INDEX BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR 2-4,12 COMMENT 10 QATAR | Page 3 ARAB WORLD 5 BUSINESS 1-12 Islamic equities INTERNATIONAL 5-9, 11 SPORTS 1-8 Qatar Charity continue to DOW JONES QE NYMEX distributes witness higher 2,500 meals to 27,686.91 9,523.63 41.61 coronavirus-hit demand on QSE -104.53 +105.75 -0.33 -0.38% +1.12% -0.79% expatriates Latest Figures

published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11638 August 12, 2020 Dhul-Hijjah 22, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

MoPH reports 110,324 total Covid-19 recoveries The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday Qeeri develops 384 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) and 331 recoveries from the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people who have recovered in new technology Qatar to 110,324. Page 2 Philippine embassy temporarily closed to remove oil The Philippine embassy has said it will be temporarily closed, from today until further notice, after a family member of one of its personnel tested positive for from seawater Covid-19. “In the interest of the safety of the general public, the Philippine embassy stopped its cientists at the Qatar Environ- seawater intake ports of desalination services earlier today (August 11) ment and Energy Research Insti- plants and causing damage or shut- and will be temporarily closed Stute (Qeeri) at Hamad Bin Kha- down. starting August 12, until further lifa University (HBKU) have developed Dr Jenny Lawler, senior research notice,” the advisory states. Page 3 a new type of fi ltration technology director at the Water Centre at Qeeri, which can remove small oil droplets said: “Oil spill threats are a matter of Biden taps Kamala from seawater. concern all across the Gulf, as these A new type of membrane with could potentially cause a complete Harris as running mate unique chemical and physical proper- shutdown of some desalination fa- Qatari and Lebanese dignitaries and off icials at the opening of the first Qatar field hospital in Beirut yesterday.Page 12 Democratic ties, makes it more effi cient and foul- cilities, which could in turn aff ect the presidential ing resistant during the oil/water sep- availability of clean drinking water candidate Joe aration process. The technology and for Qatar’s population. Accordingly, QSL announces Biden yesterday membrane were developed by Qeeri’s the development and deployment of tapped Senator Water Centre with support from the mitigation strategies to prevent such gradual return of Kamala Harris Computational-Materials & Processes catastrophic interruption of seawater fans to stadiums 1st Qatar fi eld hospital of California Centre. desalination from oil contamination (pictured) as Seawater desalination is the main is vital to Qatar. Our team at Qeeri is his choice for water source in Qatar and provides up actively involved in developing the in Beirut inaugurated vice president, his campaign told to 99% of potable water needs while science and technological solutions to supporters in a text message. supporting a broad range of com- make the desalination process effi cient Harris, 55, becomes the first Black mercial, industrial and agricultural and eff ective.” OThe hospital has 60 operating rooms, woman on a major presidential activities. Although thermal desali- Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive di- a pharmacy and other facilities ticket in US history and providing nation is extensively used, Qatar is rector at Qeeri, said, “At Qeeri, our him with a partner well suited to go slowly moving towards the construc- primary objective is to help Qatar on the attack against Republican tion of more energy-efficient reverse tackle its grand challenges in energy, As part of the measures taken QNA tribution in overcoming the human President Donald Trump. “I have the osmosis (RO) membrane desalination water and environment, and we do following the resumption of Beirut tragedy that affl icted Lebanon, appre- great honor to announce that I’ve plants. However, desalination facili- this through cutting-edge research, the QNB Stars League 2019- ciating the work of the Qatari medi- picked @KamalaHarris - a fearless ties, especially RO membranes, are development and innovation. Provid- 20 season and to gradually cal and logistical team that completed fighter for the little guy, and one of vulnerable to oil contamination in ing customised technological solu- restore normalcy, the Qatar n implementation of the directives equipping the hospital at a record the country’s finest public servants seawater. tions for issues facing Qatar is a top Stars League (QSL) has decided of His Highness the Amir Sheikh speed. - as my running mate,” Biden said The common strategies for oil spill priority.” to allow fans at the stadiums ITamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Director-General of Al Roum Hos- on Twitter. response include spraying chemicals Qeeri’s Water Centre Oil and Water with a limited number of tickets fi rst Qatari fi eld hospital was inaugu- pital praised the equipment available on the seawater surface to disperse oil Separation Team of accomplished re- for each match starting from rated yesterday at Al Roum Hospital in inside the fi eld hospital and gave a de- Users can now control slicks, and deploying fl oating booms searchers includes Radee al-Rewailly, Week 21 of the QNB Stars Beirut, as part of the medical aid and tailed explanation about the hospital who replies to their tweet to contain and collect oil. However, Dr Jayaprakash Saththasivam, Dr Olu- League, in co-operation with the supplies provided by Qatar to support and its departments, which include these practices stop short of prevent- waseun Ogunbiyi and Dr Zhaoyang authorities concerned. Lebanon. several operating rooms, emergency Twitter Inc yesterday rolled out ing small oil droplets seeping into the Liu. To Page 4 This will be done amid the Ambassador of Qatar to Lebanon rooms for the injured, and a pharmacy. a moderation feature that would observance of a host of Mohamed Hassan Jaber al-Jaber, rep- Speaking on the occasion, the Qatari allow its users to limit how many precautionary measures that resentative of the Lebanese Minister ambassador expressed condolences to people can reply to their tweets, Qatar rejects Emirati ruling in ‘intelligence’ case have been put in place. of Health in the caretaker government the families of the victims of the explo- giving account-holders more The QNB Stars League’s Week Dr Mohamed Hayder, representative of sion and wished a speedy recovery for control over conversations on their Qatar has rejected and denounced adding that the State of Qatar rejects 21 matches will be played the Lebanese Army Commander Gen- the wounded. page. All accounts can now select the UAE Federal Court of Appeal’s and strongly condemns this false tomorrow and on Friday. eral Elias Shamiya, Director-General He said the inauguration of the fi eld the people who will be allowed to upholding of a life imprisonment accusation. “There will be a number of of Al Roum Hospital Edgard Joujou, the hospital presented by Qatar came in reply while composing a new tweet. sentence given to Omani citizen The statement said this ruling is specific controls for each Qatari logistical and medical delega- implementation of the directives of Users can select from three sets Abdullah al-Shamsi in the alleged based on reasons that have nothing match to ensure the safety tion that constructed the hospital, and His Highness the Amir to support the of people - everyone, only people case of intelligence sharing, as a to do with law, but rather for well- and security of everyone,” the several diplomats attended the inau- Lebanese people after the port explo- they follow and only people they ruling that contradicts justice and known other reasons. “It also reveals off icial QNA reported yesterday. guration. sion. He explained that the hospital mention in the tweet. All users can facts. the unacceptable behaviour of the These are as follows: The representative of the Lebanese has the necessary medical equipment continue to like and retweet posts, In a statement yesterday, the Ministry Emirati authorities that aff ects the zEveryone must have a ticket Minister of Health thanked Qatar for and includes 60 operating rooms and but cannot reply if they have been of Foreign Aff airs stressed that these rights of the Gulf citizen and violates to enter the stadium its constant support for Lebanon. The rooms for the injured and patients, excluded by the author. accusations are unfounded, have no the commitment to the rules and zTickets will be available only representative of the Lebanese Armed adding that the second fi eld hospital basis in reality or law, and contradict the principles of respect for relations online, on the off icial website Forces Commander also praised the on the premises of the Lebanese Hos- Belarusian challenger policy of Qatar towards all countries, between countries.”– QNA (tickets.qsl.qa) To Page 4 eff orts of Qatar and its generous con- pital Geitaoui will soon be operational. safe in Lithuania Belarus’ top opposition Sea bream released into Qatari waters candidate against long- Russia becomes fi rst to approve time President Alexander Lukashenko a Covid vaccine; doubts raised is safe in neighbouring Lithuania, following two nights of a violent police resident Vladimir Putin said yesterday The vaccine is administered in two doses and crackdown on protests throughout that Russia had become the fi rst country consists of two serotypes of a human adeno- Belarus. The candidate, Svetlana Pto grant regulatory approval to a Covid-19 virus, each carrying an S-antigen of the new Tikhanovskaya (pictured), was forced vaccine after less than two months of human coronavirus, which enter human cells and pro- to leave Belarus and is currently testing, a move Moscow likened to its success in duce an immune response. with her children in a protected the Cold War-era space race. The platform used for the vaccine was de- place, Lithuanian Foreign Minister The vaccine, which will be called “Sput- veloped by Russian scientists over two decades Linas Linkevicius said in televised nik V” in homage to the world’s fi rst satellite and had formed the basis for several vaccines in comments to the BBC. There was a launched by the Soviet Union, has however not the past, including those against Ebola. period of seven hours when Lithuania, yet completed its fi nal trials. Authorities hope it will allow the Russian which had been in contact with Moscow’s decision to grant approval before economy, which has been battered by fallout Tikhanovskaya, could not reach her then has raised concerns among some experts. from the virus, to return to full capacity. as she was being detained by the Only about 10% of clinical trials are success- Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign Belarusian authorities, Linkevicius said. ful and some scientists fear Moscow may be wealth fund, said Russia had already received putting national prestige before safety. foreign requests for 1 billion doses. He said the Mauritian oil spill Putin and other offi cials have said it is com- vaccine is also expected to be produced in Bra- pletely safe. The president said one of his zil. kills marine life daughters had taken it as a volunteer and felt Mauritian volunteers fished dead good afterwards. eels from oily waters yesterday as “I know that it works quite eff ectively, forms they tried to clean up damage to the strong immunity, and I repeat, it has passed all Indian Ocean island’s most pristine the necessary checks,” Putin told a government beaches after a Japanese bulk carrier meeting. leaked an estimated 1,000 tonnes The Russian business conglomerate Sistema of oil. The ship struck a coral reef on has said it expects to put the vaccine, developed Mauritius’ southeast coast on July The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Fisheries Department, has by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute, into mass 25, and began leaking oil last week, released 51,000 baby sea bream fish (weighing 5gm each) into the Qatari marine waters, as part of production by the end of the year. raising fears of a major ecological the fish stocks enriching project. This is the first batch of such fish produced at the Aquatic Research Government offi cials have said it will be ad- crisis. “Dead eels were floating in Centre in Ras Matbakh, QNA reports. There are plans to release about 200,000 young sea bream fish ministered to medical personnel, and then to the water and dead starfish washed under the supervision of the Aquatic Research Centre, in accordance with scientific and environmental teachers, on a voluntary basis at the end of this in the sticky black liquid. Crabs and specifications and standards that ensure the appropriate conditions for growth and protection from month or in early September. Mass roll-out in Photo shows samples of the vaccine seabirds are also dying.” Page 5 predators. Page 4 Russia is expected to start in October. developed in Moscow, Russia. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 QATAR

Amir sends cable Health ministry advisory of congratulations to president of Chad MoPH reports His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh 110,324 total Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani yesterday sent cables of congratulations to President of Chad Idriss Deby Itno on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. Covid recoveries Amir greets Belarus president QNA Doha His Highness the Amir Sheikh Health minister calls for Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir he Ministry of Public community’s co-operation Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Health (MoPH) reported al-Thani yesterday sent cables Tyesterday 384 new con- of congratulations to Alexander fi rmed cases of coronavirus Lukashenko on his re-election as (Covid-19), and 331 recover- President of Belarus. ies from the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number Qatar attends GCC of people who have recovered environment meet from the disease in Qatar to 110,324. Qatar, represented by the The MoPH issued a statement environmental monitoring and on Covid-19 developments in laboratory department of the Qatar, which said that all new Ministry of Municipality and cases have been introduced to Environment and the Qatar isolation and are receiving nec- General Electricity and Water essary healthcare according to Corporation, participated in the their health status. technical meeting of the team It said measures to tackle HE the Minister of Public co-operation of community tasked with water resources Covid-19 in Qatar have suc- Health Dr Hanan Mohamed members, as wearing masks chapter of the environment ceeded in fl attening the curve al-Kuwari has, through a and keeping a safe distance outlook report for the Gulf and limiting the spread of the vi- message posted on the social between individuals are very Co-operation Council member rus and the number of new daily media pages of the country’s important now more than ever states, which includes national cases and hospital admissions is health authorities, emphasised since the risk of the spread of experts in the field of water continuing to decline each week. the “importance of continued Covid-19 is still high”. resources and focal points from Qatar’s proactive and exten- the ministries and agencies of sive testing of suspected cases the environment in the GCC has enabled the country to iden- symptoms. zMost importantly, it is vital countries. tify a high number of positive Unless people follow all that people continue to pro- The meeting, which was held cases in the community. precautionary measures, the tect the elderly and those with The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has reiterated that while the Covid-19 restrictions are remotely, came in the context of Qatar has one of the low- country may experience a sec- chronic medical conditions. gradually being lifted in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus the agreement between the GCC est Covid-19 death rates in the ond wave of the virus and see When spending time at home by following the precautionary measures (see infographic). General Secretariat and the West world. This is a result of: numbers increasing. There are with elderly family members Asia Off ice of the UNEP. – QNA zVery high quality of care already signs of this happening or those with chronic diseases, provided thorough the public in other countries around the people must ensure that they healthcare sector for Covid-19 world. wash your hands regularly, wear patients. The MoPH said that now more a mask and maintain social and zQatar’s young population. than ever, people must be careful physical distancing. zProactive testing to identify and protect the most vulnerable. Anyone suff ering from Cov- Silatech calls for greater role for cases early. While the restrictions of Cov- id-19 symptoms should either zExpanding hospital capac- id-19 are gradually being lifted contact 16000 helpline or go ity, especially intensive care, to in Qatar, it is important for eve- directly to one of the follow- ensure all patients receive the ryone to play their role in con- ing designated health centres to medical care they need. trolling the virus by following undergo the necessary checks: youth in societal development zProtecting the elderly and precautionary measures: Muaither, Rawdat Al Khail, those with chronic diseases. zAdherence to physical dis- Umm Slal, or Al Gharrafa. It said even though restric- tancing. This is important as the earlier ith the International “We must join forces between tion, Silatech has partnered with support a number of priorities of tions are being lifted, and num- zAvoid close contact with the disease is detected the easi- Youth Day being cel- governments, international organi- the World Health Organisation the United Nations Youth Strategy, bers are declining, this does not others, crowded places and con- er it will be to receive the right Webrated today (Au- sations, NGOs, and the fi nancial (WHO) to train and provide jobs particularly, the engagement, par- mean that the Covid-19 pan- fi ned closed spaces where other treatment and recover from it. gust 12), Qatar-based Silatech institutions to accelerate providing for youth in the health sector in a ticipation, and promoting youth demic is over in Qatar. People people congregate. The MoPH urged people to has described the occasion as jobs through stimulating economic number African and Sub Saharan voices, as well as supporting young continue to be admitted with zWearing a face mask visit its website for regular up- an opportunity to highlight the programmes, employment and by countries through the “Work for people as catalysts for peace, secu- moderate to severe Covid-19 zWashing hands regularly. dates and new information. importance of the roles of youth upskilling youth,” it was urged. Health “programme. rity and humanitarian action. and their contributions and di- Since its inception in 2008, Silatech also has signed a Furthermore, Silatech has de- verse initiatives. until the end of 2019, Silate- Memorandum of Understanding veloped an eff ective advocacy But this year has been unprec- ch has succeeded in creating (MoU) with the UN High Com- programme to mobilise interest in edented with the emergence of 1,766,476mn jobs for youth in missioner for Human Rights youth issues through young peo- the Covid-19 pandemic which Africa and the Middle East and (OHCHR) to co-operate in the ple themselves who participate in Qatar working to empower youth resulted in the loss of millions of has pledged to increase this fi eld of supporting the rights of many regional and international jobs, especially among youth and number to more than 5mn jobs youth to work and education. events and seminars, including women, Silatech said in a state- for youth by 2022. The theme of International the 11th Unesco Youth Forum, QNA youth and prepare them to make to populations at risk or already ment yesterday. According the To achieve this goal, Silatech Youth Day 2020 – “Youth En- held in Paris and the United Na- Doha a full contribution to society, de- aff ected by the pandemic. ILO stats, more than one in six works with a vast and diverse net- gagement for Global Action” tions Youth Climate Summit. velopment and peace in order to The International Labour young people suff ered job losses work of international and regional comes at a time in which young Silatech’s enduring vision is achieve sustainable human de- Organisation (ILO) reported as a result of the pandemic. partners, including UN entities. people are under-represented in based on the fact that young peo- he International Youth velopment, and to encourage in- that more than one in six young The pandemic has not only af- For example, Silatech has part- decision-making processes across ple are the mainstay of societies Day will be marked today, novation and leadership because people have stopped working fected jobs, but also the chances nered with the United Nations many countries and often ignored and must be empowered eco- TAugust 12, and this year youth are the present and the since the onset of the Covid-19 of young people to access train- High Commission for Refugees on national development agendas. nomically and socially to take full the world will celebrate it under future, and they are the hope and pandemic, while those who re- ing and rehabilitation to develop (UNHCR) to empower youth by Silatech has always worked to advantage of their potential to be- the theme “Youth Engagement basis for building a safe society. main employed have seen their their necessary skills needed to implementing 2 programmes economically and socially empower come agents of economic growth for Global Action”. The country is also encourag- working hours cut by 23%. The enter the job market. in Syria and Somalia. In addi- young people, and continues to and societal development. This year’s celebration seeks ing young people to participate ILO’s report stated that youth to highlight the ways in which in decision-making and activate are being disproportionately af- the engagement of young people their role in achieving develop- fected by the pandemic, and the at the local, national and global ment and facing challenges, as substantial and rapid increase levels is enriching national and well as reducing the gap between in youth unemployment seen multilateral institutions and them by expanding the scope of since February is aff ecting young QRCS celebrates International Youth Day processes, as well as draw les- mutual dialogue. women more than young men. sons on how their representation UN Secretary-General An- The report pointed out that and engagement in formal insti- tonio Guterres said in a mes- the pandemic is infl icting a tri- atar Red Crescent Socie- tutional politics can be signifi - sage on the occasion of the ple shock on young people. Not ty (QRCS) has celebrated cantly enhanced. International Youth Day: “The only is it destroying their em- QInternational Youth Day According to international theme of this year’s Interna- ployment, but it is also disrupt- 2020, designated by the United reports, the economic impact tional Youth Day – “Youth ing education and training, and Nations General Assembly in of the Covid-19 pandemic will Engagement for Global Ac- placing major obstacles in the 1999. make it more diffi cult for young tion” – spotlights the ways in way of those seeking to enter the The theme of this year is “Youth people to access the labour mar- which the voices and activism labour market or to move be- Engagement for Global Action”, ket, and recent estimates indi- of young people are making tween jobs. which highlights the eff orts and cate that 600mn jobs must be a difference and moving our ILO Director-General Guy ideas that can be contributed by created over the next 15 years world closer to the values and Ryder said, “The Covid-19 eco- young people to enrich various to meet the needs of youth em- vision of the United Nations nomic crisis is hitting young national and international insti- ployment. Charter. This year’s Youth Day people, especially women, tutions and sectors. In 1999, the General Assem- occurs as the lives and aspira- harder and faster than any other There is a need to signifi cantly bly endorsed the recommenda- tions of young people continue group. If we do not take sig- enhance their representation and tion made by the World Confer- to be upended by the Covid-19 nifi cant and immediate action engagement in formal and insti- ence of Ministers Responsible pandemic. Some have lost their to improve their situation, the tutional activities, to ensure bet- for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August lives, and many have seen fam- legacy of the virus could be with ter and more sustainable policies 1998) that 12 August be declared ily members and other loved us for decades. If their talent and and to build trust in public insti- (file picture) QRCS Vocational training for persons with disability. International Youth Day. ones perish”. energy is sidelined by a lack of tutions, especially among youth. International Youth Day gives Guterres called for more in- opportunity or skills it will dam- As humanity has been facing were qualifi ed to make their own good habits via communica- natural gas, and wind turbines. an opportunity to celebrate and vestment in integrating the age all our futures and make it the risks of Covid-19, youth were decisions and act autonomously tion technology, Internet, and So far, 660 trainees with spe- mainstream young peoples’ youth and ensuring their par- much more diffi cult to rebuild a at the forefront of combating the in dealing with the public and social media. cial needs have been graduated, voices, actions and initiatives, as ticipation in the interest of their better, post-Covid economy.” virus and supporting the econo- infected persons. Their poten- Under its development strat- including 56 females and 23 well as their meaningful, univer- organisations and initiatives. He Unicef estimates that the my and population against it. A tial was unleashed, providing egy, QRCS designs its humani- males. The institute created 60 sal and equitable engagement. called on leaders and adults eve- number of youth in the world chief aspect of QRCS’s humani- medical, mental, and logistic tarian operations and voluntary jobs for the graduates. The commemoration will rywhere to do their best to en- is more than 1.8bn, further tarian and medical response to services at quarantine facilities. initiatives in conformity with The Architecture Institute of take the form of a podcast-style able the world’s youth to enjoy a emphasising that a very large the pandemic was recruiting They took part with ministries the UN 2030 Agenda, which in- Al-Bab helped 480 persons and discussion that is hosted by safe, dignifi ed life full of oppor- number of them currently can- thousands of young women and in street disinfection, hygiene troduces the concept of youth created 300 jobs, under QUEST, youth for youth, together with tunities. not achieve their goals or can- men through the Volunteer for inspection, and distribution of social entrepreneurship. It a tripartite partnership of QRCS, independently organised com- The UN said that the Cov- not contribute to their local Qatar campaign. They did a lot in personal protection materials. seeks to address the challenges QFFD, and Silatech to back the la- memorations around the world id-19 pandemic has had severe communities. It added that relation to protecting the coun- Also, they were deployed at faced by young social entrepre- bour market. The fi rst 100 gradu- that recognise the importance economic and social impacts there are more than 200mn ad- try against the outbreak. many malls to guide the visitors neurs towards the Sustainable ates were given building toolkits to of youth participation in politi- around the world and that the olescents who are not enrolled Paying attention to capacity- and organise shopping. They Development Goals (SDGs). start their own business. cal, economic and social life and youth have a key role to play in school, and many of them do building, QRCS equipped those distributed food aid to the fami- QRCS has numerous foreign Other examples include the processes. in managing recovery eff orts, not learn the skills they need, volunteers with the knowledge lies aff ected by the lockdown. youth-oriented humanitar- sponsorship of 300 students of Qatar is celebrating this oc- pointing out that young innova- in addition to millions of oth- and skills needed to undertake Youth played a key role in ian projects. With funding from the International University of casion, which constitutes an tors are already reacting to the ers who are affected by poverty their national and humanitarian health education and pub- Qatar Fund for Development Africa (Sudan); support of the important incentive for youth virus outbreak through social and violence and live their lives responsibilities. The top priority lic health promotion. They (QFFD), the Alternative Energy Cham Orphanage (Turkey); and to work with a promising future impact innovations. Around the amidst fear. was to ensure their safety, so that launched innovative initia- Training Institute in Al-Bab upgrade of disability services, re- vision to face all challenges and world, several initiatives are be- The Unicef stressed the need they are better able to perform tives to spread reliable in- City, Syria, was supported to habilitation of higher education achieve goals in all fi elds. ing developed to capitalise on to build a world in which all their tasks properly. formation on hand washing, educate the displaced Syrians in institutions, and launch of post- Qatar is working to empower youth eff orts to provide support young people feel empowered. As a result, the volunteers social distancing, and other the technology of solar panels, graduate programmes (Gaza). Gulf Times Wednesday, August 12, 2020 3 QATAR Fifty One East unveils Sony’s 2020 TV lineup ifty One East, Qatar’s cal dimming’ technology and leading department store, X-Motion Clarity for faster mo- Fand Sony Middle East & tion.” Africa have unveiled the latter’s By utilising Sony’s best-in- 2020 lineup of televisions to of- class Picture Processor X1 Ulti- fer consumers premium enter- mate, clear and precise picture tainment by delivering the most quality is achieved, off ering cus- immersive viewing experience tomers a highly realistic viewing in the region. experience. Additionally, with The new Z8H 8K LED, X95H, TRILUMINOS Display, Sony re- X90H and X80H4K LED televi- produces the subtle nuances of sions are running on the Android colour, light and gradation, of- 9 Pie Smart TV platform and fering more shades of red, green powered by Sony’s proprietary and blue than ever before. Pre- and game changing Picture Proc- mium quality sound is a key part essor X1. The line-up includes of the viewing experience as Z8H in 75-inch and 85-inch, as well, and the new models fea- well as a newly added 49-inch ture Sound-from-Picture Real- in 4K TVs to meet consumer de- ity, which aligns the position of mand for smaller, high-quality the sound with the images on the viewing options. screen to off er a uniquely lifelike The new TV lineup is now experience. available at Modern Home on For the upcoming next gen- favourite movies, get answers or volume. Apple HomeKit and Salwa Road, Fnac in Lagoona eration gaming consoles, the The new televisions are running on the Android 9 Pie Smart TV platform and powered by Sony’s proprietary on screen like sports scores or AirPlay as well as Google Home Mall and Doha Festival City, Vir- X90H series support 4K120fps and game changing Picture Processor X1. weather updates, control your support seamlessly integrates gin Megastore in Villaggio Mall, high frame rate and fast response TV and even your home – all with Apple devices like iPads and Landmark, Doha Festival City time via HDMI inputs to deliver content which brings the immer- located at the edge of the screen sion: X-Wide Angle technology your voice. iPhones and Android devices and Mall of Qatar and other ma- their maximum performance for sive entertainment experience which optimises the immer- provides vivid real-world colours Android 9 Pie: The new lineup with Sony TV for eff ortless smart jor retailers around Doha. a cutting-edge gaming experi- into the home. sive experience and its minimal from any angle while retaining will feature Android 9 Pie, which home management and content Shuichi Mugitani, head of ence. Providing gamers and gam- This lineup also introduces design off ers customers an im- more brightness than other con- off ers users easy access to con- streaming . Marketing, Sony Middle East and ing enthusiasts with smooth and Ambient Optimisation, a new proved and unobstructed view- ventional LED TVs. Enjoy great tent, services and devices via Z8H’s New Frame Tweeter: Africa commented: “Delivering responsive experience, the new technology that optimises pic- ing experience. picture with incredible contrast its extensive platform. Sony’s The most immersive experience the ultimate viewing experience 8K and 4K TVs are compatible ture and sound quality in any *New Lineup Highlights from anywhere in the room and original UI menus and voice con- is realised through enhanced to our customers in Qatar is our with the latest gaming standards customer environment. To bring X-Motion Clarity: This revo- experience for a impactful view- trols are also enhanced for better picture quality, slim design and top priority. Our 2020 TV lineup without unresponsive gameplay, this new concept to life, Acoustic lutionary technology from Sony ing experience. daily use. Expanded voice control Sound-from-Picture Reality is fi tted with Sony’s innovative stuttering scenes and motion Auto Calibration detects where refines action on the screen in Z8H’s Backlit Remote: Cus- functions enable users to enjoy with Sony’s new Frame Tweeter Voice Search in 23 languages in- blur. The latest TVs are equipped the customer views their TV from real time with an incredible re- tomers can now enjoy their view- live TV, apps and connected de- technology. The Frame Tweeter cluding Arabic, highlighting our with BRAVIA Sync that instantly during initial setup and calibrates fresh rate that is brighter and ing experience in darker environ- vices hands-free. vibrates the frame of the TV to commitment to the region by recognises gaming consoles and sound quality based on the envi- clearer than ever before. Each ments with the Z8H’s backlit Easy Connectivity to Most De- emit sound, giving customers the providing optimised solutions to automatically switch the TV to ronment. This new feature brings ‘blink’ is individually control- remote. vices: With Google Home com- feeling that sound is coming di- meet our consumers needs. The game mode. the television’s full sound poten- led, while brightness is boost- Hands-Free Capabilities for patibility, simply voice-com- rectly from the screen. range of LED Bravia TVs delivers The new models will continue tial to any environment. ed when needed resulting in a X95H and Z8H: Sony’s voice- mand your TV and ask it to do For more information on all stunning picture quality thanks to deliver the creator’s intent The 2020 lineup also features smooth and realistic action- activated TVs work to provide things like cast and control vid- Sony televisions, please visit: ht- to Sony’s new Picture Proces- with Netfl ix Calibrated Mode, a new Immersive Edge design packed image. a smarter viewing experience. eos from YouTube with Google tps://www.sony.com/electron- sor X1 Ultimate, ‘Full Array lo- off ering studio-quality Netfl ix concept – a noiseless stand now X-Wide Angle X95H Expan- Easily search and watch your Home or change the channel ics/tv/t/televisions. QC distributes 2,500 meals to coronavirus-hit expatriates

atar Charity (QC) has distributed 2,500 meals Qto various Asian ex- patriate families and workers affected by the Covid-19 pan- demic. The distribution of meals, in which many volunteers participated, took place in co-operation with the Minis- try of Administrative Devel- opment, Labour and Social Affairs, forums, councils and committees of Asian commu- nities. The meals have benefited workers and families belonging to the Indian, Bangladeshi, Ma- laysian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Filipino, Pakistani and Indone- sian communities, QC has said in a statement. The meals were distrib- uted under the supervision of the Qatar Charity Centre for Community Development - Arabic, English, Hindi and for Asian expatriates (Friends Filipino. Cultural Centre) in different The embassies have thanked areas of Qatar, including Al QC for extending support to Wakra, Al Rayyan, Mansoura The meals have benefited workers and families belonging to the Indian, Bangladeshi, Malaysian, Sri their communities in Qatar, and Al Hilal. Lankan, Nepalese, Filipino, Pakistani and Indonesian communities. which confirms the strength of As part of its humanitarian relations between their coun- and social services provided in in co-operation with their em- embassies, including those of QC had earlier given health tries and Qatar where people the country, QC had earlier bassies, benefiting some 53,048 Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines, bags to workers in addition are known for their love to do distributed 13,262 food par- Asian, African and Arab ex- Ethiopia, Bangladesh, India, to distributing multilingual good and help others, especially cels among various expatriate patriates. In this, Qatar Char- Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali and awareness leaflets and publish- in times of adversity, the state- communities residing in Qatar ity has co-operated with 20 Sri Lanka. ing 30 videos in four languages ment adds.

Philippine embassy Online enrolment in public Pak embassy consular closed temporarily schools starts on August 23 services to resume in over Covid-19 case new building on Aug 16 he Ministry of Education and Higher Education has he Philippine embassy has said it will Tannounced that student onsular services at the remain temporarily closed from be temporarily closed, from today until transfer and enrolment in Qatar’s Pakistani embassy in August 11-13. We shall soon fi - T further notice, after a family member of public schools will be open from CDoha will remain tempo- nalise arrangements. Please re- one of its personnel tested positive for Cov- August 23 to October 7. rarily closed until tomorrow, and member to visit the new embassy id-19. “In the interest of the safety of the gen- Parents can complete the en- will resume on the mission’s new premises for consular services eral public, the Philippine embassy stopped its rolment process online via the premises from August 16. eff ective August 16. Any incon- services earlier today (August 11) and will be Public Service Portal at https:// The new premises are located venience is regretted,” it added. temporarily closed starting August 12, until eduservices.edu.gov.qa/Service. in the Diplomatic Area, Onaiza. Makhdoom Shah Mehmood further notice,” the advisory states. aspx? service=PreEnrollStudent. The embassy has informed Qureshi, Pakistan’s Minister for Despite the closure, the embassy will remain For applications to be com- this through a notifi cation on its Foreign Aff airs, had formally accessible through the following means in case plete, parents will need to upload Facebook page. inaugurated the new embassy of queries and concerns: all the documents required for “The inauguration of the new premises in February. z E-mail - [email protected] admission along with the medi- embassy took place in February The new embassy premises z Hotline - 55275123 (for consular concerns cal assessment certifi cates for this year, but because of the situ- are spread across an area of over such as passport, civil registry, marriage, au- new students, according to in- employer certifi cate for non-Qa- The offi cial medical certifi - ation arising out of the Covid-19 8,100sq m, much more than thentication, etc); and 66446303 (for police formation available on the min- tari students. The certifi cate must cates issued by health centres outbreak, the shifting of con- the existing building’s area of cases and other concerns) istry’s website. be issued within one month from will determine whether students sular services had to be halted. 4,500sq m, and the new con- z Facebook - Philippine Embassy in Qatar The documents required for en- the enrolment date. Employers are medically fi t for admission. Now, these services are being sular halls can accommodate The embassy will inform the Filipino com- rolment are: QID copy; Kahramaa must be among the entities eligible The certifi cates will also be shifted to the new premises fol- 300 visitors. There are sepa- munity and the general public of further de- certifi cate or residential electricity for registration in public schools. linked to the ministry’s online en- lowing advice from the local au- rate waiting areas for women velopments once available, according to to the number as per a duly attested lease Meanwhile, medical examina- rolment system. Accordingly, par- thorities,” the embassy said in and men, and the hall for public advisory signed by ambassador Alan L Tim- contract (all nationalities); birth tions for new students are still ents can proceed with the online the notifi cation. meetings is also more spacious bayan. certifi cate (for children of Qatari under way at a number of pre- enrolment directly once the stu- “In this regard, it is intimated than the existing one, accord- mothers and residents); and recent determined health centres. dent is found medically fi t. that the consular services will ing to a report. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 QATAR Diplomatic Institute, University of Houston-Clear Lake sign MoU

QNA the Director of the Mayor’s Of- For his part, the Director of the Houston fi ce of Trade and International Diplomatic Institute expressed, Aff airs Christopher Olson, and in a speech, his happiness at a number of senior members of participating in the signing he Diplomatic Institute the administrative and educa- ceremony of the MoU, and said at the Ministry of Foreign tional body of the university. that today is the right time more TAff airs signed yesterday In a speech, Mayor of Houston than ever for such a partnership, a memorandum of understand- Sylvester Turner praised the and that diplomacy faces many ing (MoU) with the University MoU signed between the Diplo- challenges in the contemporary of Houston-Clear Lake, in the matic Institute at the Ministry world and is no longer limited presence of a number of offi cials. of Foreign Aff airs and the Uni- to practice in conducting ne- The Consul General of Qatar versity of Houston Clear Lake, gotiations and public relations, in Houston Rashid bin Abdul- describing it as innovative and pointing out that the Diplomatic lah al-Dehaimi and President important in Houston, which is Institute always seeks to fi nd of University of Houston-Clear home to more than 95 consu- new programmes to sharpen the Lake Dr Ira Blake signed the lates. skills of Qatari diplomats. MoU. He expressed his happiness He hoped that work to imple- Snapshots of the signing ceremony. The remote signing ceremony with this partnership, which ment the agreement would be- was attended by the Director of would provide a lot to diplomats gin as soon as possible. diplomacy at the University of best results of co-operation and Qatari Ministry of Foreign Af- which supported the state of the Diplomatic Institute Dr Ab- and students in the city, and In her speech, the President Houston will be the platform diplomatic partnership. fairs, noting that such partner- Louisiana during Hurricane dulaziz bin Mohamed al-Horr, thanked Qatar for its continuous of University of Houston-Clear to demonstrate the university’s She expressed her happiness ships and providing continuous Katrina and the City of Houston in addition to the presence of support to the city of Houston. Lake said that the institute of commitment to supporting the at starting this work with the support are not new for Qatar during Hurricane Harvey.

First production of sea bream released into marine waters Digital hiring benefi cial for employers and job seekers

By Joey Aguilar tion, it is actually life-saving for all tion on one of the digital transfor- process could be “missing out on Staff Reporter entities who have previously em- mation tools currently available in an abundance of potential candi- braced digital transformation, and the market, which showed the auto- dates.” having such system saved their own mated workfl ows and other features He cited several advantages of he novel coronavirus (Cov- companies during this crisis,” Fares that help companies manage their adopting a digitised hiring system, id-19) pandemic has fur- pointed out. business remotely. saying it saves more time, lowers Tther boosted eff orts by many A programme under Qatar’s Fares noted that they have been the cost of hiring while attract- companies in the Arab world, par- Ministry of Transport and Com- receiving request from a large ing the best candidates, having a ticularly those in Qatar, to fully munications (MoTC), the Digital number of companies in the region bigger reach, better screening and digitise their hiring process, an in- Transformation of Small and Me- to have their recruitment process pinpoints the exact skills and ex- dustry expert has said. dium Business Enterprises webinar digitised. pertise needed by the company, Speaking at a live webinar themed details the digitisation of the entire “We are assisting companies, big and creates a synchronised process ‘Sourcing and Hiring Talent Re- recruitment process. and medium entities, who want to without duplicating tasks. motely’ yesterday, Zein Al Abedin The topics also discussed how the have better productivity, they are A digitised system, he added, also Fares, international business pro- use of the Internet help human re- shifting to a paperless system and uses auto screening tools, which fessional at Bayt.com, said business source professionals, recruiters, and want it to be done online,” he said. fi lters out the candidates that are entities in the region saw the need hiring managers do their jobs more In his presentation, Fares also irrelevant to the position. “It cuts to communicate among their teams effi ciently: from sourcing to on- highlighted the vital role of digital down on the amount of time spent and with job seekers amid the cur- boarding candidates in the comfort transformation as a tool to improve going through CVs to select the rel- rent situation. of their homes. and expand business operations, as evant and qualifi ed ones that will be The Ministry of Municipality and He noted that these companies A related MoTC workshop, held well as network with industry pro- put through the recruitment proc- Environment (MME), represented witnessed that such kind of disrup- recently, focused on managing fessionals. ess,” Fares said. by the Fisheries Department, has tion had a minimal eff ect on those business remotely. It underlined He noted that 77.3% of more He stressed that such a system released 51,000 young sea bream fish which already have adopted a (digi- the importance of digital platforms than 200mn online users in the also improves the retention of em- (weighing 5gm each) in the Qatari tised hiring) system. in adapting to the current circum- Arab world search for jobs online. ployees who are most likely to stay marine waters. This is considered “The rate people are shifting to stances to maintain productivity. Fares said companies which have in the company if they know that the first production of the Aquatic something digital is not just an op- The session included a demonstra- not digitised their recruitment they have been hired professionally. Research Centre in Ras Matbakh, QNA reports. The production and release of the fish comes within the programme of enriching fish stocks. The fish were released in two batches: 21,000 in the first and 30,000 in the second. There are plans to release about 200,000 young sea bream fish under the supervision of the Aquatic Research Centre’s team, in accordance with scientific and environmental specifications and standards that ensure the availability of appropriate conditions for growth and nutrition and protection from predators.

India-bound passengers at HIA yesterday. More Vande Bharat fl ights in the offi ng

ore than 30,000 peo- and two infants. Then, AI 1972 embassy said. The mortal remains nies. Meanwhile, the embassy had ple have been repatri- left for Jaipur with 142 passen- of one person were also carried on Monday released lists of more Mated to India from Qatar gers, the Indian embassy tweeted on the flight to Jaipur, according Air India Express and IndiGo on Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) yesterday. These marked the 171st to the embassy. Besides the VBM flights for different destinations flights so far, it is learnt. and 172nd flights from Doha un- flights, a large number of people in India under the Vande Bharat Flight 6E 8713 took off from der VBM, “bringing the total have been repatriated to India on Mission. Hamad International Airport number of repatriated passengers chartered flights hired by com- The full lists are available on (HIA) for Chennai with 129 adults to 30,232 plus 522 infants,” the munity organisations and compa- the embassy’s social media pages.

QSL announces gradual Qeeri develops new technology return of fans to stadiums to remove oil from seawater From Page 1 „ Only General Admission tickets will be up for sale. Tick- ets for the left and right sides of the VIP Stand will not be sold From Page 1 „ Children below 12 years of age will be denied entry into the stadium The team per- „ All attendees must wear masks while the Ehteraz mobile forms design, ex- application must display the ‘green’ status. perimental and „ Maintaining social distancing is a must at the stadium modelling stud- Three matches are scheduled on each day during Week 21. ies with support Al Janoub and Al Sadd stadiums will host the games. from Dr Said Ahzi The fi xtures are Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi (Al Janoub Stadium), from the Compu- Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah (Al Janoub Stadium) and Qatar SC vs tational-Mate- Al Sadd (Al Sadd Stadium) tomorrow; and Umm Salal vs Al rials & Processes Gharafa (Al Janoub Stadium), Al Shahania vs Al Rayyan (Al Centre. Their Janoub Stadium) and Al Duhail vs Al Khor (Al Sadd Stadium) focus is on the on Friday. development of Meanwhile, Qatar Football Association (QFA) yesterday novel materials, said based on the statement issued by the QSL, fans will re- components and turn to the QNB Stars League only in accordance with the processes for the conditions and standards prepared in line with the precau- mitigation of oil Some of the scientists of Water Centre at Qeeri. tionary and preventive measures aimed at limiting the spread fouling in various of Covid-19, QNA reported. industries, including municipal drinking water production and the oil and gas sectors. QFA affi rmed that fans would not be allowed to enter sta- As a culmination of a number of years of continued research and development, diums hosting matches of the 2019-2020 second division the team has also filed multiple patents for oil/water separation technology, which league, except after assessing the situation from all sides and cover key markets including the United States, China, the European Union and the taking the appropriate decision in this regard in co-ordina- Middle East. tion with the relevant authorities, QNA added. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 12, 2020 5 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

HEALTH Kuwait reports 668 new virus Explosions hit US cases, four deaths The Kuwait Ministry of Health coalition supply announced yesterday 668 new Lebanese call for cases of the coronavirus (Cov- id-19) during past 24 hours, raising convoys in Iraq the tally to 73,068 cases, QNA reported. Ministry spokesman Abdullah al-Sanad said in a state- Reuters rying supplies to coalition ment carried by Kuwait’s Kuna Baghdad forces, the military said. that four deaths were recorded as president’s ouster Several thousand US a result of contracting the disease, forces are still based in Iraq, bringing the total number of Reuters t least two explosions leading a coalition whose deaths recorded in Kuwait so far Beirut have hit convoys mission is to fi ght Islamic to 486 cases. Asupplying US-led State militants. Those forces OMAN’S TOTAL CASES coalition forces in Iraq in the are also a target for militias, REACH 82,050 ngry and grieving protest- last 24 hours, security sourc- which the United States Meanwhile, the Oman Ministry of ers yesterday read aloud es said, the fi rst on Monday blames for regular rocket Health reported yesterday that the Athe names of at least 171 evening near the southern attacks on bases hosting the total number of Covid-19 cases in people killed in last week’s ex- border with Kuwait and coalition, and on other US the country had reached 82,050, plosion at Beirut port and called the second yesterday in the targets such as Washington’s QNA added. It added that the for the removal of Lebanon’s north of Baghdad. embassy in Baghdad. total number of Covid-19 related president and other offi cials they The explosions, which The militias have vowed to death cases stood at 533, while blame for the tragedy. caused no casualties but did avenge the death of paramili- the number of recoveries stood Gathered near “ground zero”, some material damage, are tary commander Abu Mahdi at 76,720, comprising 93.5%. The some carried pictures of the vic- the latest in a string of such al-Muhandis, who was killed ministry also pointed out that 48 tims as a large screen replayed incidents in recent weeks. alongside Iranian military cases were hospitalised over the footage of the mushroom cloud An attack in southern Iraq mastermind Qassem Solei- past 24 hours that rose over the city on Aug on Sunday hit a convoy car- mani in a US drone strike. 4 after highly-explosive mate- rial stored for years detonated, CRIME injuring some 6,000 people and At least 19 dead leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. “He Knew” was writ- after attempted ten across an image of President prison break Michel Aoun on a poster at the People take part in a vigil for the victims lost in a massive explosion, in Beirut, yesterday. protest venue. At least 19 people, among them Underneath, it read: “A govern- and we are alone,” said Khalil sis that has ravaged the currency, site by French forensic scientists suspected militants, were killed in ment goes, a government comes; Haddad.”We are trying to fi x it paralysed the banking system and supporting an investigation into an attempted prison break in the we will continue until the presi- the best we can at the moment. sent prices soaring. the disaster. The Beirut port mir- Somalian capital of Mogadishu, dent and the parliament speaker Let’s see, hopefully there will “I said before that corruption rors the sectarian power system in authorities said yesterday. are removed.” be aid and, the most important is rooted in every juncture of the which the same politicians have Fifteen prisoners and four guards Reuters reported that the pres- thing: hopefully the truth will be state but I have discovered that dominated the country since the died in the incident on Monday ident and prime minister were revealed.” Lebanese have not been corruption is greater than the 1975-90 civil war. at the central prison, according to warned in July about the ware- placated by Monday’s resignation state,” Diab said, blaming the po- Each faction has its quota of Abdiqani Mohamed Qalaf, a prison housed ammonium nitrate, ac- of Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s litical elite for blocking reforms. directors at the port, the nation’s spokesman on state TV. This was cording to documents and senior government and are demanding Talks with the International main trade artery. a rise from the eight people initially security sources. the wholesale removal of what Monetary Fund have stalled due “It’s a good thing that the gov- announced dead on Monday. Some Aoun, who has pledged a swift they see as a corrupt ruling class to lack of progress on reforms and ernment resigned. But we need of those involved are suspected to and transparent investigation, they brand as responsible for the a row between the government, new blood or it won’t work,” said be Al Shebaab members, and one tweeted yesterday: “My promise country’s woes. banks and politicians over the silversmith Avedis Anserlianin in militant escaped alive, Qalaf said. to all the pained Lebanese is that “We will not forget until nooses scale of vast fi nancial losses. front of his demolished shop. The militants took small arms from I will not rest until all the facts are are erected (for the leaders),” one For many Lebanese, the explo- Diab formed his government in prison guards and started shooting known.” man said at yesterday’s demon- sion was the last straw in a pro- January with the backing of the at the policemen in and around the Residents of Beirut were still stration after he read out some of tracted crisis over the collapse of powerful Hezbollah group and prison, police said on Monday. They picking up the pieces as search the victims’ names shown on the the economy, corruption, waste, its allies, more than two months were able to capture parts of the operations continued for 30 to screen. negligence and dysfunctional after Saad Hariri, who had en- prison, and it took security forces 40 people still missing and secu- Diab, announcing his cabinet’s government. joyed the support of the West and nearly two hours to end the siege. rity forces fi red tear gas at stone- resignation, blamed endemic The blast left a crater more than others in the region, resigned as throwing protesters in the fourth graft for the explosion, which was 100 metres across on dock nine of premier amid anti-government such day of unrest. the biggest in Beirut’s history and the port, the French ambassador protests against graft and mis- STRIFE “Our house is destroyed compounded a deep fi nancial cri- tweeted following a visit to the management. At least 38 killed during peace deal disarmament At least 38 people were killed dur- Protesters demand release ing clashes between soldiers and civilians refusing to be disarmed as part of a peace agreement in of Palestinian activist South Sudan, off icials said yesterday. Clashes erupted when soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defence AFP in Ramallah urging the country, which Force tried to disarm civilians in the Ramallah currently holds the European body’s ro- town of Tonj East in Warrap State as tating presidency, to lobby Israel. part of a recent peace agreement, “Our main message to the European the town’s councillor James Mabior alestinians rallied in the West Union and to Germany is that you need Makuei told DPA via telephone. Bank city of Ramallah yesterday, to intervene with the Israelis, force them Some civilians refused to hand Purging EU pressure on Israel to to uphold human rights and those who over their guns at a market in Tonj free a local leader of the global campaign defend them,” said Omar Barghouti, a East on Sunday, with a number of to boycott the Jewish state. co-founder of BDS. The movement calls bystanders joining the fight that Mahmoud Nawajaa, co-ordinator of for a wide-ranging embargo of Israel ensued, Mabior said. the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions over its treatment of the Palestinians. (BDS) movement in the occupied Pal- Israeli sources familiar with Nawa- estinian territories, was arrested at his jaa’s case who requested anonymity said PRECAUTION home in Ramallah on July 30. that he was arrested for “security of- Niger expands Several rights groups, including Am- fences”, not over his role in BDS. nesty International, have called for his They did not detail the nature of the emergency across release. allegations against him and Nawajaa has region in capital “He has been detained solely for ex- not been charged in court. ercising his rights to freedom of expres- Israel sees BDS as a strategic threat Niger’s government has extended sion and association and is therefore a and accuses it of anti-Semitism. a state of emergency to the entire prisoner of conscience,” Amnesty said Activists strongly deny the charge, region that surrounds the capital in an August 7 press release. comparing the embargo to the economic Niamey and suspended access to More than 100 protesters gathered isolation that helped bring down apart- a giraff e reserve where six French outside the German delegation offi ce heid in South Africa. aid workers and two Nigeriens were shot dead. Attackers on motorbikes ambushed the group on Sunday while they were driving through the reserve, a popular destination for expatriates south- east of Niamey in the Tillabery re- gion. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted yesterday that France would bolster security measures to protect its nation- als in West Africa’s Sahel region, without providing any details. France has 5,100 troops deployed in the arid region south of the Sahara desert, but violence by Palestinians protest against the detention by Israel of Boycott, Divestment, militants linked to Islamic State Sanctions (BDS) movement campaigner Mahmoud Nawajaa, who was arrested by and Al Qaeda continues to rise. the army two weeks ago, in the city of Ramallah, yesterday.

UNREST Gunmen kill 13 villagers in Nigeria UN experts in Mauritius to Gunmen have killed 13 villagers in central Nigeria’s Benue state fol- aid eff orts to check oil spill lowing a long-running “chieftaincy” dispute, police said yesterday. The attack on Edikwu in the Apa AFP boat could split in two at any moment, district on Monday, also left several Port Louis with cracks in the hull growing larger by people injured and many houses day. The inter-agency United Nations burnt, said Catherine Anene, the team will “support eff orts to mitigate im- state police spokeswoman. “About team of United Nations experts ar- pact of (the) oil spill on natural resources 20 armed men invaded the com- rived on the island nation of Mau- and on (the) population”, read a statement munity and shot sporadically at Aritius yesterday to aid eff orts to from the UN offi ce in Mauritius. Japan has members of the community,” she prevent an oil spill from further damaging dispatched a six-member team, including said in a statement. “A team of its pristine environment. members of its coastguard, to assist. police off icers was deployed to the Salvage crews were in a race against Meanwhile, France has sent more than scene where 13 corpses were recov- the clock as they pumped fuel from the 20 tonnes of technical equipment — in- ered,” she said. Anene said police stricken Japanese-owned bulk carrier MV cluding 1.3 kilometres of oil containment had launched a probe, adding that Wakashio, which ran aground on a coral booms, pumping equipment and protec- a dispute over “chieftaincy” matters reef last month and began leaking oil fi ve tive gear — along with advisers from was to blame for the violence. days ago. Authorities have warned the Reunion, a French Indian Ocean island. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 AMERICAS Judges sceptical Obamas to anchor key slots at Biden’s Democratic convention towards Trump AFP Washington

ormer US president Barack Obama and his Fwife Michelle will deliver former aide’s keynote speeches during next week’s Democratic National Convention when Joe Biden will be confi rmed as the party’s White House challenger in the November election. bid to end case The Democratic Party an- nounced yesterday that Obama Reuters hearing before ruling on the will give a primetime address Washington Justice Department’s request. next Wednesday, the conven- “The judge is not simply a tion’s penultimate evening, rubber stamp,” Griffith said, while former fi rst lady Michelle S appeals court judges echoing words Sullivan has Obama will address the con- yesterday voiced scep- used in the case. vention on Monday, opening Uticism toward a bid by Sidney Powell, Flynn’s law- night. President Donald Trump’s yer, during the hearing accused The schedule details were former national security adviser Sullivan of “usurping” the job released amid mounting an- Michael Flynn to compel a fed- of a prosecutor and said the ticipation over who Biden will eral judge to immediately drop judge “impermissibly sallied choose as his running mate. the criminal case against him forth to right the wrongs that The 77-year-old Democratic as the Justice Department has he perceived.” veteran is expected to reveal his Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle will deliver keynote speeches during next demanded despite Flynn twice Wall told the judges that Sul- vice presidential pick this week, week’s Democratic National Convention. pleading guilty to lying to the Former US national security livan lacks the constitutional and he has pledged to choose a FBI. adviser Michael Flynn. authority to second-guess the woman. den’s fi nal sprint to the election Ten judges from the US Court dropping of the Flynn case. Biden served for eight years on November 3. of Appeals for the District of Co- hearing, “is that, ‘No, he can’t Judge David Tatel pressed as Obama’s vice president and Democrats have revealed lumbia Circuit heard fresh argu- hear both sides on the law and Wall over that argument, ask- will formally accept the Demo- what they hope will be an in- ments in the politically charged he has to drop the case like a hot ing, “Don’t courts regularly cratic nomination on the four- spiring lineup of speakers, in- case after a three-judge panel of potato.’” scrutinise the executive’s stat- day convention’s fi nal day, Au- cluding standard-bearers of the the same court, in a 2-1 ruling on Democrats and other critics ed justifications?” gust 20. progressive left like fi rst-term June 24, had directed US District have accused Attorney-General Wall also suggested the pos- “Joe Biden will speak about congresswoman Alexandria Judge Emmet Sullivan to grant Bill Barr of protecting Trump’s sibility that the Justice Depart- his vision for uniting America Ocasio-Cortez. the Justice Department motion friends and allies in this and oth- ment moved to drop the Flynn to move us forward out of con- Senator Bernie Sanders, a to clear Flynn. er high-profi le criminal cases, case because of findings that stant chaos and crisis, and for two-time presidential hope- Flynn, a retired Army lieuten- warping the rule of law. have not been made public. “It delivering on that promise for ful whose liberal policies like ant general, was charged under Trump on July 10 also com- may be possible the attorney all,” the party said in a state- universal healthcare and free former Special Counsel Robert muted the prison sentence of his general had before him infor- ment. college have pushed Biden left- Mueller’s investigation that de- friend and adviser Roger Stone, mation that he was not able Obama remains one of Amer- ward, has been given a Monday tailed Russian interference in who was convicted of lying un- to share with the court,” Wall ica’s most popular politicians. speaking slot, along with New the 2016 US election to boost der oath to lawmakers investi- said, without offering specif- He has campaigned virtually York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump’s candidacy. gating Russian election med- ics. with Biden in recent months The speaker’s list includes Some of the judges questioned dling. In asking the full DC Circuit and has helped him raise mil- many everyday Americans like whether it would be premature Flynn pleaded guilty two court to reconsider the three- lions of dollars in campaign emergency responders, teach- for them to end the case now, times to lying to the FBI about judge panel’s ruling, Sullivan cash. The convention had been ers and factory workers. But it is A lineman works on a utility pole at the Wisconsin Center, home to before Sullivan has even ruled on his conversations with Rus- had said the Justice Depart- set for Milwaukee, in the bat- also a who’s who of the party’s the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, yesterday. the Justice Department’s request sia’s then-ambassador, Sergey ment’s move to clear Flynn was tleground state of Wisconsin. elite, including several senators for dismissal. Kislyak, concerning US sanc- unprecedented and warranted But the coronavirus pandem- who challenged Biden for the nod. Three other women seen address the Democrats is Ohio’s “The integrity and independ- tions imposed on Moscow under careful scrutiny. ic has upended the plans of both nomination: Elizabeth Warren, as potential vice presidential former governor John Kasich, a ence of the courts is also at play President Barack Obama before The judges will decide either parties, forcing them to convert Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker picks, Michigan Governor Meg- Republican who has remained a here,” Judge Cornelia Pillard Trump took offi ce in 2017. to order an end to the case or to the normally raucous in-person and Kamala Harris. han Whitmer, Senator Tammy steadfast opponent to President told Justice Department lawyer Judge Thomas Griffith dur- let Sullivan hear arguments on events into online aff airs driven Harris is widely considered a Duckworth of Illinois and War- Donald Trump and will endorse Jeff Wall, asking whether any ing the hearing suggested that dismissing the charges. by video presentations and ap- top potential running mate pick, ren of Massachusetts, are also Biden. “self-respecting” federal dis- Sullivan can scrutinise whether The DC Circuit’s decision pearances. and her slot on the convention on the schedule, while former Trump had been adamant trict judge “would simply jump Flynn had been given favour- potentially could be appealed The sudden shakeup has schedule — apparently the last national security adviser Susan about delivering his own nomi- and enter an order without do- able treatment because he is a to the US Supreme Court. caused logistical challenges for speaker before the Bidens on Rice is not. nation acceptance speech at a ing what he can to understand Trump ally. After pleading guilty, Flynn both campaigns, but especially the fi nal night — has fuelled The Clintons — 2016 nomi- crowded event in Jacksonville, both sides.” Griffith also said Sullivan switched lawyers to pursue a for Democrats who were hop- speculation about whether the nee Hillary Clinton and her Florida but he too has acknowl- “And your position,” Pillard appeared to be simply “educat- scorched-earth tactic that ac- ing to use a boisterous, crowded 55-year-old black woman from president husband Bill — are set edged he will have to deliver his told Flynn’s lawyer earlier in the ing” himself by holding a court cused the FBI of setting him up. live event as a launchpad for Bi- California has earned the VP to speak too. Also scheduled to remarks remotely.

CRIME French NGO head killed in Guatemala Seattle reduces police funding, The French director of an NGO in Guatemala was killed on Monday in an Trinidad PM declares election win signals deeper cuts ahead armed attack in the northeast of the country, a human rights organisation said. Benoit Maria was the director of the agriculture and animal health NGO Seattle’s city council has demanded by protesters Agronomes et Veterinaires Sans Frontieres (AVSF) in Guatemala. Accord- AFP embroiled several former min- former prime minister Kamla approved a reduction in the following the death of George ing to local media, Maria was driving a van on a road near the indigenous Port of Spain isters and a serving MP. Persad-Bissessar refused to budget of the city’s police Floyd in Minneapolis in police village of San Antonio Ilotenango, 85km northwest of the capital Guatemala Prime Minister Keith Row- concede defeat and told re- department of less than 1% custody on May 25. City, when he was shot dead. “We denounce the murder of human rights ley’s party won 22 seats ac- porters her party will demand after months of protests Local media said Seattle defender Benoit Maria,” tweeted the Guatemalan Unit for the Protection of rinidad and Tobago’s cording to predictions based recounts on three seats — the demanding that it defund the Police Chief Carmen Best had Human Rights Defenders (UDEFEGUA), calling for a public investigation. ruling People’s National on a partial vote count, while number required to take pow- force, but signalled deeper announced her resignation TMovement party has the opposition United National er. cuts might be on the way. to staff . According to a report declared victory in a close-run Congress (UNC) gained 19. Rowley was quick to thank By a vote of 7-1, the council ap- in the New York Times, Best HEALTH general election where it lost a Rowley declared victory as his supporters after the polls proved a revised 2020 budget said in a message to the Police Mexico to hold trials for China, US vaccines seat to the opposition, which votes were still being tallied, closed, saying older people that reduced the department’s Department that she would has said it will contest the re- with the fi nal count expected may have shied from voting budget by $3.5mn for the retire next month and was Mexico aims to conduct late-stage clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines in sult. later this week. because of coronavirus con- remainder of the year and “confident the department development by US and Chinese companies, two of which might base The run-up to Monday’s “I have always said the peo- cerns. invested $17mn in community will make it through these some of their vaccine production in the country, the foreign ministry ballot was dominated by the ple...can be trusted to do the “Our young people have public safety programmes. diff icult times.” The Seattle said yesterday. Mexico has signed memorandums of understanding with government’s handling of the right thing when called upon come to the fore,” he said, The cut to the department’s Police Department (SPD) did Johnson & Johnson, along with Chinese companies CanSino Biologics coronavirus pandemic — large- to do so,” he said in the capital “this victory is the result $409mn annual budget not immediately respond to a Inc and Walvax Biotechnology Co Ltd, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard ly seen as a success, and allega- Port of Spain. of the participation of our fell way short of the 50% request for comment. said at news conference. tions of corruption that have But UNC candidate and young people.”

Priced out of services, Venezuelans turn creative for water and gas

Reuters “Every week, we adjust to While water costs less than a the project’s leaders. “We are Caracas what happens,” said Geraldine dollar per month at subsidised fi nding solutions.” Escalante, a cook in a coastal rates, cisterns can cost $100. In some places, Venezuelans area of Vargas state. Service interruptions now af- have to walk for kilometres to fi nd enezuelans are stead- She went for a month-and-a- fect both wealthy neighbour- a cellular signal. ily losing access to cheap half without water until April, hoods and the slums. “The crisis “The only one way I manage to Vbasic services from water when she paid $20 for a cistern in public services has put the get even a bit of coverage is when to cooking gas that have helped with 2,000 litres (529 gallons) poor and rich on equal footing” I get up on the roof of the house,” them survive economic crisis, which lasted a week. in that respect, said economist said Jose Atacho, a pharmacy forcing many to fi nd creative so- At other times, she and other Luis Pedro Espana during a pres- manager in the western city of lutions and adding pressure dur- residents link hoses between entation of a demographic study Punto Fijo, who has lines with ing the coronavirus quarantine. diff erent communities to share last month that showed poverty three diff erent operators to im- Services have long been near- water or carry bottles back-and- reached 65% of households. prove the odds. free due to heavy subsidies by forth for several kilometres. “That is the paradox of the Working and studying from the ruling Socialist Party, which Access to running water is Venezuelan state: it remains home during coronavirus quaran- has overseen a six-year econom- particularly crucial to curb the powerful in social control but tine while struggling with faulty ic collapse despite Venezuela’s Covid-19 disease, which is run- is fading away as a provider of connections has led families to oil wealth. ning rampant around South public goods and services,” add- rely on pricey mobile phone data But as the decay of state- America. ed Asdrubal Oliveros, head of the services. In some cases, residents run utilities has led to constant The generous oil-fi nanced local Ecoanalitica consultancy, pay up to $30 per month for addi- shortages, Venezuelans now subsidies begun under late so- People carry plastic containers filled with water that accumulated at a stalled tunnel construction to Reuters. tional services, compared with the have to pay the equivalent of cialist leader Hugo Chavez have project near El Avila mountain that borders the city of Caracas. A group of Caracas residents notoriously faulty state-provided several months’ salary for a few gradually disappeared under in June built a system to use wa- Internet that costs $2 per month. days of water, gas or telephone his successor President Nicolas Yusbel Castro, a community equivalent to more than two “It would be $14 every six ter accumulated at a stalled tun- In the western city of Maracai- because private alternatives are Maduro. leader in Caracas’ poor west end, months of minimum wage sal- days, and I get paid in bolivars,” nel construction project near bo, Argenis Linares paid for a sat- priced in dollars. He has eliminated years of was driving around the city try- ary. she said. “I felt like crying.” the El Avila mountain bordering ellite Internet service and charges For those without the money, price and currency controls amid ing to fi nd subsidised gas to fi ll a Unable to aff ord it, Castro Just 3 in 10 Venezuelans in Caracas. people several dollars per month workaround solutions abound: US sanctions that have further 20kg propane tank for less than could not cook lunch for the 110 May could obtain gas at regu- They used 1,300 metres of for access. from wood-burning stoves and weakened an already foundering $1 to fuel stoves at a communal children who rely on the soup lated prices while only 1 in 10 hoses for the network and the “Some neighbours asked me, long walks to fi nd cellular cov- economy. soup kitchen she runs. kitchen. It frequently serves received running water, accord- residents contributed $10 each especially the friends of my kids, erage to improvised pipes for The Information Ministry and But during one recent search beans or soups, which cook for ing to data from the non-profi t to buy parts. “We can’t spend to do their homework,” he said. siphoning water off a mountain. state service companies did not in June, she only found black longer than other foods and watchdog Venezuelan Observa- our whole lives complaining,” “Two are in a tough situation and Others simply do without. reply to requests for comment. market resellers charging $7, therefore require more gas. tory of Public Services (OVSP). said Wilfredo Moscoso, one of they just pay what they can.” Gulf Times Wednesday, August 12, 2020 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Virus found on frozen seafood in China

Duterte off ers himself for Russia vaccine trial Authorities in China have found the novel coronavirus on the packag- ing of imported frozen seafood that arrived from the port city of Dalian, which recently battled a surge of cases, a local government Reuters als continue. Russia has off ered a Covid-19 vaccine has raised were reported, Duterte said he said yesterday. The virus was found on the outer packaging of frozen Manila to supply or co-manufacture the concern that speed and national would deploy soldiers to en- seafood bought by three companies in Yantai, a port city in eastern vaccine in the Philippines, which prestige could compromise safe- force the lockdown if the situ- Shandong province. The Yantai city government said in a statement said it was ready to work with ty. To allay public fears, Duterte ation becomes a “runaway con- the seafood was from an imported shipment that landed at Dalian but hilippine President Ro- Moscow on trials, supply and off ered to be a guinea pig and tagion”. did not say where it originated. In July, customs off icers in Dalian, a drigo Duterte has lauded production. said: “I can be the fi rst they can The lockdown has been among major port in the northeastern province of Liaoning, found the corona- PRussia’s eff orts to develop The Philippines has among experiment on.” the world’s longest and tough- virus in the packaging of frozen shrimps imported from Ecuador, and a coronavirus vaccine and is will- Asia’s highest case numbers, In July, he made a plea to his est and Duterte’s opponents and China then suspended imports from three Ecuadorean shrimp produc- ing to personally participate in which rose by 2,987 to 139,538 Chinese counterpart to make rights groups have voiced con- ers. The novel coronavirus is believed to have emerged in a market trials, as he welcomed a supply on Tuesday. “I will tell Presi- the Philippines a priority if it de- cern about his security-centred that sold seafood and wildlife in the central Chinese city of Wuhan off er from Moscow that he ex- dent (Vladimir) Putin that I velops a vaccine, amid concern approach and the conduct of po- late last year. It has since spread around the world, with some new pects will be free of charge. have huge trust in your studies in developing countries about lice. cases brought back into China from returning travellers. Some of the Russia yesterday became the in combating Covid and I be- availability. Opposition Senator Risa Hon- seafood that the three Yantai companies bought had been processed fi rst country in the world to grant lieve that the vaccine that you He has restored a strict lock- tiveros yesterday said a compre- for export, while the rest had been kept in cold storage and has not regulatory approval for a Cov- have produced is really good for down in and around the capital President Rodrigo Duterte hensive health-centred strategy entered the market, the Yantai government said. When asked if any id-19 vaccine, paving the way for humanity,” Duterte said late on Manila as medical frontliners should be adopted urgently, oth- of the processed seafood had been exported, a member of staff at a mass domestic inoculation even Monday. sought a “timeout” to control Speaking on Monday, when erwise “our health infrastructure coronavirus outbreak response unit in Yantai declined to elaborate, as the fi nal stage of clinical tri- The global race to develop surging infections. a record 6,958 new infections could collapse”. referring Reuters to the Yantai city government statement.

Malaysian former minister, wife face corruption charges Coronavirus A Malaysian ex-finance minister and his wife were hit with cor- ruption charges yesterday, the latest episode in a crackdown against dissent since a scandal- plagued party returned to power. Lim Guan Eng was a minister returns to for nearly two years until the reformist government he was in collapsed in February, as a new pact led by former allies and political rivals took over. A former chief minister of the northern state of Penang from New Zealand 2008 to 2018, Lim was charged with abusing his position to get 372,009 ringgit ($88,573) in gratification for his wife Betty Chew over a workers’ dormitory project. Pleading not guilty at a court after 102 days Shoppers wait to enter a supermarket in the suburb of Johnsonville in Wellington. Auckland has been in the city of Butterworth place at level-3 lockdown and the rest of the country has moved to level-2 after a family in South Auckland yesterday, he said the accusa- Reuters tested positive for Covid. tions against him and Chew Wellington were “baseless and politically „ Four cases of Covid-19 confirmed in a family in Auckland motivated”. “...dragging my wife, I think this ew Zealand announced „ People should stay away from work and school in city is an act of political vengeance yesterday it was shut- „ Health official calls cases a “wake up call” against me,” he said in a press Nting down its largest conference broadcast live on city, Auckland, after four new would mean people should stay her handling of the pandemic. alert level 2 from midday on social media. cases of Covid-19 were dis- away from work and school, But the return of the virus Wednesday for three days. “I’m very upset. You want to go, covered in the city, the first and gatherings or more than could backfire on the govern- This would mean social dis- go for me. Why do you want to evidence of domestic transmis- 10 people would again be re- ment. tancing measures would be ap- go for my wife?” sion after being coronavirus- stricted. Ardern said she has not given plied again and mass gatherings Chew, a lawyer, was hit with free for 102 days. The restriction would be any consideration to the impact would be limited to 100 people. three money-laundering New Zealand’s success- applied for three days until of the new restrictions on the New Zealand was placed under charges, while a businesswoman ful fight against Covid-19 was Friday, which she said would polls at this stage. a tight lockdown for weeks af- was also charged with abetting hailed globally and the Pacific be enough time to assess the “This will come as a shock ter reported its first known case Lim. Both women pleaded not island nation of 5mn was seen situation, gather information to all New Zealanders who be- on Feb. 26 and the last case of guilty. Tuesday’s was the third as one of the safest places, as and make sure there was wide- lieved what we had been told community transmission was such corruption charge that Lim the pandemic raged globally. spread contact tracing. – that we had got on top of this detected on May 1. faced in recent days. Director General of Health “This is something we have virus,” the main opposition Na- It marked 100 days without He was charged in Kuala Ashley Bloomfield said the four prepared for,” Ardern said in a tional Party leader Judith Col- a domestic transmission of the Lumpur on Friday for soliciting cases were within one family in surprise news conference, add- lins said in a statement. coronavirus on Sunday, but a bribe over a $1.5bn construc- South Auckland. One person is ing that the increased caution Parliament is scheduled to warned against complacency tion project, and faced a second in their 50s. was as the source of the virus be dissolved on Wednesday as countries like Vietnam and graft accusation in Penang on They had no history of inter- was unknown. We have had a to make way for the election. Australia which once had the Monday for receiving a bribe national travel. Family mem- 102 days and it was easy to feel Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said: virus under control now battle over the same project. bers have been tested and con- New Zealand was out of the “I am urging Aucklanders to a resurgence. Lim, who also leads the Demo- tact tracing is under way. woods. No country has gone come together like we did last Bloomfield said the unknown cratic Action Party (DAP), was a News of the cases sent panic as far as we did without hav- time to stamp out community nature of the new cases meant main member of the coalition across the country with media ing a resurgence. And because transmission. Please remain it was likely there would be that came to power at the 2018 reporting people rushing to we were the only ones, we had calm, please do not panic buy more positive case in the com- elections, which unseated graft- supermarkets to stock up, and to plan. And we have planned,” and please follow the lockdown ing days. riddled regime that governed businesses preparing to shut. she said. rules.” He said people should use Malaysia for six decades. Prime Minister Jacinda Ard- New Zealand is set to vote in Ardern said travel into Auck- masks in places where it was Since then, authorities have ern said Auckland would move a national election on Sept 19, land, on the North Island, hard to physically distance. launched probes into opposi- to level-3 restriction from in which Ardern is seen to win- would be restricted unless you “The case is a wake up call for tion politicians, journalists and Shoppers shop at a supermarket in the suburb of Johnsonville in noon on Wednesday as a “pre- ning comfortably, according to lived there. She said the rest any complacency that may have activists, in what critics say is an Wellington yesterday. cautionary approach”, which opinion polls, on the back of of New Zealand would enter set in,” Bloomfield said. effort to stifle dissent.

Singapore crushes ivory from 300 Virus infections stabilise in Australia’s epicentre elephants to deter illegal trade Reuters Sydney

Reuters As well as taking a tough stance on Singapore ustralia’s second-most transited products, Singapore said last populous state reported year it would ban the domestic trade in Aonly a small rise in new ingapore started crush- Covid-19 infections yesterday, ing nine tonnes worth of ivory from September 2021 boosting hopes that case num- Selephant ivory yesterday, bers are stabilising after a second in what authorities said was the wave forced authorities to put biggest such event globally in the city of Melbourne back into recent years and signalled the is- lockdown. land nation’s fi ght against illegal Victoria state, which cur- trade in wildlife. rently accounts for nearly all of The city-state, a nautical way Australia’s new cases, detected point in shipments of banned 331 Covid-19 infections and 19 animal products between Af- deaths in the past 24 hours, up rica and Asia, is destroying tusks from 322 infections and the same worth an estimated S$18mn number of fatalities a day earlier, ($13mn) including a record 8.8 health offi cials said. tonne seizure last year which au- Daily infections in Victoria thorities said came from nearly peaked at 725 on Aug 5 and have 300 African elephants. been trending lower in recent In the event, streamed online, days, following the imposition workers in hard hats were seen of a hard lockdown in Melbourne emptying trolley-loads of tusks Ivory, seized from various shipments in past years, is crushed by the on July 19. While the lockdown into a skip where they were then National Parks Board (NParks) at a facility in Singapore yesterday. has caused signifi cant economic Commuters walk at Central Station, as the state of New South Wales experiences a decrease in new cases pulverised by an industrial rock harm, authorities said the re- of the coronavirus, in Sydney, Australia. crusher. The crushing process poachers seeking ivory, meat and “Elephant poaching is at cri- strictions that will run until Sep- may take several days and the body parts, leaving only 400,000 sis levels in Asia and Africa due tember are bearing fruit. “We linked to an outbreak at a school many other developed nations. forced the state government to fragments will then be inciner- remaining, environmentalists to the illegal trade,” said R. Ra- continue to see numbers coming in Sydney, the source of which Still, Australia was recording less employ private security in ho- ated. estimate. ghunathan, CEO of World Wide down. remained unknown, NSW health than 20 new cases a day as re- tels used to quarantine people “The destruction of the ivory... A large chunk of the demand Fund for Nature Singapore. Exactly how long that takes offi cials said. “It’s not always cently as June, when lockdowns returning to Australia from over- will prevent it from re-entering for ivory comes from Asian Raghunathan said the city- and to what the lowest number possible to determine the source were eased. seas. the market and will disrupt the countries such as China and Vi- state’s ivory crush and other is we can get to, only time will and that’s what worries us most,” Quarantine breaches in Victo- Victoria is cut off from the rest global supply chain of illegally etnam, where it is turned into initiatives underlined its deter- tell,” Victorian Premier Daniel NSW Health Minister Brad Haz- ria are believed to be the source of of Australia’s states and terri- traded ivory,” the National Parks jewels and ornaments. mination to “stamp out the il- Andrews told reporters in Mel- zard said. the state’s second wave. Victori- tories, which have closed their Board said of the event, which As well as taking a tough licit transit of wildlife products bourne. No other cases were report- an Premier Andrews appeared as borders to residents of places comes ahead of Wednesday’s stance on transited products, through Singapore”. New South Wales state re- ed elsewhere in Australia. The a witness on Tuesday at an in- deemed to be virus hotspots. World Elephant Day. Singapore said last year it would Neighbouring Malaysia de- ported 22 new cases, the big- country has confi rmed almost quiry into the state’s handling of The remote Northern Terri- An estimated 100 African el- ban the domestic trade in ivory stroyed 9.55 tonnes of seized el- gest one-day rise since April 17. 22,000 infections and 332 deaths the outbreak. tory said it would keep its borders ephants are killed every day by from September 2021. ephant tusks in 2016. About a third of those cases were from Covid-19, far fewer than He said a lack of resources closed for at least 18 months. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 BRITAIN/EUROPE French and Dutch on alert as Covid-19 cases climb

Guardian News and Media that 4,036 new Covid-19 cases had who generally have milder symp- cron held a virtual cabinet meeting epidemiological situation has The virus was “not taking a hol- recent days compared to last week Paris been reported in the past week, an toms, accounted for most of the to discuss a rapid rise in case num- been deteriorating,” he said. “The iday”, he said, adding that “vigi- but the acting chief medical of- increase of 55% on the previous new cases. bers. number of hospitalisation and ICU lance and respect of hygiene and fi cer, Ronan Glynn, said it could be seven days. The Netherlands has recorded The French Prime Minister, Jean admission has been increasing. distancing measures remain indis- next week before authorities know ew daily coronavirus in- The fi gure translates to a weekly a total of nearly 60,000 cases and Castex, said the government would Twenty-fi ve new clusters are be- pensable. Stay prudent.” if the outbreaks have been tamed. fections in the Netherlands average of just over 500, compared just over 6,000 deaths, with the be consulting with local elected ing identifi ed every day. It’s wor- France has so far recorded just The rise has increased scrutiny Nare nearly back to their to nearly 1,200 at the peak of pan- number of fatalities falling to about offi cials with the aim of expand- rying.” The prime minister said it over 200,000 Covid-19 cases and on meat plants, which rely on for- level at the peak of the pandemic, demic. one every seven days in recent ing the number of areas across the was “indispensable, and within 30,000 deaths. eign, low-paid workers. while France’s prime minister has The Dutch public health insti- weeks, compared to more than 150 country – currently 330 – where our grasp” to avoid a crippling new Ireland said it would increase Cases in Belgium, however, are said it is crucial for his country tute, RIVM, said the percentage of in early April. wearing a mask is now compulsory lockdown. “We must be lucid, and testing at meat packing factories now rising at a slower rate than last to avoid a new lockdown amid a positive tests had risen from 2.3% In France, which has reported in the open air. get a grip on ourselves once again,” and asylum seeker centres after month, with the week-on-week “worrying increase” in cases. to 3.6% over the same period, but an average of about 1,600 new in- Castex also said a ban on gath- he said during a visit to a hospital its new case numbers per 100,000 increase in case numbers slowing Jaap van Dissel, the Nether- added that the number of hos- fections a day for the past seven erings of more than 5,000 people in Montpellier. people soared from about fi ve to to 11% compared to 58% in July and lands’ chief epidemiologist, told pitalisations had fallen slightly days, compared to roughly 4,300 would be extended until Octo- Macron tweeted that existing 16.9, overtaking the UK rate of 16.5. an average of 588 new cases a day the Dutch parliament yesterday – possibly because young people, in April, President Emmanuel Ma- ber 1. “For the past fortnight, the measures must be observed. New daily cases have fallen in in the week to August 7.

Scottish exam Schools begin grades set to be reinstated full return

Guardian News and Media Edinburgh

ore than 100,000 Scot- despite rise tish exam grades which Mwere marked down last week will be reinstated, by restor- ing results to those recommended by teachers, Scotland’s education secretary, John Swinney, has said. Swinney made an emergency in virus cases statement at Holyrood yester- day afternoon after a furious AFP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon questioning whether restarting row erupted last week when the Edinburgh said on Monday it was “entirely schools require the closure of oth- Scottish Qualifi cations Author- understandable” for children, par- er reopened places, such as pubs. ity announced it had downgraded ents and teachers to have “nerves Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 124,000 exam results, moderating cottish children began at- and anxiety” about the return. who has responsibility for educa- the recommendations of school tending schools for the fi rst But Sturgeon insisted she was tion in England only, insisted Mon- teachers in nearly a quarter of all Stime in fi ve months yester- “impressed and reassured” by the day that the current strategy was awards. day as leaders across Britain try preparations schools were taking. the “right thing for everybody”. He Swinney also faces a damaging to kickstart a return to education Students in the Scottish Bor- said he hoped schools would not be no-confi dence vote instigated by despite coronavirus cases increas- ders region were the fi rst to return forced to close as a result of the in- Scottish Labour and backed by the ing again. yesterday, alongside some in the creasing trend for local lockdowns Scottish Tories. Scotland’s devolved govern- Shetland Islands. and that it was the “last thing” his The minority Scottish National ment has ordered pupils to return Pupils will not be required to government wants to happen. party government needs the Scot- gradually through this week, with wear face coverings or maintain The government is reportedly tish Greens’ six votes to ensure all classes set to have resumed fully social distancing — sparking con- encouraged by a Public Health Swinney survives. by next Tuesday. cern among some staff . England study of 100 schools fi nd- Earlier yesterday, a Scottish In neighbouring England, where A survey of 24,000 educators ing little evidence of the virus be- Greens spokesman said the party’s plans to restart schooling in June last week by the Educational Insti- ing transmitted in schools. education spokesman, Ross Greer, had to be abandoned following tute of Scotland found that only 18 “The risks to children from believed Swinney would reverse opposition from teaching unions % of respondents were confi dent Covid are very low and the risks nearly all the exam downgrading and some parents, the government that it was safe enough to return. of school closures we know are after the Scottish Greens warned is adamant kids will return in early “Teachers want to see schools very serious,” said Russell Viner, they could support Labour’s no- September. reopening...but they are very clear president of the Royal College of confi dence motion. But the reopenings come as that this has to be done safely,” Paediatrics and Child Health and “We’ve had some positive nois- Britain, which has recorded the institute general secretary Larry a member of a key government es and indications, but we don’t highest death toll in Europe from Flanagan said in a statement. advisory group, told The Sunday know for absolute sure,” he said. Covid-19 with more than 46,000 Some experts in Britain are Times in reference to the probe. Nicola Sturgeon, the fi rst min- fatalities, fears the start of a resur- ister, said on Monday her gov- gence. ernment now accepted they had Offi cials recorded more than Mixed feelings about school return made a serious error. 1,000 new cases in 24 hours for the Despite consistently defending fi rst time Sunday since June, as a Parents and children across daughter Greer admits that she the SQAs handling of the deba- months-long lockdown has been Scotland have described a is nervous about going back cle last week, Sturgeon indicated gradually eased in the subsequent mixture of relief, anxiety, loss and to her primary school on the Swinney would change many weeks. celebration as pupils begin their south side of Glasgow today awards. Restrictions have been reim- phased return to schools across but looks forward to playing “That burden has not fallen posed during that time in some the country this week. “I can be football with her friends again. equally across society,” she said. local areas in central and northern flippant about how it is great Parental concerns about lack of “Despite our best intentions, I England, as well as in the Scottish to get rid of them,” says Vonnie social contact in the absence of do acknowledge that we did not city Aberdeen last week, where Sandlan, a mother-of-four on ready-made school communities get this right. I’m not prepared to restaurants had to close and travel Glasgow’s south side, “but there have been profound, says have this year’s cohort of pupils, restrictions renewed. was something special about Tina Woolnough of Connect, particularly from deprived com- However, across Scotland, us all being together during this an umbrella body for Scottish munities, thinking that their hard which has recorded more than terrible time. Now it feels like parent councils, especially work at school doesn’t count or 19,000 cases and 2,491 deaths, sending them off to nursery among parents of primary age the system is determined to be First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon views a classroom as she visits West Calder High School in West there have been no fatalities from for the first day.” Her 11-year-old children. against them.” Calder, Scotland. the virus in more than three weeks.

30-year-old corpse Britain presses France found in mansion

Guardian News and Media – billed as “the last truly sig- to halt migrant crossings nifi cant property in the capital’s Paris most sought-after neighbour- AFP Britain’s right-wing Con- Since January 1, authorities in hood” – fi nally sold in January Paris servative Party government has northern France have recorded ork on restoring an by its owners, a discreet Dutch looked to increase pressure on 342 attempts or crossings involv- abandoned €35mn company, at an auction that last- France to prevent migrants com- ing 4,192 migrants, compared Wmansion in one of the ed barely 15 minutes. British minister yester- ing into UK waters. with 203 attempts and 2,294 mi- most prestigious areas of Paris The buyer, Jean-Bernard La- day pressed France to British Prime Minister Boris grants for the whole of 2019. has been suspended after the fonta, paid €35.1mn – nearly six Aintensify eff orts to halt Johnson on Monday said illegal Philippe Sabatier, deputy discovery of a corpse that had times the reserve price. the “completely unacceptable” migrant crossings were “very bad prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer been decomposing in the base- Lafonta, a former director numbers of migrants crossing the and stupid and dangerous”, add- on the northern French coast, ment for 30 years, local media of the French investment fi rm English Channel in often unsea- ing they needed to be stopped in said that attempts hit a peak have reported. Wendel and now head of his own worthy small boats. cooperation with France. on July 30 when 232 people at- Minutes from Les Invalides industrial holding group, lost no Immigration Minister Chris “We are committed to taking tempted the crossing. and the French prime minister’s time in February starting work on Philp met French offi cials in Paris action to make this route — fa- French offi cials believe that offi cial residence, and back- restoring the property, protected as concern grows in London over cilitated by dangerous criminals migrants pay smugglers some ing onto the former home of by a strict preservation order, to the numbers of migrants enter- — completely unviable and that 3,000 euros ($3,500) per person Yves Saint Laurent, the vast but its former glory, residents told Le ing British waters from France. is an objective the French gov- for the crossings which use in- crumbling complex at 12 rue Parisien. “French authorities are doing a ernment shares,” said Philp. fl atables the traffi ckers buy on- Oudinot in the heart of Paris had But then workmen survey- great deal of work...but the sheer British Interior Minister Priti line or even more rudimentary been empty for more than 30 ing the site stumbled across the numbers crossing the Channel Patel and French counterpart equipment. years. body.“Everyone was devastated are completely unacceptable. Gerald Darmanin signed an “When the weather conditions Behind a bricked-off facade, to learn it had been there so “Unacceptable to the French agreement last month creating a allow it, they (the smugglers) Le Monde said, ivy sprouted from long, without any of us know- government and unacceptable to new joint police intelligence unit deliver the boat to the coast and the cracked walls and broken ing,” said Sabine Lebreton, the the UK government,” Philp told to combat migrant traffi ckers, then make sure that their clients shutters of four imposing build- vice-president of a local asso- reporters. but it is unclear whether this has reach the embarkation point,” ings once lived in by the poet and ciation dedicated to preserving “So it’s quite clear that more had any impact. Sabatier said. playwright François Coppée. the mansion. needs to be done,” he said. French offi cials insist France “It is particularly lucrative and A once-elegant garden had Le Monde said the corpse, the He added the countries were is doing all it can, with addi- easy to organise,” he added. been untended since the mid- discovery of which was only working on a comprehensive ac- tional security forces deployed, Sabatier said that in Boul- 1980s and was now completely recently made public, came to tion plan “with the objective in to prevent the crossings. But they ougne-sur-Mer alone this year overgrown. light as workers removed a pile mind of completely cutting this acknowledge the numbers have four smuggling networks have A migrant reacts while arriving at Dover harbour on a Border The stuff of estate agents’ of planks and rubble in one of the route.” increased sharply this year. been dismantled. Force boat yesterday. dreams, the hôtel particulier mansion’s cellars. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 12, 2020 9 INDIA

POLITICS COLLABORATION SAVIOUR CONTROVERSY INVESTIGATION Independent MLA in Karnataka, US university Lawmaker saves woman’s Hyderabad police remove Police begin probe into Uddhav cabinet joins Sena to set up research centre life, helps deliver baby provocative banner cyberattacks on journalists

In a significant political development, Recognising the importance of immunology Mizoram’s legislator Z R Thiamsanga proved Police have removed a controversial banner Kerala police yesterday began an investigation independent legislator and Maharashtra’s Soil at a time the coronavirus pandemic is nothing short of an angel for a pregnant woman with provocative writing from a busy traffic into a complaint by the Kerala Union of Working and Water Conservation Minister Shankarrao terrorising the world, the Karnataka amid a medical emergency, as he conducted intersection in Hyderabad. The banner was Journalists after some journalists came under Gadakh joined the Shiv Sena yesterday. government yesterday announced that a Caesarean operation on her and helped put up by an organisation called Bhagat Singh cyberattack for posing inconvenient questions to Gadakh, founder-president of Krantikari it will set up an immunology and vaccine deliver a healthy boy. The 62-year-old qualified Yuva Sena to thank Prime Minister Narendra Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Director General Shetkari Party (KSP), was welcomed into research centre in Bengaluru in collaboration doctor-turned MLA is known for his penchant Modi for the temple in Ayodhya and to convey of Police Loknath Behra said in a statement the party by Chief Minister and Shiv Sena with the renowned Emory University of the for extending a helping hand to those in need. Independence Day greetings. Majlis Bachao that the Hi-tech Enquiry Cell and the Police president Uddhav Thackeray, in the presence US. “Keeping in mind the importance of The Mizo National Front’s lawmaker told IANS Tehreek (MBT) leader Amjedullah Khan had Cyberdome have started the probe. For the past of several senior party leaders. Gadakh, immunology in the future, the state is very yesterday that both the 39-year-old woman raised strong objection to the silence of the few days a journalist couple working for a TV 50, was the first independent legislator to keen to establish an immunology and vaccine and her newborn were doing fine. Thiamsanga authorities over the controversial banner saying channel and another woman journalist with a support the Shiv Sena after the 2019 assembly research centre in collaboration with the said that during a visit to Champhai district on this could vitiate the atmosphere and disturb different channel had come under unprecedented elections. He was the only independent MLA Emory University,” Deputy Chief Minister Monday, he came to know that the pregnant peace and communal harmony. Activist Syed cyberattacks. The major issue for the attackers who was a minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi C N Ashwath Narayan said. Narayan held a woman was bleeding profusely and in a critical Abdahu Kashaf also lodged a complaint with seemed to be that these journalists were asking coalition government with the Shiv Sena, webinar with Rafi Ahmmad, director of Emory condition at the district hospital and rushed the police. Police late Monday night removed inconvenient questions to Vijayan in particular Nationalist Congress Party and Congress. Vaccine Centre and discussed the importance there. “As there was no gynaecologist at the the banner. Both Amjedullah Khan and Kashaf and the CPI-M in general. The issue was first taken With yesterday’s development, the Shiv Sena’s of immunology, which is critical to address hospital at that time, I performed an emergency thanked Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani up by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala who effective strength has increased to 57 MLAs in vaccines, infectious diseases, cancer research Caesarean operation and helped deliver a Kumar for his swift action in removing the slammed Vijayan’s press secretary P M Manoj for the 288-member assembly. and others. healthy baby boy,” Thiamsanga said. provocative banner. taking on the journalists. Safety regulator to conduct special audits of airports hit by heavy rain

Reuters also taking part in the effort, Ku- The plane that crashed at New Delhi mar said. Kozhikode airport was owned “Once the findings are final- by Air India Express and was not ised, and if something is amiss leased, an airline official said. ndia’s air safety regulator we will take action to rectify it,” Out of its fleet of 25 Boeing plans to conduct special au- he said. 737-800 NG aircraft, the airline Idits of airports across the The crash was the worst in In- owns 17 and the remaining were country affected by heavy rain, dia in a decade, and the second taken on lease. the watchdog’s chief told Reu- fatal accident on a “table-top” A senior insurance indus- Wife of Air India Express pilot Deepak Sathe places flowers on his coffin during his funeral in Mumbai yesterday. Sathe and 17 others died in the ters, days after an air crash killed runway which is typically found try official said the entire claim plane crash in Kerala on Friday. 18 people and raised questions in high-altitude areas. amount will be paid to the airline about safety. Table-top runways are built if it is an owned aircraft. An Air India Express plane by excavating the peaks of hills If there is a loan taken on the with 190 people on board over- and have steep drops at one or plane then the financier will also shot the rain-soaked runway at both ends, increasing the danger have a financial interest in the the Kozhikode airport in Kerala if pilots under- or over-shoot crashed craft. Pilots want DGCA chief sacked on Friday. their approach. With the lead reinsurer of the The Boeing 737 landed in tail- At the Kozhikode airport, plane approving the claim for to- wind, skid off the runway and where the plane crashed on Fri- tal loss of the Dubai-Kozhikode broke in half. day, the pilot landed a third of flight, Air India Express will get after Air India Express crash “We will conduct additional the way along the runway, Ku- the entire claim of $50mn. checks at major, busy airports mar said on Sunday, leaving less “Like the consortium of pri- across India that are affected room to bring the plane to a halt. mary insurers, a consortium of IANS the deceased individuals by such nex 13 to the Convention on can the head of Medical Coun- by the monsoon rains,” Arun Airports with table-top run- reinsurers has insured the air- New Delhi a senior officer of the govern- International Civil Aviation’ of cil of India be a mathematician Kumar, head of the Directo- ways are subject to the same rig- craft of Air India and its subsidi- ment of India as ‘fellows’ highly which India is a signatory, is the - no matter how academically rate General of Civil Aviation orous regulatory requirements aries like Air India Express. The inappropriate and distasteful binding document to be followed qualified or senior that person (DGCA) said in an interview late and are periodically audited for lead reinsurer, AIG London, has wo major pilot associa- but completely in violation of during an accident investigation may be -every technically sen- on Monday. safety, Kumar said. approved the hull claim (claim tions have sought the im- international norms and proto- and it states that the sole objec- sitive department with public “We will review everything - In 2010, an Air India Express for loss of aircraft). Other re- Tmediate replacement of cols that are required to be fol- tive of the investigation of an safety ramifications requires a the condition of the runway, its plane overshot a similar runway insurers in the consortium will the chief of the Directorate Gen- lowed by regulatory agencies”, accident shall be the prevention domain expert. The DGCA of incline, the lighting as well as in Mangalore. also give their approval,” the eral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) the pilots said. of accidents and incidents and India, therefore, stands out as an drainage.” It fell down a hillside and burst senior official said. following the deadly Kozhikode In another interview, he re- the purpose is not to apportion aberration and embarrassment Kumar said the special audit into flames, killing 158 people. A consortium of four pub- air crash. portedly remarked “the landing blame or liability”, they added. before the international aviation was over and above the DGCA’s A government-led committee lic sector insurers - New India They have demanded that was not smooth,” the pilots said, The associations said the DG- community”, they added. routine checks and could cover looking into that crash had sug- Assurance, National Insurance Arun Kumar be immediately re- adding these remarks only reveal CA’s comments have “made us The pilots allege that DGCA is a dozen airports including those gested installing an Engineered Company Ltd, Oriental Insur- placed with a suitable candidate his total lack of technical knowl- the laughing stock of the avia- trying to sway public opinion. in Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvanan- Material Arresting System ance Company Ltd and United with substantial aviation knowl- edge and amateurish view of the tion world”. “It is shocking that the very thapuram as well as Mumbai, all (EMAS) on table-top airports. India Insurance Company Ltd - edge and operational experience. unfortunate accident. “The DGCA’s hasty comments person in our country who is en- of which get heavy annual rains. EMAS is a special surface usu- has insured the fleet of about 170 In a letter to Civil Aviation It is an established scientific on TV clearly appeared to be bi- trusted with the job of ensuring Air India Express is the low- ally installed at the end of the aircraft belonging to Air India Minister Hardeep Puri, Indian fact that the so-called “smooth” ased, unprofessional, premature that all agencies in the country cost arm of state carrier Air In- runway to quickly stop an air- and its subsidiaries, including Commercial Pilots Association touchdowns may be counterpro- and presumptive -without even act professionally and adhere to dia. craft. Air India Express. (ICPA) and Indian Pilots Guild ductive in certain adverse weath- considering the need to conclude international treaties, regula- The flight was repatriating In- However, a second commit- The airline has taken policies (IPG) said that Kumar, in a na- er conditions and may pose a sig- any technical analysis of the Dig- tions and conventions on civil dians stranded in Dubai due to tee suggested that if the runway covering the aircraft or hull and tionally televised interview mo- nificant risk to safety, they said. ital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), aviation such as Annex 13, has the novel coronavirus pandemic. safety area was increased at Ka- liability for third party and pas- ments after the catastrophic Whether a landing technique Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) violated the very basic princi- The black boxes have been re- rippur airport, the EMAS would sengers. accident of Air India Express is appropriate or a contributory and other verifiable sources - ple of accident investigation. covered and their data is being not be needed, Kumar said. According to another of- Flight No IX 1344 in Kozhikode, factor to an accident can only be and have tragically made us the By his irresponsible remarks it examined. Subsequently, the runway ficial, the total liability under referred to the deceased pilots as confirmed after a thorough, ev- laughing stock of the aviation is obvious that he is trying to India’s Aircraft Accident In- safety area was increased to the liability policy taken out by “fellows” and also said “...and idence-backed investigation and world”, the pilots said. sway public opinion, as well as vestigation Bureau is leading the 240m, more than the 90m pre- Air India is about $750mn. The the landing it seems was not ap- not by speculative and casual re- “Just as the head of the Atomic the outcome of the investigation probe into the crash. scribed by the International Civ- compensation to be paid to pas- propriate...” marks, they added. Energy Regulatory Board cannot towards a direction that suits his Boeing and the US National il Aviation Organisation, he said. sengers will be according to the “Not only was the reference to “As you may be aware, ‘An- be a veterinary scientist and nor office.” Transportation Safety Board are IANS adds: Montreal Convention. PM urges states to ramp up Pranab critical after testing to beat coronavirus surgery for brain clot Agencies stated that he had tested posi- Agencies ing Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that “The main pillars of this strat- New Delhi tive for Covid-19. New Delhi have a combined population of egy were segregation of con- “On a visit to the hospital more than 300mn, need to ramp tainment zones and focus on for a separate procedure, I have up testing. Experts have cited screening, especially of those in ormer president Pranab tested positive for Covid-19 ndia’s ability to rein in a India’s low testing rate as a cause high-risk categories. The results Mukherjee’s health today. I request the people who surging coronavirus out- for concern. of these steps are there for all to Fworsened yesterday came in contact with me in the Ibreak hinges on its 10 most India currently has a mortal- see,” he said, adding that steps evening, following emergency last week, to please self-isolate populous states, Prime Minister ity rate of 1.99%, lower than like better management in hos- brain surgery, and he remains and get tested for Covid-19,” Narendra Modi said yesterday, the global average of 3.65%, but pitals and increasing ICU beds on ventilator support, the he tweeted. urging regional leaders to ramp Modi said state governments also proved very helpful. Army Research and Referral As Mukherjee went to the up testing and contact tracing. should aim to push it lower. The chief ministers sought fur- Hospital said. hospital, wishes for his speedy India has more than 2.2mn “A view has emerged that if ther guidance by the Health Min- Mukherjee was also found to recovery started pouring in, in- confirmed coronavirus infec- we unitedly make efforts to de- istry for conducting serosurveil- be Covid-19 positive. cluding from Congress leader tions, the third highest tally after feat the virus in these 10 states, lance, while also suggesting the “The former president who Rahul Gandhi and federal min- the United States and Brazil. the entire country will emerge setting up of an integrated medi- underwent life-saving emer- ister and Lok Janshakti Party “If we can defeat corona in victorious in the battle against cal infrastructure in the country. gency surgery for brain clot leader Ram Vilas Paswan. these 10 states, the country will Covid-19,” Modi said. They also provided feedback on August 10, 2020 has not West Bengal Chief Minis- win,” Modi said in a video confer- “Experts now say if we identify on the ground situation in their shown any improvement and ter and Trinamool Congress ence with state chief ministers. Covid-19 cases within 72 hours of respective states. his health status has worsened. supremo Mamata Baner- The 10 states accounted for onset, then infection slows down They praised Modi’s lead- He remains on ventilator sup- jee said, “Concerned to hear 80% of its 639,929 active cases to a great extent,” Modi said. ership in the successful man- port,” the hospital said in a about former president Pranab and 82% of its 45,257 deaths, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and agement of the pandemic and statement. Mukherjee Da testing positive Modi said. India has reported Andhra Pradesh have reported the thanked him for his constant The 84-year-old veteran for Covid-19. My prayers are at least 50,000 cases every day highest numbers of cases in India. guidance and support. leader was admitted to the with him and his family dur- since July 30, and experts worry The prime minister recounted In recent days, the corona- hospital at 12.10pm on Mon- ing this time and I wish him a that the already burdened health how Home Minister Amit Shah virus has infected a number of day in a critical condition. speedy recovery.” system may not be able to take prepared a road map to tackle politicians, including former It was found that he had a Mukherjee, a long-serving the strain as infections spread to the coronavirus pandemic in co- president Pranab Mukherjee, A health worker wearing Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) large brain clot for which he figure in the Congress party, the hinterland. operation with Delhi and nearby who was put on ventilator sup- assists an elderly resident during a Covid-19 screening in the underwent emergency surgery. was India’s president between Modi said five states, includ- states. port after undergoing surgery. Dharavi slum in Mumbai yesterday. Mukherjee had on Monday 2012 and 2017. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Spain again grapples with Europe’s worst virus infection rate Just seven weeks after bringing its fi rst coronavirus wave under control, experts say Spain is once again in a “critical” situation with the worst infection rate in Western Europe. The country reported an average of 4,923 new daily cases of the respiratory disease during the last seven days, a higher amount than that of Britain, France, Germany and Italy combined. Spain counts 95 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 24 in France, 17 in Britain, 13 in Germany and just eight in Italy, the fi rst country outside of China to be hit Why Asia and Europe are responding hard by the pandemic. The spike has led a growing list of countries to impose restrictions on travel to Spain, which has nearly 323,000 to the same crisis diff erently confi rmed cases of the disease, the highest number in Western Europe and 11th highest in the world. “It’s a critical moment, we are right at a point where things By Khor Ho Ee and Rolf Strauch from about 50% of GDP in Italy to a few – direct income-support schemes bank-lending activities, temporary can get better or worse,” said Salvador Macip, an expert Singapore/Luxembourg City percentage points in other countries, have proved effective. financing lines, and corporate-bond in health sciences at Catalonia’s Open University who has like Ireland. Moreover, automatic stabilisers – purchases. Moreover, regulatory written a book called The Great Modern Plagues. In the Asean+3, the range is narrower, such as taxation and the extension of forbearance encourages well- ovid-19 has claimed more but not by much. Japan’s stimulus is the unemployment coverage and social capitalised banking sectors to provide “This means we have to pull out all the stops to curb than 700,000 lives, infected largest, at 40% of GDP, while the other benefits – have played a much larger some relief to borrowers. outbreaks before they become more serious,” he said. over 19mn people, and economies come in at around 10% of role in the eurozone, where they By contrast, central banks in There are currently more than 500 outbreak clusters in Cdecimated rich and poor GDP. All told, fi scal measures, together amount to about 5% of GDP. In most advanced economies had little space Spain, according to the health ministry. economies alike. But, even as most with indirect fi nancial measures (such Asean+3 economies, such stabilisers to lower interest rates, so they have The ministry’s emergencies co-ordinator Fernando Simon of the world faces unprecedented as debt moratoriums), amount to nearly are estimated to total 1.1% of GDP. leaned heavily on quantitative easing. recession, policy responses diff er 29% of GDP in the eurozone, and 13% of Another notable difference is The European Central Bank expanded acknowledged on Monday that there are cases of community sharply. The contrast between Europe GDP in the Asean+3. institutional: in Europe, unlike in the its €120bn asset-purchase program transmission in some places that are “not perfectly and Asia is a case in point. Diff erences in the size of the crisis Asean+3, existing structures allowed and created a new temporary €750bn controlled” but he said they had “gradually subsided” in Both regions are undoubtedly facing response can be explained partly by the for complementary policy initiatives Pandemic Emergency Purchase recent days. serious economic hardship. The extent to which guarantees have been at the regional level. Even before Programme, which it subsequently Spain in mid-March European Commission expects the used to support fi rms. In the eurozone, the EU launched its unprecedented increased by €600bn. imposed one of the strictest eurozone economy – which grew by discretionary budgetary measures €750bn ($886bn) recovery fund, The Covid-19 pandemic has “It’s a critical 1.3% in 2019 – to contract by 8.7% this worth 5.3% of GDP are backed by finance ministers had agreed to three highlighted the way structural lockdowns in Europe to fi ght year. In the Asean+3 – the ten members liquidity facilities totalling almost 21% programmes worth a total of €540bn. diff erences, institutional frameworks, moment, we are the spread of the virus, with of the Association of Southeast Asian of GDP. Those facilities consist of public First, the European Commission’s and the extent to which governments people allowed outside only Nations (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, guarantee schemes – which channel Support to mitigate Unemployment and fi nancial systems have built up right at a point to buy food, seek medical Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic liquidity through the banking system Risks in an Emergency (SURE) can buff ers shape crisis responses. But care, briefl y walk their dog or Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the into the economy. provide up to €100bn of loans under short-term emergency action is just the where things Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and The Asean+3 economies have favourable terms to member states. beginning. go to work if they could not Vietnam), plus China, Hong Kong, pursued discretionary fi scal measures Second, the European Investment It is impossible to say how the can get better or do so remotely. Japan, and South Korea – GDP growth is on a similar scale – 5.1% of GDP, on Bank is available to support businesses Covid-19 crisis will unfold. New waves When the lockdown expected to plunge to 0% this year, from average – but backed by liquidity- by mobilising up to €200bn. Finally, of infection may necessitate renewed worse” measures were completely 4.8% in 2019. support schemes averaging just 5% of the European Stability Mechanism’s lockdowns, impede or even reverse lifted on June 21, the country Policymakers in both regions GDP (including temporary debt relief Pandemic Crisis Support credit line economic recovery, and intensify have responded aggressively, with and moratoriums). The magnitude of supports spending on health care fi scal pressures. Additional stimulus reported just 238 new infections and it had just eight cases unprecedented monetary and fiscal tax and social-contribution deferrals and preventive measures during the measures may be needed. per 100,000 people. stimulus, as well as other measures to is comparable in the eurozone and the Covid-19 crisis, up to €240bn. Even if the virus is brought under But infections have surged since the fi rst week of July, support the economy. But different Asean+3. Of course, the eurozone’s integrated control relatively quickly, the road to in part because the government “rushed” to open the economic structures, institutional Both regions have also taken steps structure also creates risks – recovery will be long. In Europe and economy “surely thinking about tourism”, a pillar of the arrangements, and vulnerabilities to support household income, though particularly if the Covid-19 crisis fuels Asia alike, policymakers must begin mean that the size, content, and here, too, structural differences destabilising divergence among member considering how to translate emergency Spanish economy, said Joan Cayla, the head of Barcelona’s distribution of support have been very have translated into contrasting economies. Some eurozone-wide measures into more sustainable policies. Tuberculosis Investigation Unit, which now focuses on different. approaches. Eurozone economies initiatives – including the recovery fund Their approaches may not be the same, Covid-19. In the European Union, fi scal rules – have favoured job-retention schemes, – aim to mitigate this risk. but their objectives – safeguarding Several outbreak clusters have been reported among particularly the stricture that a budget via short-time work compensation There are also notable differences their economies’ long-term prospects – seasonal farm workers — who often live in crammed defi cit cannot exceed 3% of GDP – – partly a reflection of the region’s in approach on the monetary-policy should be. - Project Syndicate were temporarily suspended, to give robust social security systems. In front. In emerging and developing conditions — since the summer harvest season began, countries more space for expansionary many Asean+3 economies – which economies, central banks have focused zHoe Ee Khor is Chief Economist at helping fuel the rise in cases, Macip added. fi scal policy. Of course, signifi cant despite their economic heterogeneity, on cutting policy rates and injecting the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research And the start of warm weather has led people to “relax” a diff erences in countries’ fiscal and tend to have larger informal liquidity. Key measures among Offi ce. bit, in country where physical contact and get togethers with fi nancial space remain, so the size of economies, more flexible labour Asean+3 economies have included zRolf Strauch is Chief Economist at the European Stability Mechanism. friends and family are common, Macip said. the stimulus varies widely by country – markets, and weaker social safety nets government guarantees on select This helped create a “perfect storm”, Macip said. He said the best way to curb infections is with more testing, public education campaigns and hiring more people to carry out contact tracing — and there have been “fl aws” in all three areas. Spain’s powerful regional governments, which are responsible for healthcare, have taken drastic measures to curb outbreaks, such as shutting down nightclubs and making the use of face masks in public mandatory despite the heat. Several regions have also launched public awareness campaigns with hard-hitting images to encourage youths to respect social distancing measures. The federal government defends it record, arguing that more cases are being detected because more tests are being carried out — around 7.5mn so far, with 407,700 last week alone.

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A woman walks across a bridge overlooking the financial business district in Singapore yesterday. Singapore’s virus-hammered economy shrank almost 43% in the second © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved quarter, in a sign that the country’s first recession in more than a decade was deeper than initially estimated, off icial data showed yesterday. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 12, 2020 11

PAKISTAN

UNGA president-elect expresses support to resolve Kashmir dispute

Internews he said the Jammu and Kash- we are grateful to it.” its implications will spread even Volkan Bozkir on the role played to close co-operation with Pa- ly faced with many challenges in- Islamabad mir dispute needs to be settled He said Pakistan desires that beyond the region. by Pakistan in pushing forward kistan. Referring to his meeting cluding humanitarian and deadly through political and diplomatic the discussion on the dispute is He said Kashmir has become the peace and reconciliation with Prime Minister Imran Khan, confl icts. means. also held in the UN General As- a fl ashpoint, and the United Na- process in Afghanistan, the chal- Volkan Bozkir said the premier is He said the unprecedented resident-elect of the Unit- Volkan Bozkir said Foreign sembly as it is the pulse of the tions must act now on the issue. lenges that lie ahead and the re- a well-known political fi gure in health challenge of Covid-19 is ed Nations General As- Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi world that highlight the views of Responding to a question cent positive developments. the world, who has a vision for a threat with social political and Psembly, Volkan Bozkir has and Prime Minister Imran Khan the comity of nations. about the UN Military Observer In his remarks, the president- the region and world peace and economic consequences. expressed his strong support presented their approach to the The foreign minister said peo- Group in India and Pakistan, elect of the United Nations Gen- security. Extending condolences to Pa- for resolving the longstanding issue during talks yesterday. ple of Indian administered Jam- Qureshi said the government has eral Assembly said Pakistan is a The prime minister also has a kistan over the loss of lives it faced dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, Speaking on the occasion, mu and Kashmir are concerned given freedom to the UN Observ- key country at the United Na- clear vision of other important due to Covid-19, Volkan Bozkir linking it with peace and stability Foreign Minister Qureshi said over the demographic change ers and they share their reports. tions which makes extensive and issues faced by the world includ- said Pakistan has been a good ex- of South Asian region. “the UN Security Council has taking place there. While on the other, he said, India substantial contributions to the ing climate change and problems ample for the world to deal with Addressing a news conference deliberated on the lingering He said if the Kashmir issue re- has obstructed to the working of world body’s work including the of least developed countries, Vol- the pandemic through its policies. along with Foreign Minister Shah dispute three times in a year mained unresolved, peace in the the UN Observers. peace operations. kan Bozkir said. He said Pakistan has done better Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad, which is unprecedented and region will remain disturbed, and Qureshi said he also briefed He said the UN looks forward He added the world is current- than other countries.

Peshawar Patriotic fervour Bus Rapid Govt policies, Transit service set public response to launch

Internews Peshawar ‘helped to win

he Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project – Tthe fl agship project of the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government – is all set to be Covid-19 fi ght’ launched this week. According to local media, the Internews Zulfi kar Abbas Bukhari said the response to Covid-19 pandemic provincial government is likely Islamabad the reopening of tourism sector and played a pivotal role in for- to inaugurate the project on in the country has become pos- mulating policies, identifying August 14, but Chief Minister sible due to eff ective policies of control measures, defi ning diag- Mahmood Khan will formally he Minister for Planning government against the corona- nostic and treatment strategies, announce the exact date after a and Development Asad virus pandemic. teaching and training of health- fi nal meeting with Prime Minis- TUmar yesterday said the In a tweet, he said Pakistan care workers and advising both ter Imran Khan. government’s correct decisions is one of the few countries that provincial and federal govern- Sources have added that the and people’s co-operation have made the fastest recovery during ments on mitigation strategies, prime minister will inaugurate led to the control of the Covid-19 the Covid-19, leading to revival it added. the project on August 13. pandemic in the country. of multiple businesses. “Control measures to contain The Rs70bn BRT project con- Addressing a news conference He said Pakistan’s tourism the infection have to be based sists of a 27.5km main track and in Islamabad, he said the govern- sector has reopened but it relies on sound scientifi c principles; 31 stations while the length of ment’s policies of contact tracing, upon public’s behaviour, who political consensus is irrelevant the feeder routes is 62km and has smart lockdown and public aware- must follow the SOPs. in this context,” the statement 146 stops. ness have contributed greatly to Meanwhile, the Medi- said, adding that the level of pre- The main track is connected containing the spread of the pan- cal Microbiology and Infec- paredness of diff erent healthcare to seven diff erent areas of the demic in a short period. tious Diseases Society Paki- facilities proved largely to be ap- city so that the people can travel The minister said the gov- stan (MMIDSP) too lauded the propriate for the number of cases from their areas in small buses to ernment enforced 2,350 lock- country’s Covid-19 pandemic and currently many of the beds reach the main route. downs across the country, and at response and added that the de- assigned for Covid-19 patients in Three mega commercial pla- present there are 85 smart lock- creasing number of cases was these facilities lie vacant. zas would be completed in June downs in 20 districts. He said the outcome of good decision- The isolation centres set up in 2021, but the bus parking areas the government is now heading making and the advisory role of the Expo centres of Karachi and are ready. toward micro smart lockdown to infectious diseases specialists Lahore, both having a capacity About 60,000 travelling cards target only the specifi c places af- engaged by the federal and pro- of over 1,000 beds each, never have been sold in just four days. fected by the pandemic. vincial authorities. worked to their full capacity even The Peshawar Development He said at present, there are In a statement, the MMIDSP during the peak of disease activ- Authority (PDA) has already over 7,000 coronavirus cases in said that the strategy of “smart ity in June, the society said. handed over the route and sta- the country, and the government lockdowns”, based on input from “Public messages have been tions to Trans Peshawar which is trying to arrange home isola- leading infectious diseases ex- consistent since the beginning has already completed installa- tion for them. perts in public and private sector, and at no point in time were peo- tion of the Intelligence Ticket- The minister said a majority of had proved to be a practical way ple asked to forego distancing, ing System (ITS). Offi cial docu- the people followed the stand- of handling Covid-19 infection in hand hygiene or use of mask.” ments have estimated that the ard operating procedures, which the country. The PCR-based testing for initial cost for the BRT project yielded positive results. He said The society, said to be the sole Covid, which was initiated in was Rs49.43bn. However, this the media also ran eff ective pub- representative of infectious dis- January and is now available in was revised to Rs66.43bn, which lic awareness campaigns to de- eases specialists in the country, many cities, was not feasible for was further increased to Rs70bn. liver the government message to stated that it members and public minimally symptomatic patients The Asian Development Bank the people about the contagion. health experts at the National In- or for large-scale screening of (ADB) and AFD have provided Asad Umar, however, warned stitute of Health Islamabad came asymptomatic individuals, the $593mn loan for the project, that the pandemic threat was not together in January after the ini- society said, adding that sero- while the remaining amount was yet over in the country, and cases tial reports of novel coronavirus prevalence studies, designed provided by the provincial gov- may again rise if people discon- outbreak in Wuhan, China. in collaboration with experts ernment. tinue following the SOPs. He urged The health experts, all cur- in the fi eld and WHO offi cials, The estimated cost of BRT’s people to strictly adhere to the rently serving in public and pri- were under way in diff erent parts civil work (27km track and sta- precautionary measures to com- vate sector hospitals across the of the country and the results tions), depots and ITS has in- People buy Pakistani flags at a shop ahead of the country’s 74th Independence Day in pletely overcome the pandemic. country and many heading coro- would guide decisions regarding creased from Rs32,863mn to Rawalpindi yesterday. National Tourism Co-ordi- na wards, has since been actively control measures, resource allo- Rs52,446mn. nation Board chairman Sayed involved in shaping the country’s cation and further initiatives. Maryam Nawaz blamed for Removal of Karachi clashes outside NAB offi ce hoardings ordered Internews well as the prolonged loadshed- Karachi ding and said the chief execu- Internews Basharat said stones were the windows of the anti-graft tive officer and other officials Lahore brought under the security proto- watchdog’s building have been of the power utility should col of Maryam. After reaching the broken and that Maryam has car- he Supreme Court has be booked and prosecuted as area, they were distributed among ried forward her family’s traditions directed the city admin- a number of people had been he Punjab government workers and thrown at NAB and of “launching attacks” against law Tistration to immediately killed due to electrocution dur- yesterday said action will police. enforcement agencies. remove all billboards and hoard- ing rains in the city. Tbe taken against those in- “Maryam claims she was sum- The minister claimed Maryam’s ings from public spaces and The court also summoned the volved in stone-pelting and dam- moned to cause her harm. She was move was the outcome of the in- properties. KE offi cials. aging state property outside the called to answer for the crimes she ternal politics of her party. “Nei- A three-judge bench headed At the outset of hearing, the Lahore offi ce of the National Ac- has committed,” the minister said. ther will I play, nor will I let anyone by chief justice Gulzar Ahmed bench took notice of the falling countability Bureau (NAB) at the Some people have been ar- play, this is what Maryam had in also ordered Karachi commis- of a billboard near Metropole time of Maryam Nawaz’s appear- rested, while others are being mind when she came to appear be- sioner Iftikhar Shallwani to ex- Hotel a few days ago that left two ance in a land purchase case. identifi ed through CCTV footage. fore NAB,” he said. amine the billboards installed at motorcyclists injured. The court Punjab Minister for Law, Raja “Cases will be registered against The minister claimed that this private properties and remove sought details of the incident. Basharat, said PML-N has re- PML-N workers who injured po- act was a “suicide attack” on She- them if found to be dangerous for Sindh advocate general Sal- peated its “history of attacking lice offi cers and caused damage to hbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz’s the public. man Talibuddin informed the the Supreme Court”, adding that government property.” politics, and she has “ended the The chief justice criticised the bench that two offi cials had been constitutional institutions and “This is not a claim anymore. politics of PML-N”. provincial and local governments suspended and a case has been law enforcement agencies are not Everything was visible on the me- Chohan claimed that nearly over fl ooded roads and streets registered. safe from the PML-N’s “hooli- dia. The government will take its Rs1mn was distributed among and the unhygienic condition of The chief justice came down gans”. case forward on the footage pro- people at Jati Umra. the city as rainwater has not yet hard on the senior superintend- Maryam Nawaz was sum- vided by media,” he said. “Every worker who pelted been completely drained out. ent of police (south) and won- moned in an individual capac- Action will be taken against stones was awarded Rs25,000, He expressed displeasure over dered why the suspects had not ity, but she organised a rally here, all those arrested and others in- those who threw stones at Ma- the performance of Karachi may- yet been arrested nor eff orts Basharat said. volved, as it is the responsibility raym’s car were given Rs100,000 or Waseem Akhtar and asked him made to apprehend them. “The government took all of the government to do so. “All in advance,” he said, adding that all when the tenure of the city gov- The chief justice observed measures to establish its writ of this was done on the behest of of this was done on Pervez Rash- ernment would end. that installation of billboards and action will be taken against Maryam,” he added. id’s advice. The mayor said the tenure on buildings was very danger- all those who gathered there ille- Punjab Minister for Informa- “It took them eight days to come would end on August 30. ous and put the lives of people at gally and those who pelted stones tion Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan said up with this plan as very few of Policemen detain supporters of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz The chief justice expressed risk. He asked the commissioner at police offi cers stationed there,” that for the fi rst time in 20 years their workers were ready to par- (PML-N) after a clash during the court hearing of Maryam Nawaz serious resentment over the why such permissions were be- he said. since the establishment of NAB, take in the rally today,” he said. in Lahore yesterday. performance of K-Electric as ing granted. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 QATAR talabat launches #LunchforLebanon initiative in support of Beirut

alabat has announced that expressed talabat’s solidarity „ All of talabat’s order profits of our profits to the recovery 100% of all profits made with everyone affected by an- efforts in Lebanon. “We are tbetween 12noon and 4pm nouncing that “on top of other generated between 12noon and calling on other aggregators in today, whether it is food or projects already rolling to do- 4pm today will be donated our sector to join us, and make non-food orders, will be do- nate to Lebanon, talabat will sure that #LunchforLebanon nated to Lebanon through the also contribute with the full folded in Beirut, and the out- as individuals — want to make is an initiative right across our #LunchforLebanon initiative. profit made between 12noon pouring of support from the sure that we’re doing every- industry. Beirut needs us, and This comes on top of other and 4pm today”, inviting all region has been testament to thing we can to help. this is a time where we need to initiatives that have already customers to participate. that. “This means using our plat- join forces to help our beloved been rolled out this week, the Tomaso Rodriguez, chief ex- Many of our employees, cus- form as a vehicle for support. Lebanese people recover from company said in a statement ecutive officer of talabat, said tomers and partners are Leba- Through #LunchforLebanon, this tragedy.” yesterday. talabat is the re- talabat employees feel a strong nese and are heavily affected by every order placed between Customers can download the gion’s leading food and grocery sense of solidarity with the the situation in Beirut, and our 12noon and 4pm across the re- talabat application from Goog- delivery app. people of Lebanon. hearts and thoughts are with gion will contribute to Leba- le Play or iOS App Store to or- Francisco de Sousa, manag- “I think we have all been af- them and their families. non. der their meals during #Lunch- ing director of talabat Qatar, fected by the tragedy that un- We — not only as talabat but “We will be donating 100% forLebanon. Qatar Airways Qatar Airways Holidays resumes 4 weekly fl ights to Lisbon off ers 5 more staycations atar Airways European Africa, Asia-Pacifi c, the Mid- network rebuild contin- dle East and South Asia.” The atar Airways Holidays has The extension of Qatar Airways Holidays Ques with the resumptions resumption of Lisbon services added fi ve luxurious ho- staycation deals will allow people to of four weekly fl ights to Lisbon, will see the airline’s operations Qtels to its staycation port- Portugal starting August 14, expand to 225 weekly fl ights to 33 folio off ers, in collaboration with experience Qatar’s world renowned 2020. gateways in Europe with the fol- Discover Qatar, for “memorable The flights will be operated lowing weekly operations: and safe getaways in and around Arabian hospitality while also staying safe by the airline’s modern, fuel- Daily fl ights - Amsterdam, Doha”. efficient Boeing 787 Dreamlin- Athens, Madrid, Munich, Oslo, With these new packages, The staycation packages are gift voucher that can be used to er offering 22 seats in Business Stockholm, Zurich, and Lon- residents in Qatar can now treat “carefully designed to provide redeem a three-course meal at Class and 232 seats in Economy don LGW (daily fl ights starting themselves to a stay at a host of customers in Qatar with a much- one of the following restaurants Class. August 20); Two daily fl ights luxurious hotels, including La needed change of scenery in a in Souq Waqif: Argan, Al Terrace Qatar Airways Group Chief - Frankfurt, Istanbul IST, Man- Cigale Doha, Marriott Marquis safe and responsible manner”, a or La Patisserie. Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker, chester, Paris; Three daily fl ights City Center Doha, Alwadi Hotel press statement notes. Deals are available for cou- said: “We are pleased to resume - London LHR. Doha MGallery, The Westin Doha Beach lovers can enjoy a stay at ples and families and include fl ights to Lisbon, further ex- Two weekly fl ights - Antalya, and W Doha. The staycation packages are “carefully designed to provide one of Doha’s luxurious beach- fi ne dining in romantic settings, panding our European network. Bodrum, Larnaca; Three weekly The off er is also still valid for customers in Qatar with a much-needed change of scenery in a safe front hotels, with pristine white room upgrades, discounts on spa Lisbon is renowned for its exten- fl ights - Ankara, Brussels, Bu- Sharq Village & Spa, Hilton Do- and responsible manner.” sands and sparkling turquoise and health treatments, sea view sive history and culture, boasting dapest, Dublin, Edinburgh, Hel- ha-West Bay; InterContinental waters, minutes away from their rooms and more. To take advan- a rich artistic and gastronomic sinki, Prague and Zagreb; Four Doha, Ritz-Carlton, Doha, Sher- in these unique times, we under- will allow people to experience room. tage of Qatar Airways Holidays heritage and we look forward weekly fl ights - Belgrade, Berlin, aton Grand Doha Resort & Con- stand the high demand for people Qatar’s world renowned Arabian Those who prefer to stay in the staycation packages, customers to support the recovery of its and Lisbon (four weekly fl ights vention Hotel, Al Najada Doha wanting something diff erent. We hospitality while also staying city can stay in luxurious palaces must book by August 30 and stay tourism and trade industries. starting August 14). Hotel and Al Messila Luxury Col- are delighted to announce fi ve safe. “These very special off ers surrounded by lush botanical until August 31. Passengers from Portugal can Five weekly fl ights — Copen- lection Resort & Spa. additional luxurious hotels to our are also a reminder to people in gardens. For every booking made For more information, includ- also look forward to connect- hagen, Vienna; Nine weekly Qatar Airways Group chief ex- staycation packages. Qatar that there are many beau- with Qatar Airways Holidays, ing full terms and conditions, one ing seamlessly and safely via the fl ights — Rome; 10 weekly fl ights ecutive HE Akbar al-Baker said, The extension of Qatar Air- tiful getaways in the country we customers will be treated to a can visit qatarairwaysholidays. Best Airport in the Middle East to — Barcelona, Milan; 11 weekly “As travellers are more limited ways Holidays staycation deals call home.” complimentary Discover Qatar com/off ers/staycation. more than 30 destinations across fl ights — Istanbul SAW.

Qatar’s aid to Gaza Strip aims to alleviate effects of blockade: al-Emadi

E the Chairman of Qa- the effects of the blockade im- of Qatar to urge them to con- It’s rather a continuous pro- Ambassador al-Emadi af- NU-Q’s Class of tar Committee for the posed on them. In response to tinue their financial support cedure that comes within the firmed that the State of Qatar HReconstruction of Gaza what was reported by the offi- for Gaza Strip, ambassador al- framework of facilitating the will continue to support broth- ambassador Mohamed al-Ema- cial Channel 11 in Israel regard- Emadi told Qatar News Agency entry of aid into Gaza Strip, erly Palestinian people in order di underlined that the aid pro- ing the Israeli occupation au- (QNA) that contacts with the indicating that its entry faces to help them overcome their 2024 aspires for vided by Qatar to the people of thorities conducting contacts Israeli occupation side are not continuous challenges and ob- crises and lift the blockade im- Gaza Strip aimed at alleviating with senior officials in the State new. stacles. posed on them. (QNA) a better world

First Qatari field hospital opened in Beirut orthwestern University in Qatar’s Class of 2024 represents nearly 40 countries and the students have started their ori- Nentation in preparation for the start of classes on August 23. Fardous Ali, an aspiring journalist from Somaliland, says that a degree from Northwestern Qatar will help her realise her dream of raising awareness about her country by bringing the voices of her fellow citi- zens to the global stage. From a young age, Ali felt that she had an important role to play in raising awareness about Somaliland. “I was born and raised in a coun- try that is not visible in the eyes of the world, and when it is the media doesn’t do them justice. I want to change that,” she explained. “The programmes, facilities, and opportunities I have seen at Northwestern Qatar will equip me with the skills I need to change my country for the better,” she added. Basir Talayee, a student from Afghanistan who describes himself as “a future storyteller and change maker,” says that he decided to attend Northwestern Qatar because of its location in the heart of the Middle East, the diversity of its student body, and the richness of its media and communication programmes. “In addition to receiving an American education from one of the highest-ranked schools in the world, I get to know more about the culture and anthropology in the Middle East. I love this combination,” he said. Diversity was also an important factor for Ali, who said she feels most comfortable when surrounded by people from diff erent back- grounds who have an appreciation for each other’s values and diff er- ences, “and where I will be able to learn about theirs in return,” she said. Shifa Ranade, an Indian student who is joining from Qatar Academy Doha plans to combine her passions for theatre and fashion at North- western. During her time at NU-Q, Ranade plans to enrol in acting classes and learn more about the fashion industry by reporting on it in In implementation of the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the first Qatari field hospital was inaugurated yesterday at Al Roum Hospital in media and production classes. Beirut, as part of the medical aid and supplies provided by Qatar to support Lebanon. “I found that Northwestern Qatar had such a diverse academic pro- gramme where I could explore my interests and grow,” she said. “The fast fashion industry is becoming very controversial for the severe im- pact it is having on our environment, and this is something I would like to explore and learn more about as a media student at Northwestern.” The incoming students will be offi cially inducted to Northwestern Qatar during a virtual Convocation ceremony on August 23.

Students at NU-Q library.