BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 12 Indian Hunting and professionals seen falcons exhibition as link between at Katara concludes Qatar-India aft er achieving investment great success

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SUNDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11712 October 25, 2020 Rabia I 8, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir condoles with Second wave Covid-19 lockdown in Italy Sultan of Brunei Farm products His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister to be available of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani sent yesterday cables of condolences to Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on the death of his son Prince Abdul at local yards Azim, praying to the Almighty Allah to have mercy on his soul and to rest it in peace in Paradise, and to inspire His Majesty and the ruling family with patience and solace. from Thursday Man held for violating home quarantine rules he yards for selling fresh local A man was arrested yesterday for farm products are being read- violating the legal requirements Tied for opening on Thursday to of home quarantine. The arrest concur with the upcoming agricultural came in implementation of the season, a senior offi cial has said. precautionary measures in force The maintenance and development in the country, approved by the works at the yards that pertain to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), A deserted street near the Colosseum is pictured as a curfew imposed by the region of Lazio from midnight to 5am to Ministry of Municipality and Environ- to ensure public safety and to curb curb the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infections in Rome, Italy, yesterday. Page 8 ment (MME) have almost been com- the spread of the coronavirus. pleted in preparation for the reopening The person being referred to the on Thursday, said Abdulrahman Has- Abdulrahman Hassan al-Sulaiti prosecution is Abdullah Mohamed san al-Sulaiti, general supervisor of Abdullah al-Ibrahim al-Mohannadi. these yards at the ministry. etable shops to give customers better “About 75% of the necessary main- and a more convenient shopping ex- Trump votes in Florida; HMC portal off ers exercise videos tenance and development works at the perience. The yards will be operational fi ve yards - at Al Mazrouah, Al Wakra, three days a week (Thursdays, Fridays early voting in NY Al Khor and Al Thakhira, Al Shamal, and Saturdays) from 7am-4pm. President Donald Trump cast his he Physiotherapy Department with our “The process of rehabilitation and Al Sheehaniya - has already been Al-Sulaiti stressed that these yards vote yesterday in Florida ahead at Hamad Medical Corpora- young- starts the moment a patient is ad- completed and the remaining works are have considerably contributed in en- of another punishing day with Ttion (HMC) has marked World est pa- mitted to the hospital and continues set to be fi nished soon. This is in prep- couraging local farms to increase their three campaign rallies as he works Physiotherapy Day 2020 with the tients to after discharge through outpatient aration for selling the produce during products as they market around 50% of to close the gap with Joe Biden launch of a new website that includes patients or home care therapy services. The the upcoming agricultural season,” he the local produce while the remaining and pull off a 2016-style upset a dedicated online exercise video por- in inten- Physiotherapy Department provides told local Arabic daily Arrayah. part mostly goes to the Central Mar- win on November 3. “I voted for tal for patients. sive care physical therapy to patients during The maintenance works cover all the ket and shopping malls. He added that a guy named Trump,” he said. He The new website, hosted at www. units, The new website includes more than 270,000 outpatient visits buildings and facilities in addition to paying attention to the quality of the thus became one of nearly 55mn hamad.qa, can be accessed by current to sup- more than 500 videos. and 160,000 inpatient visits a year. replacing and maintaining the shades products on display at these yards have Americans to cast early ballots in patients through a link provided by porting We now have more than 300 thera- and the market umbrellas, internal refl ected positively on the turnout of a year when the coronavirus has their physiotherapist, includes more patients of long-term care rehabilita- pists working across HMC hospitals. planning and paving of the grounds to customers who consider these as their made in-person voting problematic. than 500 videos. The portal aims to tion facilities and in the community. Today we off er a full range of services make them ready to receive customers. preferred destination for buying fresh Meanwhile, New Yorkers jammed enhance the patient experience and Our team includes specialities such as to patients who need our care – from He said that 150 local farms are set to vegetables and fruits. polling places and stood in line for enables patients to access instruc- orthopaedics, neurology, cardiorespi- babies through to our older patients. take part in the new season and supply During the previous seasons, samples hours to cast ballots. Page 8 tional videos safely and conveniently ratory, paediatrics, women’s health, Most recently the department start- their fresh products for sale at these of the fruits and vegetables on display as part of supporting their journey to men’s health, geriatrics, oncology, ed providing services through tele- yards, and the number of farms could used to be tested regularly for traces of Senior Qaeda leader recovery. community-based physiotherapy, and medicine channels including video increase as the season unfolds. He insecticides and make sure that they are “Physiotherapists work in a multi- mental health,” said Noora al-Mudah- consultations,” added al-Mudahka. pointed out that all these yards will see safe for human consumption, as all the al-Masri killed tude of clinical settings, from working ka, chief of physiotherapy, HMC. To Page 2 expansions during the new season in- products sold at these yards are subject Afghan security forces have killed creasing the number of fruit and veg- to strict MME control. Page 2 Abu Muhsin al-Masri, a senior Al Qaeda leader who was on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted Terrorists list, Afghanistan’s National Directorate UDC makes good progress of Security (NDS) said yesterday. Al-Masri, believed to be al Qaeda’s second-in-command, was killed on Gewan Island project during a special operation in Ghazni province in eastern Afghanistan. nited Development Company The fi rst major concrete pour was Virus deaths top 2,000 (UDC) has said it is moving successfully completed in August in Czech Republic Usteadily with the development boasting of 5,000 cubic metres of con- of its latest project, Gewan Island, crete, which constitutes one of the The number of people who have died while adhering to safety measures, de- largest concrete-pouring operations in while infected with the coronavirus spite the pandemic’s repercussions on Qatar - taking 33 hours to complete. in the Czech Republic has doubled public and business life. This is considered a major achieve- to 2,047 in two weeks. It took the The island is poised to be a “remark- ment given the magnitude of the op- country of 10.7mn seven months able addition to UDC’s portfolio of eration and the challenges faced amid to reach 1,000 deaths after the breakthrough iconic developments”, the limitations caused by the pandem- first reported case. The number of which also includes The Pearl-Qatar, ic, UDC has stressed. Two more simi- patients in serious state grew to 772 the company has said in a statement. lar major slab concrete pours totalling as of Friday, up from 438 two weeks Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman, UDC 9,000 cubic metres have also been ago. Hospitals were treating 5,314 president, CEO and member of the carried out this month, while another people with coronavirus in total. board, said: “We have come a signifi - massive pour operation of 8,800 cu- Czech off icials have acknowledged cant way in the development of Gewan bic metres began in the past few days, that the country needs help. Page 8 Island and managed the pandemic’s marking the completion of more than impact by applying a multi-faceted a third of the total land area. Thirteen 18 killed in attack on action plan while maintaining quality, more pouring operations are planned safety and environmental standards, over the coming months until January Afghan education centre which are key characteristics of all next year. A suicide bomber struck near an UDC projects. The Crystal Residence buildings sit education centre in the Afghan “We will continue with our eff orts to at the heart of Gewan Island within capital Kabul yesterday, killing at deliver this pioneering project, which a vibrant commercial and residential least 18 people in an attack claimed will open up new horizons for the de- district, with unobstructed sea views by the extremist Islamic State that velopment of modern cities in Qatar by from one side and the outdoor clima- rocked the conflict-wracked country. creating residential, commercial and tised ‘crystal walkway’, which is the is- Violence on the ground has spiked entertainment products and services land’s lively retail hub, from the other. in recent weeks despite the Taliban that seek to enhance the quality of life.” Once completed in 2022, they will and the Afghan government holding As a major development milestone, have 586 apartment units ranging from peace talks in Qatar to end the UDC recently launched construction one to four bedrooms, 101 public re- country’s grinding war. The suicide works on Crystal Residence’s 15 build- tail, entertainment and dining outlets, attack also left 57 wounded. ings with the start of blinding and comprehensive leisure facilities for raft foundation works at the common residents, and 1,456 underground car basement level. parks. To Page 12

Pre-casting operation for the first segment of Gewan Island’s entrance bridge deck. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, October 25, 2020 QATAR

Official

HBKU Press refl ects on publishing Amir congratulates president of Zambia His Highness the Amir Sheikh amid pandemic at Open Access Week Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and amad Bin Khalifa University HE the Prime Minister and Min- Press (HBKU Press) celebrates “Now, more than ever, we are successfully providing a supportive and collaborative ister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin HOpen Access Week 2020 by Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani sent “reaffi rming its commitment as a research environment for academics and scholars in Qatar, Mena and the rest of the world” yesterday cables of congratula- leader in information dissemination” tions to Zambian President Edgar despite the economic challenges that ellist in a discussion centred around changes that the constantly evolving Open Access model is in line with Chagwa Lungu on the anniver- publishers worldwide are facing as a this year’s theme that explored how the research landscape have demanded of international standards that ensures sary of his country’s Independ- result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 pandemic has caused ripple us during the pandemic.” that information from the region ence Day. “HBKU Press has and continues to eff ects in all aspects of life, including The panel discussion further ex- is being shared freely in the wider adapt successfully to the changing the academic world of research and plored the pandemic’s impact on knowledge economy. publishing landscape to keep our au- publishing. various stakeholders from libraries, HBKU Press also meets the in- Qatar condemns thors and researchers at the heart of the The panellists discussed how the scholarly publishers and research in- creasing demand of Arabic research- bombing in Kabul publication process,” explains Bachar dependency on electronic resources as stitutions, as well the expectations ers by facilitating the unique Arabic Chebaro, executive director of HBKU a result of global lockdown underlines and predictions for 2021 and beyond. language publication process. HBKU Qatar has strongly condemned Press. “Now, more than ever, we are the necessity of quality online content HBKU Press has been a pioneer Press has developed a portfolio of the bombing of a training centre successfully providing a supportive and and the importance of open access to of Open Access publishing in Qa- Open Access journals and confer- in the Afghan capital, Kabul, which collaborative research environment for information. tar since its inception. It adopted ences which are bilingual and publish caused deaths and injured several academics and scholars in Qatar, Mena Dr Isaifan highlighted specifi cally lishing endeavours by providing neces- an Open Access model on QScience. Arabic academic research at the same people, including children. In a and the rest of the world.” how HBKU Press has adapted to main- sary services such as research writing com, its academic, online publish- high standard and quality as their statement yesterday, the Ministry Open Access (OA) Week is an annual tain its status as a world-class pub- guidance, editing, typesetting, trans- ing platform, hosting thousands of English counterparts. of Foreign Aff airs reiterated global event that takes place during the lisher and hub of information exchange lation, article hosting, archiving and scholarly, peer-reviewed articles that QScience.com currently hosts Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting last full week of October. As part of the for the region, despite the impact that indexing in internationally recognised are freely available to readers around scholarly journals, conference pro- violence and terrorism, regard- 2020 Open Access Week, HBKU Press Covid-19 has had on the landscape of indexing databases,” said Dr Isaifan. the world. ceedings and eBooks, all available for less of motives and causes. It has participated in the virtual event open access, open science and schol- “We’ve also expanded our services The Open Access publishing model free online in an effort to disseminate expressed Qatar’s condolences celebrating OA Week as organised by arly publishing. to include virtual training support on on QScience.com allows for authors knowledge and understanding of sci- to the families of victims as well Qatar National Library (QNL). “Our online Open Access website, the use of our submission systems to share their work freely, with higher entific, social, political and health- as the government and people of Dr Rima Isaifan, head of Academic QScience.com, is an instrumental plat- and institutional support by expedit- access, download and sharing rates, related subjects while adhering to in- Afghanistan, wishing the wounded Publishing at HBKU Press, was a pan- form that supports researchers’ pub- ing publishing services to meet the while ensuring proper citation. The ternational publishing standards. a speedy recovery.

Action against food-making unit in family housing area

HMC’s Physiotherapy Department recognises Covid-19 ‘heroes’ as part of the World Physiotherapy Day 2020 celebrations. HMC website off ers online exercise videos

From Page 1 functional independence,” said had been ventilated,” said al- al-Mudahka. Mohannadi. The Physiotherapy Depart- Lolwa al-Mohannadi, ex- “Each video is customised for ment is currently at the front- ecutive director of Clinical and the various phases of recovery line of providing physiotherapy Service Development, said the and has explanatory instruction services to recovering Covid-19 new website not only includes an with exercises and movements patients who have varied, and innovative online exercise video that are specifi c to their treat- The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, represented by the municipal control department at Al Wakra Municipality, complex needs due to complica- portal for patients, but it also ment and recovery. We con- detected the presence of an illegal foodstuff manufacturing unit at a house located in a family residential area. This came during tions associated with the virus. has information about services tinuously follow-up with the an inspection to detect violations of the law prohibiting workers’ housing in family residential localities, the MME said in a tweet “Patients who were on venti- available and how to access these patients through virtual video yesterday. Accordingly, the authorities destroyed the seized items and took all necessary legal measures against the violators. lator support often experience services. consultations to monitor their The operation also saw the involvement of the health control section and the health control development team at the office of the muscle weakness. They might “The portal can be accessed progress and adjust where need- assistant undersecretary for Municipal Affairs. be confi ned to a bed for a few by patients through a specialised ed. This is a safe and convenient days and this makes it diffi cult link and hosts interventional way for patients to continue for them to mobilise out of bed exercise videos specifi c to vari- their treatment at home and it once they are awake. Physi- ous clinical conditions, such as engages the patient in their re- otherapists play a vital role by stroke, traumatic brain injury, covery, which evidence shows assisting them to regain their post-operative, and guiding leads to better outcomes,” added strength and gradually return to parents in the care of babies who al-Mohannadi. Farm products at local yards

About 75% of the necessary maintenance and development works at the five yards have already been completed. MoPH reports 127,868 total Covid-19 recoveries

QNA Qatar have succeeded in fl attening z Expanding hospital capacity, ers, crowded places and confined with elderly family members or Doha the curve and limiting the spread especially intensive care, to ensure closed spaces where people con- those with chronic diseases, en- of the virus and the number of patients receive the medical care gregate. Now more than ever, we sure to wash your hands regular- new daily cases and hospital ad- zProtecting the elderly and must be careful and protect the ly, wear a mask and to maintain he Ministry of Public Health missions is continuing to decline those with chronic diseases most vulnerable. social and physical distancing. (MoPH) announced yes- each week. Even though restrictions are While the restrictions of Cov- Anyone suffering from Cov- Tterday, 254 new confi rmed Qatar’s proactive and extensive being lifted, and numbers are id-19 are gradually being lifted in id-19 symptoms should either cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 testing of suspected cases has en- declining, this does not mean Qatar, it is important for every- contact 16000 helpline or go hours, of which 218 are from com- abled us to identify a high number that the Covid-19 pandemic is one to play their role in control- directly to one of the designated munity cases and 36 from travel- of positive cases in the commu- over in Qatar, as people continue ling the virus by following the health centres to undergo the lers returning from abroad. nity. to be admitted with moderate to precautionary measures: necessary checks at Muaither, The ministry also recorded 269 Qatar has one of the lowest severe Covid-19 symptoms. „ Adherence to physical dis- Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Slal, or Al recoveries in the last 24 hours, Covid-19 death rates in the world. Unless we follow all precau- tancing Gharafa health centres. bringing the total number of re- This is a result of: tionary measures, we may expe- „ Wearing a face mask This is important as the earlier coveries to 127,868. z Very high quality of care pro- rience a second wave of the virus „ Washing hands regularly the disease is detected the eas- All new cases have been intro- vided through the public health- and see numbers increasing, as Most importantly, it is vital ier it will be to receive the right duced to isolation and are receiv- care sector there are already signs of this that we continue to protect the treatment and recover from it. ing necessary healthcare accord- z Qatar’s young population happening in other countries elderly and those with chronic The MoPH has urged people to ing to their health status. z Proactive testing to identify around the world. medical conditions. visit its website for regular up- Measures to tackle Covid-19 in cases early Avoid close contact with oth- When spending time at home dates and new information. Gulf Times Sunday, October 25, 2020 3 QATAR

Ritz-Carlton launches 19th anniversary hotel package

he Ritz-Carlton, Doha, the landmark luxury hotel in Doha, is off ering guests a new hotel package in Tcelebration of its 19th anniversary. The package is “perfect for families, friends and pro- fessionals who want to spend a memorable staycation in the capital of Qatar”, the hotel said in a press statement. “The Ritz-Carlton, Doha proves no exception in al- lowing guests to take pleasure in the fi nest personal service. As its celebrates its19th year in the industry, the hotel presents limited-time spectacular room and suite off ers to craft indelible memories,” the statement added. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s 19th anniversary package QRCS and Sennar off icials discuss the project. will off er the “best available rates” along with compli- mentary breakfast for two adults and QR200 hotel credit that can be redeemed across the hotel’s fi ne-dining res- taurants, an exclusive anniversary-logoed amenity only available through this off er. It is available for purchase QRCS launches Sudan from today until October 31. “Only great stories create a legend,” said Celian Skan- drani, director of Operations of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. “Let us inspire life’s most meaningful journeys, and cre- ate memorable Ritz-Carlton memories.” state health project with For more information, one can visit Ritz-Carlton, Do- ha’s website at www.ritzcarlton.com/doha or call 4484 funding from QFFD 8000/4425 6663. Global plan needed for speedy he Qatar Red Crescent held with the departments of sentatives from the ministry’s this generous and timely ini- Society (QRCS) has International Health and Health laboratories as well as epidemi- tiative to meet the increasing Tlaunched a project to en- Emergencies to co-ordinate the ology and other departments, to needs of the state, amid a spread recovery post-Covid: expert hance emergency preparedness implementation of the project. discuss the action plan and lo- of diseases and lack of medical of the health system in Sennar The joint team visited Sen- cations. The team took a tour of equipment and supplies at hos- state of Sudan with funding nar to inspect preparations for some of the areas proposed for pitals and laboratories. ducation Above All (EAA) Foundation’s relationships with Mubarak al-Thani, communi- from Qatar Fund for Develop- the project. They met with the isolation facilities, monitoring “This project is a signifi cant Foundation, in partnership donor governments in Europe, cation manager and head of advo- ment (QFFD). management of SRCS’s branch and reporting points, and the contribution to the state’s health Ewith Georgetown University Asia-Pacifi c, and the Middle cacy at EAA, said: “We are proud The project is designed to in Sennar to discuss various as- central laboratory. system,” said Soliman. “It will in Qatar (GU-Q), hosted Joe Cer- East, to support increased global to partner with our distinguished support the state’s Ministry of pects of work, the activities to One of the locations visited help solve many health prob- rell, managing director of Global engagement and global progress. academic and industry partners Health and implemented in co- be done and the staff and volun- was Sennar Teaching Hospital, lems here and in neighbouring Policy and Advocacy for the Bill & During the webinar, Cerrell to deliver this important virtual operation with the Sudanese teers to be hired. where the available capabilities states.” Melinda Gates Foundation, for a discussed the central importance talk and touch on some of the key Red Crescent Society (SRCS), At Sennar’s Ministry of and premises were reviewed. He accompanied the team on virtual seminar on ‘Working To- of multilateralism in building development topics that are set QRCS has said in a statement. Health, Dr Awadallah Hamdan, In the presence of the Gover- a visit to the designated location gether During Covid-19: A Global back better after the Covid-19 to shape our global outlook. The A joint team of QRCS and head of the QRCS offi ce in Su- nor of Sennar, Al Mahy Moham- of the new central laboratory. He Approach to Development’. pandemic, noting that a global Covid-19 pandemic has brought SRCS supervises the prepara- dan, gave a detailed overview of ed Soliman, health institutions off ered every possible support A part of the EAA/GU-Q access plan and universal gov- us face to face with the central role tory stage of the project, with an the project to the state’s Health and other partners in the state, a from his side to facilitate all the Speaker Series, the event brought ernment approach can speed up collaboration plays across gov- extensive series of meetings held Minister-designate, Dr Al Hadi presentation on the project was stages of the project. together industry experts and recovery and add almost $9tn to ernments, NGOs, educators and with the implementing partners, Awadallah who commended the given by the Ministry of Health, The visit concluded with a the wider community to learn global income by 2025. businesses. Achieving sustainable including the project’s Steering project’s plan and valued the ef- which promised to provide all meeting between SRCS and the about pressing challenges and Cerrell also stressed the need development – a long-term goal of Committee from the Ministry of forts of Qatar and QRCS to stand facilities to accelerate the im- management of the central lab- solutions for international co- to create economic policies that Education Above All Foundation Health and its diff erent depart- by the people of Sudan. plementation process. oratory to discuss the outcomes operation, drawing on Cerrell’s help women in the global ‘rebuild – will depend on a collective co- ments in Khartoum. During the visit, a plenary The governor of Sennar of the visit, the proposed loca- extensive experience in over- phase’ to strengthen economic ordinated global eff ort to ensure a Meetings have already been meeting was held with repre- thanked QFFD and QRCS for tions and the next steps. seeing the Bill & Melinda Gates progress for years to come. safer future for our children.”

A joint team of QRCS and SRCS has visited Sennar to inspect the preparations for the project. Virtual meet discusses human rights system

QNA fering of the Palestinian people, re- its eff orts to promote and protect hu- Doha solve the Palestinian issue in accord- man rights. ance with international decisions, end Deputy Director of the UN Human the Israeli occupation, establish the Rights Training and Documentation he Doha-based Arab Network State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its Centre for South-West Asia and the for National Human Rights In- capital, and a just and comprehensive Arab Region, Alaa Kaoud, presented a Tstitutions organised a virtual peace in accordance with the principle working paper in which he dealt with panel discussion entitled “75 Years: of land for peace. the main aspects that the international Development of the Human Rights Al-Jamali said it was important to human rights system has gone through System: Implications and Prospects.” implement the goals of the 2030 Sus- since the founding of the United Na- It was held in partnership with tainable Development Plan, which he tions, and its eff orts in promoting and the High Commissioner for Human said will form the basis for solutions. protecting human rights. Rights represented by the UN Centre To achieve this needs serious, honest Several of the participants focused for Training and Documentation in and eff ective international solidarity on the role of the United Nations in the Field of Human Rights for South between countries and all stakehold- combating racism, the importance of and West Asia and the Arab Region, ers. working on the 2030 sustainable de- and was attended by of 75 participants He said strengthening the rule of law velopment plan by eliminating corrup- from 20 Arab countries. and promoting human rights was es- tion and the need to introduce human Sultan Hassan al-Jamali, execu- sential, and stressed the importance of rights at an early age in addition to the tive director of the Arab Network of enhancing the participation of devel- Arab human rights system and the es- National Human Rights Institutions oping countries in global governance tablishment of a permanent Arab Hu- said international peace and security institutions, and implementing the man Rights Committee . can only be achieved by committing principle of leaving no one behind. The participants praised the co- to international laws and through He congratulated the UN on its 75th operation with the Arab Network for constructive international co-oper- anniversary, and said the organisation National Human Rights Institutions ation. has managed to avoid the outbreak of to promote human rights in the Arab He stressed the need to end the suf- a third World War. He also appreciated region. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, October 25, 2020 QATAR VCUarts Qatar alumna Noise cancellation tech in new Jaguar wins Red Dot award Land Rover helps adheya Visperas Ponce, a Class applications to the awarding body based of 2017 Virginia Commonwealth in Germany. RUniversity of the Arts in Qatar Ponce, who is in her fi nal year of her (VCUarts Qatar) graduate in Fashion De- MFA programme at SCAD, was encour- sign, has won the coveted Red Dot Award aged by one of her professors to send a reduce driver fatigue Design Concept for her work. portfolio of her work to the Red Dot jury. The current Savannah College of Art “My Fibres professor in Textile Inno- and Design (SCAD) postgraduate re- vation nominated me to submit my work aguar Land Rover has re- search student was recognised for her to Red Dot,” Ponce says. “I submitted my vealed a new noise cancella- design concept, titled ‘Metamorphosis’, entry early this year while also preparing Jtion technology that removes using scrap materials. to fi nish my thesis. unwanted road and tyre sounds The Red Dot Design Awards are con- “Over the next few months, I learned from the cabin and provides a sidered one of the preeminent award pro- that winning a Red Dot award was an quieter and more refi ned experi- grammes in the design fi eld. The award honour that by default, enhanced the ence for drivers and passengers. places Ponce amongst an elite group of credentials of artists and designers. Nat- The technology, introduced artists and designers such as Michael urally, when I received my award letter on the new Jaguar F-PACE, new Brandis and Inga Sempe, and companies from Red Dot in the fi rst week of July, I Jaguar XF and Range Rover Velar, such as Apple, Motorola, Dyson and Be- was elated.” is capable of lowering unwanted rendsohn, who have been recognised by ‘Metamorphosis’ is a collection of hand noise peaks by 10dB and over- Red Dot since the award was initiated in manipulated textiles made from second- all noise levels by 3-4dB – the 1955. This year, more than 4.000 artists hand fabrics, collected as memorabilia equivalent of turning down the Radheya Visperas Ponce with the award. and designers from 52 countries sent in from diff erent people and places. Some in-car sound system by four of the donors who sent in scrap material, ‘steps’. This signifi cant reduc- also shared brief descriptions of what tion in exposure to low-frequen- those pieces of cloth meant to them at cy noises up to 300Hz can help various points of their lives. prevent driver fatigue on longer The fi bre artist – who was raised in journeys, according to a press Doha – says her time at VCUarts Qatar statement issued in Doha by Al- laid the foundation for her interest in fardan Premier Motors Co, the Range Rover Velar sustainable and experimental design, as offi cial retailer of Jaguar Land well as a deeper interest in textiles and Rover vehicles in Qatar. craft. Fatigue aff ects the ability of “The four years at VCUarts Qatar trig- a driver to deal with hazards or gered me to think of fashion as some- unexpected events, with tired thing beyond designing apparel, open- motorists recording an aver- ing up a world of possibilities that were age reaction time increase of both sustainable and beautiful,” she says. 16.72% compared to those fully “Moving forward, it is a pathway that I alert. “Reducing accidents and would like to pursue; my ultimate goal is improving driver well-being is a to set up my own studio practice that of- key part of Jaguar Land Rover’s fers sustainable art and design.” journey to Destination Zero: an ambition to make societies safer and healthier and our environ- ments cleaner through relent- less innovation,” the statement notes. Active Road Noise Cancella- tion, enabled by Silentium’s Ac- tive Acoustics technology, uses sensors on each wheel to con- stantly monitor the vibrations from the road surface and cal- Jaguar F-PACE culates the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pow- “Active Road Noise Cancellation heard by the occupants. By mon- ertrain to further enhance the technology not only has the po- itoring in real-time, unexpected sense of well-being. The system tential to improve road safety but QLC to hold noises from potholes or rough allows the PHEV variant to be also well-being and quality of surfaces can be isolated and re- refi ned for lower CO2 emissions life for our customers. In a post- moved. and effi ciency with no impact on coronavirus world, where a ‘new interactive The cancellation sound is driver experience. normal’ is emerging, we expect played through the Meridian Iain Suffi eld, Jaguar Land customer expectations of private sound system, with the vehicle Rover Refi nement Advanced transport to change. An extra fo- virtual monitoring cabin occupancy Technologies specialist, said: cus will be placed on safe, clean to optimise Active Road Noise “We are committed to creating a mobility where personal space, Cancellation performance for haven for our customers and this well-being and hygiene carry a graduation all drivers and passengers. The new technology allows us to re- premium.” technology off ers a no-com- move unwanted noises from the New technologies and materi- promise solution to balancing cabin. It makes the experience als are being developed to meet atar Leadership Centre (QLC) will refi nement, vehicle weight and more tranquil, improving pas- the changing mobility world honour its eighth class at a spe- driving dynamics for a complete senger well-being and helping at Jaguar Land Rover with to- Qcial graduation ceremony, to be premium feel. reduce cognitive load and thus day’s vehicles designed to help conducted via QLC’s digital platforms, Active Road Noise Cancel- reaction times. This research is improve passenger well-being, tomorrow. lation combines with Engine all part of the journey to Desti- including a Driver Condition To be held under the patronage of HE Noise Cancellation on the new nation Zero.” Monitor and Cabin Air Ionisa- Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Jaguar F-PACE and new Range Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rov- tion with PM 2.5 fi ltration, the Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of the QLC Rover Velar with the P400e er chief medical offi cer, added: statement adds. Board of Directors, the virtual graduation will feature traditional elements of the yearly celebration, including a special video convocation address. The virtual celebration will be launched at 6pm at www. qlc.org.qa. It will welcome all virtual visitors to congratu- late the 147 Qataris who have completed their studies in the National Leadership Programmes (Rising, Govern- ment and Executive Leaders Programmes) and the Execu- tive Master’s in Leadership – Qatar, off ered by Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. Family, friends, colleagues, professors, alumni and the community are welcome to the virtual event, QLC has said in a statement. After the initial launch, QLC’s website will remain open to visitors who would like to replay the celebrations and share congratulatory messages with the graduates through the online guestbook. Following the Ministry of Public Health’s safety guide- lines, QLC has converted its annual in-person graduation celebration into a virtual event to combat the spread of Covid-19. Gulf Times Sunday, October 25, 2020 5 QATAR Qatar Charity establishes two centers to care for Syrian refugees with cancer ith the continuation of the Corona In addition, here lies the role of health care pandemic and the risk of infection, centers that receive the patient upon entering Wwhich can affect people with chronic the border crossings and transferring him to diseases in general and cancer patients in hospitals to begin the treatment journey that particular. may last for months or years.

the patient suffers from various symptoms such Big impact as nausea Headache and pain spread to the extremities” The centers have had a positive impact on Health care centers provide patients with the patients benefiting from the Syrian refugees. all logistical, social, and psychological services Yousef, 18 years old and suffers from bone cancer, forcing doctors to amputate his right Qatar Charity has initiated two community Premium care and medical consultations and translation services in Turkish hospitals, and secure all the foot after cancer had spread. health care centers in the cities of Gaziantep Mr. Mohamed Zeno, one of the centers’ requirements for a decent life. He says that since the first day I arrived in and Antakya in southern Turkey to host and supervisor, says: Medical cadres and psychological support Turkey, the center’s family has become my care for cancer patients coming from Syria for “When a patient goes to the hospital to take specialists supervise the centers with long family; they are the ones who stood beside me cancer treatment due to the lack of treatment in a dose of chemotherapy, he urgently needs experience dealing with cancer patients who in all my pain and sad moments before and after northern Syria. someone to accompany him and relieve him of need distinctive and different care from other the Amputation of my foot. This project aims to reduce the financial, the pain of the chemical dose. diseases. Upon my recovery, I pledged myself to start psychological, and physical burden that cancer Adding that the effects of the doses and her helping the cancer patients I could feel their patients suffer. pain last for at least two or three days, in which pain today. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, October 25, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Protest over normalisation pact Six children killed as gunmen storm school in Cameroon

Reuters media fi lmed by local journal- Kumba, Cameroon ists showed adults rushing from the school with children in their arms, surrounded by wailing on- unmen stormed a school lookers. in Cameroon yesterday One photo verifi ed by Reuters Gand opened fi re indis- showed the inside of a class- criminately, killing at least six room, where a pile of dried blood children and wounding about had pooled on the fl oor near eight more in a region where some scattered fl ip-fl ops. separatist insurgents operate, Local education offi cial Ah- offi cials and parents said. him Abanaw Obase confi rmed Arriving on motorbikes and in six deaths of children aged be- civilian clothes, the attackers hit tween 12 and 14, and added that the school around midday in the another eight had been taken to Palestinian demonstrators lift placards protesting the Sudan normalisation agreement with city of Kumba in South West Re- hospital. Israel, in Rafah town in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. gion, according to the accounts, Anougou and another offi cial including from one parent out- blamed the attack on the seces- side the school at the time. sionists, but did not off er evi- Some children were injured dence. jumping from second storey A prominent separatist lead- windows. It was unclear if the er, who asked not to be named, attack was linked to an ongoing said his group was working on a Khamenei urges penalties struggle between the army and statement that will “express our groups seeking to form a breaka- disgust” at the attack, without way state called Ambazonia in providing further detail. the English-speaking west. Anglophone secession- for Covid-19 off enders But it was a grim new low in a ists have imposed curfews and region that since 2017 has seen An empty classroom is seen following a shooting at a school in closed schools as part of their hundreds die and thousands dis- Kumba, Cameroon, yesterday in this screen grab obtained from a protest against President Paul Reuters placed because of the confl ict, social media video. Biya’s French-speaking govern- Tehran with many children unable to at- ment and its perceived margin- tend school. ing. She found her on the fl oor of where she is undergoing treat- alisation of the English-speak- “They found the children a classroom, bleeding from the ment for a gunshot wound. ing minority. ran’s Supreme Leader Aya- in class and they opened fi re stomach. “She was helpless and The United Nations’ Offi ce for Rights groups have docu- tollah Ali Khamenei called on them,” city sub-prefect Ali she was shouting ‘mum please the Co-ordination of Humani- mented abuses on civilians from Iyesterday for strict punish- Anougou told Reuters. Isabel Di- help me’, and I told her ‘only your tarian Aff airs said eight children both sides. Last year, offi cials ments for violators of Covid-19 one ran into the school to search God can save you now’,” Dione had died, some by machete, and blamed separatists for kidnap- restrictions as the Middle for her 12-year-old daughter told Reuters. that 12 were wounded. ping dozens of schoolchildren, East’s hardest-hit nation bat- when she heard about the shoot- The girl was rushed to hospital Videos circulating on social which the separatists denied. tled a third wave. Latest offi cials fi gures showed the coronavirus had killed 32,320 Iranians and in- Seychelles votes fected 562,705, with 5,814 new for president and cases and 335 fatalities in the lawmakers in election previous 24 hours. Lagos reopens as Taking a swipe at arch-foe Voters on the main islands the United States, Khamenei Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wears a protective of the Seychelles cast their said Iran must enforce curbs face mask as he gives a speech in the capital Tehran, yesterday. ballot yesterday in presidential better and end disputes be- and parliamentary elections tween institutions over the our best because it has to do violations of health regulations spanning three days, across an curfew relaxed pandemic. “Some countries, with people’s lives and health, should be severely penalised,” idyllic archipelago that has been such as the United States, have their safety and economy.” he said. economically hammered by the the worst kind of manage- Khamenei, quoted by state New restrictions in the capi- coronavirus. Reuters ment...Such behaviours and TV and IRNA news agency at a tal Tehran, including having Polling stations opened at Lagos insults are the way of Ameri- coronavirus taskforce meeting, state employees work every 7:00am (0300 GMT) on Mahe, cans who embarrass them- urged stricter controls of entry other day, begin tomorrow, Praslin and La Digue — home to selves in debates and press points, inter-city traffi c and while other curbs will also the majority of the 74,600 voters orkers began a clean briefi ngs in front of the world,” public spaces. apply to 43 other towns and on the Seychelles, with the rest up of the streets of he said. “But we must try to do “Those who commit major cities. living on further-flung territories WLagos yesterday af- of the Indian Ocean nation. ter the relaxation of a round- Some voters on northern Mahe the-clock curfew after days of gathered as early as 4:30am. unrest sparked by the shooting Yemen’s Houthis Later, as the morning sun beat of protesters demonstrating target airports down, many held up umbrellas against police brutality in Ni- Ethiopia accuses outside the Bel Ombre polling geria. The military spokesman for station at a school close to a Groups of men armed with Yemen’s Houthi movement white sandy beach. knives and sticks blocked ma- Trump of incitement said in a tweet yesterday it had Voting took place Thursday jor roads and burned buildings targeted the Jizan and Abha and Friday on a few dozen of and street signs in recent days airports and the Khamis Mushait these outer islands, mainly for as the city became the main Injured man David Ivwrogbo speaks while in his hospital bed AFP dispute between Ethiopia base in Saudi Arabia with drones. employees of hotels or the island fl ashpoint of the worst street during an interview, in Lagos, yesterday. Addis Ababa and downstream neighbours Earlier yesterday and in two management authority, who violence since Nigeria’s return Egypt and Sudan. statements on Friday, the coali- attended pop-up polling stations to civilian rule in 1999 and the districts. The army has denied said cleaner Ajala Eyiwunmi. Gedu told Raynor that “the tion had said it had intercepted with election materials carried by most serious political crisis soldiers were at the site of the Disruption has not been lim- thiopia yesterday ac- incitement of war between and destroyed three explosive- plane or boat. confronting President Muha- shooting. ited to Lagos. cused Donald Trump Ethiopia and Egypt by a sitting laden drones from the Houthis Some on the main islands madu Buhari. Violence in the Lagos state said on Friday Several states in southern Eof inciting “war” over US president neither refl ects aimed towards the southern deemed essential workers, such sprawling commercial hub of the restrictions on movement Nigeria have imposed curfews a massive Nile River mega- the long-standing partner- region of Saudi Arabia. as hospital and nursing staff , also Africa’s largest economy, a would be eased from yesterday, after two weeks of confronta- dam after the US president ship and strategic alliance be- The coalition’s spokesman did voted Thursday. city of 20mn, escalated after with the curfew in place from tions between security services spoke out against the project tween Ethiopia and the United not specify the targets of the The opposition, narrowly de- protesters in the Lekki district 6 pm to 8am. Workers took to and protesters. and suggested Egypt might States, nor is acceptable in in- drones in the statements on feated in a presidential election in on Tuesday night were shot by streets to sweep away broken On a call between Buhari and destroy it. ternational law governing in- Saudi state news agency SPA. 2015 and buoyed by a landmark what witnesses said were sol- glass. former Nigerian presidents, Foreign Minister Gedu terstate relations,” the foreign “The hit was accurate,” Houthi victory in a parliamentary poll diers, hours after the curfew Meanwhile, cars fi lled the including his immediate pred- Andargachew summoned ministry said in a statement. military spokesman Yahia Sarea a year later, is hoping for its first was announced. roads. ecessor Goodluck Jonathan, US ambassador Michael Ethiopia was responding said on Twitter. The Saudis have presidential win in the 40 years Amnesty International said “We need to sweep it so that the head of state said 51 civil- Raynor to clarify Trump’s to comments about the dam, regularly accused the Houthis since Seychelles independence soldiers and police killed at the road can be free for the cars ian fatalities and 37 injuries comments, which mark the known as the Grand Ethio- of using drones and missiles to from Britain. least 12 protesters on Tuesday and motors to be going so that had been recorded as a result of US president’s latest foray pian Renaissance Dam, made attack Saudi Arabia. in Lekki and Alausa, two Lagos they cannot have accidents,” “hooliganism” in recent weeks. into a delicate, long-running by Trump on Friday. Guinea’s Conde set for controversial third presidential term

AFP for Conde — was credited with blockading him inside his Co- a week. With his win, Conde exile, became the country’s fi rst ing erupted. “We are...continu- Conakry 33.5% of the vote. nakry home, said he would is set to govern for another six democratically-elected presi- ing to closely monitor develop- “Long live democracy, long mount a legal challenge to the years, and could potentially run dent in 2010, and was re-elected ments on the ground. live peace, may God bless Guin- announced election results. for another fourth term after in 2015. The violence must stop,” Fa- uinea’s President Alpha ea,” Cisse said during a ceremony “We are going to protest this that. But hopes of a new political tou Bensouda said in a tweet. Conde won a disputed in Conakry, as Conde supporters electoral hold-up in the street,” Stiff opposition to a third term dawn have soured, with rights “I wish to repeat this im- Gnational election, the leapt to their feet and cheered he said. triggered mass protests from groups accusing him of veering portant reminder: anyone who country’s electoral authority the president’s victory. “But we are still going to refer October 2019, during which se- towards authoritarianism. commits, orders, incites, en- said yesterday, setting the stage Criticising the independ- the matter to the constitutional curity forces killed dozens of Diallo was formerly a prime courages and contributes in any for a controversial third term. ence of the electoral authority, court, without having too many people. minister under authoritarian other way to crimes... The announcement followed Diallo, 68, had on Monday de- expectations.” In March, the president leader Lansana Conte. is liable to prosecution either days of violence in which around clared himself victorious before UN Secretary-General Anto- pushed through a new consti- He ran against Conde in both by the Guinean courts or the 10 people were killed in clashes the results were announced — nio Guterres in a statement yes- tution which he argued would 2010 and 2015. ICC,” she said. over Conde’s re-election bid in which triggered confrontations terday urged Conde and Diallo modernise the country. Diallo’s self-proclaimed vic- The campaign was fraught the West African nation of some between his supporters and se- to “prevail on their supporters The move also allowed him tory plunged Guinea into a fresh with tension ahead of the vote. 13mn people. curity forces. to immediately end the violence to bypass a two-term limit for round of violence. Conde was accused of stok- Electoral authority president Protesters hit the streets of and engage in meaningful dia- presidents. The opposition says 27 people ing ethnic divisions for electoral Kabinet Cisse said provisional Conakry again yesterday, and logue to fi nd a peaceful solution”. Guinea is a poor country, de- were killed, and AFP was unable ends, a charge he denies. results showed that Conde, 82, residents of some suburbs said While Guinea’s independent spite rich deposits of bauxite, to independently confi rm the of- Guinea’s politics are mainly had won 59.49% of the votes in police offi cers were fi ring tear- Guinea’s President Alpha Conde. national electoral commission gold and diamonds, that has fi cial death toll of 10. drawn along ethnic lines: the the October 18 election. gas canisters to clear them away. (CENI) declared the provisional known little political stability The International Criminal president’s base is among the His main opponent Cellou “We’re on the street until be named, referring to the oppo- tally, the constitutional court since independence in 1958. Court’s chief prosecutor has ethnic Malinke community Dalein Diallo, — at the forefront Cellou Dalein asks us to come sition leader. must still approve the result. Conde, a former opposition warned that the rival parties while Diallo has strong backing of protests against a third term home,” said one, who declined to Diallo, who says police are It is expected to do so in about activist who spent decades in could be prosecuted after fi ght- among the Fulani people. Gulf Times Sunday, October 25, 2020 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Malaysia’s king to Thai protesters consult with rulers amid talk of emergency

Reuters groups the heads of Malaysia’s stances blamed undocumented plan action after Kuala Lumpur nine royal houses, can deliber- migrants in the country for a ate on questions of national spike in coronavirus infections. policy and has the power to The southeast Asian nation alaysia’s King Al-Sul- withhold consent from any law. reported 1,228 new coronavi- tan Abdullah will con- A source familiar with the rus cases yesterday, its biggest Msult with other senior matter said the rulers will meet daily jump since the pandemic royals on proposals by Prime today. started. Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Muhyiddin’s offi ce has not Muhyiddin’s government is premier ignores the palace said yesterday, after commented on the emergency scheduled to propose its 2021 sources told Reuters the pre- proposal. budget on Nov 6. mier had asked the king to de- Opposition politicians say There have been questions clare a state of emergency. there is no valid reason for over whether Muhyiddin can Muhyiddin met with the king the government to impose muster a majority in parlia- on Friday to present the emer- an emergency and that it was ment to pass the budget since gency proposals that include a meant to avoid a showdown in Anwar staked his claim to form suspension of parliament, the parliament over the support a government. deadline to quit sources with direct knowledge Muhyiddin commands. The premier has also come of the matter said, a move that In the fi rst offi cial com- under fi re from some of his Reuters opposition leader Anwar Ibra- ments by the government on coalition partners, who have Bangkok him denounced as an attempt the proposed emergency, trade threatened to withdraw sup- by the premier to retain control minister Azmin Ali said politi- port for him and back Anwar amid a power struggle. cians should come together to instead. nti-government protesters The proposal comes as protect public health and the Defeat on the budget would in Thailand said yesterday Malaysia faces a resurgence economy. count as a vote of no confi dence Athey would hold demon- in coronavirus cases, a pan- “Opposition parties’ out- in Muhyiddin and could trigger strations today and tomorrow af- demic-battered economy and burst yesterday about the an election. ter Prime Minister Prayut Chan- doubts over Muhyiddin’s abil- nation descending into dic- Emergency rule might mean ocha ignored their 10 pm (0300 ity to command a majority in tatorship should a state of eco- the budget would not be put to GMT) deadline to resign. parliament and pass a budget nomic emergency be declared a vote. Asked by journalists whether for 2021. The palace did not is therefore an act of utter reck- Former premier and op- he would stand down, Prayut identify the recommendations lessness and irresponsibility position lawmaker Mahathir simply said “won’t quit” after made by Muhyiddin, but said most unbecoming of members Mohamed said there were no Buddhist prayers that were held the king would soon hold the of parliament,” Azmin said in a riots or a breakdown of law and to call for national healing fol- consultation with the heads of post on Facebook. order to justify an emergency, lowing months of protests that other royal households. He said the government’s which would give additional have also demanded reforms of “Al-Sultan Abdullah greatly pre-emptive measures must powers to Muhyiddin. the monarchy. understands the need for the also include border controls, “Faced with the possibility After the deadline expired, country’s administration to and that the armed forces and of being overthrown, the prime one group of protesters said they continue to tackle the threat of police must be empowered minister wants the powers un- would protest today. Covid-19,” the palace said in a through constitutional proc- der a state of emergency,” Ma- Another group said they statement. esses to take action against hathir in a blog post. would go to the German embas- Under the constitution, the threats including what he The Star daily reported the sy tomorrow – making an indi- king can decide if an emergency termed “illegal immigrants proposed emergency would rect reference to the fact that the should be declared based on the with high risk of transmitting only aff ect political activities, king spends much of his time in threat to security, economy or Covid-19 or other infectious and there would be no curfews Germany. public order. diseases.” or any impact on economic ac- “Prayut is the problem. The The Council of Rulers, which Malaysia has in several in- tivities. fi rst obstacle that we need to re- move,” said Jatupat “Pai” Boon- pattararaksa, one of the leaders of the demonstration planned Xinjiang finds for today. He was among dozens asymptomatic virus of protesters arrested this month Australia’s Covid-19 case in Kashgar and was freed on bail on Friday. Since July, protesters have China’s far western region of been demanding the departure hotspot sees Xinjiang has launched an emer- of Prayut and a new constitution. Pro-democracy protesters hold up the three-finger salute outside Bangkok Remand Prison yesterday, as gency response after identifying More recently they have also they urged the release of protest leaders and other activists held at the facility following arrests during an asymptomatic case of coro- stepped up demands for reforms the ongoing demonstrations. more school cases navirus in the city of Kashgar to curb the powers of King Maha yesterday, the health commission Vajiralongkorn’s monarchy. After the prayers he said: “I the crisis, but his opponents his praise on Friday for a man said. The patient, a 17-year-old Prayut, who fi rst took power in urge everyone to conciliate and have little faith in the outcome who held up a royal portrait at an Reuters the state found seven new woman, was found after being a 2014 coup, rejects the accusa- help solve problems together.” given his supporters have a par- anti-establishment rally stirred Sydney cases, offi cials said, including tested during a regular inspec- tions of his critics that he en- He has called for an emergen- liamentary majority. passions – with monarchists four related to a cluster linked tion and has been transferred to gineered last year’s election to cy session of parliament tomor- The king has made no public lauding the action and protest- to two schools in Melbourne’s a hospital in the city, the commis- keep power. row and Tuesday to try to resolve comment on the protests but ers pouring scorn. ustralia’s Victoria northern suburbs that sion said in a statement. state, the country’s prompted authorities to order The discovery marks mainland ACovid-19 hotspot, 800 people to self-isolate. China’s first local case since reported four cases related Victoria Premier Daniel Oct 14, when one was found in to infections in schools yes- Andrews said that some an- Qingdao. Xinjiang had a cluster terday, a day before the ex- nouncements would be made of infections in early August, but Unions vow mass protests if Widodo signs jobs law pected easing of strict social on Sunday as expected but no new cases had been found in distancing restrictions. others would depend on the the region since Aug 15. Melbourne, the capital results of thousands of tests All close contacts of the Kashgar Reuters “It is the exploitation of labour that we’re Unions and rights groups say the measures of Australia’s second-most performed in the past few patient have been isolated for Jakarta against,” said the head of the Confederation favour business over workers and the envi- populous state, is emerg- days in surrounding areas. medical observation and local of Indonesian Trade Unions, Said Iqbal. “We ronment. ing from a second wave as a He did not specify what re- authorities are carrying out epi- are ready for dialogue, even ready for a debate Hundreds of thousands of Indonesians hard lockdown since July has strictions would be lifted. demiological investigations, the ndonesia’s workers will stage further if necessary in an open, public hearing.” have hit the streets across the archipelago in brought daily infections of Cafes, restaurants and Xinjiang health commission said. mass protests across the country if Presi- The government says the legislation will recent weeks, culminating in sporadic vio- the new coronavirus down to pubs remain closed for in- Many Kashgar-bound flights Ident Joko Widodo signs new jobs meas- boost employment by cutting red tape, eas- lence and thousands of arrests, as they pro- single digits from an August door service in the capital, were cancelled yesterday, ac- ures into law next week, the head of the main ing restrictions of foreign investment and tested the measures passed by parliament on peak over 700. while residents still need a cording to travel platforms. labour group said yesterday. improving labour market competitiveness. Oct 5. In the previous 24 hours, reason to leave their homes. Travel-starved ‘passengers’ dine North Korea claims China dust could on parked Singapore Airlines jet spread coronavirus

AFP cause there’s the excitement Reuters outdoor activities and must fol- Singapore of going to a new destination, Seoul low prevention guidelines such to explore a new destination, as wearing masks when they go and even though we can’t do it outside. North Korea has re- undreds of travel- now due to Covid, this is a good orth Korea has warned ported no confi rmed cases of the starved diners ate lunch substitute for now, to recreate its citizens to stay in- coronavirus, a claim that health Hand watched seat-back the feels of taking a long-haul Ndoors, saying seasonal experts question. Pyongyang has fi lms aboard two parked Sin- fl ight,” he said. yellow dust blowing in from imposed strict border controls gapore Airlines jets turned into The most expensive option China might carry the new coro- and quarantine measures to pre- pop-up restaurants yesterday. is a Sg$642 eight-course meal navirus into the country. vent an outbreak. Analysts say With the aviation industry in a fi rst-class suite, while the “As the new coronavirus in- an outbreak could be devastating in deep crisis due to the coro- cheapest costs Sg$53 and con- fections continue to spread for the economically and politi- navirus pandemic, airlines sists of a three-course meal around the world, the need to cally isolated country. have turned to alternative ways in economy class. A limited deal with the yellow dust and State-run KRT television said to raise cash, from off ering number of diners were also able take thorough measures has be- on Wednesday the yellow dust “fl ights to nowhere” to tours of to tour the double-decker air- come more critical,” North Ko- and fi ne dust may contain harm- aircraft. craft and take selfi es with pi- rea’s offi cial party newspaper ful substances, such as heavy Singapore’s fl ag carrier, lots in the cockpit. The tarmac Rodong Sinmun said on Thurs- metals and pathogenic microor- which has cut thousands of meals proved surprisingly pop- day. ganisms including viruses. jobs and grounded nearly all its ular – the airline announced six The claim that the virus that “People must pay attention to planes this year, off ered passen- Diners watch movies while dining in business class during the inaugural lunch at Restaurant additional sessions after more causes Covid-19 could spread personal hygiene after return- gers the chance to dine on board A380 @Changi onboard a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 plane at Changi International Airport, than 900 lunch tickets sold out to North Korea from the Gobi ing from outside,” a news reader two A380 superjumbos – the yesterday. Right: A stewardess smiles while serving food in business class during the inaugural within 30 minutes of bookings desert, 1,900km away, appears said. “Also, workers should avoid world’s biggest passenger jet. lunch. opening earlier this month. unsupported. outdoor construction work even On Saturday, more than 400 The airline is also off ering Two metres is a common so- at reconstruction sites.” diners checked in at Changi 17-year-old student in economy movies on the seat-back enter- paid Sg$321 ($236) to be served home deliveries of plane meals, cial-distancing metric, although On Thursday, the Russian Airport and went through the class, said as he tucked into his tainment systems. a six-course meal in business but it has ditched plans for the US Centers for Disease Con- embassy in North Korea wrote usual security checks before ar- soy sauce-glazed chicken with About half the seats were left class, saying he missed fl ying “fl ights to nowhere” – short trol and Prevention says droplets on Facebook that North Korea’s riving at the aircraft for lunch. spicy fried eggplant and rice. empty, in keeping with social- and hoped to recreate the expe- journeys starting and ending at containing the virus can some- Foreign Ministry had ordered “The food is pretty amazing, it’s Some settled in for a nap distancing guidelines. rience. the same airport – following an times linger in the air for hours. all visitors to the country and its better than the one they serve while waiting for their meals to Calvin Teo, a 29-year-old “Of course the feeling of ac- outcry over the potential envi- The North Korean newspaper staff to wait out the dust storm during the fl ight,” Zhou Tai Di, a be served, while others watched civil servant and aviation buff , tually fl ying will be better, be- ronmental impact. said citizens should refrain from inside. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, October 25, 2020 AMERICAS/EUROPE

Jared and Ivanka threaten lawsuit Trump votes early in Florida as Biden warns of ‘dark winter’ over billboards President Donald Trump’s Reuters must-win battleground for his pace that could lead to the high- rus, which has killed more than spoke on a stage decorated with Biden narrowly leading. daughter and son-in-law, both West Palm Beach, Florida re-election bid. est voter turnout in more than a 224,000 Americans. hay and pumpkins carved to say A Reuters/Ipsos survey re- top White House aides, are “I voted for a guy named century, according to data from Many states have expanded “VOTE” and painted with the leased earlier this week showed threatening to sue a group of Trump,” he told reporters after the US Elections Project. in-person early voting and mail- names of Biden and his running Biden with a four-percentage anti-Trump Republicans for resident Donald Trump voting. Trump has regularly con- in ballots as a safer way to vote mate Senator Kamala Harris. point advantage over Trump posting billboard ads in New York voted in his adopted home Democratic rival Joe Biden demned mail-in voting without during the pandemic. Trump has accused Biden of in the state, down from seven City’s Times Square linking them Pof Florida before hitting also hit the campaign trail yes- evidence as prone to fraud, even Biden addressed supporters in overstating the health crisis to points the week before. to the country’s almost 225,000 the campaign trail for rallies in terday, speaking at a drive-in though experts say it is as safe as Bristol, Pennsylvania, gathered scare Americans into voting for Biden will get some help again coronavirus deaths. three swing states yesterday, rally of supporters in the bat- any other method. in pickup trucks or cars, many him. this weekend from his former A lawyer representing Ivanka joining more than 54mn Ameri- tleground state of Pennsylvania He voted by mail in two elec- with their windows or sunroofs Opinion polls show Biden boss, former president Barack Trump and her husband, Jared cans who have cast early ballots where he warned of a looming tions since he switched his ad- down. leading Trump nationally, but Obama, who will hold a drive-in Kushner, made the threat on at a record-setting pace ahead of “dark winter” unless the Trump dress to Florida. “It’s going to be a dark win- the race is much closer in the rally in Miami. Friday in a letter to the Lincoln the November 3 election. administration does not do a The large number of early vot- ter ahead unless we change our battleground states that will de- Obama, still popular in the Project, calling the ads “false, Trump cast his ballot at a li- better job at fi ghting the coro- ers is a sign of the intense in- ways,” he said of Trump’s at- cide the election. party nearly four years after malicious and defamatory” brary in West Palm Beach, near navirus, which causes the Cov- terest in this year’s election, as tempts to contain the coronavi- Trump will head to three of leaving offi ce, delivered a blis- and saying they constituted his Mar-a-Lago resort, after id-19 respiratory disease. well as concerns about avoiding rus, which has killed more peo- those after voting, holding ral- tering attack on Trump’s lead- “outrageous and shameful libel”. switching his permanent resi- With 10 days to go in the cam- crowded polling places on Elec- ple in the United State than any lies in North Carolina, Ohio and ership when he made his 2020 The Lincoln Project group is the dence and voter registration last paign, about 54.2mn Americans tion Day and reducing the risk other country. Wisconsin. campaign-trail debut in Penn- most prominent Republican-led year from New York to Florida, a have already cast early ballots, a of exposure to the coronavi- The former vice-president In Pennsylvania, polls show sylvania on Wednesday. organisation opposing Trump’s re-election on November 3. It has produced barrages of ads calling for his defeat, attacked pro-Trump Republican lawmakers and endorsed Democratic More presidential candidate Joe Biden. One of the ads features a smiling Ivanka Trump gesturing towards leaders text showing the number of coronavirus deaths in New York Nations battle rising and nationwide. aff ected by The other is a photo of Kushner next to a quote attributed to him last month by Vanity Fair pandemic magazine, citing an unidentified source: “(New Yorkers) are going to suff er and that’s their AFP/Reuters problem.” Warsaw/Kyiv/Istanbul/Sofia coronavirus cases AFP/Reuters epidemic today, we know that Trudeau denies oland’s President Andrzej Paris whatever we do, in 15 days we Duda said yesterday that will see the consequences of he was seeking Phe had tested positive for these infections.” snap election coronavirus, as the EU country number of countries Prime Minister Jean Cas- faces a record rise in cases and tightened anti-coronavi- tex said yesterday that another Canadian Prime Minister Justin mass protests despite a ban on Arus measures yesterday, €700mn ($830mn) would be Trudeau has denied suggestions public gatherings intended to with France extending a curfew made available to help poor peo- that he wanted to trigger a stem infections. and Belgium bringing forward ple who have been hit hardest by snap election to cash in on The coronavirus causes the its own, as Germany’s death toll the pandemic. good polling numbers during Covid-19 respiratory disease. passed 10,000 and the US re- And after Germany recorded the coronavirus pandemic, Duda is the latest in a string of ported more than 80,000 infec- its 10,000th coronavirus death, saying that he is glad he dodged leaders to have been diagnosed tions in a single day. Chancellor Angela Merkel said: that prospect by surviving a with the virus, including US The coronavirus causes the “The order of the day is to re- confidence vote this week. President Donald Trump, British Covid-19 respiratory disease. duce contacts, (and) to meet as “I am happy we will not have Prime Minister Boris Johnson, The World Health Organisa- few people as possible.” elections. I think everyone is and Brazil’s President Jair Bol- tion (WHO) has warned of an “What winter will be, what happy we will not have elections,” sonaro. “exponential” rise in infections our Christmas will be, will be he said in an interview with All have recovered and, aside threatening health systems’ decided in the days and weeks to French language broadcaster from the diagnosis, the 48-year- ability to cope. come,” she warned. TVA, which was taped on Friday old Duda is believed to be in good But populations weary of Italy reported a further and aired yesterday. general health. social isolation and economic record daily total of 19,644 new “No one wanted elections during “As a result of the test, I know hardship have rejected more re- coronavirus cases yesterday as the pandemic,” said Trudeau, that I am sick with the corona- strictions and in hard-hit Na- the government considered fur- who has presided over a minority virus,” Duda tweeted, adding ples, clashes erupted between ther restrictions including early government for the past year. that he was “feeling good”, was Italian police and hundreds of closures of nightspots and res- Trudeau warned early this at “full strength”, had no symp- protesters. taurants to contain a resurgence week that he would call early toms and would be working re- The United States broke its of the pandemic. elections if opposition parties in motely. daily record for new corona- Prime Minister Giuseppe parliament passed a bill creating While it was unclear when virus infections on Friday as it Conte has said he wants to avoid Demonstrators protesting measures taken to control the coronavirus pandemic face off against an anti-corruption committee to Duda was infected, he attended reported 84,218 new cases due a repeat of the blanket lockdown anti-riot police in the city centre of Naples, late on Friday. probe a case touching him and an investment forum in Tallinn to outbreaks in virtually every earlier in the year. his family directly, in addition to on Monday where he met Esto- part of the country, according to But a number of regions have 17 regions, including Valencia, “We’re losing. We’re over- navirus on Friday, its highest the government’s coronavirus nian President Kersti Kaljulaid a Reuters tally. imposed overnight curfews and Asturias, Castilla-La Mancha whelmed. We’re bitter,” said Be- daily tally, as the country faces spending. and Bulgarian President Rumen The spike in cases comes less the central government is ex- and the Basque Country, had noit Misset, head of the inten- Europe’s fastest spread of the Radev. than two weeks before the presi- pected to announce more meas- called on the government to de- sive care unit at the University infection. Kaljulaid said on her Facebook dential election on November ures soon. cree a state of emergency, which Hospital in Liege, where several The total number of cases Seven bodies page she tested negative for the 3 and is hitting battleground Conte pledged yesterday to would allow regions to limit medics had to work despite be- rose to 238,323 in the country virus after returning home from states such as Ohio, Michigan, speed up help for businesses people’s movement. ing positive – if asymptomatic – of 10.7mn, with 126 new deaths found in Paraguay France on Friday. North Carolina, Pennsylvania suff ering in the crisis but said Regions expect the govern- themselves. taking that total to 1,971. fertiliser shipment Radev had meanwhile cut and Wisconsin. the weeks ahead would be very ment to call an extraordinary In addition to setting a new And Russia reported 16,521 short his visit to Tallinn on Tues- On Thursday, the United complex. Council of Ministers today to curfew time of 10pm, stores in new coronavirus cases yesterday Paraguayan police have day go into quarantine in Sofi a. States reported a near-record “We cannot lower our guard,” approve the measure, Spanish Brussels are to now close at 8pm after hitting a record high of over found the remains of seven Meanwhile, former box- 76,195 new cases. he added. media including El Pais report- and athletic or cultural events 17,300 the previous day. people in an advanced stage ing champion and Mayor of The previous record was In Naples, hundreds of dem- ed. have been cancelled. This brings Russia’s national of decomposition a container Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, Vitali 77,299 new cases on July 16. onstrators answered a call on so- “I would say with almost total Chile’s coronavirus case total tally of cases to 1,497,167. of fertiliser that arrived in the Klitschko, said yesterday that he Health experts have not pin- cial media to resist a new curfew, certainty there will be one. But has now surpassed half a mil- Slovakia reported yesterday country from Serbia, off icials said had tested positive for the novel pointed the reason for the rise throwing objects at police and it has not offi cially been called lion, authorities said yesterday, 2,890 new cases of coronavirus on Friday. coronavirus. but have long warned that colder setting rubbish bins on fi re. yet,” a source from the Spanish as the country prepares to go over the previous 24 hours, the The remains, discovered by Klitschko described the news temperatures driving people in- Wales entered a full lock- government told Reuters. to the polls for a referendum on highest daily tally yet, as the employees of an agricultural as “upsetting”, adding “feel good side, fatigue with Covid-19 pre- down late on Friday, a day after While many regions favour whether to replace the Pinoc- country launched an experi- company in the capital Asuncion, but need to self-isolate”. cautions and students returning Ireland shut down, while Poland some form of curfew, the pow- het-era constitution. mental testing programme. were likely those of illegal The ex-Soviet Ukraine is due to schools and colleges, could adopted a nationwide lockdown erful Madrid region opposes it, “We have to act with much The country of 5.5mn has re- migrants, prosecutor Marcelo to elect mayors and local coun- promote the spread of the virus. that partially closed primary which has so far prevented a na- responsibility in this plebiscite,” corded 159 deaths connected to Saldivar told reporters. cils today 25. France on Friday followed schools and restaurants. tionwide decision. health undersecretary Paula the pandemic so far. Local shipping authorities said Belarus opposition leader Spain past the milestone of 1mn After Spain became the fi rst In Nagorno-Karabakh, a dis- Daza told reporters as she deliv- Across the planet, the pan- the container had left Serbia in Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is cases, while the government ex- European country to offi cially puted province of Azerbaijan, ered an update on the pandemic demic has now claimed the lives July, first for neighbouring EU self-isolating and will take a tended an overnight curfew to record 1mn coronavirus cases doctor Lusine Tovmasyan said on the eve of the vote. of 1.1mn people and infected member Croatia – the migrants’ Covid-19 test after meeting ear- around 46mn people. earlier in the week, Prime Min- that among those she tested in The health ministry regis- almost 42mn, with the WHO likely destination – before lier this week with the Slovenian Hospitals cannot avoid the ister Pedro Sanchez said the real the regional capital Stepanakert, tered 1,631 new infections and warning the northern hemi- travelling through Egypt, Spain foreign minister, who has since impact of the rapidly spread- number of infections was likely “between 40-60% of people 48 deaths in the past 24 hours, sphere was at an especially criti- and Argentina en route to tested positive for the virus. ing coronavirus epidemic, the more than triple that number. test positive”, often those who meaning Chile has recorded cal juncture. Paraguay. Lithuania, where Tsikha- health minister said yesterday. Meanwhile, the regional gov- are taking shelter in cramped 500,542 cases and nearly 14,000 Meanwhile, work has contin- Traces of food discovered near nouskaya lives after fl eeing “The serious cases arriving in ernments are urging the cen- underground spaces. deaths since March 3. ued on the international quest the remains suggested the group Belarus following a disputed our hospitals today are the result tral government to take meas- Meanwhile, Belgium has Authorities have introduced to fi nd a vaccine, with clinical was “prepared for a short trip”, presidential election in August, of infections that happened 15 ures that would give them legal seen one of Europe’s deadliest health measures in voting sta- trials for one candidate by As- Saldivar told reporters. requires a 14-day self-isolation days ago,” Health Minister Ol- backing to impose curfews as per capita outbreaks and has tions to ensure public safety traZeneca and Oxford University period for anyone who has been ivier Veran said after visiting a the country battles a resurgent found itself suff ering some of during today’s referendum. resuming in the US on Friday, in contact with someone who hospital in Marseille. “Taking coronavirus epidemic. the highest second-wave infec- The Czech Republic re- six weeks after a test subject be- EU border agency has tested positive. into account the spread of the As of yesterday, 10 of Spain’s tion rates in Europe. ported 15,252 new cases of coro- came ill. The Estonian, Latvian and ‘involved in Lithuanian foreign ministers are illegal pushbacks’ also self-isolating after a meet- ing with the Slovenian counter- Europe’s border security agency part Anze Logar this week, ac- A stamp to remember Covid-19 ... printed on toilet paper Frontex has been involved in cording to their spokeswomen several illegal “pushbacks” and Twitter messages. of asylum-seekers crossing Logar tested positive for coro- Reuters baby animal is also printed on the Aegean Sea from Turkey navirus on Friday after the trip Vienna the stamp,” Austrian Post said to Greece, media including to Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, in a statement yesterday. Germany’s Der Spiegel reported. state news agency STA reported. The novelty item is printed The investigation “shows for the In Turkey, Istanbul’s mayor ustria’s postal service on three-ply toilet paper, in first time that senior Frontex Ekrem Imamoglu said yesterday has united two aspects reference to the hoarding that off icials know about illegal that he has been hospitalised af- Aof the coronavirus pan- occurred earlier this year, an practices by Greek border ter testing positive for coronavi- demic in a stamp printed on urge that has recently started guards – and that some of them rus and suff ering a fever. toilet paper that people can rearing its head again. are themselves implicated in “Yesterday evening around also, at a push, use for social Austrian Post has poked fun pushbacks”, the weekly said. 9pm I got a fever and with a tem- distancing. at current events before. Also known as refoulements, perature of 38° Celsius. I came The €2.75 “corona stamp” In January it issued a Brexit “pushbacks” are incidents where and spent the night in hospital,” comes in sheets 10cm wide, or stamp with the previously refugees or asylum-seekers are he said in a video apparently a tenth of the 1m that the gov- planned date of Britain’s de- illegally returned across a border fi lmed in a hospital room. ernment advises members of parture from the European to a country where they could In Bulgaria, Prime Minister the public to keep apart from Union, March 29, 2019, crossed face persecution. Boyko Borissov and three min- each other, symbolised in of- out and the new date of January German public broadcaster ARD, isters from his government will fi cial campaigns by a baby el- 31, 2020 underneath – an ap- journalist collective Lighthouse have to stay in isolation after a ephant. parent wink at the drawn-out Reports, investigative platform deputy minister who they had A letter with a so-called ‘corona stamp’ “If you put 10 stamp sheets negotiations. Bellingcat, and Japanese been in contact with tested posi- (left) attached is seen, as the €2.75 stamp is end to end, you get 1m’s dis- The corona stamp will be broadcaster TV Asahi were tive for coronavirus, health au- printed on three-ply toilet paper and sold as tance in total – or the length of sold at twice its face value, with involved in the investigation thorities said late on Friday. part of a 10cm wide sheet. a baby elephant. The famous the mark-up going to charity. alongside Der Spiegel. Gulf Times Sunday, October 25, 2020 9 INDIA

ACTION INFRASTRUCTURE JUDICIARY INVESTIGATION CRIME Doctors transferred New flyovers to ease Man gets six hours’ Four of family held Fake ATM cards used over protest decision traff ic congestion parole for wife’s surgery for cheating banks to withdraw money

New Delhi’s Hindu Rao Hospital (HRH) has Commuters in east Delhi may get some relief The Delhi High Court has allowed six hours’ The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the A man was arrested in Gurugram for allegedly transferred four senior doctors to the Rajan Babu from chaotic traff ic with Delhi Chief Minister parole to a terror funding case suspect to Delhi Police arrested four members of a family cheating people through fake ATM cards and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis Arvind Kejriwal inaugurating two flyovers meet his wife and stay with her during her for allegedly cheating banks of Rs200mn. withdrawing money from their accounts, police (RBIPMT) after they decided to join a protest by yesterday. The flyovers will be a big relief for surgery for removal of a tumour from her Ashwini Arora and Vijay Arora along and said yesterday. Shakheel Khan of Palwal district resident doctors yesterday. The Resident Doctors commuters between Welcome in northeast uterus. The court said even though no case their wives fraudulently mortgaged property, of Haryana was caught by the crime branch Association (RDA) of HRH alleged that the transfer Delhi and Kashmere Gate, and the Delhi-Uttar for interim bail is made out, the accused acquired by Delhi Metro, with various banks unit of the Gurugram Police following a tip-off . orders were issued “in a bid to curb our protest Pradesh border. The 700m Shastri Park flyover is allowed custody parole for six hours, by forging documents. They set up firms and The police recovered Rs8,000 which Khan had which is turning into a mass movement. We are consists of six lanes while the 1,200m Seelampur excluding the time of journey, if his wife arranged for a guarantor and created multiple fraudulently withdrawn from a victim’s account getting support from all hospitals in Delhi including flyover will help commuters travelling over the undergoes surgery “so that he can meet sets of documents of the same properties on October 21, the police said. During questioning AIIMS. However, such techniques will not shake our Dharampura crossing towards Shahdara. The her and be with her at the time of operation to take loans from various banks. The banks Khan confessed he and his associate used to resolve to carve out a final solution to the recurring foundation stones for the flyovers were laid by whenever the date for surgery is fixed “. The which have been duped are Bank of Baroda, stand outside the ATM booth to see the people’s issue of salary delay,” Sagardeep Bawa, vice- Kejriwal on February 10 last year. Kejriwal said court also asked the National Investigation Punjab National Bank, Syndicate Bank, ATM PIN numbers when they were withdrawing president of the association said. The HRH is run by the “people of the national capital are proud Agency (NIA) to ensure that police officers Karnataka Bank and OBC Bank. “The accused money. “After that, on the pretext of helping them the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. The doctors of living in the national capital due to all the accompany him while he is out of jail during prepared multiple sets of forged documents withdraw money, he would replace their ATM card have been protesting for several weeks demanding facilities and amenities provided by the Delhi the custody parole. He was arrested in of the properties and duped the banks to the with his fake ATM card and later withdraw money their salary for the last three months. government”. January 2019. tune of Rs20 crore,” the police said. from their accounts,” the police said. Tejashwi vows 1mn govt jobs if his alliance wins Bihar polls

IANS ernment jobs would be give in Bhagalpur,Bihar the very fi rst state cabinet meet- ing after returning to power and contractual labour system would hief ministerial candidate be abolished. and Rashtriya Janata Dal The document covers 17 major C(RJD) leader Tejashwi Ya- commitments, including special dav yesterday said Bihar was being priority to employment, agricul- ruled by a corrupt government. ture, industry, infrastructure de- He appealed to the people velopment, cultural heritage and to give an opportunity to the construction sectors in the state, youth in the upcoming election community development, pov- and said that 1mn youth would erty alleviation and education. be given government jobs if the It also promises to further Grand Alliance came to power. strengthen self-help groups and Yadav was addressing a large priority to higher education and election meeting at Krishnan- employment. Passengers travel on a bus which has a precautionary message pasted on it against the spread of coronavirus, in Mumbai. anda Stadium of Sultanganj as- Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata sembly constituency in favour Party president J P Nadda fo- of the Grand Alliance-backed cused on jobs, developmental Congress candidate Lalan Yadav. projects and work done during Speaking in Bhojpuri, Yadav the lockdown. said Chief Minister Nitish Ku- “There will be self-suffi cient mar has been in power in Bihar Bihar through self-suffi cient In- for 15 years but no work has been dia. It is the responsibility of the done in the last 10 years. government to create employ- Maharashtra hopeful of He said the youth in Bihar were ment opportunities in Bihar and kept away from employment. Nitish government will do the When migrant labourers re- work to provide employment to turned to Bihar during the coro- 19 lakh people”. navirus induced lockdown, the Nadda also made an attempt chief minister was locked in his to blur caste lines by presenting room instead of speaking with development and jobs as a uni- fl attening Covid curve them. He has now ventured out fying factor. when to seek votes, Yadav said. “Previously in elections, can- IANS to 88.78% while the mortality preparing to introduce a proven available in all the 30 districts all those working in the health- “The people of Bihar are going didates used to ask for votes Mumbai rate stood 2.63%. vaccine across the country after across the southern state. care sector. out of the state for education and on the basis of caste and class. However, there seems to be its approval by the Indian Coun- The healthcare warriors “The state is undertaking IEC employment. Hospitals in the (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi no respite for Kerala as the state cil of Medical Research (ICMR). across the state also include (information, education com- state are in a dilapidated condi- has changed the tempo, charac- ealth offi cials in Ma- saw 8,253 new cases and 25 “We are collecting data ANMs (auxiliary nurse-mid- munication) activities through tion and the education system is ter and culture of Indian poli- harashtra yesterday ex- deaths yesterday. of healthcare workers as per wives), ASHAs (accredited so- various forums to reach all the in disarray.” tics. Now, if anyone wants to ask Hpressed the hope that State Health Minister K K guidelines and standard op- cial health activists), Angan- health facilities in government In the style of his father Lalu for votes, then he or she needs to the state would soon ‘fl atten’ Shailaja said that 6,468 people erating procedures of the Un- wadi workers, medical offi cers, and private for timely data col- Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav present the work done and on the the Covid-19 curve as deaths had now tested negative, taking ion Health and Family Welfare scientists and research staff and lection,” Sudhakar added. appealed to the people to make basis of that a report card,” Nadda and new cases continued to de- the total number of recovered to Ministry,” the minister said in a a hard-working and deserving said, addressing a crowd at Bihar cline for the past one week, and 287,261 while the number of ac- statement. Fadnavis tests positive for Covid-19 candidate like Lalan Yadav vic- Sharif in Nalanda district. recovery rates improved. tive cases rose to 97,417 and the Sudhakar said other priority torious and said that the country He added that ever since The state recorded 137 deaths death toll to 1,306. groups, including senior citi- Bharatiya Janata Party leader his doctors. Fadnavis, 50, needs young people. the Modi government came to compared with the peak of 515 A total of 67,593 samples zens and people with co-mor- and former Maharashtra chief is the BJP in-charge for the The RJD earlier in the day re- power, 11 medical colleges have on September 15, but higher was tested in the past 24 hours, bidities would be vaccinated minister Devendra Fadnavis upcoming crucial assembly leased its manifesto or vision opened in the state. than 125 on October 19. while 283,517 people were under in a phased manner after the yesterday announced that elections in Bihar and during document. He also cited the extension of Fatalities shot up from 43,015 observation at various places healthcare warriors. he has tested positive for his hectic poll schedules, The manifesto was released railway lines and roads. to 43,152 yesterday. in the state, including 23,455 in “The state government will Covid-19 and was in isolation. has been regularly shutling by Yadav in the presence of RJD He added that it is Nitish Ku- The state recorded 6,417 new hospitals. use the cold chain system of “I have been working every between Maharashtra and spokesman Manoj Jha, Congress mar who can take Bihar “on the cases - less than one-third com- In Bengaluru, meanwhile, routine immunisation under single day since the lockdown, Bihar in the past few weeks. leaders Randeep Singh Sur- path of development”. pared with the peak single-day Karnataka Health Minister K universal immunisation pro- but now it seems that God The former chief minister jewala and Shaktisinh Gohil and In a clear dig at the RJD, whose tally of 24,886 on September 11. Sudhakar said healthcare war- gramme (UIP) for storing the wants me to stop for a while urged all those who had come other leaders. electoral symbol is the lantern, The total number of infec- riors, including doctors, nurses vaccine when made available to and take a break!,” Fadnavis in contact with him in the past Tejashwi said his party would Nadda said that the BJP-led tions yesterday was 16,38,961. and paramedics would be the the state by the Centre,” Sud- tweeted. He assured his few days to take care and get fulfi l all promises made to the NDA government is taking Bihar The state’s recovery rate fi rst to get vaccinated for Covid hakar said. supporters that he was taking themselves tested for Covid-19 people. out of the age of lantern era to meanwhile continued to remain immunity when introduced. The cold chain facility for medicines as advised by as a precaution. The manifesto said 1mn gov- that of an LED era. high and increased from 88.52% The central government is storing the vaccine will be made Delhi air crisis worsens Independent MLA as stubble burning rises joins Shiv Sena IANS A former BJP Mayor of Mi- Mumbai ra-Bhayander Municipal Cor- AFP but satellite detectors have re- ers? There are so many polluting poration (MBMC), Jain was Saneta, Punjab corded more than 12,000 fi res in industries in Delhi and Punjab associated actively with the the state. but only we get blamed,” said the n a fresh jolt to the opposi- party for over a decade. In a bid to step up the cam- 42-year-old. tion Bharatiya Janata Party Meanwhile, Khadse was ac- elhi’s smog crisis headed paign, the government is off er- According to state air quality I(BJP) in Maharashtra, an corded a hero’s welcome at his for a new toxic peak yes- ing subsidised machines to clear monitors, farm fi re smoke ac- independent legislator who hometown Muktainagar in Jal- Dterday but farmers are re- rice paddies and farmers who are counted for 56% of Delhi’s pol- supported the party after the gaon yesterday, and he vowed fusing to stop the stubble burn- caught starting fi res are blocked lution in 2018 and 44% last year. October 2019 assembly elec- to give ‘tension’ to the BJP. ing that is widely blamed for the for bank loans. Authorities say the share has tions, joined the ruling Shiv Hundreds of workers poisonous clouds engulfi ng the But thick grey clouds of smoke fallen further this year, but not Sena in Mumbai yesterday. stopped his motorcade at vari- national capital. that carry deadly particles to the enough to ease the crisis in Delhi. Geeta Jain, who was elected ous locations outside the town Air pollution in parts of Delhi world’s most polluted capital can Some experts say the wors- as a BJP rebel candidate from garlanding him or off ering reached “severe” levels yester- still be seen everywhere. ening smog is because of the Mira-Bhayander constituency bouquets and sweets. day - a day after US President Because of Delhi’s position and number of cars on the roads, of Thane district, is considered “Those who traumatised Donald Trump described Indian weather pattern, every winter the construction and industry as an infl uential leader among me for the past four years, air as “fi lthy” - with monitoring city is choked by deadly smog. around the city. the business community. now I will give them tensions,” agencies warning it would wors- Farmers like Paramjeet Singh Delhi Chief Minister Arvind She visited ‘Matoshri’ in Khadse roared, a day after he en in the next two days because say they understand inhabitants’ Kejriwal has declared a “war on Bandra to a welcome by Shiv issued a veiled threat to his of the lack of wind. health concerns but consider pollution” putting up billboards Sena president and Chief Min- former party which he served Teams in states around Delhi, stubble burning a “necessary across the city while placard- ister Uddhav Thackeray, Tour- for over 40 years. home to some 20mn people, are evil” in the race to clear fi elds for wielding activists urge drivers ism Minister Aditya Thackeray He reiterated that he had not hunting the illegal stubble burn- fresh crops. to turn off their engines when and other leaders. made any demands from the ers, even driving around country “The smoke is also bad for our halted at traffi c lights. Her move was a further set- NCP but would strive to work roads at night when most fi res eyes and lungs but we don’t have But experts say political will back to the BJP, hours after for the people of the state and are started. the money to buy machines that to tackle pollution is still lack- another stalwart from Jalgaon ensure the welfare of north In the past month some 1,265 can clear the crop residue,” Singh ing with central government and former minister Eknath Maharashtra through the farmers have been fi ned in Pun- said in Saneta village, about and Delhi, Punjab and Harayana Khadse left the party after 40 Maha Vikas Aghadi govern- jab alone, according to senior 230km northwest of Delhi. states unable to agree tough ac- A cycle rickshaw driver rides past a burning straw stubble on a field, years to join Nationalist Con- ment of Shiv Sena-NCP-Con- pollution offi cer Krunesh Garg, “And why go after only farm- tion to clean the air. on the outskirts of Sirhind, in the northern state of Punjab. gress Party on Friday. gress, headed by Thackeray. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, October 25, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Getting vaccines everywhere massive transport challenge

The world is fi ghting a ferocious enemy — Covid-19, which has claimed the lives of millions and aff ected many more people in every nation on earth. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners work together on the response — tracking the pandemic, advising on critical interventions, distributing vital medical supplies to those in need — they are racing to fi nd a vaccine. Obviously, vaccines save millions of lives each year. Immunisation currently prevents two to three million deaths every year from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, infl uenza and measles. Currently, there are more than 250 potential Covid-19 Tale of two economies vaccines in various stages of development around the world, with progress being made at an unprecedented speed. Vaccines normally require years of testing and additional After the Covid-19 rebound, federal response, partisan battles over Morgenstern said on Wednesday that projects global trade volume will fall by time to produce at scale, but scientists are hoping to develop China is surging and gaining mask-wearing and lockdowns, and China does not accurately reporting 10.4% in 2020, China’s overall share of a coronavirus vaccine within 12-18 months. plenty of public events that do not anything, “let alone data regarding global trade has grown. Even if medical researchers and the pharmaceutical signifi cant ground while the follow public health guidelines. The coronavirus infections and economic Beijing is experiencing other benefi ts industry succeed in developing an eff ective vaccine, reaching US is struggling to cope with country is in the midst of a new wave of growth.” He said Trump was rebuilding as well. “We see signs of China’s success infections. a strong and inclusive economy with the in the exchange rate and equity market it out to millions of people around the world is a gigantic the ripple eff ects Entertainment venues, restaurants expected arrival of new treatments and performance at a time when many other task. and tourist spots are closed or only vaccines in what the spokesman called economies are under pressure,” Segal The last six months or By Andrea Shalal and Gabriel Crossley partially open, millions of people are out record time. said. so has proven without Washington of work indefi nitely. GDP is expected Experts cite longer-term concerns China’s fi scal defi cit for 2020 will a doubt the critical to shrink this quarter and the United about China’s economic prospects, expand by 5.6 percentage points to A network States faces a gap in economic output including the high debt levels of its 11.9% of GDP — a smaller-scale increase importance of a well- he United States and China that could last years. state-owned companies. than the massive stimulus that Beijing with both functioning healthcare dealt with the spread of the “Obviously the US government “Reliance on investment-led growth, deployed during the 2008-2009 fi nancial supply chain. It has also devastating coronavirus bungled it,” said Harry Broadman, a fuelled by credit expansion, builds up crisis, the IMF’s Fiscal Monitor shows. public-private revealed many of the Tpandemic in vastly diff erent former senior US trade offi cial and even further leverage and risks in an By contrast, the United States will shortcomings and weak ways, and that split is reshaping the managing director with Berkeley already weak fi nancial system, and will see a 12-percentage point increase in its and govt-to-govt global battle between the world’s two Research Group. The singular authority further pull down effi ciency and the 2020 fi scal defi cit as a share of GDP, to links in that chain. leading economies. of China’s Communist Party helped sustainable growth rate,” said Mark nearly 19%. partnerships While the procurement, About 11 months after the Wuhan Beijing enforce contact tracing and Sobel, a former senior US Treasury While China’s consumption is transport and distribution outbreak, China’s offi cial GDP numbers lockdowns, Broadman said. Other offi cial. improving, retail sales are still down will be essential of such items as personal this week show not only that the democracies, including New Zealand But for now, the divergent responses 7.2% over the fi rst three quarters, with protective equipment economy is growing, up 4.9% for the and South Korea, stamped out the virus to the virus will have an impact on the urban residents’ disposable incomes going forward third quarter from a year earlier, but also as China did. fi erce political and economic rivalry down 0.3% over the same period. Strict (PPE) posed one of that the Chinese are confi dent enough The real diff erence between the between Beijing and Washington with lockdowns earlier in the year led to the greatest logistics the virus has been vanquished to go United States and China is Washington ripples felt around the world, experts months of lost wages for many workers. challenges of our lifetime, this will pale in comparison to an shopping, dine and spend with gusto. “has been arguing over stimulus issues said. In Beijing, offi cials are highlighting even greater task ahead of us: vaccine logistics. China’s total reported death toll on Capitol Hill and it’s still far too “China’s economy in 2021 is going to their leadership role. That’s why the global body of airlines — IATA recently is below 5,000 and new infections little and too late,” said Broadman, be 10% bigger than it was in 2019, and “China’s epidemic control and urged governments to begin careful planning with industry are negligible, the result of strict who has served under both Republican every other major economy is going prevention is at the forefront of the lockdowns, millions of tests, and and Democratic presidents. “That has to be smaller,” said Nicholas Lardy, an world, and China’s companies are stakeholders to ensure full preparedness when vaccines unrelenting contact tracing that set the created more and more uncertainty on economist with the Peterson Institute supporting the global resumption of for Covid-19 are approved and available for distribution. stage for an economic rebound. the part of business.” for International Economics. work and production through their The association also warned of potentially severe capacity “China’s success in containing Ahead of a November 3 re-election That means China’s “role in the own resumptions,” said Liu Aihua, constraints in transporting vaccines by air. the virus has allowed its economy bid, US President Donald Trump has global economy is going to continue spokeswoman for the National Bureau The potential size of the delivery is enormous, IATA points to rebound more quickly, and with blamed China for the spread of the to expand,” Lardy predicts, making of Statistics, at a news conference where relatively less policy support, as virus and asserted his administration any attempts by US policymakers to she announced the third quarter GDP out. Just providing a single dose to 7.8bn people would fi ll compared with other large economies,” had done all it could to contain it. discourage other countries from deals results. 8,000 747 (jumbo) cargo aircraft! said former senior US Treasury offi cial Asked during a town hall due to be with Beijing, or otherwise “decouple” Meanwhile, the United States still Therefore, it is evident that we must act quickly. Stephanie Segal, a senior fellow at the broadcast on Sinclair Broadcast Group China from the global economy, more lacks a robust contact tracing system, Geography will be a defi ning factor in how quickly and U.S.-based Center for Strategic and on Wednesday if he would have done diffi cult. or enough testing, Lardy said. These are effi ciently vaccines can be distributed, and here temperature International Studies. anything diff erently, Trump said, “No, China’s exports have been stronger things the US could have “done much In the United States, 221,000 people not much.” than expected, bolstered by demand for better at without being an authoritarian requirements are likely to be the main challenge, points are dead from Covid-19 after a delayed White House spokesman Brian medical goods overseas. While the IMF single party state,” he added. — Reuters out World Economic Forum (WEF). If vaccines need to be distributed under the more stringent scenario, especially regions with a particularly warm climate and those with limited cold-chain logistics infrastructure will pose a huge challenge — this is the case in large parts of Africa, South America and Asia, WEF says. The world has learned a lot of lessons over the past few months with regard to this health crisis. One of them is that suffi cient planning and solid partnerships make a huge diff erence when it comes to meeting the surge in demand for medical supplies and ensuring their eff ective distribution. Delivering billions of doses of vaccine to the entire world effi ciently will involve hugely complex logistical and programmatic obstacles all the way along the supply chain. A network with both public-private and government-to- government partnerships will be essential going forward. Therefore, governments, vaccine manufacturers and logistical partners should work together and ensure an effi cient global roll-out of a safe and aff ordable Covid-19 vaccine. All of us are eager to see this pandemic end as quickly as possible!

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IN THE SHADOWS: President Donald Trump with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. “China’s economy in 2021 is going to be 10% bigger than it was in 2019, and every © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved other major economy is going to be smaller,” says Nicholas Lardy, an economist with the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Gulf Times Sunday, October 25, 2020 11 PAKISTAN

Pakistani filmmaker wins award in Highest Apex court judge recommends criminal Singapore single day proceedings against law minister, others Internews fi dential information regarding ticle 248 of the Constitution. Islamabad the income tax returns of Justice The judge has stated that the Isa and Sarina Isa, prima facie, law minister and the ARU chair- exposes them to criminal pros- man lacked the mandate to initi- he long-awaited detailed ecution for having committed an ate an inquiry against a sitting virus cases judgment in the Justice off ence under Section 199 read judge of the Supreme Court, as TQazi Faez Isa case was with sections 198 and 216(1) of the legal domain to do so rests fi nally delivered with Justice the Ordinance,” Justice Afridi solely with the Supreme Judicial Yahya Afridi’s dissenting note stated in the judgment. Council, and none other. Honoured: Shehzad Hameed. surprising many as it recom- Subsequently, Justice Yahya Declaring his fellow judge’s mended criminal proceedings has directed the incumbent petitions not maintainable, Jus- Award-winning Pakistani since July against Law Minister Farogh Na- Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tice Afridi has accepted the con- filmmaker Shehzad Hameed seem and Assets Recovery Unit chairman to ensure that the en- stitutional challenge made by Ahmad was recently honoured (ARU) Chairman Mirza Shahzad tire record of the present case is the petitioners representing the by United Women Singapore for Akbar, among others. placed before the FBR “to pro- entire lawyers’ community of championing the cause of gender Internews ganization (WHO) has appre- In a 24-page judgment, Justice ceed under the law, against the Under fire: Farogh Naseem. the country. equality through his films. Islamabad ciated the response of federal Afridi also declared that Presi- law minister, the ARU chairman, “[They] have been able to In an online ceremony, Singapore- and provincial governments dent Arif Alvi failed to discharge the then FBR chairman and all pliance report of the above ac- successfully establish that the based Ahmad was awarded of Pakistan for eff ectively con- his constitutional obligations as the concerned income tax offi c- tion of the FBR to be submitted worthy president grossly failed the Gender Equality Impact akistan has reported taining the pandemic. ordained under Article 209(5) ers qua their role in ordering to by the incumbent FBR chairman to exercise his discretion as Changemaker (Male Individual) its single-highest day The WHO mission from of the Constitution by showing inquire into, solicit, disclose and under his signature to the reg- mandated under the Constitu- award. Pcoronavirus cases since EMRO region was presenting blatant and uncalled for obedi- receive confi dential information istrar of the Supreme Court not tion and, thus, the entire process Over the last 10 years, Shehzad July after 847 people tested their fi ndings at a debriefi ng ence to the “advice” of the prime relating to the income tax re- later than 15 days from receipt of built thereon leading to the fi ling has done considerable work to positive for the novel virus. session in Islamabad, chaired minister for fi ling the reference turns of Justice Isa and Isa”. the judgment. of the reference was in violation highlight women’s causes and Some 31,009 tests were by Special Assistant to Prime against a sitting judge of the Similarly, the top court’s judge Leaving nothing to imagina- of the law and the Constitution,” creating awareness for gender conducted across the coun- Minister on National Health apex court. continued the fact that the then tion, Justice Afridi has made it he declared. equality. try in the last 24 hours, tak- Services Dr Faisal Sultan. In his dissenting note, Justice FBR chairman and the income clear that “no constitutional im- In the judgment, he stated His work includes the likes of ing the total number of tests The WHO mission, com- Afridi, who had earlier dismissed tax offi cials having not refused munity from prosecution would that the income tax offi cials pro- The Pakistani Four (2012), where conducted to 4,235,329. prising a team of WHO ex- Justice Isa’s petition but allowed the illegal directions of the law be available to the law minister ceed unlawfully by disclosing he traversed across America to The country has confi rmed perts, is on 10-day visit to Pa- superior bars petitions against minister and ARU chairman, and or any other federal minister for confi dential information to un- film the journey of four Pakistani 327,459 coronavirus cases. kistan to review lessons learnt the presidential reference, has passing on confi dential infor- issuing directions to obtain le- authorised persons, noting that American women; Flight of the Out of these, 10,235 are active from Pakistan’s Covid-19 given a detailed reasoning as to mation to them, prima facie, ex- gally confi dential information, the chain of directions emanated Falcons (2015), that profiled the cases, while 586 are critical response and to work with why he reached such conclu- poses them not only to depart- and that too in the face of the from the law minister. inspiring journey of Pakistani cases. national and provincial health sions and for what reasons the mental action but also to penal said direction to an offi cer of the Subsequently, he stated that schoolteacher and her two-room The country also reported experts. law minister and others have consequences under Section 198 government to commit an of- all persons at diff erent rungs of school in Aroop, Gujranwala that 12 more deaths from Cov- The main area of review exposed themselves to criminal read with Section 216(1) of the fence under the ordinance.” the governmental hierarchy, who highlighted the issues of girls’ id-19, taking the nationwide was surveillance, point of en- proceedings in his view. Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. He said that it was further were part of this unlawful dis- education in rural Pakistan; and death toll to 6,727. In the last try, risk communication and “The direction of the law min- Ensuring that the matter does vehemently asserted that the closure of confi dential informa- Nepal’s Child Brides 2017, that 24 hours, 455 people also re- community engagement, and ister and the ARU chairman to not remain pending for long, law minister was immune from tion, have exposed themselves to highlights the work of Nepali covered from the virus. continuity in essential health solicit, obtain and receive con- Justice Afridi has sought a com- criminal prosecution under Ar- penal prosecution. activists in creating awareness So far, Sindh has report- services. about this crucial issue. ed 143,222 cases and 2,594 President of Pakistan Arif He works on a range of diff erent deaths; Punjab 102,467 cas- Alvi yesterday urged people to topics with his work being es and 2,334 deaths; Balo- adopt precautionary measures featured on TVF International, chistan 15,791 cases and 148, to avert the resurgence of the Toggle, DawnNews TV, National and KP 38,923 infections and pandemic. Pakistan’s Skardu set for a new world mark Geographic, TV Ontario, CNA and 1,268 death. Talking to Governor Ba- Crime and Investigation Channel, Similarly, 18,764 cases and lochistan Amanullah Khan amongst others. 207 deaths have been report- Yasinzai in Quetta, he said the Internews done in Okara, Multan and some ed from Islamabad; 4,148 coronavirus situation is not Skardu other places of Pakistan. cases, and 90 deaths from alarming in Pakistan but in The PFB president said an Disqualification Gilgit-Baltistan (GB); and many countries it is once again inter-district championship of 3,748 cases, and 86 deaths in becoming a concern. he Pakistan Federation Gilgit-Baltistan featuring four case against Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Balochistan Governor in- Baseball (PFB) is gear- teams would be staged on No- minister set for The National Com- formed the president that the Ting up to set a new world vember 3 and 4. mand and Operation Centre teaching process has been record, presently held by the “A two-day coaching course next month (NCOC) has taken notice of initiated in universities under US, when it organises exhibi- will also be held in Gilgit- the alarming spike in the cas- SOPs across the province. tions matches between Paki- Baltistan during the inter-dis- The Islamabad High Court es during the last couple of Chief Secretary Balo- stan Greens and Whites teams trict championship to prepare yesterday announced to hear the days and noted that Muzaf- chistan apprised the meet- in Skardu city on Oct 31, at the the technical staff of this region,” petition seeking disqualification farabad, Hyderabad, Karachi ing that the coronavirus highest altitude of above 7,000 Fakhar stated. of Federal Science and and GB have a higher posi- rate is 1.5 per cent in the feet besides staging an inter- He said two women of Hunza Technology Fawad Chaudhry for tivity ratio along with other province and positive tests district championship in Gilgit- valley had already represented hiding his assets on November 16. areas across the country. have been reported in 500 Baltistan. Pakistan in the World Cup held in Chief Justice Athar Minallah It also declared markets, students. Currently, Denver (Colorado) South Korea and they produced will hear the case, according marriage halls, the transport The president expressed in the US is the highest baseball fi ne performance mainly due to to the cause list issued by the sector, restaurants and pub- satisfaction over the steps playing point at 5,130 feet while their better stamina. Registrar’s Off ice. lic gatherings as high-risk taken by government for Skardu is located at an altitude “Due to Covid-19, all baseball The petitioner, journalist Sami areas. prevention of coronavirus of around 7,310 feet. Another events across the world have been Ibrahim, claimed that the minister But the World Health Or- in Balochistan. exhibition baseball match will be deferred for the next year. And did not disclose details of the staged in Gilgit on November 3. now, due to fi nancial constraints, it land he owns in Jhelum while “The subject of organising will be a challenge [for PFB] to fi eld filing his nominating papers for these matches at the highest al- the national team in six interna- 2018 General Elections and that titude by Pakistan has already tional events being held in the year for the same reasons he should been highlighted by the world 2021,” the PFB president added. be disqualified. baseball federation on its web- “The PFB needs fi nancial sup- Both the minister and journalist site,” PFB president Syed Fakhar port from the Ministry of Inter- are no strangers to each other. Ali Shah said while addressing a To a question however, Fakhar staging baseball matches at the provincial Coordination, other- A controversy had erupted press conference here at the of- said all the arrangements were highest altitude. wise, it will be diffi cult for us to after Fawad Chaudhary slapped fi ce of the Sports Journalists As- being made on self-help basis “For the last ten days, the compete in the international com- Sami Ibrahim during a wedding sociation of Lahore (SJAL). without any assistance from the PFB has been in contact with petitions.” ceremony in Faisalabad last June. “Due to cold weather, cur- government. the government at diff erent lev- Meanwhile, Fakhar said if the Chaudhry took the stance that rently prevailing in that area, it He hoped that besides the els and hopefully, soon it would government extended support to anchorperson Ibrahim conducted is not easy to hold the matches. private sector, the federal and come forward to help us out for the PFB, the federation could or- programmes against him, aired However, the PFB has arranged other governments in this re- this national cause.” ganise home series against Malay- pictures of his wife and daughter, special kits for the players to gard would come forward to play He said the PFB was also go- sia, Bangladesh and Egypt, noting and is running a campaign meet all the challenges of the their role as the country would ing to set up a baseball academy these countries were interested in against him on social media. harsh weather there,” he added. earn a unique honour globally by in Gilgit next month like it had coming to Pakistan. Riders club: Living the Harley dream, with passion

Internews 100 of us,” says one of the old- by bandits, the riders chuckle. We are also trying to encour- Islamabad est members of the club, Shiraz “These are not your regular mo- age them,” Qureshi says, add- Qureshi. torcycles. They stand out. Where ing that his daughter, Maham Riders were busy fi nalis- are the bandits going to hide a Shiraz, has also started riding a oots, jeans, jacket, helmet, ing last-minute details before stolen bike that sticks out like a Harley recently. She also took goggles and of course that their journey up north as they sore thumb? part in the annual off -road rally Bhuge bike would fi t the de- spoke. “It’s our annual Pakistan And even if it is dismantled in Cholistan where she came scription of any Harley Davidson ride. Sometimes we head up to and sold in pieces, who do you second in her debut race. rider. Still, the persona has more the Khunjerab Pass, sometimes think will be buying the piec- “I always dreamt of owning a than what meets the eye. to Muzaff arabad, like this time es?” Harley Davidson owners of Harley as a child but my father They are not bad boys; they around. course! was not in favour of it. When I are not wild as may be perceived Otherwise, we occasionally Although all Harley own- bought my fi rst Harley, I was 30- from Hollywood movies or the take to the broad open highways ers in Pakistan don’t belong to plus. There was no possibility of television portrayals of biker while heading to Kund Malir HOG, as there are now many my owning it in my teens. gangs in the US. Out here in Pa- and Gwadar. There are also our clubs for heavy bike owners here But I am proud of my daugh- kistan, they are just hobbyists weekly early morning Sunday also, HOG, Pakistan is the oldest ter,” he says, adding that the gear making sure they observe all the rides of 200km to 400km where among them. worn by the riders, including the rules of being part of the Har- we may ride up to Nooriabad, They also have a bikers’ helmet, boots, jeans and jackets, ley Owners Group, Pakistan, or Hyderabad or beyond,” he says. hangout called The Harley Dis- are all part of safety gear as they HOG, Pakistan. About their annual Pakistan trict or THD in Clifton where are padded. Founded in 1983 in the US, ride, Qureshi says that although you have a sales showroom for “Our club is very particular HOG is the largest motorcycle they do it every year, this time Harleys as well as a workshop about observing rules, one of club in the world with chapters it will be diff erent and they are with specialist mechanics for which happens to be wearing in many countries, including bracing themselves for it. “There maintenance of the bikes. the safety gear while riding. Of Pakistan. It is said that within are going to be 30 to 40 of us, “With more and more hobby- course there are other things too six years of its coming about, in with 20 from Karachi and the ists like us getting Harleys, this such as not making loud engine 1989, its membership soared to rest joining us from our Lahore An enthusiast enjoying a Harley ride in Pakistan. was needed,” says Qureshi. He sounds to show off , etc.” 90,000. and Islamabad chapters. adds that the place is open to all Showbiz celebrities Faysal By the year 2000, it was up to “The weather is only just We are hobbyists, adventur- the model, engine size, etc. ing to pay for it. Harley owners even if they are Qureshi, Fahad Mustafa and Ai- 500,000 and it is getting bigger turning pleasant, which is good. ers, we belong to this school of As you hear the cost a whis- Still, all heavy bikes are not not HOG members. jazz Aslam are all proud Harley and bigger as time goes by. The However, we have the pandemic, thought,” he says with a shrug. tle escapes your mouth, and it that expensive. Many Japanese With Pakistan getting more Davidson owners. So does their HOG’s Pakistan chapter was about which we are hearing all The Harley Davidson is no is met by a retort: “There are brands also have heavy bikes out and more women bikers, the inclusion in HOG, Pakistan also formed in 2010. sorts of things but we have decid- ordinary bike; an American people who love Land Cruis- in the market.” question of their being included bring the club glamour? “At the time there were just ed to brave it because one needs brand, it has to be imported ers, Audis and BMWs and they When asked if during their in HOG also arises. “Yes, there “When you are on a Harley, three to four of us here, though to also get exposed to viruses for with costs ranging from Rs2 are willing to pay for it. We rides they have ever worried are a few women Harley owners you are a celebrity, no matter presently there are around 90 to one’s antibodies to kick in. million to 14mn depending on love Harleys and we are will- about the bikes getting snatched here too. who you are,” Qureshi smiles. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, October 25, 2020 QATAR

Some 120 local, Arab and international companies specialising in the S’hail has also become an important marketing platform supporting field of falcons, hunting, camping and adventure took part. the national economy and reviving the local market. Father Amir visits S’hail exhibition The award for Most Beautiful Falcon Hood went to Falcon Leather. „ 4th edition of hunting and falcons exhibition at Katara falconry and adventure supplies. The award for Most Beautiful Pavilion went to the 5.11 pavilion. concludes after achieving great success Handicrafts and art also had „ Precautionary measures ensure safe experience for all a presence on the sidelines the exhibition, highlighting Qatari is Highness the Father unanimously agreed on the suc- heritage. Amir Sheikh Hamad bin cess achieved by S’hail 2020 in S’hail 2020 attracted thou- HKhalifa al-Thani visited terms of its size and diversity, the sands of visitors over its fi ve-day S’hail – Katara International provision of all hunting equip- duration and saw some high- Hunting and Falcons Exhibition ment and other requirements, level visits, including those by yesterday. and displaying the latest types His Highness the Amir Sheikh During his morning visit, he of weapons and rifl es, the state- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and toured diff erent sections of the ment noted. HE the Prime Minister and Min- exhibition, accompanied by Dr The participating fi rms praised ister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khaled bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, the “remarkable levels” achieved Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. the general manager of Katara – by the exhibition this year, A number of other dignitar- the Cultural Village Foundation stressing its “excellent organisa- ies, including ministers, Sheikhs, and chairman of the S’hail 2020 tion in securing their needs”. ambassadors, and representa- organising committee. They also lauded the precau- tives of diplomatic missions, also His Highness the Father Amir tionary measures implemented visited S’hail. visited the hunting, falconry by the exhibition’s management The exhibition saw the par- supplies, adventure and trekking in accordance with the highest ticipation of various ministries, sections, in addition to other ar- health and safety standards to institutions and governmental Various accessories were also on display at the exhibition, which eas displaying the best and fi nest ensure a safe experience for all and offi cial bodies, such as the The exhibition management implemented health and safety concluded yesterday. types of falcons, Katara said in a concerned. Ministry of Interior (MoI), Min- measures. statement. These include electronic res- istry of Municipality and Envi- Held over fi ve days, the activi- ervation, a streamlined entry of ronment (MME) represented by ties of the fourth edition of S’hail visitors, and the sanitisation of the Environmental Aff airs and concluded yesterday evening booths, facilities and corridors. Livestock Management Sector, with the exhibition witnessing Social distancing and elec- the Qatar Red Crescent Society the participation of 120 local, tronic payment ensured that (QRCS) and Souq Waqif Hospital Arab and international compa- S’hail 2020 “raised itself to a – which ensured comprehensive nies specialising in the fi eld of leadership position among inter- health checks on falcons before falcons, hunting, camping and national exhibitions specialis- completing the purchase process adventure. ing in hunting and falcons in the – in addition to the Al Jnoub Re- The winners of the S’hail 2020 Middle East region”, the state- serve and Qatari Al Gannas As- competitions were awarded last ment said. sociation, the statement added. evening at the conclusion of the S’hail has also become an im- The fourth edition of S’hail event. portant economic and marketing 2020 was held in partnership The 5.11 pavilion was adjudged platform that contributes to sup- with the Social & Sporting Ac- the Most Beautiful Pavilion at porting the national economy tivities Support Fund, Qatar Air- S’hail 2020, winning a prize of and reviving the local market. ways, Ooredoo, Qatar Insurance QR20,000, while Falcon Leather The exhibition was able to Group, Milaha, and Tanzifco. won the fi rst prize of $3,000 in meet the expectations of all the The organising committee the Most Beautiful Falcon Hood exhibitors and cater to the re- thanked the MoI, MME, Minis- category. quests of visitors, including fal- try of Public Health, the QRCS The winners were crowned by conry enthusiasts and lovers of and other sponsors and support- Dr al-Sulaiti. hunting and adventure, with ers for their eff orts in making the Handicrafts and art also had a presence on the sidelines of the Participating firms displayed an array of hunting equipment. The participating entities modern and innovative hunting, event a huge success. exhibition. UDC makes good progress on Gewan Island project

From Page 1 Simultaneously, reclamation will be replaced by 25 navigation- project during the construc- works at the island’s entrance are al buoys in accordance with the tion stage, a temporary recycling UDC has also begun the con- done, which has allowed other guidelines of the International plant is also being installed to struction of Gewan Island’s works to be mobilised in adjacent Association of Marine Aids to recycle waste concrete and wa- entrance cable-stayed bridge, areas, mainly the golf course, Navigation and Lighthouse Au- ter generated from construction which will connect the island to hotel and beach club, where pri- thorities. works, for reuse in other works. The Pearl-Qatar and the main mary infrastructure works have While construction works Once completed, Gewan Is- highway. already started. continue in full swing at Gewan land will enrich the urban land- The 250m-long bridge rests While these have been signed Island, development activi- scape of the West Bay area, as it on two pylons 43m above The off to be operated by Corinthia ties have reached the milestone is located adjacent to The Pearl- Pearl-Qatar’s Boulevard, and will Hotels, UDC has yet to award of over 1mn site working hours Qatar spanning 400,000sq m feature motifs, decorative light- hotel and beach club construc- without any “Lost Time Inju- and accommodating 3,500 resi- ing, and rose gold fi nishes, which tion works in the second quarter ries”, which proves again “UDC’s dents and a similar number of complement Gewan Island’s of 2021. unwavering commitment to the visitors daily. character. The Corinthia Gewan Island health and safety of all site work- The island will be home to 657 Once complete, the bridge Qatar Hotel will be an archi- ers and contractors”, the state- residential units, including 586 promises to be a landmark and tectural jewel combining urban ment adds. apartments, 21 beachfront villas an architectural and engineering luxury and neo-classical design. Further, UDC said it also at- with private beach, 26 waterfront masterpiece. It is envisioned to become a taches great importance to the villas that are equipped with pri- Construction works of the py- unique landmark on Gewan Is- sustainability of its projects and vate pontoons for private boats, lons started earlier this year, and land and a benchmark of high- operations. six independent island mansions, the foundations are already com- end hospitality in Doha. To this end, batching plant fa- 11,000sq m of retail spaces, and pleted. It will include many leisure cilities have been erected for the 15 multi-use buildings. Work on the bridge towers has activities and amenities, such Raft foundation concrete pour at Gewan Island. supply of concrete on the project It will also feature a golf course also begun, in addition to the fi rst as a luxurious beach club with by United Readymix, a UDC joint with the fi ve-star Corinthia Ge- pre-casting operation of the fi rst stunning chalets and exquisite 21 beachfront villas with private mansions and a private yacht nel for boats, and placing of rock venture company, which will wan Island Qatar Hotel and con- concrete segment forming the restaurants, Gewan Golf Club beaches. harbour, in addition to being ac- groins to separate the villas, have reduce delivery time and con- nected beach club, an air-condi- bridge’s deck, which was per- stretching over six hectares of There would also be six pri- cessible via a private driveway. already been fi nalised. struction traffi c, and hence the tioned outdoor crystal walkway formed last week, out of a total parkland, and a kids’ club. vate island mansions at Gewan’s Marine works, including rec- Meanwhile, to ensure the impact, to the existing road net- and seaside promenade, parks 42 segments. Shaping the borders of Gewan crest, which will have an area of lamation, shaping of the seabed, safety of mariners, tower lights, works adjacent to Gewan Island and green areas, in addition to Bridge works are expected to Island is a set of 26 waterfront 4,500sq m to 9,500sq m, and can forming of private beaches, cre- blinkers and temporary marker and The Pearl-Qatar. various entertainment facilities, continue further into next year. villas with private pontoons and accommodate ultra-luxurious ating a new navigational chan- buoys have been installed, which To reduce the waste of the a clubhouse, and a mosque.