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28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 Vol - 30 No. 48 Email : [email protected] Founder : Dr. Govind Narain Srivastava ISSN -2349-1221

Pakistan using OIC as instrument Positivity is the best mood created Often in life, we feel bitter, resentful, and furious or to simply put it, of Political Islam the feeling of being pessimistic towards life. We prepare ourselves The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), for the worst to reduce tensions and expectations as a mechanism formerly the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, for protecting ourselves from the many disappointments and pains was founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member of reality. states-49 countries being Muslim-majority countries. This 51-year-old organisation, with a population of It’s what some would call the wisdom of seeing the glass half 1.81 billion (2018 estimate), GDP (Purchase Power empty. Every one of us is often worried and sad and it’s perfectly Parity) $27.949 trillion... normal to have regrets about certain things in life... By Dr. Ankit Srivastava Page 3 By Dr. Pramila Srivastava Page 24

By NDT Special Bureau Page 2 Karima fled Pakistan for her Indian Prison Reforms US sanctions on Turkey was life, only to see it end in Canada long over-due

Perhaps in the distant future when Balochistan attains its Penitentiary is an integral part of Criminal Justice System The Ottoman Empire perished a century ago in the second long-sought-after freedom from Pakistan’s... of any country. Prison system has been there... decade of the Twentieth Century. Turkey’s... By Tarek Fatah Page 2 By Sujay Dhawan Page 4 By Himanshu Sharma Page 5 For critical insights One Year* Five Year* Subscribe Rs. 350 Rs. 1500 To Subscribe E-Paper Whatsapp +91 9999 331 600 * Details on Page 21

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Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES USCIRF places Pakistan on violators of religious freedom list blasphemy in Pakistan, with half of them Pakistan has been reprehensible. On the name is not in the list and why the world ◆ By NDT Special Bureau facing life sentence or death. Junaid Hafeez contrary, the US recognizes India as the firm is not supporting them on Islamophobia. @NewDelhiTimes suffered five years of solitary confinement upholder of religious values and tolerance. Pakistan must learn to respect other and was eventually persecuted for posting religions, then lecture the world. Preachers [email protected] blasphemous content online! are in the dock now. Pakistan’s silence against China on human rights violations of he recent report of the US Commission The United States also designated Al Uyghur Muslims has exposed its duplicity T on International Religious Freedom Shabaab, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, the over religious rights for minorities. People (USCIRF) has created furore in Pakistan. Houthis, the ISIS, the ISIS-Greater Sahara, around the world are civilised and cultured The Federal Government Commission, an the ISIS-West Africa, and (surprisingly!) unlike Pakistan. advisory body, as usual released the USCIRF the Taliban, which could complicate the US report in Washington. On December 7, under efforts to finalise the peace deal at Doha. Pakistanis should understand what their the US International Religious Freedom leaders have done to its images in the world. Act, Secretary of State Pompeo published Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the More embarrassments are in pipeline. report designating Pakistan, China, Iran, ISIS-Khorasan, designated earlier as Entity Proselytising religions like Islam and Pakistan incessantly harps on others’ Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, of Particular Concern (EPC), didn’t appear Christianity believe in conversion of other religious freedom. Nigeria, North Korea, Myanmar and Eritrea due to total loss of their territory. Sudan religions to its fold. The Indian Constitution as “Countries of Particular Concern” and Uzbekistan were removed “based on provides freedom to propagate one’s own Pakistan’s blasphemy law is disgusting and (CPC). These countries are “engaging in or significant, concrete progress” by them. religion. That provided Islamists and unacceptable. Its true face is now shown tolerating “systematic, ongoing, egregious Christian evangelic a vast fertile ground for to the world. Pakistanis are never worried In its 2020 report released in April 2020, the violations of religious freedom”. Pompeo conversion. about religious freedom in their own USCIRF had noted a drastic turn downward also placed Comoros, Cuba, Nicaragua, country. They wear blinders, the world does in religious freedom conditions in India and They have grossly misused the Indian and Russia on a special watch list where not. First it chose China as friends and now had downgraded India to its lowest ranking soil. Hinduism is a highly tolerant religion governments engage in or tolerated “severe China defines Pakistan. The world now truly of “countries of particular concern” (CPC) which accepts sects of all faiths and doesn’t violations of religious freedom”. understands Pakistan, warts, and all. It can and categorised it as a “Tier 2 country” but convert others into its own. Minorities are no longer befool others. the current December 7 notification has always safe in India; they never leave and The Commission noted that religious removed India from the CPC. their numbers are growing. Is it not the proof Intolerance is increasing globally, so are freedom conditions across Pakistan who is for and against the minorities? How the acts of religious and sectarian violence. had continued to trend negatively. “The Pakistan has been complaining to the will Pakistan advise India on minorities? Pakistan is promoting instances of intolerance systematic enforcement of blasphemy and world on Islamophobia and lecturing India Pakistan should stop blaming India for and in-fact is its chief propagator. Pakistan anti-Ahmadia laws, and authorities’ failure on minority’s rights. The terror country the minorities, it should look after its own is deeply intolerant of other religions except to address forced conversions of religious advocates Islamist causes around the world backyard. its own version of Islam. Religious freedom minorities - including Hindus, Christians, and ignores all conversions and religious should be respected. Pakistan may disagree and Sikhs - to Islam, severely restricted persecutions in its own backyard, thereby Pakistan encourages mass conversion, with the USCIRF designations due to its freedom of religion or belief.” Nearly absolutely negating religious freedom. forcible marriages and religious prosecution own myopic reasons, but the list is genuine, 80 individuals remained imprisoned for Indiscriminate use of blasphemy laws in but gets surprised and angry why India’s very accurate and without any bias. Karima fled Pakistan for her life, only to see it end in Canada Baloch youth faced and who were being at his downtown Toronto office. He turned Karima is not the first Baloch in exile to die hunted by Pakistan’s military. Since I was out to be the quintessential gentleman and in a suspicious drowning. On May 2, 2020, a ◆ By Tarek Fatah a columnist on these pages, they asked me scholar. He listened to my story and shocked fellow Baloch living in exile in Sweden met Author & Columnist, Canada to look into how someone in Ottawa would me with his complete understanding of a similar fate. @TarekFatah assist Karima Baloch, her colleague Lateef the role of Pakistan’s military, both in [email protected] Johar and two other friends to escape certain Afghanistan and Balochistan. Sajid Hussain, 39, was a Baloch journalist death in Pakistan and find asylum in Canada. in exile and he too fell in a river north of erhaps in the distant future when He promised me that he would do his utmost Stockholm and then too, a spokeswoman P Balochistan attains its long-sought- to save these lives, and he kept his word. for the Swedish prosecutor’s office said an after freedom from Pakistan’s occupation, a As a result, Karima arrived in Toronto in autopsy did not point strongly to foul play filmmaker will be inspired to make an epic 2015, free of the patriarchy that held her in the death of the journalist, but journalism called “Karima, the story of Balochistan.” back and able to fight for the freedom of her groups expressed skepticism and concern. native Balochistan. Already thousands of men and women are An exiled critic of Pakistan has suggested on the streets of the Balochistan capital I had the privilege of chatting with her for Pakistan’s security agency ISI has developed Quetta, upset at the way Karima is being hours as she immersed herself in a society its own method of eliminating exiles by depicted as a suicide victim. where political differences were settled in drowning victims as a way of drowning out I say this not because Karima was like a debate, not death. evidence, just as Russia’s secret service uses daughter to me, but because in her, I saw untraceable poison to silence critics. She had a purpose and kept asking “what can the first Baloch woman who like Germany’s we do sitting here in Canada.” Impatient, Rosa Luxembourg and Rani Lakshmibai My advice to Toronto Police is they should within months of her arrival she made an of India stood out on their own, not in the stop trying to push Karima’s death as a uninvited surprise appearance at an Amnesty shadows of their fathers or husbands. closed chapter of a woman who committed The panic in their eyes convinced me I event in Toronto and raised the Balochistan suicide. My sources tell me her body was Karima Baloch rose from the people with had to do something. The government in issue to a surprised audience. Her English found on the shores of the pier at Centre no pedigree on which to rest her laurels. She Ottawa was led by Prime Minister Harper’s was not perfect, but her demeanour made the Island, but her purse was left behind on the became a student leader in her own right conservatives and since I had never voted NGO-types realize they were dealing with a pier itself. and became the head of the Baloch Students for them and actively opposed them, I felt real issue, not some ‘woke’ awakening. Organisation (BSO) to rally men and I didn’t have a hope in hell with anyone in Whether she committed suicide or was Though she has left us bereft of her charm, women in protests against the oppression of the cabinet. Yet, I had once met with the killed by someone who pushed her over the courage and intellect, she has singlehandedly Pakistan’s military that had gone unabated then Citizenship Minister Chris Alexander pier, Toronto Police should now hand over done something few could accomplish — let ever since Pakistan invaded and occupied who had been Canada’s ambassador in the case to Homicide so that we can seek the world know that Pakistan has illegally Balochistan in March 1948. Afghanistan. and get the truth of how we failed to save occupied Balochistan and is massacring its a woman who came seeking safety and got In April 2014, I was approached by friends So, armed with just a list of the vulnerable youth and professional class while the deep death in return. in Canada’s Baloch community who Baloch youth, I crossed my fingers and sought state in Islamabad fools the world by casting apprised me of the danger a few young an appointment with Minister Alexander itself as a victim of Islamophobia. Karima, thy name is Balochistan. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 3

Editor’s Desk NEW DELHI TIMES Pakistan using OIC as instrument of Political Islam of 50-plus member states from different Iran and transformed its culture. Shia Islam threat. Pakistan didn’t dare the Arabs who are geography, ethnicity and history. Even the became Iran’s state religion but differed with powerful, centrally placed geographically, ◆ Dr. Ankit Srivastava 22 members of the Arab League vary in Shia Arabs. Iraq is a Shia-majority country and endowed historically with leadership Chief Editor geopolitical ambitions, e.g., Syria, Yemen which invaded Shia Iran. heritage. @AnkitNDT and Libya. The Ummah is not monolithic. In March, The Arabs are basically secular, not religious [email protected] The Arab world constitutes the pivot on 2019, the UAE hosted the 46th OIC Foreign fanatics like half-literate Pakistanis. A native he Organisation of Islamic Cooperation which the Ummah turns. The geopolitical Ministers’ conference at Abu Dhabi and of Egypt is first an Egyptian, then an Arab T (OIC), formerly the Organisation of the and historical reality is that without the invited late Indian Foreign Minister Sushma and lastly a Muslim, hence impervious to Islamic Conference, was founded in 1969, Arabs and the Arabic language there is no Swaraj as an honoured guest. Pakistan non-Arab overtures for religious fanaticism. consisting of 57 member states-49 countries He suspects the Pakistani motive of dragging being Muslim-majority countries. This religion to serve political ends. Islam is in 51-year-old organisation, with a population Can Pakistan make a his blood, and he doesn’t flaunt it, unlike of 1.81 billion (2018 estimate), GDP Pakistanis. (Purchase Power Parity) $27.949 trillion Pakistan’s ‘we Muslims’ obsession-a roll- (2019 estimate), and permanent delegations non-Arab bloc with over of Muslims’ pre-partition concern about to the United Nations and the European Muslims in other countries-is not shared by Union, proclaims to be “the collective educated Muslims. Pakistan’s tolerance of voice of the Muslim world” and works to Turkey in defiance of de-Islamisation of Uyghur Muslims by China “safeguard and protect the interests of the has deflated its fraudulent Islamist credentials. Muslim world in the spirit of promoting Moreover, Pakistan is a launching-pad for international peace and harmony”. The international jihadist movement! OIC’s motto is: “To safeguard the interests the Arabs? and ensure the progress and well-being of Pakistan prides in its U-turn diplomacy as a Muslims.” Ummah. The Arabs do not understand that boycotted in protest. Pakistan cried again millions of Indonesians, South Asians, five months later when India abolished smart practice. That has fetched short term Pakistan has been the cry-baby on the Kazakhs or Bosnians can be Muslims Kashmir’s special status in August. The results but has caused long term permanent OIC’s performance but the 47th Conference without speaking the language of the Holy entire Arab world remained indifferent damage. For decades Pakistan is running of Islamic Foreign Ministers in Niger in Quran. Arabs’ pride, belief in the superiority to repeated Pakistani pleas for stronger from pillar to post - from the US, the UK, November made it happy. Islamist Pakistan, of their language, and cultural achievements denunciation. Pakistan rebukes the OIC as Arabs, Turkey, Iran, the UN and to China - abetted by new-found Islamist Turkey, is in history shape their attitude towards all impotent, irrlevant, ineffective, lame-duck to deal with India. India never seeks others’ hyper on pan-Islamic sentiments while other non-Arab Muslims. organisation, and a mere debating forum help to free Kashmir from the grip of members of the OIC are educated, secular, aggressor Pakistan! So, don’t blame Arabs for indifference but has no other choice. It still remains liberal and less frenzied on political Islam. to non-Arab causes like Kashmir and glued to the OIC for reasons not grounded Religious groupings succeed when used for Pakistan unfortunately has confused the Rohingya. For over thousand years, the in geopolitical realities. Turkey goaded religious purposes but fail when used for Ummah with the OIC whereas both are Arabs interacted with two ethnic groups - Pakistan to create a non-Arab bloc. political ends. Under Erdogan’s pernicious fundamentally different. The Ummah Turks and Iranians. ‘Turks’ means Ottomans That widened the gulf between Arab and influence Pakistan is trying to create a non- is a moribund world of Muslims linked plus Turco-Mongols - the Seljuks, Mamluks, non-Arab governments. The abortive non- Arab OIC and stick it to the Arabs. Can through their fourteen-century-old desert- Il-Khans, Circassians, Timurids and Turco- Arab mini summit at Kuala Lumpur in Pakistan repay entire debt to Arabs and based religion. The OIC consists of mostly Albanians. Arabs have bitter memories of December 2019 made Pakistan a laughing bring back its highly skilled workforce from monarchical, undemocratic governments the Timurids and Mamluks. Arabs ruled stock when it chickened out before the Saudi the Middle-East?

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 4 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

International NEW DELHI TIMES Indian Prison Reforms Indian prisons majorly run by state governments is still soaking up the reforms

◆ By Sujay Dhawan highly acclaimed in the academic circle. His work in the field of Criminology, especially Editor correction administration postulated several @SujayDhawan research scholars across the world to [email protected] conduct studies and research for betterment of prisons. enitentiary is an integral part of P Criminal Justice System of any country. Prison system has been there from Indian prisons majorly run by state time immemorial. Even Hindu God Lord governments is still soaking up the reforms. Krishna was born inside a prison. Every One aspect that needs to be addressed is the Kingdom had a justice system and prisons report of caste-based discrimination. Recent were part of it. In ancient times, punishments reports have surfaced regarding caste-based given to any offender were more barbaric discrimination and also caste based labour in and brutal as they used to have the concept prisons in Rajasthan. of punishment based on deterrence and retribution. Thereafter, preventive form of India is a progressive state and we need to punishment was taken up. also make our prisons more humane so that basic fundamental rights of human beings Now, a reformative theory of punishment are not hampered. Another contemporary is adopted. The reformative theory is also issue of prison reform in India pertains to known as rehabilitative sentencing. The dealing with the COVID positive cases in purpose of punishment is to “reform the prisons. offender as a person, so that he may become a normal law-abiding member of the The Indian government has taken laudable community once again. Here the emphasis begun. The committee also urged better role model for other prisons across India. initiatives to address this issue. India is placed not on the crime itself, the harm medical care, improved training of prison recognizes that prison health is a part and caused or the deterrence effect which Bedi concentrated on working conditions employees, better parcel of public health and that any control punishment may have, but on the person and of prisoners to supervision of food Now, a reformative theory of strategy for COVID-19 in the community the personality of the offender.” and the separation of punishment is adopted. The provide them better facilities related which does not encompass the prison prisoners according context will not be sustainable. In modern India, Walter C. Reckless reformative theory is also known to their working to ages and the as rehabilitative sentencing. The commission report in 1952, paved way for offenses with which opportunities inside The healthcare teams of States and Union penology and correctional administration they are charged. purpose of punishment is to “reform the jail. Prof. Dr. in India. Another seminal step was the the offender as a person, so that he B.N. Chattoraj Territories are working with the Custodial/ establishment of the justice Anand Narain The tenure of may become a normal law-abiding work to uplift detention staff in prisons and other places Mulla committee for prison reforms in 1980. Kiran Bedi in member of the community once again. condition of of detention, following the National It called for a revamp of the Indian prison 1992, as the IG women prisoners guidelines and protocols on the subject system and called for quicker handling Indian Prisons brought huge reforms in Tihar has been also commendable. His book issued by the Government of India from of such cases, whose trials had not yet Jail, Delhi, and this became a monumental “Children and Women Prisoners” has been time to time. International Political Scenario of the Week internationally-backed Government of ◆ By NDT Bureau National Accord (GNA) and Haftar’s self- @NewDelhiTimes described Libyan National Army (LNA) militias are the two major warring factions [email protected] in Libya. Based in the capital city of Tripoli, the GNA is led by Prime Minister Fayez al- Armenia Serraj and controls parts of the country’s west. On December 24, police in the Armenian capital Yerevan detained dozens of people The Benghazi-based Libya National protesting against the country’s Prime Army (LNA), a force of some twenty-five Minister Nikol Pashinyan and demanding thousand fighters, is led by Khalifa Haftar, his resignation. Tens of thousands of a former General. Turkey joined the Libyan demonstrators has swarmed government war officially in January 2020. On January buildings in Yerevan, chanting “Nikol, 2, 2020, Turkish Parliament passes a bill go away!” Several hours into the rally, that approved a one-year mandate to deploy opposition supporters erected tents on troops in support of the Libyan Prime Yerevan’s main square. Minister Fayez al-Serraj led recognised Government of GNA. On November 9, Russia announced it had brokered a lasting cease-fire deal between On December 22, the Turkish Parliament Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed extended for 18 months a law that allows the Nepal Elections on April 30 and May 10 next year. Nagorno-Karabakh territory. The deal that deployment of Turkish troops to Libya. The saw Azerbaijan reclaim control over large bill renewed a one-year mandate that came On December 20, Nepal’s President, Bidya This sudden dissolution of Nepal Parliament parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding into force in January following a security Devi Bhandari, dissolved the country’s has invited criticism from various political areas. Armenian opposition parties and and military agreement with the UN-backed Parliament on the recommendation of factions in the country. On December their supporters are demanding that Prime administration in Tripoli, in western Libya. Nepali Prime Minister K P Oli. 24, three former Prime Ministers joined Minister Nikol Pashinyan resign, calling hundreds of activists demanding Oli to the agreement he signed “treacherous” and General Khalifa Haftar has threatened to The Office of the President said in a notice reverse the decision. “humiliating”. use force against Turkish troops if Turkey that President Bidya Devi Bhandari has continues to support the GNA. “There will approved the recommendation, pursuant to There were reports of protestors scuffing Libya be no security or peace as long as the boots Article 76 (1) and (7) and Article 85 of the with the local police who tried stopping of the Turkish military are desecrating our Constitution, of the Council of Ministers to the protestors from using torches in the Libya has been roiled by division and immaculate soil. We will carry weapons to dissolve the House of Representatives. The demonstrations. The protestors say Oli has conflict, since the overthrow of former bring about peace with our own hands and President has also approved the Cabinet’s no power to dissolve the Parliament and that dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. The our free will”, Haftar said on December 24. recommendation for holding General he has violated the Constitution. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 5

International NEW DELHI TIMES US sanctions on Turkey was long over-due American sanctions have signalled to Erdogan the consequences of undermining the national security of America and its NATO allies 2019 disregarding threats to NATO allies, Integrated Aerial Defence Systems of the By Himanshu Sharma ◆ danger to the security of the US military NATO and the security of F35. @_Himansh_ technology and personnel and enrich Russia’s defence sector? Ankara rejected The NATO needs Turkey-its second biggest [email protected] the US suggestions. American sanctions ally-more than Turkey needs the NATO. have signalled to Erdogan the consequences Turkey can keep refugees away, hem he Ottoman Empire perished a of undermining the national security of Arabian nations, provide access to the East T century ago in the second decade of America and its NATO allies. and help NATO expand and consolidate the Twentieth Century. Turkey’s President along the Balkans, Easter Mediterranean Erdogan dreams of reviving the Empire An Asian alliance consisting of Iran, and the Middle East. Turkey also heaps again in the Twenty-First Century. As he Pakistan, and Turkey is crystalizing in troubles on NATO which will be better off claims the Ottoman Empire boundaries, his close ties with China and Russia. Turkey is without Turkey. misadventures send jitters and nightmares to a natural choice in the high table of rogue Americans and Arabs alike. The new Caliph countries. Erdogan has converted Turkey-a secular aspires to be the leader of the Ummah - the country-into a bastion of Islam through Muslim world - by elbowing aside current Pakistan and Turkey try an ‘alternate’ Islamic virulent political Islam, ushering in turmoil leader Saudi Arabia. block - the new OIC – which is crashing and war. Erdogan is making Turkey a “Real down. Malaysia pulled out long ago and Turkey,” ready to be roasted. Trying to Erdogan-the Islamic toughie and the new now Turkey is collapsing. Ankara bit more

PC : Getty Images benefit from both the Russian and American rogue in the town-is doing all nasty things: than it can chew. China has a considerable arousing sectarian conflicts in Syria, Libya, systems, Turkey attracted American America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Muslim population in Xinjiang but it does Egypt and Yemen, and morally downgrading sanctions. A coup may get rid of dictator Act (CAATSA) over purchase of Russian not acknowledge Muslims! Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Erdogan. missile systems-using the CAATSA for the Bin Salman (MBS) over journalist Turkey and China have troubles with first time against a fellow NATO member. Khashoggi’s killing to tarnish Saudi image Americans. Pakistan has issues with Erdogan has become an Islamic The EU and the UK sanctions may follow. for unchallenged leadership of the Ummah. neighbours India, Afghanistan and the Gulf fundamentalist rogue, designing a Caliphate Erdogan’s unwanted caustic comments countries. India is steadily warming its way and ruining Turkey. Another Saddam, In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and on French President Macron could trigger into the Gulf geo-politics. Turkey, aligned Gaddafi or Baghdadi? Turkey cannot qualify established Islamic Turkish Cyprus in north. Turkey’s expulsion from the NATO. with China, is needling India on Pakistan’s for the EU membership, hence adventuring In 2020, Erdogan instigated Azerbaijan to Turkey’s geopolitical ambitions is punching behalf. in the Mediterranean and inching closer to open up old conflict with Armenia, provided much above its economic weight, like Russia and China for strategic and political deadly missiles, army units, mercenaries erstwhile Yugoslavia! Erdogan, the dictator, India is not a NATO member, nor purchased benefits. and ran over Nagorno-Karabakh. He did is spreading himself too thin over myriad F35, nor shares military technology with not listen to America and Russia! Erdogan Islamist issues. Sanctions serves Erdogan other NATO countries, hence free to buy Other than Arabs, no other Muslim country estranged Pakistan from long time mentor right but risks swerving Turkey away from arms from anywhere. It purchased S-400 has the financial resources to fight wars. and benefactor Saudi Arabia, promised help the NATO towards Russia and China. system with Trump’s waiver. India-US Turkey under Erdogan is fast descending in Islamabad’s evil designs on Kashmir and relationship is transactional and strategic. into anarchy. One bad apple can ruin the made enemies of France and India. Turkey has cordial relations with the US, But Turkey shares military technology with orchard. Turkey’s history is littered with Russia, China, Israel and the Middle-East. the NATO-a different ball game all together- such examples where some ambitious On December 14, the United States imposed Was there any need for the Russian S-400 hence its purchase of Russian missiles and leaders have set the country back by many sanctions on Turkey under the Countering missile defence system it acquired in mid- technological transfers undermines the decades. Cross border links of far-right extremists in Germany is a matter of concern for Germany requires a complete and ◆ By NDT Bureau comprehensive investigation,” Germany’s @NewDelhiTimes Interior Ministry said. On December 14, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer [email protected] called the discovery of “such a great quantity” of weapons, munitions and explosives n December 12, the Austrian Interior “alarming” and pledged a full investigation O Minister Karl Nehammer announced into the case. “This is particularly true for the that Austrian police seized dozens of right-extremist background of the suspect weapons and 100,000 rounds of ammunition in Austria,” he said in a written statement. that were intended to be supplied for setting Two alleged accomplices were also arrested up of far-right militia in Bavaria state of in the German states of Bavaria and North Germany. According to reports, authorities Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s Interior found 76 semi-automatic and automatic Ministry added. weapons, 14 handguns, more than 100,000 rounds of various calibers, as well as six hand grenades and various types of explosives. The arrests not only point out that right A Vienna based newspaper said that the wing extremism in Germany is a pressing cache included detonators and explosives as security issue but also reveals that these neo- well as hundreds of weapons, among which Nazi extremists have established contact beyond the Germans and have access to

were AK-47 assault rifles, Kalashnikovs, PC : Getty Images Uzi submachine guns, and around 100,000 weapons and ammunitions in neighbouring rounds of ammunition. connected,” Nehammer said during a news letter bombing campaign that shook Austria countries. Further, the discovery of modern conference. He said that some of those in the 1990s. sophisticated weapons in the raids by the The Interior Minister Nehammer said belonged to the “neo-Nazi scene that have Austrian security agencies reveals that far that five people were arrested during raids sadly also been known in Austria for a The arrests in Austria have once again right groups are capable of building their on homes and warehouses in the nation. while.” The firearms were allegedly bought revealed the magnitude of threat from right own militias and can carry out violent “We have struck a massive blow against with the proceeds from the sale of drugs. wing extremism and subscribers of the attacks anytime. Also concerning is the the right-wing extremist scene in Austria Local media said that one of the arrested neo-Nazi ideology. “The suspicion that the links between these far-right groups and and organized crime, and how they are was once suspected of being connected to a weapons and ammunition were intended organised crimes.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 6 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

International NEW DELHI TIMES Houthi militias continue targeting Saudi infrastructure “These acts of terrorism and vandalism, ◆ By NDT Bureau directed against vital installations, go beyond @NewDelhiTimes the Kingdom and its vital facilities, to the security and stability of energy supplies [email protected] to the world and the global economy,” the statement by the official said. n December 14, Singapore-flagged BW O Rhine, which had been contracted by The Houthis have escalated attacks on Saudi the trading arm of the Saudi Arabia, massive energy infrastructures in the past months. Saudi Arabian Oil Co, suffered an explosion On November 23, Yemen’s Houthi rebels at Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jeddah. In said they struck a Saudi oil facility in the a statement on December 14, shipping port city of Jeddah with a new cruise missile. company Hafnia said that all 22 sailors on board of the Singapore-flagged BW Rhine The attack came just after the G-20 meeting, escaped without injury. hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was over and a week after outgoing US The company warned it was possible that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the some oil leaked out from the site of the blast. Kingdom to see Crown Prince Mohammed “BW Rhine has been hit from an external bin Salman. Brigadier Gen. Yehia Sarie, source whilst discharging at Jeddah, Saudi a Houthi Military Spokesman, claimed Arabia at approximately 00:40 local time on responsibility for the attack and tweeted that 14 December 2020 [21:40 GMT], causing the rebels fired a new Quds-2 cruise missile an explosion and subsequent fire onboard,” at the facility. Hafnia said in the statement on its website. According to reports, the BW Rhine had He posted a satellite image online that matched berthed at Jeddah, carrying over 60,000 Aramco’s North Jiddah Bulk Plant, where oil PC : Getty Images metric tons of unleaded gasoline from an products are stored in tanks. “The strike was Aramco refinery at Yanbu for consumption very accurate, and ambulances and fire engines in the Kingdom, according to the data- rushed to the target,” Sarea said. On November analysis firm Refinitiv. 26, a mine in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s coast near Yemen exploded and damaged an Following the explosion, the state-run Saudi oil tanker. The blast struck the MT Agrari, a news agency quoted an anonymous official Maltese-flagged, Greek-managed oil tanker from the Energy Ministry who blamed the near Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia. The ship had been explosion on a bomb laden boat. Although boarded by Saudi official. the official did not blame any specific group said that it removed and destroyed five well as anti-ship cruise missiles and remote- for the attack, it is widely believed that the The December 14 attack also indicates the Iranian-made naval mines planted by the controlled unmanned suicide boats to attacks Houthi militias are behind the attacks as they growing capability of the Houthi militias to Houthis in the southern Red Sea. Houthis in both warships and commercial vessels in the are known to use drone boats in the past. strike at sea. On November 24, Saudi Arabia Yemen have made use of naval mines, as Red Sea in the past. Turkey says that US sanctions will not affect its defence capabilities Turkey has said that these sanctions will ◆ By NDT Bureau not affect its overall defence production @NewDelhiTimes capabilities. “The SSB doesn’t have much to purchase directly. As SSB, we define a [email protected] project that our security forces need, mature it, tender it, hand it to the main contractor O n December 14, the outgoing United and then follow up. In this process, our main States President Donald Trump contractors also make direct purchases. imposed sanctions on Turkey. According to a statement released by US Secretary of These companies are also not covered by State Mike Pompeo on December 14, “the the sanctions. This decision does not mean United States is imposing sanctions on the sanctions on Turkey, they target the SSB, Republic of Turkey’s Presidency of Defence me and three of my friends from the team,” Industries (SSB) pursuant to Section 231 Demir stated. “What they did on the F-35 of the Countering America’s Adversaries was even against their domestic law. Our Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for legal work continues. knowingly engaging in a significant transaction with Rosoboronexport, Russia’s Turkey has always met its responsibilities as main arms export entity, by procuring the a partner of the program. Turkish companies S-400 surface-to-air missile system. The are currently continuing to produce parts (of sanctions include a ban on all U.S. export F-365 jets),” Demir added. licenses and authorizations to SSB and an asset freeze and visa restrictions on Dr. Russia has criticised these sanctions. The Ismail Demir, SSB’s President, and other Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov SSB officers. remarked, “It’s yet more evidence of the arrogant attitude (of the U.S.) toward PC : Getty Images The United States made clear to Turkey international law, and a manifestation of at the highest levels and on numerous in Turkey’s suspension and pending removal was justified. The Turkish President Recap the illegitimate, unilateral and coercive occasions that its purchase of the S-400 from the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Erdogan has called these sanctions an measures that the U.S. has practiced for system would endanger the security of partnership.” attempt to obstruct the growing Turkish many decades now all over the world, Of U.S. military technology and personnel and defence industries. In a speech delivered course, I do not think this does any favours provide substantial funds to Russia’s defence Turkey has said that it bought the S-400 from during the inauguration of a highway in to the United States’ international reputation sector, as well as Russian access to the Russia to strengthen its defence architecture central Turkey, Erdogan remarked, “The as a responsible participant in international Turkish armed forces and defence industry. after it was clear that it would not get the real aim (of the sanctions) is to block the negotiations, including in military-technical Turkey nevertheless decided to move ahead US Patriot system. “The conditions which progress that we have made lately in the cooperation.” with the procurement and testing of the compelled Turkey to acquire S-400 systems defence industry and to make us once again S-400, despite the availability of alternative, are well known,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry strictly dependent on (the United States). If Security analysts contend that the next US NATO-interoperable systems to meet its said. “President Trump himself has admitted it weren’t the S-400 issue, they would have President Joe Biden will also continue the defines requirements. This decision resulted on many instances that Turkey’s acquisition used other issues.” strict policies towards Turkey. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 7

International NEW DELHI TIMES Far-right Groups in Central Europe step up anti-vaccination rhetoric offered to the immune system”, Kotleba said ◆ By NDT Bureau that the COVID-19 vaccine will change the @NewDelhiTimes structure of the body cell. [email protected] On November 30, he wrote on his Facebook page, “So, what was supposed to be a hoax ar right extremist groups are exploiting before half a year ago, even though the F the COVID-19 crisis to seek public vaccine will change the structure of human legitimacy for their ideological narrative. cells, also official media admits. And when Now, the far-right groups in Central Europe you read this whole article, some literally have stepped up the anti-COVID-19 vaccine scandalous statements hit you there. rhetoric. For example, that companies can bring the In the Czech Republic, the Freedom and vaccine to Slovakia without necessary tests Direct Democracy (Czech: Svoboda a přímá and approval. Massacre!!! Conclusion: demokracie, SPD) is a hard Eurosceptic vaccination is already considered by and anti-immigration political party. Tomio the media and government as an almost Okamura is the founder and the main finished thing! Therefore, remember: once leader of the party. Last month, Okamura PC : Getty Images they inject it into you or your child, you openly expressed his opposition to universal will never bring it back!!!” Experts have vaccination in the Czech Republic. completely debunked his claims and have categorically stated that the information He wrote on Facebook on November 25, “I’ll that the coronavirus vaccine should alter put this brief and clear. The SPD movement the structure of human cells is untrue and disapproves of mandatory area vaccination misleading. with a vaccine for the coronavirus. It is not permissible to vaccinate our citizens with A narrative is also being set-up by far-right a sufficiently untested vaccine or condition forces which espouses their anti-immigration civil liberties given by the constitution if and anti-Semitic ideology. The aim of such citizens get vaccinated.” groups appears to exacerbate fear and recently quoted a statement from a scientific body that encodes part of the viral protein. “hatred of the other” to fuel social tensions. In Slovakia, People’s Party - Our Slovakia paper by the Slovak Academy of Sciences Thus, to check and debunk their propaganda, (Slovak: Ľudová strana – Naše Slovensko, complete out of context. While the said After administration to the body, RNA it is imperative that governments in Central ĽSNS) is a far-right neo-Naz political party. scientific paper mentioned, “Instead of the penetrates into cells, where it is transcribed Europe carry out a targeted information Marian Kotleba is the leader of the party. He virus or its proteins, RNA is injected into the into the form of a protein, which is then campaign. No sight of government formation in Lebanon before year end consultations and was approved as the new ◆ By NDT Bureau Lebanese Prime Minister. Hariri is the son @NewDelhiTimes of the assassinated former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and is the highest profile Sunni [email protected] Muslim political leader in Lebanon. ebanon is seeking to end the political On December 22, Lebanese Prime Minister- L imbroglio that has engulfed the designate Saad Hariri held a meeting with country due to a spate of resignations in the President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace aftermath of the Beirut blasts. On August 10, to discuss the possibilities of a government Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hasan Diab, who formation in Lebanon before Christmas. On formed his government in January 2020 after December 23, speaking to reporters, Hariri said a protracted political crisis, submitted his that despite attempts to halt Lebanon’s collapse, resignation to the President in the aftermath “the existing political problems are clear.” of the devastating explosion at the Port of Beirut and the public protests that followed. He added, “We must be humble and think The massive blast at Beirut, which killed at about the country’s interests. A government least 160 people, injured thousands and left must be formed after the new year.” In a more than 250,000 homeless, was blamed message to the people of Lebanon, he said, PC : Getty Images on the detonation of 2,750 metric tonnes of “Do not let anyone tell you that we cannot ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stop the current collapse, but President Aoun Aoun. Bassil also leads the largest bloc in Defence Ministry should go to the FPM, stored for six years at the Port of Beirut. and I need a government of specialists and the Parliament, the Free Patriotic Movement while the Interior Ministry should with al- experts who know what they are doing, (FPM). Hariri wants a small government of Mustaqbal Movement led by Hariri. Hariri The blast, which many blamed-on without being politicized.” He added, “We 18 Ministers while Aoun and his Hezbollah has suggested that a figure to head the Justice Lebanon’s political elite, sparked political want people who tell us ‘no’ when we are allies are insisting on an expanded one of Ministry should be through consultations. and economic devastation and exacerbated wrong. We want people who can actually 20-24. previously existing problems in the country. benefit the country, so that we can carry out Another factor that will also weigh in Diab was succeeded by Prime Minister the reforms we want”. Further, Hariri is also against giving Bassil heavily on Lebanon’s political situation is designate Mustapha Adib. On September 26, the veto power in the 18-member Cabinet. the assuming of Presidency by Joe Biden Adib stepped down from the post owing to One of the major points of contentions There is also lack of consensus on the in January 2021. Hariri will play a waiting the impossibility of forming a government. in government formation in Lebanon is names of the Justice, Interior, and Defence game till them to see Biden’s policy towards In October 2020, Sunni leader Saad Hariri over the political portfolios to be allotted Ministers. Aoun wants these three portfolios Iran and Hezbollah and avoid any names won enough votes in the Parliamentary to Gibran Bassil, son-in-law of President for his team but Hariri’s position is that the that might be on US Sanctions list.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 8 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

International NEW DELHI TIMES Morocco normalises relations with Israel continue to support political negotiations ◆ By NDT Bureau to resolve the issues between Morocco and @NewDelhiTimes the Polisario”. This signifies a diplomatic victory from Morocco. [email protected] The Polisario Front, an abbreviation of n December 10, Morocco became Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el- O the fourth country this year to sign a Hamra and Río de Oro, is a politico-military normalisation deal with Israel – following organization striving to end Moroccan the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan. The US control of the former Spanish territory of

President Donald Trump announced that PC : Getty Images Western Sahara, in north western Africa, and Morocco was set to normalise its ties with win independence for that region. Israel. Trump tweeted, “Another HISTORIC top officials. Kushner described the meetings stability in the Middle East”. According breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends as “enormously productive.” “Morocco to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have and Israel are making huge strides on their “the leaders congratulated each other over In late 1975, fighting broke out between agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive commitments to resume full diplomatic the renewal of ties between the countries, Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO, breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!” relations, promote economic cooperation the signing of the joint statement with the known in English as the Polisario Front, One of the significant aspects of the deal was and to reopen their liaison offices very US, and the agreements between the two as the Spanish colonial administration that Morocco secured the US recognition of its quickly,” he said. The delegations signed countries.” The statement also said that of Western Sahara was ending. Sahrawi sovereignty over Western Sahara. a joint declaration pledging to quickly Netanyahu extended an invitation for King Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) was begin direct flights, promote economic Mohammed VI to visit Israel and the two proclaimed in 1976 by the separatists of On December 22, the first direct commercial cooperation, reopen liaison offices and agreed to continue contacts in order to the Polisario. A ceasefire was reached on flight between Israel and Morocco at Rabat. move toward “full diplomatic, peaceful and advance the normalization agreement in the September 6, 1991 and a UN mission – Flight LY555 took off on December 22, at friendly relations.” weeks ahead. known as MINURSO – was tasked with 9:30 am from Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion airport monitoring it and organizing a referendum and landed in Rabat a little before 3 pm. On December 25, the Moroccan King After recognising Moroccan sovereignty on self-determination in Western Sahara. It was significant that the flight landed in Mohammed VI held a telephonic over Western Sahara, the United States However, in the absence of an agreement Rabat and not at the Mohammed V airport conversation with Israeli Prime Minister announced that it will open a consulate in between the parties, the referendum was not in Casablanca, the economic capital of the Benjamin Netanyahu. This was the first Western Sahara. “Pleased to announce the held. Kingdom. Special Advisor and son-in- interaction between the leaders of the two beginning of the process to establish a US law of President Trump, Jared Kushner countries since the two countries agreed consulate in Western Sahara,” US Secretary The Polisario Front has condemned the US led the delegation on the American side, to normalise relations and re-establish of State Mike Pompeo tweeted. “Effective recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over and was accompanied by the head of the diplomatic ties. The Moroccan King’s immediately, we are inaugurating a virtual Western Sahara. In a press release, the US International Economic Development royal office issued a statement saying that, presence post for Western Sahara,” he added Polisario stated, “the position announced Corporation (IEDC). in his conversation with Netanyahu, the in a statement, specifying that the post would by Trump constitutes a flagrant violation monarch recalled “the strong and special be “followed soon by a fully functioning of the Charter of the United Nations Meir Ben Shabbat, Israel’s National Security ties” between the Jewish community in consulate.” “This virtual presence post will and its resolutions and the precepts of Advisor and Chief of Staff for National Morocco and the monarchy, and reiterated be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat” international legality. It hampers the Security, as well as Haim Regev, Deputy “the consistent, unwavering and unchanged with a focus on promoting economic and efforts of the international community Chief of Staff were representatives of the position of the Kingdom of Morocco on the social development, Pompeo said, without to find a peaceful solution to the conflict Israeli delegation. The delegation met with Palestinian issue and the pioneering role providing a timetable for the consulate. between the Sahrawi Republic and the Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and other of the Kingdom in promoting peace and He added that the United States “will Kingdom of Morocco”. No time to rest: EU nations assess Brexit trade deal with UK he fast-track ratification of the post- it gives the U.K. control over its money, Without a trade deal, tariffs would have it at least provides a foundation to build on T Brexit trade deal between the U.K. borders, laws and fishing grounds. The EU been imposed on trade between the two in future,” said Laura Cohen, chief executive and the European Union got underway says it protects its single market of around sides starting Jan. 1. Both sides would have of the British Ceramic Confederation. on Christmas Day as ambassadors from 450 million people and contains safeguards suffered in that scenario, with the British the bloc’s 27 nations started assessing the to ensure the U.K. does not unfairly undercut economy taking a bigger hit at least in the One sector that appears to be disappointed is accord that takes effect in a week. the bloc’s standards. near-term, as it is more reliant on trade with the fishing industry with both sides voicing the EU than vice versa. their discontent at the new arrangements. At the exceptional meeting, the ambassadors Arguments over fishing rights were largely were briefed about the details of the draft “I have a small present for anyone who behind the delay in reaching an agreement. treaty, which is believed to be around may be looking for something to read in 1,250 pages long, by the EU’s chief Brexit that sleepy post-Christmas lunch moment, Under the terms of the deal, the EU will give negotiator Michel Barnier. and here it is, tidings, glad tidings of great up a quarter of the quota it catches in U.K. joy, because this is a deal,” Johnson said in waters, far less than the 80% Britain initially They are set to reconvene again and have his video message, brandishing a sheaf of demanded. The system will be phased in informed lawmakers at the European papers. over 5 1/2 years, after which quotas will be Parliament that they intend to take a decision reassessed. on the preliminary application of the deal “A deal to give certainty to business, within days. travelers and all investors in our country “In the end, it was clear that Boris Johnson PC : AP Photo AP PC : from Jan. 1. A deal with our friends and wanted an overall trade deal and was willing While voicing their sadness at the rupture partners in the EU,” he said. to sacrifice fishing,” said Barrie Deas, chief with Britain, EU leaders are relieved that Johnson hailed the agreement as a “new executive of the National Federation of the tortuous aftermath of the Brexit vote had beginning” for the U.K. in its relationship Though tariffs and quotas have been Fishermen’s Organizations. come to a conclusion in the agreement about with European neighbors. Opposition avoided, there will be more red tape because future trade ties. leaders, even those who are minded to back as the U.K. is leaving the EU’s frictionless The French government, which had fought it because it’s better than a no-deal scenario, single market and customs union. Firms will hard for fishing access, announced aid for its All member states are expected to said it adds unnecessary costs on businesses have to file forms and customs declarations fishing industry to help deal with the smaller back the agreement as is the European and fails to provide a clear framework for for the first time in years. There will also be quota, but insisted that the deal protects Parliament, which can only give its consent the crucial services sector, which accounts different rules on product labeling as well as French interests. retrospectively as it can’t reconvene until for 80% of the British economy. checks on agricultural products. 2021. British lawmakers have to give their The president of the French ports of approval, too, and are being summoned next In a Christmas message, Johnson sought to Despite those additional costs, many British Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, Jean-Marc week to vote on the accord. sell the deal to a weary public after years businesses who export widely across the Puissesseau, said no matter what is in of Brexit-related wrangling since the U.K. EU voiced relief that a deal was finally in the Brexit trade deal, life for his port will Both sides claim the agreement protects voted narrowly to leave the EU in 2016. place as it avoids the potentially cataclysmic become more difficult because “there will no their cherished goals. Although the U.K. formally left the bloc on imposition of tariffs. longer be free movement of merchandise.” Jan. 31, it remains in a transition period tied British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said to EU rules until the end of this year. “While the deal is not fully comprehensive, Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 9

International NEW DELHI TIMES Morocco acquires 65 million Artists lead efforts to restore, vaccine doses from China, UK preserve Gaza’s old houses he grand, 500-year-old brick walls orocco announced it has acquired 65 T of the al-Kamalaia School slowly M million doses of COVID-19 vaccines emerged from years of accumulated garbage from China’s Sinopharm and Britain’s as grassroots preservers began the long AstraZeneca, as the north African kingdom process of restoring it to its former glory. prepares to launch a COVID-19 vaccination program that aims to immunize 80% of the Located in the heart of the old quarter of country’s adult population. Gaza City, the Mamluk-era building is one of an ever-dwindling number of historic Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb announced structures at risk of demolition. the figure at a Cabinet meeting. The government didn’t indicate whether the

“It was in a very difficult, pitiful state. It was Photo AP PC : vaccines were purchased or provided by a dump,” said Abdullah al-Ruzzi, an artist Covax, the global project to provide vaccines contributed to the erasure of many signs city,” said Jamal Abu Rida, director of the and leading volunteer. to developing countries, or a combination of of Gaza’s five millennia of history. The archaeology department in Gaza’s Tourism territory has been enriched by its prime Ministry. both. Al-Ruzzi and other artists launched the location along the route connecting ancient Mobaderoon, or Initiators, program, seeking His ministry said that Morocco has not yet Egypt, the Levant and Mesopotamia. Residents of Gaza are preoccupied with to save abandoned houses and buildings received the vaccines. financial woes, struggling with a 13-year-old from two periods of Gaza’s history: the For example, Hamas bulldozers destroyed Israeli-Egyptian blockade, and combatting Mamluk Sultanate and the subsequent Mustapha Ennaji Moulay, head of the large parts of a rare 4,500-year-old Bronze a raging coronavirus outbreak that has Ottoman Empire. virology department at the Hassan II Age settlement to make way for a housing overwhelmed the health system. Campaigns University in Casablanca and a member to protect heritage and archaeological sites In the old section of the Palestinian enclave, project. of the government’s COVID-19 scientific are not top priorities, but are welcomed. fewer than 200 houses from these eras are committee, said that regulators are reviewing partially or entirely standing, according Mobaderoon is one of a handful of the Sinopharm vaccine’s documentation, “The initiatives are very important because to tourist officials. They are threatened by organizations seeking to preserve ancient and that the vaccination program is expected their goal is to preserve the cultural legacy,” neglect, decay or even demolition by new sites in Gaza City. But their efforts are to begin in the coming days. said al-Astal. urban development. typically limited in scope and lack systematic plans. A few blocks from the school, a different “Lack of public awareness and the economic team is working on renovating a house, considerations by owners are the greatest It took the team two weeks to remove the the Ghussein palace, named after the threats to these buildings,” said Ahmed trash from the al-Kamalaia school, which family that has owned it for 200 years. The al-Astal, director of Iwan, the history is named after a Mamluk sultan. Each workers scraped the bricks to remove layers and heritage institute of Gaza’s Islamic day, young men and women gather there, of dust that hid their features. Others took University. “These houses are our identity, sweeping the dusty floor, brushing the bricks measurements for the door frames. but ignorance leads to their destruction.” and supporting windows with wood frames. The work began on this home in August and Because the Gaza Strip is small, with 2 Once the renovation is completed, al-Ruzzi is scheduled to be complete in January. “It million people living in just 300 square says the goal is to convert the building into PC : AP Photo AP PC : was left for a long time and has a lot of cracks kilometers (115 square miles), the experts a venue for cultural and artistic activities and problems,” said Nashwa Ramlawi, the and volunteers fear that structures of past because such facilities are few in Gaza. architect leading the restoration. “The place Morocco has one of the most advanced centuries will disappear, like those from far has a great heritage and cultural value. We vaccination plans in the region. The country more ancient civilizations. “This is the only school that still maintains has also reported the second-highest number will dedicate it for anything that serves the its architectural standing, it still has community; a cultural, service or social of virus infections and deaths in Africa, after Population growth, conflict with Israel and classrooms. It’s clear that this school was center open to everyone.” South Africa. mismanagement by Hamas, the militant used until a recent time in education and group that has run Gaza since 2007, have memorizing the Quran because it’s in the old Credit : Associated Press (AP) The Moroccan Health Minister said the government’s target is vaccinating 25 Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted a statement million of the country’s 36 million people, saying travelers would need to present a all free of charge, according to orders from Turkey to require negative result from a PCR test taken in King Mohammed VI. a 72-hour window to board international flights en route to Turkey. While the Moroccan government has been promising vaccinations since earlier this negative COVID-19 test Previously, tests weren’t required for travel month, the Minister said preparations have to Turkey. now reached a “very advanced” stage. He said authorities were carrying out result for travel The rule would apply to all land and sea simulations at all the immunization sites “to avoid any obstacles that may arise during arrivals. Travelers would be quarantined the implementation of the vaccination at their destination if they don’t have test program.” results.

In a first phase, the vaccine will be Travelers arriving from the United administered to medical personnel, public Kingdom, Denmark and South Africa in authorities, security services, education the past 10 days would have to show a workers and people suffering from chronic negative test result and go into mandatory diseases. The Ministry of Health said it has quarantine for at least seven days until a deployed a computerized system to register second test. the target population and track their health status after they receive the vaccine. Turkey has among the worst infection rates in the world, with a weekly average of more Moulay said Morocco has sought to than 20,000 confirmed daily infections. diversify supply by signing contracts with The total death toll is 19,371, according to PC : AP Photo AP PC : multiple countries. official statistics. urkey is enacting precautions for negative COVID-19 test for passengers to Credit : Associated Press (AP) T international travel, requiring a enter the country starting until March. Health Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 10 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

International NEW DELHI TIMES Top associate After early success, S. Korea Mali opposition of Russian sleepwalks into virus crisis leader Cissé dies opposition leader outh Korea had seemed to be winning The past weeks have underscored risks of after contracting S the fight against the coronavirus: putting economic concerns before public Navalny detained Quickly ramping up its testing, contact- health when vaccines are at least months COVID-19 tracing and quarantine efforts paid off when away. Officials had eased social distancing top associate of Russian opposition oumaila Cissé, Mali’s main opposition it weathered an early outbreak without the rules to their lowest in October, allowing A leader Alexei Navalny was detained S leader who was held hostage for six economic pain of a lockdown. But a deadly high-risk venues like clubs and karaoke after doorstepping an alleged security months earlier this year by jihadis and was resurgence has reached new heights during rooms to reopen, although experts were operative who has inadvertently revealed considered a leading contender in the 2022 Christmas week, prompting soul-searching warning of a viral surge during winter when details of Navalny’s supposed poisoning presidential election, has died in Paris. He on how the nation sleepwalked into a crisis. people spend longer hours indoors. with a Soviet-era nerve agent. was 71. The 1,241 infections on Christmas Day Jaehun Jung, a professor of preventive Cissé died after contracting COVID-19, Lyubov Sobol, a key figure in Navalny’s were the largest daily increase. Another medicine at the Gachon University College Anti-Corruption Foundation, was detained his eldest son Bocar told The Associated 1,132 cases were reported on 26 December, of Medicine in Incheon, said he anticipates Press. for 48 hours after a day of interrogation bringing South Korea’s caseload to 55,902. infections to gradually slow over the next on charges of violent trespassing. The two weeks. “The doctors did everything to keep him move followed Sobol’s attempt to enter Over 15,000 were added in the last 15 days alive, but that’s the way of God’s will,” he the Moscow apartment of the alleged alone. An additional 221 fatalities over the The quiet streets and long lines snaking said. operative, whom Navalny had previously same period, the deadliest stretch, took the around testing stations in Seoul, which are death toll to 793. duped into describing details of the alleged temporarily providing free tests to anyone The death throws Malian politics into new poisoning. regardless of whether they have symptoms uncertainty. Cissé was the runner-up in the or clear reasons to suspect infections, past three presidential elections and many Sobol has denied the accusations and demonstrate a return of public alertness thought he had the best chances of finally insisted that she violated no law by ringing following months of pandemic fatigue. winning in 2022. the doorbell to the apartment. While Sobol Officials are also clamping down on private was being questioned, the state Investigative He was taken hostage by al-Qaida-affiliated Committee issued a statement accusing her social gatherings through Jan. 3, shutting down ski resorts, prohibiting hotels from jihadis in March while campaigning for of trespassing — charges her colleagues legislative elections in his hometown of have rejected. selling more than half of their rooms and setting fines for restaurants if they accept Niafunke in northern Mali. Amid public pressure, the Malian government obtained Earlier this week, Navalny released the groups of five or more people. his liberation in October, along with that recording of a phone call he said he made Photo AP PC : Still, lowering transmissions to the levels of French and Italian hostages, in exchange to a man he identified as Konstantin seen in early November — 100 to 200 a for the release of around 200 jihadis from Kudryavtsev and described as an alleged As the numbers keep rising, the shock to day — would be unrealistic, Jung said, Malian prisons. member of a group of officers of the Federal people’s livelihoods is deepening and public anticipating the daily figure to settle around Security Service, or FSB, who purportedly confidence in the government eroding. 300 to 500 cases. poisoned him with the Soviet-era Novichok Officials could decide to increase social agent in August and then tried to cover it up. distancing measures to maximum levels, The higher baseline might necessitate after resisting for weeks. tightened social distancing until vaccines Navalny, who is convalescing in Germany, Tighter restrictions could be inevitable roll out — a dreadful outlook for low- said he phoned the man hours before the because transmissions have been outpacing income workers and the self-employed who investigative group Bellingcat released a efforts to expand hospital capacities. drive the country’s service sector, the part report alleging that FSB operatives with of the economy the virus has damaged the specialized training in chemical weapons In the greater Seoul area, more facilities most. Photo AP PC : followed him for years and were in close have been designated for COVID-19 vicinity when he was poisoned. treatment and dozens of general hospitals “The government should do whatever to have been ordered to allocate more ICUs for secure enough supplies and move up the virus patients. Hundreds of troops have been administration of vaccines to the earliest deployed to help with contract tracing. possible point,” Jung said. It wasn’t known whether a ransom had been At least four patients have died at their South Korea plans to secure around 86 paid, though extremist groups have long homes or long-term care facilities while million doses of vaccines next year, which funded their operations with such payments waiting for admission this month, said Kwak would be enough to cover 46 million from European governments. Jin, an official at the Korea Disease Control people in a population of 51 million. The and Prevention Agency. The agency said PC : AP Photo AP PC : first supplies, which will be AstraZeneca In an interview after being released from 299 among 16,577 active patients were in vaccines produced by a local manufacturing captivity, Cissé told France’s TV5 Monde serious or critical condition. partner, are expected to be delivered in that his captors moved the hostages by February and March. Officials plan to motorcycle, boat and even camel. He said he “Our hospital system isn’t going to collapse, In the call, Navalny introduced himself as a complete vaccinating 60% to 70% of the was held in more than 20 different locations. but the crush in COVID-19 patients has security official and beguiled his interlocutor population by around November. While he said he wasn’t abused physically significantly hampered our response,” into sharing details of the alleged poisoning or verbally, he described extremely difficult said Choi Won Suk, an infectious disease operation and acknowledging that he was There’s disappointment the shots aren’t conditions in the desert, and said he lacked professor at the Korea University Ansan involved in the “processing” of Navalny’s coming sooner, though officials have the medication he needed. underwear so “there wouldn’t be any traces” Hospital, west of Seoul. insisted South Korea could afford a wait- of poison. and-see approach as its outbreak isn’t as dire Cisse said he was able to listen to the Choi said the government should have done as in America or Europe. radio and was angered by news of the Navalny fell sick during the Aug. 20 flight more to prepare hospitals for a winter surge. August military coup that overthrew Mali’s in Russia and was flown to Berlin while still South Korea’s earlier success could be democratically elected President, Ibrahim “We have patients with all kinds of serious in a coma for treatment two days later. Labs attributed to its experience in fighting a Boubacar Keita. illnesses at our ICUs and they can’t share in Germany, France and Sweden, and tests 2015 outbreak of MERS, the Middle East any space with COVID-19 patients, so it’s by the Organization for the Prohibition of respiratory syndrome, caused by a different Mali’s interim leader, Sem Ba N’Daw, hard,” Choi said. “It’s the same medical Chemical Weapons, established that he was coronavirus. expressed his condolences to Cissé‘s family staff that has been fighting the virus for all exposed to a Soviet-era Novichok nerve and supporters, saying millions of Malians these months. There’s an accumulation of agent. After South Korea reported its first “are in shock” at the news. Describing fatigue.” COVID-19 patient on Jan. 20, the KDCA was a meeting with Cissé after he was freed, Russian authorities have vehemently denied quick to recognize the importance of mass he said Cissé’s “optimism had remained Critics say the government of President any involvement in the poisoning, and the testing and sped up an approval process that intact,” and said “the country still needed Moon Jae-in became complacent after FSB dismissed the recording released by had private companies producing millions of his experience and wisdom to face today’s swiftly containing the outbreak this spring Navalny as fake. tests in just weeks. challenges.” that was centered in the southeastern city of Credit : Associated Press (AP) Daegu. Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 11

International NEW DELHI TIMES Pope on COVID-19 Japan adopts vaccine: Needy, green growth vulnerable must plan to go carbon come first ope Francis made a Christmas Day free by 2050 P plea for authorities to make COVID-19 apan aims to eliminate gasoline- vaccines available to all, insisting that the J powered vehicles in about 15 years, the first in line should be the most vulnerable government said in a plan to achieve Prime and needy, regardless of who holds the Minister Yoshihide Suga’s ambitious pledge patents for the shots. to go carbon free by 2050 and generate nearly $2 trillion growth in green business “Vaccines for everybody, especially for the and investment. most vulnerable and needy,” who should be first in line, Francis said in off-the-cuff The “green growth strategy” urges utilities remarks from his prepared text, calling the Photo AP PC : to bolster renewables and hydrogen while development of such vaccines “light of try to rein in holiday infections allow people domestic violence during these months of calling for auto industries to go carbon free hope” for the world. to leave their homes on Christmas for only lockdown.” by the mid-2030s. urgent reasons like work, health, visits to “We can’t let closed nationalisms impede us nearby loved ones or exercise close to home. Noting that the “American continent” was Suga, in a policy speech in October, pledged from living as the true human family that we particularly hard-hit by COVID-19, he said to achieve net zero carbon emissions in 30 are,” the pope said. The pandemic’s repercussions on life that the pandemic compounded suffering, years. As the world faces an environmental dominated Francis’ reflections on the past “often aggravated by the consequences challenge, green investment is an opportunity He called on the leaders of nations, year. of corruption and drug trafficking.” In for growth not a burden, he said. businesses and international organizations to particular he cited the suffering of the “promote cooperation and not competition, “At this moment in history, marked by the Venezuelan people. and to search for a solution for all.” ecological crisis and grave economic and social imbalances only worsened by the On a day when Christians recall Jesus as Amid a surge of coronavirus infections this coronavirus pandemic, it is all the more a baby, Francis drew attention to the “too fall in Italy, Francis broke with tradition for important for us to acknowledge one another many children in all the world, especially Christmas. Instead of delivering his “Urbi et as brothers and sisters,” Francis said. in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the Orbi” speech — Latin for “to the city and high price of war.” to the world” — outdoors from the central Fraternity and compassion applies to people loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, he read it from “even though they do not belong to my Among others he said sorely needed comfort inside a cavernous hall at the Apostolic family, my ethnic group or my religion,” he at Christmas time were the Iraqi people, and Palace, flanked by two Christmas trees with said. “in particular the Yazidi, hard hit by the last blinking lights. years of war.” And, he said, “I cannot forgot Francis prayed that the birth of Jesus would the Rohingya people,” adding that he hoped Normally, tens of thousands of people would inspire people to be “generous, supportive that Jesus, “born poor among the poor, will have crowded into St. Peter’s Square to and helpful″ to those in need, including those bring hope in their suffering.” receive the pope’s Christmas blessing and struggling with ”the economic effects of the listen to his speech. But Italian measures to pandemic and women who have suffered Credit : Associated Press (AP) country to approve a Chinese COVID-19 Chinese vaccines are poised to vaccine, joining the United Arab Emirates. Morocco plans to use Chinese vaccines in a mass immunization campaign slated to fill gap, but will they work? start this month. Chinese vaccines are also awaiting approval in Turkey, Indonesia and Photo AP PC : W ith rich countries snapping up supplies 2 billion doses. For those countries that have Brazil, while testing continues in more than of COVID-19 vaccines, some parts not yet secured a vaccine, China may be the a dozen countries, including Russia, Egypt The strategy, which provides a roadmap of the world may have to rely on Chinese- only solution. and Mexico. to achieving the goals in different sectors, developed shots to try to conquer the projected 30-50% increase in electricity outbreak. The question: Will they work? China has six candidates in the last stage In some countries, Chinese vaccines are demand and called for a push to triple of trials and is one of the few nations that viewed with suspicion. Brazil’s President renewables in the country’s energy mix to can manufacture vaccine on a large scale. Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly sown doubt about 50-60% from the current level, while Government officials have announced about the effectiveness of Chinese company also maximizing use of nuclear power as a a capacity of 1 billion doses next year, Sinovac’s vaccine candidate without citing stable, clean source of energy. with President Xi Jinping vowing China’s any evidence, and said Brazilians won’t be vaccines will be a boon to the world. used as “guinea pigs.” Many experts praise But it was unclear if Suga has the political China’s vaccine capabilities. heft to overcome vested interests in weaning The potential use of its vaccine by millions resource-poor Japan from its reliance on of people in other countries gives China an “The studies look to be well done,” said imported oil and gas. opportunity both to repair the damage to its Jamie Triccas, head of immunology and reputation from an outbreak that escaped its infectious diseases at the University of The strategy identified 14 industries, such as borders and to show the world it can be a Sydney’s medical school, referring to offshore wind, hydrogen and fuel ammonia PC : AP Photo AP PC : major scientific player. clinical trial results published in scientific as well as autos and rechargeable batteries journals. “I wouldn’t be overly concerned and roadmap for each sector. The strategy Yet past scandals have damaged its There is no outward reason to believe they about that.” shows an installation target for offshore won’t, but China has a history of vaccine own citizens’ trust in its vaccines, with wind power of up to 45 gigawatts by 2040. scandals, and its drugmakers have revealed manufacturing and supply chain problems China has been building up its immunization little about their final human trials and casting doubt on whether it can really be a programs for more than a decade. It has Under the strategy, the government is also to the more than 1 million emergency-use savior. produced successful vaccines on a large provide tax incentives and other support to inoculations they say have been carried out scale for its own population, including encourage investment into green technology, “A question mark remains over how China inside the country already. vaccinations for measles and hepatitis, said and projected an annual growth of 90 trillion can ensure the delivery of reliable vaccines,” Jin Dong-yan, a medical professor at the yen ($870 billion) by 2030 and 190 trillion said Joy Zhang, a professor who studies the University of Hong Kong. yen ($1.8 trillion) by 2050. Wealthy nations have reserved about 9 ethics of emerging science at the University billion of the 12 billion mostly Western- of Kent in Britain. She cited China’s “non- “There are no major outbreaks in China for The government will offer tax incentives and developed shots expected to be produced transparency over scientific data and a any of these diseases,” he said. “That means other financial support to companies, such as next year, while COVAX, a global effort to troubled history with vaccine delivery.” the vaccines are safe and effective.” a 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) green fund. ensure equal access to COVID-19 vaccines, has fallen short of i ts promised capacity of Bahrain last week became the second Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 12 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

Art & Lifestyle NEW DELHI TIMES India my India A Poem by Shri Prakash The land as bright as the sun made rich by the lair of many lions Buddha’s Nirvana and Guru Nanak’s Lives gracefully in millions of homes which is the biggest star and the coils of Shiva’s Pythons Granth Wishing for rebirth for another life One that can easily be seen from far where the jungles are as delightful All nestle smilingly in the spirit of in the same Paradise where there is no Full of the bio- diversity of Nature as the villages and the cities are colorful. everyone’s devotion dearth Peacefully and with little commotion of unmatched love and goodness on this Earth, Having an unmatched stature The festivals are many since the people of Compassion and Compromise, whose rivers have flown eagerly Worship all God’s known to humankind No wonder the numbers are so many where synthesis is the fashion, for many centuries Everybody wants to come for a visit or to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali and and co-existence is the Prize. watering its fertile lands Shakti, stay full of fresh alluvium and very few sands to walk on or build with Indian clay The bounteous Jesus Christ with much Prosperity is the goal and Progress the bhakti, People are happy in their wealth and means Where the snows of the frozen Himalayas Mohammad’s great Allah and the Sikh poverty to reach the cherished destination merge into the green of endless forests Panth, So, Humanity blooms into billions of a wealthy and secure Indian Nation. Christmas Eve Ivry Gitlis, a concert held in violinist who Paris’ fire-wrecked spanned genres, Notre Dame earing hard hats and protective suits, dies at 98 W members of the choir of Notre Dame vry Gitlis, an acclaimed violinist who Cathedral sang inside the medieval Paris I played with famed conductors, rock landmark for the first time since last year’s stars and jazz bands around the world and devastating fire for a special Christmas Eve PC : AP Photo AP PC : worked to make classical music accessible concert. to the masses, has died in Paris at 98. The concert — including “Silent Night” Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church across Accompanied by an acclaimed cellist and a in English and French, “The Hymn of the from the Louvre Museum instead of Notre France’s Culture Minister announced rented organ, the singers performed beneath Angels,” and even “Jingle Bells” — was Dame. his death, hailing him as “a magnificent the cathedral’s stained-glass windows amid recorded earlier this month and broadcast. performer, a generous musician” who the darkened church, which is transitioning The public was not allowed and isn’t The Notre Dame choir used to give 60 dedicated his life “to serving all kinds of from being a precarious hazardous clean- expected to see the insides of Notre Dame concerts a year inside the cathedral but has music.” The cause of death and plans for up operation to becoming a massive until at least 2024. been itinerant ever since, moving among funeral arrangements were not immediately reconstruction site. The choir initially other Paris churches. announced. planned to bring in 20 singers but for safety The diocese called it a “highly symbolic reasons they were limited to eight. concert ... marked with emotion and hope,” The April 2019 fire consumed the cathedral’s and a celebration of a “musical heritage that lead roof and destroyed its spire, and only The choir members stood socially distanced dates to the Middle Ages.” earlier this month did workers finally to be able to take off their masks — which stabilize the site enough to begin rebuilding. is required indoors in France to stem the The archbishop of Paris, Monsignor Michel spread of the virus — and sing. Aupetit, held Christmas Eve services in Credit : Associated Press (AP) Epicurious is

righting cultural Photo AP PC :

wrongs one recipe Recognizable in recent decades by his long white hair and distinctive caps and PC : AP Photo at a time scarves, Gitlis began playing in the 1920s ith a new Black editor in chief and one effort on a full plate of initiatives, said employees to leave earlier this year after and performed into the 2010s. The Paris W ambitious promises to do better, a little Sonia Chopra, who’s been executive editor Editor-in-Chief Adam Rapoport resigned Philharmonic celebrated “one of the longest corner of the Conde Nast universe is taking of Bon Appetit and Epicurious for about over a 2004 Halloween “brownface” photo and most prolific careers in the history of on racial and cultural injustice one recipe at four months, working under the new editor and amid allegations of racial discrimination. music.” a time. in chief, Dawn Davis. In all, the 25-year-old Gitlis was born in Haifa in 1922, and sent to While Conde Nast studies pay equity, and site (with a staff of 10) is a repository of a the Paris Conservatory at age 10 under the has issued apologies and pledges to do such Since July, the small staff at Epicurious, massive 35,000 recipes from Bon Appetit, guidance of violinist Bronislaw Huberman, things as expand unconscious-bias education a resource site for home cooks, has been Gourmet, Self, House & Garden and the ministry said. He continued training in and create inclusion and diversity plans, the scouring 55 years’ worth of recipes from a Epicurious itself. They stretch back to 1965. Europe and the U.S., where he performed Archive Repair Project rolls on. The bulk of variety of Conde Nast magazines in search with leading conductors starting in the Epicurious site traffic goes to the archive, of objectionable titles, ingredient lists and “The language that we use to talk about food 1950s. stories told through a white American lens. has evolved so much from, sure, the 1960s mostly recipes but also articles and other “It came after Black Lives Matter, after a lot but also the 1990s, and I think it is our duty editorial work, Tamarkin and Chopra said. Gitlis performed with the Rolling Stones of consciousness-raising among the editors as journalists, as people who work in food and jazz stars, appeared on French television “Being such an old site, we’re full of a lot of and staff,” said David Tamarkin, the white media, to make sure that we are reflecting shows and founded a French music festival ideas about American cooking that really go digital director for Epicurious. “It came out that appropriately,” Chopra said. in the 1970s where listeners ate and slept in through a white lens,” Tamarkin said. “We of conversations that we had about how a field while listening to music. know that American cooking is Mexican we can do better, where are we failing and Epicurious and Bon Appetit have been at the American cooking and Indian American Among his many worldwide appearances, where have our predecessors failed?” center of accusations that also plague others cooking and Nigerian American cooking, Gitlis was the first Israeli musician to in the food world: undervaluing staffers of that that’s the kind of cooking that’s really perform in Soviet Russia, in 1963, according Called the Archive Repair Project, the work color, perpetuating structural racism, racial happening in this country every day. to Le Monde. is also an outgrowth of complaints and and gender discrimination, and more. Some controversies at Conde Nast. But it’s just of those issues led several Bon Appetit Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 13

THIS DAY | THAT YEAR | NEW DELHI TIMES

December 28, 2012

Vladimir Putin signed into law a ban on US adoption of Russian children on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

December 29, 2016

US President Barack Obama retaliated against Russia for hacking American computer systems and trying to influence the 2016 presidential election by PC : Getty Images ejecting 35 Russian spies and imposing sanctions on this day that year.

December 30, 1987

Robert Mugabe was elected as the President of PC : Getty Images Zimbabwe on this day that year.

December 31, 1999

Passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 were released after India swapped its prisoner on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

January 1, 1912 Sun Yat-sen formed the Republic of China on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

January 2, 1988

Brian Mulroney & Ronald Reagan signed the Canada- US free trade agreement on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

January 3, 1977 Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs incorporated Apple Computer, Inc on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 14 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

Delhi/NCR NEW DELHI TIMES Sisodia praises COVID-19 vaccine will be administered Delhi teachers for to 51 lakh people in first phase: Kejriwal producing quality online content ◆ By NDT Bureau

@NewDelhiTimes PC : Getty Images [email protected] and 12. We have also introduced subject D elhi Deputy Chief Minister and wise worksheets for students of classes KG

Education Minister Manish Sisodia to 10,” he said in a statement. PC : Getty Images has appreciated the teachers of Delhi for producing e-learning content that is getting Kejriwal said 1.2 crore doses are needed “Highly innovative content was designed to ◆ By NDT Bureau global recognition. engage the students who had been relegated to cover priority categories comprising to study from within the confines of their @NewDelhiTimes healthcare workers, police, civil defence “It is a matter of pride for us that the online volunteers, those aged above 50 and people homes. [email protected] classes of Delhi Government school teachers aged below 50 with associated comorbidities are being accessed in approximately 20 such as diabetes, heart ailments among other. “Quizzes, talk shows, cartoon characters, elhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal countries including the UK, the USA, art integration et al were introduced in D has said that in the first phase, 51 lakh Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, “Our healthcare workers such as doctors, the online classes to actively engage the people will be administered the COVID-19 Philippines, Malaysia and Nepal, among nurses, paramedic staff and so on will be the students,” Sisodia said. vaccine in Delhi. others,” he said. first ones to get the vaccine does in Delhi. “Moreover, topics with important social We have identified 3 lakh healthcare workers Sisodia said that the Delhi government messages relating to the Covid19 pandemic “The Corona situation in Delhi has improved who will be vaccinated. Next, will be the recognised the value of online learning in the like taking necessary health precautions, over the past few days. The positivity rate has frontline workers which include police, absence of in-person attendance in schools. communal harmony, or sensitizing the come down below 1% now. But, everyone civil defence volunteers and municipal students to other environment challenges is waiting for the vaccine now. The Delhi workers. There are 6 lakh such persons. “The Delhi government immediately took were taught. government has made all arrangements and Third category is of those who are 50 years stock of the situation and devised a plan is ready to receive the vaccine doses form of age or ilder and those below 50 years who to minimize the teaching-learning loss. “So far, the feedback has been extremely the Central government, to store it and to have co-morbid conditions. There are 42 The teachers then started online classes for positive from the students and parents administer it to the identified people,” he lakh persons under the third category,” said government school students of classes 11 alike,” he added. said. Kejriwal. Delhi government plans to issue QR based health card to everyone under health information management system (HIMS)

◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes [email protected]

he Delhi government has formulated a T plan to issue QR based health card to all PC : Getty Images people of Delhi in order to track their clinical details. According to a Delhi government said the statement. A centralized call center statement, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind will be established at two levels to implement Kejriwal has asked officials to finalise the this scheme. In the first level, the call center tender for issuing of the e-health cards and operator will get the calls and messages of select a vendor by February 2021. This is the people. The operator will give the caller being done as part of the Health Information relevant information and finally his report will Management System (HIMS). be made. In the second level, the doctors and experts of Delhi Government will give time to “The Chief Minister directed the officials meet the patient while receiving the call and to ensure that the tender of the health card message. is finalised at the earliest and the vendor is selected by February 2021. He also After the implementation of HIMS, Delhi will instructed to ensure that the distribution of become the only state in the country to have a the health cards is started at the earliest,” cloud-based health management system. All Industries in Delhi should switch over to PNG: Air Quality Commission number of Industries are using PNG, the ◆ By NDT Bureau Commission stressed the need to switch @NewDelhiTimes over to PNG by all identified Industries in Delhi considering the fact that industrial [email protected] sector is one of the major contributors to ccording to the Commission for air pollution in Delhi and National Capital A Air Quality Management in NCR Region. and Adjoining Areas, 1644 of Industrial Units spread across 50 industrial areas in Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and Delhi should switch over to Piped Natural Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) Gas (PNG). According to a press release were impressed upon to complete the by the Ministry of Environment, Forest pipeline network, metering and associated and Climate Change, “Though sizeable infrastructure. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 15

National NEW DELHI TIMES DRDO successfully Toll collection through FASTag launches MRSAM ◆ By NDT Bureau crosses Rs 80 crore a day: NHAI @NewDelhiTimes [email protected] ◆ By NDT Bureau n December 23, 2020, the Defence @NewDelhiTimes O Research and Development Organisation [email protected] (DRDO) conducted the maiden launch of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile he National Highway Authority of (MRSAM) Army Version from Integrated T India (NHAI) has said that electronic Test Range, Chandipur, off the Coast of toll collection through FASTag has crossed Odisha at about1600 hrs. Rs 80 crore a day with record 50 lakh necessary arrangements to provide seamless FASTag is linked to a prepaid account transactions per day. movement of vehicles at toll plazas, it said. from which the applicable toll amount is The missile destroyed the high speed Adoption of FASTag has helped highway deducted. The tag employs Radio-frequency unmanned aerial target which was “The toll collection through FASTag users save time and fuel at the toll plazas, Identification (RFID) technology and is mimicking an aircraft with a direct hit. first time crossed Rs 80 crore per day on NHAI said. affixed on the vehicle’s windscreen after the December 24, 2020, with record 50 lakh tag account is active. FASTag transactions per day, a historical FASTag is a simple to use, reloadable tag landmark,” NHAI said in a statement. which enables automatic deduction of FASTag is presently operational at 180 toll toll charges and lets you pass through the plazas across national and state highways. With FASTag being mandatory for vehicles toll plaza without stopping for the cash More toll plazas will be brought under the from January 1, 2021, the NHAI has made all transaction. FASTag program in the future. Reserve Bank of Consumer rights ruled India warns against unauthorised Digital notified by Power Ministry

Lending Platforms/ ◆ By NDT Bureau Mobile Apps @NewDelhiTimes [email protected] ◆ By NDT Bureau PC : Twitter: @DRDO_India PC : Twitter: @NewDelhiTimes he Rights of consumers and to mandate T standards of service such as electricity [email protected] According to an official release, army supply has been notified by the Union power version of MRSAM is a surface to Air ministry. The rules also provide for penalties he Reserve of Bank of India has Missile developed jointly by DRDO, India against power distribution firms in case the consumer charter. The latest rules empowers T cautioned against borrowing from and IAI, Israel for use of the Indian Army. maintenance of the mandated standards of consumers and introduce new supply rights for unauthorised Digital Lending Platforms/ MRSAM Army weapon system comprises services are not met. them. The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Mobile apps. of Command post, Multi-Function Radar The Ministry said that the implementation Rules, 2020, seek timely and simplified and Mobile Launcher system. RBI has said that legitimate public lending of the rules shall ensure that new electricity procedure for connections, expedited activities can be undertaken by Banks, Non- connections, refunds, and other such services modification of the existing ones, 2% to 5% The complete Fire Unit has been used during Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are given or provided in a time-bound rebate on serving bills with a delay of 60 the launch in the deliverable configuration. registered with RBI and other entities who manner. It also added that willful disregard days or more. It allows payment of all bills The team from the users i.e. Indian Army are regulated by the State Governments for consumer rights will result in penalties worth Rs 1,000 or more online. also witnessed the launch. Number of under statutory provisions, such as the for service providers. The rules are aimed The policy also proposes license suspension range instruments such as Radar, Telemetry money lending acts of the concerned states. to benefit around 300 million existing and in case of non-availability of adequate power and Electro-Optical Tracking System prospective consumers. The ministry had supply arrangements and the imposition of were deployed and captured the complete published a set of draft rights for electricity penalties in case of any disruptions in the mission data, validating the weapon system consumers under the Electricity Act, 2003, supply to consumers, except for cases due to performance including the destruction of the in the month of September which contains a major technical faults. target. Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal says Board exams will be postponed mode and not online. Schools across the ◆ By NDT Bureau country were closed in March to contain A statement by the RBI said: “Members of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. They public are hereby cautioned not to fall prey @NewDelhiTimes were partially reopened in some states from to such unscrupulous activities and verify the [email protected] October 15. However, a few states have antecedents of the company/ firm offering decided to keep them closed in view of a rise loans online or through mobile apps. nion Education Minister Ramesh in the number of infections. U Pokhriyal said that the board exams Moreover, consumers should never share will not be conducted in January or February Board exams had to be postponed mid-way copies of KYC documents with unidentified as it is not possible to conduct them online in March. They were later canceled, and persons, unverified/unauthorised Apps. during the virtual interaction with the results were announced on the basis of an teachers. One should report such Apps/Bank Account alternative assessment scheme. deciding the dates for board examinations information associated with the Apps to for classes 10 and 12 are in process. There concerned law enforcement agencies or use The Central Board of Secondary Education During the interaction with the students have been demands for postponement of Sachet portal (https://sachet.rbi.org.in) to (CBSE) had earlier announced that board about the Board Examination, Pokhriyal had board exams to May in view of the continued file an on-line complaint”. exams in 2021 will be conducted in written said that consultations with stakeholders for closure of schools.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 16 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

Neighbourhood NEW DELHI TIMES US, UN slam Court orders release of man targeted killings charged in Daniel Pearl killing of prominent Afghan civilians A provincial court in Pakistan ordered the release of a British-born Pakistani man fficials in Afghanistan say gunmen charged in the 2002 murder of American O killed the head of an independent journalist Daniel Pearl. elections watchdog in Kabul, the latest casualty in a string of mostly unclaimed The Sindh High Court’s release order recent attacks against prominent civilians. overturns government detention orders that Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the key suspect The violence has claimed the lives of dozens in Pearl’s slaying, should remain in custody. of people, particularly in the Afghan capital. Sheikh was acquitted earlier this year of The victims include civil society activists, murdering Pearl, but has been held while journalists, politicians and government Pearl’s family appeals the acquittal. officials. Police said Mohammad Yousuf Rasheed, “The detention order is struck down,” said executive director of the Free and Fair Faisal Siddiqi, the family’s lawyer. He said Election Forum of Afghanistan (FEFA),

Sheikh would be freed until the appeal is Photo AP PC : was traveling to his office in the city when completed, but would return to prison if unknown assailants sprayed his vehicle the family is successful in overturning the acquitted them, a move that stunned the U.S. explosives hidden in his shoes. with bullets. The attack also left his driver acquittal. government, Pearl’s family and journalism advocacy groups. A gruesome video of Pearl’s beheading was wounded. However, Siddiqi said the Sindh provincial sent to the U.S. consulate. The 38-year-old Elsewhere in Kabul, officials said a bomb government is appealing the order to release The acquittal is now being appealed Wall Street Journal reporter from Encino, attached to a police vehicle went off, killing Sheikh. separately by both the Pakistani government California was abducted Jan. 23, 2002. an officer in the vehicle and injuring two and Pearl’s family. The government has others. Sheikh’s lawyer Mehmood A. Sheikh, with opposed Sheikh’s release, saying it would In Sheikh’s original trial, emails between whom he is not related, called for his client’s endanger the public. The Supreme Court Sheikh and Pearl presented in court showed immediate release. will resume its hearing on January 5. Sheikh gained Pearl’s confidence sharing their experiences as both waited for the birth The court order, a copy of which was Siddiqi, the Pearl family lawyer, said he of their first child. Pearl’s wife Marianne obtained by The Associated Press, said the expects the appeal to be decided by the Pearl gave birth to a son, Adam, in May provincial government’s detention orders Supreme Court by the end of January. 2002. were illegal and that neither the provincial nor the federal government had cause to Sheikh was convicted of helping lure Pearl Evidence entered into court accused Sheikh keep Sheikh or three others, also charged in to a meeting in the southern Pakistani port of luring Pearl to his death, giving the Pearl’s murder, behind bars. city of Karachi, in which he was kidnapped. American journalist a false sense of security Pearl had been investigating the link between as he promised to introduce him to a cleric Sheikh was sentenced to death and the Pakistani militants and Richard C. Reid, with militant links. PC : Getty Images others to life in prison for their role in the dubbed the “Shoe Bomber” after trying to plot. But in April, the Sindh High Court blow up a flight from Paris to Miami with Credit : Associated Press (AP) The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, condemned Rasheed’s assassination and other attacks UNDP gives 55 India gives COVID-19 RT-PCR against “so many outstanding citizens,” laptops to Sri Lanka urging authorities to bring to justice those test kits to Bhutan responsible. to facilitate remote “Targeted killings of civilians are taking place at a deeply disturbing rate in court hearings Afghanistan,” said a mission statement. ◆ By NDT Bureau UNAMA noted that the conflict-torn country has seen the killing of a lawmaker as well @NewDelhiTimes as a well-known journalist and a group of [email protected] medics.

PC : Getty Images “Such dreadful attacks are rarely claimed he United Nations Development Program kits will assist Bhutan’s Ministry of Health and frequently focus on those working for T (UNDP) has handed over 55 laptops to the ◆ By NDT Bureau in carrying out essential testing, given an open society,” it said. Sri Lankan Ministry of Justice, so that remote the recent enforcement of a nationwide court hearings through the digital medium may @NewDelhiTimes The bomb blast on medics was, however, lockdown in the country. With the be facilitated. The laptops are to be used to [email protected] claimed by the Afghan branch of Islamic outbreak of COVID-19, India acted facilitate the expansion of remote court hearings State terror group. The attack killed three quickly in responding to and addressing in the courts identified by the Judicial Service n December 24, India delivered a doctors and two other persons onboard a the challenges in the region. Commission, the Ministry said. O consignment of COVID-19 RT-PCR vehicle that was targeted. test kits for 20,000 tests to Bhutan. As a close friend and neighbour, India has The United States also denounced Rasheed’s According to a tweet by UNDP in Sri The delivery took place at Phuentsholing. accorded utmost priority to the requirements assassination. “I am appalled by his murder, Lanka (@)UNDPSriLanka), “Increased According to a press release by Embassy of Bhutan. Since March 2020, the Government another in a cacophony of senseless & vulnerabilities created by the pandemic of India, Thimpu, Bhutan, the delivery of India has delivered nine consignments of endless violence. My condolences to all have led to a surge in legal needs. Access of these kits was in keeping with Prime essential medicines (including Paracetamol, those who knew him,” tweeted Ross Wilson, to legal services & information remains Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that Cetrizine, Hydroxychloroquine) and medical the acting U.S. ambassador in Kabul. critical now more than ever. People & India would standby its close friend and equipment (including PPE kits, N95 masks, RT- their rights must be front & center in neighbour, Bhutan, in fighting the effects of PCR test kits, x-ray machine) to Bhutan. India is Wilson hailed Rasheed as a dedicated #COVID19 response & recovery. We are the COVID-19 pandemic. also collaborating with Bhutan for conducting and steadfast advocate for representative happy to extend @UNDP’s support to the Phase-III clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine democracy in Afghanistan. Ministry of Justice in #SriLanka to bring According to a press release by the Indian candidates. about digital transformation in the justice Embassy in Bhutan, “This is the 9th “He worked tirelessly for years to ensure sector & to build smarter justice systems consignment of medical supplies handed Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj stated: “India free & transparent elections that engaged all which will strengthen service delivery over by the Government of India to the stands alongside Bhutan. Together, we will Afghans. His death is a loss for his family, of the justice administrations & enhance Royal Government of Bhutan since March fight theCOVID-19 pandemic, through a friends & nation,” the U.S. ambassador said. #AccessToJustice for all”. 2020.The delivery of these RT-PCR test sustainable recovery.” Credit : Voice of America (VOA) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 17

North America NEW DELHI TIMES US says new legislation in Mexico could limit cooperation in fighting drug cartels

◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes [email protected]

n December 15, the Lower House of O Mexico’s Congress overwhelmingly approved a law limiting foreign agents operating in the country and lifting their immunity in a decision. The law requires all foreign agents, from any country, to share all information they gather with Mexican authorities.

It also would require any Mexican officials they contact to submit a written report to federal authorities. The proposal also specifies that any Mexican public servant - state, federal or local - who has as much as a phone call or text message from a US agent would be required “to deliver a written report to the Foreign Relations Department and the Public Safety Department within PC : Getty Images three days.” The bill enjoys the support of horrific violence, including torture and Mexico. Media outlets reported that the his reservations and said that this would Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez murder, in order to protect against challenges charges have been dropped under pressure seriously limit the fight against drug Obrador. from rival drug trafficking organizations, from the Mexican federal government, which cartels in the Mexico. The measure fight for territory and silence those who had threatened to expel DEA agents from “would have the effect of making This legislation is seen as an aftermath of the would cooperate with law enforcement,” the country. Mexico’s Foreign Secretary cooperation between our countries more arrest of former Mexican Defence Minister stated the prosecutors. The arrest of Zepeda Marcelo Ebrard said after the arrest, “We difficult,” Barr wrote. General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda by the gave rise to strong anti-US passion in have an alliance against organized crime US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). He Mexican armed forces. On November 18, and it was not, for us, the government of “This would make the citizens of Mexico and was accused of taking a bribe for permitting 2020, American authorities dropped charges Mexico, understandable that being allies we the United States less safe.” “The passage of the H-2 cartel based in Nayarit and Sinaloa, against Cienfuegos Zepeda who has been in would not be notified”. this legislation can only benefit the violent to operate in Mexico. “In Mexico, the the US detention for over a month. transnational criminal organizations and H-2 Cartel trafficked in hundreds of lethal After Mexico passed the legislation, the US other criminals that we are jointly fighting,” firearms and committed countless acts of They also agreed to send him back to Attorney General, William Barr, expressed he added. Biden’s relations with the US Intelligence Community The Trump Presidency was characterised by ◆ By NDT Bureau souring of relations with both the DNI and @NewDelhiTimes the USIC. Trump made use of terms such as “deep state” and “witch hunt” in reference [email protected] to the US intelligence. One of the reasons for the sour relations between Trump and the ne of the major policy challenges US intelligence community was attributed to O before the new United States the latter’s charges of Russian meddling in President Joe Biden is the realigning of the US Presidential election. the government’s relations with the US Intelligence Community (USIC). Biden has Many members of the intelligence nominated Avril Haines as the Director of community also accused Trump of National Intelligence (DNI). Haines, 51, politicising the relations between the is expected to be playing a key national two entities - the administration and the security role in the Biden transition. intelligence. Peter Welch, a Democrat on the House of Representatives’ intelligence She will become the first woman to be the committee stated, “The problems we have DNI. “Mr. President-elect, you know I’ve with intelligence were a function of Donald never shied away from speaking truth to Trump’s demands that the intelligence power,” she said. “I accept this nomination serves his political interests”. knowing that you would never want me to do otherwise ... even when what I have to Biden thus faces a challenging task say may be inconvenient or difficult, and I of restoring healthy relations with the assure you, there will be those times.” intelligence community. However, former officials say that Biden and his intelligence The DNI was created after the 9/11 attack and chiefs face a harder time regaining trust serves as the head of the U.S. Intelligence among the more than 70 million Americans Community, overseeing and directing the who voted for Trump. implementation of the National Intelligence Program and acting as the principal advisor Thomas Fingar, a former chief U.S. to the President, the National Security intelligence analyst, was quoted, “It will be Council, and the Homeland Security Council PC : Getty Images difficult returning intelligence to its proper for intelligence matters related to national advice and consent of the Senate. The DNI integrate all national and homeland security under-the-radar role at a time when many security. works closely with a President-appointed, intelligence in defence of the homeland on Capitol Hill and in the country believe it Senate-confirmed Principal Deputy Director and in support of the U.S. national security has been politicized, either by or against the The President appoints the DNI with the of National Intelligence to effectively interests. Trump administration”.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 18 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

Africa NEW DELHI TIMES Worsening humanitarian plight of civilians in Tigray conflict draws international concerns

◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes [email protected]

t is now almost seven weeks that PC : Getty Images I conflict started in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. On November 5, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the military to confront the country’s well-armed Tigray regional government, accusing it of a deadly attack on a military base and declaring “the last red line has been crossed” after months of alleged provocations. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, declared victory in early December but local reports suggest there are still some clashes in areas of Tigray. humanitarian law and human rights law, militia had committed human rights abuses, to the EU, humanitarian partners working in including artillery strikes on populated including killing civilians and looting, Ethiopia will receive an extra €18.8 million Ethiopia has announced a monetary reward areas, the deliberate targeting of civilians, in addition to unverified allegations that and €2 million will go to Sudan to help for providing information about the rebellious extrajudicial killings and widespread Eritrean troops were present in Tigray and with the influx of refugees from Tigray. In Tigray leaders. The Ethiopian government is looting,” said the High Commissioner. had been involved in the hostilities and addition, €2.9 million will be mobilised to offering 10 million Birr (around $257,000) serious violations of international laws. address the fast-deteriorating food security for information leading to the capture of the “These reports point to failure by the parties situation of refugees in Kenya. leaders of Tigray Peoples Liberation Front to the conflict to protect civilians. This is all On December 11, the UN High who led the region’s conflict against the the more concerning given that fighting is Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, The African Union, following a meeting of the federal government. “The offer is made to said to be continuing, particularly in some on the situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region Intergovernmental Authority on Development apprehend the TPLF leaders in a short span areas of north, central and southern Tigray,” called for ensuring safe and unhindered (IGAD), which brought together the leaders of of time,” Lt. Gen. Asrat Denero said on state she said. Tens of thousands of civilians have access for humanitarian workers in Tigray Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and Sudan, as well broadcaster. already been displaced or have fled across region in accordance with the principles as officials from other neighbouring countries, the border to Sudan. Bachelet also echoed of neutrality and impartiality. More than also expressed concerns at the humanitarian The conflict in Tigray has fast escalated into the concern expressed by the UNHCR, 50,000 Ethiopians, mainly from Tigray, have situation in the Tigray region. However, the a humanitarian crisis and this has drawn the the UN Refugee Agency, for “the safety fled across the border to Sudan. “Ethiopian African Union has also stated that the Federal concerns of the United Nations and other and wellbeing of some 96,000 Eritrean refugees in Sudan have expressed a desire to government of Ethiopia took bold steps to major international actors. On December 22, refugees registered in four camps in Tigray return home and rebuild their lives, but only preserve the unity, stability and respect for the United Nations High Commissioner for when fighting started”. Citing many alleged when they can be assured of their safety and the Constitutional order of the country; which Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, expressed atrocities, the UN Rights Chief pointed to security”, a statement attributed to Grandi is legitimate for all states. Ethiopian Prime concerns over the plight of civilians in the the alleged mass killing of several hundred said. Minister Abiy Ahmed tweeted: “I express conflict affected regions, the continuing lack people, mainly Amharans, in the western my deepest gratitude to IGAD leaders for of overall humanitarian access, coupled with Tigray town of Mai Kadra, on November 9. The European Union announced on understanding and acknowledging our law an ongoing communications blackout in December 19, that the humanitarian funding enforcement measures as legal and legitimate, many areas. “We have received allegations The High Commissioner also pointed to for addressing the crisis in the Tigray area has as well as for expressing commitment to concerning violations of international multiple reports that the Amhara “Fano” been increased by €23.7 million. According supporting #Ethiopia.” Kidnapping of schoolboys in Katsina province indicates a growing geographical reach of Boko Haram in Nigeria Prophet. They are also not teaching what ◆ By NDT Bureau Allah and his Holy Prophet commanded. @NewDelhiTimes They are rather destroying Islam. It may be subtle, but Allah the Lord of the skies and [email protected] earths knows whatever is hidden. May Allah promote Islam. n December 11, an attack took place O at the Government Science Secondary May we die as Muslims,” the media stated. School, an all-boys secondary school in A video was also released later purportedly Kankara, Katsina State, the home state of showing some of the hundreds of kidnapped Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerian schoolboys with the Boko Haram More than 300 children were abducted. On militant group. The video, which featured December 12, the Nigerian armed forces Boko Haram’s logo, showed a distressed PC : Getty Images said that they found the gang’s hideout in teenager surrounded by a large group of a forest and exchanged gunfire with them. boys saying he was one of the 520 students his administration’s successful efforts to Haram remains a persistent security threat On December 15, 2020, the Boko Haram kidnapped by the “gang of Abu Shekau.” secure the release of previously abducted in Nigeria and can strike at will. Moreover, claimed responsibility for the attack. students. He added that the government the kidnapping incident took place in the The kidnapped boys were released on “is acutely aware of its responsibility Katsina province, which is located in North- According to a report in a Nigerian Daily, December 17. As per reports in the Nigerian to protect the life and property of the Western Nigeria. Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram media, the boys arrived by bus in the capital Nigerians.” “We have a lot of work to do, claimed responsibility for the abduction of of Katsina, and were met by Nigerian especially now that we have reopened the This signifies that Boko Haram has expanded the boys. He said in an audio message that President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari borders,” Buhari said, acknowledging that its influence beyond the North-Eastern the action was carried out to “promote Islam welcomed their release, calling it “a big the Northwest region “presents a problem” regions of Nigeria, where the group has and discourage un-Islamic practices”. “What relief to their families, the entire country and the administration “is determined to carried out the majority of its acts, including happened in Katsina was done to promote and to the international community,” deal with.” the one in April 2014, when more than 270 Islam and discourage un-Islamic practices according to a statement from his office. schoolgirls were taken from their dormitory as Western education is not the type of Amid an outcry in the West African nation Although the boys were rescued, the at the Government Secondary School in education permitted by Allah and his Holy over insecurity in the north, Buhari noted kidnapping incident has shown that Boko Chibok in the Borno State. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 19

South America NEW DELHI TIMES Argentine Colombia leader: Peru reaches 1 man cleared in Undocumented Venezuelans million confirmed deadly bombing Coronavirus won’t get vaccines infections at Jewish center olombia’s President says that group from a vaccination program would be eru has passed 1 million confirmed Court said it has cleared the only C Venezuelan migrants who are living counterproductive and unethical. P cases of coronavirus infection, A Argentine still facing charges in the in the country without residence permits becoming the fifth nation in Latin America 1994 bombing that killed 85 people at a won’t be given free COVID-19 vaccines “It’s important to protect everyone from to report that number as the region struggles Jewish cultural center in the nation’s capital. when those arrive in the South American COVID-19 without distinction” said Dr. with the pandemic’s economic and health country — possibly leaving hundreds of Juan Carlos Viloria, who leads an association effects. thousands unvaccinated. of Venezuelan immigrants in Colombia. “If you don’t, you put thousands of people at Peru, which has a population of 32 million, In an interview with Blu Radio, President risk, including those in host communities was quick to declare lockdown measures in Ivan Duque said that giving free vaccines to and those who are migrating.” March as the pandemic spread in Europe. undocumented immigrants could “unleash But in spite of closing its airports for almost a stampede” of Venezuelans crossing into Viloria said that international donors could six months and ordering most of its residents neighbouring Colombia to get vaccinated. help Colombia and other countries in the to stay at home it has struggled to contain region to obtain vaccines for Venezuelan the virus. migrants. More than 37,000 people have died from During the first months of the pandemic, COVID-19 in Peru. That gives the Andean PC : AP Photo AP PC : more than 100,000 Venezuelans living in nation the world’s second highest per capita Colombia returned home after losing their The Federal Court ruling came after former death toll from the pandemic, according to jobs. But as Venezuela’s economic crisis has data compiled by John Hopkins University. auto dealer Carlos Telleldín again denied continued to deepen and the minimum wage knowing that the truck he sold would be has fallen to less than $1 a month, thousands Peru began to reactivate its economy in used as a bomb in the attack on the Argentine have returned to Colombia and other South August after case numbers peaked in late Israelite Mutual Association, which caused American countries in search of work. July, but several factors have made it the organization’s main building to collapse. vulnerable. About 70% of the labour force He proclaimed his “total and absolute Many sleep in shelters and make long treks works in the informal economy and is hard innocence.” across the country on foot and on the back pressed to stay at home. Water also is scarce Prosecutors had asked for a 20-year prison of trucks until they reach their destinations. in neighbourhoods on the periphery of large sentence. cities like Lima, which have become focal PC : Getty Images That makes them more likely to catch the points for infection. The ruling, which can be appealed was virus. delivered in a videoconference due to the “Our priority will always be Colombian COVID-19 pandemic. The Court said the citizens” Duque said, though he added that Colombia has registered more than 1.5 basis for the ruling would be released in migrants who have regularized their status million cases of COVID-19 so far, and health coming days. in Colombia would also be eligible for authorities have said that they will start to No one has been convicted in the attack, free vaccines as long as they fall into the implement a national vaccination program which many Argentines believe has come categories that the Ministry of Health has in February. The nation of 50 million people to symbolize an inept and corrupt justice outlined for who gets vaccinated first. has already bought vaccines from Pfizer and system that operates at the whims of is in talks with other companies to acquire more. politicians. More than 1.8 million Venezuelans currently live in Colombia and about 60% of them do Prosecutors say Iranian agents were behind Colombia’s government says it aims to not have a residence permit, according to the attack, the bloodiest terror incident on vaccinate 35 million people next year, Colombian immigration authorities. Argentine soil, and several officials remain starting with health workers, senior citizens on Interpol’s Red List. But none have been and people with diseases that make them extradited to face trial and Iran denies any Duque’s comments were widely rejected by more vulnerable to the virus. involvement. health experts and migrants’ rights groups, Photo AP PC : who said that leaving out a vulnerable Credit : Associated Press (AP) Telleldín was accused initially along with several local police officers of being the Many Peruvians lack simple devices that Iranians’ “local connection” in organizing Venezuela rejects the ICJ judgement can help them stay at home. According to the attack. a recent government study, only 22% of families in working class areas of Peru own “We’re 27 years from the terrible attack on Venezuela Guyana border a refrigerator. Those who don’t must make and we continue to hear, ‘Telleldin knew, regular visits to street markets where the Telleldin assumed, Telleldin believed ...’” ◆ By NDT Bureau virus spreads easily. he told the Court. “I don’t know how to say @NewDelhiTimes that the truck was sold to a person who came As Peru fights the pandemic it has also been in response to a normal advertisement and [email protected] rocked by political turmoil. In November paid.” President Martin Vizcarra was impeached enezuela has categorically rejected the Telleldín spent more than 10 years in jail by Congress over bribes that he allegedly V judgement given by the International starting in 2004 as various cases wound took from a construction company while he Court of Justice on the border controversy through the courts before he was cleared of was a state governor. He was replaced by between Guyana and Venezuela. The earlier charges. Congressional President Manuel Merino, International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled who lasted less than a week in office as big “With its decision, the Court not only Also freed were several former police that it has jurisdiction to hear the Guyana/ protests forced him to resign. officers Telleldin had been accused of Venezuela controversy case. violates its own doctrine established and implicating in return for a $400,000 payment sustained for decades, but also its extensive The new President, Francisco Sagasti, was from the government that was cited as a key Venezuela wants to have direct negotiations jurisprudence. Consequently, Venezuela appointed by Congress and has promised to reason for throwing out the case. with Guyana in a bid to bring a resolution to rejects the decision of the ICJ, in perfect hold elections next year. His government is the matter. accordance with the arguments that it currently struggling to purchase coronavirus Former Federal Judge Juan Jose Galeano, opportunely offered – from its sovereign vaccines from international laboratories and who headed the initial bombing investigation, A statement from the Venezuelan Ministry position of not appearing – to assist with it recently blamed the Vizcarra administration was found guilty of embezzlement and of Foreign Affairs said that by deciding it in its duty to issue a pronouncement where for not completing a purchase with Pfizer for malfeasance and sentenced to six years in possesses jurisdiction over the validity of the the law, the principles of Law and customary 9 million vaccine doses. prison for his handling of the case. 1899 arbitration award, the ICJ “commits an law required him to declare his obvious lack Credit : Associated Press (AP) incomprehensible and unusual error.” of jurisdiction,” the statement said. Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 20 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES UAE ‘insulates’ from Pakistan’s Islamic fanaticism Ta-umra Ghalib yeh bhul karta raha, Dhul chehre pe thi, par aina saaf karta raha Pakistan, fixing visa issue with Emiratis ◆ By NDT Bureau to ensure uninterrupted foreign exchange @NewDelhiTimes inflow should have been his first priority. But he indulged in India-bashing! That [email protected] could have waited. Pakistan’s assumption oet Ghalib’s immortal lines meant: that the UAE cannot afford to lose Pakistanis P “Ghalib continued to commit the same is flawed. Arabs care a hoot for Pakistan and mistake his entire life. The dust was on the can send all Pakistanis back home and risk face but he kept on cleaning the mirror”. all consequences for country’s security. Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi enquired every platform can be counterproductive. Diplomacy facilitates dealing with This unforgettable couplet has been about the reasons. The UAE clarified that The Arabs have a way of thinking which is democratically elected governments around quoted times beyond number but remains visa ban to Pakistanis was initiated because right in their own way and worked for them. the world but Pakistan adopts undiplomatic relevant even today to explain Pakistan’s of “Security Reasons”- reasons India had Pakistani media using words such as ‘it ways to confront India, the US, the OIC, predicament. Now a social outcast in the given while banning Pakistanis to India. The needs to’ and ‘clarify’ is laughable. Millions and France. Pakistani Prime Minister Middle-East for its Islamic radicalism and UAE intelligence must have had some hard of Pakistanis are working in the UAE and Foreign Minister rant every day and fanaticism, Pakistan still continues with its intelligence on what Pakistani Jihadis were up earning foreign exchange. Pakistan should take U-turns later. Misguided by hard- blunders. Rather than accepting the hard to. The ISI must dig out the facts. Otherwise, not dictate terms to the Emiratis. The UAE core Turkey, Pakistan took on Arabs and realty that the UAE is insulating its society for the UAE, Pakistan will remain ‘Corona has only stopped the visit visas for now; axing the Muslim world but cries now when from Islamic fanatics of Pakistani-origin, infected’ forever! The Arabs want to prevent Pakistani force could follow. Pakistan should these countries silently move away from Islamabad blames the UAE for its motives entry of fanatic Pakistanis who want to avenge reflect over its blunders in past six decades. Pakistan! behind visa ban. the UAE peace pact with Israel. Differences in international relations are Pakistanis must stop comparing themselves with A hint is enough for the sensible, only In November, the UAE suspended entry visas resolved through deft diplomacy. Being other countries. There can be no comparison how fools go into probing deep. The UAE had of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries singled out for the visa ban is a serious matter the UAE behaves with India and differently with to befool Pakistani FM who in turn is now including Pakistan without giving any reasons. for Pakistan, as 15 lakh Pakistanis live and Pakistan. What the UAE does with India should trying to befool all Pakistanis! Why blame To assuage popular sentiments at home, work in the UAE and send remittances - not be of concern to Pakistan. Pakistan must the UAE? It’s their country, they can do Pakistan tossed up Covid as the reason though precious for financially struggling Pakistan. start looking inwards! The UAE cannot afford what they want. Qureshi will no longer be countries with worse records escaped the ban. to lose India or the USA but can spare Pakistan. able to befool Pakistani public. The UAE is In international diplomacy, a NO is often Bottom line is: “beggars can’t be choosers”. Will done and over with Pakistan. It sweet-talked The changing geopolitical situation after sugar coated and made to look like a YES. China, Turkey and Malaysia absorb Pakistan’s back to unpredictable Qureshi. the UAE’s acceptance of Israel was This is what happened to Pakistan on visa labourers? speculated to have influenced Abu Dhabi’s issue. The UAE can’t be blamed. It is The writing is on the wall. The visa ban is decision. Pakistan complained of pressures protecting its national interests. Pakistan Qureshi lacks far-sightedness and professional there and will be there for a long time. The from many foreign friends to recognise must learn from the UAE experience that competence. Given post-2018 fiscal UAE does not need Pakistanis anymore. Tel Aviv. During his recent UAE visit raising bilateral issues with neighbour at bankruptcy and resultant fiscal crunch in Pakistan has already lost Emiratis. UNGA adopts resolution on self-determination In November, the General Assembly’s Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues, had recommended the text of the resolution and cultural issues, had recommended the favour. There was no word on Kashmir. supported the struggle of Baloch people ◆ By NDT Bureau text of the resolution. A report on “Social Pakistan, shorn of minimal intelligence, for freedom from Pakistan’s occupation. @NewDelhiTimes development” also “stressed the importance thought it was for Kashmir. Elections are Pakistan, so fond of self-determination, of removing obstacles to realizing the right to already held in J&K. Where is the question should show the world the way by allowing [email protected] self-determination”. of self-determination? But Pakistan tries to self-determination to Balochis. That will befool its gullible people that the resolution slash forty per cent of Pakistan’s territory! n December 16, the United Nations With 168 votes in favour to five against and pertained to Kashmir. Kashmir resolutions O General Assembly adopted a resolution 10 abstentions, the Assembly adopted draft are there for decades. What happened to reaffirming the right to self-determination resolution II - “The right of the Palestinian earlier UN resolutions on Kashmir? As for peoples subjected to colonial, foreign people to self-determination”- reaffirming far as Kashmir is concerned, the water has and alien occupation. The 193-member body the right of the Palestinian people to self- already flown under the bridge. adopted the resolution by consensus and determination, and to their independent State also considered other human rights issues. of Palestine. The United States, Israel, Marshall The resolution could be for all suppressed

The resolution - “Universal realisation of Islands, Federated States of Micronesia people living in Tibet, Balochistan, PC : Getty Images the right of peoples to self-determination” - and Nauru - were the “opposing five.” The Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir, Palestine and accepted self-determination as a fundamental resolution urged all states and specialised UN Rohingyas in Myanmar. right of all peoples including those under agencies to continue to assist Palestinians in colonial, foreign and alien domination. The the early realisation of this right. The resolution ignored the rampant de- resolution, co-sponsored by 71 countries, Islamisation of Muslims in Xinjiang What about minorities living in Islamic observed that “self-determination is a The Assembly proclaimed August 31 as province of China including Uyghur countries? There is rampant conversion and fundamental condition for the guarantee and the International Day for People of African Muslims and Kazakh Muslims. Strangely, torture in those countries. Pakistan as the observance of human rights”. Descent to “promote greater recognition and Islamist Republic of Pakistan is mum on the worst offender has reduced itself to a hell for respect for the diverse heritage, culture and self-determination of those fellow Muslims religious minorities. The resolution should The UNGA declared its firm opposition to contribution of people of African descent to in China. China’s threat has muted the voice have underlined some rights for them. foreign military intervention, aggression the development of societies.” It deferred of Muslim world, especially that of Turkey and occupation and called on “those States action on two draft resolutions – “Situation and Pakistan. Can Uyghurs aspire for Pakistani diplomats and politicians sell the responsible to cease immediately their of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and freedom? Won’t Pakistan rejoice for fellow UNGA resolution to domestic audience military intervention in and occupation other minorities in Myanmar” and “a global Islamic Uyghurs? is a dream come true and daydream of foreign countries and territories”. It call for concrete action for the elimination that plebiscite is going to happen! They also “deplored the plight of millions of of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia What about the persecution of people of celebrated as if it was an Independence Day! refugees and displaced persons who have and related intolerance” - for review after Tibet? There is no mention of it in resolution. As if Pakistanis will lead a better life from been uprooted as a result of such acts and budgetary considerations. Tibet used to be an independent country and now on! Let’s be realistic. Kashmir can ever reaffirmed their right to return”. In November, now ceases to exist. People of Hong Kong be a part of Pakistan. The dream on Kashmir the General Assembly’s Third Committee, Not Kashmir but Palestine only was mentioned and Taiwan are suffering no less. India would will continue to linger in Pakistan’s memory which deals with social, humanitarian in the resolution, hence India voted in like to believe that the resolution actually like opium addiction. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 21

Sports NEW DELHI TIMES Official costs of Tokyo Memorable Sporting Moments of 2020 Olympics up by 22% LeBron James’ NBA masterclass, Hamilton’s record F1 win, Nadal stamping his authority at Roland Garros, all- conquering Bayern Munich run, winning streak of Australian women cricket team, long-distance world record of to $15.4 billion Cheptegei and Duplantis shattering the pole vault world record were the best sporting moments of 2020 he official cost of the postponed Tokyo Olympics has increased by 22%, the Lewis Hamilton wins record equalling F1 2020. The team boasts of quality players T local organizing committee said in unveiling ◆ By Dr. Pawan Mathur title in all departments such Neuer in goal, its new budget. In an online news conference, @PawanMathur Alphonso Davies and Kimmich in defence, organizers said the Olympics will cost $15.4 a rejuvenated Thomas Muller in midfield [email protected] billion to stage. This is up from $12.6 billion along with Leon Goretzka and a formidable in last year’s budget. attacking force of Serge Gnabry and Robert 020 was a tumultuous year for sports. Lewandowski, the deadliest striker in 2 For a long period, sports remained The added $2.8 billion is the cost of the Europe right now and the recipient the 2020 suspended due to the COVID-19 lockdown one-year delay. Expenses come from BEST FIFA Men’s player award. measures and marque events like the Tokyo renegotiating contracts and measures to PC : Getty Images Olympics 2020, EURO 2020, the ICC Men’s combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The Joshua Cheptegei’s record breaking run T20 World Cup, and the Wimbledon were Olympics are to open on July 23. The With a victory in the Turkish Grand Prix, either postponed or cancelled. Yet, despite Paralympics follow on August 24. Lewis Hamilton equalled the record of the limited sporting activity, 2020 produced Michael Schumacher’s record of 7 Formula some great sporting moments on the field. 1 title. With 95 wins, 98 pole positions, Here is a selection of such moments. and 165 podiums, Hamilton is the most decorated F1 driver. In an exceptional Ageing Like Fine Wine: LeBron James season. Hamilton won 11 of the 16 races guides LA Lakers to NBA title

and finished in 10 pole positions. He missed PC : Getty Images the podium only twice this season, both Photo AP PC : because of penalty. The best performance of Joshua Cheptegai of Uganda has become Hamilton came in the Turkish Grand Prix in the 10th athlete in history to hold the 5000m Audits by the Japanese government over the a wet weather winning the race over Sergio and 10000m world record simultaneously last several years, however, show the costs Perez by 31 seconds. With the dominance and both the records were created in 2020. are higher than officially stated and are at that Hamilton has exercised on F1 over the At the Diamond League in Monaco, he set least $25 billion. a new world record in the 5000 metres with PC : Getty Images past few seasons, he looks a strong favourite Credit : Associated Press (AP) to win a record 8th title next season. a time of 12:35.36, which broke Kenenisa Bekele’s 16-year-old record – the longest Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th NBA Venues for FIFA Club Australia women’s cricket team’s dominance duration in the history of the event. On 7 title defeating Miami Heat 4-2 in best of 7 October in Valencia, in his third race of the finals. The star of the show was NBA legend World Cup announced year, Cheptegei shattered the world record LeBron James, who in his 17th NBA season in the 10,000m, clocking 26:11.00, beating was named the Finals Most Valuable Player ◆ By NDT Bureau Bekele’s previous world record time of (MVP) averaging 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds 26mins 17.53secs had been the longest @NewDelhiTimes and 8.5 assists across the series. In Games standing men’s 10,000m world record in 6 of the NBA Finals, James produced one [email protected] history. of his best performances with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. At 35 years and 287 PC : Getty Images he venues for the 2021 FIFA Club World Armand Duplantis breaks Sergey days. James became the second oldest in T Cup have been announced. Education The Australian women’s cricket team had Bubka’s 26 year old record NBA history to win this prestigious award. City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Khalifa International an incredible 2020. Led by Meg Lanning, LeBron James also became the first player in stadiums will host the FIFA Club World Cup the team won the T20 World Cup final in NBA history to win Finals MVP with three 2021 matches taking place in Qatar from 1 to a dominant fashion defeating India by 85 different franchises. 11 February 2021. The opening match will runs in the finals with Alyssa Healy setting take place at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and the tone with a 39 ball 75 and Beth Mooney King of Clay: Nadal demolishes Djokovic final at Education City Stadium. scoring 78 not out. Mooney finished as at Roland Garros the leading run scorer in the tournament The 2021 FIFA Club World Cup will be the and her teammate Megan Schutt was the PC : Getty Images 18th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, leading wicket taker with 15 wickets. This a FIFA-organised international club football team was also awarded Australia’s highest 21-year-old Armand Duplantis is being tournament between the winners of the six annual sporting honour, The Don Award. hailed as one of the most exciting prospects continental confederations, as well as the Later, when cricket resumed after the on the track and field circuit. Duplantis had host nation’s league champions. COVID-19 break, Australian women’s team a stellar 2020 season. defeated New Zealand 3-0 in the One Day In addition to Auckland City, who are International (ODI) series to equal a record He broke Renaud Lavillenie’s almost 6-year- representing Oceania, Al Ahly have qualified 21 ODI wins in a row set by Ricky Ponting’s old pole vault world record with a jump of on behalf of CAF, UEFA will be represented by all conquering men in 2003. 6.17 m in Toruń, Poland and a week later, in Bayern Munich, Ulsan Hyundai will represent Glasgow, increased the record by another the AFC, and the most recent team to join the All conquering Bayern Munich centimetre to 6.18 m, In September 2020, line-up are Tigres UANL, who were crowned PC : Getty Images at the Rome Golden Gala Pietro Mennea CONCACAF champions. Meanwhile, the Diamond League, Duplantis broke legendary Libertadores final in late January will decide There may be a debate regarding the greatest Sergey Bubka’s long standing 26-year-old CONMEBOL’s representative at the FIFA men’s tennis player of all time. However, outdoor world of 6.14m by clearing 6.15m. Club World Cup 2021. there is not even an iota of doubt that on clay, Rafael Nadal is the greatest ever. This was confirmed once again in the final of the PC : Getty Images 2020 French Open Final at Roland Garros when Nadal demolished an in-form World Number 1 Novak Djokovic 6-0 6-2 7-5 in Bayern Munich, coached by Hansi Flick, 2 hours and 41 minutes to win his record won everything that came their way. The extending 13th French Open Title, bringing domestic double of Bundesliga win and up his 100th win at Roland Garros and also DFB Pokal became a treble as the Bavarians equalling Roger Federer’s all-time record of played some of the finest attacking football 20 Grand Slam victories. All the pre-match in recent times to win the UEFA Champions forecasts before the French Open final had League. The highlight of that win was an predicted a close contest but the manner in 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the UCL which Nadal took control of the game and quarterfinals.. Bayern were not done yet never allowed Djokovic to settle makes this and won the German Super Cup and the one of finest sporting moment of 2020. UEFA Super Cup to make it 5 trophies in

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 22 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

Technology & Health NEW DELHI TIMES Rise above inhuman practices against animals: Elephants aid to maintain ecology from poisoning, and in Odisha the farmers expensive and the electricity itself varies the fence and it was tried out in 2008 in simply beat or shoot the elephants, or get the in voltage and can kill the elephant and Kenya. Scientific studies, around the theme ◆ By Smt. Maneka forest people to do it for them. every other animal. (In India many farmers by her, have resulted in a project called Sanjay Gandhi are fencing with knotted barbed wires, and Elephant and Bees, and this is supported those steel knots tear the skin of hundreds by Save the Elephants, Oxford University @ManekaGandhiBJP of hungry cattle every month. I get so many and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, that helps cows and nilgai in my hospital in Bareilly, farmers build beehive fencing near fields ast week a barasingha strayed into with their legs and chests cut to the bone.) plagued by crop-raiding elephants. L a field in Panchkula. She ate a ball of wheat, only to find it was a homemade Now, the NGOs and government have come up More than ten African countries have now bomb and her jaw and throat were blasted with a much better idea and are pushing it across taken this up. Silent Heroes Foundation is off. Passersby saw her sitting calmly on the Africa. Indians would do well to adopt it. building beehive fences in Tanzania. side of the road, bleeding. They sent for the PC : Getty Images Forest Department. Those worthies arrived Elephants are terrified of bees. Bees enter Their success rate is 80% and they are cheap in four hours and then took her to a local The excuse is always the same: that the their trunks when they attack and sting the to build. And even more exciting – they make doctor who gave her a paracetamol injection animal endangered their crops. That the sensitive tissues inside; a pain that elephants money. The raw honey is sold by the farmers and then sent her off to the Morni Wildlife farmers are sitting on forest land, in the never forget. So, generations of elephants with the label “Elephant Free Honey” and it Centre. She was dead on arrival. This kind elephant corridors, is ignored by all. After have learnt to associate bees with pain and goes to markets all over the world. of incident makes me sick with anger. all, elephants don’t have votes. But it is not they even have a special “bees alert” call The useless Forest Department is full of that difficult to keep elephants away. which causes them all to flee even when they “Beehive fences are the first elephant- untrained flatfoots, and the useless Animal hear the sound of buzzing. deterrent fences that has been invented that Husbandry Department has no trained or Here are some solutions from Africa, where actually makes the farmer more money than even kind vets. the same thing is happening not just with One could try frightening them with the what it costs to maintain the fence,” King elephants but with giraffes, who now are sound, but elephants catch on to empty writes. And the dreadful farmer, who killed a being wiped out by farmers because they threats very quickly. But, as scientists have harmless beautiful deer on the severely enter the fields on their way to water bodies. shown, if the farmer actually hangs beehives The bees also pollinate farmers’ crops and endangered species list? He has still not Less than 20% of their habitat is now under from wooden posts at 10 feet intervals with the nearby plants, providing an ecological been arrested, and the doctor and his aspirin, formal protection. a long metal wire linking them together, this and economic boost to the surrounding the Wildlife Department inspector who took becomes a protective fence. area. They require no electricity and don’t four hours to come from a mile away, are not Elephants can no longer sustain themselves compete with crops for space. suspended. with the meagre amounts of food they find When the elephant hits the wire, the hives To Read Full Article : https://www. in forest areas and parks. They come into the shake and the angry bees come out to defend newdelhitimes.com/rise-above-inhuman- Dozens of elephants are getting wiped out by fields, that abut these reserves, and eat the their homes. Beehive fences were invented practices-against-animals-elephants-aid- farmers every year in the same way. Kerala is harvest. So, farmers kill them. in 2002, when scientists from the NGO Save to-maintain-ecology now a well-known story and four more have the Elephants discovered that elephants To join the animal welfare movement died since I lost my temper publicly with the One deterrent that has been proposed is avoided trees with beehives. Oxford contact [email protected], first death. Five have died in Chhattisgarh electric fencing, but that is extremely University zoologist, Lucy King, designed www.peopleforanimalsindia.org The Rumour regarding pig fat in Covid Vaccine is False and is Safe for use By Muslims “Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to eat except carrion, running blood, swine-which is impure- or a sinful offering in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity-neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need-then surely your Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 6:145) strain of pig fat. The same can be attested by Four great Islamic scholars have portrayed Muhammad Tahir and NHS consultant ◆ By NDT Bureau an bio-chemist. that at the time of compulsion, even eating Maulana Kallingal of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia @NewDelhiTimes flesh of dead is not forbidden in Islam. stating that the vaccine is halal and safe to be Avoiding rumours, Muslims must focus on This implies that Muslims can imbibe the used by the Muslims. [email protected] genuine investigation of pig fat mingled medicine that may be containing pig fat. in vaccine as Islam prohibits all Muslims C orona Virus has emerged in the world to believe in rumours until authentic (As for) he who does not intend to commit as the most perilous calamity and declaration comes. Even if pig fat is found a sin but is constrained by hunger to eat catastrophic disease that human beings never clinically in any form of vaccine, it must be of what is forbidden, then surely Allah is endured in the history worldwide. Scientists examined in the light of Islam. Forgiving, Merciful. (Quran 5:3) and researchers after spending hundreds of sleepless nights were finally able to develop If a Muslim is obligated to eat forbidden A lot of Islamic doctrines is constituted a new vaccine with capability to nullify the animals like flesh of swine due to hunger or for forbidden (Haram) things but certain effects of this dreaded disease. Unfortunately constrained by enemy to protect lives (5:3), circumstances change its intensity. Citing a rumours are afloat in the Muslim community analytically, same theory can be applied in few examples, Wazu (Washing body parts that pig fat has been used in the vaccine that the Covid-19 scenario to save millions of for prayer) is compulsory for Namaz but if has been invented in China. Muslims lives. A clarification can be obtained a person has chances for death by touching from Mufti Aazam (Islamic Judge) for issues water, then he can do Taimmum (Rub hand The medicines and healthcare products related to pig fat in the Covid vaccine to on clean soil). PC : Getty Images agency confirms on its website that the clarify Muslims doubt and queries. Muslim Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine does not community must only realise that Covid-19 Fast (Roza) is obligatory on each Muslim Before jumping to any conclusion, Muslims contain any components of animal origin. is a communicable disease and any lethargy but a patient or an old person who is unable must realise that a protracted campaign by in its prevention may prove fatal. The to keep fast may donate an equivalent western media is already in its full swing The ingredients include polyethylene most prominent Islamic scholar Ibn Taimia amount of food can to poor & downtrodden to declare Islam as regressive & averse glycol, hydroxybutyl, polyethylene glycol, said “The apparent religion of Aimba-e to compensate for the fast. Islam is one of to modern science. In this scenario, it is cholesterol, potassium chloride, potassium Arba (Great Islamic religious Scholar like the most adaptable and lenient religion that the responsibility of the Muslims to show dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, Imam Malik) is that it is obligatory on the must be understood rationally not blindly. A the world that Islam and modernity are disodium hydrogen phosphate dehydrate compelled man to eat the dead” (Akhbarul fatwa has already been issued by renowned inseparable and Muslims are the flag bearers and sucrose which surely does not contains Ilmia minal Ikhtiyaratil fiqhiyya p. 464). Mufti Yusuf Shabbir and approved by Mufti of modern science. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021 23

Entertainment & Lifestyle NEW DELHI TIMES Warner Bros. sets Bergman succeeds Horn as ‘Furiosa,’ ‘Color Purple’ musical for 2023 Disney Studios chairman “Mad Max: Fury Road” prequel and alt Disney Co. veteran Alan Bergman A an adaptation of “The Color Purple” W has been named chairman of Disney Broadway musical are coming to theatres in Studios, the company said. Bergman will 2023, Warner Bros. said. be succeeding Alan Horn, who will remain Chief Creative Officer. Horn and Bergman The announcement comes on the heels of the have been operating as co-chairs since May studio’s industry-shaking decision to release 2019. all its 2021 films simultaneously on HBO Max and in theatres. “The Walt Disney Studios’ achievements under the leadership of Alan Horn and “Furiosa,” the “Mad Max” prequel based Alan Bergman have been nothing short

PC :AP Photo PC :AP on Charlize Theron’s character, stars Anya of extraordinary,” said Bob Chapek, Walt Taylor-Joy of “The Queen’s Gambit” as the Disney Co. CEO, in a statement. “Having He’ll assume the position officially on titular warrior. George Miller wrote and is worked closely for years with Alan Bergman, January 1. Bergman has worked at Disney returning to direct the film, which also stars an exceptional leader and proven executive, for 24 years and served as President of Walt Chris Hemsworth and has been slated for a I couldn’t be more pleased to name him as Disney Studios from 2005 to 2019, helping June 23, 2023 release. Chairman.” to integrate Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel and Twenty-First Century Fox into the Disney “The Color Purple,” meanwhile, has The position involves overseeing everything stable of brands. from creative and operations to production been set for a December 2023 debut. The and marketing for all Disney Studios Both Horn and Bergman will report to adaptation of the Tony-award winning content from its myriad brands, including Chapek, who took over from long-time CEO musical, based on Alice Walker’s book Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm Bob Iger in February. and Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film, is set to be directed by Blitz Bazawule (“Black Is and 20th Century Studios. The heads of Horn, who joined Disney as Chairman in King”). Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey are each studio, from Kevin Feige to Kathleen 2012, said in a statement that, “The time among the producers. Kennedy, will report to Horn and Bergman. feels right to shift my focus solely to our film about the Looney Tunes character, for enormous creative slate.” June 2023. “I believe deeply in our people, culture, and Warner Bros. also announced “Coyote vs. the work we do,” Bergman said in a statement. Credit : Associated Press (AP) Acme,” a hybrid live-action and animated Credit : Associated Press (AP) Salman Khan and Shooting for Rajinikanth Katrina Kaif to begin shooting for Tiger 3 starrer Annaatthe stalled in March 2021 ◆ By NDT Bureau as crew members tests @NewDelhiTimes [email protected]

he shooting for Tiger 3 starring Salman positive for COVID-19 T Khan and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles he shooting for superstar Rajinikanth starrer Annaatthe had to be stopped as will begin from March 2021. According to T reports surfaced of crew members contracting the COVID-19 virus. According media reports, the first schedule of the film to reports in Tamil media, at least 8 crew members have tested positive for is expected to take place in Mumbai around the Coronavirus. the third week of March.

“During routine testing at #Annaatthe shoot 4 crew members have tested positive for Covid-19. Superstar @rajinikanth and other crew members have tested negative. To ensure utmost safety #Annaatthe shooting has been postponed,” Sun Pictures said on its Twitter handle.

The shooting of the movie had resumed on December 14 with all requisite safety protocols and guidelines.

The actors have been tested too and the results have been negative.

Annaatthe is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action-drama film written and directed by Siva. produced by Kalanithi Maran under PC : Getty Images the banner Sun Pictures. The film stars Rajinikanth, Meena, Khushbu, The second and third schedule is expected to Keerthy Suresh, Nayanthara, Prakash Raj and Jackie Shroff. happen in the Middle East and back again in Mumbai, respectively. The music for the film will be composed by D. Imman while cinematography and editing are performed by Vetri and Ruben, respectively. Tiger 3 (final name undecided yet) will be the third film in the ‘Tiger’ franchise after Initially Annaatthe was scheduled to release coinciding with the eve of Dusshera Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai, both films festival. Later, on May 2020, Sun Pictures announced that the movie will be doing excellent business at the box office. scheduled to release during the occasion of Pongal. Tiger 3 will mark the fifth time that Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif will be seen on the But the movie was postponed further citing the delay in film’s shoot due to the big screen together. COVID-19 pandemic. The movie will be directed by Maneesh PC : Getty Images By NDT Bureau Sharma.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 24 28 December 2020 - 3 January 2021

Think - Tanks NEW DELHI TIMES Positivity is the best mood created We should learn to mute the voices that drain our energy and bring us down and nurture the ones that help us be strong and positive and guide us where we need to go in life ◆ By Dr. Pramila All these unhealthy and harsh voices can get Srivastava internalized within ourselves, logged deep @PramilaBK in our way of thinking.

[email protected] But the process of growing as a person involves channelling these negative ften in life, we feel bitter, resentful, inner voices which involve experiencing O and furious or to simply put it, the an equally convincing, comforting, and feeling of being pessimistic towards life. constructive variety of voices in our life and We prepare ourselves for the worst to reduce ensuring that we internalize these positive tensions and expectations as a mechanism and nurturing voices be it the voice of a for protecting ourselves from the many caring friend, a concerned family member, a disappointments and pains of reality. It’s loving parent or a kind stranger. We need to what some would call the wisdom of seeing hear them quite often so that they similarly PC : Getty Images the glass half empty. Every one of us is often and eventually become the inner voice that that we are worthy of affection even if we to filter our perspective on life between the worried and sad and it’s perfectly normal to will come to our rescue and lift us out of fail and being successful is only one part of voices that are creating caution and fear and have regrets about certain things in life. We difficult and self-destructive situations. our identity and there are equally important the ones that are inspiring us to be brave and have to admit, it is hard to be happy all the This better side of our inner voice is kinder, things outside of success. We grow up in that things will eventually get better. We time. patient, and gentler toward our shortcomings a world surrounded by worries and this know that everything in life is not always like a warm and comforting arm is being becomes our inner voices of irrational fear perfect and peachy as it may seem to be and Thus, we all have that murmuring stream wrapped around us. and insecurity and it clouds our capacity that our lives are filled with ups and downs. of voices in our head most of the time. to bring out the best in ourselves. During Sometimes it can cheer us up or help In certain situations of humiliation at work such moments we need the voice that can All of us will have to experience our fair inspire us to overcome a difficult situation or in other situations there is a constant overcome our runaway fears and insecurities share of sadness and happiness, joy and but sometimes this voice isn’t nice at all. mocking voice in our head telling us that and bring out our best selves and remind us fulfilment, and disappointments and failures It’s defeatist, punitive, humiliating and it values like love, respect, and kindness can of the strength we have within us which the no matter how long or short our life may be. doesn’t represent who we are or our mature only be acquired through worldly success current of fear and doubt has overshadowed. capacity. It’s not the voice of our best self and competence and our failures, like not So, we need to learn to choose the good and nature. Listening to that voice we find being able to speak up, or taking too long to Part of having to grow up and mature things while coming to terms with our not- ourselves disgusted and feeling useless learn something new, not being intelligent or involves the willingness to come face to so-positive emotions so we may grow and and doubtful about ourselves. This inner handsome or beautiful enough, bars us from face with the voices inside our head or our come out of life as a person having a positive voice comes from our surrounding exterior receiving love and respect from others. We so-called consciousness in order for us to attitude whether we’re in the middle of a environment, an angry parent, or the fear of need to separate these two voices like we emerge as a better and more positive person storm or enjoying a rather pleasant moment an elder sibling or a bully, or even a teacher. need to separate love from corporate success, in life, therefore we need to accept and learn in life. Jordan 2020-2030 Energy Strategy Strategy, which aims at increasing energy improve energy efficiency by strengthening In accordance with the Strategy, Jordan will ◆ By International Institute for Non - Aligned Studies efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and national energy efficiency legislation and gradually reduce dependence on imported bringing down energy costs. The 2020-2030 implementation of plans. natural gas for its power plants by expanding @iinsNAM Energy Strategy of the country is a reflection oil shale production. [email protected] of its commitment to promote the use of The Strategy targets to increase the “We will decrease imported fuel and on-Aligned Movement has emphasised renewable energy. proportion of electricity generated from increase domestic energy sources as part of N the need to develop clean energy for local sources from 15% in 2019 to 48.5% self-sufficiency,” Zawati said at the launch sustainable development. The Movement in 2030. The energy efficiency of all sectors of the country’s energy plan. has stressed the need to accelerate the will increase by 9 percent in 2030 compared development, dissemination and deployment to 2018, and that of the water sector by 15 Jordan has reiterated its commitment to of affordable and cleaner energy efficiency percent in 2025. One of the most important promote renewable energy at prominent and energy conservation technologies, new targets of the Strategy is to reduce carbon forums. Delivering Jordan’s speech during and renewable energy technologies. emissions by 10% The Strategy states that Jordan does not need to produce more the 19th and 20th meetings of the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy is one of the most important electricity from traditional sources, and Energy Agency (IRENA), in his capacity mainstays of the Jordanian economy and hence nuclear energy is not a part of the as Jordan’s permanent representative to the society. On November 29, 2020, Jordan’s strategy. agency, Jordan’s Ambassador in Abu Dhabi Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Juma Abbadi remarked said that renewable Hala Zawati and CEO of Housing Bank The strategy plans to increase renewable energy has become “the main player that Ammar Safadi signed a memorandum of energy’s share of the entire energy mix from draws the future energy map not only in

cooperation regarding the installation of PC : Getty Images 11 per cent in 2020 to 14 per cent by 2030. Jordan but also across the world”. solar electric and water heating systems. Jordan has performed exceptionally well in Rasmi Hamzeh, Director of the Jordan The 2020-2030 Energy Strategy was this respect. Jordan achieved a remarkable (in arrangement with Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency released by the Jordanian Minister of breakthrough in the period 2015-2020 by News from Non-Aligned World) Fund (JREEEF), which is affiliated with Energy Hela Zawati on July 7, 2020. The raising renewable energy’s contribution from www.iins.org the Ministry of Energy, said that the fund Strategy aims at diversifying energy forms, 2 per cent to 11 per cent. will cover 30 per cent of the costs of solar increasing the contribution of indigenous These goals are consistent systems, while the remaining 70 per cent energy sources, improving energy efficiency with the government’s Contact New Delhi Times will be paid in instalments facilitated by the in all sectors and reducing the impact of priorities and contribute bank. energy costs on the national economy, to the country’s goals For Complaints & Suggestions making Jordan a regional hub for all forms of sustainable growth, +91-9999331600 The cost of one solar cell used for generating of energy exchange. The Strategy also calls creating an attractive energy, with a capacity of 3.6 kilowatts, for Jordan to be self-reliant, to reduce energy investment environment, A-2/59, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029 should not exceed JD550, of which 70 costs for local consumers, to diversify and reducing poverty and per cent should be paid over 48 months, increase reliance on local energy sources, unemployment, and V i s i t u s a t : t w i t t e r @ N e w D e l h i T i m e s Hamzeh noted. The memorandum comes and to reduce energy imports. One of the establishing effective facebook.com/newdelhitimes in light of the country’s 2020-2030 Energy primary objectives of the strategy is to social protection systems. Printer and Publisher: Dr. (Mrs.) Pramila Srivastava, on behalf of Dr. Ankur Srivastava, Printed at Sudhir Printers, 151, Desh Bandhu Gupta Market, Karol Bagh, Delhi - 110005, Published at A-2/59 Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi-110029. Ph.: 26102520, 26105846 Fax: 26196294 Email: [email protected], Vol. 30, No. 48 Editor : Dr. Ankit Srivastava www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper