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SATURDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11760 December 12, 2020 Rabia II 27, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir congratulates Qatar National Day parade rehearsal Burkina Faso leader His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and PSA to launch His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian fi eld work of Kabore on his country’s National Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al- Thani also sent a similar cable of fi nal phase of congratulations to Prime Minister Christophe Joseph Marie Dabire.

MoPH reports 138,194 A dress rehearsal of the Qatar National Day parade was held on Doha Corniche yesterday. Many dignitaries including total Covid recoveries HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and HE the 2020 census Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem were present. The Ministry of Public Health The parade is among the highlights of the Qatar National Day, which will be celebrated on December 18. (MoPH) reported yesterday PICTURES: Jayan Orma and Shaji Kayamkulam. Pages 3, 4, 12 QNA 164 new confirmed cases of Doha coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, of which 130 are from community and 34 from he Planning and Statistics Au- travellers returning from abroad thority will launch fi eld work of who are subject to quarantine. The Tthe fi nal phase of Qatar Census MoPH also recorded 161 recoveries 2020 tomorrow, which will continue from the virus during the past 24 until mid-January 2021, with the par- hours, bringing the total number ticipation of more than 2,000 fi eld re- of cases that recovered in Qatar to searchers. 138,194. Page 3 The Authority explained in a press release that the fi eld work consists Ten militants killed of collecting and completing data on community members. in Somalia airstrike families and individuals, as the re- The Authority called on all citizens searcher will provide the head of the and residents, including families and At least ten militants were killed in family with three options to complete individuals, to co-operate with fi eld an airstrike which was conducted in his data and his family data, either researchers and to provide accurate southern Somalia, off icials said. The through a direct interview with the re- and correct data due to its importance Somali ministry of information said searcher, or through the enveloped pa- in drawing up the state’s development the two airstrikes conducted in co- per form that will be distributed dur- policies and plans. operation with US Africa Command ing the fi eld visit, in a way that allows The Authority also confi rmed the (Africom) targeted militants’ citizens and residents to fi ll it out in a continuation of the self-fi lling serv- explosives factory and storage timely manner and hand it over to fi eld ice for the online form of the census, facility in the vicinity of Jillib. The researchers on another day during the which is available until Jan. 7, through initial assessment indicates the census period, or by self-completing the link www.psa.gov.qa/census2020. strike killed eight terrorists who the electronic form on the Authority aspx, calling on citizens and residents were known to play important Doha 2030 team in Oman website. to fi ll in their data and the data of their roles in producing explosives for The Planning and Statistics Author- families electronically because of the militants, to include vehicle-borne ity confi rmed that the fi eld process ease, convenience, speed, accuracy improvised explosive devices. comes in co-ordination with the Min- and complete privacy of this method. to boost Asian Games bid istry of Public Health in order to ensure The Authority added that this Brexit trade deal the implementation of all precaution- method is one of the latest technologi- ‘hanging in balance’ ary measures in place in the country cal means applied in censuses and fi eld By Sports Reporter Qatar’s ability to maintain its posi- to combat the spread of coronavirus surveys to collect data on individuals A Brexit trade deal between Britain Doha tion as the safest Arab country in the (Covid-19), indicating that fi eld re- through an electronic form available to and the European Union looked region and worldwide for another searchers have received intensive all Qataris, whether inside or outside to be hanging in the balance year, refl ects the constant and out- training on precautionary measures to the country, in addition to non-Qataris yesterday, after leaders on both high-profi le Qatari delegation standing level of security and safety ensure their safety and the safety of residing in the state. sides of the Channel gave a gloomy comprising former and current enjoyed by the country. assessment of progress in last-gasp Aathletes, sports administrators Al-Buenain said recently that if talks. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and journalists reached Oman yester- Doha is elected to host in 2030, high- WHO expects decisions on vaccines in weeks and European Commission chief day to support Doha’s bid to host the ha’s bid,” a member of the delegation level safety protocols and state-of Ursula von der Leyen have given Asian Games in 2030. said yesterday. the-art sporting facilities will be of- The World Health Organisation expects Swaminathan said at least 10 their negotiators until tomorrow The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Qatar, the 2022 FIFA World Cup fered to the participating countries. to make decisions on whether to give companies had expressed an interest in before a decision is made on is to announce the winning city at its hosts, has almost all infrastructure “If Doha has the honour of hosting emergency use approval to Covid-19 or submitted a request for emergency whether to keep talking or give up. General Assembly on December 16 in place for the 2030 event, with op- the 2030 Asian Games, our state-of- vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and approval for vaccine candidates. Business Page 1 in Muscat, which is playing host to erational costs comprising the bulk of the-art venues will provide a gate- AstraZeneca in the coming weeks, its Pfizer’s vaccine has already received several meetings in the run-up to the the expenditure needed for the Games way to certainty for the OCA family chief scientist said yesterday. emergency approval in Britain and ‘Approve vaccine or vote on Wednesday. Doha 2030 CEO and Qatar Olympic and for Asia’s athletes that they can Soumya Swaminathan said the global Canada, and could receive US approval quit’: US regulator told Doha, where the continental multi- Committee Secretary-General Jassim expect the very best conditions,” he health body could decide on Pfizer’s within days. sport gala was held in 2006, is hoping al-Buenain has said that “providing said. vaccine candidate in the next “couple The first British recipients were US President Donald Trump’s White to host the Games for the second time athletes with a safe and world-class “We have proven ourselves reliable of weeks”, and later said it could also vaccinated this week. House reportedly told the head and is competing with Riyadh this environment to compete is always our partners and we are ready to put our review Moderna’s and AstraZeneca’s WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom of the country’s drug regulator to time. fi rst priority.” experience and expertise to the ben- candidates in a few weeks. Ghebreyesus said nearly a billion doses approve Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid “We have a busy schedule in Mus- Qatar continues to lead the way as efi t of Asian sport.” WHO approval could allow a vaccine to of vaccines had been secured for the vaccine or resign, after indications cat where we will be holding several the safest country in the world, top- Qatar is promoting the Doha 2030 be deployed in some countries where COVAX programme to provide shots the first immunisations were meetings discussing important issues ping the Numbeo crime index for fi ve bid as “Your Gateway to a Brighter national medical regulators have not for poor- and middle-income countries, imminent. The threat reported by relating to sports and promoting Do- years in a row now. Future for Asian Sport”. yet been able to evaluate it. with 189 countries participating. The Washington Post came on the same day Trump tweeted that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was a “big, old, slow turtle” and told its commissioner, Stephen Hahn, to “Get the dam(n) vaccines out NOW.” Qatar Airways soars to new heights with 2021 APEX award AstraZeneca hitches ride with Sputnik O Distinction follows passenger ratings of 1mn flights across 600 airlines AstraZeneca is to start clinical trials to test a combination of its atar Airways has received the complishments push us to continue craft equipped with Qsuite can enjoy Asia-Pacifi c, 38 in Europe and 15 in the experimental Covid-19 vaccine 2021 Airline Passenger Expe- innovating and redefi ning the passen- the enhanced privacy this award-win- Middle East. Many cities will be served with Russia’s Sputnik V shot to see Qrience Association’s (APEX) ger experience.” ning business seat provides, including with a strong schedule with daily or if this can boost the eff icacy of Five Star Global Official Airline Rat- The APEX Offi cial Airline Ratings sliding privacy partitions and the op- more frequencies. the British drugmaker’s vaccine, ing, it was announced. The APEX were created based on neutral, third- tion to use a ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ A multiple award-winning airline, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund said Award Ceremony was held during the party passenger feedback and insights indicator. Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s yesterday. Trials will start by the FTE APEX Virtual Expo on December gathered through APEX’s partnership Qsuite is available on fl ights to more Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Air- end of the year and Russia wants 9. with TripIt from Concur, the world’s than 30 destinations including Frank- line Awards, managed by the interna- to produce the new vaccine jointly Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- highest-rated travel-organising app. furt, Kuala Lumpur, London and New tional air transport rating organisa- if it is proven to be eff ective, said tive, HE Akbar al-Baker, said: “We Using a fi ve-star scale, nearly 1mn York. For full details of all the measures tion Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best the RDIF wealth fund, which has are thrilled to have been awarded the fl ights were rated by passengers across that have been implemented onboard Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s funded Sputnik V. Page 8 2021 Five Star Global Offi cial Airline more than 600 airlines from around and in HIA, please visit qatarairways. Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Busi- Rating, and we extend our sincere the world. The APEX Offi cial Airline com/safety ness Class Seat’, in recognition of its thanks to our many loyal passengers Ratings were independently certifi ed Qatar Airways currently operates ground-breaking Business Class ex- who have voted for us. To have been by a professional external auditing more than 700 weekly fl ights to over perience, Qsuite. It is the only airline CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY recognised as a fi ve star global airline company. 100 destinations across the globe. By to have been awarded the coveted yet again is a tremendous achieve- Qatar Airways’ onboard safety crew and a complimentary protective the end of the IATA Winter Season, “Skytrax Airline of the Year” title, See Pages ment for Qatar Airways, and is proof measures for passengers and cabin kit and disposable face shields for pas- Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its net- which is recognised as the pinnacle of the great heights to which we have crew include the provision of Personal sengers. work to 126 destinations including of excellence in the airline industry, 5,6 & 7 soared during the past year. Such ac- Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin Business Class passengers on air- 20 in Africa, 11 in the Americas, 42 in five times. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, December 12, 2020 QATAR

Qatar attends remote CICA summit Qatar takes part in virtual Shura Council takes part

Qatar participated yesterday in Africa peace conference in parliamentary seminar the meeting of senior off icials for the Conference on Interac- tion and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference technology, chaired by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Kazakhstan Shahrat Nuryshev. Qatar was repre- sented at the meeting by HE Secretary-General of the Minis- try of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi. During the meeting, the regional situ- ation was reviewed, and the experiences gained during the outbreak of the coronavirus Qatar participated remotely in the 11th annual meeting of the (Covid-19) pandemic were African Union high-level team on promoting peace, security and discussed, in order to continue stability in Africa. The meeting discussed the future of media- supporting and strengthening tion in Africa and the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pan- multilateral co-operation, as demic. Qatar was represented at the meeting by ambassador of The Shura Council participated yesterday in a parliamentary well as the adoption of the CICA Qatar to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Qatar to the seminar organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union on adapt- plan for 2021. African Union Hamad bin Mohamed al-Dossari. ing to climate change in mountainous areas and the role of parliamentarians in that regard. The event was held via video conference in co-operation with the Global Programme Climate Change and Environment of the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC). Talks focused on the role parliaments can play in ensuring the implementation of commitments to international agreements, while ensuring that the safety of high areas remains a priority for their respective countries, given that the legislative response to climate change are in agreement with the Paris Climate Agreement and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The talks also highlighted the impor- Doha to host global youth tance of providing suff icient funding to implement the sustain- able development goals. The Shura Council was represented in the event by HE Member of the Council Ahmed bin Khalifa peace conclave in May 21 al-Rumaihi.

QNA Thani at a session held in the UN that has 17 important recommen- international symposium. Am- stressed that the issue of enhanc- New York Security Council Arria-formula: dations for enhancing youth par- bassador Sheikha Alya said the ing the participation of young ‘Youth, Peace and Security: Capi- ticipation in peace processes. She outcomes of the conference will women in peace processes is an talising on Intergenerational Dia- praised the co-operation of Qatar include launching guidelines to integral part of the programme, atar has affi rmed its keen- logue to build and sustain peace in organising the high-level global support implementation at the taking into account gender equal- ness on supporting inter- and enhance social cohesion at conference with Finland and Co- country level for youth, peace ity in all stages of preparation, im- Qnational eff orts to imple- community levels.’ lombia, the Offi ce of the Secretary- and security agenda, and launch- plementation and follow-up of the ment youth, peace and security Ambassador Sheikha Alya General’s Envoy for Youth and the ing a fi ve-year strategy to pro- conference outcomes. agenda in accordance with UN Se- pointed to the participation of Education Above All Foundation, mote comprehensive peace proc- Concluding, Ambassador curity Council Resolution 2250 Qatar in 2019 with Finland and in addition to a number of relevant esses for youth. Sheikha Alya stressed that Qatar, (2015), announcing the hosting of Colombia in organising the fi rst United Nations bodies. She also expressed confi dence along with the participating or- a high-level global conference on international symposium on youth She explained that the confer- that this conference will mark a ganisers, is working tirelessly to comprehensive peace processes, participation in the peace process, ence aims to strengthen political turning point for the youth, peace ensure that participation in the which will be held in Doha on May which was held in Helsinki. will and commitment towards and security agenda by generat- conference includes the largest 29-30, 2021. She referred to the main out- engaging youth in peace proc- ing political commitments at the possible number of young men and This came in a statement made comes of that symposium with esses, and to present progress national level and by promoting women from countries in confl ict, by HE the Permanent Representa- a policy paper entitled: ‘We are made in implementing the main an enabling environment for in- in addition to the broad participa- tive of Qatar to the United Nations Here: An integrated approach to recommendations of the global clusive youth peace processes to tion of countries that play a medi- Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al- youth-inclusive peace processes’ policy paper issued by the fi rst become more sustainable. She ating role in peace processes. Gulf Times Saturday, December 12, 2020 3 QATAR Qatar reiterates ‘Qatar is an important partner for Bulgaria’ QNA Doha eff orts to foster mbassador of Bulgaria to Qatar Plamen Stankov ADelev, said that since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, Qatar has become a security, peace prospective partner for Bulgaria in the Mena region particularly in recent years, and bilateral rela- tions have witnessed signifi cant Ambassador of Bulgaria to Qatar development, with both states Plamen Stankov Delev in Afghanistan seeking to expand in areas of mu- tual interest. Jazz Festival, held at Katara every tra-Afghan dialogue in Doha. has organised fl ights through its QNA dialogue table, including Doha cluding women, girls, youth and The Bulgarian ambassador November. The envoy added: “Bulgaria as national carrier Qatar Airways New York hosting the Afghan Dialogue minorities. The Afghan people added, in a statement to Qatar The Bulgarian ambassa- a European Union member state to repatriate nationals from dif- Conference in July last year with have come a long way towards News Agency (QNA), on the oc- dor said: “Other areas where trusts in the unity of the GCC and ferent parts of the world, at a the participation of representa- achieving their aspirations to casion of the National Day: “The we expect to deepen our bilat- we support the Kuwaiti media- time when the majority of inter- atar is proud of its role tives of the Afghan sects, political build a state of institutions that Republic of Bulgaria highly ap- eral relations are in science and tion of the Gulf crisis. The diff er- national fl ights have been sus- in the context of inter- parties and civil society with the enjoy security and progress, she preciates our bilateral ties, which education. In January 2020, the ences should be settled through pended. Qnational eff orts aimed at distinct participation of women. added, stressing the need for are founded on friendship, mu- Bulgarian Minister of Educa- dialogue. I have been impressed The ambassador added: helping the brothers in Afghani- She explained that the progress Afghans to support the interna- tual respect and co-operation. tion arrived on an offi cial visit to by the resilience of the Qatari “Moreover, Qatar has provid- stan to reach the desired peace, by represented by the start of the tional community in order to pre- I believe that with the eff orts of Doha and a Memorandum of Un- people since the beginning of this ed medical assistance to many playing a mediating role, with the Afghan peace negotiations was serve these gains, complete the both countries we can build on derstanding for co-operation in rift. My country further supports countries that were put under support of friendly countries, led based on the important achieve- transitional phase, and overcome the many achievements underly- the spheres of education, science all international initiatives which stress to cope with the burden by the United States. ment made through a peace many challenges facing security, ing Bulgarian-Qatari relations.” and technology was signed. I be- could help fi nding a solution to of managing the pandemic and Qatar stressed that its endeav- agreement between the United sustainable development and The envoy added: “I hope that lieve that very soon there will be the crisis through negotiations its human and economic conse- ours to support the restoration States and the Taliban move- economy. the intensive political dialogue Qatari students studying in Bul- and peaceful dialogue.” quences. In adhering to the prin- of security, peace and prosper- ment in Doha on February 29, and In this context, Ambassador between us will soon bear fruits garian universities and Bulgarian “The 2020 coronavirus pan- ciples of international co-opera- ity in Afghanistan refl ects its fi rm culminated in the many rounds Sheikha Alya praised the pivotal and the level of Bulgarian-Qatari teachers and students sharing demic created extremely com- tion, the State of Qatar supported foreign policy, which attaches of negotiations between the two role of the United Nations Mission investments and trade will corre- experiences in Doha.” plex international conditions and multilateral healthcare institu- importance to promoting the sides in Doha, describing it as an for Assistance to Afghanistan (UN- spond to its intensity. Concern- The envoy praised the out- hampered global co-operation. tions.” settlement of disputes through important step towards ending AMA), expressing appreciation for ing cultural co-operation, we standing progress of Qatar in its It threatens the economies of “On the occasion of the State peaceful means and mediation. the war and opening the door to the important role of neighbouring have had the opportunity to be development path at the regional both developed and developing of Qatar’s National Day, I would This came in a statement made negotiations between the Afghan and friendly countries, whether in present and seen in the vibrant and international levels, and do- countries alike and has not only like to convey my sincere wishes by HE the Permanent Represent- parties. She said that the agree- co-operation and co-ordination cultural life in Doha – Bulgar- mestically in various fi elds in- economic eff ects but also politi- for further development and ative of Qatar to the United Na- ment constituted an additional with Afghanistan, or in providing ian artists have exhibited their cluding the economy, education, cal and social ramifi cations. We prosperity of the State of Qatar, tions Ambassador Sheikha Alya incentive for mediation eff orts. humanitarian and development artwork in Doha on a number of culture, health care is remark- must recognise and appreciate as well as good health, wisdom Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani before She said that despite the chal- assistance and providing expertise occasions, Bulgarian folkloric able. Qatar’s role in containing the and success to His Highness the the 75th session of UN General lenges due to precautionary and technical support. ensembles have participated in Qatar is establishing itself as pandemic and mitigating its re- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Assembly on ‘The situation in Af- measures from the coronavirus Ambassador Sheikha Alya also the annual cultural diversity fes- a platform for peace and dia- percussions at the local and in- al-Thani and the Qatari people. ghanistan’. Ambassador Sheikha pandemic, Qatar’s mediation confi rmed that Qatar has adopted tival hosted in Doha by Unesco logue – Qatari diplomacy has ternational levels. Qatar has been The Republic of Bulgaria highly Alya noted that Qatar hosted continued to push the dialogue the draft resolution presented to and Qatar Foundation, and in been successful in facilitating the promoting a return to global co- appreciates our bilateral ties, the Afghan peace negotiations between the Afghan parties. Last the General Assembly, which wel- 2019 Bulgaria took part for a 4th agreement for bringing peace to ordination and co-operation, be which are based on friendship, last September, and considered summer it managed to reach a comes the eff orts of the Afghan successive year in the European Afghanistan by hosting the In- it bilaterally or multilaterally. It mutual respect, co-operation.” them an important step towards ceasefi re on the blessed Eid al- parties to facilitate the Afghan achieving the desired compre- Fitr and Eid al-Adha, in addition peace negotiations sponsored hensive political settlement in to the success of the prisoner ex- by Qatar, adding that this con- Afghanistan, putting an end to change process between the gov- tributes to encouraging this very the state of violence and human ernment of Afghanistan and the important process, as we are wit- suff ering and paving the way for Taliban movement. nessing through our role as facili- lasting stability and prosperity. Ambassador Sheikha Alya tator of the talks between the Af- US strategic dialogue identifi es Ambassador Sheikha Alya con- pointed out that this process will ghan parties: the government and tinued by saying that this impor- not be sustainable unless it is in- the Taliban. They are approaching tant step came as a result of the clusive of all and based on a broad the peace process with a high level continuous eff orts by the me- consensus, and guarantees the of concern and awareness of the diation of Qatar during the past rights and full participation of all need to end the state of war and new opportunities in the Gulf period to bring the parties to the groups of the Afghan people, in- achieve lasting peace, she said.

By Joey Aguilar vance regional security, seeking He cited the defence co-op- Staff Reporter solutions for regional confl icts, eration the US has across the and trying to bolster economic Gulf, with a number of countries MME honours outstanding inspectors partnerships. hosting US forces at military S strategic dialogues “As we aim to build a more bases. have identifi ed new op- secure Middle East, we are iden- “Finally, our engagement on Uportunities to support tifying new priorities that bring human rights in the Gulf has the growth of diversifi ed, in- prosperity. Billions of dollars also become a prominent feature novative, and knowledge-based in goods and services are fl ow- of our strategic dialogues. We economies across the Gulf, US ing between the US and Gulf like to acknowledge the progress Deputy Assistant Secretary of countries, creating hundreds of made across the Gulf in combat- State for Arabian Gulf Aff airs thousands of jobs for Ameri- ing traffi cking in persons, labour Timothy Lenderking has said. cans,” Lenderking noted. “The reforms, and advancing freedom “We’re expanding co-opera- UAE and Qatar, for example, of religion or belief and inter- tion in public health, biomedi- have invested more than $56bn Timothy Lenderking faith dialogue, and there are a cal research, renewable energy, in the US.” couple of good examples that agriculture, aviation, artifi cial “Our strategic dialogues also these dialogues underscore the we can point to in that realm,” intelligence, while opening op- feature the importance of peo- importance that the US places Lenderking said. portunities to establish secure ple-to-people exchanges, which on its Gulf relationships, ex- “But we also acknowledge the telecommunication networks in many ways I’ve found are the pressing confi dence that it will need to continue discussions on and policies that attract trusted bedrock of our relations with the continue due to the Arabian Pe- reforms that bring greater judi- global telecoms and information Gulf,” he said. ninsula’s strategic importance cial transparency, commitment technology companies,” he told “We’re expanding the number to the US. to the rule of law, and respect a telephonic press briefi ng on and range of cultural and edu- “I think when you look at our for human rights and funda- December 10. cational exchanges. We’ll look engagements across the Gulf, mental freedoms, including the Lenderking discussed US pol- for opportunities for students you will note similar, shared, and rights to freedom of expression icy in the Arabian Peninsula and across the region to study in the interlocking interests: security and peaceful assembly across Moqbel Madhaour al-Shammari, director of the General Cleanliness Department at the Ministry the outcomes of recent strategic US.” co-operation, trade and invest- the Gulf. It’s our view that the of Municipality and Environment (MME), honoured 10 cleaning inspectors from the department dialogues held with Kuwait, and Lenderking highlighted the ment, human rights, people-to- American people expect that and municipalities. The ceremony was attended by Mechanical Equipment Department director other Gulf partners. vital role of these strategic dia- people exchanges. I think we’ve all of our strategic partnerships Sherida Sultan al-Rumaihi, assistant director Marzouq al-Mesifri and General Cleanliness Depart- He said his recent visit to logues with Gulf countries es- been able to seize the opportu- in the Gulf prioritise a shared ment assistant director Mohamed Faraj al-Kubaisi. The inspectors were presented with certificates neighbouring GCC countries pecially in the past three months nity for transformative change commitment to the rule of law of honour and souvenirs. They are Nawaf Ahmad al-Tamimi, Salem Saeed al-Asrad, Mohamed with assistant secretary David saying that a lot of progress have that’s been happening in the and respect for human rights,” Abdullah al-Qahtani, Khaled Hassan al-Nuaimi, Ahmed Abdullah al-Emadi, Ajaj Abdullah al-Kubaisi Schenker focused on ways to ad- been made. He stressed that Gulf,” Lenderking pointed out. he added. and Hassan Abdullah al-Maliki from the Beaches and Islands Department of the General Cleanliness Department. Mubarak Abdullah Rashid al-Kuwari, Jassim Hamad al-Suwaidi and Ghanem Nasser al-Qubaisi from various municipalities were also honoured. Works of 11 artists on show at ‘Directions’ MoPH reports 138,194 total Covid recoveries he virtual art exhibition ity over the impact of this global resist this pandemic. The exhibi- in a time of despair due to a pan- QNA ‘Directions’ continues on public health crisis. tion came as an idea of al-Dar- demic that swept the globe,” al- Doha Tthe platforms of Katara – Participating artists – Ha- wish, who is also supervising. Aamiri said. the Cultural Village, in co-oper- nadi al-Darwish (Qatar), Samir “They are artistic expressions Katara held several virtual ex- ation with the Hessa Art House, Ben Gouia (Tunisia), Amnah with a diversifi ed dimension in hibitions of Qatari and resident he Ministry of Pub- until December 15, featuring the Ali al-Nasiri (Yemen), Moham- the essence of beauty and its artists since the beginning of the lic Health (MoPH) an- works of 11 artists. ed al-Aamiri (Jordan), Moosa necessities in our daily life. The Covid-19 pandemic, including Tnounced yesterday 164 Directions is among the crea- Omar (Oman), Raouf al-Rifai exhibition highlights the concept ‘Clash of Cultures’ by Hassan new confi rmed cases of coro- tive responses of artists to con- (Lebanon), Rashid Diab (Sudan), that artwork is not only some- Talib al-Silat, ‘The Land of the navirus (Covid-19), of which front the Covid-19 pandemic, as Thuraya al-Baqsami (Kuwait), thing beautiful that fascinates Good’ by Ali Dasmal al-Kuwari, 130 are from community cases the various artworks present a Omar al-Shahabi (Iraq), Bashar us and stirs up feelings and emo- and ‘The Result’ by Fine-art and 34 from travellers returning set of expressive directions for a al-Hroub (Palestine), and Ab- tions, but it is a stubborn act of artist Fatima al-Nuaimi, ‘The from abroad who are subject to group of distinguished Arab art- dullah al-Haitout (Morocco) – resistance that helps us to go on Colors of the Desert’ by a group quarantine. ists believing in the victory of felt the community’s need for the in our life and sends us messages of artists and ‘Women in Fashion’ The MoPH also recorded 161 creativity, strength and positiv- hope and strength they spread to of hope for a future we all await by Indian artist Sorhoby. recoveries from the virus in the same period, bringing the total number of cases that recovered in Qatar to 138,194. All new cases have been introduced to isola- tion and are receiving necessary healthcare according to their health status. Measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qatar have suc- ceeded in fl attening the curve and limiting the spread of the vi- rus and the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions is continuing to decline each week. Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing of suspected cases has enabled the authorities to iden- tify a high number of positive cases in the community. Qatar has one of the lowest Covid-19 The virtual exhibition showcases various artworks death rates in the world. Artworks on show. which present a set of expressive directions. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, December 12, 2020 QATAR

QND to remain shining light in nation’s march: QGOSM chief

QNA the pledge and loyalty to His High- ments, including in the fi eld of Doha ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin specifi cations and standards, as Hamad al-Thani, as the leader of the organisation raised (11) special our renaissance and our march, specifi cations to limit the spread hairman of Qatar General and affi rms to redouble eff orts to of the virus (Covid-19). This is in Organization for Stand- raise our country, its pride and the co-operation with the European Cardization and Metrology dignity of its people. He added that Committee for Standardization (QGOSM) Eng Mohamed bin Saud Qatar was able, despite the unjust (CEN), in accordance with the re- al-Musallam affi rmed that the Na- blockade and the coronavirus pan- quirements of the market and the tional Day, which falls on Dec. 18 of demic, to realise many major de- national factories, in addition to each year, will remain a milestone velopment achievements in vari- raising approximately (100) stand- Eng Mohamed bin Saud al-Musallam and a shining light in the march of ous fi elds, which are the result of ard specifi cations for accreditation the State of Qatar, and that the cel- decades of hard work in light of a in the fi elds of engineering, chem- development plans and consumer international standards in the fi eld ebration of this occasion refl ects clear vision, through which Qatar istry, oil and gas, construction and protection, as the organisation of photovoltaic systems. the solidarity of the people and always seeks to be a model at the building materials. provides factories with approved QGOSM is an active member in their rallying around their wise regional and global levels. Thani and to the government and country the blessings of security, He added that in the fi eld of Qatari standard specifi cations so a number of regional and interna- leadership. On behalf of himself and on the Qatari people on the occasion stability, pride, prestige, progress quality and conformity, the Qa- that the products are always of tional organisations and bodies, In an exclusive statement to behalf of all of the organisation’s of National Day, which coincides and prosperity. Regarding QGOSM tar General Organization for high quality. such as the International Organi- Qatar News Agency (QNA), al- members, al-Musallam raised with the anniversary of the found- eff orts during this year, al-Musal- Standardization and Metrology Al-Musallam added that the zation for Standardization (ISO), Musallam pointed out that the the highest verses of loyalty and ing of Qatar by the Founder Sheikh lam explained that the organisa- launched the Qatari Quality Mark authority has participated in the the International Electrotechnical QGOSM, as the Qatari people blessings to His Highness the Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani. tion, as it renews its determination to enhance the competitiveness membership of the technical com- Commission (IEC), the Interna- participate in celebrating this oc- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Al-Musallam wished His High- to support the process of develop- of products in the local, regional mittee emanating from the Inter- tional Organization of Legal Me- casion which is very important to Thani, to His Highness the Father ness the Amir good health, happi- ment and the comprehensive ren- and global markets, and to support national Electrotechnical Com- trology, and the International Bu- all (citizens and residents), renews Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al- ness and success, and to our dear aissance, has made many achieve- the national product, sustainable mission (IEC), which prepares reau of Weights and Measures. ‘National Day is an occasion to Ties between Ethiopia, Qatar strong, historic remember Qatar’s renaissance’ QNA Doha

QNA “This day is dear worked to complete its march in the need for physical presence. Doha developing its electronic serv- “Meetings, activities and mbassador of Ethio- to the hearts of ices provided to its benefi ciaries, training programmes have also pia Samia Zekaria Gutu Qataris, because it as part of the country’s digital been held virtually. Moreover, of- Astressed that the relation- E the President of the transformation policy. He point- fi ce workers adhered to the social ship between Ethiopia and Qatar General Retirement and reflects the values ed out that the authority raised distancing and other precaution- is close, distinguished and based HSocial Insurance Author- of unity and the percentage of Qatarisation of ary measures.” on historical ties and a common ity (GRSIA) Turki bin Mohamed jobs to 80% of the total number As for the challenges that faced desire to develop them and open al-Khater said the National Day is harmony between of employees. Qatar, HE al-Khater noted that wide horizons of opportuni- an occasion that brings together all who live on the The president of the General the country has overcome the ties and areas of co-operation Ethiopian ambassador Samia all who live in Qatar to recall the Retirement and Social Security challenges it faced, owing to the in various political, commercial, Zekaria Gutu renaissance and refi nement of- beloved land” Authority indicated that this insight of the wise leadership. economic, investment fi elds. fered by the beloved nation, and year was exceptional at an in- He stressed the challenges In remarks to Qatar News His Highness good health, well- to honour everyone who contrib- ees of the General Retirement ternational level due to the chal- turned into opportunities for Agency (QNA) on the occasion being and the Qatari people con- uted to building, establishing and and Social Insurance Authority, lenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, development and prosperity, in- of Qatar National Day, she ex- tinued progress and prosperity.” serving this dear country with congratulated His Highness the HE the President of the General indicating its impact specifi cally dicating that among the lessons pressed her desire to maintain The envoy expressed her ap- dedication and sincerity. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Retirement and Social Insurance on pension and social insurance learned was the people’s solidar- and strengthen the excellent re- preciation for the extraordinary In a statement to Qatar News al-Thani, renewing the pledge of Authority (GRSIA) Turki funds as well as on the perform- ity behind their wise leadership, lations between the two coun- eff orts that the Government of Agency (QNA) on the occasion loyalty to the wise leadership and bin Mohamed al-Khater ance of fi nancial markets. which made the Qatari society an tries on offi cial and personal Qatar has exerted, through its of Qatar National Day, HE al- stressing keenness to exert every He went on saying: “The State impregnable barricade in the face levels. health system, in the successful Khater said: “This day is dear to eff ort to serve and elevate Qatar should be completed, confi rming of Qatar is considered a global of challenges to preserve the in- The ambassador extended her fi ght against the Covid-19 pan- the hearts of Qataris, because it and its citizens. the completion of (42) projects. model in the eff orts to contain the dependence of the decision and congratulations to Qatar, say- demic, adding that this shows refl ects the values of unity and On this occasion, the presi- “There are (10) ongoing projects pandemic, which made it receive protect the nation’s wealth and ing: “On behalf of the Federal Qatar’s growing resilience. She harmony between all who live dent of GRSIA pointed that the that will be completed by the end international praise. Our health capabilities. Democratic Republic of Ethiopia praised Qatar’s increasing role on the beloved land of Qatar, and authority has taken the Qatar of this year; and thus only (35 system also deserved the praise Concluding his statement, HE and on my own behalf, I extend in discharging its global respon- evokes the path of a country full National Vision 2030 as a guide- percent) of the authority’s stra- of His Highness the Amir Sheikh the President of the General Re- my warmest congratulations and sibility as shown in its support of pride and dignity, founded by line for the development process tegic projects are to be completed Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who tirement and Social Insurance best wishes to His Highness the to many countries to help them Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin of retirement and social insur- during the period 2021-2022,” insured that Qatar remained one Authority (GRSIA) Turki bin Mo- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad tackle the coronavirus pandemic. Thani when he assumed power ance systems and developed a he said. In this context, HE al- of the least countries aff ected by hamed al-Khater affi rmed that al-Thani, the Government and The envoy added, “the support on this glorious day in 1878. fi ve-year strategic plan concur- Khater referred to the steps be- the pandemic. the national renaissance march people of Qatar on the occasion provided to my country is a living The march of development rent with the country’s national ing taken to expand the insurance “On our part, the Authority under the wise leadership has of the Anniversary of National witness. Taking this opportunity, and prosperity of modern Qa- development strategy 2018- umbrella in order to cover all citi- has committed itself to the direc- proceeded with confi dent steps Day of the State of Qatar.” I would like to once again thank tar has been extended under the 2022, based on three main stra- zens working in all sectors of the tives of the wise leadership and to to implement development plans She added, “The Federal Dem- His Highness the Amir Sheikh wise leadership of His Highness tegic objectives, namely fi nancial state in line with the social pro- the strategic plan of state institu- in accordance with national ocratic Republic of Ethiopia and Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- sustainability of the retirement tection goals that the state seeks tions to deal with the pandemic. strategies, indicating that the the State of Qatar have enjoyed the Government of the State of mad al-Thani, in pursuit of the fund, the development of insti- to achieve. “Among the most impor- leadership has paid attention and friendly relations over the past Qatar for the support provided to ambitious Qatar National Vision tutional performance, and the In addition, the solvency of the tant precautionary measures direct follow-up to the develop- years. I do hope that the exist- Ethiopia and our nationals resid- 2030 and assuming the global strengthening of relations with pension funds is being strength- we have taken was the activa- ment of retirement and social in- ing relations and good co-oper- ing in Qatar. The support, which lead in achieving comprehensive external parties. ened in the long run, to meet tion of tele-work systems and surance systems, because of their ation between our two countries came during that critical mo- sustainable development.” He explained that in order to their future fi nancial obliga- the development of electronic fundamental impact on the hu- will be further developed in the ment, showed the growing bilat- HE al-Khater, in his name achieve these objectives, (80) tions for future generations, he services, allowing the public to man and economic development years to come for mutual ben- eral ties that our two countries and on behalf of the employ- projects included in that strategy said explaining that GRSIA has receive many services without goals of the state. efi ts of our two nations. I wish are pursuing.” Qatar-Ukraine relations based on trust, friendship and respect

QNA mosphere between our states and Qatar. This year Qatari company thy power, partner and friend.” challenge for the entire world support for the private sector, Doha friendship between our nations QTerminals won the concession The envoy pointed out: “Ukraine community in terms of its scope, with effi cient measures aimed give us an excellent platform for tender for the Ukrainian seaport and Qatar have vast potential economic, social and sometimes at securing the economic and fi - the development of a large-scale Olvia and on August 20 the re- to expand signifi cantly bilateral even political consequences. Un- nancial stability of the state and mbassador of Ukraine to co-operation.” spective agreement was signed. I fruitful co-operation. I consider fortunately, one year after the fi rst safety of its population.” Qatar Andriy Kuzmenko “We attained signifi cant hope that this success story will our co-operation in agricultural case of Covid-19 has been dis- The envoy added that Qatar has Aaffi rmed the depth of Qa- achievements on our bilateral encourage other Qatari investors sphere, infrastructure and trans- covered, the entire world contin- contributed signifi cantly to the tari-Ukrainian relations describ- track, especially during the recent to look at Ukraine as a very prom- port, energy, tourism, trade and ues to suff er because of this pan- global eff orts in combating Cov- ing them as a truly strong part- years: maintaining of intensive po- ising investment market.” investments as most promis- demic, which aff ected daily life of id-19, while extended its help- nership based on the principles litical dialogue, steady dynamic of The envoy added: “The State of ing. Ukraine as one of the leading the people.” The envoy stressed: ing hand to many countries and of trust, friendship and mutual annual increasing of the bilateral Qatar is an example of continuous world agricultural exporters has “Through eff ective management, international institutions at this Ambassador Andriy Kuzmenko respect. In a statement to Qatar turnover, expansion of the legal development and progress, of a much to off er to the State of Qa- timely and decisive steps of the critical moment, adding: “If I am News Agency (QNA), on the oc- framework of our co-operation, wise vision of its future and tire- tar that pays much attention to leadership of the State of Qatar, not mistaken for the time being ing: “I would like to reiterate our casion of the National Day, the launching of direct fl ights between less work to ensure prosperity of its food security. We continue to the country managed not only to Qatar has delivered its humani- sincere gratitude to the State of envoy said: “The State of Qatar is Doha and Kyiv and visa-free re- its nation. All of this, combined work hard on expansion of our co- curb the spread of the pandemic tarian medical aid to more than Qatar for providing Ukraine with regarded in Ukraine as a very im- gime of travelling just to name a with the active Qatar’s foreign operation, in particular in invest- in Qatar, but rapidly to move from 60 countries worldwide and I am the humanitarian medical aid portant and relevant partner on few. policy, extensive and successful ment and energy spheres. the country with the highest per- very happy that Ukraine is in this in May, 2020 aimed at combat- the international arena. Likewise, “Despite all the diffi culties mediation eff orts, has allowed The ambassador of Ukraine centage of the infected persons to list. Qatar demonstrates a strong ing Covid-19. That step was yet Ukraine is regarded in Qatar as a caused by the Covid-19 we were the State of Qatar to strengthen added: “The current year brought one of the safest in this respect. commitment to a spirit of part- another manifestation of true friendly country and promising able to start the investment co- signifi cantly its prestige world- us a new global challenge, prob- Such decisive steps were com- nership and mutual assistance. friendship and strong partnership partner. The existing friendly at- operation between Ukraine and wide as a reliable and trustwor- ably unprecedented and biggest bined with crucial government The envoy concluded by say- between Ukraine and Qatar.” Ambassador of Cuba hails Qatar’s role in peace eff orts

QNA and solidarity with other countries in Doha need.” The ambassador said that this sen- sible and serious position of the gov- mbassador of Cuba to Qatar ernment of Qatar vis-à-vis its people Eumelio Caballero Rodrguez and the international community as Ahailed the role played by Qatar a whole has been more recently re- in strengthening international peace fl ected in the correct, energetic and and security and its eff orts in resolving responsible manner with which Qa- disputes by peaceful means. In a state- tar has been handling the coronavirus ment to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on pandemic. the occasion of Qatar’s National Day, The envoy added: “We Cubans the envoy said that the government are very proud of participating with and people of Qatar can be very proud an important number of health pro- not only for being a nation so much fessionals, together with our Qatari advanced in the economic and social friends, in this battle against Cov- Cuban ambassador, Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez fi elds despite the various challenges id-19, thus confi rming the high level that it had to face throughout history of friendship and co-operation that ment by Founder Sheikh Jassim bin government and the Cuban people in and recent times, particularly the Gulf happily exists between both countries Mohamed bin Thani. this lovely country.” The envoy stated crisis, but also for the very important and people, based on the prevailing The envoy also congratulated Qatar that he is experiencing “mixed feeling role that Qatar has been playing at the mutual confi dence.” on the occasion of the National Day, of sadness because very soon I will be regional and international arena. The ambassador congratulated His adding that “the commemoration of saying “hasta la vista” to so many Qa- The nation has always been practis- Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin the National Day of Qatar has for me a tari friends and to a whole people that ing a policy of advocating peaceful so- Hamad al-Thani and the Qatari peo- special connotation this year because I I learned to love so much, and happi- lutions to confl icts and controversies ple for the great success achieved by am on the eve of culminating my tour ness ... about the prompt return to my and extending its hand of friendship this young nation since its establish- of duty of four years representing the dear Cuba and my beloved family.” Gulf Times Saturday, December 12, 2020 5 COMMUNITY Priceless passion for

Dubai currency that was in use “I am also crazy about the a unique collection in Qatar from 1965 to 1971. I only banknotes that carry fancy num- do not have the 50 riyal note from bers. I have a huge collection of this currency. It is very rare and fancy number notes from diff er- z Indian expatriate Abdul Salam has been a longtime collector of rare banknotes I am after it. I also have the col- ent countries.” lection of Indian currency notes The collector has not only By Mudassir Raja hobby by collecting unique ban- that were in use in Qatar from been gathering the rarity but is Staff Reporter knotes of diff erent denomination 1957 to 1965.” also trying to promote the hobby from diff erent countries. Being “I am mad about Qatari cur- among young people. “I have or- a longtime resident of Qatar, he rency because the country is my ganised many exhibitions of my ith the advent of mod- has a particular knack for going second home. Here, I have been collection. In some cases I have ern technology and after rare Qatari banknotes. He getting my bread and butter for showcased my assets in schools. Wdigital platforms, dif- has amassed very rare and unique 29 years.” My intention has been to pro- ferent old hobbies tend to die paper currency of Qatar. Further sharing his collection mote the hobby and inculcate the down. “I started taking interest in rare of rare banknotes, Abdul Salam interest among the young stu- Notaphily, the study and col- coins when I was in Grade-3. I saw said that QR500 from the fi rst dents. It will be a good healthy lection of paper currency, and a coin with a boy and asked about issue of 1973 with him is very activity for young people who are banknotes, as a hobby may have it. Since the day, I have developed rare. “It is an uncirculated (UNC) often observed using social me- been losing its charm for the this hobby of collecting banknotes note. It has never been in circula- dia or playing online games.” younger generations, but there and coins. I had to stop pursuing tion. I also have all the collection Abdul Salam feels very happy are individuals who continue to my passion when I was in college of UNC Indian banknotes. I am when he sees rare notes or cur- pursue their passion for rare and after the death of my parents and I also interested in collecting ban- rency with fancy numbers. “Col- unique banknotes collection. It had to take care of my four sisters. knotes with error cuttings. These lecting the unique banknotes is an established fact that the pa- The responsibility led me to land Abdul Salam notes are wrongly cut by mistake gives me immense happiness and per currency collection is a costly in Qatar 29 years ago,” said Abdul and are printed with other notes. satisfaction. I will keep gathering hobby but it can be a very secure Salam on how he got involved in saving money only to purchase however a good investment for notes from all the seven Qatar is- These notes cannot be used. the currency as long as I can. It investment at the same time. the hobby. other notes. I have turned my them.” sues. Notes of every denomina- They are very rare to fi nd. Such is my dream to obtain the Qatar- Notaphilist Abdul Salam, a The collector, who has been passion into a mission. I have Abdul Salam carries the col- tion from each issue – from fi rst notes go to customers by chance Dubai 50 riyal note. The note is Doha-based Indian expatriate, in the trading business in Qatar, no plans to sell my rare collec- lection of nearly 5,000 rare ban- to seventh – are with me. Only and they either discard or return in Lebanon and the collector has has long been collecting ban- has made it his mission to obtain tion in my lifetime. It is up to my knotes from 175 countries. “I QR50 note from the fi rst issue is them. It can be one in 1mn. These been asking for $50,000. I have knotes, coins and stamps. He has unique and rare notes. “Since children that what they would have some very rare banknotes missing. I also have notes of all notes are in very high demand been thinking to sell some of my passionately been pursuing his my arrival in Qatar, I have been do with the notes after me. It is particularly from Qatar. I have denominations from the Qatar- from collectors. assets in India to get this note.”

Campaign recognises work of healthcare heroes amid Covid-19 TRAQ holds quiz contest for school students TraQuest-2020’ is a fl ag- second runner-up was Shan- ship annual quiz programme tiniketan Indian School repre- ‘for the students of Indian sented by Haleem Ahmed and schools across Qatar. The pro- Shourya Pratap Bisht. gramme is organised by Thiru- The prize distribution cer- vananthapuram Residents emony was held at the Inte- Association Qatar (TRAQ), a grated Indian Community Cen- socio-cultural platform of resi- tre (IICC) and was attended by dents of Thiruvananthapuram the winners, guests of honour, district in Qatar and functions sponsors and the organisers of under the aegis of the Indian the event. President of ICBF P N Embassy. Baburajan was the chief guest. ‘TraQuest-2020 for this year The trophy was presented to the was recently held virtually. The winners by TRAQ President J programme was livestreamed Rahumathulla. The individual on Facebook, Zoom and other winner’s trophy was given away online media. The quiz was by ICC vice president Vinod open to high school students. an School took part in the quiz with TRAQ for many years. The Nair and winners’ certifi cates by Eight schools namely; MES, competition. trophy was bagged by Birla Pu- Manzoor Moideen. The sponsors ‘Letters for Good’ is a campaign initiated by Riya Mahajan, a young student in Qatar, to say thanks Ideal Indian School, Loyola The quiz master was Man- bic School represented by Ji- for the event were The Desert to the healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Riya calls them healthcare heroes International School, Shan- zoon Moideen, who is an emi- neshwar Kamalkumar Nariani Line Projects, AIMAC, Brilliant and invites people of all backgrounds and age to share handwritten letters to recognise the tiniketan Indian School, Bha- nent personality in the fi elds and Trivikram Sunil. The fi rst Group of Institutions and Gen- contributions made by them. Gulf Times publishes one selected letter each week while the rest van’s Indian School, Birla Pub- of personality development, runner-up was Ideal Indian ius International Trading. The of the letters will be sent by Riya to HMC for circulation among the healthcare workers. There is lic School, DPS Modern Indian training, and among toastmas- School represented by Fadi Mo- vote of thanks was given by vice no limit to the number, creativity, or personal feel to the letters, which should be scanned and School and Doha Modern Indi- ters. He has been associated hamed and Aman Hashim. The president of TRAQ Dr Lalkumar. e-mailed to [email protected] Picture shows a letter written by Parker Fulghum. IEI Qatar chapter’s webinar focuses on ‘Inspirational Leadership’ Institution of Engineers India (IEI) Qatar Chapter recently conducted a technical webinar session on the topic of ‘Inspirational KPAQ organises medical camp Leadership’ in collaboration with Project Management Association – India. Around 100 engineers via Zoom were in attendance. A blood donation and medical Ahmed Jassim al-Jolo, president of Arab camp was recently organised by Engineers Federation, was the chief guest. Kozhikode Pravassi Association Also the former chairman of Qatari Society of Qatar (KPAQ) in collaboration Engineers, he explained Indian initiatives to with Naseem Al Rabeeh use communication technology for sustainable Healthcare and Hamad Medical development goals and its growth. Corporation at the Naseem Al Azeem Abbas, president of Indian Business Rabeeh Al Wakrah branch. and Professional Council, was the guest of The camp was organised with the honour. aim of providing relief to those He passed the message of the ambassador suff ering from various health ICBF president P N Babu Raj and membership to Dr Reena of India to the engineers’ community and problems during the coronavirus KPAQ president Vasu Vanimel and Vasu Vanimel handed wished success, support for IEI Qatar Chapter period. It included examinations off icially inaugurated the camp. over the membership to Dr activities. Abdulla al-Hajri, supply chain by ENT, dental, paediatric, internal General secretary Gafoor Calicut Somasundaram. management specialist, oil and gas sector, was medicine and eye specialists. delivered the welcome address. Naseem Healthcare’s memento also a guest of honour. He briefed about the Participants were given free Mohamed Arif from Naseem Al was handed over to corporation qualities of a leader and the leadership role. medicine and a discounted health Rabeh Healthcare and social relations manager Mohamed Dr A Sivathanu Pillai was keynote speaker. and guided missiles, spoke about inspirational support of International Project Management card as part of the medical camp, worker Rauf Kondotty also spoke Arif, Hamad Medical Corporation Dr Pillai has worked in ISRO and DRDO for leaders of India. Abdul Sathar, chairman of Association – India to Qatar Engineers’ along with cholesterol, diabetic on the occasion. Blood in-charge Dr Mohamed the last 40 years under visionary leaders IEI Qatar Chapter, welcomed the gathering Community. The chairman announced that tests and flu vaccine. As many as During the ceremony, women’s Russell, Dr Somasundaram, Vasu namely; Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Professor Satish and introduced the guest speakers to the the 53rd Engineers Day will be celebrated 75 people donated blood at the wing convener Femi Gafoor Vanimel, Wakrah branch manager Dhawan and Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Dr Pillai, a gathering. He also highlighted the importance in a hybrid mode on Dec 19. K M Salihudenn camp. handed over the KPAQ premier Riyaz Khan and P N Babu Raj. technology leader in the field of launch vehicles of the technical webinar and appreciated proposed the vote of thanks. ICC Advanced Toastmasters Club conducts ‘Ignite Possibilities’ series

n the successful fi fth edition telecom, retail, media, IT and a mentor learns from the mentee Alar Mel Mangai, vice-pres- of the ‘Ignite Possibilities’ public sectors. making the mentoring journey ident, Education, said that the Iseries, Sonya Singh Verma, Currently, Sonya is mentoring that much more bilateral. attendees were thoroughly en- renowned corporate doyenne, groups and individuals pro bono Another subset of mentor- grossed in the knowledge being HR practitioner and thought as her pay it forward initiative ing as mentioned by Sonya was shared. The enlightening session leader, recently enthralled the during the pandemic. She is also ‘Referenced Mentoring or Sub ended with an entertaining Q&A attendees on how to pay it for- on the governing board on Vidya Mentoring’ that empowers the session, anchored by her own ward in times of pandemic. (www.vidya-india.org) – a not- mentor to refer the mentee to a mentee Nalini GP Mathur, leaving She started the session with for-profi t organisation which subject matter expert or a men- lasting impressions in the ignited an engaging domain naming works with disadvantaged wom- tal health counsellor as the case minds. contest for the attendees. All en and children in 78 projects warrants. Once the mentee goals President Christopher Almeida the participants enthusiasti- across India. are achieved through sub mentor- and past president Philip Cherian cally shared their creative web- During the engaging session, ing, the mentor and mentee might adjudged the three winners of the site names. She pointed out the Sonya emphasised the impor- resume their journey. website naming contest. The win- diff erences between teaching, tance of having interpersonal ‘Ignite Possibilities’ is an online ners are namely; Rammohan Rai, coaching and mentoring and relationships, understanding keynote series initiated by ICC Abhijit K and Ameerudeen Mou- then explained the importance and having confi dence in each Advanced Toastmasters Club, in- lana. of having a mentor for profes- other between the mentors and viting internationally acclaimed ‘Ignite Possibilities’ team in- sional, personal and overall de- mentees. The distinguished speakers every month for the cludes Thayalan Kailayapil- velopment. speaker reiterated the concepts meetings held on fi rst Saturday lai, District director 116; Philip Sonya has worn several hats of ‘A Mentor must always realise of the month in which renowned Cherian, former president of ICC during her career which spanned that they don’t ‘know it all’’. She speakers across the world share Advanced Toastmasters Club; three and a half decades. She has also stressed ‘the beautiful coin- their experiences, motivations, Christopher Almeida, Alar Mel vast work experience in the hos- cidence of mentoring’ that ena- lessons learnt and tips to unearth Mangai, Nalini GP Mathur, treas- pitality sector, travel, banking, bles reverse mentoring, in which the potential of the attendees. urer; and M I Farid. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, December 12, 2020 COMMUNITY

Indonesian embassy organises tennis tourney for migrant workers Diplomat sees bright future for growth of Albania-Qatar ties

By Mudassir Raja Albania has also been trying Staff Reporter to increase bilateral cultural ex- changes with Qatar. “We have been trying to arrange some cul- here is a lot of potential tural activities. We are discuss- for further increasing the ing it with Katara. This year, Qa- Tbilateral co-operation tar is heading the Global Public and economic relations between Diplomacy Network. The invi- In commemoration of International Migrants Day, Embassy of Indonesia in Qatar, in collaboration Albania and Qatar, Kujtim Xani, tation is there for non-govern- with Indonesian Lawn Tennis Association in Qatar and representative of Bank Central Asia Charge d’aff aires at embassy of mental institutions to take part in Qatar, hosted a tennis tournament for Indonesian migrant workers in Qatar. Indonesian Albania, said during a recent in- in the network. European Uni- ambassador Ridwan Hassan opened the tournament. The tournament is an annual event which terview with Gulf Times. versity of Tirana is participating aims to increase engagement among Indonesian community in Qatar. This year, the tournament “Trade exchanges between the in the network’s activities. Mul- was organised with full adherence to the Qatar government’s Covid-19 health protocols. two countries have yet to reach tilateralism is very important. the desirable levels, despite their This network introduces cul- great potential, but it is positive ture, history and achievements that trade has been increasing Kujtim Xani, charge d’aff aires at embassy of Albania. of every member country.” every year,” he explained. The charge d’aff aires also ap- Both the sides have signed numerous initiatives have been 2019 when many bilateral agree- preciated the role of Qatar in the diff erent bilateral agreements to undertaken in further strength- ments were signed. fi ght against the Covid-19 pan- boost trade and economic ac- ening and developing the ties on “In order to help increase demic. “Qatar’s achievements in tivities. the basis of friendship and co- people to people exchanges, the the fi ght within its borders and its Blyth Academy global contributions and co-op- “Albania is interested in crea- operation. “Through exchanges two countries have signed and tion of an economic partner- of high level governmental dele- ratifi ed an agreement for the re- erative eff orts against the eff ects ship with Qatar through signing gations and signing of numerous moval of visa requirements for of this pandemic have earned the and implementation of diff erent agreements and memorandums, holders of diplomatic and spe- country a good name. All this is agreements such as ‘Promotion both sides promote and support cial passports. For the past fi ve even more impressive as Qatar displays artworks years, during the touristic period successfully continues to with- and Protection of Investments’ bilateral co-operation as well as and ‘Avoidance of Double Taxa- mutual support in international – April 1 to October 31 – the visa stand the unjust blockade.” tion’, which play signifi cant role organisations,” said the Albanian requirements for all Qataris have “I will also express my heart- in achieving the goal. Areas such head of mission. been removed. Work is current- felt gratitude for generous assist- as infrastructure, agriculture, People to people exchang- ly underway for the reciprocal ance and strong support Qatar of its students elimination of visa requirements has given to the Albanian people agro-industry, renewable ener- es between the two countries gy as well as air and sea transport have been considered an im- for all types of passports be- in dealing with the consequences rominent Qatari artist exhibit from principal Darlene visit and allowing me to present present great opportunities. We mensely powerful contributor tween the two countries. Qatar of the powerful earthquake that Mohamed Faraj al-Su- Sullivan. my artworks to the students. It also want investors from Qatar in strengthening the ties. “Qa- Airways has signalled the start struck the country on November Pwaidi was the chief guest The guest then handed out was a great pleasure seeing the to invest in tourism and real es- tar has been visited by a large of direct fl ights between the 26, 2019. At the same time, I ex- during the recent opening of certifi cates of appreciation to students’ artworks. The stu- tate sectors in Albania.” number of delegations of various two countries in the near future, press my deepest appreciation for the student’s artwork exhibit at students for their continu- dents showcased great inter- Since establishment of diplo- levels and fi elds. Prime Minister which would further facilitate Qatar’s unreserved support given the Blyth Academy’s art room. ous hard work and distin- est in the arts and their ambi- matic relations between Albania of Albania Edi Rama along with the travel between the two na- to my country in the fi ght against Following Covid-19 safety pro- guished art pieces. Students tion to develop themselves was and Qatar on August 26, 1992, his team visited Qatar in April tions. Covid-19.” tocol with social distancing, of Art10/20/30 namely; Nai- prominent and inspiring. I look the artist did a meet-and-greet la Nacer, Mouadh Abbaosi, forward to crossing paths with with a limited number of stu- Yousef El Sabik, Hassan Ouda, these students as they push dents. Minahil Khurraam, Sara Raiq, their skills and ambitions to Al-Suwaidi shared his artis- Esraa al-Hassan, Oscar Met- their full potential.” tic journey by showing his dis- inez, and Summer Scott were Blyth Academy is a Canadian More than 500 students attend Chaliyar tinguished digital artwork. pleased to receive their certifi - school in Doha, operating since Followed by questions and cates of appreciation from the 2006 and off ering the world re- answers, the Qatari artist in- renowned Qatari artist. nowned Canadian-Alberta cur- spired students to develop and Speaking on the occasion, riculum. Students from Kinder- Doha painting and drawing competition boost their art knowledge. Al- al-Suwaidi said: “I would like garten to Grade-12 are engaged Suwaidi received a memento to thank Mala Waseem – sec- in hands-on experiential lessons to remember his visit to Blyth ondary art teacher at Blyth and activities challenging them The event was Academy Art student’s artwork Academy – for arranging the to be active learners. held to raise environmental awareness among children and to nurture their talents haliyar Doha recently or- ganised an online paint- Cing and drawing compe- tition to mark Children’s Day. More than 500 students from Indian schools in Qatar took part in the competition. The event was held to raise environmental awareness among children and to nurture their talents. Zubi Suresh, South Indian cine artiste and presenter of popular reality show, Kuttikup- payam, inaugurated the con- Ideal Indian School claimed the im, Mates Qatar team manager. tee chairman; Siddique Cheru- test. The theme of the drawing second and Nitza Azeela Navaz Certifi cates of appreciation were vadi, convener; Sabik Edavanna, competition was ‘Green Qatar from Birla Public School, the distributed by Noufal Kattayat, technical head; Abdul Latif Fa- for Future Generation.’ Anika third prize. Ragam Library MD. rooq, Chaliyar Doha president; Surendran, famous child actress, The fi rst prize of QR1,001 was Earlier, Chaliyar Doha offi cials Zameel Abdul Wahid, general spoke on the occasion about the handed over to the winner by gave away complimentary prizes secretary; Keshav Das, treas- World Children’s Day. Hyder, MD of Copacabana Sea- to the top 20 fi nishers. urer; V C Masood, chief adviser; According to the panel of food Grill restaurant. The sec- Jibin, RJ at Radio Malayalam Basith Khan, Basheer Nanman- judges, Nuha Binth Niyas from ond prize of QR501 was given by 98.6 FM, was the anchor of the da, Raghunath Farooq, Ajmal Birla Public School won the fi rst Anees, RAG manager. The third competition. Mohamed Layis Areekode, Mani Konnalath and prize. Anjal Shadi Kuttiyil from prize of QR251 was given by Sal- Kuniyil, programme commit- Mushtaq, spoke on the occasion. Texas A&M and CMU-Q experts prepare school students to resolve real-world health-linked challenges

TEM experts from Qatar work to create, design an imagi- lyte levels and predicts injuries wheels in my head turning to- Foundation partner uni- native original invention to solve before they happen, to help pre- wards fi rsthand global problems Sversities – Texas A&M the challenge. Qatar students vent them. that need to be solved by us. It University at Qatar and Carn- participating in this year’s Con- The second project is a mo- is my fi rst time participating in egie Mellon University in Qatar rad Challenge are Ahmed Ali, bile app named Health.doc that an entrepreneurial competition (CMU-Q) – are coaching two Al Khor International School; provides an accessible health and I cannot wait for our coming teams of students from schools Abdullah al-Janahi, Qatar Sci- information database to enable steps as Team Qatar!” around Qatar who are working ence and Technology Second- patients to keep track of their The teams are mentored by together to create innovative and ary School; Almayasa al-Obaidli information and receive input science, technology, engineering entrepreneurial solutions for and Mohamad El Ghali, The In- from health professionals. and math (STEM) experts – D health-related real-world prob- ternational School of Choueifat; Both teams have succeeded in Mohamed Gharib and Tala Kat- lems in the international Conrad Arham Khalid, DPS Modern In- their investor pitches, the fi rst beh from Texas A&M at Qatar Challenge 2020/2021. dian School; Hala Almughanni, round of the competition, and and Nour Tabet from Carnegie we know the role engineers play Qatar for joining us in our ef- education can have a profound The annual competition aims Al-Arqam Academy; Moham- are moving on to the next round Mellon University in Qatar. in helping solve the world’s big- forts to create the next genera- impact on the career paths of to encourage students to use ed Saad, Park House English to continue with their business Dr Cesar Octavio Malave, gest challenges,” Malave said. tion of entrepreneurs and inno- the next generation. In par- their imagination and entre- School; and Wisam Gadam, Al plans. dean of Texas A&M at Qatar, “We also know how essential vators in Qatar.” ticular, I hope the interdisci- preneurship to address the sus- Bayan Secondary School. Hala Almughanni, one of the said that he hopes this new col- it is to be able to attract young Michael Trick, dean of Carn- plinary nature of the competi- tainability challenges that our The fi rst team’s project in- team members, said “The fi rst laboration will help inspire even minds to career paths in STEM egie Mellon University in Qatar, tion inspires students to look world faces. Participants in the volves an innovative product round of the Conrad Challenge more students in Qatar to choose from an early age, and we are said: “Our collaboration with beyond traditional disciplinary innovative competition select named Muscle View. Muscle has been great refreshment careers in STEM. grateful to our partners at Texas A&M at Qatar demon- boundaries to solve complex a local or global issue and then View monitors athletes’ electro- from my usual routine. It got the “As engineering educators, Carnegie Mellon University in strates how institutes of higher challenges.” Gulf Times Saturday, December 12, 2020 7 LEISURE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY

Wordsearch Super Cryptic Clues Adam

Pooch Cafe

BLIPS SLIPKNOT HELIPORT FILLIP CLIPBOARD TULIPS MILLIPEDE FLIPPANT ECLIPSE CALIPER SLIPPAGE LIPSTICK FLIPCHART CLIPPER ELLIPSE SLIPCASE FLIPPER LOLLIPOP Across Down CALIPH SLIPPY 1 Postponement causing 1 Father backed a horse - he’s FLIPFLOP COWSLIPS aversion (7,3) a heathen (5) 7 The girl turned paler (7) 2 Art finalist took in gallery (4) 8 Birds having fun? (5) 4 Swift traveller (8) Codeword 10 Naval destroyer belonging 5 Animals the queen worries Garfield Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. to me (4) about (7) Squares with the same number in have the same letter 11 Grounds for having a coin 6 Star models posing for great .in. Work out which number represents which letter sent out (8) painters (3,7) 13 Making a scene, in which 9 Become established in a spirits might be produced (6) Yorkshire town and an Ulster 15 See law broken by beast (6) county (6,4) 17 One who works with a will 12 Composer butchers (8) composition (8) 18 Poke gently with a stick (4) 14 Flower for one with false 21 Student leader gets ice name (7) cream and cake (5) 16 Medical off icer getting the 22 Tool observed by poor right parent (6) writer (7) 19 Stratagems Rex employs 23 The strange transience of (5) fruit (10) 20 A religious image I study (4) Bound And Gagged Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Solution Sudoku

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

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

Regardless of how much the storm seems to be raging out of Hold on to your hat, Taurus, and be ready for some action. You’re In a string of intense emotional dramas, the last thing you need is control, you will be able to handle it, Aries. Have confidence in your coming to a critical point in your emotional cycle when your heart one more, Gemini. Unfortunately, it looks like you’re going to get grounded nature. There’s a reason why you take the time to address feels heavy. You may feel pinned down by a huge weight, like you’re just that. Once again, an incredible emotional scenario is coming to the details and carefully plan your moves. Today is one day when being sucked into quicksand. Grab a branch and pull yourself out. a head, and your emotions are in turmoil. Hold still, wait for the hit, you will see the rewards of your diligent actions, especially in love, Rise above the current situation with the help of a lofty perspective. and then proceed. If you have the feeling that you’re going to blow beauty, and your deepest emotions. up at someone, simply walk away from the situation. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

There’s a great deal of grounding energy in your world today, Cancer, Take pressing matters to the hilt today, Leo, especially when it As you try to express your opinions today, you may have the feeling which might work to smother your fire. Whatever happens, don’t comes to emotional needs. You have all the data you need to make that someone is kicking sand in your face, Virgo. Like a kid on the let the embers burn out. One of the assets you bring to the group is a valid point. You have a whole battalion of facts to back you up, so beach, you have nothing but the raw elements to use to defend a strong dynamism that gives people the courage to change. Be a fire at will. Your feelings are strong and intense. Don’t ignored them yourself. Use one of your greatest gifts – the power of your mind – to fighter in the ring. Remember that at the end of the day, you need under any circumstances. Go with your gut instincts before you combat the opposing force. Your ability to outsmart others will be only be satisfied with the performance of one person – you. trust anything else. your most powerful tool. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Your boat is likely to be rocked today, Libra, to the point where you Calm down and get centred, Scorpio. You’re apt to receive input Today is your day to shine in every way, Sagittarius. There’s a and all of your belongings could go overboard. Be prepared to swim from each one of your senses, so keep these channels open and concentration of energy in your favour, so act boldly and without ashore. Grounding and stability are the keys to maintaining a healthy available for new information that’s trying to break through. Don’t hesitation. Your emotions are leading the way, and your heart is attitude, especially when it comes to ever-fluctuating emotions. be hasty. You’re better off taking a reserved, receptive approach barely a half a step behind. Follow these forces like the Pied Piper. Issues regarding the home and people’s possessions are likely to today. Let this be the start of a wild ride on a whole new roller coaster of surface in a dramatic manner. Listen to your heart for the answers. adventures. The time is right for you to lead. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Your heart and emotions are on the same page, Capricorn, but they Let your nurturing instincts shine through, Aquarius. Rely on your Pisces. Hearts may be broken or won, depending on how well you may not be on the page you want them to be. It could be that you’re sixth sense. If things start to get rough, remember that you have play your cards. Keep in mind that the slow and steady contender reminiscing about an event from the past. What was once a happy the ability to keep your cool. Not only is this an extremely important is most likely going to win this race. All the talk in the world will get set of encounters now leaves you feeling like there are thorns in tool but it’s also essential to maintaining any sort of stability in the you nowhere. Today is about quality and action. Shoddy eff orts will your side. Focus on the present and let the past become history. situation. Keep your footing at all times. Your sanity depends on it. yield shoddy results. A solid grounding is apt to be extremely important to you today, Gulf Times 8 Saturday, December 12, 2020 AMERICAS/BRITAIN/EUROPE

PANDEMIC DECISION VERDICT LAW AND ORDER ANNOUNCEMENT UK to reduce virus Heathrow Terminal 4 to Jail terms for two UK US executes convicted Cuba to unify its two quarantine for travellers stay shut for most of 2021 serial rapists increased felon despite objections currencies as of January 1

Britain yesterday said it is to cut its period of London’s Heathrow airport yesterday said its Two of Britain’s most dangerous sex off enders will The US has executed convicted felon Brandon Cuba will unify its two currencies, the Cuban peso self-isolation from 14 to 10 days for travellers Terminal 4 will remain closed until the end of next have to spend at least 40 years in prison, judges Bernard despite objections by some of the jurors and convertible peso, as of January 1, ending a arriving from overseas and people who come year because of a slump in passenger numbers ruled yesterday, after a government appeal that in his trial who pleaded with the Trump administra- unique system that has existed for nearly three into contact with positive coronavirus cases. The caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The west their sentences were too soft. Britain’s attorney tion to show mercy, the federal Bureau of Prisons decades, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said. “We chief medics for the four nations of the UK said London hub said passenger numbers fell by 88% general had sought to ensure that Reynhard said. Bernard’s death marked the ninth execution consider the conditions met to announce the start in a joint statement they were “confident” in the last month from November 2019 due to contin- Sinaga and Joseph McCann spent their rest of the since attorney general William Barr resumed the of this reform beginning January 1, 2021, with a single changes “after reviewing the evidence”. The new ued travel restrictions and curbs on movement to lives behind bars because of the extent and na- use of the federal death penalty earlier this year exchange rate of 24 Cuban pesos for one dollar,” measures are due come into eff ect in England, cut Covid-19 infection rates across England. Just ture of their crimes. But five appeal court judges, following a 17-year hiatus. Bernard was convicted Diaz-Canel said on television, alongside Raul Castro, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday. They 747,000 people used the airport in November including the head of the judiciary of England in 2000 along with an accomplice, Christopher the country’s former president and Communist Party already applied to Wales. The devolved govern- and cargo volumes were also down year-on-year, and Wales, Lord Chief Justice judge Ian Burnett, Vialva, of carjacking and murdering Todd and leader. The reform is intended to make the Cuban ments in Cardiff , Edinburgh and Belfast all set it added. “Based on current forecasts and contin- refused to impose whole-life terms. “The off ending Stacie Bagley from Iowa. At the time of the crime, economy more accessible to foreign investors. The their own health policy and have implemented ued decline in passengers, the decision has been in the cases of McCann and Sinaga, very serious Bernard was 18 years old. Vialva kidnapped and move “will place the country in a better condition for diff erent restrictions to curb the spread of the taken for Terminal 4 to remain non-operational though it is, does not, in our judgment, call for shot the couple at close range as they lay inside needed transformations for updating our economic virus. until the end of 2021,” it said in a statement. either to receive a whole life tariff ,” Burnett said. the trunk of the car. model,” he added Trials look to combine Oxford and Sputnik jabs

Reuters als to test Sputnik V’s safety and Moscow effi cacy have been completed. Russia says the criticism is un- founded. AstraZeneca, once seen straZeneca is to start clini- as a frontrunner in the vaccine cal trials to test a combi- race, is preparing further tests to Anation of its experimental confi rm whether its shot could Covid-19 vaccine with Russia’s be 90% eff ective, potentially Sputnik V shot to see if this can slowing its rollout. boost the effi cacy of the British Its average effi cacy rate was drugmaker’s vaccine, Russia’s 70.4% in interim late-stage data sovereign wealth fund said yes- — which prompted the develop- terday. ers of Sputnik V to suggest trying Trials will start by the end of to combine the two vaccines. the year and Russia wants to pro- RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev duce the new vaccine jointly if called AstraZeneca’s acceptance it is proven to be eff ective, said of the proposal “an important the RDIF wealth fund, which has step towards uniting eff orts in funded Sputnik V. the fi ght against the pandemic”. AstraZeneca said it was con- Kate Bingham, chair of Brit- sidering how it could assess ain’s vaccine task force, said this combinations of diff erent vac- week that the UK would start tri- cines, and would soon begin als next year using combinations Social distancing bubble tents for dining are seen amid the coronavirus pandemic in New York City. exploring with Russia’s Gama- of diff erent kinds of vaccine for leya Institute, which developed the initial and booster vaccina- Sputnik V, whether two vaccines tions, in the hope that a “mix- based on a common-cold virus and-match” approach might could be successfully combined. maximise the immune response. It did not give further details. Both projects are using harm- However, its Russian arm said less adenoviruses as vehicles, or it would start to enrol adults aged vectors, to carry genetic instruc- US vaccine near, but deaths 18 and older for the trial. tions into the body to prompt The co-operation between one cells to produce antibodies, an of Britain’s most valuable listed approach that has previously companies and the state-backed been used in an Ebola vaccine. Russian research institute high- One challenge of such a meth- lights the pressure to develop an od is that the immune system eff ective shot to fi ght the pan- could attack the vector and, in rising by 9/11 proportions demic, which has killed over particular, neutralise the sec- 1.5mn people. ond booster shot that is now an Reuters in the attacks of September 11, on the cusp of approving emer- the works. While most vaccines said Dr Mark Mulligan, director The move is likely to be seen in important feature of the leading Washington 2001, and greater than the 2,403 gency use of the coronavirus vac- take years to develop, the Pfizer of NYU Langone Health Vaccine Moscow as a long-awaited vote Covid-19 vaccine candidates. killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl cine developed by Pfi zer with its vaccine arrives less than a year Center and a lead investigator for of confi dence by a Western man- Using diff erent viral vectors Harbor — traumatic events that German partner BioNTech. after the illness was traced to a the Pfi zer trials. ufacturer in Sputnik V, which the for the two shots is one approach mounting US death toll reshaped the US for years. “The FDA informed Pfi zer that market in Wuhan, China, in De- But any American who wants Russian defence ministry alleged that researchers, including at the has tempered enthusiasm “Probably for the next 60 to 90 they do intend to proceed to- cember of last year. a vaccine should be able to get yesterday was the target of a for- Gamaleya Institute, have pursued. A about a coming Covid-19 days, we’re going to have more wards an authorisation for their Chinese offi cials shared the one by May or June, assistant US eign-backed smear campaign. Combining vaccines from dif- vaccine with 9/11-like fatali- deaths per day than we had on vaccine,” Health and Human genetic sequence of the novel health secretary Brett Giroir told Sputnik’s Russian developers ferent developers could be an- ties projected every day for the 9/11 or we had at Pearl Harbor,” Services Secretary Alex Azar told coronavirus with the World Fox News yesterday. say clinical trials, still under way, other. AstraZeneca did not men- months ahead, even with a rapid Dr Robert Redfi eld, director of ABC News yesterday. Health Organisation on January States will determine who gets have shown it has an effi cacy rate tion immunity against the viral rollout of inoculations, which the US Centers for Disease Con- “We will work with Pfi zer to 12, triggering the international the vaccine fi rst and were likely of over 90%, higher than that of vector as an issue in its statement could start as soon as Monday. trol and Prevention (CDC), told get that shipped out so we could race toward a vaccine. to focus on healthcare workers AstraZeneca’s own vaccine and yesterday. Another 2,902 US deaths were the Council on Foreign Relations. be seeing people getting vacci- A US rollout faces signifi cant and people in long-term care fa- similar to those of US rivals Pfi z- The fi rm and its partner Ox- reported on Thursday, a day after “The reality is the vaccine ap- nated Monday or Tuesday,” Azar logistical challenges to meet cilities, followed by the elderly, er and Moderna. ford University have used a a record 3,253 people died, a pace proval this week is not going to said. president-elect Joe Biden’s goal people with chronic conditions Some Western scientists have harmless adenovirus found only projected to continue for the next really impact that, I think, to Britain and Canada have al- of inoculating 100mn people and fi rst responders, Giroir said. raised concerns about the speed in monkeys to ensure that people two to three months until the any degree for the next 60 days,” ready approved the Pfizer vac- within 100 days of his inaugura- Then there is the American at which Russia has worked, giv- receiving the shot had not previ- vaccine can be widely distrib- Redfi eld said. cine, and the US advisory panel tion on January 20. scepticism about vaccines, with ing the regulatory go-ahead for ously been exposed to the vector uted. Moving with unprecedented is due to review a second vac- “It’s not going to be like a light only 61% saying they are open to its vaccines and launching large- and developed an immune re- Those daily tolls are roughly speed, the US Food and Drug Ad- cine, from Moderna, next week. switch on and off . It’s going to getting vaccinated, according to scale vaccinations before full tri- sponse against it. equivalent to the 2,996 killed ministration (FDA) was yesterday Other vaccine candidates are in be more like a dimmer switch,” a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Biden, Harris jointly named PM leads tributes Time’s ‘Person of the Year’ to Barbara Windsor AFP her with “love, a smile and af- London fection for the many years of Reuters with racism, Biden and Harris the racial justice movement her love, fun, friendship and New York prevailed in an election that drew sparked by the May 25 killing of brightness she brought to all the highest voter turnout in a George Floyd, a Black man who ctress Barbara Windsor, our lives and the entertainment century. died after a white Minneapolis best known as the bux- she gave to so many thousands resident-elect Joe Bi- Time editor-in-chief and CEO offi cer knelt on his neck for near- Aom, blonde-haired star of others during her career”. den and vice president- Edward Felsenthal credited the ly nine minutes. of Britain’s hit Carry On fi lm Prime Minister Boris John- Pelect Kamala Harris were victors with succeeding in “an The Person of the Year is usu- franchise, has died at the age of son, who met Windsor at jointly named Time magazine’s existential debate over what re- ally an individual, but multiple 83, her husband said yesterday. Downing Street last year to 2020 “Person of the Year”, cho- ality we inhabit.” people have been named in the Windsor made nine appear- highlight concerns over de- sen from a list of fi nalists that “For changing the American past. ances in the innuendo-laden mentia care and once had a included the man Biden van- story, for showing that the forces The title is one, according to comedy fi lms, and later be- cameo with her in EastEnd- quished at the polls — President of empathy are greater than the the magazine, signifying “who came a mainstay as pub land- ers, led the tributes. Donald Trump. furies of division, for sharing aff ected the news or our lives the lady Peggy Mitchell in the “She campaigned for the The Democratic former a vision of healing in a griev- most, for better, or worse.” popular television soap opera lonely and the vulnerable vice president and his run- ing world, Joe Biden and Kamala Time began its tradition in EastEnders. She was diagnosed — and cheered the world up ning mate, a California senator Harris are Time’s 2020 Person of 1927. Teenage climate activist with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and with her own British brand of whose election broke gender the Year,” Time said. Greta Thunberg last year became campaigned for better care for harmless sauciness & innocent and racial barriers, together Trump, the 45th US president the youngest individual winner those suff ering with dementia scandal.” “offered restoration and re- and Time’s 2016 Person of the of the accolade. and associated diseases. Labour leader Sir Keir newal in a single ticket,” Time Year — so honoured a month Biden, 78, who served two Her husband, Scott Mitchell, Starmer said Dame Barbara was said in a profile of the pair, after his upset election victory terms as vice president to Barack who was at her side in the Lon- a “national treasure” and her published online with its an- as the Republican nominee that Obama, will become the oldest don care home when she died, death marked a huge loss. nouncement. year — was among three other person to assume the offi ce of US said Windsor’s “fi nal weeks Windsor — often known as Following the most tumultu- fi nalists in the running this year, president when he is sworn in on were typical of how she lived ‘Babs’ — was made a dame by ous US presidential campaign Time said. January 20. her life”. He added she was “full Queen Elizabeth II in 2016 for in modern times, waged in the The two others, both group Harris will become the fi rst of humour, drama and a fi ghting her work with charities sup- throes of a deadly pandemic, candidates, were the healthcare woman, the fi rst Black and the spirit until the end”. porting the elderly and veter- economic devastation and a workers battling the Covid-19 fi rst person of Asian descent to Mitchell said he, her family ans, and her services to enter- strife-torn national reckoning pandemic, and participants in be inaugurated vice president. Barbara Windsor: ‘national treasure’ and friends would remember tainment. Gulf Times Saturday, December 12, 2020 9 INDIA

LAW AND ORDER DEMAND DISEASE OBITUARY PEOPLE Lalu Prasad’s bail plea Probe sought into Kerala Rare genus of malaria Former CM Bhattacharjee’s Ex-Union minister deferred for six weeks assembly renovation works detected in Kerala health remains ‘critical’ Rahi dies aged 82

The hearing into the bail petition of Rashtriya Continuing his attack on Kerala Assembly Speaker P Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja has informed that Veteran CPI-M leader and former West Bengal Former union minister of state for home, and Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad was Sreeramakrishnan, opposition leader Ramesh Chen- a rare genus of malaria, Plasmodium Ovale, has been chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee ‘s heath senior Congress leader, Ram Lal Rahi, died in deferred for another six weeks yesterday. Justice nithala yesterday wrote to the Kerala Governor Arif detected in the state. The new genus was detected remained critical but he is responding to medical Sitapur. He was 82. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Apresh Kumar Singh of the Jharkhand High Mohamed Khan to order an investigation into the in a soldier who had come from Sudan, the minister treatment, sources said. “He is still on ventilator, Yogi Adityanath has condoled the passing court deferred the hearing of the case after Lalu gross irregularities in awarding renovation works for said in a tweet. The patient is being treated at the and the process of weaning has started. Sedation away of Ram Lal Rahi and said that he was an Prasad’s lawyer sought time to file a reply on the the state assembly building. The Congress and BJP district hospital in Kannur. “Plasmodium Ovale, a new has been stopped. He is conscious and alert,” said experienced leader. Rahi became the minister of arguments of the Central Bureau of Investigation. allege that Sreeramakrishnan had travelled abroad genus of malaria, has been detected in the state. It a press communique issued by the Communist state for home affairs during the Narasimha Rao The CBI has opposed the bail plea citing that with the prime accused in the Kerala gold smuggling was found in a soldier who was being treated at the Party of India-Marxist state headquarters on Al- government and was a four-time lawmaker from Lalu Prasad has not yet completed half of his jail case, a charge denied by him. In his letter to Khan, district hospital in Kannur. The soldier had come from imuddin Street. Sources said that Bhattacharjee’s Mishrikh and a two-time legislator from Hargaon term. The Central Bureau of Investigation has also Chennithala stated that the entire assembly complex Sudan,” the minister said. “The spread of the disease blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation level in Sitapur district. He had left the Congress and demanded that Lalu Prasad be sent back to the was built at a cost of Rs760mn (in the mid 1990s) can be avoided with timely treatment and preventive is currently stable and the urine output is also sat- joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017 but Birsa Munda central jail from the paying ward of and in his tenure as speaker since 2016, Sreera- measures.” Malaria is caused by Plasmodium para- isfactory. The septuagenarian was admitted to the later returned to the Congress in 2019. His son the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) makrishnan has spent huge amounts on renovation sites that are transmitted to people through the bites critical care department of Kolkata’s Woodlands Suresh Rahi is a BJP legislator from Hargaon in in Ranchi. and other related projects. of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Hospital on December 9. Sitapur.

BJP, Trinamool lock horns ahead of W Bengal polls

IANS state Assembly elections, espe- Kolkata cially after Thursday’s attack. Many senior BJP leaders, in- cluding Union Home Minister t all started a decade ago. Amit Shah, have slammed the When the Mamata Banerjee- Mamata Banerje-led state ad- Iled Trinamool Congress had ministration for failing to pro- toppled the 34-year-old Com- vide security to Nadda and called munist Party of India-Marxist the attack ‘sponsored violence’. (CPI-M) led Left Front govern- Shah said that the state has ment in West Bengal, they had “descended into an era of tyr- coined a slogan, “Badla Noi, anny and anarchy” under the Badal Chai” (we don’t want re- Trinamool Congress rule. venge, we want change). Meanwhile, the ministry of But over a period of the last 10 home aff airs also sought a de- years, the political situation has tailed report from the Bengal undergone a sea change in Ben- government over the alleged “se- gal with the Narendra Modi-led rious security lapses” during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ris- visit of Nadda. ing to the status of arch-rival to Nadda enjoys Z-category se- the incumbent formation. curity cover. Taking its vote share from 4% The Union home ministry has to over 40% in the 2019 general summoned the state’s chief sec- elections, it was indeed an uphill retary Alapan Bandyopadhyay task for the BJP. and director general of police A day after the attack on BJP’s Virendra on December 14. national president J P Nadda’s Ghosh had on Thursday writ- convoy, BJP state unit chief Dilip ten to Shah alleging security Ghosh yesterday said he is noting lapses during Nadda’s tour of the Women prepare food at the site of a protest against newly passed farm bills at Tikri border near Delhi yesterday. down everything in his red diary state. According to Ghosh, the and everything will be returned police failed to provide a smooth with interest. passage to Nadda’s convoy. Taking a queue from Trina- “The state government is ly- mool’s catchline, Ghosh has ing. I have never seen such a coined a slogan: “Badal hobe, government in my lifetime that bodlao hobe” (we shall change indulges in so much of lies on and we shall take revenge as everything. I am a political per- well), triggering a direct face-off son and have been into it for the Modi asks farmers to hear between the ruling Trinamool past so many years. Now I’m say- Congress and the BJP. ing that the law and order situa- Ghosh yesterday vowed to take tion in Bengal has touched rock revenge after Nadda’s convoy bottom and it demands imposi- was attacked in the South 24 Par- tion of Article 365 immediately,” ganas district on Thursday. Roy told mediapersons here. out govt on new farm laws Nadda’s convoy was allegedly The Trinamool Congress, attacked by Trinamool-backed however, downplayed the attack IANS Modi also attached the video sider the proposal and start the on MSP (minimum support Presently, the law provides for goons with stones, bricks and on Nadda’s convoy. New Delhi link of the press conference. next round of talks,” he said. price) will continue. resolution of disputes between iron rods while on its way to Dia- The party’s Lok Sabha MP Tomar and Goyal on Thurs- The ministers maintained that The government has said that farmers and traders at the sub- mond Harbour to attend a public Kalyan Banerjee said that the day afternoon addressed a press the Farmers Produce Trade and provisions will be made in the divisional magistrate level, but meeting. police have fi led three charge- day after Union Agricul- conference here, a day after the Commerce (Promotion and Fa- legislation to ensure a level play- the government has said that a Cars of several party leaders, sheets in connection with the ture Minister Narendra farmers’ unions unanimously cilitation) Act 2020, the Farmers ing fi eld in transactions inside provision will be made that will including that of BJP national incident. A Singh Tomar and Un- rejected the off er by the Centre (Empowerment and Protection) and outside the existing APMC provide for appeal in civil courts. general secretary Kailash Vijay- “BJP leader Rakesh Singh was ion Commerce Minister Piyush to amend the laws recently en- Agreement on Price Assurance (Agricultural Produce Market Goyal also outlined the vari- vargiya, national vice president in a convoy in front of Nadda. He Goyal urged the agitating farm- acted to bring reforms in agri- and Farm Services Act 2020, Committee) markets, the min- ous suggestions that have been Mukul Roy and Dilip Ghosh, has 55 criminal cases against him ers to continue the dialogue and culture and allied sectors. and the Essential Commodities isters said. given to the farmers in a pro- which were part of the convoy, and he made provocative ges- fi nd an amicable solution, Prime As farmers’ unions have start- Amendment Act 2020 are the As per the proposals given posal to address their concerns were damaged in the alleged at- tures at the crowd. Charges have Minister Narendra Modi yester- ed to step up their agitation with biggest agricultural reforms in to amend the Farmers Produce about the farm laws. tack. been registered against Singh day asked the farmers to listen a call for blocking the express- the country so far. Trade and Commerce (Promo- Meanwhile, the BJP is plan- Nadda, however, escaped un- and seven people have been ar- to the two ministers who spoke ways around the national capi- The reforms will provide the tion and Facilitation) Act 2020, ning to launch a massive aware- hurt. rested in connection with the at length about the three farm tal, the government has asked farmers with market freedom, there will be similar market fee ness campaign and will organise His party colleague Vijayavar- incident,” Kalyan Banerjee said. laws. them to return to the discussion encourage entrepreneurship, and cess inside and outside the press conferences and ‘kisan giya suff ered injuries in the at- He also said that there was In a tweet, Modi said, “Listen table. give access to technology and existing APMC markets, im- chaupals’ (meetings) at over 700 tack while Roy suff ered a fracture some trouble only for 10-15 min- to two of my colleagues Naren- Tomar said the way of dia- transform agriculture, they said. posed by the states. places across the country. In in his fi nger. utes at Sirakol. He said that the dra Singh Tomar and Piyush logue has not been broken yet The government is ready to Also, there will be provision these meetings, the party lead- The war of words between the law and order is a state subject Goyal from my cabinet on the and the government has off ered give an assurance on MSP and for registration of traders oper- ers will present facts to remove clashing political rivals intensi- and the state had given security new farm laws and the demands alternative proposals to them. procurement and the existing ating outside the APMC mar- misconceptions being spread fi ed ahead of the forthcoming to Nadda. of the farmers.” “We urge union leaders to con- system for procurement of crops kets. about the farm laws.

Paes stumbles Mystery illness forces town Top court panel begins residents to wear helmets Amid cases of people suddenly near Rajamundry while talking collapsing in Eluru, Andhra with her friends. Doctors have Pradesh, on being struck by also warned people to take care work on ISRO spy case the mysterious illness, doctors while consuming vegetables. have advised residents to wear “We have told them to clean helmets for safety. “We advised vegetables properly with salt IANS Narayanan said he was happy top police offi cial Siby Math- all the people travelling outside water,” he said. People have Thiruvananthapuram that the committee was going to ews and others who include S to wear a helmet as even while also been advised to be careful have its fi rst sitting here, next Vijayan and K K Joshua, who riding a bicycle or a two-wheel- with drinking water. They have week. probed the case and implicated er they are suddenly falling,” been recommended chang- wo years after the Su- “I do not know if I will be Narayanan. West Godavari district hospital ing drinking water regularly. “If preme Court directed a contacted as their job is to Mathew later reached the superintendent Mohan said. you are drinking one kind of Tthree-member commit- find out if there was any con- rank of the director general of He said there is a high risk of water, change it to another. Do tee under retired supreme court spiracy and it’s not just the police and voluntarily retired. sustaining injuries and the advi- not drink water straight off the judge D K Jain to probe if there three former Kerala police of- He later became the chief infor- sory to wear helmets applies to tap,” a top government doctor was a conspiracy by the police ficials. There are others too. mation offi cer of the state. all in Eluru. “Cases of people fall- advised. Meanwhile, Mohan to falsely implicate scientist Maybe the committee is doing He has since retired from that ing off vehicles were reported. said most of the patients with S.Nambi Narayanan, the panel the groundwork to help them post and is now settled in the Some autorickshaw drivers fell the mystery illness were also will have its fi rst sitting tomor- go forward in their probe, I do state capital. down while driving. People driv- tested for coronavirus but were row. not know,” said the now re- Incidentally the case took ing motorbikes have fallen and negative. The symptoms of the It was in 2018 that a bench tired scientist. Narayanan was place when the factional feud so have others while working,” mysterious illness include three of the then chief justice Dipak awarded the Padma Bhushan in the Congress party between the doctor said. Mohan also to five minutes of epileptic fits Misra, justice A M Khanwilkar in 2019. K Karunakaran and A K Antony observed that some people without repetition, forgetful- and justice D Y Chandrachud The Indian Space Research factions led by Oommen Chan- suffered convulsions while ness, anxiety, vomiting, head- decided to appoint a committee Organisation spy case surfaced dy was at its zenith. sleeping. A 26-year-old mother- ache and back pain. Mohan under Jain and asked the Cen- in 1994 when Narayanan was Karunakaran had to quit the of-two, who suffered from the said the medical personnel tre and the Kerala government arrested on charges of espio- offi ce in 1995 after it was found mysterious illness vouched were mentally and physically to name one person each to the nage along with another senior that he was shielding his close for the doctor’s advice. Sri Sai prepared to face the challenge. committee under Jain. offi cial of ISRO, two Maldivian aide and senior police offi cer Hima Bindhu, a resident of JP Eluru, which is 58km north- While the Centre appointed a women and a businessman. Raman Srivastava, who later Colony, one of the hardest hit east of Vijayawada and the top offi cial – D K Prasad, the Pi- The Central Bureau of Inves- became the state police chief. areas, suffered bruises on her headquarters of West Godavari narayi Vijayan government ap- tigation cleared him in 1995 and After retirement, Srivastava has Tennis player Leander Paes loses his balance during the face when she suddenly col- district, is a coastal paddy culti- pointed former additional chief since then he has been fi ghting become the advisor to Chief launch of Motovolt’s e-cycles, in Kolkata yesterday. lapsed in Rampachodawaram vation and aquaculture hub. secretary V S Senthil. a legal battle against the then Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, December 12, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah What seniors can expect when EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor Covid vaccines begin to roll out K T Chacko

Production Editor By Judith Graham Amjad Khan Tribune News Service

P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar accines that protect against Covid-19 are on the way. [email protected] What should older adults 44350478 (News), Vexpect? The fi rst candidates, from Pfi zer and 44466404 (Sport), Moderna, could arrive by the end of this 44466636 (Home delivery) month, according to Alex Azar, who heads the Department of Health and 44350474 Human Services. facebook.com/gulftimes Both vaccines are notably eff ective in preventing illness due to the twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar coronavirus, according to information released by the companies, although much of the data from clinical trials is still to come. Both have been tested in adults age 65 and older, who mounted a GULF TIMES strong immune response. Seniors in nursing homes and assisted living centres will be among the fi rst Americans vaccinated, following recommendations last week by a federal Brexit trade talks advisory panel. Older adults living at home will need to wait a while longer. Images of the coronavirus vaccine being developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in Kalamazoo, Michigan, after the Many uncertainties remain. Among company announced its vaccine is “90% eff ective” against Covid-19 infections. them: What side eff ects can older look uncannily adults anticipate and how often will and Moderna’s vaccines are eff ective “Out of all Medicare benefi ciaries, chronically ill homebound seniors in 15 these occur? Will the vaccines off er and safe for frail, vulnerable seniors we identifi ed just under 2,500 who states. “We don’t have the capabilities meaningful protection to seniors in long-term care. Vaccines were had no medical problems and died of to store and distribute these vaccines who are frail or have multiple chronic not tested in this population. Federal Covid-19,” said Dr Martin Makary, co- to our population,” said Dr Michael Le, like Grexit illnesses? offi cials insist side eff ects will be author of the study and a professor of the company’s co-founder and chief Here’s a look at what’s known, what’s carefully monitored. health policy and management at Johns medical offi cer. not and what lies ahead. Next in line likely would be essential Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Instead, he said, Landmark is It was a marathon even by the European Union’s standards. Decision-making timetable. workers who cannot work from home, Health in Baltimore. “We knew risk was working to arrange transportation for For hours, leaders of countries in the eurozone argued, haggled Pfi zer’s vaccine will be evaluated such as police, fi refi ghters, teachers and skewed toward comorbidity [multiple its patients to centres where Covid-19 and shouted at each other. by a 15-member Food and Drug people employed in food processing underlying medical conditions], but we vaccines will be administered and After breaks for refreshment, they argued, haggled and shouted Administration advisory panel on and transportation, according to didn’t realise it skewed this much.” educating them about the benefi ts of some more. Thursday. Moderna’s vaccine is commission deliberations Nov. 23 that Supplies available. Both the Pfi zer the vaccines. “Given the trust, the bond Rumours swirled around the packed media room. expected to go before the panel Dec. 17. have not come to a formal vote. and Moderna vaccines require two we have with our patients, we can play a At least two days before each meeting, Then would be adults with high-risk doses, administered three to four weeks big role as advocates,” Le said. Eventually, as Brussels was waking to a new morning, the 17- an analysis by FDA staff will be made medical conditions such as diabetes, apart. The companies have said about Addressing mistrust. Advocates have hour overnight summit staggered to an end. public. This will be the fi rst opportunity cancer, kidney disease, obesity, heart 40mn doses of their vaccines should a big job ahead of them. According to All participants were in agreement that victory had been to see extensive data about the vaccines’ disease and autoimmune diseases and be available this year, enough to fully a recent poll from the University of snatched from the jaws of defeat. performance in large phase 3 clinical all adults age 65 and older. vaccinate about 20mn people. Michigan, only 58% of older adults Despite the brinkmanship, a deal was eventually done – as trials, including more details about their Although states typically follow ACIP After that, 50mn doses might become (ages 50 to 80) said they were very seasoned EU watchers had always said it would be, even when all impact on older adults. guidelines, some states may choose, available in January, followed by 60mn or somewhat likely to get a Covid-19 hope seemed lost. So far, summary results disclosed for instance, to vaccinate high-risk doses in both February and March, vaccine. A signifi cant number of older This is not a bit of crystal ball gazing before Boris Johnson’s in news releases indicate that Pfi zer’s older adults before some categories of according to Dr Larry Corey, a virologist adults, 46%, thought they’d get the who heads the Covid-19 Prevention dinner with the European commission president, Ursula von der vaccine, produced in partnership essential workers. vaccine eventually but wanted others with BioNTech, has an overall effi cacy Left off the list are family caregivers, Trials Network. to go fi rst. Only 20% wanted to get it as Leyen, but a recap of how Grexit – Greece’s departure from the rate of 95% and effi cacy of 94% in who provide essential support to That translates into enough vaccine soon as possible. eurozone – was averted in July 2015. people 65 and older. Moderna’s overall vulnerable older adults living in the for another 85mn people and should Most important in making decisions For veteran EU watchers, effi cacy is 94%, with 87% cacyeffi in community – an unpaid workforce of be suffi cient to vaccinate older adults is knowing how well the vaccine works, the Brexit trade row looks preventing moderate disease in older tens of millions of people. “If someone in addition to medical personnel on according to 80% of the 1,556 older Trade talks do uncannily like the clash adults, according to Moncef Slaoui, is providing day-to-day care, it makes the front lines and many other at-risk adults surveyed. Just over half (52%) between Athens and Brussels chief science adviser to Operation Warp sense they should have access to the individuals, Corey suggested at a recent said a recommendation from their not always end fi ve years ago, which also Speed, the government’s Covid-19 vaccine, too, to keep everyone safe,” said panel on Covid-19 sponsored by the doctor would be infl uential. involved a referendum where vaccine development programme. Beth Kallmyer, vice president of care and National Academy of Medicine and Dr Sharon Inouye, a geriatrician with countries If the advisory panel gives a green support for the Alzheimer’s Association. American Public Health Association. at Hebrew Senior Life in Boston and EU terms and conditions were light, the FDA will decide within days or Further prioritisation. The priority He acknowledged these were a professor of medicine at Harvard stepping back rejected. weeks whether to authorise the Pfi zer groups constitute nearly half of the US estimates, based on information he has Medical School, is among the The stage is the same, some and Moderna vaccines for emergency population – 21mn healthcare workers, been given. Pfi zer and Moderna have physicians impatiently awaiting the from the brink of the dramatis personae use. Distribution of the vaccine has 3mn long-term care residents, 66mn not yet specifi ed how much vaccine will publication of data from Pfi zer’s and – most notably Germany’s already begun, and health care providers essential workers, more than 100mn be delivered and when. Nor is it clear Moderna’s phase 3 clinical trials. Angela Merkel – are still cast are expected to begin administering it adults with high-risk conditions and when other vaccines under investigation Among the things she wants to know: members, and the script has followed a familiar pattern: endless immediately after the FDA acts. 53mn adults age 65 and older. will become available – 13 are in phase How many older adults with chronic talks going nowhere leading up to a make-or-break meeting at Allocation framework. At a Dec. 1 With initial supplies of vaccines 3 clinical trials – or what their monthly health conditions participated? How meeting of the Advisory Commission limited, setting priorities will be many participants were 75 and older? which both sides have to decide whether they want to do a deal. production capacity might be. on Immunisation Practices (ACIP), inevitable. Practically, this means that Distribution issues. As Pfi zer’s and Did side eff ects diff er for older adults? Johnson is not the fi rst politician with a mandate to take on the which guides the Centers for Disease hospitals and physicians may try to Moderna’s vaccines are rolled out, “What I worry about most is the side EU. Control and Prevention on vaccines, identify older adults who are at the a very vulnerable group may have eff ects,” she said. “We may not be able Back in January 2015, Alexis Tsipras became prime minister of experts recommended that people highest risk of becoming seriously ill diffi culty getting them: 2mn seniors to know about serious but rare side Greece after the country had endured half a decade of misery. living in long-term care (primarily from Covid-19 and off er them vaccines who are homebound and another 5.3mn eff ects until millions of people take Its economy had contracted by a quarter, one in two young nursing homes and assisted living before other seniors. with physical impairments who have them.” people were out of work, and the country was only able to pay its facilities) and healthcare workers be the A study of more than 500,000 problems getting around. But that’s a gamble she’s willing to debtors courtesy of fi nancial support from the EU, the European fi rst groups to get Covid-19 vaccines. Medicare benefi ciaries age 65 and The reason: handling and cold storage take. Not only will Inouye get a vaccine, Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which came This recognises the extraordinary older provides new evidence that could requirements. she just told her 91-year-old mother, burden of Covid-19 in long-term care infl uence these assessments. It found Pfi zer’s vaccine needs to be stored who lives in assisted living, to say “yes” with harsh strings attached. facilities. Although their residents the conditions that most increase older at minus 70C, calling for special when one is off ered. Tsipras called this “bailout barbarity”. His equally charismatic represent fewer than 1% of the US adults’ chances of dying from Covid-19 equipment not available in small “My whole family lives in fear that fi nance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, said that having won an population, they account for 40% of are sickle cell disease, chronic kidney hospitals, clinics or doctors’ offi ces. something will happen to her every election on an anti-austerity platform, democracy should be Covid deaths – more than 100,000 disease, leukaemias and lymphomas, Moderna’s vaccine needs long-term day,” Inouye said. “Even though there’s respected and the bailout terms eased. deaths to date. heart failure, diabetes, cerebral palsy, storage at minus 20C. a lot we still don’t know about these Other EU countries, most notably Germany, disagreed, and the The commission’s decision comes obesity, lung cancer and heart attacks, Landmark Health provides in-home vaccines, it’s compelling that we protect negotiations went nowhere fast. despite a lack of evidence that Pfi zer’s in that order. medical care to more than 120,000 frail, people from this overwhelming illness. For months, meetings of eurozone fi nance ministers were dominated by the crisis, with one blowing up spectacularly in February when Varoufakis rejected Europe’s proposals, before a four-month sticking-plaster bailout extension was patched together. World watches as UK probes adverse reactions to vaccine On June 26, Tsipras said he would hold a referendum on the bailout terms being off ered by the EU. Two days later, Athens was By Alistair Smout Pfi zer and BioNTech, and what advice approve the vaccine, said it was looking true,” he said. “Likewise, people with forced to impose capital controls after the ECB refused to increase London to issue. into the reports of anaphylaxis as a a known allergy to just one medicine its support for Greek banks. William Schaff ner, an infectious matter of priority. should not be at risk,” Turner told disease expert at Vanderbilt University “Anaphylaxis is a known, although Reuters. On July 5 the referendum rejected the terms of the new EU loan ritain hailed “V-Day” when Medical Center, said the British very rare, side eff ect with any vaccine,” Pfi zer and BioNTech said they were and, by decisively saying no to another dose of austerity, set the it became the fi rst country to regulator was being cautious in its the watchdog said.”Most people will supporting the MHRA investigation. scene for a crisis summit the following weekend at which Greece’s roll out the Pfi zer-BioNTech approach to the shot, which uses new not get anaphylaxis and the benefi ts Pfi zer has said people with a history future as a eurozone member would be decided. BCovid-19 vaccine. genetic mRNA technology. in protecting people against Covid-19 of severe adverse allergic reactions to Tsipras was subjected to what EU insiders called “extensive Yet, as fi rst mover, it has also become “They’re being very, very careful. outweigh the risks.” vaccines or the candidate’s ingredients mental waterboarding”. Greece would stay in the eurozone and the fi rst to report cases of adverse These are new vaccines using a new Its updated guidance to health were excluded from their late-stage get a new bailout, but only after agreeing to reform the tax and reactions, allowing other nations to technology. They’ve gotten a signal here professionals reads: “Any person with trials, which is refl ected in the MHRA’s pension system, to liberalise the labour market and deregulate watch and learn. that they need to investigate,” he said. a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, emergency-approval protocol. other parts of the economy. Offi cials from around the world are “We’ll benefi t from their medicine or food should not receive the The British regulator insisted keen for British authorities to give them investigation.” Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccine.” no corners were cut when it issued The terms were even tougher than those on off er before the as much information as possible about Schaff ner, who is a non-voting That fl eshed out an earlier change, emergency use approval for Pfi zer’s referendum. the two reported cases of anaphylaxis member of Centers for Disease Control in response to the reports of adverse vaccine last Wednesday, adding that It is worth noting that trade talks do not always end with among thousands of people inoculated and Prevention’s Advisory Committee reactions, that had more broadly the highest standards were maintained, countries stepping back from the brink. since mass-vaccination began on on Immunisation Practices, said the warned against those with a history despite raising some eyebrows abroad Sometimes – as was the case for the World Trade Organisation Tuesday. group was to discuss the use of Pfi zer’s of a “signifi cant allergic reaction” to a with the move. in Seattle in 1999 and in Canc n in 2003 – they fail. Anaphylaxis is an over-reaction vaccine yesterday. vaccine, medicine or food taking the shot. Top US infectious diseases expert of the body’s immune system, which Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the A vaccination resources database for Anthony Fauci apologised for casting health specialists describe as severe and US Food and Drug Administration, said doctors in France estimates the number doubt on the MHRA’s rigour last week, sometimes life-threatening. his agency was trying to learn from the of anaphylaxis events at below 1 per while the EU drug regulator has said its To Advertise While such allergic reactions are rare UK experience. 100,000 doses, although it says it can process was more appropriate for the in any individual vaccine recipient, “We’re working very closely with our happen to “any patient with any type of pandemic. [email protected] they are not unusual during large-scale UK partners to understand what went on vaccines”. The founder of German biotech fi rm rollouts, scientists, experts and industry with respect to those allergic reactions,” Paul Turner, an expert in allergy CureVac, whose own Covid-19 vaccine Display fi gures said. he told CBS News ahead of a meeting and immunology at Imperial College based on mRNA technology is in clinical 44466621 44418811 The reports nonetheless led to of outside advisers to weigh whether to London’s who has been advising the trials, said the side eff ects seen in Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare recommend approval of the vaccine. MHRA, said it was unlikely the adverse Britain were unsurprising. Classified products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Canada’s health ministry, which reactions were due to food allergies. “It is quite clear, with the immune 44466609 44418811 beefi ng up its guidance for the shot approved the vaccine on Wednesday, They may have been caused by a system, that this can also explode. at midnight leading into Thursday, also said it would look at the reported component of Pfi zer’s vaccine called This applies to all immunisations, Subscription specifi cally warning that anyone with a reactions in Britain, but added that polyethylene glycol, or PEG, which including the fl u vaccination, for history of anaphylaxis should not take adverse events were to be expected and helps stabilise the shot and is not in example,” Ingmar Hoerr told RTL/ntv. [email protected] it. would not necessarily change the risk/ other types of vaccines, he added. “But that’s not so bad, you can get a In the United States, regulators and benefi t of the shot. “As we’ve had more information handle on it. You can take medication public health offi cials are determining The MHRA, which last week became through, the initial concern that maybe that brings the immune system down © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved whether to approve the vaccine from the fi rst regulator in the world to it aff ects everyone with allergies is not again.” (Reuters) Gulf Times Saturday, December 12, 2020 11 PAKISTAN

Coronavirus vaccine will become available in March: PM’s aide Current coronavirus

Internews ing the views of experts, Sultan Islamabad said. He added that in the fi rst phase, the vaccine will be ad- pecial Assistant to the ministered to health workers fatality rate at 2.0% Prime Minister (SAPM) and senior citizens. Son Health Dr Faisal In the second stage, the eld- Internews of coronavirus infections in the tivity rate stands at 8.10%, With the rising spread of the emas, and theatres, and instruct- Sultan has said that the coro- erly and at risk-population will Islamabad country, its fatality rate is one of AJK reported 7.74%, Islamabad virus, the federal government ed public and private offi ces to navirus vaccine will be avail- receive the vaccine, and the the lowest at 1.6%. 4.81%, and Punjab 3.89%. warned on December 9 that it adopt a work-from-home policy able in Pakistan by March next common public in the third Balochistan has the lowest fa- The lowest positivity rate of would shut down more sectors and 50% occupancy. year, local media reported yes- stage. akistan’s coronavirus death tality rate of 0.98%. 1.22% has been recorded in Gilg- if the public continued to violate The federal government has terday. Last week, Pakistan’s parlia- toll has risen to 8,653, with Since the beginning of Decem- it-Baltistan. coronavirus standard operating also announced that educational While talking to local media, mentary secretary for health, Pthe virus claiming 50 lives ber, Pakistan is witnessing about Karachi remains the city with procedures (SOPs). institutes will remain closed the aide said that the govern- Nausheen Hamid, said that all in the past 24 hours, and the 50 deaths on average per day; 563 the highest prevalence of coro- Federal Minister for Planning from November 26 to January 10. ment has fi nalised the proce- citizens would be administered highest fatality rates of 2.8% and people have died of Covid-19 in navirus infections, with a case and Development and NCOC The students will study at dure to buy the vaccine, and is the coronavirus vaccine free of 2.6% observed in Khyber Pa- the past 10 days. positivity rate of 18.43%, fol- chief Asad Umar said there has home or get weekly homework in talks with diff erent countries charge. khtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, re- During the early months of lowed by Mirpur at 14.29%, and been a rapid increase in infec- till December 24, and winter va- regarding it. Pakistan has allocated spectively. the pandemic, the country was Peshawar at 11.68%. tions during the second wave, as cations will start on December He said that the government $150mn (€123mn) to secure The highly-contagious coro- reporting as many as 139 deaths At 87.68%, Pakistan has one members of the public were less 25. will procure the vaccine only vaccine doses from various navirus causes the Covid-19 res- every day with a mortality rate of of the highest recovery rates in serious about taking precautions The schools will reopen on after its effi cacy and safety is sources. piratory disease. 2.14%. the world, with a total of 379,092 than they were during the fi rst January 11, subject to the corona- proven. Sultan said that the authori- The two provinces recorded 11 The current rate nationwide having survived the deadly dis- wave. virus situation then. The committee will make a ties will request the govern- and 19 new deaths on December stands at 2.0%. ease. He warned that if the coro- All examinations have been fi nal decision on the purchase ment to approve more funds if 10, data issued yesterday by the At least 3,047 people were di- The highest recovery rate has navirus is not contained within postponed, except for admission of the vaccine after consider- required. National Command and Opera- agnosed with Covid-19 across been observed in Balochistan, two weeks, the government may and recruitment tests. tions Centre (NCOC) showed. Pakistan in the past 24 hours, where 96% of the coronavirus decide to close more sectors and Furthermore, all provinc- KP and Punjab are closely fol- bringing the accumulated tally to patients have beaten the virus, impose stricter restrictions. es have banned indoor dining lowed by Azad Jammu and Kash- 432,327. followed by GB at 95.15%, and The federal government has and imposed limited timings for mir (AJK) with a fatality rate of The highest coronavirus case Punjab 91.06%. already made the wearing of markets, shops, and shopping 55 shops, 8 eateries 2.4%, while Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) positivity rate is observed in Ba- KP has reported a recovery rate face masks mandatory in pub- malls. reported 2.0%. lochistan with 12.85%, closely of 88% and Sindh at 86%, while lic spaces, limited large public Many areas in the country have Although Sindh has recorded followed by Sindh at 12.27%. Islamabad and AJK recorded gatherings to 300, banned indoor been placed under smart lock- sealed in Lahore for 191,246 cases, the most number Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s posi- 79.8% and 79.2% respectively. weddings, closed shrines, cin- downs. Covid SOP breaches Sunset Internews Kashee Mobile Shop. Pakistan-born Lahore Five shops in Marble Achara Market and Terrace Café were also sealed by the assistant scientist to receive he Lahore adminis- commissioner of Model Town. tration has sealed 55 Similarly, the Cantt assist- Tshops, eight restaurants ant commissioner sealed two Leibniz Prize and two wedding halls in the wedding halls, eight shops and city for violating coronavirus three restaurants; while these standard operating procedures were also fi ned Rs46,000. Internews lecular Biology Laboratory (SOPs), local media reported Thirty-fi ve shops in Thokar Islamabad (EMBL) in Heidelberg and the yesterday. Ada, Gulshan-e-Ravi, and Adolf-Butenandt-Institute in The Shalimar assistant com- Chobarjee were also sealed Munich from 1998 to 2001. missioner sealed three shops along with several others in akistan-born Asifa She was awarded the Early and four eateries, including NN Paragon Society. Akhtar will be among Career European Life Science Ghafoor Pharmacy, Mehtab On the directives of Lahore P10 scientists to receive Organisation Award in 2008, Pumpers, RS General Store, Deputy Commissioner Mud- prestigious Leibniz Prizes next EMBO membership in 2013, GM Mashallah Super Store, dasir Riaz, these shops, halls year, local media reported. and the Feldberg Prize in 2017. Shahid General Store at GT and restaurants were also fi ned Leibniz Prizes, most impor- She was also elected as a Road Darogawala Chowk, and and warnings issued. tant research award in Ger- member of the National Acad- many for outstanding work emy of Science Leopoldina in Maryam Nawaz, PML-N workers from all scientifi c areas, will be 2019. awarded on March 15 in a vir- The main committee of the booked for Covid-19 SOP violations tual ceremony. German Research Foundation Akhtar is the vice-president (DFG) awarded the Gottfried Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) vice-president Maryam of Germany’s Max Planck Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2021 to Nawaz and dozens of party workers were booked yesterday for Society, a research organisa- four female and six male sci- violating coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) during tion. entists. a rally in Lahore on December 3. Since its establishment in Of the 10 winners, two each As per details, a case has been registered at Mazang Police Station 1948, no fewer than 18 Nobel come from the humanities and against Nawaz and the PML-N workers on the complaint of Patwari laureates have emerged from social sciences, the natural sci- Shahnawaz. the ranks of its scientists, ences and engineering, and According to Punjab Health Department’s instructions, amid putting it on a par with the best four from the life sciences. increasing coronavirus cases, big public gatherings are banned. and most prestigious research They will each receive prize institutions worldwide. money of €2.5mn. Born in Karachi, Akhtar ob- Because of the coronavirus tained her doctorate at the Im- pandemic, the main committee After British Airways, Virgin Atlantic perial Cancer Research Fund in met by video conference. starts flight services in Pakistan London in 1997. The Gottfried Wilhelm She then moved to Germany, Leibniz Prize has been award- British airline Virgin Atlantic has started operations in Pakistan. where she was a postdoctoral ed annually by the DFG since According to the details, the first Virgin Atlantic flight arrived in fellow at the European Mo- 1986. Islamabad yesterday. The Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis Zulfikar Bukhari, along with British High Commissioner Christian Turner, welcomed the aircraft at Islamabad airport. Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari said that the revival of international airlines will boost trade and tourism in the country. Gwadar not sealed He said that after the British Airways, Virgin Airlines is the second largest airline in the UK to launch flight services to Pakistan. He said that Virgin Atlantic has been allowed to land eight flights a off : chief minister week. Virgin Atlantic will use the modern Airbus A332 for Pakistan. Internews pression and misleading the Quetta people on the issue. Prime minister reshuff les cabinet “We are taking steps in some areas of Gwadar to provide ex- Prime Minister Imran Khan has reshuff led his cabinet, with a newly- alochistan Chief Min- tra security … the entire port assigned role to Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed as interior minister. ister Jam Kamal Khan city is open except these areas, According to the Prime Minister Off ice, the portfolio of finance has BAlyani has dispelled and there is no problem for an- been given to Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, while Azam Khan Sawati the impression that Gwa- ybody,” the chief minister said. has been appointed as railways minister, and Brigadier (retired) Ijaz People are silhouetted against the setting sun at a public park in Islamabad. dar port city was being He said that in view of the Ahmad Shah as minister for narcotics control. sealed through fencing, security incident and on the terming it opposition propa- demand of the people, some ganda, local media reported areas were being provided ex- Pakistan’s economy is yesterday. tra security with barbed wire Talking to journalists after fencing, adding that Gwadar recovering, says ADB attending a function on Gen- had great economic impor- Maryam Nawaz challenges attachment der Equality and Women Em- tance for the country and that The Asian Development Bank (ADB) powerment Policy, the chief the “enemies” of Pakistan has said that Pakistan’s economy is minister said that the entire wanted to hit it. recovering, particularly in manufacturing of properties in Toshakhana reference port city is open, except some Earlier, speaking at the Gen- and construction sectors supported areas where barbed wire fenc- der Equality and Women Em- by the government’s emergency relief ing had been installed by the powerment Policy function, package, local media reported yesterday. Internews Abbottabad, in the Toshakhana case. tiated the process to confi scate his prop- government to provide extra Alyani said that the positive In its report, Asian Development Outlook Islamabad She stated in the petition that both erties, and directed the NAB to make his security because of a recent and constructive role of wom- 2020 Supplement, Paths Diverge in houses were owned by her late mother, arrest through Interpol. incident. en in the building and develop- Recovery from the Pandemic, the ADB Kalsoom Nawaz. According to the Toshakhana reference, Alyani said that the opposi- ment of any society could not forecast the developing Asian growth to akistan Muslim League – Nawaz She said that the two houses were pur- Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif tion was giving a wrong im- be overlooked. rebound to 6.8% in 2021. (PML-N) vice-president Mar- chased long before the period mentioned Ali Zardari obtained vehicles from Tosha- Meanwhile, Minister for Planning, Pyam Nawaz has challenged the at- in the reference, and after the death of the khana by paying only 15% of the price of Development and Special Initiatives tachment of Sharif family properties in owner of the houses in question, the own- luxury vehicles. Pakistan asks UN to probe fake NGOs Asad Umar has expressed satisfaction Murree and Chhangla Galli with other ership devolved upon legal heirs as per The NAB alleged that former prime over the country’s improved economic properties frozen in connection with the judgment and decree dated May 14, 2019, minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had facilitat- Pakistan has asked the UN and the UN Human Rights Council to situation. Toshakhana reference because her father, and the houses are undivided properties ed the allotment of the vehicles to Zard- initiate an investigation on fake NGOs created to malign Pakistan. In a tweet yesterday, he said that strong Nawaz Sharif, absconding. in the joint ownership of all legal heirs. ari and Sharif by dishonestly and illegally A statement was read out by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood remittance flows are helping significantly Accountability court judge Syed As- She requested that the court correct the relaxing the procedure for acceptance and Qureshi while addressing a press conference along with the Special with our external account. ghar Ali issued a notice to the National order dated October 1, 2020 under Sec- disposal of gifts vide a cabinet division Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division and The minister said the biggest vulnerability Accountability Bureau (NAB) and sought tion 88(6A) of the Criminal Procedure memorandum of 2007. Strategic Policy Planning Moeed Yusuf, following an investigative of country’s economy – its unsustainable a report from the bureau by December 16. Code, and release the above-mentioned The Accountability Court-III of Islam- research by the European Union (EU)’s DisinfoLab, which detailed high external debt – is being improved as Maryam Nawaz fi led the objection properties from the attachment. abad had in May issued non-bailable war- how a network based in India has been undermining Pakistan a result of this excellent performance. petition in the accountability court In September this year, the account- rants for Nawaz Sharif for not attending within the EU and UN through fake NGOs and news. Umar said the high remittance flows must against the attachment of House ability court declared former prime min- court proceedings in the reference, and According to the report, the network has been running a 15 year- be sustained in order to achieve true No 24-A and B, III, Hall Road, Mur- ister Nawaz Sharif a proclaimed off ender had also initiated the process to declare long operation to spread disinformation about Pakistan with the economic independence. ree, and a house in Chhangla Galli, in the Toshakhana vehicles reference, ini- him a proclaimed off ender. help of more than 750 fake media outlets, reporting in 119 states. Gulf Times 12 Saturday, December 12, 2020 QATAR

QND parade rehearsal on Doha Corniche

A dress rehearsal for the Qatar National Day parade was held on the Doha Corniche yesterday. The parade is among the highlights of the Qatar National Day, which will be celebrated on December 18. PICTURES: Jayan Orma and Shaji Kayamkulam