to 550 doses, the White House said. COVID-19, I’ve worked with the nation and will open its vaccination campaign began in the unit, said. oxygen generating facilities India will receive a first courage. It’s all about courage, healthcare facilities to civilians. January. “We are completely full. The from around the world as batch of Russia’s Sputnik V not about fear,” he said. Hotels and railway coaches However, while the second doctors and nurses are demor- medical aid starts pouring in, vaccine on May 1. Russia’s RDIF “This is our only job. Getting have been converted into wave overwhelms the health alised, they know they can do Foreign Secretary Harsh sovereign wealth fund, which the body, removing it from the critical care facilities to make system, the official death rate is better, but they just don’t have Vardhan Shringla said markets Sputnik V globally, has ambulance, and then burying up for the shortage of hospital below that of Brazil and the the time. No one takes a break.” yesterday. signed deals with five Indian it.” beds. United States. The US State Department issued Two planes from Russia, manufacturers for more than Each day, thousands of India’s best hope is to vac- India has reported 147.2 a travel advisory on Wednesday carrying 20 oxygen concen- 850 million vaccine doses a Indians search frantically for cinate its vast population, deaths per million, the Reuters against travel to India because trators, 75 ventilators, 150 year. hospital beds and life-saving experts say, and on Wednesday global COVID-19 tracker shows, of the pandemic and advised its bedside monitors, and 22 tonnes Bangladesh said it would oxygen for sick relatives, using it opened registration for all while Brazil and the United citizens to leave the country. of medicine, have arrived in send about 10,000 vials of anti- social media apps and personal above the age of 18 to receive States reported figures of 1,800 Prime Minister Narendra Delhi. viral medicines, 30,000 PPE contacts. Hospital beds that shots from Saturday. and 1,700 respectively. Modi has been criticised for The United States is sending kits, and several thousand become available, especially in But although it is the world’s However, medical experts allowing massive political supplies worth more than mineral and vitamin tablets. intensive care units (ICUs), are biggest producer of vaccines, believe India’s true COVID-19 rallies and religious festivals $100m, including 1,000 oxygen Germany will send 120 ven- snapped up in minutes. India does not have the stocks numbers may be five to 10 times which have been super- cylinders, 15 million N95 masks tilators on Saturday, and a “The ferocity of the second for the estimated 800 million greater than the official tally. spreader events in recent and 1 million rapid diagnostic mobile oxygen production wave took everyone by sur- now eligible. At Delhi’s Holy Family Hos- weeks. tests, the White House said on facility next week, its defence prise,” K. VijayRaghavan, Many who tried to sign up pital, patients arrived in “The people of this country Wednesday. ministry said.

Nepal starts Indonesia designates Papuan separatists ‘terrorists’ 15-day lockdown REUTERS — JAKARTA easternmost region, where a resource-rich region say their suspected of being used for Usman Hamid, director of low-level rebellion has been struggle is legitimate as former planning or committing “ter- Amnesty International Indo- as virus spikes Indonesia has formally desig- fought for decades. colonial power the Nether- rorist” acts. nesia, said the “terrorists” tag nated Papuan separatists as “The government thinks lands promised Papua inde- “The scope of work in could also see free speech and AP — KATHMANDU “terrorists”, its chief security that organisations and the pendence before it was Papua will be much bigger, association curtailed and “will minister said yesterday, a people in Papua who commit annexed in 1963. thus it will also open more only show that the government Offices were closed, markets move activists said could massive violence can be clas- Indonesia says Papua is its possibilities of abuses,” said failed again to see the root were shuttered and vehicles expand the powers of security sified as terrorists,” chief territory, as confirmed by the Andreas Harsono, Indonesia causes of Papua’s were forced off the streets in forces, including lengthy security minister Mahfud MD outcome of a 1969 referendum. researcher at Human Rights rebellions.” Nepal’s capital yesterday as detentions without charge. told a news conference. Separatists say that vote did Watch, referring to the new Sebby Sembom, a authorities imposed a 15-day The legal designation “Terrorism is any action not reflect their aspirations. designation. spokesman for the West Papua lockdown because of spiking follows a call by President Joko that uses violence or threats of Indonesia’s counter-ter- Earlier this month Reuters National Liberation Army, a cases of COVID-19. Widodo for a crackdown on violence that create an air of rorism law allows authorities reported a case in which three separatist group, rejected the The lockdown was imposed Papuan rebels after an intelli- terror or fear,” he said, citing to detain individuals without brothers were allegedly killed government’s designation. in most of the Himalayan gence officer was shot dead on a 2018 counter-terrorism law. charge for up to 21 days and by Indonesian soldiers in “The world knows we fight nation’s major cities and towns. Sunday in the country’s Separatists in the remote, intercept communications if Papua’s central highlands. for freedom,” he said. In Kathmandu and surrounding districts, police set up check- points and were stopping drivers and pedestrians. Several Thailand to increase vehicles were impounded for defying the lockdown. Residents rushed to neigh- visitor quarantine period borhood grocery stores for sup- plies in the morning when authorities allowed them to as COVID-19 rages open for a few hours. Tens of thousands of people had rushed BLOOMBERG — BANGKOK gatherings and a shutdown of out of Kathmandu in the past bars will also be enforced two days to avoid the shutdown. Thailand will increase a nationwide, Taweesilp Both international and mandatory quarantine period for Visanuyothin, a spokesman for domestic flights were operating all arrivals to two weeks in a the panel, said yesterday. on schedule. The government setback to the country’s previous Thailand has seen total has closed the land borders to plans of gradually reopening its COVID-19 cases more than foreigners, but citizens of neigh- borders to foreign visitors. double since the beginning of boring India can enter with a The Southeast Asian nation April, with the flareup tied to negative coronavirus test and earlier this month reduced the entertainment venues in proof of a hotel booking for a timeframe to seven days for vac- Bangkok that has since spread to 10-day quarantine. cinated tourists and ten days for most of the nation’s 77 provinces. most others in a bid to boost its The panel deemed Bangkok and tourism sector. But the latest five other provinces at “highest Thai court denies COVID-19 wave, the country’s risk” for infections, imposed a worst since the pandemic began, ban on dine-in services and bail for activists has forced the government to added travel restrictions to and People register for their vaccine against the coronavirus disease at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, reintroduce the restrictions. from those “hot” regions starting Thailand. on hunger strike All visitors who receive entry Saturday. permits starting May 1 will be The government has insisted million doses by the end of this doses per month.All target resi- at several options for additional REUTERS — BANGKOK required to undergo the longer that its plan to reopen Phuket to year. dents in Bangkok, the country’s doses:5-20 million doses from isolation, the Center for vaccinated visitors in July is still Some other notable details on largest city, are expected to have Pfizer, 5-10 million from Sputnik A court in Thailand yesterday COVID-19 Situation Adminis- on track despite the outbreak. It’s the country’s vaccine plan from first shots by August. V, 5-10 million from Johnson & denied bail for seven detained tration announced after a currently negotiating with a the briefing include: Thailand is The country has confirmed Johnson, 5-10 million from activists accused of insulting meeting headed by Prime Min- variety of pharma manufacturers expected to have about 1,000 orders of 63 million doses, and Sinovac Biotech Ltd. More doses the king, two of whom have ister Prayuth Chan-Ocha. A mask to secure more vaccines, with a vaccination sites nationwide, will need 37 million more. The from Moderna Inc, Sinopharm, deteriorating health from more mandate, a ban on large target of administering 100 administering 15-30 million government is currently looking or Bharat Biotech. than a month of hunger strikes, their lawyer said, prompting concern from right groups. Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Rockets fired at two Myanmar air bases, no casualties Panusaya “Roong” Sithijira- wattanakul and five others are REUTERS — YANGON at a news briefing. Three of the rockets hit north of the base but there was Nobel laureate Aung San Suu in pre-trial detention for vio- While the armed forces farms and one fell on a road. no damage nor any casualties. Kyi, pro-democracy protests lating Thailand’s royal insults Unidentified attackers fired have been battling insurgents One building at the base was “The security process is have rocked cities and towns. law, which carries a pun- rockets at two Myanmar air in remote frontier regions for slightly damaged but no one going on to arrest the attackers,” The military has cracked ishment of up to 15 years in bases on Thursday but there decades, attacks on such high- was hurt, she said. the announcer said. down with lethal force, killing prison for each offence. were no casualties and only profile military facilities in Media reported earlier that A reporter, Than Win 756 people, according to an “The court denied bail minor damage in another sign central areas have been rare. security checks were stepped Hlaing, who was near the activist group. Reuters is unable because a previous order had of deteriorating security since In the first attack, four up on roads outside the base Meiktila base at the time, posted to confirm the casualty toll. given sufficient reasons and the military overthrew an rockets were fired at an air base after the blasts. a video clip that included the Fighting between the mil- the decision did not have to be elected government three near the central town of Later, five rockets were sound of one of the rockets itary and ethnic minority insur- changed,” lawyer Krisadang months ago. Magway in the early hours, an fired at one of the country’s flying overhead followed by a gents has also flared since the Nutcharat said. There was no claim of announcer at the military news main air bases, at Meiktila, blast. coup with the military launching About 100 protesters responsibility for the attacks, briefing said on a feed posted which is also in central Since the Feb. 1 ouster of an numerous air strikes in border gathered outside the court to which the military confirmed on the internet. Myanmar, from a farm to the elected government led by lands in the north and east. oppose the decision. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL People wait in a vaccination centre installed inside the exhibition palace in Nice as part of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination campaign in France. Exports continue to rise EXPORTS from Qatar continue to increase which dem- onstrates the resilience and strength of country’s economy. The rising exports show that the domestic Surviving this pandemic economy has performed well despite difficult situation created by coronavirus pandemic. Rising exports play a crucial role in any country’s economy as it leads to increase in foreign exchange reserve. According to the recent figures released by the is not enough! Planning and Statistics Authority, Qatar’s foreign mer- chandise trade balance, which represents the difference are not willing to make conces- that taking care of ourselves between total exports and imports, showed a surplus sions to our employees and means, on some level, caring for of QR13.2bn in March 2021. workers - if I talked about some those around us. And here is the When compared to the corresponding month the companies, for instance -. undoubted interest not only in previous year, the trade surplus has increased by However, the most difficult the things in our lives and their QR5.5bn, or 72.7 percent compared to March 2020. questions we ask ourselves are impact on our world, but in the The total value of exports of goods, including exports still very small, because survival people who made them and gave of goods of domestic origin and re-exports, in March is probably not enough. them to us. There is no guarantee 2021 reached QR22.1bn, showing an increase of 38.2 DR. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA I fear what the epidemic may either of us that even if we took percent compared to the same month in 2020. hold for us, yet I find myself opti- this care, we would survive! In March 2021, Japan was at the top of the coun- Amid the grinding tragedies of mistic that during the coming But since the virus is tries of destination of Qatar’s exports with close to the coronavirus pandemic months this story will end, with spreading, it also spreads QR3.4bn, a share of 15.5 percent of total exports, fol- (COVID-19) and its accelerating everyone coming together and awareness as well as foretells a lowed by South Korea with almost QR3.1bn and a share negative developments, we may definitely taking the vaccine. deep and long-term collapse of of 14.2 percent, and India with about QR2.9bn, a share all be asked to answer a question Hopefully it will be a history as society (if its members do not of 13.0 percent. like: which parts of us will many events have come to end in follow medical instructions and Exports have shown a consistent rise in the past survive? Certainly, disease the past, but the most important take the vaccine), nevertheless I few months. In December 2020, the total exports of cannot kill us all, but it has thing here is to realize that many find myself here hoping to goods (including exports of goods of domestic origin already caused heavy losses for people lives have completely struggle for something greater and reexports) amounted to around QR17.1bn, showing many of us. Rather, the losses regressed, no matter how normal than survival. an increase of 3.3 percent compared to November 2020. trapped some members of we live, they have grown abnor- At the end, the virus can use Similarly, Qatar’s foreign merchandise trade balance society in severe circles of grief mally during this pandemic. I any number of weapons against showed a surplus of QR9.1bn in November, registering The virus and suffocated those who lost might say here that the natural us, such as fear and greed, for a rise of nearly QR2bn or 28.6 percent compared to more than before. from now on, it is the world that example, until most members of October 2020. The total value of exports of goods, can use any Perhaps a lot has arrived at we can form together, individ- society are vaccinated or infected. including exports of goods of domestic origin and re- number of some point during this pandemic ually and as a community. Interestingly, we will apparently exports, in November 2020 reached QR16.6bn. to be told that you must choose In a way, it seems that the continue like this in a slow and Other sectors of the domestic economy are per- weapons what to preserve: your comfort? disease caused by this virus painful game of chess with this forming well despite challenging conditions. The overall against us, your humanity? your parents or thrives on hope; as the situation pandemic, as its moves did not monthly Producer Price Index (PPI) of Qatar’s indus- such as fear older adults? your job? your life- improves before it gets worse in appear until weeks and months trial sector for March 2021 was estimated at 60.8 points, style and your community? Is the degrees, which soothes us in a after we made our moves. showing an increase of 3.6 percent compared to the and greed, idea here related only to choose moment of rest. Several patients Perhaps a moment of neglect previous month’s PPI (February 2021). for example, how to prioritize the things that have prescribed it as an event gives the killer a chance, so it When compared on year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis, the we value? Are you not with me appeared to be on the mend, fol- seem to be that the best strength PPI of March 2021 showed an increase of 23.6 percent until most that it is also a question about lowed by a new, more terrible on our part is care. I see that we against PPI of the corresponding month last year (March members of what happened and who will phase of the disease. Fever, really need to rejuvenate the life 2020), official data released by the Planning and Sta- survive! fatigue, pain, and shortness of we left behind and start with how tistics Authority showed. society are In fact, it is not just the offi- breath begin to diminish, but only we care about each other. PPI of March 2021, when compared with its coun- vaccinated or cials or ministry of health for after that, some despair takes terpart in previous year (March 2020), there was an infected. instance that has to answer, it is a hold of the lungs and the patient Dr. Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a increase of 27.8 percent. question for each of us, in the becomes in the arms of the virus physician, medical innovator and Helped by the resilience of Qatari economy and the individual sense, about how we and its illness, dragging him to a writer. For any quarries regarding proactive policies by government departments, the deal with each other, about when frightening and even sad fate. the contents of the column, can exports are expected to rise in coming months. and how we go to a store or Thus, this leads us to the be contacted at: dryusufalmulla@ grocery, about who we are and concept of caring and learning gmail.com

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Vaccines are working. So is the virus EMAIL: [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST reducing hospitalizations. The infection, will offer fewer and but it is clear the delay demographic trend is evident fewer green fields for deepened hesitancy among EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Welcome proof that vaccines nationwide. A year ago, when infection, somewhere over some about this vaccine. A FAX: +974 4455 7758 are working comes from the pandemic was taking off 70%. In Israel, the concept Washington Post-ABC News MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 those who have received and ravaging nursing homes, appears to be working with poll showed that among them. In Britain, Israel and the the oldest Americans, over 80 particular acuity - with 59.5 unvaccinated adults, only DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 United States, coronavirus years, were the most severely percent of the population about 1 in 4 would now be infections have plummeted hit age group on a weekly receiving at least one dose, willing to get the Johnson & LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 among older people who basis, with 158 cases per cases have slowed to a relative Johnson vaccine, while three- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 were first to get the shots. This 100,000 people. A year later, trickle. fourths of respondents said does not mean that the United they are at 48 cases per For larger countries, herd they were not willing. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 States or the rest of the world 100,000, while the hardest-hit immunity might be more This suggests that the has turned the corner against are those 18 to 34 years old. In elusive, potentially eroded by Biden administration, which ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 the pandemic. But it does Britain, a decision was made new virus variants, but the did an admirable job email: [email protected] show the power of vaccines to spread the first doses as data strongly reinforces that launching a robust and accel- as a tool if they can be admin- widely as possible, and to pri- vaccination is the right erating vaccine campaign, PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 email: [email protected] istered widely enough - a goal oritize by age groups, as well strategy. A cause for concern is must redouble efforts to that demands maximum as to impose strict lockdowns. that the campaign has slowed overcome vaccine hesitancy MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 effort everywhere. As each age group became eli- in the past week because of and reach every single person email: [email protected] In the large Michigan out- gible for vaccines, its share of the pause in administering the who wants a shot or can be break of recent weeks, more new infections dived. Johnson & Johnson vaccine persuaded to accept one. It is ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 younger people are being This data bolsters the after reports of some patients smart of the United States to FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] admitted to hospitals; one assumption that if enough suffering a rare blood clot. give away vaccines in storage CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 reason is that two-thirds of people are vaccinated, the The pause, by the gov- that won’t be used here email: [email protected] Michigan residents age 65 or population will reach herd ernment, was a laudable effort because the same dynamic older have been fully vacci- immunity, the point at which to be transparent and preserve affects every corner of the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 nated, protecting the vul- vaccination, combined with public trust in the regulatory globe. The vaccines are FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] nerable and antibodies from previous process. It has now been lifted, working, but so is the virus.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar The health pass should not be mandatory for access /ThePeninsulaQatar to everyday things such as restaurants, theatres and cinemas or to go see friends. But for places with big /Peninsula_Qatar crowds, such as stadiums, festivals, trade fairs or /ThePeninsulaNewspaper exhibitions, it would be absurd not to use it. Emmanuel Macron, French President +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 ASIA 09 China launches space station core module

AP — BEIJING women, with the first crewed mission, Shenzhou-12, expected China yesterday launched the The core module is the to be launched by June. main module of its first section of the station When completed by late permanent space station that where astronauts will 2022, the T-shaped Chinese will host astronauts long term, Space Station is expected to the latest success for a program live for up to six months weigh about 66 tons, consid- that has realised a number of at a time. Another 10 erably smaller than the Inter- its growing ambitions in recent launches will send up national Space Station, which years. two more modules launched its first module in The Tianhe, or “Heavenly 1998 and will weigh about 450 Harmony,” module blasted into where crews will tons when completed. space atop a Long March 5B conduct experiments, Tianhe will have a docking rocket from the Wenchang four cargo supply port and will also be able to Launch Center on the southern shipments and four connect with a powerful island province of Hainan, missions with crews. Chinese space satellite. Theo- marking another major advance retically, it could be expanded for the country’s space to as many as six modules. The exploration. station is designed to operate The launch begins the first from the control center in for at least 10 years. of 11 missions necessary to com- Beijing. A message of congrat- Tianhe is about the size of plete, supply and crew the ulations from state leader and the American Skylab space station by the end of next year. head of the ruling Communist station of the 1970s and the China’s space program has Party Xi Jinping was also read former Soviet/Russian Mir, also recently brought back the to staff at the Wenchang Launch which operated for more than first new lunar samples in more Center. 14 years after launching in 1986. The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the core module of China’s space station Tianhe, takes off than 40 years and expects to The launch furthers the The core module will land a probe and rover on the “three-step” strategy of building provide living space for as many from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province, China, yesterday. surface of Mars later next up China’s manned space as six astronauts during crew month. program and marks “an changeovers, while its other two nature and close military ties. was successfully taken out of landed a rover on the little- Minutes after the launch, the important leading project for modules, Wentian, or “Quest for After years of successful orbit in 2018. explored far side of the moon. fairing opened to expose the constructing a powerful country the Heavens,” and Mengtian, or rocket and commercial satellite The Tiangong-2 crew stayed In December, its Chang’e 5 Tianhe atop the core stage of in science and technology and “Dreaming of the Heavens,” will launches, China put its first aboard for 33 days. probe returned lunar rocks to the rocket, with the characters aerospace,” Xi’s message said. provide room for conducting astronaut into space in October While Nasa must get per- Earth for the first time since the for “China Manned Space” The core module is the scientific experiments including 2003, becoming only the third mission from a reluctant Con- US missions of the 1970s. emblazoned on its exterior. section of the station where in medicine and the properties country to independently do so gress to engage in contact with Meanwhile, a Chinese probe Soon after, it separated from the astronauts will live for up to six of the outer space after the former Soviet Union the Chinese space program, carrying a rover is due to set rocket, which will orbit for months at a time. Another 10 environment. and the United States. other countries have been far down on Mars sometime about a week before falling to launches will send up two more China began working on a Along with more crewed less reluctant. European nations around the middle of next Earth, and minutes after that, modules where crews will space station project in 1992, missions, China launched a pair and the United Nations are month, making China only the opened its solar arrays to conduct experiments, four cargo just as its space ambitions were of experimental, single-module expected to cooperate on exper- second country to successfully provide a steady energy source. supply shipments and four mis- taking shape. The need to go it space stations — Tiangong-1, iments to be done on the com- accomplish that after the US. The space program is a sions with crews. alone became more urgent after which means “Heavenly pleted Chinese station. The Tianwen-1 space probe source of huge national pride, At least 12 astronauts are was excluded from the Inter- Palace-1,” and its successor, The launch comes as China has been orbiting the red planet and Premier Li Keqiang and training to fly to and live in the national Space Station largely Tiangong-2. The first burned up is also forging ahead with since February while collecting other top civilian and military station, including veterans of due to US objections over the after contact was lost and its crewless missions, particularly data. Its Zhurong rover will be leaders watched the launch live previous flights, newcomers and Chinese program’s secretive orbit decayed, while the second in lunar exploration, and it has looking for evidence of life. Bangladesh approves China’s Sinopharm vaccine Pakistan to get 15.4 million REUTERS — DHAKA “Hopefully 500,000 doses of of this week. No detailed efficacy vaccinations in February around doses of COVID-19 vaccine the Sinopharm vaccine will data of Sinopharm’s vaccine has 6 million people have been inoc- Bangladesh’s drug regulator said arrive in Bangladesh within two been publicly released but its ulated. It plans to eventually REUTERS — ISLAMABAD said. “For now, China remains yesterday it had approved the weeks,” Mahbubur Rahman, developer, Beijing Biological cover about 80% of the country’s the primary source for vaccines emergency use of a vaccine head of the Directorate General Products Institute, a unit of 170 million people. Pakistan has purchased 13 to meet our present and developed by an affiliate of of Drug Administration, told Sinopharm subsidiary China This week its stopped admin- million doses of COVID-19 ongoing needs but all our China’s Sinopharm, as it reporters. National Biotec Group (CNBG), istering first doses, however, vaccine from three Chinese options are open for effective scrambles to find alternative The regulator this week also said the vaccine was 79.34% amid uncertainty over shipments companies, its health minister and safe vaccines,” he said. sources for COVID-19 inocula- approved Russia’s Sputnik V effective in preventing people from India. Bangladesh has an said yesterday. Sultan said first tranche of tions after supplies from India vaccine. Rahman said gov- from developing the disease, agreement with the Serum Faisal Sultan said Pakistan GAVI/COVAX programme that faltered. ernment-level talks were also based on interim data. Institute of India, the world’s had procured the vaccine from was due early March would Bangladesh’s vaccination ongoing on making Russian and It has been approved in biggest vaccine maker, for 30 Sinopharm, CanSinoBio and also be arriving to add to the drive suffered after its bigger Sinopharm vaccines in Bang- several countries including million doses of AstraZeneca Sinovac. latest procurement. neighbour halted exports of the ladesh. The World Health Organ- China, Pakistan and the UAE. vaccine but has received only 7 The purchased vaccine is “We are likely to get around AstraZeneca shot in response to ization expects to decide whether Bangladesh has been relying million so far. It received 3.2 expected to begin arriving in 2.4 million doses of Astra- a record surge in domestic to give emergency approval for on the AstraZeneca vaccine so million AstraZeneca doses from May with 6.7 million doses and Zeneca vaccine under GAVI/ infections. Sinopharm’s vaccine by the end far, and since launching India as gift. the rest in June. COVAX over the period of May He didn’t give a breakdown and June,” he said, adding that of how many shots each were “the possible source for this Taiwan evacuates supplying, saying there could initial tranche may be South be some plus and minus for Korea.” COVID cases have been hotel to sterilise it each given the pressure on rising steadily in the South companies. Asian nation of 220 million REUTERS — TAIPEI “We will be continuously which recorded 201 deaths on procuring from all available Tuesday, the highest since the Taiwan began moving more sources across the world,” he pandemic began. than 400 people to a centralised quarantine facility yesterday from an airport hotel after a rare domestic outbreak of COVID-19, Philippines extends virus and will sterilise the entire hotel building. Since last week it has lockdown to mid-May reported COVID-19 infections in nine freighter pilots from Tai- AP — MANILA Mayors, however, cut a nine- wan’s largest carrier, China Air- hour night curfew in metro- lines Ltd, some of whom had The Philippines is extending an politan Manila to six hours to been staying at the Novotel already monthlong lockdown help battered businesses. Taipei Taoyuan International by two weeks as the country’s Duterte is warning mayors Airport hotel, now being evac- worst coronavirus infection and village chiefs that they face uated. They are thought to have spike starts to ease but remains jail if they don’t prevent gath- been infected overseas. Health alarming. erings and other events that Minister Chen Shih-chung told President Rodrigo Duterte violate the pandemic reporters that an infected hotel said in televised remarks yes- restrictions. worker was in intensive care terday night that the second- Confirmed coronavirus and that the government had most restrictive lockdown level infections in the Philippines Vaccination campaign decided to move all 412 people will now run through May 14 in soared past 1 million Monday, at the hotel, including pilots and metropolitan Manila and four with deaths now at more than People wait to receive a vaccine for the coronavirus disease at a vaccination centre in Subang Jaya, staff, to a centralised quarantine nearby provinces, a region of 17,000, the second highest in Malaysia. facility for tests. more than 25 million people. Southeast Asia. Taiwan’s new coast guard flagship Singapore’s virus cases at 9-month high BLOOMBERG — SINGPORE new clusters as well as virus imported cases on Thursday to counter China’s ‘grey-zone’ threat cases in a foreign worker dor- and none in the foreign worker Singapore’s daily community mitory that has raised concerns dormitories. Nurse Infected REUTERS — KAOHSIUNG down with repeated drills and dispatched to Taiwan’s western cases of COVID-19 climbed to of a resurgence. This latest This hospital case is a 46-year- activities in or near its airspace coast which faces China as well the highest in more than nine uptick in community infections old Philippines nurse at Tan Taiwan commissioned into and waters. as Taiwan-controlled islands months, with a cluster formed comes as Singapore readies a Tock Seng Hospital, who was service a new coast guard Attending the commis- in the disputed South China in one of the biggest hospitals quarantine-free air travel- deployed at a general ward and flagship yesterday to help sioning of the domestically- Sea. in the country and another from bubble with Hong Kong in May had gotten her second vacci- counter China’s “grey zone” war made T$2.8bn Chiayi in the “We will defend our sover- a worker at Changi Airport. that was shelved last year. nation dose on February 18. tactics against the island. southern city of Kaohsiung, eignty and fishing rights,” he There were 16 new cases of Of the cases detected yes- The hospital has since Taiwan’s civilian-run coast President Tsai Ing-wen said said. coronavirus in the local com- terday, seven are family locked down the affected ward guard, which would operate as the word “Taiwan” in English The 4,000-ton Chiayi is the munity, the Ministry of Health members of an earlier case who as well as tested patients who a branch of the navy during will be gradually printed on all coast guard’s largest ship. said in a statement yesterday. worked at Changi Airport and had been in the ward and all its wartime, is often involved in coast guard vessels. The vessel has three high- This represents the highest they have been placed under staff. Visitors will also not be confrontations with Chinese This “demonstrates our pressure water cannons, which number of new community quarantine. The 38-year-old allowed in the hospital wards fishing and sand-dredging ships determination to defend the the coast guard uses in cases since July 11, when 24 man had sought medical while investigations are which Taiwan says operate ille- blue territory of the Republic encounters with Chinese such cases were reported and treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hos- ongoing. gally in its waters. of China”, Tsai said, using Tai- fishing boats and sand Singapore was still battling to pital. Another eight are linked to Concerns about people Chinese-claimed Taiwan wan’s formal name. dredgers that illegally operate bring down infections. a previous case and were getting reinfected even after has termed these as “grey zone” Coast guard fleet branch in Taiwanese waters, as well While the numbers are low detected after testing patients vaccination as well as new virus tactics designed to subdue the director Hsieh Ching-chin told as a multiple rocket launcher compared to the rest of Asia, and staff in a hospital ward. variants are growing in island, seeking to wear Taiwan Reuters the Chiayi will be system and machine guns. Singapore has been discovering Additionally, there were 19 Singapore. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 Convicted Italian terrorists turn themselves in Paris AP — PARIS The arrests followed negotiations between Italy Two Italians convicted of left- and France after decades during which Paris wing domestic terrorism in Italy refused to act on many of the arrest warrants decades ago turned themselves in to French justice authorities that Italian authorities issued for convicted yesterday as part of a decisive left-wing terrorists. operation by Paris and Rome to move ahead on a justice issue that had been stalled since the Antonio Santoro, who died in for convicted left-wing 1980s. Udine, northeastern Italy, in terrorists. Luigi Bergamin, 72, a June 1978. France in 1985 established former member of the group Bergamin was convicted of a policy known as the “Mit- Prima Linea, voluntarily pre- belonging to an armed group, terrand doctrine,” named for sented himself at the Paris instigating attacks aimed at Socialist President Francois courthouse in the morning, and undermining the state, illegally Mitterrand. It said that Italian Raffaele Ventura, 71, identified holding and carrying arms, far-left activists who had fled as a former member of the aggravated robbery, aggravated to France would not be extra- Communist Combatant Units, theft, criminal association and dited to Italy unless there was did the same later in the day, aggravated murder. evidence that they committed according to the Paris prose- Italian media also identified “crimes of blood.” cutors’ office. him as a co-founder in the late A French court now must Tulips are seen at the Keukenhof park in Lisse, The Netherlands, yesterday. Seven other Italians were 1970s of the Armed Proletarians separately decide whether to arrested on Wednesday at their for Communism (PAC), and approve the extradition to Italy homes in France. Like the two newspaper articles from the of each person. Millions of tulips in Netherlands bloom again who surrendered yesterday, period also cite that association. The French presidency said they were convicted in Italy of He was arrested multiple times definitive decisions could take REUTERS — LISSE, THE “Keukenhof is only open 8 revenue and attention via crimes dating to the 1970s and in Paris but released in 1985 two to three years, depending NETHERLANDS weeks a year, end of March online displays and television 1980s and included several and again in 1990, according to on appeals. until mid-May,” said Managing programs. former members of the Red Bri- Italian newspaper Corriere Five of those arrested were With dazzling displays of colour Director Bart Siemerink. There was a brief ray of gades. Police are still seeking della Sera. former members of the Red Bri- including tulips in purple, He said that given the coun- hope this week as the Dutch one other person. Ventura was sentenced in gades, which during the 1970s yellow, and crimson, the try’s current lockdown regime, government slightly eased All nine faced a Paris pros- Italy to 24 years and four and 1980s carried out killings, Keukenhof flower garden his best guess is that the park lockdown measures for the first ecutor yesterday and were months in prison for the 1977 kidnappings and “kneecap- outside The Hague usually will be allowed to open from time in months on April 28, released under court super- murder of a police officer, pings,” in which targets were rivals Amsterdam’s top mid-May. despite high infection and hos- vision, the prosecutor’s office Custra Antonio, in Milan. shot in the legs. The group later museums as one of the Neth- “And then the tulips are pitalization rates. said. The first extradition All those arrested this week fell dormant. erlands’ biggest tourist attrac- gone, and probably no visitors But while restaurants were hearing will be held on May 5. had fled Italy and sought refuge Among those detained tions. will come at all this year,” he allowed to open outdoor dining Bergamin was sentenced to abroad before they could be Wednesday was Giorgio Pet- This year, for the second said. areas to a limited number of 16 years, 11 months and one day imprisoned to serve their sen- rostefani, 77, a militant from the year in a row, millions of tulips The Keukenhof attracted guests, zoos and parks like the for his role in the murders of tences. The arrests followed far-left group Lotta Continua in the park and nearby fields around 1.5 million visitors Keukenhof were not included. two law enforcement officers: negotiations between Italy and (The Struggle Continues). are blooming and will likely annually in the years before the “We face a hard time of course,” Andrea Campagna of the anti- France after decades during Petrostefani was convicted fade largely unseen, as the pandemic, most of them from Siemerink said. But “we will terrorism Digos agency, who which Paris refused to act on of the 1972 slaying of Milan Keukenhof remains closed to abroad. survive, and then we’ll pick up was killed in Milan in April many of the arrest warrants Police Chief Luigi Calabresi and visitors amid the coronavirus Like many venues, the park the good years again probably 1979, and prison police chief that Italian authorities issued sentenced to 22 years in prison. pandemic. is attempting to maintain some from 2022.”

Dutch govt halts COVID-19 app over European lawmakers data leak fears back virus certificate AP — THE HAGUE REUTERS - BRUSSELS certificate”, the European Parliament said member The Dutch government has European lawmakers yesterday states should not impose addi- temporarily disabled its coro- approved the creation of an tional travel restrictions on navirus warning app amid EU-wide COVID-19 certificate those carrying such passes, data privacy concerns for sought by southern member and that they should make people who have the app states to help revive summer free testing widely available. installed on phones using the tourism, but the move could be But the European Com- Android operating system. undermined by their differing mission has proposed that Health Minister Hugo de vaccination and testing rules. countries should be able to Jonge announced that the The fate of the project, retain extra requirements, as CoronaMelder app will stop which tourism-dependent many member states also want. sending warnings for 48 hours countries Spain and Greece Reflecting the confusion, while the government checks hope will help resuscitate their Commission spokesman Eric if users’ data is secure. economies, hinges on further Mamer saidy: “The certificate The Dutch app uses negotiations between EU law- is not about allowing or for- “exposure notification” tech- makers, member states and the bidding travel. It has nothing to nology developed by Google European Union’s executive do with that. and Apple that generates commission. “It’s a system of infor- random codes that can be The plan aims to introduce mation on your health status in A woman, wearing a protective face mask, walks past a closed restaurant in Paris amid the coronavirus exchanged by phones whose a standard pass for people who relation to COVID...Member disease outbreak in Paris, France, yesterday. users are close to one another have been vaccinated or tested states have the prerogatives, for long enough to possibly negative for the virus to travel the responsibility when it transmit the virus. across the 27-nation bloc, but comes to health safety The Dutch health ministry French cafe, restaurant terraces set to reopen is complicated by member measures (required for entry); says that it is possible for other states’ differing goals and the green digital certificate apps on Android phones to AP — PARIS responsibility of the priority on French authorities are approaches to vaccination or does not change this.” access data about whether its education and the strategy of anticipating the COVID-19 testing. As the complex EU user’s had been infected and President Emmanuel Macron living with the virus, including outlook in the country to be National differences over decision-making process its contacts with other phones. said yesterday that the outdoor with high numbers of infec- better next month, when a recognising negative antibody grinds on, many countries are “The privacy of users is terraces of France’s cafes and tions, higher than those of our greater proportion of the pop- tests on top of PCR tests, tech- putting their own systems in always a priority. While restaurants will be allowed to neighbors,” Macron said. ulation will be vaccinated. nical difficulties in creating a place, heightening the risk of a Google must solve the reopen on May 19 along with Students will go back to The government’s plan pro- single EU gateway, worries disjointed set of rules that problem, I can limit the con- museums, cinemas, theaters secondary and high schools vides for permitting foreign about discrimination against would fail to ensure uniform sequences. That’s why we’re and concert halls under certain next week, and a domestic tourists back into France on those who have not been vac- free travel across the bloc. taking this decision,” De Jonge conditions. travel ban will end, he con- June 9 as long as they hold a cinated, and privacy issues Hungary said it would said in a statement. In an interview with firmed. A 7pm to 6am curfew “sanitary pass” with proof of a mean finding common ground pursue bilateral deals on rec- Most EU nations have regional newspapers, Macron will remain in place. COVID-19 vaccine or a negative across the EU might be tricky, ognising COVID-19 vaccine designed contact tracing apps outlined a four-step plan to Restaurants and cafes will PCR test. diplomats said. certificates that would allow around the same technology, reopen the country and revive be able to serve customers out- On that same day, cafes and As a result, the likely result citizens to travel among par- the European Commission its economy. The French gov- doors at tables seating a restaurants will be allowed to is a system that would ticipating countries. said. ernment is slowly starting to lift maximum of six people starting resume regular service until an introduce COVID certificates as Others, including Estonia, According to the Dutch partial lockdowns, despite still May 19, when the nightly 11pm curfew. Events of up to a minimum common denom- Lithuania, Greece, Spain, health ministry, Google high numbers of coronavirus curfew will be pushed back to 5,000 people will be allowed. inator but leave much leeway Germany and France, are intro- informed the government on cases and hospitalised 9pm. Non-essential shops also The final stage of the plan to each country on what rights ducing their own solutions to Wednesday it has fixed the COVID-19 patients. reopen, as well as cultural sites will see the end of the nighttime they would be willing to grant record vaccinations and issue. The government halted Reopening nurseries and and sport facilities, which will curfew and the lifting of most to holders of such passes, they member states would still be messages from the app for 48 primary schools this week was have occupancy limits of 800 restrictions on June 30, added. allowed to keep their own hours to check if the leak has a priority, the president said. people indoors and 1,000 although clubs will remain In voting overwhelmingly systems in place even once an been fixed. “We have taken on the outdoors. closed. for an “EU COVID-19 EU-wide one is there. Top court: Germany must set clear post-2030 climate goals

AP — BERLIN were impinged by the lack of judges said in their ruling. will need to be massively for hundreds of thousands of polls. sufficient targets beyond the They cited the Paris accord adjusted,” he said. young people,” said activist Annalena Baerbock, the Germany’s top court ruled next decade. goal of keeping global warming Fellow lawyer Roda Ver- Luisa Neubauer, who was one Greens’ candidate to succeed yesterday that the government Germany, like other well below 2 degrees Celsius heyen said that in practice the of the plaintiffs. Angela Merkel as chancellor, has to set clear goals for European Union countries, aims (3.6 Fahrenheit), ideally 1.5 C decision would likely mean “With today’s decision gen- called the verdict a “historic reducing greenhouse gas emis- to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 (2.7 F) by the end of the century Germany’s plans to phase out erational justice has been decision.” sions after 2030, arguing that compared with 1990 levels. compared with pre-industrial the use of coal by 2038 will achieved,” she said. “Because “Protecting the climate pro- current legislation doesn’t go far Legislation passed in 2019 set times. need to be brought forward, in our future freedoms and rights tects our freedom and the enough in ensuring climate specific targets for sectors such The court ordered the gov- order to realistically achieve the aren’t less important than the freedoms of our children and change is limited to acceptable as housing and transport for ernment to come up with new long-term emissions reduction rights and freedoms of today’s grandchildren,” she wrote on levels. that period, but not for the long- targets from 2030 onward by target. generation.” Twitter. “The coming years are Several individuals from term goal of cutting emissions the end of next year. “A simple calculator shows Germany is holding federal decisive for resolute action.” Germany and elsewhere, to ‘net zero’ by 2050. Lawyer Felix Ekardt, who that this will be necessary,” she elections in September. The The cases in Germany are backed by environmental “The regulations irre- brought one of the cases, said said. environmentalist Greens party, part of a global effort by climate groups, had filed four com- versibly pushed a very high the verdict was “ground- Climate campaigners which has called for tougher activists to force governments plaints to the Constitutional burden of emissions reduction breaking” for Germany. expressed delight at the verdict. emissions reduction targets, is to take urgent action to tackle Court arguing that their rights into the period after 2030,” “Germany’s climate policy “It’s an incredibly good day currently leading in several climate change. FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Russia, China sowing mistrust in Western vaccines: EU

REUTERS — BRUSSELS The report said that “both Chinese official the EU said Russia’s official channels and pro-Kremlin media have amplified Sputnik V Twitter account Russian and Chinese media are sought to undermine public systematically seeking to sow content on alleged side-effects of the Western trust in the European Medicines mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines, misrepresenting and sensationalising Agency. vaccines in their latest disinfor- Sputnik V responded that mation campaigns aimed at international media reports”. the disinformation campaign is dividing the West, a European against Russia and its vaccine, report said. undermine trust in Western- yesterday in response to the not the other way around. From December to April, the made vaccines,” said the EU report. “We will continue to fight two countries’ state media study released by the bloc’s dis- Russia denies any such disinformation campaign outlets pushed fake news online information unit, part of its tactics and President Vladimir against Sputnik V in the in multiple languages sensa- EEAS foreign policy arm. Putin has accused foreign foes interests of protecting lives tionalising vaccine safety con- “Both Russia and China are of targeting Russia by spreading around the world and avoiding cerns, making unfounded links using state-controlled media, fake news about the vaccine monopoly that some between jabs and deaths in networks of proxy media outlets coronavirus. vaccine producers may strive Europe and promoting Russian and social media, including Vaccine supply issues with Vials with Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Moderna for,” it said on Twitter. and Chinese vaccines as official diplomatic social media AstraZeneca, as well as very coronavirus disease vaccine labels are seen in this illustration picture. The Twitter account is superior, the EU study said. accounts, to achieve these rare side effects with Astra- managed by the Russian sov- The Kremlin and Beijing goals,” the report said, citing Zeneca and the Johnson & Spain and elsewhere,” the now gaining speed, led by US ereign wealth fund, the Russian deny all disinformation allega- 100 Russian examples this year. Johnson vaccines have been report said. drugmaker Pfizer’s shots and its Direct Investment Fund, which tions by the EU, which produces The EU and Nato regularly seized upon, the report said. Last year, China sought to German partner BioNTech. is responsible for marketing and regular reports and seeks to accuse Russia of covert action, “Both Chinese official block an EU report alleging that Russian media reported that promoting Sputnik V vaccine. work with Google, Facebook, including disinformation, to try channels and pro-Kremlin Beijing was spreading disinfor- “Brexit saved the UK from the China meanwhile promoted Twitter and Microsoft to limit to destabilise the West by media have amplified content mation about the coronavirus ‘vaccine chaos’ engulfing the its vaccines as a “global public the spread of fake news. exploiting divisions in society. on alleged side-effects of the outbreak, according to a EU,” the EU said. “Such narra- good” and “presenting them as Russian and Chinese “A disinformation report Western vaccines, misrepre- Reuters investigation. tives indicate an effort to sow more suitable for developing vaccine diplomacy “follows a that has no factual basis is in senting and sensationalising While the EU has not vacci- division within the EU,” it countries and also the Western zero-sum game logic and is itself an example of disinfor- international media reports and nated its 450 million citizens as added. Balkans,” the report found. combined with disinformation mation,” the Chinese mission to associating deaths to the Pfizer/ fast as Britain, which is no longer In the report, released Western Balkan countries are and manipulation efforts to the EU said in a statement dated BioNTech vaccine in Norway, a member of the bloc, shots are online at https://euvsdisinfo.eu/, seen as future EU members. About a third of Mexicans show exposure to coronavirus AP — MEXICO CITY exposure rate is currently as have gotten two doses. That much as 43.5 percent, Borja remains a small amount for a As many as one-third of stressed the country was still country of 126 million. Mexico Mexicans may have been far from herd immunity. has vaccinated many of its exposed to the coronavirus by Authorities have suggested senior citizens and plans to the end of 2020, according to that with almost 350,000 virus- begin vaccinating people a study of random blood related deaths, and about 40 between the ages of 50 and 59 samples taken between million Mexicans exposed to the in May. February and December. virus, the mortality rate could Assistant Health Secretary Antibodies were found in be just under 1 percent. Hugo López-Gatell said Mexico 33.5 percent of samples from Moreover, the study sug- will soon start receiving Pfizer blood banks and medical lab- gested about 86 percent of vaccines from US plants, rather oratory tests in Mexico unre- those infected had developed than from plants in Europe. lated to COVID-19. The levels effective antibodies, but that That will make the logistics of varied according to regions; the around 14 percent hadn’t and importing the shots easier. highest exposure rate was in the could be re-infected. There have been over northwest, from Baja California Mexican authorities also 216,000 test-confirmed deaths to Chihuahua, at 40.7 percent. announced they detected three related to COVID-19, but The lowest was in western cases of the South African Mexico does so little testing that states, at 26.6 percent. In variant on Tuesday. The UK and many people die without general, areas along the US Brazilian variants have already having been tested. border had higher rates. been detected in the country, A preliminary government Victor Borja of the Mexican but Mexico does relatively little review of death certificates sug- People walking on the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge ‘516 Arouca’, now open for local Social Security Institute said the variant testing. gested excess deaths attrib- residents in Arouca, Portugal, yesterday. rate may have risen by as much The country has received utable to COVID-19 reached as 10 percentage points on about 22.6 million vaccine 316,344 by the start of March. World’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens average nationwide following doses and given almost 17 There have been 29,395 test- the steep upsurge in cases in million shots, covering over 12 confirmed deaths since then, REUTERS — AROUCA the fast-flowing River Paiva. “It is a breath of fresh air for January. But even if the million people, some of whom for a total of 346,110. The landscape is calm, but our land because it will attract Hugo Xavier became one of the the crossing is not for the faint- more investment, more first people to cross the world’s hearted. Held up by steel cables people,” said tour guide Brazil nears 400,000 virus deaths US government longest pedestrian suspension and two massive towers on Emanuel, adding that the region bridge when it opened each side, it wobbles a little was rapidly ageing as many REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO captain, has drawn harsh crit- taking creative yesterday near his tiny with every step. young people moved to big icism for playing down the hometown of Arouca in “I was a little afraid, but it cities. Brazil is on the verge of regis- dangers of the virus, shunning steps to counter northern Portugal. was so worth it,” a relieved “It will bring a new dynamic tering 400,000 coronavirus masks and pushing unproven “Oh...here we go!,” the Xavier said already on the other to Arouca.” deaths this week, after the Health remedies. cyberthreats 42-year-old said anxiously as side. “It was extraordinary, a Standing on the bridge, the Ministry on Wednesday reported Younger Brazilians are he gathered enough courage to unique experience, an adren- mayor of Arouca, Margarida 3,163 new COVID-19 deaths in increasingly being affected by AP — WASHINGTON step onto the see-through metal aline rush.” Belem, said the bridge was part 24 hours, bringing the official COVID-19, with those in their grid pathway of the 516-metre- The bridge opened only to of a wider strategy to encourage death toll to 398,185. 20s showing the greatest An FBI operation that gave law long (1693-ft) bridge alongside local residents yesterday, but more people to move and stay Brazil is quickly catching up increase in deaths so far this enforcement remote access to his equally jittery partner and from Monday everyone can in the region. with the world’s worst death toll year, according to a report pub- hundreds of computers to a tour guide. book a visit. “There were many chal- in the United States, which has lished by government biomedical counter a massive hack of Hidden between rock- Locals hope the attraction, lenges that we had to seen more than 570,000 casu- institute Fiocruz last week. Microsoft Exchange e-mail strewn mountains covered with which cost about $2.8m and overcome... but we did it,” the alties in total but less than a Brazil’s Health Ministry also server software is a tool that lush greenery and yellow took around two years to build, visibly proud mayor told thousand deaths per day in reported on Wednesday 79,726 is likely to be deployed “judi- flowers inside the Unesco-rec- will help revive the region, Reuters. “There’s no other recent weeks. new confirmed coronavirus ciously” in the future as the ognised Arouca Geopark, the especially after the devastating bridge like this one in the Brazilian President Jair Bol- cases, which now total Justice Department, aware of bridge hangs 175 metres above COVID-19 pandemic. world.” sonaro, a far-right former army 14,521,289. privacy concerns, develops a framework for its use, a top national security official said. The department this Bulgaria expels Russian diplomat Spain recovers 24 bodies from migrant boat month announced that it had obtained a warrant from a over 2014 arms depot explosions AP — BARCELONA federal judge in Texas to REUTERS — SOFIA further measures and remove web shells, or mali- demanded that Russian dip- The bodies of 24 sub- cious code that gives hackers Bulgaria yesterday announced lomats refrain from actions Saharan migrants, a foothold into networks, from the expulsion of a Russian incompatible with their status. among them two hundreds of vulnerable com- diplomat after prosecutors said “Bulgaria wants to keep minors, who are puters affected by a hack that they suspected Russian equal and mutually beneficial believed to have died of Microsoft has blamed on a involvement in four explosions relations with Russia and that thirst and hunger as group operating from China. at arms depots in Bulgaria. is why it insists on an active and they tried to cross from The FBI operation was At a meeting with the result-orientated cooperation the west coast of Africa designed to disrupt the effects Russian ambassador, Foreign from Russia to shed light on the to the Canary Islands, of a hack that affected many Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva circumstances around the inci- were brought to land by thousands of servers running requested full Russian cooper- dents,” the Foreign Ministry Spain’s Maritime Rescue the Microsoft Exchange email ation with Bulgaria’s investi- said in a statement. Service Wednesday program. Many victims took gation of the explosions and of On Wednesday, prose- evening. steps on their own to safeguard attempts to poison Bulgarian cutors said they had reason to Their wooden boat their systems, but for those that arms trader Emilian Gebrev. believe there was a link was first spotted by a who did not, the Justice Moscow, which has dis- between the blasts in Bulgaria Spanish Air Force plane Department stepped in to do it missed the Bulgarian probe, that took place between 2011 drifting in the Atlantic Rescuers from the Spanish Coast Guard tow a boat with the bodies of for them with judge’s approval. said it would respond to the and 2020, the attempted Ocean some 490km migrants who were found dead, in Port of Los Cristianos, in the south of It was the virtual equiv- expulsion. murder of Bulgarian arms from the island of El the Canary Island of Tenerife, in Spain, yesterday. alent of police going around The Bulgarian move follows trader Emilian Gebrev and the Hierro on Monday. the neighbourhood locking a series of diplomatic disputes blast in the Czech Republic. Only three people on board they had spent 22 days at sea. anywhere from 400 to 1,500km doors that criminals had between Russia and other Sofia has charged three were still alive but barely The deadly Atlantic sea to reach the European Islands, opened remotely. former Soviet-bloc countries Russians, which it said were moving according to rescuers. journey from the Western coast and often run out of food, water “We have a decision to in the wake of Czech accusa- very likely to belong to Russia’s Two men and one woman were of Africa to the Spanish archi- and fuel before reaching their make, which is are we going tions that Russia was behind a GRU military intelligence airlifted in serious condition by pelago has become a major destination. to go ahead and do that action blast in an arms depot in 2014. service, with the poisoning of a military helicopter to the route for migrants and asylum- Some 4,300 migrants have ourselves or are we just going Bulgaria, once the Soviet Gebrev and two other Bul- island of Tenerife and were seekers fleeing conflict, vio- reached the Canaries so far this to leave that malware there, Union’s closest ally in eastern garians in 2015. hospitalised, the Spanish gov- lence and economic hardship year while 90 people, including sort of unremediated,” said Europe, has expelled eight Prague has also accused ernment delegation in the exacerbated by the coronavirus women and children, are Assistant Attorney General other Russian diplomats for GRU agents of carrying out the Canary Islands said. pandemic. Depending on the known to have perished along John Demers, speaking at a alleged spying since 2019. Czech blast in 2014. Moscow According to Spanish Air point of departure along the the way, the UN’s migration and virtual discussion hosted by Zaharieva said Sofia has rejected the Czech allega- Force rescuers speaking to local coast of West Africa, migrant refugee agencies said in a joint the Project for Media & reserved the right to take tions as absurd. television, survivors reported boats have to navigate statement yesterday. National Security. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 Biden pleads for unity, warns of Chinese threat in speech REUTERS — WASHINGTON “We have stared into an abyss of insurrection and President Joe Biden proposed a autocracy — of pandemic and pain — and ‘we the people’ sweeping new $1.8 trillion plan in a did not flinch,” Joe Biden said. “At the very moment our speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, pleading with Repub- adversaries were certain we would pull apart and fail, we lican lawmakers to work with him on came together — united.” divisive issues and to meet the stiff competition posed by China. Pushing a vision of more gov- meet top Democratic and Republican The Democratic left wing, on the ernment investment funded by the lawmakers at the White House on May other hand, wanted more. US Repre- wealthy, the Democratic president 12 to try to find common ground. sentative Jamaal Bowman, a liberal urged Republicans who have so far res- Whether Biden can truly bring Democrat, said Biden’s proposal are olutely opposed him to help pass a Republicans across a deep partisan important “but don’t go as big as we’d wide array of contentious legislation divide is far from clear, with Congress truly need in order to solve the crisis from taxes to police reform to gun polarised and Democrats holding only of jobs, climate and care.” control and immigration. narrow majorities. Speaking less than four months Republicans largely sat silently He had promised throughout the after demonstrators loyal to then-Pres- during the speech while Democrats 2020 presidential campaign to work ident Donald Trump stormed the US applauded as Biden spoke. with Republicans, but his major legis- Capitol in a bid to overturn the election Biden, who took office in January, lative achievement, a $1.9 trillion pan- results, Biden said America was “on also made an impassioned plea to raise demic stimulus plan, passed without the move again.” taxes on corporations and rich Amer- a Republican vote. “We have stared into an abyss of icans to help pay for his $1.8 trillion Republicans in Congress already insurrection and autocracy — of pan- “American Families Plan”. have their eyes on making gains in the demic and pain — and ‘we the people’ “It’s time for corporate America midterm congressional elections in did not flinch,” he said. “At the very and the wealthiest 1 percent of Amer- 2022, and are aligning a divided party moment our adversaries were certain US President Joe Biden addressing a joint session of Congress as Vice-President icans to pay their fair share — just pay around opposing Biden. Many question we would pull apart and fail, we came Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House US Rep Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) look on, at their fair share,” Biden said. the wisdom of embracing spending together — united.” the US Capitol in Washington, DC, yesterday. He made his plea in the House of policies that are more aggressive than Biden argued that his proposals for Representatives at an event scaled most of Biden’s allies or rivals had families and infrastructure, which back this year because of the pan- expected. together total about $4 trillion, rep- he and his administration sees as a spending on education and childcare demic, removing his mask to speak to The White House is hoping that at resent a once-in-a-generation major strategic challenger. over 10 years and $800bn in tax a group of about 200 hundred Demo- least some Republicans will bend to investment vital to America’s future. “China and other countries are credits aimed at middle- and low- cratic and Republican lawmakers, popular will. Polls show most Amer- “Tonight, I come to talk about closing in fast,” he said, adding that he income families. It also includes $200 other officials and guests. icans support increased investment in crisis — and opportunity,” he said. has spent a lot of time talking to billion for free, universal preschool and Biden is trying to thread the needle schools, education, and infrastructure, “About rebuilding our nation — and Chinese President Xi Jinping. $109 billion for free community college between Republicans opposed to more and taxing the rich more. revitalising our democracy. And “He’s deadly earnest about regardless of income for two years, the spending and the tax increases needed The initial Republican response to winning the future for America.” becoming the most significant, conse- White House said. to pay for it, and liberal Democrats who his speech was skeptical, and Republicans say most of the quential nation in the world. He and The American Families Plan and want him to push for more aggressive somewhat dismissive. spending is aimed at satisfying Biden’s others, autocrats, think that democracy the infrastructure and jobs plan the plans. This whole thing could have just liberal base, and that the president’s can’t compete in the 21st century with White House introduced earlier this He said he was willing to work with been an email,” Representative Kevin plans amount to socialism. autocracies. It takes too long to get month could represent the most sig- lawmakers on both sides of the aisle McCarthy, the top Republican in the Biden said the spending plans were consensus.” nificant government transformation to come to an agreement, and he is to House, said in a tweet. needed to keep up with China, which Biden’s plan includes $1 trillion in of the economy in decades. US pushes ahead with nuke plans despite watchdog concerns Man convicted of threats to AP — WASHINGTON articulate what exactly that New Mexico’s congressional made just last year. Department and the National money would be spent on nor delegation have supported pro- Greg Mello with the Los Nuclear Security Adminis- lawmakers The Biden administration does it include the cost of other duction at Los Alamos because Alamos Study Group said the tration, saying a more compre- appears to be picking up where preparations that would be of the billions of dollars in ballooning budget and uncer- hensive review should have AP — NEW YORK former President Donald Trump needed for Los Alamos National federal funding and thousands tainty over whether the lab can been done on the plans to left off as the federal agency Laboratory to begin producing of jobs that are at stake. meet the federal government’s produce plutonium cores Los A social media agitator was that oversees US nuclear 30 plutonium cores per year. But watchdog groups have mandated production schedule Alamos and at the Savannah convicted Wednesday on research and bomb-making has The push to resume pro- been sounding alarms over the “throw further doubt on the River Site in South Carolina. federal charges of threatening approved the first design phase duction of the nuclear triggers potential for more security and wisdom of proceeding with They argue that nearby com- to kill members of Congress, a for a multibillion-dollar project has spanned multiple presi- safety lapses at the northern industrial pit production” at Los munities already have been verdict that rejected his claims to manufacture key compo- dential administrations, with New Mexico lab and the Alamos. saddled with legacy contami- it was harmless rhetoric. nents for the nation’s nuclear supporters arguing that the US potential for environmental “LANL’s facilities are simply nation from previous defense A jury found Brendan Hunt arsenal. needs to ensure the stability and contamination. too old and inherently unsafe, work. guilty at the close of a The National Nuclear reliance of its arsenal given Another concern is the its location too impractical,” he Jay Coghlan of Nuclear weeklong trial in federal court Security Administration in a growing global security con- nuclear waste that would be said. “Even with a much smaller Watch New Mexico called the in Brooklyn. decision announced cerns. The nuclear agency also generated by the work. stockpile, LANL could not federal government’s plans Testifying in his own Wednesday stated that planning has said most of the cores in the Watchdog groups have said undertake this mission “unnecessary and provocative,” defense on Tuesday, the and construction could cost stockpile date back to the 1970s that the cost estimate outlined successfully.” saying more production will 37-year-old Hunt did not deny upwards of $4bn initially. and 1980s. by the agency in its decision is Some groups have result in more waste and help creating a series of menacing- The agency did not Democratic members of about double the projections threatened to sue the US Energy to fuel a new arms race. sounding posts. But he the jury that they were often put together while impaired from smoking pot with a bong and Trump calls probe into never thought they would be taken seriously. “I wrote a lot of things I Giuliani ‘very unfair’ didn’t mean,” Hunt said, calling himself “immature” REUTERS — WASHINGTON spokesman for the former and “very irresponsible,” Republican president in Feb- adding that, “I just feel terrible Former US President Donald ruary had said that Giuliani was about how I expressed myself.” Trump yesterday criticised the not representing Trump in any A US Capitol Police officer federal investigation into Rudy current legal matters. had testified at the trial, as Giuliani and said he had no idea Wednesday’s search marks prosecutors sought to link Hunt what US agents were looking a significant step in investi- to the siege at the US Capitol for when they searched his gators’ probe. A 2019 grand jury on January 6 to his brand of former personal lawyer’s subpoena for Giuliani’s financial extremism. He wasn’t there, but Manhattan apartment and records seen by Reuters showed admitted posting videos and office. that agents were examining other materials expressing Federal prosecutors have possible money laundering, support for the violent mob. been investigating Giuliani for wire fraud, campaign finance Hunt - a staunch supporter nearly 1-1/2 years over his violations, making false state- of former President Donald Ukrainian business dealings ments, obstruction of justice, Trump, avid comic book col- while serving as Trump’s and violations of the federal lector and an analyst for the attorney. He has not formally Foreign Agents Registration Act. New York court system — had been accused of any It marks the latest turn for pleaded not guilty to charges wrongdoing. Giuliani, the former mayor of alleging, in part, that he called “It’s very, very unfair,” New York City who rose to A file photo of Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and then-Republican presidential candidate Donald for the “public execution” of Trump told Fox Business national prominence following Trump arrive to speak to police gathered at Fraternal Order of Police lodge, in Statesville, North Carolina. Democratic US Reps Nancy Network in a telephone the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio- interview. “Rudy is a patriot who who once led the U.S. attorney’s Ahead of the 2020 election, Giuliani’s lawyer, Bob Cos- charge the White House Cortez and US Sen Charles loves this country and I don’t office in Manhattan that is now Giuliani led an effort to dig up tello, said on Wednesday that denied. Schumer. Prosecutors say it know what they’re looking for, probing him. dirt on Democratic contender authorities had seized cell Biden yesterday. said that was part of anonline campaign what they’re doing. They said it Giuliani began representing Joe Biden and his son Hunter in phones and computers and, he had no advance notice of the to urge violence against had to do with filing of various Trump in 2018 amid a federal Ukraine. Biden defeated Trump along with Giuliani’s son, Department of Justice’s actions members of Congress that cul- papers.” investigation into Russian inter- and took office earlier this year. Andrew, he suggested that the and was making good on his minated with a January 8 “Rudy loves this country so ference in the 2016 presidential Both Biden and his son have investigation of his client was campaign pledge to maintain video titled “Kill your senators. much,” added Trump. A election, which Trump won. denied wrongdoing. politically motivated - a its independence. Slaughter them all.” NYC mayor sets goal to ‘fully reopen’ on July 1 as COVID-19 cases ease BLOOMBERG – NEW YORK here from all over the country by the advent of vaccinations. management system, and we schools and Broadway. City mayor. Daily COVID-19 related to be a part of this amazing The city is about halfway are managing it by the science, officials say they intend to offer hospitalisations dipped below New York City is moving to fully moment.” toward the mayor’s goal of by the data,” Cuomo said at a in-class summer school pro- 100 Tuesday for the first time reopen by July 1 with arenas, New York locked down having 5 million people fully press briefing in Buffalo. “I grams for more than 100,000 since mid-November. gyms, stores, restaurants and almost completely as the pan- vaccinated by the end of June, would like to get reopening, students, with school buildings New confirmed and hair salons returning, Mayor Bill demic descended upon the most state data show. hopeful reopening date before open for full enrollment in probably cases on a seven-day de Blasio said. populous US city last March, Governor Andrew Cuomo, that. I don’t want to wait that September. average stood at 1,354 as of “This is going to be the with schools closing and non- who has ultimate reopening long. I think that if we do what Shows at Broadway theaters April 27, down more than 50 summer of New York City,” de essential businesses forced to authority, said he hopes the city we have to do, we can reopen also aren’t slated to resume until percent from two weeks earlier. Blasio said yesterday during a shut. The city has been can fully reopen before de Bla- earlier.” that month. The city’s seven-day average press briefing. “We’re all going embarking on a slow step-by- sio’s July 1 target, but isn’t going De Blasio’s goal of a com- New York City has admin- rate of positive tests for the to get to enjoy this city again, step comeback as infection to make projections. plete re-opening leaves some istered more than 6.4 million virus also fell to 3.18 percent, and people are going to flock rates have eased, accelerated “It’s a statewide key sectors until later, such as vaccine doses, according to the from 5.43 percent on April 14. Business 13 FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 ECB’s Lane warns full euro-area recovery is still some way off The pick-up in the region’s vaccination campaign is paving the way for a lifting of coronavirus restrictions in the coming months and should allow for a good recovery.

Philip Lane European Central Bank chief economist Business | 14 QSE 10,911.40 -29.18 (-0.27%) FTSE 100 6,961.48 -2.19 (0.031%) DOW 33,977.20 +156.82 (0.46%) BRENT $67.93 (+1.17)

GIS reports revenue of QR705m for Q1 Apple income more than doubles, sales rise 54% in Q1 THE PENINSULA — DOHA on account of continued opti- Top line performance continued to be impacted by mization drive. Gulf International Services (GIS Moreover, the performance ANADOLU – ANKARA or the Group), yesterday challenging global macroeconomic conditions. of Group’s investment portfolio reported a net loss of QR5.5m was positively impacted due to US technology firm Apple saw for three-month period ended EBITDA amounted to QR112m for first quarter of 2021. recovery in capital markets, and its income more than double March 31, 2021. Group’s revenue a recovery amounting to QR55m and total sales increase 54 for the first quarter amounted was noted on account of unre- percent in the first quarter of to QR705m, a reduction of 15 Total assets stood at QR10.4bn as of 31 March 2021. alized gains on revaluation of 2021, according to financial percent compared to Q1-20. investment securities, when results statement released Revenue growth from insurance comparing current period’s yesterday. segment was entirely offset by investment portfolio per- Net income rose to $23.6bn reduction in revenue from all the The Group reported an the overall flight demand from formance with Q1-20. Revenue in the January-March period, other segments. EBITDA of QR112m for the clients. As for the catering for Q1-21 represented a mod- up nearly 111 percent from During Q1-21, oil and gas period ended 31 March 2021, segment, restrictions and lock- erate decrease of 4 percent, $11.2bn in the same period of industry showed early signs of while the Group posted a net loss downs imposed by the Gov- compared to Q4-20, mainly on last year. recovery, amid cautious global of QR5.5m for the three-month ernment and clients impacted account of negative growth in Total net sales came at optimism arising from the period ended 31 March 2021. revenues and financial revenue from aviation segment, almost $89.6bn, which were United States over the next 5 vaccine rollout and ease of Topline performance of the performance. due to reduction in revenue up almost 54 percent years," he wrote in the lockdown restrictions in major Group continued to be impacted On the other hand, insurance from Turkish subsidiary RSA, from $58.3bn during the statement. markets. However, the pace of by the external challenges segment continued its positive while MRO revenue remained period. The Cupertino-based firm economic recovery depends on affecting the Group since the trajectory, while building on lower due to completion of a CEO Tim Cook (pictured) saw net sales from Mac com- the pandemic’s impact to filter pandemic. The drilling segment premiums on the back of seg- project carried out during the said the company is in a puters reach $9.1bn in the first through with subdued external remained under pressure with ment’s market expansion strat- previous quarter. period of "sweeping inno- three months of the year – up demand for energy and the ongoing suspension of rigs, egies and successful contract Net loss for Q1-21 reduced vation" across its product 72 percent from $5.3bn related services for the coupled with lower rig day- renewals coupled with favorable by 98 percent compared to lineup, in addition to year-on-year. remainder of the year, before the rates, which were implemented pricing terms. Q4-20. The significant reduction renewable energy. Its iPad tablet sales rose 77 wider spread of vaccine benefits during mid of 2020. Finance cost for Q1-21 in net loss was mainly due to the "That certainly begins with percent to $7.8bn from $4.4bn spur greater global economic Flying hours within the avi- decreased by 41 percent, to one-off, non-cash impairment products like the all-new iMac during that period. activity. ation segment witnessed a reach QR30m, compared to provision amounting to and iPad Pro, but it extends to But it was the iPhone Nevertheless, the positive reduction compared to Q1-20, QR51m in Q1-20, on the back of QR308m recorded during efforts like the 8 gigawatts of smartphone sales the firm gen- signs of economic recovery were mainly due to actual recovery the drop in interest rates. Simi- Q4-20 in relation to certain new clean energy we’ll help erated the most income, which not immediately felt within the in oil and gas services being larly, general and administrative drilling and aviation bring onto the grid and our climbed 66 percent to $47.9bn Group’s operating segments. slower than expected, affecting expenses declined by 16 percent assets. `P14 $430bn investment in the from $28.9bn. 14 BUSINESS FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 QSE launches final stage of financial education competition THE PENINSULA — DOHA investment awareness among Qatar’s development goal of cre- financial and commercial entities future generations. ating a knowledge-based in Qatar to support financial edu- Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Hussein Al Abdullah, Director economy. I am proud of what the cation process and scientific organized the final stage of its of Marketing and Communi- students have achieved in this research in our beloved country.” second annual financial education cation, QSE, expressed his grat- competition. By encouraging our Hussain Al Abdulla said. competition, which was held itude for the fruitful cooperation youth to apply academic tools and QSE is also pleased to remotely due to the precautionary between QSE and local univer- principles to real-life problems in announce that “Aamal measures to combat COVID-19. sities through this educational financial analysis, we help to Company” is selected to be the QSE was happy to host the virtual competition, noting that QSE, as develop more financial literacy case study for this year’s event with the participation of the one of the leading national and nurture a wise investment analysis due to its well-inform- following seven teams from six entities, is keen on cooperation culture among our youth.” ative website, which provide universities/colleges participated with the local community and its Hussain Al Abdulla, QSE Mar- comprehensive information, in in the final phase of the compe- development based on the Qatar of a distinguished group of judges Marketing Officer, QFC, said: keting and Communications particular the Investor Relations tition: College of Business and National Vision 2030 pillars of with great experience in the “Qatar Financial Centre is proud Director, on the partnership of section, which offers sufficient Economics (Male) - Qatar human development, indicating financial and economic field. The to partner with Qatar Stock QFC, said, “With its robust and information that investors and University, College of Islamic that the Stock Exchange is theme for this version is “The Exchange to give young minds diversified platform and expertise financial analysts require. Studies – Hamad Bin Khalifa working to spread investment Importance of Financial Analysis the opportunity to apply what that provides opportunities to It is worth mentioning that University, Stenden Qatar awareness among various seg- in Stocks Valuation”. they have learned in the expand knowledge and invest- this edition of the competition University, Community College ments of the Qatari society. The QSE announcement classroom to the real-world. We ments to and from the Middle was very tight between the Qatar, AFG College with the It is worth noting that Qatar stated that Qatar Financial Centre believe that this experience will East, QFC represents a huge teams, where Carnegie Mellon University of Aberdeen, Carnegie Stock Exchange annually calls on (QFC) has signed an agreement to not only improve their problem addition to our program this year University Qatar team ranked Mellon University – Qatar, College students to carry out a research become the Strategic Partner of solving and research skills but and we are very proud to have first by a very small margin of Business and Economics on a certain theme and to provide the competition and the exclusive also give them a better per- them on board”. QSE is extremely ahead of the College of Business (Female) - Qatar University. the required analysis and recom- sponsor of the prizes, which spective of the career they want pleased also by the joining of the and Economics (Females) – The second edition of this mendations. Additionally, Stu- amounts to QAR 50,000, provided to pursue. Group Securities Company as a Qatar University team who fin- competition represents Qatar dents are required to present the by QFC for the first three winning “Youth empowerment is a key gold sponsor of this edition of the ished in the second place, and Stock Exchange’s commitment results of their research before teams in the competition. pillar of QFC’s social investment competition. “This represents the in the third came the College of to improve financial and an independent jury consisting Sarah Al Dorani, Chief programme, which is aligned with high interest of local leading Islamic Studies – HBKU team. GIS reports revenue of QR705m for Q1 ECB’s Lane warns full euro-area FROM PAGE 13 year. The reduction in revenue was to Q1-20, to reach QR15m. The The Group’s total assets primarily due to the ongoing rig sus- strong growth in bottom line prof- recovery is still some way off increased by 5 percent during the pension within the onshore fleet. In itability was mainly supported by year, to reach QR10.4bn as at 31 addition, the rig day-rates, with significant improvement in pre- BLOOMBERG the rest of this year.” March 2021, compared to last year. effect from July 2020, has been miums, in addition to strong The 19-nation bloc is On the liquidity front, the closing repriced with reduced rates and cur- recovery within the investment port- European Central Bank chief starting to heal even as cash, including short-term invest- rently remained at the same levels folio on the back of recovery in economist Philip Lane infection rates in some coun- ments, stood at QR753m, up by 8 for Q1-21. capital markets. Unrealized gain on (pictured) warned that the tries remain high. Immuniza- percent as compared to 31 December Aviation segment reported a revaluation of investment portfolio euro-area economy will need tions have accelerated after 2020. The total debt at Group level total revenue of QR165m for the contributed QR55m towards the seg- time to achieve a full recovery early stumbles, allowing gov- stood at QR4.4bn as at 31 March three-month period ended 31 March ment’s bottom line earnings for despite finally reaching a ernments to plot an exit from 2021. 2021, down by 11 percent compared Q1-21 in comparison to Q1-20. turning point in the crisis. restrictions that almost cer- The current levels of debt con- to Q1-20. The negative growth in Catering segment reported a The pick-up in the tainly tipped the bloc into a tinue to impact the Group’s net revenue was mainly on the back of revenue of QR86m, with a decline region’s vaccination cam- double-dip recession in the earnings, as finance cost is one of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 restric- of 31 percent compared to Q1-20. paign is paving the way for a first three months of the year. key cost ingredients and especially tions, affecting the flight demand, This was mainly as a result of lifting of coronavirus restric- First-quarter GDP data are limits the drilling segment’s profita- both domestically and interna- lowered number of meals served tions in the coming months the day a separate report due Friday. bility, considering major amount of tionally, as the actual recovery in across majority of catering locations, and should allow for a “good showed confidence among The German gov- Group’s debt relates to the drilling terms of flying hours has been due to COVID-19 restrictions and recovery”, Lane said in an euro-area businesses and ernment this week raised its segment. Continued efforts are slower than expected during Q1-21. lockdowns imposed, in addition to interview with Sweden’s consumers improved sharply growth forecast for the year underway to achieve the targeted Revenue within the insurance demobilization of some contracts Dagens Industri. in April. A European Com- to 3.5 percent and expressed direction in relation the funding segment for the three-month period within both the manpower and “There will be a rebound, mission sentiment index confidence that consumer strategy, which could lead to an ended 31 March 2021, increased by catering contracts during Q4-20. but I should say, of course, increased to 110.3, exceeding spending will take off once optimum funding levels with an effi- 11 percent, as compared to Q1-20, to The Board of Directors in its this is all in the context of this all estimates in a Bloomberg the pandemic is under cient and effective interest cover for reach QR256m. The growth in meeting held on April 29, 2021, pandemic being a huge neg- survey and marking the control. Manufacturing has the Group. revenue was mainly due to higher unanimously approved the ative shock,” he said. “The fact highest reading since 2018. also held up well, though the The Drilling segment reported a premiums from the general appointment of Saad Rashid Al we’re rebounding from the “We are very much I sector is now facing supply revenue of QR198m for the three- insurance segment. Muhannadi as the Vice Chairman of worst of it does not mean think at an inflection point,” shortages that are threat- month period ended 31 March 2021, The segment net profit for Q1-21, the Board of Directors with imme- there’s a full recovery.” Lane said. “We do see a ening to hold back the down by 32 percent compared to last increased by 134 percent compared diate effect. Lane’s remarks came on good recovery throughout recovery. Sport FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 15 South Korea inoculates Olympic athletes ahead of Games AP — SEOUL Athletes can receive the vaccination program, the qualifying events. South Korea vaccines if they have already statement said. sent about 160 athletes, South Korea began adminis- qualified for the Olympics or South Korea tentatively coaches and others to the Rio tering fast-track COVID-19 are in qualifying tournaments, aims to send about 800-900 Paralympics in 2016, Park said. vaccines yesterday to athletes, so some may get vaccinated people to the Olympics, 350 of Earlier yesterday, South coaches and others expected but not attend the games. them athletes and coaches in Korea’s health authorities said to attend the Tokyo Olympics. The sports ministry said in 27 events. Olympic committee they have inoculated about 2.8 The Korean Sport and a statement on Monday it sup- officials expect to finalize the million people, about 5.4% of Olympic Committee said the ports South Korean athletes Olympic delegation in late June its 52 million people. The gov- first group of about 100 people preparing for the Olympics and when all qualifying tourna- ernment recently said it has received the first doses at a hopes their vaccinations would ments are finished. secured enough vaccines for state-run hospital in Seoul at help realize their “safe, suc- The sports ministry said 99 million people, nearly twice the start of the country’s pri- cessful participation in the about 150 athletes and coaches its total population, and that it oritized vaccination program games.” hoping to attend the Tokyo seeks to achieve herd for its Olympic delegation. It said athletes and coaches Paralympics will separately get immunity by November. They will be given second shots will all get the Pfizer vaccine. virus shots on Friday and May 4. South Korea has avoided a in the coming weeks. Officials, support staff and Ministry official Park Seungjoon widespread outbreak but it’s A total of 930 athletes, journalists who are 30 or older said support staff for the Paral- recently experiencing a steady coaches, officials and other will be given the AstraZeneca ympics are expected to be given surge in new infections. As of South Korean Olympic volleyball team player receives the first support staff will be vaccinated vaccine but those younger than shots in May. yesterday morning, the country dose of the coronavirus vaccine at the National Medical Center ahead of the Tokyo Games, 30 are to receive the Pfizer The 150 people also include has reported 121,351 cases with in Seoul, yesterday. which is set to open on July 23. vaccine in line with a national athletes who are still in 1,825 deaths. Pochettino confident of PSG La Liga: Barca stunned by Granada, blow turnaround against Man City chance to move top

REUTERS — PARIS personality after a timid first REUTERS — BARCELONA shortly afterwards, and it half. proved to be a vital stop in the Paris St Germain will need to "They're a team who are Barcelona suffered a shock 2-1 context of the game - as well maintain their intensity levels able to do whatever they want home defeat by Granada as the title race. throughout the game if they are because they have the quality, yesterday, conceding two Darwin Machis levelled the to overturn a 2-1 deficit against so that's why you play a bit cau- second-half goals to blow the scores on 63 minutes after Manchester City in their Cham- tious. You cannot win the qual- chance of moving top of La Oscar Mingueza failed to cut pions League semi-final second We just have to keep the ification in the first leg, but you Liga. out Luis Suarez’s through ball leg next Tuesday, boss Mauricio same intensity with the can lose it in the first leg," he The result was a body blow and in the aftermath Barca Pochettino said. told a news conference. for Barca, who had lost just coach Ronald Koeman was sent Last year’s runners-up PSG ball. That’s what we have "I told them 'I understand you once in their previous 22 league off by referee Pablo Gonzalez got off to a solid start at the Parc to improve. guys, I was a player myself. If you games and no longer have the Fuertes. des Princes and went ahead lose you lose but you have to try destiny of the title in their own The hosts were stunned 11 through Marquinhos in the 15th Mauricio Pochettino to play our game. What is our hands. minutes from time when sub- minute before being over- identity as a team without the ball Things started well for the stitute Jorge Molina headed in whelmed after the interval and and with the ball'?" Catalans, who took the lead on Adrian Marin’s pinpoint cross conceding two goals and The City players showed 23 minutes after Antoine from close range to secure a receiving a red card in the space they got the message as they Griezmann teed up Lionel first-ever away win at Bar- of 14 minutes. played with more intent after Messi for his 26th league goal celona for Diego Martinez’s “We were the better team the interval. of the season. side. Barca sit third in the in the first half but then we con- "We were more aggressive The Argentine forward was standings on 71 points, two ceded two goals we normally in our game. In the first 45 denied by Granada keeper points behind league leaders don’t concede,” coach Mauricio minutes we played not to lose Aaron Escandell one-on-one Atletico Madrid. Pochettino told a news the ball but with no intention to conference. break the lines," Guardiola Kevin De Bruyne netted the explained. equaliser when his cross beat "The second half was better keeper Keylor Navas, who in every way, our football was failed to react as it curled into better." the far corner of the net. “We just have to keep the We are very close, it’s not the Despite the advantage they Riyad Mahrez scored the same intensity with the ball. time to have doubts.” carry into the second leg, Guar- winner with a free kick that That’s what we have to PSG will take comfort from diola is well aware that City will sneaked through the wall improve.” the fact that they won their two need to be at the top of their Barcelona’s Lionel before Idrissa Gueye picked up Captain Marquinhos said away legs in the previous game again next Tuesday. Messi in action with a straight red card. that PSG needed more rounds, 4-1 at Barcelona in the "We know that anything can Granada’s Nehuen “The key was that we didn’t composure. last-16, and 3-2 at holders happen in the second leg," Perez, yesterday. show the same energy with the “Sometimes you have to be Bayern Munich in the Guardiola said. ball than in the first half,” strategic and intelligent. We quarter-finals. De Bruyne said there would Pochettino explained. conceded two really stupid City showed true identity be moments in the second leg “But we are confident that goals. These are details that will in second half against PSG: when City would suffer. "We we can turn this around and count,” he said. Guardiola know how good they are you approach the second leg the “Above all, we need to have Meanwhile, Guardiola said have to set your mind on the fact same way. The first half showed personality. We have to have City's comeback win on you're going to work hard for the that we were right in our the mentality to win, to do Wednesday was down to the team and that's gonna happen approach of the game. whatever it takes to get through. team eventually showing their in the second game also," he said.

Pakistan players celebrate a wicket yesterday. PIC: PCB Twitter Seamers put Pakistan in control of first Test

REUTERS — HARARE SCOREBOARD their side a big first-innings Zimbabwe 1st innings 6-124 (Kaia), 7-127 (Chakabva), 8-141 (Chisoro), lead when play resumes on Seamers Shaheen Afridi and P. Masvaure c Butt b Afridi ...... 11 9-164 (Muzarabani) the second day. Hasan Ali took four wickets K. Kasuza b Hasan ...... 0 Bowling: Afridi 15.1-5-43-4, Hasan 15-2-53-4, Earlier, Zimbabwe were T. Musakanda b Nauman ...... 14 Nauman 11-1-29-1, Ashraf 7-2-14-0, Sajid 11-1- each as Pakistan seized B. Taylor c Ashraf b Hasan ...... 5 37-0 teetering at 30 for four after control of the first Test M. Shumba run out ...... 27 Pakistan 1st innings an early blitz with the new against Zimbabwe on the R. Kaia lbw b Hasan ...... 48 Imran Butt not out ...... 43 ball from Shaheen (4-43) and opening day at the Harare R. Chakabva c Butt b Hasan ...... 19 Abid Ali not out ...... 56 Hasan (4-53), but a 59-run Sports Club yesterday. D. Tiripano not out ...... 28 Extras: (b1, nb3) ...... 4 stand for the fifth wicket The pair helped the T. Chisoro b Shaheen Afridi ...... 9 Total: (for no loss; 30 overs) ...... 103 between innings top scorer B. Muzarabani b Afridi ...... 14 Yet to bat: Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, tourists dismiss their hosts R. Ngarava b Afridi ...... 1 Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Kaia (48) and Shumba (27) for 176 in the first innings, Total: (all out; 59.1 overs) ...... 176 Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan steadied the home side. before Pakistan reached 103 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Kasuza), 2-18 (Masvaure), Bowling: Muzarabani 9-2-20-0, Ngarava 9-2-32- The teams are meeting in without the loss of a wicket 3-30 (Musakanda), 4-30 (Taylor), 5-89 (Shumba), 0, Chisora 6-1-17-0, Tiripano 6-1-33-0 Tests for the first time since in reply at the close to trail 2013, when Zimbabwe by 73 runs in the first game Openers Abid Ali (56 not out) looked assured on a placid claimed the last of their three of the two-match series. and Imran Butt (43 not out) wicket and will seek to give wins in 17 previous clashes. IPL: Delhi and Mumbai record Karunaratne and Thirimanne make identical seven-wicket victories AP — NEW DELHI BRIEF SCORES games to sit seventh. Opening Bangladesh toil in second Test Rajasthan Royals 171/4 in 20 overs (Sanju batsman Prithvi Shaw’s six AP — PALLEKELE SCOREBOARD Delhi Capitals and reigning Samson 42, Jos Buttler 41; Rahul Chahar fours in the opening over of the which both sides scored more Sri Lanka (First Innings) champions Mumbai Indians 2/33, Jasprit Bumrah 1/15) lost to Mumbai run-chase helped Delhi cruise than 600 runs without being notched identical seven-wicket to 156-3 in 16.3 overs as the Openers Dimuth Karunaratne D. Karunaratne c Liton b Shoriful Islam ...... 118 bowled out in the drawn first Indians 172/3 in 18.3 overs (Quinton de Kock victories in the Indian Premier right-hander made a blistering and Lahiru Thirimanne posted Lahiru Thirimanne not out ...... 131 Test which finished on Sunday. 70 not out, Krunal Pandya 39; Chris Morris Oshada Fernando not out ...... 40 League yesterday. 82 off 41 balls. hundreds and a double century Karunaratne was watchful 2/33) by seven wickets with nine balls to Extras: (w 1, nb 1) ...... 2 Delhi’s clinical win over Kolkata’s batsmen con- stand as Sri Lanka reached Total: (for one wicket)...... 291 in the first hour, settling in Kolkata Knight Riders at spare tinued to struggle before Andre 291-1 against Bangladesh on an Overs: ...... 90 before cutting loose once the Ahmedabad lifted it to 10 points Kolkata Knight Riders 154/6 in 20 overs (A Russell’s quickfire 45 off 27 ominous first day of the second Fall of wickets: 1-209 (Karunaratne). ball got older. On 28, he was to share lead at the top of the Russell 45 not out, S Gill 43, L Yadav 2/13, A balls lifted his team’s total to Test yesterday. Toss: Sri Lanka dropped at first slip and that table with Chennai Super Kings Patel 2/32) vs Delhi Capitals 156/3 in 16.3 154-6. Captain Karunaratne scored To bat: Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, proved to be costly.

Pathum Nissanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh and Royal Challengers Ban- overs (P Shaw 82, S Dhawan 46, P Cummins Shaw gave Delhi an electri- 118 for his 12th Test century, Its hoped the pitch may yet Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando and galore. Kolkata, after losing five 3/24). fying start when he hit fast then Thirimanne hammered his Praveen Jayawickrama. turn. If so, the teams have of its seven games, is fifth with bowler Shivam Mavi for six third century and second this Bowling: Abu Jayed 16-3-47-0 (w 1, nb 1), Taskin enough spin options. To back four points. boundaries in the first over. year. He was 131 not out at Ahmed 17-3-69-0, Mehidy Hasan 22-4-67-0, Shori- up debutant Praveen Jayaw- Mumbai pushed themselves coming off two consecutive Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan stumps in tandem with Oshada ful Islam 16-3-52-1, Taijul Islam 19-2-56-0 ickrama, the Sri Lankans have into the top four with a losses, is now fourth while had piled 66 runs in five overs Fernando, 40 not out. other spin options in Ramesh resounding win over Rajasthan struggling Rajasthan has and had taken the game well The Bangladesh bowlers in-form batsmen on another Mendis and Dhananjaya de Royals at New Delhi. Mumbai, dropped three of its past four under Delhi’s grasp. had little chance against the flat pitch, next to the block on Silva. Sport FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021 PochettinoP confident of PSG's turnaround agagainst Manchester City in second leg WeW are confident that we can turn this around and approach theth second leg the same way. The first half showed that we werew right in our approach of the game. MauricioMa Pochettino Sport | 15 PSPSG manager NBA: 76ers 127, Hawks 83; Jazz 154, Kings 105; Nuggets 114, Pelicans 112; Wizards 116, Lakers 107; Heat 116, Spurs 111 Qaiser excels, Noman claims second win

THE PENINSULA — LYON only tackling the 2,400m (12f) The race was run at a Qaiser, trained by Antoine de trip for the first time, but he was modest tempo, but the pace Watrigantin, in action on Wednesday. Having only visited the race- also up against far superior quickened on the turn when course for the first time in opposition. the quintet was line abreast. February, the three-year-old The Antoine de Watrigant The horses then made a Qaiser (Charm Spirit x Holly runner lifted the cloud of beeline for the stands’ side rail Polly) got off the mark at the doubt harboured by his con- in the straight, and the future third attempt a fortnight earlier. nections after delivering a winner, responding to a couple He the Class 2 Prix Vans second career victory full of of reminders from Olivier Théault won by five lengths in promise, winning the Class 2 Peslier, subsequently took the Lyon, but that form was hard to Prix Vans Théault. lead. He prevailed by a length weigh up. In a race in which Got Bright and a quarter, but giving the On Wednesday, card at La (Intello x Rumored) set the impression that he was very Teste-de-Buch, the represent- tempo, Qaiser travelled in mid- much in his comfort zone. ative of H H Sheikh Abdullah division in a heat which had The JC. Rouget-trained and bin Khalifa Al Thani was not been reduced to five runners. Jean-Bernard Eyquem-helmed Mothill (Golden Horn x Jilnaar) was second while The R. Avial Lopez-trained and the Julien Grosjean-ridden Paper Trophy "He was supplemented for seasonal debut at Ayr. The looked capable of handling a (FR) (Spanish Moon x Mislix) this because of the lack of three-year-old colt completed rise in grade. The David was further three quarters of a suitable other opportunities in a double on his third career O’Meara-trained and Cam length behind in third. the calendar. We chose La Teste attempt, winning the TV Profits Hardie-helmed Doctor Par- Antoine de Watrigant said: because we were looking for a Returned To Racing Novice nassus (IRE) (Make Believe x “Unlike today’s race, the Lyon flat track. I don’t know where Stakes, a three-runner 2000- We’ll Go Walking) was the victory was difficult to assess. I he goes next, but he will metre Class 5 run for three- runner-up. was a bit worried about the soft probably be earmarked for a year-olds and older, by three The Jim Goldie-trained and ground as this isn’t his forte. It Class 1 or a Listed race. He’s quarters of a length for trainer Paul Mulrennan-ridden Castle was a bit of a falsely run race, coming along gradually and is Hugo Palmer with Jason Hart View (IRE) (Casamento x Spirit as the other horses in the race a colt who strengthened up,” he in the saddle. Of The Sea) was further 16 were ‘reined’ back, but Olivier added. He did not have to force his lengths behind. Noman had Peslier gave him a good ride. Meanwhile, Al Shaqab Rac- talent as regards dominating his opened his account on only his Jason Hart guides Noman to second straight victory. Qaiser acquitted himself very ing’s Noman (IRE) (Shalaa x two rivals. second start as a two-year-old well and I’m very happy." Mathool) made a winning Logic dictated that he last season. ACL: Al Nassr beat Al Sadd Iran's Persepolis seal top spot in to qualify for Round of 16 Group E with win

AFC — JEDDAH points will be good enough Action from the match over Al Rayyan for them to qualify as one of between Al Sadd and Al Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr qual- the best three runners-up. Nassr yesterday. AFC — GOA ified for the AFC Champions With both sides assured League Round of 16 as of a top two finish before the Persepolis secured top spot in Group E of the Group D winners, leap- match, the equation couldn’t 2021 AFC Champions League yesterday as frogging Qatar’s Al Sadd SC have been simpler: Win on Yahya Golmohammadi’s side bounced back into top spot with a 2-1 win the night and qualify for the from their loss against Al Wahda to hand Qatar’s at King Saud University Round of 16 as group Al Rayyan a 4-2 defeat that ensured their Stadium yesterday. winners, lose and settle in passage to the Round of 16. Goals from Abderrazak for an uncomfortable The two-time finalists had slipped to a 1-0 Hamdallah and Abdulelah 24-hour wait, and it was Al loss to the club from the United Arab Emirates Al Amri either side of half- Nassr who started the on Matchday Five, but they eventually claimed time put the group hosts stronger. all three points against Laurent Blanc’s already- within sight of the knockout They could have been eliminated side after a nervy second half at the stage, before Santi Cazorla ahead as early as the sixth Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. made for a nervy finale minute, with Hamdallah Shahriyar Moghanlou opened the scoring in when he pulled a goal back missing the target with a the 27th minute having earlier hit the crossbar from the penalty spot with header after he latched onto with a header before Ehsan Pahlavan doubled seven minutes remaining. Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross the Iranian side’s advantage seven minutes later. While Al Nassr can look - the first of several pivotal But two goals from Yohan Boli kept Al Rayyan forward to September’s first half moments involving in contention in the second 45 minutes and Round of 16, Al Sadd will the prolific Moroccan Persepolis needed further efforts from Hossein need to wait until tonight to striker. Kanani and Isa Alkasir to confirm their fifth see if their final tally of 10 It was Hamdallah who continued five minutes into only his second save of 16. Al Sadd found a glimmer victory in six games in the group phase. powered the hosts into the before the break, but there the night when the Al Nasst of hope when Ali Al Lajami The Islamic Republic of Iran club had been lead in the 33rd minute, but was a twist to the plot this shot-stopper got down to hauled down Yusuf dominant throughout the opening quarter of While Al Nassr can look the goal owed plenty to a time as he squandered a gilt- deny the Spaniard in the Abdurisag just inside in the the game, with Moghanloo heading Vahid forward to September’s Round disastrous error from Al edged chance to double the 70th minute. penalty area, with Cazorla Amiri’s inviting cross against the woodwork Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal lead, missing a gaping net But that momentum was raising the stakes by slotting having seen an earlier free-kick pushed to of 16, Al Sadd will need to wait Barsham, whose botched after Noureddine Amrabat abruptly halted when Al the subsequent spot-kick safety by Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad Younis. until tonight to see if their clearance went directly into had sprinted into the box to Nassr found the all- but, despite a dramatic final Golmohammadi’s side finally – and final tally of 10 points will be the path of the 2020 ACL create the opportunity. important second goal four few minutes - which deservedly – broke the deadlock in the 27th good enough for them to Golden Boot winner, who Al Sadd slowly but surely minutes later, with Al Amri included Al Sadd boss Xavi minute when Moghanloo finished off a rapid qualify as one of the best seized the opportunity to began to ask more questions rising high to steer Amra- being sent off - Al Nassr held break that saw Omid Alishah feed Mehdi Torabi three runners-up. slam home his fourth of the of the hosts after the bat’s free-kick delivery into on to claim the crucial three down the left before receiving the return pass tournament from 15 yards. interval, with Cazorla the net and Mano Manezes’ points they needed to and setting up Moghanloo to score from the The Hamdallah show forcing Waleed Abdullah men edged closer to the last advance. edge of the area. Pahlavan made it 2-0 seven minutes later when he twisted and turned on the edge of the area, beating Al Rayyan defender Abdulrahman Al Duhail, Al Ahli Saudi square off in crucial tie Al Korbi twice before slamming a low right- foot shot past Younis as Persepolis claimed the AFC — JEDDAH Champions League West 16 as group winners, with his sides will be looking for a excellent start to the com- cushion their first half performance groups will also advance, team having drawn 1-1 with victory. petition. We lost the only warranted. Al Duhail SC and Al Ahli meaning Al Duhail and Al Al Ahli Saudiudi in tthehe “Al Ahli’s performanceperform match that we didn’t expect Al Rayyan, however, rallied early in the Saudi FC will have the Ahli Saudi will have all to correspondingnding hashas changedchanged sincesince the to lose. second half when Boli netted from eight yards benefit of knowing what play for even if Esteghlal fixture. startstart ofof thethe toutournamentrnam “We will be missing out after Persepolis goalkeeper Hamed Lak they have to do going into beat Al Shorta. “Tomor-or- andand we expectexpect a didifficultf important players like was only able to parry Ali Farydoon’s long- their 2021 AFC Champions Al Duhail could have row’s matchtch matchmatch because wwe are Benatia and Al Ahraq but we range attempt three minutes after the restart. League Group C clash at the avoided being in this will be likee a playing agaiagainstn a have players who can By the 68th minute the Iranians had King Abdullah Sports City position had they not fallen final for thehe strongstrong teateam.m. It mmight replace them. Our ambitions restored their advantage. Stadium today. to a shock 2-1 defeat to Al two teamsms be another ccrazy tomorrow is to win the The Al Rayyan defence only partially Both are tied on eight Shorta, which head coach and we needed match like we had match regardless of the cleared a corner, allowing Torabi to send over with Esteghlal FC, with the Sabri Lamouchi (pictured) a victoryy if previously.previously. other results.” a curling centre towards the far post that Kanani Islamic Republic of Iran side said was their worst per- we wantt toto “I“I don’tdon’t thinkthink that Al Ahli Saudi recovered headed past Younis. playing Iraq’s Al Shorta formance of the campaign. advance toto the the defeat agagainst well from their opening 5-2 Boli struck again 18 minutes from time earlier today, with only the The French coach next stage,”e,” said Al ShortaShorta put defeat against Esteghlal to when Yacine Brahimi’s initial shot was blocked group winners assured of blamed fatigue for the defeat Lamouchi.i. pressurepress get back into contention but by the Persepolis defence, but the Iranians advancing to the Round of but he will need to galvanise “It willll be a on usu as their inability to defeat the claimed their fourth less than a minute later 16. his players for one last effort football battleattle wwe Iranians over their two when Alkasir netted from seven yards out, The three best runners- to ensure Al Duhail take tomorrowow had matches has cost them finally sealing the win that guaranteed his team up from the five AFC their place in the Round of and the twowo an dearly. top spot in Group E.