BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Al Khaliji H1 Qatar confi dent profi t surges to aft er thrilling Gold QR372mn Cup debut

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FRIDAY Vol. XXXXII No.11976 July 16, 2021 Dhul-Hijjah 6, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief Deputy PM meets Saudi ambassador

Amir, Deputy Amir, Greater sales pitch as PM greet Erdogan His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah Local Dates Festival bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani yesterday sent cables of congratulations to Turkish starts at Souq Waqif President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his country’s Democracy and National Unity Day. (QNA) By Shafeeq Alingal Times that the festival will be a big Salem said Souq Waqif will host an- Staff Reporter draw this year with more sales and other dates festival in November. He public participation. “Last year, the said the festival ensures the develop- Amir, Deputy Amir, PM sale stood at more than 250 tonnes ment of the agriculture sector while condole with German he sixth edition of the Local and we are expecting a good sale helping consumers buy good qual- leaders on fl ood victims Dates Festival started at Souq during this episode of the festival as ity fresh dates at moderate prices. He TWaqif yesterday, featuring va- the number of participating farms added that the festival is held while His Highness the Amir Sheikh rieties of delicious fresh dates that has gone up,” al-Yafie said. keeping all Covid-19 precautionary Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His drew many date lovers on the opening The festival aims to help local farm- measures in place. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh day. ers get direct access to customers and Director of Business Relations Mohamed al-Attiyah met yesterday with ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent With the participation of around 80 make locally grown products popular. at Hassad Food Mubarak al-Sahuti to Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah al-Farhan al-Saud. The meeting cables of condolences to President farms from across Qatar, the festival is Al-Yafi e noted that MME is imple- hailed MME and Souq Waqif man- dealt with reviewing bilateral military relations, and the means to enhance them. He of the Federal Republic of Germany organised by the Ministry of Munici- menting several schemes while sup- agement for organising the festi- wished the prince well in his new role as his country’s ambassador. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and pality and Environment (MME) and porting the local date farmers. These, val, noting that it’s an opportunity German Chancellor Dr Angela Souq Waqif management. Running according to him, include providing for local farmers to prosper while it Merkel on the victims of floods, until July 30, the festival off ers vari- electricity, technical support, export helps customers get good, fresh lo- wishing the injured a swift recovery. ous varieties including Al Khalas, Al advice and subsidies for farming. cally grown dates. He added Hassad HE the Prime Minister and Minister Shishi, Al Khenaizi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, “The festival helps local date farming is supporting farmers and markets of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Nabt Saif, Al Lulu and Al Razizi. grow while giving them a venue to get process dates after procuring them 17th edition of Project Qatar bin Abdulaziz al-Thani also sent a Assistant director of the Agricul- a better market for their products,” he from local farmers. Hassad has a cable of condolences to German tural Affairs Department at MME said. stall in the festival where dates and Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel on the Adel al-Kaldi al-Yafei told Gulf Manager Mohamed Abdullah al- date syrup are sold. Page 12 from October 4-7 at DECC victims of the floods and wished the injured speedy recovery. Qatar opens new embassy HQ in Rwanda HMC operating hours ollowing the “The upcoming edition of PQ is cinated individuals during Eid holidays great success of a true opportunity to reconnect regardless of their na- Amir, Deputy Amir, Fits previous edi- with key industry leaders and tionality and country PM condole demise of Following are the details related tion with over 500 ex- decision-makers” of departure, the up- to operating hours at the Hamad hibitors from 33 coun- — Haidar Mshaimesh, GM, IFP Qatar coming edition of PQ ex-Pakistan president Medical Corporation during the Eid tries, 15 international is a true opportunity His Highness the Amir Sheikh al-Adha holidays. pavilions that included 342 international to reconnect with key industry leaders Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and The Trauma and Emergency Center representatives of globally renowned and decision-makers. There is an urgent His Highness the Deputy Amir continues to operate 24-hours-a- brands and companies, Project Qatar is need to reconnect various producers and Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- day throughout the Eid holiday back with its 17th edition from October suppliers to buyers and business owners Thani yesterday sent cables of period as normal. The Pediatric 4-7 at the DECC to reconnect the con- to boost trade exchange, whether within condolences to Pakistan President Emergency Centers will also remain struction industry in Qatar. local markets or between the Qatari and Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister open 24-hours-a-day, seven days Held under the patronage of HE the global markets, especially with the short Imran Khan on the death of former a week for medical emergencies Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, projects’ deadlines related to the upcom- president Mamnoon Hussain. HE involving children under the Project Qatar 2021 is Qatar’s premier ing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 which is the Prime Minister and Minister of age of 14 years. The Ambulance business platform specialised in con- taking place in less than 500 days.” Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Service will continue to operate struction and all related industries. For Running concurrently with the exhi- Abdulaziz al-Thani also sent a cable 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week more than 17 years, Project Qatar has bition, the Project Qatar Conference is of condolences to Prime Minister for people requiring emergency been bringing together the global con- set to discuss and explore various aspects Imran Khan on Hussain’s demise. medical assistance. The Nesma’ak struction community that off ers and of The Future of Construction in Qatar, Call Center will be closed Tuesday, highlights latest industry’s products and with the participation of high-level gov- The embassy of Qatar in Rwanda celebrated the inauguration of its July 20, to Thursday, July 22, in services, a press release issued by the or- ernment speakers, market leaders and PM receives call from headquarters in the capital, Kigali, in the presence of Minister of Foreign observance of Eid al-Adha and will ganisers said. specialists, the press note said. Alongside Somalian counterpart, Aff airs and International Co-operation of Rwanda Dr Vincent Biruta and a reopen on Friday, July 23, at 2pm. Haidar Mshaimesh, General Manager, its conference and exhibition, Project number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country. Qatar’s The Urgent Consultation Service IFP Qatar, said: “With the recent an- Qatar 2021 will also see the introduction Moldovan Acting PM ambassador to Rwanda Abdullah bin Mohamed al-Sayed aff irmed that the will be closed from Friday, July 16, nouncement of Qatar issuing visit visas of an array of skills and career develop- HE the Prime Minister and Minister opening of the embassy headquarters confirms the depth of friendly relations until Sunday, July 25, and reopen for business and leisure travellers with no ment sessions for construction industry of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa between the two countries. Monday, July 26. To Page 12 quarantine requirements for fully vac- professionals. To Page 12 bin Abdulaziz al-Thani received yesterday a phone call from Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble. 59 dead in Germany floods It dealt with reviewing bilateral Football for development plan launched relations and the means to enhance them, in addition, to discussing the eneration Amazing, the Su- It will benefi t thousands of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. latest developments in Somalia and preme Committee for Delivery young people across the The fi rst phase of this football for a number of issues of joint interest. Gand Legacy’s (SC) fl agship hu- region and help ensure a social change programme, which The PM also received a phone man and social legacy programme, has lasting human legacy for the kicks off this July, will see 11 CON- call from Acting Prime Minister of partnered with the Confederation of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 CACAF member associations par- Moldova Aureliu Ciocoi. It dealt with North, Central America and Caribbean ticipating, with successive phases reviewing bilateral co-operation and Association Football (CONCACAF) to set to reach the entire region by 2025, the means to enhance them in all launch a joint football for development ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, fields, in addition, to discussing a initiative for coaching education that which will be hosted in the CON- number of issues of joint interest. will benefi t thousands of children and CACAF region by Canada, Mexico youth across CONCACAF’s 41 mem- and the United States. ber associations. The programme was launched this COMMUNITY The long-term legacy initiative is week at a children’s football event part of a strategic partnership an- delivered by CONCACAF and Gen- nounced in September 2020 between eration Amazing in Houston, Texas, See Pages CONCACAF, the Qatar Football As- ganisation charged with delivering where several CONCACAF Gold Cup sociation (QFA) and the SC, the or- the infrastructure and operations for matches are taking place. To Page 12 A destroyed car seen next to the Ahr river, following heavy rainfalls in Schuld, 4,5 & 6 Germany yesterday. (Reuters) Page 12 Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 16, 2021 QATAR

Writers urged Al-Hammadi meets Iranian envoy Farewell to Belgian envoy to participate in Unesco creative contest

The Qatari Forum for Authors invited Qatari writers and authors to nominate for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) – Bangladesh International Prize for the Creative Economy. The prize aims to recognise projects organised by individuals, institutions or organisations in the field of creative economy in order to encourage youth starting from the age of 16 rewarding and promoting youth entrepreneurship. The Director General of the Qatari Forum for Authors, Maryam Yassin al-Hammadi, HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi encouraged Qatari writers and HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi met yesterday with the Belgian ambassador to Qatar Dr Bart de Groof at the end of his tenure. authors to apply for the award, met yesterday with Iranian ambassador to Qatar Hamid Reza Dehghani. During the meeting, they The secretary-general of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs thanked the ambassador for his eff orts to which encourages creative reviewed relations between the two countries. strengthen bilateral relations and wishing him success in his future missions. thought, initiative and innovation. The award supports the eff orts and talents of young people in various cultural fields, aff irming that writers have played a leading Naval Training Centre hosts graduation and pioneering role throughout Chief of staff meets director-general of history and in various countries The Naval Training Centre at of the world through what the General Directorate of Foreign Military Co-operation in Pakistan they presented, not only at the Coasts and Borders Security level of writing, but also at the under the Ministry of Interior level of changing thought and (MoI) hosted the graduation of developing societies. off icials who completed various Al-Hammadi asked the forum’s training courses. MoI tweeted members to e-mail the forum on that the courses were aimed at programs.qfamcs.gov in case of qualifying the off icials both in participation, bearing in mind theory and practice on the basic that the deadline for submission rules and principles of driving is July 21, 2021. The invitation, medium- and short-range boats. which was published by the Also, the graduation of the forum on social networking first specialised coastal patrols sites, stated the nomination leadership course was held. The conditions, which must include course was held with the aim of a description of the candidates introducing participants to the background and the initiatives methods of combing coastal achievements, in addition to a areas, identifying sea mines detailed description showing and prohibited materials, and how the initiative contributes methods of executing judicial to the awards objectives. seizures. Supporting documents (photos, video testimonials from the HE the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem beneficiaries of the programme, met yesterday with Director-General of Foreign Military Co-operation in Pakistan Major General reports), and a letter of support Zahid Mahmood on the occasion of his visit to the country. The meeting dealt with reviewing from the Qatar National bilateral military relations, and the means to enhance them. The meeting was attended by a number Commission for Education, of ranking off icers at the Qatari and at the Pakistani armed forces. Culture and Science must be DIFI examines attached. work-life balance Qatari-Pakistani Military Committee discusses co-operation fi elds The joint Qatari-Pakistani Military Committee held its fifth meeting which took two days, with participation from on family dynamics President of the International Military Co-operation Authority Brigadier General Abdulaziz QF member Saleh al-Sulaiti, and Director General of Foreign Military proposes policy Co-operation in Pakistan Major recommendations General Zahid Mahmood. The meeting dealt with presenting to support the most important activities creation of more held between the two countries in the military field, discussed cohesive families bilateral military co-operation and the means to enhance he Covid-19 lockdowns them. At the end of the meeting, have forced organisations the two sides exchanged Tworldwide to let their commemorative shields. employees work from home, signifi cantly changing how peo- HE Ambassador Sheikha Alya HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohamed ple work. This new dynamic has Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani al-Muraikhi shown the feasibility of applying fl exible arrangements to many which were implemented by de- workplaces without compromis- fault with the pandemic. Cov- ing output, and highlighted the id-19 presented an opportunity practicality of a new paradigm for families to reshape their rela- that is productive and promotes tionships.” Customs foils attempt a better work-family balance. The event also included a high- In line with this development, level panel discussion, featuring to smuggle tobacco Doha International Family Insti- HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohamed al- tute (DIFI) – a member of Qatar Muraikhi, special adviser to the Foundation – in collaboration UN Secretary-General; Khalid with the Permanent Mission al-Naama, Family Policy direc- of Qatar to the United Nations, tor, DIFI; and Dr Sara Ali Ab- held a forum titled ‘Family Rela- dulla, research fellow, Qatar Bio- Dr Sharifa Noaman al-Emadi tions and Flexible Work Arrange- medical Research Institute, part ments: The Way Forward’. of Hamad Bin Khalifa University. “There is a wealth of evidence The forum opened with an The panel was moderated by Re- to support the benefi ts of fl ex- introductory remark by HE Am- nata Kaczmarska, focal point ible working, and the UN is lead- bassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed on the family, DISD, DESA, UN. ing by example in providing the bin Saif al-Thani, Permanent Sharing her insight on family and maximum fl exibility for its staff , Representative of Qatar to the parenting support, Kaczmarska while continuing to maintain in- UN, followed by a welcome re- said: “The pandemic presented ternational peace and security, mark by Dr Sharifa Noaman families with new challenges and protecting human rights, deliv- al-Emadi, executive director, highlighted their irreplaceable ering humanitarian assistance DIFI. Speaking about Qatar’s ini- role as economic and care pro- and supporting sustainable de- tiatives to support the family, HE viders. These roles need stronger velopment and climate action,” Sheikha Alya said: “The State of support from governments and said HE Dr al-Muraikhi. Qatar recognises the central role the private sector.” Al-Naama added, “There of the family in social develop- The discussed topics were are several policies that could The Maritime Customs at Hamad Port has foiled yet ment and pays particular atten- taken from the perspective of the help stabilise families, such as another attempt to smuggle tobacco to Qatar, the General tion to supporting and empow- UN, academics, policymakers, adopting fl exible hours, provid- Administration of Customs (GAC) has said in a tweet. A total ering this basic social unit.” youth and parents. Dr Abdulla ing nurseries and breastfeed- of 2,738kg of tobacco was found inside a consignment of She cited DIFI as one of Qatar’s highlighted the benefi ts of fl ex- ing rooms in the workplace, and pomegranates. institutions advocating for poli- ible working arrangements on off ering part-time contracts. cies and practices that promote personal growth and productiv- We, at DIFI, renew our call for Total recoveries of Covid-19 rise to 221,805 work-life balance, which con- ity, and its impact on both par- adopting family-friendly poli- tributes to the improved physical ents and children. She shared her cies, which could provide a more 91 face prosecution for Covid violations The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 82 new and mental health well-being of personal experience and how the viable model for giving stability confirmed cases of Covid-19 among community and 49 among societies. In a recent DIFI report most impactful events in her ca- to families.” The designated authorities referred 91 people to the prosecution for travellers. The MoPH recorded 140 recoveries from the virus during the on the Impact of Covid-19 on reer and personal lives were a re- This forum is part of DIFI’s non-compliance with the preventive and precautionary measures in past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to Family Cohesion in Qatar, 64% sult of fl exible working arrange- Doha Briefi ng initiative, which place in the country to limit the spread of coronavirus. Among them, 221,805. of the surveyed participants ments. aims to provide a platform for 78 people were referred to the prosecution for not wearing masks in Vaccination data experienced positive improve- The discussion also provided governments, civil society and places where they are mandatory, seven people for not adhering to  3,474,944 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the ments in their relationships with an overview of policies and pro- UN entities to engage in a dia- the safe distance, and five others for violating the limit allowed in one start of the programme. family members. cedures practised worldwide logue to develop a better under- vehicle, which is limited to four people, including the driver, with the  22,709 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the past Refl ecting on the outcome of in terms of implementing fl ex- standing of the progress made by exception of families. 24 hours. the study, Dr al-Emadi said: “In ible work arrangements, and how families and the challenges they The measures are in line with the Cabinet decision and Decree Law No.  78.2% of the eligible population has now received at least one dose research conducted by DIFI in such structures positively impact face, and to exchange valuable 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in of the vaccine. 2019, one of the major recom- relations, parental roles, respon- lessons concerning new evidence force in the country to contain the spread of Covid-19. The designated  98.6% of over 60s (the most vulnerable population group) have mendations was to introduce sibilities and gender equality and innovations targeting fami- authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary been vaccinated with at least one dose, while 93.5% have received both fl exible working arrangements, within the family sphere. lies. measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others. – QNA doses. Gulf Times Friday, July 16, 2021 3 QATAR

Al-Muraikhi meets Afghanistan FM Lebanese caretaker PM, speaker meet Qatar envoy HE the caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon Dr Hassan Diab met yesterday with ambassador of Qatar to Lebanon Mohamed Hassan Jaber al-Jaber on the occasion of the end of his term of off ice. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral co-operation. The caretaker PM expressed his appreciation to the ambassador for his eff orts in advancing bilateral relations between the two countries. Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri also met with ambassador of Qatar to Lebanon Mohamed HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with Minister Hassan Jaber al-Jaber, on the of Foreign Aff airs of Afghanistan Mohamed Haneef Atmar, on the sidelines of the conference titled occasion of the end of his ‘Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity, Challenges and Opportunities’ that is currently term of off ice. The meeting taking place in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral dealt with reviewing bilateral co-operation between the two countries. co-operation. Qatar Airways, Visit Maldives launch strategic partnership atar Airways and Visit The national Airways was there to reopen Maldives have agreed carrier and the Maldives borders and re- Qa strategic partnership start tourism. The touchdown The Al Shamal Municipality to further grow international Maldives tourism of Qatar Airways flight QR672 Eid preparations in Al Shamal has made all preparations to tourism to the tropical island from Doha to Male on July 15, welcome Eid al-Adha while getaway. industry will 2020, with 129 passengers was holding cleanliness drives The agreement brings to- work together a new beginning for the airline across the municipality. Accord- gether an airline and destina- as well as the Maldives. ing to a press statement, issued tion that have been leaders on marketing “Since then the presence and by the Ministry of Municipality throughout the pandemic in activities to frequency of flights has been and Environment (MME), the providing safe, reliable and increasing. Being amongst the Services Aff airs Department luxurious travel experiences further grow top three passenger carriers is carrying out cleaning works despite the many challenges. international to the Maldives, we appreciate for gardens and parks while The strategic partnership the support and engagement of sanitising mosques at various will see the two organisations tourism to the Qatar Airways in the Maldives localities of the municipality. collaborate on marketing activ- tropical getaway tourism recovery. Also, cleanliness drives are held ities in several markets around “With the addition of these in the slaughterhouse, the port, the world to further grow inter- rector Thoyyib Mohamed said: new frequencies to Maldives, the fish market and garbage national visitor numbers to the “I am delighted that Qatar Air- Qatar Airways is sending a containers. Sanitising eff orts Maldives, maximising the op- ways has increased flights to strong message to the world, continue in all areas and streets. portunities provided by Qatar the Maldives. This increase is a commitment, that when the Extensive inspection campaigns Airways’ extensive global net- an indication of Qatar Airways’ borders and gates open they were initiated at food establish- work of over 140 destinations. continued trust and support in will be there. We are glad they ments with focus on restau- Less than a year after being the the future of Maldivian tour- are here in the Maldives. Thank rants. The off icials, during the first international airline to ism. you Qatar Airways for being an drives, carried out awareness resume services to the Maldives “Qatar Airways have always important partner of the Tour- sessions in order to educate in July 2020 with daily flights, supported us at Visit Maldives, ism Success Story of Maldives.” sellers and encourage them to Qatar Airways expanded op- the tourism marketing body of Since reopening the borders adhere to health requirements erations to four daily on July 1, Maldives, with our global mar- for international travellers and to ensure that all products 2021. keting campaigns. We appreci- on July 15, 2020, the Maldives meet quality requirements. Passengers travelling to the ate the immense support given has been hailed a major tour- Maldives can enjoy the air- by Qatar Airways during this ism success story amidst the line’s renowned 5-star service challenging period in history. pandemic. With an arrival fig- on board a mix of the airline’s The increase in flight frequency ure of almost 1mn travellers, state-of-the-art Airbus A320 from Qatar Airways gives con- the Maldivian tourism indus- and Boeing 777 aircraft. Qatar fidence to travellers across the try is on the path to achieving Airways Group Chief Executive world that Maldives is one of pre-pandemic arrival figures. and Qatar National Tourism the safest destinations to travel Travellers from the Middle East Council Secretary-General, HE to during this time. region were among the leading Akbar al-Baker said: “The Mal- “With regular joint webinars arrivals to the Maldives post dives has always been a strate- conducted for key markets, the lockdown period and con- gically important destination launching of special pack- tinue to grow stronger day-by- in our network, as demonstrat- ages such as ‘safe travel bubble day. ed by our airline being the first package’ last year, and with an The success of Maldiv- to resume international serv- exciting joint campaign target- ian tourism industry can be ices and our rapid expansion of ing 14 markets in the pipeline, attributed to the blessings of flights from daily to four daily Qatar Airways is instrumental the natural socially-distanced in less than 12 months. in the marketing campaigns geography of Maldives and the “This partnership with Visit undertaken by Visit Maldives immense effort undertaken by Maldives is a natural next step to promote Maldives as a safe all relevant industries in Mal- in achieving both of our or- haven. We are extremely excit- dives. ganisations’ long term objec- ed about this decision by Qatar In addition, stringent meas- tives for this route and we look Airways, and we look forward ures are undertaken at every forward to working closely with to seeing the success of this step of the process to ensure Visit Maldives to help further new development.” the utmost safety and well- grow international tourism to Adding to that, the Maldives being of travellers, tourism in- the Maldives.” Minister of Tourism, Dr Ab- dustry employees, and the local Visit Maldives managing di- dulla Mausoom, said: “Qatar community.

HBKU college leads panel on regional social policy responses to pandemic

he College of Public Policy sor at CPP and founding direc- The session was a space Brik presented an analysis of data set on policies and government (CPP) at Hamad Bin Kha- tor of the Programme for Social for dialogue between top gathered through their compre- measures in response to Covid-19 Tlifa University (HBKU) Policy Evaluation and Research scholars on how diff ering hensive policy tracker of govern- in Mena. showcased its eff orts to support (PROSPER), organised a vir- responses to the pandemic ment responses to Covid-19 in 12 Presenting our data analysis evidence-driven policy devel- tual panel session on July 7 titled around the region aff ect Mena countries, Menatracker.org results and conclusions at this opment in the Middle East and ‘Social Transformations and the social justice and social They discussed the major con- signifi cant global conference was North Africa (Mena) region dur- Covid-19 Pandemic in the Middle protection clusions from the project, which a chance to collaboratively ex- ing the fi fth International Con- East and North Africa: Implica- tracks and maps government pol- plore institutional responses and ference on Public Policy (ICPP5) tions and Policy Responses’. 1,527 papers selected and more icy responses in real-time, cover- coping mechanisms that might held from July 5-9. The session was a space for than 1,300 registered partici- ing interventions in public health, allow policymakers to improve One of the most important dialogue between top scholars pants, CPP faculty were among economic, and social policy. service delivery through innova- global conferences on policy re- on how diff ering responses to the eminent researchers contributing Dr Ben Brik explained, “The tive policy solutions. search, ICPP5 was jointly organ- pandemic around the region af- with thought leadership in policy pandemic has been a unique CPP was glad to be able to con- ised by the International Public fect social justice and social pro- design in response to challenges “stress test” of governance and tribute and help lead eff orts to Policy Association with the In- tection, as well as state policies currently facing the Mena region. institutional constraints for the ensure eff ective policy develop- stitut Barcelona d’Estudis Inter- that attempt to address the chal- Dr Leslie Pal, founding dean region. CPP’s research has pro- ment and implementation, by nacionals in a hybrid format. Dr lenges facing societies. of CPP, Dr Andreas Rechkem- duced the largest and most com- sharing our deep insights into re- Anis Ben Brik, associate profes- With 155 panels, 228 sessions, mer, senior professor, and Dr Ben prehensive and complete data- gional challenges.” The session in progress. Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 16, 2021 COMMUNITY

NVBS student to train at Gopichand UAP Qatar Chapter inducts Academy in India

Doha-based Rajath Raj Rame- shan, a trainee at New Vision Badminton Sport (NVBS), has new board of directors been selected to undergo a one-month training camp he inauguration of United at the prestigious Pullela Architects of the Philip- Gopichand Acdemy in India, Tpines-Qatar Chapter’s NVBS off icials said. (UAP-QA) new board of directors A grade X student at DPS for fi scal year 2021-2022, which Modern Indian School, Doha, took place earlier this month, Rajath will get a permanent marked the traditional yet new slot at the academy if he normal turnover of duties and re- impresses the management sponsibilities. there during his one-month The induction rites of the new stay in the Indian city of committee heads, committee Hyderabad. members and new chapter mem- “I am excited to get this bers, saw huge participation. chance to train at the Gop- The new board of directors ichand Academy. I will give is made up of Marvin M Tejada, my best during my stay at UAP Chapter president; Janel S the academy and it will be Hipolito, UAP vice-president, Marvin M Tejada From the ceremony. a great experience to train programmes & development; under some of the great Jayson Z Santos, vice-president, Janel S Hipolito. The guest speak- elected as UAP Qatar Chapter distinguished guests and closing president and the regional dis- coaches who have trained operations; Kathleen B Osio- er was PPO-Q chairman Adonis Q president and ninth among the ceremonies. trict A4 director. so many badminton legends Arevalo, Chapter secretary; Leah Talabo while the keynote speaker list of Chapter presidents of UAP Chapter treasurer Bianan in- After this, a video montage of India,” said Rajath, who Rajath Raj Rameshan. D C Bianan, Chapter treasurer; was labour attache Adam A Musa Qatar so far. For his visions to be- troduced the regional district A4 showcasing UAP Qatar Chapter started as an 11-year old with Melani S Ramos, Chapter audi- of POLO-OWWA Qatar. come a reality, the new Chapter director to give his special inspi- through the years was screened via NVBS under chief coach and field. Rajath has been practis- tor; Carmelita G Flores, director, The second part of the pro- president sought the help of all rational message. Osio-Arevalo, Zoom. Also, the Chapter president managing director Manoj ing for the last four years professional development; Maria gramme started with the valedic- members to support the board of on the other hand, introduced read the citation and presentation Sahibjan. under Sahibjan at NVBS. Michaela A Pasiona, director, tory address by UAP Qatar Chap- directors of the UAP Qatar Chap- UAP past national president of certifi cates of appreciation to Rajath’s selection to train at For the last three months, internal aff airs; Ferdinand Mag- ter outgoing president Mario ter for the fi scal 2021-2022. Benjamin K Panganiban Jr for his UAP Qatar Chapter COMELEC the Gopichand Academy is a he has been undergoing pantay, director, external and Herman M Macaranas. After the He outlined his agenda to focus message. and the UAP Qatar Chapter Board feather in the cap for NVBS, intense training under head governmental aff airs; Melanie V address, the new Chapter offi c- on programmes and plans that Meanwhile, Chapter vice-pres- of Directors FY 2020-2021 for Sahibjan said. coach Afsal O K and assistant Sandicho, director, professional ers were presented to the national would help realise the full poten- ident for operations Santos intro- their meritorious service. “I am surprised and also coaches Ashif Ameerjan and practice; and Joan P De Guzman, president by secretary-general tial of architects as professionals. duced UAP national secretary- UAP Qatar Chapter member- excited to hear the news Adarsh M S. director, education/Arkitek- Jonathan V Manalad, which was Tejada also appealed to the Chap- general Manalad to give his talk. ship care committee head Dawne that for the first time a player “He has been hard work- turang Filipino. then followed by the charging of ter members to support the UAP’s The UAP national executive vice- Rosario G Brown was given a slot from Doha, Qatar, has been ing from Day 1 and used Important highlights of the the new Chapter offi cers. national corporate thrust. president, Richard M Garcia, was to announce their upcoming ac- selected for a month-long to do his training truthfully fi rst part of the programme were Finally, the offi cers were in- The third part of the programme introduced by Hipolito for another tivities in relation to membership training-cum-selection trial at and displayed great court the welcome remarks by outgo- ducted into offi ce by UAP nation- featured the induction rites of inspirational message. care concerns. The closing re- the Gopichand Academy,” the attitude and discipline,” said ing Chapter auditor Kriz Samed al president Armando Eugene C the committee heads, committee Finally, the guest of honour, marks were delivered by the UAP NVBS chief coach said. Afsal. Quiogue, the acknowledgement De Guzman III. Regional district members and new Chapter mem- UAP national president De Guz- Qatar Chapter vice-president “I am really happy and proud “The management and of guests by outgoing Chapter A4 director Markel Cesar A Luna bers, which were presented by man III, was introduced by Chap- for operations, Santos. “In fi scal of my student. It is not just coaches at NVBS wish him a secretary Farrahnel delos Reyes, presided over the turnover of the Chapter secretary Osio-Arevalo. ter president Tejada, for his im- 2021-2022, we are expecting im- a selection but also a great bright future in his badminton introduction of the guest speaker gavel and acceptance ceremony The charging rites were offi ciated portant organisational address. mense changes for the UAP Qatar achievement for him as well career,” added Afsal, while by outgoing Chapter treasurer between Macaranas and Tejada. by Hipolito, which was followed The Chapter president read the Chapter. The new Chapter board as for my coaching career,” thanking Gopichand for giv- Roberto C Santiano, and intro- The induction rites and turno- by the induction of new members recognition and presentation of of directors made it their primary added Sahibjan. ing such an opportunity to duction of the keynote speaker ver ceremonies saw the inaugural offi ciated by Tejada. The last part certifi cates of appreciation to the thrust to unfailingly put members He praised Rajath for being Rajath to take his talent to the by the Chapter vice-president for address delivered by Tejada, the of the programme was the testi- UAP national board of directors, fi rst to help them progress and focused both on and off the next level. programmes and development, fi rst-ever transfer member to be monial, inspirational messages by along with the UAP past national succeed,” UAP-QA said.

Snapshots from the event. DPS organises virtual inter-house contests Galfar Toastmasters Club PS Modern Indian School ryone awe-struck by present- witnessed a number of ing creative costumes that were Dcultural and literary activ- made using recycled materials elects new offi ce-bearers ities as part of Rendezvous 2021, like newspaper, polythene bags, the inter-house cultural compe- paper plates, etc, in the Fancy alfar Toastmasters Club tions), Mazher Khan, secretary, new team would take the club to titions of the Junior School. The Dress competition. recently elected its new Madhu V A, treasurer and Fais- greater heights in 2021-2022. events were held from June 3 to Grade V students gave the best Gexecutive committee udheen as sergeant-at-arms. Galfar Toastmasters Club was June 22. form to their aesthetic sense and (Excom) for the year 2021-22. The immediate past president is awarded the Diamond Corpo- Competitions in various events constructively expressed their The English Literary competi- their talent and confi dence. Gopalakrishnan P Selvam was Subramanya Hebbagelu. rate Club Award this year and were conducted live virtually via ideas by making beautiful home tion consisted of Story World (sto- The variety of activities, such elected president of the execu- The event was attended by is recognised as one of the best the Teams platform. décor items using old CDs, bro- rytelling) – fairytale for grade III, as colour sketching, clay crea- tive committee for the 2021-22 a number of Galfar Al Misnad corporate clubs in Qatar. The Despite being conducted virtu- ken bangles, shells, plastic bot- storytelling using fi nger puppets tions, puppet making, bouquet term along with the new team employees, including seasoned club, which recently celebrated ally, the students of grades III-V tles, etc. “The zeal, with which for grade IV and Roll-a-story for making, solo singing, solo dance, comprising young and energetic Toastmasters. its 12th anniversary, was formed were brimming with enthusiasm. the students participated in the grade V, as well as Poetry out loud etc, provided a “spectacular show Toastmasters. Area 4 director George Philip in 2009 to enhance the commu- In the Junk Art category, students event and displayed their unique (poetry recitation) and Speak-a- of healthy competition, sponta- The new Excom team mem- installed the new upcoming Ex- nication and leadership skills of of grade III showcased their talent talents, was commendable. They thon (elocution). neity and exuberance”. The event bers are Nishant Menon, vice- com team along with the imme- employees. Since its inception, by making beautiful paintings on proved how we could trans- The competitions provided the saw active participation from all president (education), Dinesh diate past president. Members more than 200 staff members an old newspaper using their im- form ‘Trash to Treasure and Bin students with the right opportu- the four houses – Rose, Lily, Tu- Aditya, vice-president (mem- attended the online meeting and have benefi ted from the club’s agination and creativity. to Beauty’,” the school said in a nity and inspired them to come lip and Lotus – in all the cultural bership), Mubeen Mohamed congratulated the new team, various programmes and activi- Students of grade IV left eve- statement. forward, participate and exhibit competitions. Ali, vice-president (public rela- expressing their belief that the ties.

Hilton The Pearl off ers ‘more for less’ Eid al-Adha family staycations

id al-Adha staycations are “more Club team, the adults can luxuriate anese cuisine where menu dishes temping” in Qatar with Hilton and refresh with a range of special of- are created with the flair of celeb- EThe Pearl Hotel & Residences of- fers at the hotel’s eforea Spa & Health rity chef Joe Barza. fering a “great deal that lets guests stay Club. Levantine will be serving up a spe- longer for less”. Guests booking three treatments cial Eid al-Adha set dinner menu rich Guests booking three nights or qualify for a fourth free of charge while in Middle Eastern fare starting with more at the contemporary Hilton The those booking a 60-minute spa treat- traditional Moroccan Harira Soup, Pearl, from where they can explore the ment also qualify for a free treatment. followed by regional favourite sal- delights of The Pearl-Qatar on foot, Special for Eid al-Adha is a 60-minute ads and dips of Fattoush, tabbouleh, get 20% off on normal room rates, Sothys customised relaxing mas- hummus bi tahine, mouhamarit making it a “great option for fam- sage, followed by a 30-minute scrub batenjen (V/N/G), labneh Beyrouthi ily staycations”, according to a press at QR599 and the ‘Summer Quick Fix’, and mutabal batenjen served along- statement. which lets guests relax while loung- side choices of Kibbeh Basil, tradi- Eid staycation guests can opt for ing around the pool with a 15-minute tional oriental lamb, and cheese pies the property’s spacious one- or two- head and shoulders or foot massage at and the spicy Batata Harra roasted bedroom suites or connecting fam- QR100. potato. ily suites, which have their own kitch- Throughout their stay, guests can Mains of roast leg of lamb marinated ens and balconies off ering “fabulous also take advantage of happy hour with Arabic spices and rice and bone- views” of Lusail, Porto Arabia or the Some of the delicacies on off er. Right: Inside a room. room service prices from 12noon to less chicken leg are served with lemon, Venice-inspired Qanat Quartier canals 6pm or savour Hilton The Pearl’s zaatar, fl amed eggplant, tahini, labneh, and sunset vistas. ing year we have all had,” said Hassan sourced ingredients, or a range of in- The Pearl’s Kids’ Club where a skilled food and beverage line-up, which pomegranate and Burghul Bidfeen – a “In addition, we have gone out of El Wahidi, the hotel’s general manager. room choices from the extensive room supervisory team serves up a whole includes The Kitchen restaurant, mix of chickpeas, meat, and pine nuts. our way to ensure there are a host of Guests can start the day with “rich service menu before heading out to bunch of surprise activities for little the Lobby Café and its special Rounding off this Middle Eastern feast entertainment, dining and leisure of- breakfast options served up at the chic enjoy the temperature-controlled out- ones making Eid al-Adha a holiday for afternoon tea, and the recently are a satisfying choice of rice pudding, fers for adults and kids alike to ensure and cozy” The Kitchen restaurant, re- door pool. the entire family. And while the little opened Levantine, which is Qatar’s the perennial regional favourite Umm all can really relax after the challeng- nowned for the use of fresh, locally Young guests will love the Hilton ones are in the safe care of the Kids’ contemporary home of soulful Leb- Ali or fruit salad. Gulf Times Friday, July 16, 2021 5 COMMUNITY

Celebrating Eid al-Adha and summer with ‘eloquent family traditions’ at The St Regis Doha  Eid al-Adha staycation package will make it a ‘holiday to remember’ from July 20 to 25

The St Regis Doha has an- Residence Doha, said: “We have compliance with Covid-19 health breakfast for two adults and meeting and conference space, nounced a series of specials on a always emphasised the impor- and safety rules and regulations, two children under five years making it the preferred destina- myriad of its facilities in line with tance of family, and the signature especially those related to social old, complimentary treats upon tion for both leisure and business the upcoming Eid al-Adha and ‘Family Traditions’ programme distancing and venue capacities. check-in, personalised message, travellers. The magnificent summer celebrations. is the perfect chance to capture In this atmosphere of wonder delicate treats, child-sized robe, ballroom, the largest with natural “For this season, guests will be the essence and meaning of fam- and unique charms, children slippers and kids’ activities such light, is a popular choice for delighted with exceptional rec- ily during the Eid al-Adha holiday. can thrive and create lifelong as dancing, a sand castle build- prestigious weddings across the reational activities through the St. Our newly-launched programme memories.” ing competition on The St Regis region,” the statement added. Regis brand’s famous ritual, the is targeted to creating extraordi- The Eid al-Adha staycation Doha private beach, magic show, For more information about the Family Traditions programme,” nary magic for the little guests package “reflects once again the water games hand crafts and Family Traditions programme or The St Regis Doha said in a press and their parents, and involves commitment of The St Regis more. to make a reservation, one can statement. a series of fun activities and Doha to cherished rituals even in “The St Regis Doha is all about call 44460000, e-mail to Reser- Wissam Suleiman, Multi-Prop- thoughtful experiences. the opulent turndown service”, luxury and excellence, off ering [email protected] or visit erty general manager of The St “It is important to point out that the statement notes. an extensive range of leisure https://www.marriott.com/hotels/ Regis Doha and The St Regis kids’ activities will be held in A view of The St Regis Doha. The package includes daily facilities as well as 4,000sqm of travel/dohxr-the-st-regis-doha/ Qatar Academy Sidra records outstanding IB results

The results for Qatar they continue to become future Academy Sidra revealed changemakers.” that the average score for its The students are now prepar- students was 35.2 points – ing to attend a variety of uni- above the global average versities all over the world, in- cluding Georgetown University Winners of the event with off icials. in Qatar, a QF partner univer- atar Academy Sidra’s sity; University of Reading, UK; Class of 2021 students University of Edinburgh, UK; Tulukoota lifts badminton tournament trophy Qare celebrating the re- American University of Cairo, sults of their International Bac- Egypt; University of Toronto, ulukoota Qatar organ- ries ranging from young kids manager of M Pallonji Qatar – sponsors and presented them calaureate Diploma Programme, Canada; University of Cali- ised the fi nals of the to senior adults above 60 who the event sponsor, was the guest with a token of gratitude along which were announced world- fornia San Diego, US; McGill Tthird season of the Inter played with utmost enthusi- of honour. with a snake plant, which was wide this month. dents were awarded a bilingual University, Canada; University Organisation Badminton Tour- asm. Platinum sponsors of the an initiative launched during the The results for Qatar Acad- diploma. of Amsterdam, Netherlands; nament on July 9 at Cambridge Dr Mohan Thomas, presi- event were Safari Hypermarket, environment drive that started emy Sidra (QAS), part of Qatar Dr Carolyn Mason Parker, American University of Beirut, School. dent, Indian Sports Centre (ISC), Care n Cure, Black Olive restau- last month for which the Indian Foundation’s (QF) Pre-Univer- Director, QAS, said: “Students Lebanon; Koc University, Tur- The two-day event featured graced the event as chief guest of rant and Fabricast, while repre- Cultural Centre recognised Tu- sity Education, revealed that have faced new situations over key. eight Karnataka-based organi- the closing ceremony and gave sentatives of the Gold and Asso- lukoota as the best among all the the average score for its stu- the past 18 months. The QAS QAS’s Class of 2021 offi cially sations: KSQ, KMCA, SKMWA, away the championship trophy ciate sponsors were also present participating organisations. dents was 35.2 points – above graduates have risen to the chal- joined a global community of MCC, BUNTS Qatar, MCA, Qa- to the winning team, Tulukoota on the occasion. Tulukoota lifted the champi- the global average – with some lenges of learning during a pan- nearly 1mn International Bac- tar BILLAWAS and host Tuluk- Qatar. Chaitali Uday Shetty, presi- onship trophy with 120 points, students achieving a high score demic. We congratulate them calaureate-educated men and oota Qatar. Other dignitaries present on dent, Tulukoota, welcomed while last season’s champions of 40 points. A 100% pass rate on their outstanding results. We women in May when they grad- A total of 105 players from the occasion were managing everyone and presided over the MCC were the runners-up with was achieved by all those who are proud of their contributions uated from the two-year pro- these organisations participated committee members of the In- event. She thanked the Karnata- 35 points. were entered for the qualifi ca- to our school community, and gramme in an offi cial graduation in the tournament with “true dian Community Benevolent Fo- ka-based organisations for par- Chandrashekhar Shetty, tion, and two-thirds of all stu- we look forward to hearing how ceremony. sportsmanship and spirit”. rum and ISC. ticipating in the tournament. sports secretary, Tulukoota, pro- The tournament had catego- Chidanand Naik, general She also acknowledged the posed the vote of thanks. Anadolu club at QU holds Turkish language course

Turkish language course (level one) It’s worth noting that the course is a sim- was recently organised by the Ana- ple introduction for students to learn the Atolian Student Club in co-operation fundamentals of the Turkish language. The with the Turkish Cultural Center, under the lesson system was as follows: the lessons supervision of Dr Selcuk Kursad Koca, di- were divided into eight weeks; one hour per rector of the centre in Doha, as part of Qa- week; and the lessons focused on four skills; tar University’s (QU) desire to enhance the writing, reading, listening, and speaking. role of student activity and the student club The lecturers expressed their apprecia- management’s means of paying attention to tion for the students’ excitement and readi- educational activities. ness to follow the lectures at the end of the The Anadolu Club’s administrative team course. explained that the course’s registration pe- The students, for their part, expressed riod saw a high turnout of students; the club announcement being published, prompting gratitude to their teachers and happiness received more than 200 applications for ad- the club’s management to close the registra- with the teaching style, which they de- The QAS Class of 2021: top achievers mission within 48 hours of the registration tion door before the deadline. scribed as combining fun with benefi t.

HBKU Press to launch academic journal issue for student theses

amad Bin Khalifa University “This special issue is just one of the Without any guidance on thesis pursue publication that caters to their obtain the The Ministry of Education Press (HBKU Press) recently many ways HBKU Press provides a re-writing and with the threat of needs.” Excellence Award and the Best Research Hannounced the development supportive and collaborative research predatory publishers, HBKU Press Though the first issue of ‘QScience Graduate Award which are based on the of a special annual QScience Con- environment for academics and schol- saw this as an opportunity to make Connect – Special Issue: Thesis’ will quality of the research published. I will nect journal issue to be published on ars in Qatar, Mena and the rest of the sure local scholars had the tools and be published annually, starting Oc- always recommend graduate students its academic, Open Access platform, world,” said Dr Rima Isaifan, head of resources to succeed, the statement tober 2021, this is not the first time to take advantage of the wonderful op- QScience.com, dedicated to the work Academic and Journals Publishing at noted. HBKU Press has provided support for portunities HBKU Press is providing as of student researchers. HBKU Press. “Too many predatory publishers local graduates on their road to pub- it will ensure their progression towards The multidisciplinary special issue, “By providing student researchers prey on the inexperience of gradu- lication. the highest level of achievements in titled ‘QScience Connect – Special Is- with a proper introduction into the ate student researchers and take their Dr Isaifan has personally mentored academic publishing.” sue: Thesis’, aims to introduce graduate world of academic publishing, not only money only to provide sub-par serv- several budding researchers previ- QScience Connect is a bilingual, students to the world of research writing are we enriching their learning experi- ices and a fi nal article that is not peer- ously, including two Qatari student multidisciplinary peer-reviewed jour- and scholarly journals publishing. ence, but also providing them with the reviewed, not easily accessible or cit- researchers, Dr Hanadi al-Thani and nal. It off ers the latest practices in the Graduates whose work is accepted for foundation to develop their future ca- able in any way, and does not help the Amna al-Khater, who were the recipi- academic publishing industry, including publication are guided through the writ- reers in academia.” researcher gain exposure,” Dr Isaifan ents of the Ministry of Education Ex- the issuance of Digital Object Identifi - ing process to develop their thesis into The special issue is the fi rst-of-its- explained. “The Open Access publish- cellence Award. ers and XML tagging to help in the dis- an abridged 10,000-word article that is kind in the Gulf and Mena regions. ing model on QScience.com follows “As a graduate student at HBKU for covery and dissemination of articles in standard for scholarly publishing. Their HBKU Press’s Academic team was international best practices for publi- the MSc and PhD degrees in Sustainable search engines and on Google Scholar. It article is then prepared for publication, inspired to create the dedicated jour- cation and allows authors to share their Environment, I have immensely ben- is also indexed in Directory of Open Ac- which includes peer-review and edit- nal transforming graduate theses into work freely, with higher access, down- efi ted from the guidance and support of cess Journals, which is home to 14,000 ing provided by industry experts, article scholarly articles after receiving an in- load and sharing rates, while ensuring HBKU Press’s Academic Publishing de- global journals and reaches millions of hosting, archiving and indexing in inter- creasing number of requests from local proper citation. partment,” explains Dr al-Thani. “With researchers around the world. nationally recognised databases. graduate students who were looking to “The formalisation of this special their support, I was able to greatly im- The call for submissions is now One-on-one guidance and feedback publish their master’s level thesis as a issue as an annual publication provides prove my research writing skills which open. For more information and to are provided by HBKU Press every step prerequisite for applying to PhD pro- a credible launchpad for all student led to the successful publication of my apply, one can contact infoqscience@ of the way, a press statement notes. grammes. researchers and a legitimate avenue to article. This achievement helped me to hbku.edu.qa Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 16, 2021 COMMUNITY LEISURE/HOROSCOPE

Wordsearch Super Cryptic Clues Dilbert

F Minus

ABU SIMBEL KARNAK SPHINX DELTA PHARAOH CHEOPS NUBIA CAIRO MUMMY ALEXANDRIA LUXOR THEBES DESERT PYRAMIDS CLEOPATRA Across Down PAPYRUS CAMEL NILE 1 A single male part backed by 1 Containers for game (5) ASWAN MEMPHIS TOMBS composer (8) 2 She is involved with Alec 5 Experts playing cards (4) somewhere in London (7) 8 Why endlessly consume 3 More take part in the next Codeword grain? (5) race (5) Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. 9 Artist is non-starter in game 4 Where palm is available (2,4) Squares with the same number in have the same letter (7) 6 Prisoner on leave in African Garfield in. Work out which number represents which letter. 11 Keep aunt and sis in order river (5) (7) 7 Hairdresser placing pen on 12 I wander back to see a New catalogue (7) Zealander (5) 10 Jazz group formed by band 13 Show off extremely frail leader in Italian resort (5) relative (6) 13 Sad face, false appearances 15 German city and French (7) headgear (6) 14 Some assassin in Japan (5) 18 Bird with new or old coin 16 Beginners turned on by bad (5) habits (7) 20 A bad driver turned up (7) 17 Second not out for the 23 Study former currency in count? (4,2) this country (7) 19 Weight formerly revealed 24 Money, we hear, in hidden outside university (5) store (5) 21 Come back with some 25 Where tools may be kept or mediocre curry (5) Big Nate

Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles discarded (4) 22 Right inside without feeling 26 Read Pip’s novel to be fear (5) informed (8)

Solution Sudoku

Answers Codeword Wordsearch

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

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

More than usual, you’re probably craving solitude today, Aries. Although you’re normally a sociable person who feels most You tend to enjoy solitude, Gemini, but today you might feel more Although you may have committed to attending a party or get- comfortable in the company of others, Taurus, today you may prefer reclusive than usual. Friends could invite you out, but you aren’t together, now the idea may seem irritating. You may rather work on to be alone. You could feel a little under the weather, or you could be likely to accept the off er. You might even feel a little irritated. This some tasks or projects, or you might want to go for a workout and stressed from job-related worries. You probably need rest, but you is a great day to work out or throw yourself into your own projects. release some of the tension you feel. The latter idea is good. If you might also benefit from taking a walk to work off some tension, get Your concentration is good and the physical activity will get relieve exercise early, you might feel like going out later. the endorphins going, and help you feel like yourself again. the stress. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

There might be tension in the air for no discernible reason today. Some mysterious telephone calls might come your way - Confusion over money matters might arise, Virgo. You may need to Family members might seem preoccupied with problems they can’t wrong numbers or hang-ups. Other people might seem less check your records to shed light on past transactions. Don’t worry. define. Your natural inclination could be to try to cheer them up, communicative than usual, Leo, and you may be preoccupied. You All should be well once you ascertain the facts. You might have Cancer, but it probably won’t work. Don’t be annoyed if they don’t might feel a bit more nervous than usual, but that should go away if some intense dreams tonight. Write them down. You will want to respond. It isn’t them. Blame the planets. This is a great day to jog, you take a walk or get some other exercise. If you’ve been thinking remember them later, because they might reveal a lot about your take a cardio class, or otherwise work off stress. about doing some writing, this is the day to start. current situation. They may also inspire future projects. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Someone close to you might seem more preoccupied than usual, You might feel a bit tense, Scorpio, and you probably won’t You probably aren’t going to feel like socialising even though Libra, and perhaps a bit diff icult to deal with. Don’t take this understand why. The reason? The planets. You might jump at friends want you to go out with them. Your patience could be personally. It has little, if anything, to do with you. This person has unexpected noises or take off ense where none is intended. worn a bit thin, Sagittarius, and you may get annoyed at incidents troubles of their own that they don’t want to share. You might be Relations with others might be a little strained, necessitating some that normally wouldn’t bother you. This isn’t a good day for group feeling a bit tense and jumpy, but again, this is nothing to worry communication about how you’re feeling. Try to work off the activities or parties. It might be best to get a good workout and then about. Take a walk or work out at the gym. tension by taking a brisk walk or perhaps working out at the gym. rest. You will feel much better afterward. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Uptight is the mood for today. You might be the centre of attention at Today you may want to be left alone with your thoughts. Relaxing Money worries might have you more on edge than usual, Pisces. some point. While you normally wouldn’t mind, Capricorn, today it might with a good book could be at the top of your agenda, Aquarius, and While you may be doing well, you could still be insecure enough to make you nervous. When everyone looks at you and expects you to you aren’t likely to want to be interrupted. Noise and requests that think that your funds might not stretch far enough. Consider the say something, say it. Keep it short and then withdraw. You aren’t in the don’t usually bother you might irritate you, so it’s best to spend situation objectively. You will probably be relieved by what you find. mood. Walk to the library and throw yourself into reading about subjects some time alone and make the eff ort to be your usual considerate Others’ demands on your time might irritate you more than usual. that interest you. This should relieve the stress. self when with others. Take a brisk walk to relieve the tension. The best way to relieve the tension is to work out or take a walk. Gulf Times Friday, July 16, 2021 7 WORLD

TRAGEDY DECISION ANNOUNCEMENT LAW AND ORDER HONOUR Seven women crushed Bangladesh to vaccinate Malaysia to stop Indonesian ex-minister Bangladesh Nobel laureate to death in Nigeria Rohingya refugees using Sinovac vaccine gets jail in graft case to receive Olympic Laurel

Seven women were trampled to death in northeast Bangladesh is to start giving coronavirus vaccina- Malaysia’s health ministry yesterday said the country Indonesia’s former fisheries minister Edhy Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohamed Nigeria yesterday in a crush during a food distribu- tions to some of the 850,000 Rohingya refugees will stop administering the Covid-19 vaccine pro- Prabowo was yesterday sentenced to five years in Yunus will receive the Olympic Laurel at the Tokyo tion by the International Committee of the Red Cross who fled across the border from Myanmar, off icials duced by China’s Sinovac once its supplies end, as it prison after he was convicted in a corruption case Games, the second time the trophy has been award- (ICRC), a medical worker and residents said. Thou- said yesterday. With infections rising across the coun- has a suff icient number of other vaccines for its pro- linked to baby lobster exports. Prabowo, 48, was ed, the IOC said yesterday. Yunus, whose pioneering sands of people thronged the distribution site in the try, refugee commissioner Shah Rezwan Hayat said gramme. Malaysia’s inoculation drive will be largely among more than a dozen suspects arrested last micro-lender has been hailed for cutting poverty town of Monguno in Borno state to receive aid from about 48,000 Rohingya aged over 55 would start anchored by the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine year on charges that they took bribes for issuing across the globe, will be honoured for “his extensive ICRC, but the situation turned chaotic, leading to a receiving jabs from next month with help from the moving forward, health minister Adham Baba told permits to export the crustaceans. The shipments work in sport for development”, the International stampede, the sources said. Monguno, about 140kms World Health Organisation. “We are targeting 55-year- a news conference with other top ministry off icials. were banned under Prabowo’s predecessor due Olympic Committee said in a statement. The 81-year- north of the state capital Maiduguri, houses tens of olds due to vaccine shortages,” Hayat said. “Hopefully, The country has secured about 45mn doses of the to sustainability concerns. “The defendant has old economist turned globe-trotting celebrity speaker thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) who we will be able to give everyone the vaccine in Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, enough to cover 70% of the been proven guilty of committing corruption,” won the Nobel in 2006. He will be given the award at fled their homes to escape jihadist attacks and live phases if there is no shortage,” he said. The country population, compared to 16mn doses of Sinovac’s presiding judge Albertus Usada said yesterday as the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony on July 23. The in sprawling camps. “We have taken dead bodies of has seen a massive surge of coronavirus cases in shot. The announcement to stop using Sinovac’s vac- he passed sentence in a video hearing held due Olympic Laurel was created five years ago to rec- seven women to the hospital along with four others recent weeks. Bangladesh has now recorded more cine comes amid increasing concern over its eff icacy to Covid-19 restrictions. “(Prabowo) did not set a ognise endeavours in culture, education, peace and who are critical,” militia member Bello Maikudi said. than 1mn infections and over 17,000 deaths. against new and more contagious variants. good example as a public off icial.” development through sport, according to the IOC.

Melbourne locks down China needs to as Covid-19 cases rise co-operate better Reuters Sydney

he Australian state of Vic- with Covid origin toria was ordered into a Tfi ve-day lockdown yester- day following a spike in Covid-19 infections, joining Sydney as the country’s two main population probe, says WHO hubs battle an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant. From midnight, the state of AFP cording to how likely they be- self, an immunologist, and have 6.6mn people was told to stay Geneva lieved they were. worked in the lab, and lab ac- home except for grocery shop- The report said the virus cidents happen,” he said. “It’s ping, essential work, exercise, jumping from bats to humans common. I have seen it hap- healthcare and getting vacci- he WHO chief yesterday via an intermediate animal was pening,” he said, stressing that nated. called for China to co- the most probable scenario, “checking what happened, es- The lockdown in Australia’s Toperate better in the next while a theory involving the pecially in our labs, is impor- second-largest city of Mel- phase of investigations into the virus leaking from a laboratory tant.” bourne is its fi fth since the pan- origins of the pandemic, de- was “extremely unlikely”. “We need information, di- demic began a year-and-a-half manding more access to raw The investigation and report rect information on what the ago. data. have faced criticism for lacking situation of these labs was Combined with a stay-home Tedros Adhanom Ghebreye- transparency and access, and before, at the start of the pan- order already in force in Sydney, sus told reporters in Geneva for not evaluating the lab-leak demic.” the measure means nearly half that the UN health agency had theory more deeply — a mere The WHO chief had previ- Australia’s 25mn population is developed a framework for 440 words of the report were ously lamented that the inter- under lockdown. moving forward with the sec- dedicated to discussing and national team did not have ac- “You only get one chance to go ond phase of the vital inves- dismissing it. cess to all the raw data needed to hard and go fast,” Victoria Pre- tigation into where Covid-19 Long dismissed as a right- make a proper assessment. mier Daniel Andrews told a tel- came from. wing conspiracy theory, and For the next phase of the in- evised news conference. “We hope there will be better vehemently rejected by Bei- vestigation, he said, “I hope “If you wait, if you hesitate, if co-operation to get to the bot- jing, the idea that Covid-19 there will be better co-oper- you doubt, then you will always tom of what happened,” he said. may have emerged from a lab ation, and we have continued be looking back wishing you had The WHO chief pointed to leak has been gaining increas- the engagement with China, done more earlier. I am not pre- several problems during the ing momentum in the US espe- and also with (other) member pared to avoid a fi ve-day lock- initial probe. cially. states,... to get into the bottom down now only to fi nd ourselves “One problem is sharing raw Tedros, who has continued to of what happened.” in a fi ve-week or a fi ve-month data and I said it at the con- insist that all theories remain Pointing to the more than lockdown.” clusion of the first phase, that on the table, insisted yesterday 4mn official deaths from Cov- Melbourne spent about third there is this problem and it has that more investigation was id worldwide, the WHO chief of 2020 under curfew as the to be addressed,” he pointed needed. said: “I think we owe it to them epicentre of the country’s ini- out. “I was a lab technician my- to know what happened.” tial outbreak, suff ering most of Another issue he acknowl- Australia’s 31,400 cases and 912 edged was that “there was a deaths to date. premature push to...especially Coronavirus deaths in Africa surge But it had largely avoided new reduce one of the options like infections while an outbreak in the lab theory.” Africa recorded a 43% jump in 6mn,” Matshidiso Moeti, WHO a Sydney beachfront suburb — The UN health agency has Covid-19 deaths last week as regional director for Africa, told 900km north — quickly spread been facing intensifying pres- infections and hospital admis- the briefing. The surge in infec- through that city and surround- sure for a new, more in-depth sions have risen and countries tions, which is partly driven ing areas last month. investigation of Covid-19’s ori- face shortages of oxygen by the presence of the highly That changed this week when gins. and intensive-care beds, the transmissible Delta variant of a team of Sydney furniture The WHO only managed to World Health Organisation said the coronavirus in 21 African movers travelled to Melbourne send a team of independent, in- yesterday. The continent’s case countries, is leaving a “brutal while infectious and intro- ternational experts to Wuhan in fatality rate – the proportion cost in lives lost” in its trail, duced the virus to an apart- January, more than a year after of deaths among confirmed she said. Deaths have climbed ment building. Covid-19 first surfaced there cases – stands at 2.6% against steeply for the past five weeks By yesterday, dozens of Mel- in late 2019, to help probe the the global average of 2.2%, to 6,273 last week, just a per- bourne venues were listed as pandemic origins. WHO Africa said in its weekly centage point shy of its weekly virus-exposed including a shop- But in their long-delayed re- briefing. “Africa’s third wave peak recorded in January. ping centre, public transport port published in late March, continues its destructive “This is a clear warning sign routes and the famous Mel- the international team and their pathway, pushing past yet that hospitals in the most im- bourne Cricket Ground stadium Chinese counterparts drew no another grim milestone as the pacted countries are reaching during a football match attended People wearing protective face masks stand with their oxygen cylinders to get them refilled for free amid a firm conclusions, instead rank- continent’s case count tops a breaking point,” Moeti said. by thousands of people. surge of Covid cases in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. ing a number of hypotheses ac- Concern as India’s Covid South Africa looting starts to die down infection rate edges up on the streets, authorities said, Reuters Johannesburg and security forces have so far Reuters urging offi cials nationwide to en- “You may be aware that any arrested at least 1,350 people. New Delhi force social distancing and clamp increase in ‘R’ factor above 1.0 The rioting fi rst broke out in down on overcrowding at tourist is an indicator of spread of Cov- outh Africans counted the response to the jailing of ex- sites. id-19,” he added. cost of arson and looting president Jacob Zuma last week rise in India’s Covid-19 “We must guard ourselves Still, the website showed the Sthat has destroyed hun- for his failure to appear at a cor- infection rate is worrying against complacency and lax- 0.86 fi gure is off an April 9 peak dreds of businesses and killed at ruption inquiry. Aauthorities who are con- ity, which creep in as positivity of 1.47. By May, that had pro- least 70 people as the spasm of It swiftly degenerated into cerned that religious events and declines,” Home Secretary Ajay pelled India’s daily cases to a violence began to ebb yesterday. looting and destruction, driven tourism could prove to be “su- Bhalla told them in a letter, at a staggering 400,000, leaving Pockets of unrest remained, by widespread anger over the perspreader” events in the bat- time when most cities have lifted thousands in cities, including the notably in the port city of Dur- hardship and inequality that tle to douse a devastating second strict lockdowns. capital New Delhi, scrambling ban, where looters again pillaged nearly three decades of democ- wave of infections that has killed for oxygen, hospital beds, ambu- shops and racial tensions fl ared. racy since the end of apartheid thousands. Prime Minister Narendra lances and ultimately, morgues. But in the main commercial have failed to address. This month, thousands of Modi has warned against Bodies washed up on the banks city Johannesburg, shopkeep- In some neighbourhoods, vig- Hindus are set to walk hundreds overcrowding and called of the Ganges. States had largely ers and other residents sifted ilante groups have sprung up to of miles across northern cities, for vigilance against lifted curbs as infections slowed, through debris, cleared up trash protect their property. carrying pitchers of water from new variants, saying but the second wave has not yet and assessed what remained of But there was also evidence the Ganges in a religious ritual. vaccination eff orts ended, top offi cials have warned. their ruined enterprises. the latest chaos may be exacer- They could act as “super spread- needed to be sped up India’s tally of 30.99mn infec- Also yesterday, the military bating the racial tensions that are ers” and set off a third wave of in- tions is second only to the US, called up all its reservists to a legacy of the apartheid system. fections, a top medical body has The eff ective reproduction with 411,989 deaths. bolster army and police who In Durban’s Phoenix neigh- warned. rate of the disease, which health Prime Minister Narendra Modi have struggled to contain the bourhood, home to many South The Supreme Court this week experts call the “R” factor, now has warned against overcrowding unrest. Africans of Indian descent, au- questioned federal and state au- stands at 0.86 in the world’s and called for vigilance against Defence Minister Nosivi- thorities reported confl ict be- thorities in the most populous second most populous nation, new variants, saying vaccination we Mapisa-Nqakula said on tween them and Black citizens. state of Uttar Pradesh on why the online publication Our World in eff orts needed to be sped up. Wednesday she wanted to deploy “There are ugly scenes playing mass religious gathering should Data shows, a jump of more than India is trying to inoculate all up to 25,000 soldiers in KwaZu- out on the streets of Phoenix, the be allowed. 25% in a month. 950mn adults by year-end, but lu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, racial direction that these un- The home ministry fl agged the Bhalla warned of the risk of a vaccine shortages and logistics Residents clean rubble and debris after protests and unrest which bore the brunt of the sev- rests are taking must be arrested increase in the infection rate as a faster spread of infection when hurdles have meant just 8% have linked to the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma, in eral days of violence. speedily,” Police Minister Beki cause for concern in some states, the rate exceeds 1. received both doses. Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday. About 5,000 troops are already Cele said. Gulf Times 8 Friday, July 16, 2021 WORLD

Top general feared Merkel visits Trump ‘Reichstag’ power seizure: book

AFP that he was cheated from a sec- Washington ond term by fraud and planned White House another rally on January 6 – when his followers attacked he Pentagon’s top gen- the Congress – Milley schemed eral feared late last year with other top offi cials to re- Tthat then-president sign, one by one, to signal that Donald Trump would abrogate they would not go along with US Vice-President Kamala Harris with German Chancellor Angela the constitution to retain pow- any coup by the outgoing pres- in swan song Merkel at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, US. er in a move resembling Adolf ident. Hitler’s 1933 Reichstag takeo- “They may try, but they’re The US president and the German chancellor may have little continent’s biggest economy. These include the controver- plans to exit Germany’s govern- ver, according to a new book. not going to (expletive) suc- time to rebuild ‘indispensable’ relationship Biden, 78, and Merkel, 66, see sial Nord Stream 2 pipeline which ment after national elections in Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark ceed,” Milley told his aides, the eye to eye on a string of broader is set to funnel Russian natural September, meaning she is likely Milley saw Trump’s refusal book recounts. AFP/Reuters tude”, a senior Biden administra- issues. gas to Germany. to be seen as a “lame duck” in her to accept defeat to Joe Biden “You can’t do this without Washington tion offi cial said. They will discuss climate Not only will it bypass Ukraine, fi nal months in power. in the November election as a the military. You can’t do this The German leader, who said change, coronavirus (Covid-19) leading to fears that Russia is de- Polling shows her Christian possible sign that he intended without the CIA (Central In- she was “shocked” by deadly vaccine distribution, and the fu- liberately weakening its neigh- Democrats are poised to take the to retain power by any means, telligence Agency) and the FBI hancellor Angela Merkel fl ooding back home, was the fi rst ture of Afghanistan now that US, bour’s economy, but the project lead in forming a government according to excerpts from (Federal Bureau of Investiga- visited the White House European leader invited by Biden German and other foreign troops underscores European energy after the election, but it remains the book by Washington Post tion). We’re the guys with the Cin her diplomatic swan to Washington, as well as the fi rst are leaving, the administration dependency on an increasingly unclear which parties would be reporters Carol Leonnig and guns,” he said. song yesterday, underlining how foreign leader to be hosted by offi cial, who spoke on condition hostile Moscow. included in a coalition. Philip Rucker that were re- The book, titled I Alone Can important the veteran German Harris at her residence. of anonymity, said. Despite strong criticism of the Biden’s Democratic Party has ported by the Post and CNN Fix It, due for release next leader has been to the transatlan- Greeting Merkel at the vice- Religious militant threats in pipeline, Biden in May waived tenuous majorities in the US yesterday. week, off ers the most dis- tic relationship, but also high- presidential residence, Harris Africa’s Sahel region are on the key US sanctions on Nord Stream Congress that could evaporate in “This is a Reichstag moment turbing insight yet into how lighting the unanswered ques- called her guest’s career “ex- agenda. 2 after concluding that it was too the 2022 congressional elections. ... the gospel of the Fuhrer,” Trump’s refusal to accept his tions she leaves behind. traordinary”. And refl ecting Germany’s piv- late to stop the project and that it On the fl ip side, Germany’s Milley told Pentagon aides, the election defeat was seen inside Merkel, who has dealt with “The vice-president will dis- otal role in the North Atlantic was better to seek co-operation next leaders will no longer be authors report. the government. four US presidents and is step- cuss how democracies around Treaty Organisation (Nato) and with Germany. sure that whoever holds power In 1933 Hitler took advan- Milley had already earlier in ping down later this year, was the world are in peril,” Harris’s transatlantic security, the two Biden has invited Ukrainian in the United States after Biden tage of a suspicious fi re at the the year resisted Trump’s de- meeting President Joe Biden for offi ce said, with challenges from leaders were also set to discuss President Volodymyr Zelenskiy won’t revert to the extraordinary Reichstag, the German parlia- sire to call out regular troops an offi cial working visit. China and Russia, gender in- Russian “cyber-attacks and ter- to the White House later this disruption of the Donald Trump ment, to suspend civil liber- to confront Black Lives Matter Starting with a breakfast at equality and climate crisis also ritorial aggression”, Ukraine’s summer. era. ties and concentrate authority protests in multiple cities. Vice-President Kamala Harris’s high on the list. struggle against Russia, and However, Nord Stream 2 is “Trump’s raging hostility in his government, setting the That left him highly suspi- residence, before switching to The White House insists this “countering China’s rising infl u- one of the reasons why Zelenskiy forced Germany to examine the stage for the Nazi consolida- cious of Trump’s motivations, the White House for one-on-one is “very much a working visit” ence”. is nervous about how much he unhealthy aspects of its depend- tion of power. especially after the election, talks with the US president, and rather than a ceremonial farewell However, Merkel is now out can count on European support ency on America,” wrote Con- When Trump called for a when Trump began replacing then an early dinner with the Bi- for the woman widely seen as of time for resolving some of the against the far more powerful stanze Stelzenmuller, from the march on Washington by sup- top offi cials, including at the dens at the White House, the day Europe’s steadiest leader during pressing issues facing Europe and Russians. Brookings Institution think tank, porters in November, Milley, Pentagon, with close loyalists was designed to “convey grati- almost 16 years at the helm of the the United States. Merkel, chancellor since 2005, in the Financial Times. who had been appointed by even though he only had weeks Trump, expressed worries that left in offi ce. he was deploying “brownshirts “Milley told his staff that he in the streets”, the book says, believed Trump was stoking referring to Hitler’s violent fol- unrest, possibly in hopes of an lowers. excuse to invoke the Insurrec- Oregon wildfi re forces And as Trump persisted in tion Act and call out the mili- hundreds from homes claiming, with no evidence, tary,” the book says. US government launches online hub

Reuters dination Centre in Portland re- for victims of ransomware attacks Klamath Falls, Oregon ported. Nearly 400 of those homes The US government has unveiled an online hub for the victims of have been ordered evacuated, ransomware attacks, saying it will make it easier for companies swiftly spreading wildfi re Oregon Forestry Department of- and municipalities to find resources and get assistance if they are raged through drought- fi cials said. targeted by hackers. Aparched timber and brush No serious injuries or fatalities The website, www.StopRansomware.gov, is an initiative led by the in south-central Oregon for a have been reported. Justice and Homeland Security departments. ninth day on Wednesday, threat- A pall of thick haze settled over Many of the resources and information that organisations need ening nearly 2,000 homes and Klamath Falls to the southwest, to deal with ransomware attacks have historically been scattered displacing hundreds of residents where the local fairgrounds were across multiple websites, which increased the “likelihood of missing with little sign of slowing, offi - turned into a Red Cross evacua- important information”, the Justice Department said in a statement. cials said. tion centre. The new website is “the first central hub consolidating ransomware The so-called Bootleg fi re had Tim McCarley, one of the resources from all federal government agencies”, it said. blackened more than 212,000 evacuees, told Reuters earlier this The launch of the site comes on the heels of a ransomware acres (85,793 hectares) by morn- week that sheriff ’s deputies and attack earlier this year against the Colonial Pipeline Co that led to ing, destroying 21 homes and 54 state troopers showed up at his widespread shortages at gas stations along the East Coast of the other structures, with fi refi ght- home just as “sparks and embers Hotspots smoulder amid scorched trees in the northwestern section of the Bootleg Fire, which has United States. ers managing to hack contain- were coming down”, warning his expanded to over 212,000 acres, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The Justice Department was later able to help Colonial Pipeline ment lines around just 5% of its family: “If you don’t leave, you’re recover some $2.3mn in cryptocurrency ransom it paid to hackers. perimeter, according to state and dead.” according to state forestry fi g- cated by prolonged drought – a people and charred more than About $350mn in ransom was paid to cyber criminals in 2020, a federal authorities. “This is my fi rst wildfi re and ures. combination that has accelerated 10.2mn acres (4.1mn hectares) in more than 300% increase from the previous year, the department Ranking easily as the largest of I’m going to tell you, it is scary,” By comparison, two Oregon the spread of the fl ames, offi cials California, Oregon, and Wash- said. – Reuters at least 10 active wildfi res burn- said fellow evacuee Sarah Kose. wildfi res have measured a half- said. ington. ing across the Pacifi c Northwest, “You don’t know if you’re go- million acres or more – the 2012 In all, 60 large fi res have con- Earlier in the week, fl ames the Bootleg has spread mostly ing to be the one that loses your Long Draw and the 2002 Biscuit. sumed more than 1mn acres burning along a high-voltage unchecked in and around the house, or you sit there and you Just eight others, including the (404,680 hectares) across 12 power corridor connecting Or- US surgeon-general issues warning Fremont-Winema National For- watch your neighbour lose their Bootleg, have surpassed 200,000 states this season, according to egon’s electricity grid with over coronavirus misinformation est, about 250 miles (400km) house, and there’s nothing you acres, records show. the National Interagency Fire California’s threatened energy south of Portland, since erupting can do about it.” Coming in the midst of record- Centre in Boise, Idaho. supplies, prompting energy con- US Surgeon-General Vivek Murthy raised the alarm yesterday over July 6. More than 1,300 personnel shattering temperatures across Last year, dozens of late- servation alerts on the California a growing wave of misinformation about the coronavirus (Covid-19) As of Wednesday, fl ames were were assigned to battle the wild- the West, the Bootleg fi re has summer wildfi res, many of them side. and related vaccines that threatens eff orts to quell the pandemic threatening 1,926 dwellings, the fi re, which is the seventh largest been stoked by hot, dry, windy sparked by dry-lightning storms, The alerts were withdrawn as and save lives, urging technology companies and others to act. Northwest Interagency Co-or- on record in Oregon since 1900, weather and vegetation desic- killed more than three dozen the heatwave eased. In his first advisory as the nation’s top doctor under President Joe Biden, Murthy called on tech companies to tweak their algorithms to further demote false information and share more data with Man jailed for 208 researchers and the government to help teachers, healthcare workers and the media fight misinformation. years over school “Health misinformation is a serious threat to public health. It Britney Spears wins quake collapse can cause confusion, sow mistrust, harm people’s health, and undermine public health eff orts,” he said in the advisory, first A Mexican court has sentenced a reported by National Public Radio. “Limiting the spread of health right to new lawyer in man to 208 years in prison for the misinformation is a moral and civic imperative.” criminal homicides of 26 people, False information can lead to hesitancy to get vaccinated against most of them children, who died the novel coronavirus, leading to preventable deaths, Murthy said, battle to remove dad when a school collapsed during a noting misinformation can aff ect other health conditions and is a powerful earthquake that struck worldwide problem. Mexico City in 2017, authorities “American lives are at risk,” he said in separate statement. AFP as soon as possible to move Mr said on Wednesday. The advisory also urges people not to spread questionable Los Angeles Spears, subject to our formal The Mexico City attorney- information online, something the head of the Centre retention,” said Rosengart, a general’s off ice said it had shown for Countering Digital Hate, a group that tracks Covid-19 former federal prosecutor who that the man described as a misinformation online, said will not be enough. n emotional Britney has represented Steven Spiel- works director had guaranteed “On tobacco packets they say that tobacco kills,” the group’s chief Spears scored a victory berg and Sean Penn. the structural safety of the school executive Imran Ahmed told NPR. “On social media we need a Ain her bid to end her fa- “Why is Mr Spears not volun- in Tlalpan, a southern district of ‘Surgeon-General’s Warning: Misinformation Kills.’” – Reuters ther’s control of her aff airs on tarily stepping down?” Rosen- the capital, without carrying out Wednesday, as a judge ruled that gart asked. “He does not belong the required testing and despite she could appoint her own law- in this conservatorship any- irregularities in the building’s Haitian president’s killing planned in yer to help end a guardianship more. And we believe he should construction. that she slammed as “cruelty”. voluntarily step down immedi- The attorney-general’s off ice Dominican Republic: police chief Spears phoned back into a Los ately.” named the man as Juan “N”. Local Angeles court, three weeks after Spears, speaking to the court media identified him as Juan The assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise by a group her fi rst explosive testimony in again via telephone, was at turns Mario Velarde Gamez. of armed mercenaries was planned in the Dominican Republic, which she pleaded with a judge angry and upset – and used the The court also ordered Velarde according to Haiti’s police chief. to free her from the years-long occasional expletive – as she to pay 377,450 pesos ($19,000) to A photograph circulating on social media identifies two suspects conservatorship ramped up said she wanted to “press charg- each of the victims’ families. – both later arrested – meeting former Haitian opposition senator worldwide interest in the case. es” against her father. People protest in support of Britney Spears on the day of a Nineteen children and seven Joel John Joseph, who is wanted by police. During Wednesday’s hearing, “I’m angry and I will go there,” conservatorship case hearing at Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los adults died when the privately- According to Haitian national police director Leon Charles, the Judge Brenda Penny accepted the singer said, even telling the Angeles, California. owned Enrique Rebsamen picture was taken as the trio were planning the assassination of the resignation of Spears’s pre- court at one point she thought school collapsed during the Moise in Haiti’s neighbour, the Dominican Republic. vious attorney and signalled “they were trying to kill me”. sentation today... I feel GRATI- fornia court placed her under a 7.1-magnitude quake, the most “They met in a hotel in Santo Domingo,” Charles told reporters. that she would accept the “If the court doesn’t see this TUDE and BLESSED!!!!” unique legal guardianship large- deadly in Mexico in a generation. “Around the table there are the architects of the plot, a technical 39-year-old’s choice, Mathew as abuse ... I don’t know what She signed her post with the ly governed by her father, Jamie. At least 369 people died in the recruitment team and a finance group.” Rosengart, to represent her. is,” said Spears, calling for “in- phrase adopted by her loyal fans: Spears swiftly returned to capital and surrounding states. The investigation into the death of the Haitian president, who was Rosengart told AFP on the vestigations” and a restraining “#FreeBritney.” performing after that, released The sentence comes during an killed by a well-armed hit squad in his private residence on July 7, sidelines of the hearing that he order against her father. Spears, who rocketed to fame three albums, appeared on vari- investigation into the collapse of remains shrouded in mystery. would fi le a petition “as soon Following the judge’s ruling, in her teens, suff ered a highly ous television shows and even an overpass on Line 12 of Mexico Police say many of the Colombian commandos who raided Moise’s as possible” to remove Jamie Spears posted a video of her- public 2007 breakdown – when took up a Las Vegas residency. City’s metro on May 3, which also Port-au-Prince home arrived in Haiti on June 6, about a month Spears as the conservator – and self performing cartwheels on the shaven-headed star at- But in January 2019, she killed 26 people. before the attack. suggested the singer’s father Instagram, with the caption: tacked a paparazzo’s car at a gas abruptly announced she was The line suff ered damage in the “(Mercenaries) went through the Dominican Republic,” said Charles, should simply step down. “Coming along, folks ... coming station. suspending her performances same quake, government data whose team traced a credit card believed to have been used to buy “We will be fi ling a petition along!!!!! New with real repre- The following year, a Cali- until further notice. showed. – Reuters their plane tickets. – AFP Gulf Times Friday, July 16, 2021 9 WORLD

Johnson says UK WHO warns of ‘dangerous’ ‘levelling up’ is a ‘win-win’ variants as Covid cases rise AFP/Reuters The virus has reappeared in ceremony of the virus-post- positive as the squad prepared most populous nation overtook try’s military rulers that there is Paris/Geneva places long believed to have poned Olympics – local authori- for a Test series in England. India as the region’s Covid-19 more than enough to go around. Reuters dodged the worst of the pan- ties recorded 1,308 new cases, Countries where healthcare epicentre. As the virus shows no sign of London demic, with Australia – lauded the highest number since Janu- infrastructure – and vaccine The China-based Asian In- easing, the WHO is working to- he World Health Organi- for its successful “Covid zero” ary. rollout capabilities – remain frastructure Investment Bank wards the second phase of an in- sation (WHO) warned strategy – facing a resurgence Organisers confi rmed that an limited are under particular said it was loaning the Southeast vestigation into where Covid-19 K Prime Minister Boris Tyesterday that “more that has grown to almost 1,000 athlete in Japan and fi ve Olym- pressure, with Rwanda set to put Asian nation $500mn to boost originated, and urged China to Johnson has pledged in- dangerous” variants of the coro- cases nationwide in a month. pic workers, mostly contractors, the capital Kigali and eight other its response. better co-operate. Uvestment to tackle in- navirus (Covid-19) could tear About 12mn Australians went had tested positive for Covid-19. districts under lockdown from Vaccine doses are fl owing into WHO chief Tedros Adhanom equality in parts of Britain, set- across the world as global in- under stay-at-home orders in This came after eight staff at tomorrow. the hard-hit country by the mil- Ghebreyesus demanded more ting out his vision for a “levelling fections soared to half a million the country’s second biggest city a hotel hosting Brazil’s Olympic The East African nation had lions, including from Japan and access to raw data after a report up” strategy which, in a nod daily, driven by the Delta strain. Melbourne, joining residents in judo team tested positive, and a previously avoided the worst of the United States, while Jakarta compiled by a team of independ- to his party, he said would not An AFP tally of offi cial sources Sydney. staff member from Russia’s rug- the pandemic by enforcing some approved yesterday the Pfi zer/ ent experts in Wuhan earlier this damage more affl uent areas. found that after an initial dip, State premier Dan Andrews by sevens team was hospitalised of the strictest containment BioNTech jab for emergency use. year was widely criticised for Johnson, who won a large cases have been rising again said he took the decision to re- after a positive test. measures on the continent. Also facing chronic short- lack of transparency and access. majority in a 2019 by targeting worldwide since the end of June, turn the city – and surrounding Covid-19 is posing a unique However, hospitals have been ages of medical supplies is My- He will share proposals for a traditional opposition Labour- topping 540,000 on Tuesday Victoria – to its fi fth lockdown challenge for organisers of overwhelmed in recent weeks, anmar, where residents across phase 2 study into the origins of supporting voters in northern and again on Wednesday. “with a heavy heart”. sports events. with a critical shortage of beds the coup-hit country’s biggest the coronavirus with member and central England, wants to “The pandemic is nowhere “Nothing about this virus is Three members of the and medicines. city of Yangon defi ed a military states today, WHO emergency return to one of the main pledges near fi nished,” the WHO’s emer- fair,” he said. McLaren Formula One team Overall, coronavirus-linked curfew in a desperate search for director Mike Ryan said. he made at the election to help gency committee said. The coronavirus continues to tested positive, including chief deaths in Africa surged by 43% oxygen to keep their loved ones “We look forward to working “left-behind” areas of Britain. It highlighted “the strong wreak havoc from Asia to Africa, executive offi cer Zak Brown, the in the space of week, driven by a with Covid breathing. with our Chinese counterparts In a speech which touched likelihood for the emergence and killing more than 4mn people British outfi t announced yester- lack of intensive-care beds and Residents told AFP that they on that process and the director- on crime, education, transport, global spread of new and possi- since it fi rst emerged in China in day, ahead of the British GP in oxygen, the WHO said. had slipped out in the dead of general will outline measures to housing and green technology, bly more dangerous variants of December 2019. Silverstone. In Asia, Indonesia posted night to secure spots in lines to member states” today, Ryan told Johnson raised the prospect of concern that may be even more In Tokyo – now just over a And India wicketkeeper- yesterday a record 56,757 daily refi ll oxygen cylinders – dis- a news conference in Geneva devolving more power to smaller challenging to control”. week away from the opening batsman Rishabh Pant tested infections as the world’s fourth- missing claims from the coun- yesterday. regions of Britain to speed up an agenda slowed by the coronavi- rus (Covid-19) pandemic. Welfare fraud and errors cost UK over However, critics said there were few specifi cs on how he £8bn during coronavirus pandemic will “level up” areas which have Turkey marks fi ve years since failed coup for decades felt ignored by suc- Britain may have overpaid more than £8bn ($11bn) in welfare cessive governments, which payments as fraud and error reached record levels during the first have often targeted spending AFP year of the coronavirus pandemic, the government’s spending in southern England, beyond Ankara watchdog said. a broad theme of more invest- The National Audit Off ice (NAO) said the amount overpaid by the ment. Department for Work (DWP) and Pensions was up from just over “There is no intrinsic reason radically-reshaped Tur- £4bn the previous year. why one part of this country key marked yesterday The NAO said nearly all the increase in fraud was linked to Universal should be fated to decline or in- Afi ve years since a failed Credit, Britain’s main method of supporting those out of work or on deed fated to succeed,” Johnson coup against President Recep low incomes. said in a speech at the UK Bat- Tayyip Erdogan. The number of people on Universal Credit doubled to 6mn since tery Industrialisation Centre in On a balmy night on July 15, March last year when the government announced the first national the English city of Coventry. 2016, a rogue faction in the mili- lockdown to contain the pandemic, which forced non-essential “The towns and cities that tary tried to take over the coun- businesses to close. people say have been left behind try, using warplanes and tanks Fraud levels rose as normal verification checks were suspended in have not lacked for human inge- to attack government buildings. order to process the new benefit claims last spring, the spending nuity ... all they need is the right Some 250 people – in addi- watchdog said. people to believe in them to lead tion to at least 24 plotters – died “I am concerned that the level of fraud and error in the benefits them and to invest in them and and more than 2,000 were in- system continues to increase year on year, now reaching its highest for government to get behind jured in the ensuing chaos as Er- level since records began,” NAO head Gareth Davies said. them and that is what we are go- dogan rallied his supporters out “I recognise that the pandemic and the resulting surge in the ing to do.” on the street. number of claimants has increased DWP’s exposure to fraud and But in a move to quieten con- “July 15 is the victory of the error,” he said. “It must now review all cases that could have been cern in his governing Conserva- nation, of the national will and subject to fraud during this time.” tive Party that the government is of those who believe in democ- Universal credit accounted for £6bn of the estimated overpaid abandoning its traditional voter racy,” the president said during benefits in 2020-21, the watchdog said. support base in southern Eng- a commemorative ceremony to The government had to deal with an increased risk from organised land, Johnson also said he did the victims at the parliament in crime since the start of the pandemic, the NAO said. – Reuters not “want to level down”. Ankara. “Levelling up is not a jam- Since then, the fateful night’s spreading operation, it’s not impact has been felt in almost UK supermarket groups ask shoppers robbing Peter to pay Paul, it’s not every aspect of Turkish life, in- zero-sum, it’s win-win for the cluding education, the judiciary and staff to keep wearing masks whole UK,” he insisted. and the leadership. The British economy is domi- Less than a year after the coup Britain’s biggest supermarket groups will encourage staff and nated by London and the south- attempt, Erdogan held a refer- President Erdogan lays carnations at a monument in Ankara during a ceremony to mark the fifth customers to keep wearing face coverings from Monday despite east and a 2020 report for the endum to transform Turkey’s anniversary of failed coup attempt. new rules making it a matter of personal choice. government found that gaps in parliamentary democracy into The government is removing most pandemic restrictions from economic productivity between an executive presidency, and Washington’s refusal to ex- have been detained in all since life sentences to 3,000 people, July 19 in England, saying a rapid rollout of coronavirus (Covid-19) the capital and other regions of narrowly won. tradite Gulen has been a con- 2016, Interior Minister Suley- according to state news agency vaccines has largely broken the link between infections and serious Britain were as wide as they were July 15 is now a public holiday, stant irritant on relations be- man Soylu said. Anadolu, while 4,890 defend- illness or death. in 1901. and Erdogan called on support- tween the North Atlantic Treaty Most have subsequently been ants have been convicted over Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Aldi all said they would When asked about the lack of ers to come out in numbers at Organisation (Nato) allies. released. links to the coup bid. prefer staff and customers to keep wearing masks. detail, Johnson said he had pre- commemorative events across Defence Minister Hulusi Akar Nearly 4,000 judges and On Wednesday, Erdogan The groups – among Britain’s biggest private sector employers – sented an outline of what his Turkey. said on Tuesday that Turkey has prosecutors have been sacked, showed no sign of slowing said that they would keep other safety measures in place, including government would do and later Turkey claims US-based dismissed 23,364 military per- among more than 100,000 pub- down. limits on the number of people in stores, protective screens at his spokesman said he “gave a preacher Fethullah Gulen plot- sonnel in the fi ght against Gu- lic sector workers fi red or sus- “We will follow (his move- checkouts and regular cleaning. very clear explanation” of the ted the coup using members of len’s network. pended over alleged Gulen links. ment) until its last member is “We’re asking our customers and colleagues to be on the safe side,” strategy. his network in the military. More than 321,000 people The courts have handed down neutralised,” he said. Tesco, Britain’s biggest supermarket group, said. – Reuters

Traces of explosives detected Lebanon’s Hariri gives up on forming govt

AFP/Reuters sembling another cabinet which The premier-designate’s exit money conditional on installing in probe into bus explosion Beirut in turn will have to be approved leaves Lebanon rudderless amid a government capable of tack- by the president and political a deepening economic crisis ling corruption. factions. that the World Bank has brand- Jean-Yves Le Drian, foreign Reuters Two killed, three wounded in blast in Balochistan ebanon’s Prime Min- Hariri’s decision followed ed as one of the planet’s worst minister of ex-colonial power Islamabad/Beijing ister-designate Saad a meeting with Aoun over his since the mid-19th century. France, said Lebanese leaders Two Pakistani military off icials were killed and three wounded when a LHariri stepped down draft cabinet line-up. The Lebanese pound, offi cial- seemed unable to fi nd a solution bomb blew up their vehicle in an area of southwestern Pakistan where yesterday, saying that he was “There were amendments re- ly pegged to the dollar at 1,500, to the crisis that they had cre- akistan said yesterday that separatist insurgents operate, off icials said yesterday. unable to form a government, quested by the president, which plummeted to a new record low ated, calling the failure to form traces of explosives had There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the late Wednesday nine months after accepting the I considered substantial,” Hariri beyond 20,000 on the black a cabinet another terrible inci- Pbeen detected during an blast in Pasni, a coastal town in Balochistan province, 126km east of challenge and as the country told reporters after the meeting. market after Hariri’s announce- dent. initial investigation into a bus Gwadar port, but separatists insurgents have claimed similar attacks in sinks deeper into crisis. “It is clear that ... we will not ment. The secretary-general of the blast that killed 13 people, in- the area in the past. International donors remain be able to agree,” he added, not- Hariri had been nominated Arab League, Ahmed Aboul cluding nine Chinese workers, “Such cowardly acts by inimical elements, backed by hostile intelligence adamant that a government ing that the president had ex- prime minister designate in Oc- Gheit, said the ramifi cations of and said a terrorist attack could agencies cannot sabotage the hard-earned peace and prosperity in Balo- must be established before they pressed the same opinion. tober 2020, following the dev- the step would be serious. not be ruled out as the cause of chistan,” the military’s information off ice said in a statement. – Reuters can provide funding, but po- Aoun’s offi ce hit back, say- astating explosion at Beirut port The World Bank has described the incident. litical squabbling has repeatedly ing that Hariri “was not ready to in August caused by unsafely Lebanon’s depression as one of Wednesday’s blast in north- stymied such eff orts and sent discuss amendments of any kind stored fertiliser that killed more the sharpest in modern history. west Pakistan sent the bus hur- Dasu hydroelectric project, part lar briefi ng yesterday that China the currency to unprecedented ... (leaving) the door to discus- than 200 people. Yesterday a spokesman for tling over a ravine. of the China-Pakistan Economic would co-operate closely with lows that leave imported medi- sion ... closed”. He is the second candidate to the UN described the latest po- Beijing initially said it was a Corridor (CPEC), a $65bn invest- Pakistan in the investigation. cine and fuel increasingly unaf- In a statement, the presiden- fail at forming a government in litical failure as regrettable, and bomb attack but later backed ment plan aiming to link western On Wednesday, Zhao had fordable. cy said Hariri had proposed to less than 12 months. reiterated calls for a government away from the assertion and said China to the southern Pakistani called the blast a “bomb attack” Sporadic clashes between Aoun that he take an extra day With cabinet berths and par- capable of addressing the coun- it would send a team to help in- port of Gwadar. but Pakistan said a mechanical the army and protesters fl ared to accept the proposed line-up. liamentary seats distributed try’s “numerous challenges” to vestigate. The CPEC is part of Beijing’s failure caused a gas leak that led yesterday evening, leaving an “What is the use of one extra according to religious sects, be put together rapidly. Pakistan originally blamed a massive Belt and Road Initiative to the explosion. unspecifi ed number of people day if the door of discussion is Hariri’s exit will complicate ne- Hariri, who has previously led mechanical failure, but yester- (BRI). Senior Chinese diplomat Wang wounded, medics said. closed?” Aoun told him. gotiations, as he is widely seen three governments in Lebanon, day Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said Prime Minister Yi met Pakistan’s Foreign Minis- Hariri’s announcement – In an interview with Leba- as the pivotal representative of replaced as premier designate Chaudhry tweeted: “Initial in- Imran Khan is personally super- ter Shah Mahmood Qureshi on nearly a year after a deadly ex- non’s Al Jadeed TV after the an- the country’s Sunni Muslims. Mustapha Adib, a relatively un- vestigations ... have now con- vising all developments in the Wednesday and urged Pakistan plosion at Beirut port forced nouncement, Hariri once again For months, Hariri and Aoun known diplomat. fi rmed traces of explosives. Ter- matter. to investigate the blast but he the last government to resign – accused Aoun of hampering the – who is head of the mostly Adib had been nominated rorism cannot be ruled out.” “In this regard government is stopped short of calling it an at- takes the political process back process by insisting on a cabi- Christian Free Patriotic Move- in late August but threw in the China is a close ally and major in close co-ordination with Chi- tack, the Chinese foreign minis- to square one and there is a clear net share that would eff ectively ment party – have traded blame towel nearly a month later, be- investor in Pakistan, and various nese embassy, we are committed try said on its website. risk of many more months of give his team a decision-making for delays in establishing a gov- cause of resistance from fac- anti-Pakistani government mili- to fi ght menace of terrorism to- However, Wang told Qureshi drift. veto. ernment. tions over his proposed line-up. tants have in the past attacked gether,” Chaudhry added in his that if it was indeed an attack, President Michel Aoun will “You can’t ask me to do eve- The international community Hariri’s decision came as Chinese projects. tweet. Pakistan should immediately ar- now have to call on parliament rything I can and there is anoth- has pledged millions of dollars Lebanon prepares to mark the The Chinese workers killed Zhao Lijian, a Chinese foreign rest the culprits and punish them to pick a new premier-desig- er who doesn’t want to sacrifi ce in humanitarian aid since last fi rst anniversary of the August 4 on the bus were employed at the ministry spokesman, told a regu- severely. nate, who will be tasked with as- anything,” Hariri said. year’s port blast, but made the port explosion. Gulf Times 10 Friday, July 16, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Delta-spurred curbs cloud European recovery outlook

Rising coronavirus infection rates, driven by the fast-spreading Delta variant, are forcing more countries around Europe to re- impose restrictions that could cast a pall over the region’s economic recovery prospects. French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of mandatory proof of vaccination or negative tests for public spaces including cinemas and trains comes days after Portugal, The Netherlands and parts of Spain renewed curbs. Even in England, which is going ahead with a July 19 removal of remaining Covid-19 restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has changed his messaging to urge caution. Johnson’s government — which says that one of the world’s fastest inoculation drives has largely broken the link between infections and So where have all the serious illness — judges it safer to re-open now rather than in the winter fl u season. Politicians across the continent are refusing for now to countenance returns to outright lockdowns they fear could stymie the strong rebound in activity during the last quarter. But the caveats are mounting. France’s fi nance minister said he now expected economic growth Asian tigers gone? for 2021 to be around 6%, up from a previous 5% target, but warned that could be revised down again if the highly infectious Delta variant took hold. The fi nancial liberalisation strengthened this belief. The country Although a few relatively small Asian during the 2010s, to only 19% of GDP by “The Delta variant would be the only obstacle,” Bruno Le Maire would provide substantial foreign economies (like Vietnam) reported 2019. Investment in India also declined told Franceinfo radio. that was supposed to provide aid, direct investment, and loans strong goods exports in the pre- sharply, from 40% of GDP in 2010 to That chimed with a survey by Reuters in which nearly 90% of from institutions like the China pandemic period, many others showed 30% in 2019. And investment in all of economists polled said that new Covid-19 variants were the biggest emerging markets with Development Bank and the Export- disturbing signs of slowdown and a these countries decreased again during risk to the eurozone economy, which they currently expect to grow at more resources for domestic Import Bank of China, and then weaker impetus to diversify. the pandemic year of 2020. a healthy 4.5% this year. investment has led to exactly in a supposedly more structured Consider four emerging-market Covid-19 aside, why have A Reuters coronavirus tracker way through the Belt and Road economies that were widely touted as investment rates come down? Delta now shows that infections, while the opposite pattern Initiative. These efforts would examples of “Asian success” and had After all, these economies were the in most cases well below their develop transportation and energy briefl y become the darlings of global beneficiaries not only of positive accounts for infrastructure and provide logistical fi nancial markets: India, Indonesia, stimuli from China, but also of active peaks, are rising in all but a support for enhanced region and Malaysia, and Thailand. GDP growth in interest from global finance. They handful of European countries. By Jayati Ghosh the majority of New Delhi global trade. And agreements like the each of these countries has decelerated attracted capital of all kinds: foreign Data collated by Oxford 15-country Regional Comprehensive signifi cantly in recent years. In India, direct investment, portfolio flows, cases in Britain, Economics shows that Delta Economic Partnership would later annual growth slowed from 8% in bond financing, and other external now accounted for the majority his was supposed to be the advance the rise of a formidable 2016 to 4% in 2019, and even these commercial borrowing. Why didn’t all Portugal and of cases in Britain, Portugal and Asian century, with the economic bloc. fi gures are widely considered to be of this generate higher investment and Austria, and over 40% of cases ascent of China being only This, at least, was the widespread overestimates because of changes in growth? Austria, and in Germany, Spain and Denmark. Tone – albeit a major – part of perception at the start of the 2010s, the calculation process. Thailand’s It turns out that unrestricted capital It said the economic impact the story. The rest of it was going to reinforced by the relatively rapid economy, which was expanding by flows were actually the problem. over 40% was hard to predict but be about other rising regional stars: recovery of most of the region from more than 7% per year at the start of Although inflows from non-residents that countries with higher potentially huge economies like India, the 2008 global financial crisis. But the last decade, grew by only 2.3% were large and growing, so were rapidly industrialising upper-middle- a lot changed over the past decade. in 2019, while growth in Malaysia residents’ outflows. As a consequence, of cases in vaccination rates could take income countries such as Malaysia, The West’s obsession with China and declined from 7.4% to 4.3% over net inflows were often small. Malaysia Germany, Spain some comfort from the muted strategically significant exporters of the perceived threat of that country’s the same period. Only in Indonesia, was in fact a net exporter of capital rise in hospitalisation and death minerals and other raw materials like rise mean that G7 leaders (and most where growth slipped from 6.2% in for much of the past decade, as was and Denmark rates in Britain and Israel. Indonesia, and some relatively new Western commentators) have not 2010 to 5% in 2019, was the slowdown Thailand in some years. Even worse, “Nonetheless if economies kids on the block, including Vietnam looked in much detail at other Asian relatively minor. the rates of return on these countries’ reopen and allow cases to surge, and Bangladesh. emerging markets. Had they done so, One obvious cause of this financial assets held abroad (whether the economic gains could prove illusory if Covid-related absences Many regarded Asia as the world’s they would have observed that some deceleration was the decline in by central banks or private investors) trigger major disruption to businesses and higher cases prompt most dynamic region, one with of them were experiencing a more investment rates. In Malaysia, were significantly lower than those on greater voluntary social distancing,” Oxford Economics said in a July relatively favorable demographics and troubling trajectory. Indonesia, and Thailand, this refl ected financial assets inside the economy 12 research note. potential for economic diversification, Obviously, output and investment a medium-term trend triggered by held by non-residents. That could already be happening in Portugal, where Lisbon’s while China’s increasingly gargantuan both plummeted during the Covid-19 the 1997-98 East Asian Crisis, after This differential led to significant annual seigniorage losses. In Thailand, restaurant owners, already struggling to survive without the usual economy and evolving supply chains crisis, and recovery prospects remain which investment rates collapsed by at would inevitably pull along much uncertain. But the region’s economic least a quarter, from previous highs of for example, these losses amounted infl ux of summer tourists, now must require tests or a vaccination of the region. China’s own external dynamism had dimmed even before close to 40% of GDP to around 30%. to as much as 5.2% of GDP each year certifi cate for indoor dining. trade and foreign investment plans the pandemic disrupted everything. In Malaysia, investment fell further in 2010-18 according to UNCTAD The Dutch government cited Delta’s impact as it re-imposed – far more than the net inflow of curbs on nightclubs, festivals and restaurants on Friday. In Spain, capital. And even where net capital the Catalonia region has cut bar opening hours and towns in inflows were positive, as in India and neighbouring Valencia have been authorised to impose curfews. Indonesia, they did not translate into A big question mark now hovers over policy decisions in Germany, increased domestic investment or Europe’s largest economy. enable investment in desired sectors. German offi cials say existing coronavirus measures should be Instead, central banks added to their maintained until more of the population has been vaccinated. foreign-exchange reserves in order They have raised concerns about waning discipline around social to self-insure against possible capital flight and manage the exchange rate distancing and mask-wearing. in the face of substantial capital Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told a local newspaper that movements. a new lockdown would be “absolutely the worst thing and to be Meanwhile, emerging-economy avoided at all costs”. governments became so worried Offi cials across Europe are looking closely at what happens in about negative financial-market England, with many of them regarding Johnson’s re-opening plan as responses that they limited their own a risky experiment. capacities for fiscal stimulus during There, the picture is rather complicated by a decision to leave downswings, including in the current in place for now a requirement for workers to self-isolate when pandemic. Ironically, therefore, notifi ed by an offi cial app — a move that has already led to big labour the financial liberalisation that was shortages in hospitality and other sectors. — Reuters supposed to provide emerging markets with more resources for domestic investment has led to exactly the opposite pattern. To Advertise There is no magic bullet that can ensure “emerging” Asian economies [email protected] actually emerge and live up to their huge promise. But a radical reconsideration Display of capital-account management in such 44466621 44418811 countries would be a good place to start. — Project Syndicate Classified 44466609 44418811  Jayati Ghosh, Executive Secretary of International Development Subscription Economics Associates, is Professor of Economics at the University of [email protected] Massachusetts Amherst and a member REVIEWING THE ORDER: There is no magic bullet that can ensure “emerging” Asian economies actually emerge and live up of the Independent Commission for to their huge promise. But a radical reconsideration of capital-account management in such countries would be a good place to the Reform of International Corporate © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved start, opines the writer. Taxation. Gulf Times Friday, July 16, 2021 11 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH The call of Ibraaheem Haj Fataawa Supplicating for parents in the which is called the “Umrah Door” (Baab salaah and passing the reward of al-’Umrah) or that this is something that hen Ibraaheem (‘alaihis reading the Qur’an or doing the must be done and that it is legislated. salaam) completed the tawaaf to them Others see that it is imperative to enter structure of the Ka’aba, Question: They say that supplicating via the “Door of Peace” (Baab as- WAllah (Subhanahu wa for the parents in the obligatory prayers Salaam) and that entering through any ta’ala) commanded him to call the is not permissible and nor is passing over other door is a sin or disliked – and there people to Haj. Ibraaheem (‘alaihis to them the reward for completing the is no evidence for this. So, it is upon the salaam) pleaded, “O Allah! How shall Qur’an or the tawaaf. one making Haj or ‘Umrah to enter via my voice reach all of those people?” Response: There is no harm in any door they wish, and when doing so, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) told him supplicating in the prayer either for extending the right foot fi rst (upon entry) that his duty was only to give the oneself of for one’s parents (or other and saying that which is mentioned for call and it was up to Allah to make it than them), rather this is legislated. The entering all masjids. So, he sends his reach the people. Ibraaheem (‘alaihis Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) salutations upon the Prophet (sallallaahu salaam) then climbed Mount Arafat said: “The closest a servant is to his ‘alaihi wa sallam) and says: and called out in his loudest voice, “O Lord is when he is in sujood, so increase “O Allah! Forgive me my sins and People! Verily Allah has prescribed in making the supplication (in it)” – open Your Doors of Mercy to me.” upon you Haj, so perform Haj.” Allah narrated by Muslim. Secondly: Some people innovate (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) revealed in the And he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) certain supplications when entering the Qur’an: “And proclaim the Haj among said: “As for the rukoo’, then magnify the al-Masjid al-Haraam and upon seeing mankind. They will come to thee on Lord (in it), and as for the sujood then the House (Ka’aba). They innovate foot and (mounted) on every camel, strive in making the supplication (in it), supplications which have not been lean on account of journeys through for it is worthy of being responded to” – mentioned by the Prophet (sallallaahu deep and distant mountain highways.” also narrated by Muslim. ‘alaihi wa sallam) and they supplicate to (Surah Al-Hajj, Ayat 28). To this very And in the two Saheehs (of Imaam Allah with them. This is an innovation. day millions upon millions of Muslims al-Bukhari and Imaam Muslim), on the So the act of worship, for the Sake continue to answer the call of Prophet authority of Ibn Mas’ood (radhiallahu of Allah, by speech, action or belief Ibraaheem (‘alaihis salaam). ‘anhu), that when the Prophet which the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi ‘Amr ibn Al-’Aas narrates, “When (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) taught wa sallam) or his companions were Islam entered my heart, I went to the him the tashahhud, he said: not upon, is an innovation and an evil, Messenger of Allah and said, ‘Give “...then choose a supplication which that which the Messenger of Allah has me your hand so that I may pledge pleases you and supplicate (with it).” warned against. allegiance to you.’ The Prophet spread And in another narration: Regarding kissing the Yemeni his hand, but I withdrew mine. He said, “...then choose from that which you corner ‘What is wrong ‘Amr?’ I said, ‘I want to desire.” Question: Is it permissible to kiss the make a condition.’ ‘And what is that?’ Aishah (radiallahu ‘anha) asked the sallam) said, “There is no day on which in many of the Hadith regarding the What is implied here is before the Yemeni corner (of the Ka’aba)? he said. I said, ‘That Allah will forgive Prophet (sallallaah ‘alaihi wa sallam), Allah frees more of His slaves from virtue of Haj the term Haj Mabroor. tasleem, so if he supplicates in the sujood Response: Kissing the Yemeni me.’ Then the Messenger of Allah said, “We fi nd that jihad is the best deed, Fire than the Day of Arafat, and He Do you know what Mabroor means? or at the end of the prayer, for himself, his corner (ar-Rukn al-Yamaanee) is not ‘Did you not know that Islam wipes out shouldn’t we (women) do jihad?” The verily draws near, then boasts of them It means an accepted Haj. A Mabroor parents or the Muslims, there is no harm confi rmed from the Messenger of Allah what came before it, and that Hijrah Prophet replied, “Rather the best jihad before the angles, saying: ‘What do Haj is one in which Allah (Subhanahu (in this) for what is mentioned of the (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Any act wipes out what came before it and that is a Haj Mabroor!” Aishah later said, “I’ll they seek?’” (Sahih Muslim). And in wa ta’ala) is not disobeyed during generalness of these ahadith and other of worship which is not confi rmed from Haj wipes out what came before it!” never cease performing Haj after I heard another hadith: “Verily Allah boasts of or after. Others have said that a Haj than them. As for passing the reward for the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu (Sahih Muslim). that from Rasul Allah” (Agreed Upon). the people of Arafat before the people Mabroor is one that is accepted, and reciting (the Qur’an) or making tawaaf ‘alaihi wa sallam) is an innovation and Haj is the fi fth pillar of Islam. The dua’a of the one in Haj shall be of Heaven (angels) saying: ‘Look to the sign of it’s acceptance is that a for one’s parents or other than them from not something which draws one near Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) made it accepted. my servants who have come to Me person will go back in a better state the Muslims, then this is an issue where to Allah. So based upon this, it is not compulsory upon every able Muslim The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa dishevelled and dusty.’” Abdullah than when he came, and that he there is a diff erence of opinion amongst legislated for a person to kiss the Yemeni male and female to perform it, at least sallam) said, “The soldier in the path ibn Al-Mubaarak narrates: I went to will discontinue the sins that were the scholars. That which is better, is to corner since this is not confi rmed upon once in a lifetime. Allah revealed: of Allah and the one who performs Haj Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah as the day of between him and Allah (Subhanahu leave this since no evidence exists for the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa “Haj thereto is a duty mankind owes and the one who performs ‘Umrah, Arafat was setting. He sat on his knees, wa ta’ala). its permissibility. Acts of worship are sallam). Rather, it has been mentioned to Allah, those who can aff ord the all are the delegation of Allah! He his hands raised to the Heavens, and When Ibn Umar was on his permanently stipulated, so nothing is in a weak hadith that cannot be used as journey, but if any deny faith, Allah called them and they answered. And tears moistened his cheeks and beard. deathbed and his son reminded him to be practised unless legislated by the proof. stands not in need of any of His they asked Him, and He shall grant He turned and looked at me, so I asked of all the good deeds that he did with Shari’ah, for the Prophet (sallallaahu Regarding making the talbiyyah creatures” (Surah Ali-Imran, Ayat them (what they ask for)!” (Authentic, him, “Amongst the people who have the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: as a group in chorus 97). Performance of the Haj washes narrated by Ibn Majah and Ibn gathered here for Haj, who is in the sallam) and the companions, he told “Anyone who introduces something Question: What is the ruling away all sins. Abu Hurairah narrates: Hibban). worst state?” Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah him, “Quiet! Don’t you know whom into this matter of ours (i.e. Islam), regarding making the talbiyyah as a I heard the Prophet (sallallaah ‘alaihi In the Islamic history books it was said, “He who thinks that Allah will Allah accepts from? Verily Allah only that which is not from it, will have it group in chorus? wa sallam) say, “Whoever performs narrated that on the day of Arafat, a man not forgive him.” accepts from the God-Fearing (Al- rejected” – this (narration) is agreed Response: Some of the pilgrims Haj and does not commit any Rafath from Turkmenistan stood on the plains Aishah (radiallahu ‘anha) would Muttaqoon).” When Ali ibn Al-Husayn upon (by both Imaam al-Bukhari and make the talbiyyah as a group in (obscenity) or Fusooq (transgression), of Arafat in Haj. To his left all he could see the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi (radiallahu ‘anhuma) wore his Ihram Imaam Muslim). chorus, so one of them is either at the he returns (free from sin) as the day his see was Muslims crying and praying wa sallam) standing in prayer at night towels and sat upright on his camel And in another narration: front, middle or behind and makes the mother bore him” (Sahih Bukhari). to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). To his so much so that his feet would crack. in preparation for the journey to “Anyone who does an act which is not talbiyyah whilst all of them follow him Haj is one of the greatest deeds one right all he could see was Muslims crying She would ask him, “Why do you do Makkah, his face changed colour, his in agreement with us, then he will have in chorus. This has not been mentioned can accomplish in his or her lifetime. and praying to Allah (Subhanahu wa this when Allah has forgiven all your skin shivered and he cried, unable to it rejected” – narrated by Muslim. on the authority of (any of) the Abu Hurairah narrates: The Prophet ta’ala). Because of his native tongue, sins, the past and anything you may say the Talbiyyah, Labbayk Allahumma Entering al-Masjid al-Haraam companions. Rather, Anas Ibn Maalik (sallallaah ‘alaihi wa sallam) was he could not imitate the lengthy do in the future?” And he would reply, Labbayk. Someone asked him, “What’s through a particular door, and the (radhiallaahu ‘anhu) said: asked, “What deed is the best?” prayers of the others. At this realisation “Shouldn’t I be a thankful slave?” wrong?” And he replied, “I’m afraid supplication upon seeing the Ka’aba “We were with the Prophet He said, “Iman in Allah and His everything blurred in front of him. His With this example of the Prophet that when I say it, it shall be replied, Question: What are the mistakes (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) (on the Messenger.” “Then what?” “Jihad face reddened, his eyes poured tears (sallallaah ‘alaihi wa sallam), what ‘Laa Labbayka wa Laa Sa’dayk’ (May some pilgrims commit when entering Hajj al-Wadaa’ (farewell pilgrimage)) in the sake of Allah.” “Then what?” as he raised his hands, “O Allah! Grant should our attitude be when we hear you never have come and may you not al-Masjid al-Haraam? and from amongst us were those who “Haj Mabroor, a Haj accepted by Allah me everything that they are asking for! of Paradise and forgiveness of sin have happiness).” Response: From amongst the recited “Allaahu Akbar” and those who (Subhanahu wa ta’ala).” Abu Sha’thaa’ Grant me everything that they are asking for those who perform Haj? Does it With that spirit, let us march mistakes that some pilgrims fall into recited “Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah” and those said, “I contemplated the good deeds for!” And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) mean that after Haj we fall back into forward in the search of the Mercy of when entering al-Masjid al-Haraam are: who recited the talbiyyah.” that a person does. I found that salaat accepted his dua. all the disobedience that we went to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) and His First: That some people think it is This is (what has been) legislated for as well as fasting are a jihad of the There is not a single day that the sun Haj with? Does it mean that we are forgiveness, to the fi rst house of Allah imperative, for making Haj or ‘Umrah, the Muslims, whereby each one then body. And that sadaqa is a jihad of has come up on more beloved to Allah promised Jannah no matter what sin (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) on earth, to Haj. to enter through a particular door of makes talbiyyah on his own without someone’s wealth. But Haj is a jihad of (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) than the Day of we do after Haj? Many people think The Prophet (sallallaah ‘alaihi wa al-Masjid al-Haraam. So, for example, joining together with others. both body and wealth.” Arafat. this to be the case and it is a very sallam) said, “And there is no reward some people see that it is necessary for [Answers by Shaykh Ibn Baaz and Haj is the greatest jihad. The Prophet (sallallaah ‘alaihi wa dangerous presumption. You will fi nd for an accepted Haj...except Jannah!” one making ‘Umrah to enter via the door Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaimeen] Haj contemplations . This is a journey that was taken by another meeqaat that is still to come. It is the Path of the salaf and make you die on it. Ask 11. When performing the sacrifi ce remember It helps the pilgrim to be a better person who is Prophets and Messengers before you. meeqaat (appointed meeting) on the Day of Allah to save you from all forms of Shirk and that saying of Allah, the Most High: devoted to Allah in every aspect of life. Those who take the path of the Prophets Resurrection: Bid’ah. It is neither their meat nor their blood that PRIOR TO HAJ AND/OR ‘UMRAH THE 1magnify the tawheed of Allah and His Say (O Muhammad): (Yes) verily, those of 8. While in sa’yi, contemplate on Haajar, reaches Allah, but it is your devotion that MUSLIM SHOULD: House. There are those, however, who come old, and those of later times. All will surely be the mother of Ismaa’eel, when she asked her reaches him. – Qur’an 22:37 1. Purify his creed (‘aqeedah) from any to perform Haj and their hearts are attached to gathered together for an appointed Meeting of a husband Ibraaheem: “Did Allah order you to 12. When you have completed your Haj, do aspects of Shirk, greater or lesser, as Shirk other than Allah. They invoke the dead and the known Day. – Qur’an 56:49-50 do this (leaving her and her baby Ismaa’eel in not think that the remembrance of Allah has destroys one’s deeds. righteous, whether present or absent. This is 4. When you start saying the talbiyah Makkah)? He said: “Yes.” Her great response ended. Listen to what Allah says: 2. Devote his Haj purely and sincerely for the opposite of tawheed, it is Shirk no matter remember the Command of Allah to Prophet was: “Then He (Allah) will not neglect us!” So when you have accomplished your Allah. what they call it because it is setting up rivals Ibraaheem: Think about this great dependence upon Allah manaasik (ie the rites of Haj) remember Allah 3. Sincerely repent for all of his sins. besides Allah. So, free your intention from any And proclaim to mankind the Haj. They will when you are in the sa’yi walking the same as you remember your forefathers or with a far 4. Acquire knowledge about Haj and its rites. kind of devotion to other than Allah. Repent come to you on foot and on every lean camel, path which Haajar took in search for water more remembrance. – Qur’an 2:200 5. Use halaal (lawful) means to support this and come with a sincere heart submitting to they will come from deep and distant (wide) and for the means of life around the mounts of Special note: If you go to Madinah then the great journey, taking what he will require (ie not Allah remembering what Ibraaheem and his mountain highways (to perform Haj). – Qur’an Safa and Marwah. Think about her endurance, objective of your visit should be according to begging while on Haj to meet his needs). son Ismaa’eel said when they were raising the 22:27 perseverance and truth in Allah. The sa’yi the Sunnah and not bid’ah. Your intention is to 6. Record all of his debts and include them in foundations of Allah’s House, the Ka’aba. The talbiyah you make is in response to exemplifi es the strong belief that we are in need set on a journey to visit the Prophet’s mosque his Islamic Will. “O our Rabb! Accept from us and make Prophet Ibraaheem’s proclamation to visit for the One Who Sustains and Provides – Allah, and not his grave. When you reach the mosque 7. Relieve himself from any kind of injustice us submit to You in Islam and show us our Allah’s house of worship. Allah is Most Great. the Exalted. and you pray upon entering then you may go which he may have infl icted upon others. manaasik (all the rite of Haj) and accept our 5. Upon entering Makkah remember that you Think about Ibraaheem’s invocation on his to the grave and say, “As-salaama ‘alayka 8. Secure the needs of his family members repentance.” – Qur’an 2:128 are in the Secure Sanctuary: way homeward to Palestine: ayyuhan-nabiyy.” The same salaam is also whom he leaves home. 2. You are set to depart and you may or may Have We not established for them a secure O our Rabb! I have made some of my mentioned when you pass by Abu Bakr and 9. Accompany the knowledgeable and not return to your home. Make this journey sanctuary (Makkah), to which are brought off spring to dwell in a valley with no ‘Umar without innovations like: righteous Muslims and stay away from the to Allah’s House as Allah wants it. Think of fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, cultivation, by Your Sacred House (the Ka’aba a. Visiting the grave of the Prophet before mubtadi’ah (innovators in deen). the next journey that is surely coming, the but most of them know not. – Qur’an 28:57 at Makkah); in order, O our Rabb, that they praying in the mosque. 10. Perform salaat on time and as prescribed one that leads to the meeting of Allah, Most Let one commit himself to repentance, may off er prayers perfectly, so fi ll some hearts b. Making du’aa facing the grave. during the journey and in the Haj period. High. This raises questions like: What did I having a good opinion of Allah, hoping among men with love towards them, and (O c. Seeking nearness to Allah by means of the 11. Safeguard his tongue from backbiting, prepare for that Day? Am I following Allah’s that Allah will grant him security from His Allah) provide them with fruits so that they Prophet. This is a prohibited form of tawassul. arguing, complaining, etc. Commands? Am I a follower of the Sunnah of Punishment. may give thanks. – Qur’an 14:37 d. Seeking intercession from the Prophet. 12. Keep his beard and not shave it for Haj or Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)? 6. You will enter one of the gates of al-Masjid Men and fruits came to Makkah from many e. Placing the hands upon the grills around for any other reason, as this is prohibited. Do I really know of Allah? Am I a believer al-Haraam. Then there you are before the places. Ibraaheem returned to visit and later to the room containing the Prophet’s grave to seek 13. Remember that it is unlawful for men to that Allah is above the seven heavens over magnifi cent House of Allah, Most High, the share with his son Ismaa’eel the noble task of blessings, etc. wear gold (rings included). His ‘arsh as He has stated in His Book and Ka’aba. Now you see what you hoped to see raising the foundations of the Ka’aba. Remember the Prophet’s sayings: “Do not Note: The position of the scholars regarding as His Messengers have asserted? Am I a for a long time. Thank Allah for making this 9. The standing on ‘Arafaat is the Haj. make my grave an ‘Eid (place of celebration)... visiting the grave sites by women can be believer that believes Allah has a true Face possible and hope that He will grant you the The crowds should remind you of the Day “May Allah’s curse be on the Jews and summarised as follows: that suits His Majesty as He has affi rmed in greatest reward of seeing His Majestic Face on of Resurrection. Humble yourself to Allah, Christians for taking the graves of their a. Disliked but not unlawful the Qur’an and as has been affi rmed by His the Day of Resurrection. This thankfulness is manifest your ‘uboodiyyah to Him Alone Prophets as places of worship.” b. Allowable, if done infrequently. If a Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa not just in saying “alhamdu-lillaah,” but also through du’aa, sincere intention and strong “Those before you took the graves of their woman is known as being unable to behave sallam)? Am I believer in all of Allah’s Names, by obeying Allah while on Haj and for the rest determination to free yourself from the sins of Prophets as places of worship. Do not take herself within the limits of Shari’ah at a grave Attributes and Actions which He has affi rmed of your life. the past and to build up a commitment to rush graves as places of worship for verily I forbid site, then she shold be prevented from visiting in His Book and by His Messengers? Or do I 7. You start your tawaaf knowing that it is for doing what is good. Think of becoming a you to do so.” the graves. just take and accept by my doubt, rejecting, a great time for magnifying Allah the Exalted. better person when you return. Rid yourself of 13. The Haj journey is not meant to gain any c. Forbidden, and or distorting (through what is called fi gurative Remember Him by His Names, Attributes and false pride and showing off because it may ruin material reward. It is a selfl ess sacrifi ce solely d. A grave sin interpretation of His Attributes) the meanings Actions. Also while in tawaaf try to refl ect what you may gain on this day. for Allah, Most Majestic. It demands true love Many scholars state that women visiting the of Allah’s Attributes and Actions? upon the time when Prophet Muhammad 10. You gathered the pebbles and you are and fear of Him. It should be performed with Prophet’s Mosque may pronounce their salaam And invoke not any other ilaah (god) along (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) was prevented about to embark on stoning the jamaraat. full consciousness of one’s heart, with full upon the Prophet away from the grave site since with Allah, la ilaaha ilaa huwa (none has the from doing the same thing you are doing today. This is an act of obedience and remembrance humility and submission to Allah. It should it is confi rmed by many ahadith that the salaam right to be worshipped but He), Everything will Then think about what he did in clearing out of Allah, Most Magnifi cent. The Prophet not be thought of as a tourist-type excursion is related to the Prophet wherever the person perish save His Face, His is the Decision, and to the site from the symbols signifying worship (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “When or be performed as mere physical rites. It may be. The Prophet is in a state of barzakh ( a Him (all) shall be returned. – Qur’an 28:88 to other than Allah! All idols were demolished. you cast the small pebbles (ie at the jamaraat), develops sincerity, piety, humility, self-control, state of existence that begins with death and 3. Know, may Allah’s Mercy upon you, Busy yourself with du’aa. Ask Allah, the Most it will be a light for you on the Day of sacrifi ce, and true knowledge of the meaning of lasts until the Day of Resurrection) the nature that when you reach the meeqaat there is Great to make you hold to the correct belief and Resurrection.” submission and obedience to Allah, Most High. of which is only known to Allah. Gulf Times 12 Friday, July 16, 2021 QATAR/WORLD

Generation Amazing and CONCACAF launch football for development plan

From Page 1 the host region of the next FIFA young people around the world,” stakeholders in Qatar for their oped collaboratively between of a blended approach of online As with Generation Amazing World Cup in Canada, Mexico he added. commitment to growing the the CONCACAF and Generation and in-person learning, in which programming launched across Around 100 children joined and the US,” he added. Speaking about the launch of game in the CONCACAF region Amazing. experts from both organisations communities in Qatar, the Mid- CONCACAF coaches, Genera- Speaking about the launch of the partnership, CONCACAF and globally.” It will be delivered with each will deliver specialised work- dle East, Africa and Asia, the tion Amazing legends and oth- the programme, HE SC Secre- President and FIFA Vice-Pres- CONCACAF General Sec- community’s strengths and chal- shops to produce training for all expansion into CONCACAF ers from the world of football to tary-General Hassan al-Thawadi ident Victor Montagliani said: retary Philippe Moggio added: lenges in mind. coaches, volunteers and stake- countries will continue to have a announce this game-changing said: “We are delighted to see “We are very excited about this “Working together with Genera- In line with the UN Sustain- holders in each CONCACAF signifi cant focus on community initiative. Generation Amazing working strategic partnership with Gen- tion Amazing, we have developed able Development Goals, the ses- member association. coach development, which will Commenting on this signifi - alongside the CONCACAF to of- eration Amazing and the poten- a programme that will have a re- sions will use a football for social Coaches will be trained on benefi t thousands of young peo- cant partnership, HE QFA Presi- fer young people, including those tial it has to give a tremendous ally positive impact on local foot- change methodology to enhance multiple aspects, including the ple across the region, and help dent Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa from underprivileged communi- boost to grassroots and commu- ball in our region.” equality and social inclusion. importance of their role, safe- ensure a lasting human legacy for bin Ahmed al-Thani said: “This ties, the opportunity to improve nity football in the CONCACAF “This week’s event in Houston The programme will en- guarding, sport for development the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. is another important milestone both their lives and the prospects region.” is the springboard for a project able CONCACAF member as- and how to use football as a tool The partnership between the for the Qatar Football Asso- of their communities through the “It will benefi t all 41 of our that will benefi t the entire re- sociations to optimise their own to support social change. CONCACAF, the QFA and the SC, ciation, as we work with our re- transformative power of foot- member associations, support- gion,” he said. “We can’t wait to grassroots coaching education Once the coaches have been includes the Qatar national team spected federations across the ball.” ing them in their own eff orts to roll this out across our region and curriculums. educated with this curriculum, competing as a guest in both the CONCACAF region to develop “The partnership marks an- grow the game by providing new further support our member as- It will ultimately provide more the CONCACAF will implement 2021 and 2023 Gold Cups. grassroots football.” other exciting development on skills and opportunities to lo- sociations in their development local coaches with the skills they a six-week football for social Qatar are the reigning champi- “This exciting collaboration the road to the FIFA World Cup cal coaches, who in turn, can eff orts.” need to deliver fun and engaging change programme across lo- ons of Asia after winning the AFC will enhance social inclusion and Qatar 2022 as we continue to inspire the next generation,” he The event in Houston kicked football sessions for young peo- cal schools, academies and clubs Asian Cup in 2019. we look forward to jointly build- work to deliver a lasting social continued. “I want to thank the off what will be a four-year pro- ple in their communities. to benefi t hundreds of girls and The 2021 CONCACAF Gold ing a lasting human legacy across and human legacy that empowers Supreme Committee and other gramme, which has been devel- The course itself will consist boys aged 8-12. Cup kicked off on July 10.

Souq Waqif is seeing increased footfall ahead of the Eid al-Adha. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam Souq Waqif gears up for Eid al-Adha buzz

By Shafeeq Alingal thawb and kameez while those of other ethnicities Staff Reporter pick jubbas, pajamas, shirts, and pants. Women from India and Pakistan, according to the cloth merchants at Souq Waqif, tended to pick con- he corridors of Souq Waqif are coming ventional churidars. “alive” again, after having been “deserted” The merchants added that no change has been Tfor a number of months on account of gov- observed with regards to the clothing choices ernment measures to control the spread of the among Qataris and expatriates. coronavirus (Covid-19). Souq Waqif has rows of shops that beckon buyers The Eid al-Adha season is bringing cheer to the with the traditional headwear (gatra) and skull caps merchants here, with residents starting to visit (gahfi ya). shops here in preparation to celebrate the Eid. Shop owners here say that readymade gatras Perfume, textile, and tailoring shops at the souq have been in good demand for the past few years. are witnessing a steady fl ow of people. Gatras for both men and children are available in “No crowd in large numbers is being witnessed so various colours and designs, apart from the normal far. However, we’re starting to see a rush, with a few one in white. days remaining for the Eid,” said cloth merchant Qataris also have a penchant towards buttons Zainudheen. that are sold here in multiple designs and sizes. Qatari men mostly come here to shop for the tra- “For some Qataris, the Eid is the time to buy new ditional thawb (also spelt thobe) and pants that they rosaries and watches,” said Abdul Rahman. wear during Eid celebrations, while Qatari ladies go Sales of perfumes and Oud also tended to see a for traditional abayas and jalabiyas. spike during the Eid season. Thawbs are sold mostly in white, while abayas Ahmed Shahbaj, who runs a perfume shop, said and jalabiyas are available in various designs and that people are increasingly coming for perfumes colours. and Oud after the lull attributed to the coronavirus “Some pick readymade clothes, while most buy- pandemic. ers go for the clothes that they get stitched from “The scenario remains grim after Covid-19 cri- the shops here,” said Abdul Rahman, another cloth sis struck the market. But things are improving,” he merchant. said. Stitching services are available at some shops Shahbaj added that most people prefer to come that sell the clothes. and shop in the evening to avoid summer heat dur- Arabs, according to seller Jaya Prakash, go for ing the day.

HMC operating Dates fest starts hours during Eid 17th edition The sixth edition of the Local Dates Festival started at Souq Waqif yesterday, From Page 1 drawing many date lovers on opening of Project day. With the participation of around 80 The Pharmacy Home Delivery farms from across Qatar, the festival is Service will be closed from Friday organised by the Ministry of (July 16) until Sunday (July 25), Qatar at Municipality and Environment (MME) and reopen on Monday (July 26). and Souq Waqif management. Running The National Mental Health until July 30, the festival off ers various Helpline will be closed from DECC varieties of dates, including Al Khalas, Friday (July 16) until Sunday (July Al Shishi, Al Khenaizi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, 25), and will reopen on Monday Nabt Saif, Al Lulu and Al Razizi. The (July 26). From Page 1 festival aims to help local farmers get The Hamad Blood Donor Centres direct access to customers. PICTURE: will be closed on Monday and Attendees will be able to par- Shaji Kayamkulam Tuesday (July 19-20) and reopen ticipate in CPD-certifi ed train- on Wednesday (July 21) at 10am. ing sessions and workshops, which are being off ered free of charge throughout the event. Organised by International Fairs and Promotions (IFP) Qa- tar, Project Qatar 2021 prom- At least 67 dead in Germany and Belgium as storms ravage Europe ises that through such synergy of various functions under one roof, the event is going to be the AFP gium, where at least four people North Rhine-Westphalia the region’s toll to at least 31, Several other bodies were re- speaking region of Wallonia to “not be missed trade fair of the Mayen, Germany were reported dead and people (NRW) premier Armin Laschet while neighbouring Rhineland- covered from fl ooded cellars burst their banks. year” in Qatar. were ordered to evacuate a river- called for “speeding up” global Palatinate said nine more deaths across the region. Four were reported dead. “Adding that to the promising bank in one city. eff orts to fi ght climate change, were likely in addition to 19 re- In NRW and Rhineland-Pa- Meanwhile, Dutch safety nature of the abundant opportu- eavy rains and fl oods In Germany, which is experi- underlining the link between covered in the region around latinate, some 200,000 house- workers have evacuated hun- nities in the Qatari market itself, lashing western Europe encing one of the worst weather global warming and extreme the western town of Ahrweiler holds were reportedly without dreds of homes in the southern Project Qatar will help compa- Hhave killed at least 59 disasters since World War II, weather. alone. electricity. town of Roermond. nies associated with the indus- people in Germany and eight in desperate residents sought ref- Because a warmer atmos- Up to 70 people are missing, a Police set up a crisis hotline The Luxembourg government try to overcome the coronavirus Belgium, and many more peo- uge on the roofs of their homes phere holds more water, climate police spokesman told AFP. for reporting missing loved ones set up a crisis cell to respond to (Covid-19) crisis through the ple are missing as rising waters as helicopters circled above. change increases the risk and in- NRW’s Euskirchen district and residents were asked to send emergencies triggered by heavy networking opportunities that caused several houses to collapse Chancellor Angela Merkel, tensity of fl ooding from extreme reported 15 dead, while four in videos and photos that could rains overnight as Prime Minis- will be provided through the yesterday. on a visit to Washington, said rainfall. more victims were found in the help them in the search. ter Xavier Bettel reported “sev- event for both the exhibitors and Unusually heavy rains also in- she was “shocked” by the hu- The North Rhine-Westphalia municipality of Schuld south Belgium has also seen sev- eral homes” had been fl ooded the visitors alike,” the organiser’s undated neighbouring Luxem- manitarian “disaster”, calling it a interior ministry tallied four of Bonn where six houses were eral days of heavy rain that has and were “no longer inhabita- statement added. bourg, the Netherlands and Bel- “tragedy” for the nation. more bodies recovered, taking swept away by fl oods. caused rivers in the French- ble”.