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TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 / SHABAAN 3, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17638 16 PAGES 150 FILS MP initiates follow-the-money queries on PIFSS

28 back Al-Dahoum Opinion By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh CORONA cases dip Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, March 15: MP Hassan Jawhar forwarded queries to Minister of Become ‘wolves’ Ten percent vaccinated Finance and Minister of State for Eco- nomic and Investment Affairs Khalifa Hamada about the names of funds, port- to deter the foxes By Marwa Al-Bahrawi folios, investment companies and banks Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies where the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) invested for fiscals By Ahmed Al-Jarallah 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times KUWAIT CITY, March 15, (Agencies): Kuwait reported 1,063 coronavirus cases and 2018/ 2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/ 2021. seven deaths, raising the total number of cases to 209,523 and fatalities to 1,172 on Sun- He wants to know the participation THERE is an Arab adage – If you are not a mischievous wolf, the foxes day. amount, opening balance, contribution will walk all over you. In a statement to KUNA, the Ministry of Health’s official spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said there are and redemption of PIFSS in each of the The decision makers in Kuwait are required to reflect on this saying, abovementioned investment entities; as especially these days, with chaos reigning due to slackness of the ex- 209 patients in ICUs, adding that 14,179 patients are still receiving medical care. The number of swabs reached 6,173 in the past 24 hours with infection rate of 17.2 percent, raising the total num- well as the realized and unrealized gain/ ecutive authority and the lack of a firm decision to prevent the tamper- loss. ing with the security of Kuwait. ber of swabs to 1,907,214, he He asked why Kuwait Credit Bank Given that the ruling depends on decisions, an initiative must be noted. (KCB), Kuwait National Petroleum taken to stop the country’s depletion at all levels. Therefore, the Con- Earlier today, the ministry Corporation (KNPC), Public Authority stitutional Court’s ruling, which was issued yesterday to nullify the announced that 1,390 people parliamentary status of Dr Bader Al-Dahoum, is an indication that the for Industry (PAI), Kuwait Ports Au- recovered from the virus, rais- thority (KPA), Kuwait Fund for Arab balance of justice through the Kuwaiti judiciary’s measures is the only ing the total number of recover- source of strength that remains for us. Economic Development (KFAED) and ies to 209,523. While the num- Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) did not This should be the standard with which other authorities work, espe- ber of people who have taken cially the executive authority so that it does not remain captive to the hand over the profits they got to the the injection for the prevention Ministry of Finance. He wants to know chaos caused by the MPs who revealed their true colors from the mo- of COVID-19 in Kuwait in- ment they won, and did not hide their work which is based on a special the amount of these profits. agenda that has nothing to do with the national agenda. creased to 408,000 people, at a Jawhar also asked Minister of Health Unfortunately, those who are known for their orientations and per- rate of 10% of the population, Dr Basel Al-Sabah about the safety con- sonal interests were met by a semi-submissive government that was Al-Sabah Specialized Medical ditions for food items imported from persistent in not responding. This made it seem powerless in the eyes District has begun to take an Egypt. He requested for copies of the of Kuwaitis. Its impotence is the reason for the spread of liquidity in all inventory and prepare lists of documents showing the imported food institutions and the disruption of the country to such an extent that the the names of patients who are items from Egypt are safe for human economic crisis has become a great threat. hospitalized at centers affiliated consumption. It unfortunately also seems as though the government is oblivious to the hospital for long periods In another development, a total of 28 to this reality. Instead of setting a clear and quick plan to remedy the to prepare them for the orona MPs signed a statement to express sup- imbalance, the Minister of Finance comes out to say, “We need $90 vaccine. port for MP Badr Al-Dahoum after the per a barrel of oil to make Kuwait’s budget deficit zero”. This does not The Al-Seyassah daily has Constitutional Court nullified his parlia- bode well at all. learned from well-informed mentary membership. Since the last 40 years, everyone has been warning Kuwait about health sources that the head These MPs pointed out that Kuwait the harm of total dependence on oil, and that the failure to diversify of the Public Health Services is known for its deep-rooted democracy sources of income would lead to major structural crises. However, the Department in the Al-Sabah which recently witnessed backwardness successive governments turned a deaf ear to these calls, and the most Specialized Medical District, they could do in response was an expression of concern, as if this fate- in all fields because of widespread cor- Dr Samira Al-Qabandi, in an ruption and lack of justice. ful matter did not directly concern them. address to the Director of Al- All this led to the current situation, which forces us to acknowledge Criticized the truth despite its bitterness. In fact, the government is not alone to be Sabah Medical District, Dr blamed, but the political system as a whole, which has great constitu- Ahmed Al-Shatti and the di- They criticized the verdict of the tional powers. As we have said several times, it begins with dissolving rectors of hospitals and spe- Constitutional Court; asserting it is il- the parliament and reaches the approval of the decrees of necessity, cialized centers has called for logical, has no legal basis and beyond especially in light of the existence of a parliament that rejects all the making a list of all patients the authority given to the court, consid- solutions offered because the MPs are focused only on what is impor- who have been hospitalized ering the Court of Cassation had earlier tant to them. for long periods of time to re- ruled on the appeal and this is supposed For example, diversifying sources of income is still a distant dream ceive one of the two vaccines to be the final decision. due to the absence of a plan for the revival of industrial and tourism against the corona pandemic The MPs disclosed the Constitutional sectors, and the failure to implement the Silk City and the Northern either Pfizer Biontec or Astra- Court’s decision is a new priority in Economic Zone projects, and many other projects that form a basic Zeneca ‘Oxford’. addition to general amnesty, enhanc- platform for a productive and diversified economy that accommodates However, Al-Qabandi said ing freedom of expression and amend- tens of thousands of national manpower. for the immunization of pa- ing the law on disqualifying candidates This parliament, as well as its predecessor, has not offered any Egyptian workers assemble concrete forms at a building site as a giant Saudi tients the approval of the at- who are convicted of offending others solutions. It refuses to borrow from overseas or withdraw from the tending physician is needed which is considered a form of political future generations fund. At the same time, it works on fulfilling the flag hangs in the background at King Abdullah Square in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 14. An Islamic creed on the flag reads, ‘There is no deity except God, and to know if the patient’s health execution. absurd demands of the MPs, and conceals all of this with the slogan Muhammad is the messenger of God.’ (AP) status allows him/her to be vac- They stressed the need to amend the of democracy. It claims that the people are the source of authority, law on establishing the Constitutional but the balance of power for 400 years has been much more in the cinated, and to write a medical report on each case separately. Court so the other MPs will not to be people than the slogans of the MPs. It is the rule that achieved the targeted as it happened with Al-Da- accurate democracy. Tourist charged with spying Approval houm. This fact must be well understood by the decision makers. They must be firm with their decisions to settle the matter, because the ab- This is in addition to the pa- In conclusion, they called on the peo- sence of a decision has put the government in the MPs’ line of fire. It tient’s family giving approval ple of Kuwait to intensify monitoring of hardly attains a vote of confidence and resorts to resignation whenever for vaccination. the performance of the three authorities an MP expresses his intention to interpellate. Tehran urges quick Meanwhile, a recent scientif- – executive, legislative and judicial. Nonetheless, all this hasn’t been achieved because of the govern- ic study published in the Brit- A number of MPs also announced ment’s argument that “the parliament rejects these projects”. This is ish medical journal ‘Biomed’, that they will not attend the session slat- tantamount to what was mentioned at the beginning of this article, ophthalmologist consultant ed for the oath taking of the new gov- which is – “If you are not a mischievous wolf, the foxes will walk all at the Ministry of Health, Dr ernment. On Twitter, these MPs agreed over you”. US return to N-deal Yousef Al-Dhafiri, demon- to take this step and that whoever does not respect the nation’s will is not ca- Email: [email protected] strated the effectiveness of us- BRUSSELS, March 15, (AP): Iranian “A lot of things can happen between ing sonar to treat intraocular pable of taking the oath to respect the Follow me on: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif now and September. So, it is advisable pressure during cataract opera- Constitution and laws. on Monday urged the United States to for the United States to move fast,” Zarif tion. According to Social Watcher on quickly rejoin the international agree- said. Al-Dhafiri said in a press Twitter, the issue became a trending ment limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Iran believes that the US, as the coun- statement he conducted a sci- topic with 64,000 tweets in this regard [email protected] warning that the Islamic Republic’s up- try which first reneged on the 2015 agree- entific research on 60 patients by more than 25,000 individuals and 75 coming elections could stymie progress ment, must make the first move, and in Kuwait. He added the peri- percent of whom expressed support for in any talks. should not set any preconditions. od of research lasted two years Al-Dahoum. The Trump administration in 2018 uni- “We don’t see any reason for talks; we and the intraocular pressure The supporters of Al-Dahoum argued laterally withdrew the US from the Ira- can go immediately to implementation was reviewed for all patients that the law on disqualifying candidates Newswatch nian nuclear accord, in which Tehran had and then have talks,” Zarif said. with the use of drops to treat convicted of offending others is not agreed to limit its uranium enrichment Iran has meanwhile charged a French intraocular pressure or without applicable to him because the law was in exchange for the lifting of economic tourist with spying and “spreading pro- the use of those drops, and it issued in 2016 while Al-Dahoum was sanctions. paganda against the system,” his law- convicted in 2014. KUWAIT CITY: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- When the US then reimposed some yer said Monday, the latest in a series was found during the observa- Jaber Al-Sabah departed the United States on Sunday heading toward sanctions and added others, Iran gradu- of cases against foreigners at a time of tion period the eye pressure Verdict Europe on a private visit. ally and publicly abandoned the deal’s heightened tensions between Iran and decreased significantly, most His Highness the Amir had undergone successful medical examina- On the other hand, the Constitutional limits on its nuclear development. the West. of who were dispensed with Court based its decision on the fact that tions in New York. White House officials have said the Benjamin Berier was arrested some eye drops. He was seen off at the airport upon his departure to Europe by the the imprisonment verdict was issued new US administration is prepared to re- 10 months ago after taking pictures in a Al Dhafiri advised that ul- against Al-Dahoum in 2014 but it was State of Kuwait Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al- trasound and cataract should Jaber Al-Sabah, Permanent Envoy of the State of Kuwait to the UN turn to the deal as soon as Tehran shows desert area where photography is prohib- suspended until 2017 which means he Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi, the State of Kuwait Consul in New “strict compliance” with its terms. ited and asking questions “in the media” be performed in one operation is subject to the law. Analysts pointed York Ahmad Ali Al-Hazim and embassy staff. (KUNA) Zarif said that as Iran’s elections ap- about Iran’s obligatory Islamic headscarf in the event of eye pressure be- out the solution could be through filing ❑ ❑ ❑ proach the United States will find itself for women, his lawyer Saeed Dehghan cause of its great benefit in the an appeal at the Constitutional Court dealing with a government unable to wrote on Twitter. long term, as well as reducing SANAA: Forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized government make progress in the nuclear talks. Authorities were holding Berier at against the constitutionality of the law the use of ‘glaucoma’ drops, or by amending the law. managed to retake swaths of territory from the Houthi rebels in the past “A lame duck government will not be a prison in the northeast city of Mash- which may cause damage to the days, offi cials and tribal leaders from both sides said on Sunday. able to do anything serious. And then we had, Dehghan said. Prosecutors recently MP Muhammad Al-Mutair forward- optic nerve. ed queries to Minister of Foreign Af- Government forces earlier their month launched an offensive against will have a waiting period of almost six presented the propaganda charges in a Director General of the Pub- rebel positions in the western Hajjah province, seizing control of over months. We will not have a government court hearing, he added, without speci- fairs and Minister of State for Cabinet dozen villages in Abs district, they said. The move is part of a drive lic Authority for Manpower Affairs Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mu- before September,” Zarif said at an on- fying when. Under Iranian law, a spying (PAM) Ahmed Al-Mousa toward the key port of Hodeida, which handles about 70% of Yemen’s line conference with the European Policy conviction can lead to up to 10 years in hammad about the allowances, bonus commercial and humanitarian imports. (AP) Centre think-tank in Brussels. prison. confirmed that at present, the or excellent performance incentive that ❑ ❑ ❑ authority has no restriction for the Secretariat General of the Cabinet the private sector to recruit the BENGHAZI: Forces of Libya’s eastern military strongman said they pays to the assistant secretary general arrested a suspected senior local Islamic State fi ghter on Sunday in a medical staff they need, reports for Administrative and Financial Af- southwestern town known to be a militant hideout. Al-Rai daily. fairs, senior and supervisory officials Mohammed Miloud was once an IS leader in the coastal city of Oman blocks ‘Clubhouse’ app Al-Mousa explained in a and expatriate employees from Jan 1, Sirte, held by the group before they were driven out in a US-backed statement to the daily that the 2013 till date. campaign in 2016, spokesman Ahmed al-Mosmari said. (AP) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March in Oman reported receiving error mes- private medical sector can hire 15, (AP): Oman has cut off access to the sages when they tried to use the platform. He requested for details such as the ❑ ❑ ❑ the medical professionals they names, qualifications and experience buzzy new audio chat app Clubhouse, the Many said they could only bypass re- need through the new proce- PRISTINA: Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it has formally country’s telecommunications regulator strictions using a virtual private network of senior, supervisory and non-Kuwaiti opened its embassy to Israel in the disputed city of Jerusalem. dures which are in place in employees at the Secretariat General of confirmed Monday, setting off fears that (VPN). Clubhouse did not respond to re- light of the repercussions of the A statement said the move was made after the establishment of dip- authorities across the Arabian Gulf may peated requests for comment on restric- the Cabinet. lomatic ties with Israel on Feb. 1 and a Kosovo-Serbia summit held at censor a rare forum for discussion of sen- tions in Oman or elsewhere in the Gulf. corona pandemic by submitting He also demanded for the list of Ku- the White House in September. sitive topics in the region. Clubhouse, the invitation-only social a formal request to the corona waiti consultants at the Office of the “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora announces that the The Omani government has “forbidden media app, has exploded in popularity in Emergency Ministerial Com- Minister of Foreign Affairs since Jan 1, Kosovo Embassy in the State of Israel, with headquarters in Jerusalem, the app because it was operating without recent months, particularly gaining trac- mittee which has been tasked to 2013 till date and the allowances they offi cially has been opened,” said the statement. (AP) assess the situation. have received so far. ❑ ❑ ❑ the proper license,” Omar al-Abri, an offi- tion in the Middle East where social me- cial in the country’s telecommunications dia remains a highly contested and some- He pointed out that once the Moreover, MPs Ahmed Mutei Al- JERUSALEM: The Israeli Defense Ministry on Sunday said it has regulator told The Associated Press. He times perilous space. request is approved, the com- Azmi, Fayez Al-Jomhour, Mubarak completed development of a new guided mortar system, giving the did not elaborate on the licensing prob- The sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf mittee’s approval will be at- Al-Arow, Abdulaziz Al-Saqaabi and army a formidable new weapon against enemies embedded in crowded lem, and it remains unclear whether the retain tight controls on traditional me- tached to the necessary docu- Saleh Zeiab Al-Mutairi submitted a bill urban environments. ban is a temporary suspension to smooth dia like newspapers and television, and ments for PAM to issue the to hand over 10 percent of the profits Offi cials said the “Iron Sting” system, using both GPS and laser tech- out the bureaucracy or the latest govern- increasingly employ vague cybercrime work permit and the Ministry of KFAED to KCB starting from fiscal nology, would provide Israeli land forces a new level of precision while ment attempt to suppress dissent in the laws to patrol internet platforms and apps. of Interior to issue the visa; 2021/2022. The bill is aimed at enhanc- minimizing the risk of harming nearby civilians. (AP) sultanate. Private outlets self-censor out of fear of thereby, completing the recruit- ing the capability of KCB to grant hous- Over the past few days, scores of users running afoul of so-called “red lines.” ment process. ing loans to citizens. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 2

File photo shows the World Government Summit Dialogues. The fi nal day of the virtual event opened with a keynote from WHO’s Director-General. ‘Vaccine nationalism will only prolong the pandemic’ Global immunization possible by 2022 he fi nal day of the World Government Summit Dialogues saw health- Gamble. tions.” Tcare and political leaders from around the world explain the urgent “We have a bird’s eye view on global supply chain - as we currently From entrepreneurship, the focus shifted to energy. Dr-Ing. Christian requirement for an equitable vaccination distribution program that could move close to 20 million packages every single day. We see that sup- Bruch, President and CEO of Siemens Energy, then joined CNN’s John see the entire population of the Earth immunized against COVID-19 by ply chain patterns across the globe are evolving. Resilience is key and Defterios for a discussion on ‘Powering the Decade with Renewables’. 2022. technology has a signifi cant role to play in facilitating the demands of Bruch highlighted that though renewables proved resilient during the A roster of high-profi le guest speakers also discussed the perils of the global supply chain. pandemic the real test for the energy sector is in planning for the next leaving poor countries behind as vaccine nationalism sets in, how the “A lot of companies are looking to not be single threaded in their crisis, saying global crisis is a wake-up call to the energy sector to get global economy has shifted towards Asia, the importance of powering global supply chains, they’re looking to diversify their manufacturing its act together. the economic recovery with renewable energies to drive the global ener- base from one country to two or three countries. Second, they’re trying Citing an Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) gy transition, and the possibilities and perils of space exploration, among to shorten their supply chains, get it closer to where their fi nal sale is.” report, which states that US$12.5 trillion is needed from 2021 to 2045 other pressing topics. Next up, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, His to get the global energy transition underway and tackle the last billion The second day of the virtual event opened with a keynote from the Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth people without regular energy access, Dr Bruch said the world’s leading Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Affairs in Bahrain, joined Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al industry players are clearly divided on their priorities. Ghebreyesus. “Vaccine nationalism will only prolong the pandemic, and Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth for the session ‘Youth Pow- “You see a pretty divided world. On the one side there is suffi cient the human and economic suffering that goes with it,” he said. ering the Next Decade’. capital in the world and it is a question on how to deploy it. There is a “And although vaccines will help, we will still be left with many of the His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa said: “We are lot of uncertainty — this balance of investing somewhere, giving people same challenges we had before. Health must be seen not as a cost to be confi dent that the future will brim with opportunities for our young peo- access to electricity and energy — how is this working out? One thing is contained but as an investment in productive and resilient populations, ple. They are leading radical transformations in continuous and digital clear, the old mechanisms are not going to work,” he explained. and a key to sustainable development. learning, self-education, and special education by adopting technologies Dr Janine Benyus, Co-Founder of Biomimicry Institute, said recreat- “Health is not simply a product of strong and prosperous nations — that integrate education with entertainment, stimulate cooperation, and ing the biochemistry of nature in our daily work environments is key it’s the foundation of social, economic, and political stability,” he added. develop problem-solving skills.” to tackling mental health crisis. “Due to COVID, we have realized that In keeping the global public health theme, the fi rst session of the day, The next session, “Navigating 2020’s Data for A Prosperous 2021”, planetary health is public health. How are we making our world? The titled “Will the Earth’s Population Be Vaccinated by 2021?” His Excel- heard from Global Strategy Advisor and Founder of FutureMap, Dr Par- goal is to create products, processes, and policies that solve our greatest lency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP ag Khanna, in conversation with Saeed Al Gergawi, Director of Dubai design challenges sustainably with all life on earth. We need to mimic World, issued a challenge to global corporations to join vaccine distribu- Future Academy, on how the world economy will become increasingly nature’s chemistry textbook. Life is the original circular economy. We tion effort. “Until the vaccine is available to everyone, the pandemic will Asia-centric. can create conditions conducive to life, just like nature does,” she said. not end for anyone,” he said. “It was a disruptive year, and what needs to be emphasized is that the In the penultimate session of the event, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of “I invite you to join UNICEF, the World Health Organization and DP economic rebound in the Asian countries has been strong — almost all of State for Advanced Technology and Chair of the UAE Space Agency, World to make vaccines for all a reality. We can only do this together, them managed COVID better than the rest of the world. This prompts us said the development of a private space sector would be crucial for the with actions, not words, and commitment to a better future for all. Dis- to think that the world economy is becoming increasingly Asia-centric,” UAE in the future. “Our fi rst advent into planetary exploration is to tributing COVID-19 vaccines is humanity’s biggest logistics challenge he said. transfer and expedite the transfer of knowledge into the space sector of since the end of the Second World War,” Mr Bin Sulayem said. He added: “I would largely break this into three sets of values that the UAE,” she explained. Highlighting the urgent challenge for the West African nation of Sen- Asians have in common: Technocratic governance — with a license to She added: “What we’re currently designing and developing is how egal, President Macky Sall said: “While 525,000 people will get the vac- pursue independent, apolitical, nonelectoral way largely; Mixed Capi- do you transfer that onto a private sector for Earth observation” as well cine through the COVAX initiative, we need to vaccinate eight million.” talism — government directing and steering investments; and Social as providing a “value proposition for the private sector to exist and aid The Senegalese President said the country has so far received 124,000 Conservatism — incremental approach to a liberal social order. Looking [space] exploration.” doses of the vaccine. Since mid-February, 65,000 people have been vac- ahead, in our new fi scal policies for the future, enabling the SMEs is The fi nal session of the event, ‘The Race to Space and Humanity’s Fu- cinated. The government plans to vaccinate three percent of its frontline paramount as it will help the overall health of the countries. ture’, saw Astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson and The Rt. Honorable workers this year and up to 60 percent of its population in collaboration Meanwhile, Damian Bradfi eld, Chief Creative Offi cer and Co-Founder Lord Martin Rees, Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, and 60th President of with the African Union by the end of the program. of WeTransfer and WePresent, and Divyank Turakhia, founder of Media. the Royal Society, explore the possibilities and perils of future space ex- For his part, Dr David Nabarro criticized the rampant nationalization net agreed that investors must be ready with the requisite capital to fi nance ploration. The two world-leading scientists also explained how the foun- and selfi shness when it came to vaccine distribution and said global im- startups and new industry 4.0 technologies — pointing specifi cally to tel- dations of tomorrow’s economy will pivot on innovations in the STEM munization would only be a possibility be the end of 2022 if all nations emedicine — as the pace of automation across all sectors will only acceler- fi elds, and how decision-makers must excite people to enter the STEM start pulling together. “While the COVAX effort is commendable, if a ate over the next decade, as it has in the last 12 months since the pandemic fi elds, through space exploration and development programs. few countries take the majority of the supplies and leave minimal cash struck. Now is the time, they said, that entrepreneurs to change the world. Lord Rees said: “The only reason for humans to go to space would be and vaccine supplies behind for the rest, this is not ethical,” he said. Divyank Turakhia said: “This radical change, and our use of these for adventure. To live on Mars is not going to be easy. Mars has a hostile The current “free-for-all” approach to vaccine supplies with “a small applications that we have tested on a large scale, encourages us to adopt environment. So, the idea of Elon Musk to have a million people settle number of nations trying to outbid one another”, doesn’t work. But “fair many of them in our daily lives in the future, as the adoption of fi fth on Mars is a dangerous delusion. Living on Mars is no better than living access to vaccine for everybody, the objective for immunization, at least generation communication technologies and satellite Internet communi- on the South Pole or the tip of Mount Everest.” by 2022, is a reasonable prospect,” he said. cation achieves greater access to the requirements of the business sector. Dr Neil DeGrasse Tyson said: “To ship a billion people to another Meanwhile, Executive Director of UNICEF Fore said: “We have been “This requires greater attention from governments, because the sooner planet to help them survive a catastrophe on earth seems unrealistic. If asking the world for more funding [...] for UNICEF and our distribution they adopt these technologies, the better equipped they are to give their you want to call Mars home, you need to terraform Mars, turn it into to countries we still need about $1 billion. economies and business sectors an advanced competitive edge over oth- Earth. It is so much easier to make Earth return to Earth again rather than “We still need to do more — the UAE has supported the COVAX Fa- ers,” he added. terraforming Mars. cility in the actual distribution — in Ghana last week, it provided 2,500 For his part, Damian Bradfi eld said: “Cryptocurrencies have become “There is no force on Earth as potent as the exploration of space that fridges to help in the cold chain. We, as one world, need to ensure equi- noticeably more prevalent, and the prices of many of them have doubled impacts our thoughts and ambitions. Thinking about the future is half of tability, and although we are off to a good start with the target of 2 billion in a very short period of time, some reaching $50,000 per unit of cur- what drives the future. Space will always remain as an inspiration for doses a year, it is likely to be at least end-2022 before we vaccinate a ma- rency. young people and it is an area we need to support,” he added. “The next jority of the population — particularly in the least developed countries. “Many have also turned towards stock trading and testing the fi nancial generation has a broader view of the world. They think globally and have Licensing is equally a challenge here.” markets for the fi rst time. This has been one of the unexpected positive embraced technology like never before. I cannot wait for them to take Following that, Rajesh Subramaniam, President and Chief Operat- aspects of the COVID-19 challenge, despite its many negative reper- over the Earth and fi x the problems of this world. The edge of the Earth ing Offi cer of FedEx, explained how COVID has acted as innovation cussions on the lives of many people and on specifi c economic sectors. is space and with resources available and the spirit adventure, I have accelerator for logistics platforms, in discussion with CNBC’s Hadley However, we will see in the coming stage more positive transforma- high hopes of all that the next generation will bring us.”

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next By Night: Rather cold to colds Bubyan 23 15 Prayer Timings 24 hours: with light to moderate south easterly Jahra 27 12 Fajr ...... 04:40 Asr ...... 15:22 By Day: Warm and partly wind with speeds of 15-35 km/h. Salmiyah 24 17 Sunrise .. 05:59 Maghrib .. 17:56 cloudy with light variable wind Station Max Exp Min Rec Ahmadi 21 16 Zohr ...... 11:57 Isha ...... 19:13 changing to light to moderate Kuwait City 26 15 Nuwaisib 23 11 south easterly wind with speeds Kuwait Airport 26 10 Wafra 26 10 of 06-30 km/h. Abdaly 26 10 Salmy 25 12

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

NAPESCO jumps 45 fils, Humansoft Holding retreats Kuwait ends higher for sixth day on the trot, volume shrinks By John Mathews ■ UUS$/KDS$/KD 0.30190/000.30190/00 Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, March 15: Kuwait ▼ Euro/KD 0.3605 stocks crept up for sixth day on a trot on Tuesday. The All Shares Index ■ Yen/KD 0.0028 rose 6.57 points in a volatile session to ▼ British £/KD 5,755.75 pts even as the broader senti- 0.4212 ment turned mixed. ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0041 The Premier Market climbed 3.18 points to 6299.32 pts while Main Mar- ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0062 ket scaled 14.75 pts. The BK Main 50 was up 14.36 points at 4868.82 pts. The volume turnover meanwhile dipped to ▲ FTSE +30.81 pts at 12:35 March 15 a three-week low. Over 188 million shares changed hands – a 16 pct drop ▲ Nikkei +49.14 pts closing March 15 from the day before. The sectors closed mostly in green ▼ turf. Oil and Gas outshone the rest with Gold 1703.85 per oz (London) 4.26 percent gain whereas Consumer Services shed 0.54 percent, the biggest ▲ NYMEX crude $66.17 per barrel loser of the day. Volume wise, Finan- cial Services topped with 79.2 million ▲ Brent crude $69.80 per barrel shares while Banking sector was ahead with KD 17.7 million. LIBOR rate 0.18950% In the individual shares, National Bank of Kuwait took in 1 fi l on back of loped 12.23 pct to 67 fi ls and Sanam over 4 million shares extending last ses- Real Estate scaled 10 pct to stand next. sion’s robust gains whereas Kuwait Fi- Tahssilat skidded 13.91 percent, the nance House tripped 1 fi l after pushing steepest decliner of the day while Inter- 8.8 million shares. NAPESCO jumped national Financial Advisors topped the 45 fi ls to 935 fi ls with thin trading and volume with 23.9 million shares. Independent Petroleum Group sprinted Despite the day’s uptick, the los- 35 fi ls. Mabanee Co dialed up 1 fi l. ers slightly outnumbered the winners. Zain was unchanged at 618 fi ls after 51 stocks advanced whereas 59 closed moving 4.2 million shares and Ooredoo lower. Of the 137 counters active on too did not budge from its earlier close of 660 fi ls. stc fell 3 fi ls to 907 fi ls and logis- Tuesday, 27 closed fl at. 10,354 deals tics major Agility rallied 17 fi ls to 694 fi ls worth KD 40.62 million were transact- on back of 8.9 million shares. Humansoft ed during the session. KUNA photo Holding gave up 3 fi ls and Boursa Ku- In the banking sector eased 1 fi l to Deputy Chief of the National Guard, (Ret.) Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, with officers and officials of 220 fi ls after pushing 4.5 million shares the Third Facilities Protection Brigade. wait Securities eased 1 fi ll to KD 1.147. KIPCO dialed down 2 fi ls and National whereas Kuwait International Bank and Top KNG official visits key installations control HQ Investment Co erased 1 fi l. Burgan Bank stood pat at 201 fi ls and National Industries Group stood pat 222 fi ls respectively. Ahli United Bank at 192 fi ls whereas Gulf Cable took in BSC gave up 4 fi ls with brisk trading Deputy Chief of the National Guard (Ret.) The National Guard said in a statement Addressing the personnel at the power sta- and Warba Bank added 2 fi ls. Com- Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al- Sheikh Ahmad’s tour included the forces sta- tions, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf stressed on the ne- 1 fi l. Boubyan Petrochemical Co ebbed Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday visited tioned at the eastern and western Al-Doha pow- cessity of ensuring safe environment for the en- 1 fi l whereas Al Qurain Petrochemi- mercial Bank climbed 5 fi ls to 505 fi ls personnel of the third battalion for protecting er stations, Al-Metla’a broadcasting relay station gineers and workers for sake of ongoing water cal Co scaled 4 fi ls. Integrated Holding while Al Ahli Bank and Ahli United key state installations. and Copthorne Al-Jahra’a and Hotel Resort. and energy supplies to the population. (KUNA) erased 3 fi ls and Aznour paused at 259 Bank Kuwait took in 1 fi l each. fi ls. Mezzan Holding ticked 1 fi l higher Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) to 580 fi ls. Jazeera Airways and YIA- rallied 4.5 fi ls to 85.5 fi ls on back of CO Medical were unchanged at 650 over 6 million shares while KFIC paced fi ls and 630 fi ls respectively whereas 7.3 fi ls. KAMCO and International Fi- Visa trading goes on unabated ALAFCO tripped 1 fi l. nancial Advisors paused at 76 fi ls and The market opened weak and headed 118 fi ls respectively whereas Tamdeen south in early trade. The main index Investment gave up 4 fi ls. Noor Finan- Brokers flourish in pandemic chaos continued to fall amid selling spurt in cial Investment clipped 1 fi l. some of the counters and plumbed the The market was been trending high- day’s lowest level of 5738 pts half way er so far during the week gaining 15 KUWAIT CITY, March 15: Despite into the session. It rebounded thereafter points in last two sessions. It has scaled the passage of one year since the emer- and managed to close in the green turf. 97 points from the start of the month gence of the corona pandemic which Top gainer of the day, KFIC gal- and is up 181 points year-to-date. exposed the dangers of visa trading, an official source from the Egyptian gov- Crowd hike at Mishref ernment confirmed that visa trading continues as Egyptian workers travel Jabs for people with allergies to Kuwait through brokers located in KUWAIT CITY, March 15: For the of people with allergies is a preemptive various parts of Egypt, reports Al-Qa- fi rst time in Kuwait, the Ministry of step in the region, indicating that doc- bas daily. Health has started vaccinating people tors attend to these people to determine with allergies at the Kuwait Vaccina- their disease history and health status The Egyptian offi cial told the daily that a tion Center in Mishref, reports Al-Qa- before vaccinating them in the rooms number of recruitment offi ces and visa trad- bas daily quoting sources. designated for vaccination or in the ing brokers have been referred to the court in Sources revealed the ministry took medical observation rooms. Sources re- coordination with the relevant authorities in this step after conducting comprehen- vealed these people are asked to stay in Kuwait, indicating this came after the recent sive studies on the effect of vaccines in the waiting room for 15 to 30 minutes the bodies of those with allergies and until it is confi rmed that there is no side deportation of dozens of Residency Law vio- the absence of unexpected side effects. effect. lators which means the number of the victims Sources said those with allergies Sources added the medical teams of visa trading is increasing. were among the groups excluded from assigned at Kuwait Vaccination Cen- After a diffi cult year when the pandemic exposed vaccination, but recent studies showed ter and Abdulaziz Al-Rashed Center a tragic humanitarian and labor crisis in Kuwait due that vaccination is safe for them and for Allergy Diseases have coordinated to visa trading that has been turned into a public is- there is no objection to them taking co- their efforts to ensure the doctors and sue on the Kuwaiti street, the Ministry of Manpower rona vaccines. specialists are available to receive pa- in Egypt took internal measures to protect Egyptian Sources affirmed the pace of vac- tients and ask them about their health workers who fell victim to the fake visa trade which cination is accelerating daily due to condition before giving them the vac- the rising number of people register- cine. Sources also stressed the need to A Municipality inspector seals a store. has spread amongst residency brokers and dealers in ing for vaccination as a result of the expedite the vaccination process and to Egypt and Kuwait. This is in addition to punishing public awareness campaign in this re- strictly comply with health regulations Municipality shuts 34 stores brokers and labor recruitment agencies which have gard. Sources said all segments of the for the country to overcome the corona been proven to be working for the benefi t of fi cti- society can register to be vaccinated crisis. By Abdul Nasser Al-Aslami health requirements. tious companies in Kuwait. As a result, thousands of against covid-19, confirming there In a related development, sources Director of the Audit and Follow-up poor workers traveled to Kuwait and were without a Al-Seyassah Staff Department of Municipal Services at the is no delay in setting vaccination ap- said the eighth shipment of Pfi zer vac- Within the framework of the efforts ex- Governorate’s Municipality Branch, Sa’ad job, and thus, each of them lost more than 100,000 pointments due to the sufficient sup- cine arrived in the country recently and erted by the supervisory teams in the Al-Shaiba, said the Municipality is keen to Egyptian pounds for the benefi t of those who earn ply of vaccines. it was transported directly to Kuwait Kuwait Municipality to follow up on the implement the decisions of the Council of money from the sweat of the poor, the offi cial added. Sources pointed out the vaccination Vaccination Center. implementation of health requirements, Ministers related to health requirements, He confi rmed that the Ministry of Manpower the supervisory team at the Audit De- especially that the supervisory team at the closely followed up the labor issues that were raised partment and the Follow-up of Munici- governorate branch works two shifts cov- pal Services in the Ahmadi Municipality ering all regions to ensure the commitment once again in Kuwait due to the visa traders and bro- Branch carried out field tours of commer- of the shops and commercial complexes kers in Egypt. Dozens of labor cases were resolved cial complexes, shopping centers and and super markets. He pointed out the through continuous communication and cooperation retail stores throughout the governorate field tours resulted in the closure of 34 with the relevant authorities in Kuwait that present- regions to ensure the stores adhere to stores for not complying with health re- the Municipality’s regulations and imple- quirements in addition to impounding 4 ed a unique model of integrity and way of combating ment the Cabinet decisions concerning mobile groceries and warning 12 others. visa trading, he disclosed. He affi rmed the inspection committees in the min- istry pursued the offi ces and companies that were Co-ops ‘plan’ Filipino maids due reported to be selling fake visas to Egyptians, so the violators were stopped and licenses withdrawn mobile units Work visas issued while the fi les of some companies were transferred KUWAIT CITY, March 15: to the prosecution in preparation for trial. The Ministry of Health has KUWAIT CITY, March 15: The concerned authorities on He went on to say that the recent crisis which oc- approved a plan to vaccinate Sunday issued hundreds of visas for Filipino domestic work- curred due to visa trading will never be repeated, the employees of coopera- ers, after the suspension that lasted for more than a year, re- as a new mechanism for sending Egyptian workers tive societies using mobile ports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. to Kuwait will be approved in cooperation with the vaccination units, reports Sources disclosed the domestic labor offices issued these Al-Qabas daily quoting a re- new visas to workers from the Philippines in preparation for Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in Kuwait. He liable source. the signing of contracts by the Philippine Embassy in the stressed the agreement between the concerned au- According to the source, coming days, in coordination with the ministries of Foreign thorities in the two countries to combat visa trading the mobile vaccination units Affairs, Interior and Commerce, and the Public Authority for addresses the security, economic, social and human- will visit the cooperative so- Manpower (PAM). itarian dimensions of the issue. cieties throughout the coun- Sources said the new instructions regarding the recruitment try in order to vaccinate the of workers will be circulated to the offices, as well as the sign- Also, another offi cial in the Egyptian Ministry of employees. ing of tripartite contracts between the recruited agencies, new Manpower announced the launch of the ‘Register The source pointed out workers and employers. Yourself’ campaign for Egyptian workers abroad that employees of coopera- Sources added the Ministry of Commerce and PAM will to register through the offi cial website of the minis- tive societies are always in meet in the coming days to discuss the recruitment fees in try. He explained this will facilitate communication direct contact with consum- light of the corona crisis and the high cost of new contracts. ers - citizens and expatriates; It can be recalled that on March 7, the daily published news with Egyptian workers through embassies, consul- hence, this move to vacci- about a breakthrough in the relationship between Kuwait and the ates and labor offi ces to continuously follow up their nate them. Philippines regarding the recruitment of domestic workers. situation abroad. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 LOCAL 4 MoH eyes newly-graduated doctors’ help to fight Covid

Ministry to bring team of doctors, nurses from Malaysia

KUWAIT CITY, March 15: The Ministry of Health has requested the KUNA photo His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber directors of all Al-Sabah received on Sunday, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Integrity health zones, hos- Enhancement Affairs Abdullah Yousef Al-Roumi. pitals and special- ized centers to seek the assistance of recently-graduated doctors from the departments of general surgery, specialized surger- ies and dermatol- ogy departments to support the in- ternal, intensive care and emer- Work in progress at one of the new projects on Mohammad Jassim Al-Kharafi Road. gency departments in dealing with the COVID-19 cases in hospitals and wards due to the recent increase in cases, reports Alja- rida daily. Photo by Mohammad Morsi Number of marginal laborers, waiting by the roadside early morning in Khaitan area, In a circular issued to be picked up by someone providing them with work on a daily basis. by the Undersecretary of Ministry of Health Dr Mustafa Redha, ‘VT Treatment™’ the ministry called for coordination with the Technical Depart- New treatment for Vitiligo ment of the ministry, via the heads of the COVID-19 teams, to discovered in Kuwait: KU provide medical teams in order to help in cop- KUWAIT CITY, March 15: Kuwait Uni- Dr Al-Otaibi said he wishes for the versity, represented by the Patent Offi ce availability of this medicine in Kuwait, ing with the increasing of the Research Sector, revealed good the Gulf and the Arab world after its pro- KUNA photos number of COVID-19 Work on the Cairo Street tunnel development project in progress. news about its scientifi c achievement in duction directly due to the large number cases in the past few producing a medicine for the treatment of of Vitiligo patients in Kuwait, estimating weeks. Vitiligo, which was previously published that more than 20,000 Vitiligo patients are Implementation of vital projects continues despite curfew The circular stated in the June 24, 2019 issue of Al-Anba awaiting this treatment. that, “Given the current daily, by the Head of Dermatology De- He explained that Vitiligo is a condi- The curfew in effect since March 7 The companies and the concerned velopment of the Cairo Street Tun- epidemiological situa- partment at Jahra Hospital Dr Muhammad tion whereby the skin loses its pigment from 5 pm to 5 am has not stopped authorities continued to work dur- nel and the New Maternity Hospi- Al-Otaibi, reports Al-Anba daily. cells (melanocytes). This can result in the implementation of vital projects ing the curfew, which continues tal, in addition to the construction of tion and in light of the in the country during its time, while until April 8, to implement some im- new roads on Muhammad Jassim increasing number of In a press statement, Dr Al-Otaibi ex- discolored patches in different areas of adhering to health requirements to portant projects, including the third Al-Kharafi Road (Sixth Ring Road). COVID-19 patients in plained that the new medicine bears the the body, including the skin, hair and mu- prevent the emerging coronavirus. phase of Al-Shaheed Park, the de- (KUNA) the wards and intensive name “VT Treatment™” and has been cous membranes. Vitiligo is a disease that care units, and the in- registered as a global brand. The treat- causes loss of skin color in patches. The crease in the number of ment is considered a new revolution for new treatment has proven to be more ef- patients in the respira- Vitiligo. The patent was registered on the fective on the body parts and less on the tory and non-respiratory global level under the name of the faculty extremities, but its results are better than emergency departments, member Dr Muhammad Al-Ansari. This the over-the-counter non-prescription medical achievement has resulted in an treatments. as well as based on the end to the contracting phase with a Dutch Al-Otaibi affi rmed that the treatment, ministry’s keenness to company, as it will produce and market during its clinical trials, was also proven provide the best health the medicine in the last quarter of this successful in treating second-degree services, please adhere to year after a delay due to the COVID-19 burns that suffer from blanching, in re- the instructions specifi ed pandemic. turning the skin color to its normal. in this circular starting from Wednesday, March 3 until further notice”. Application forms submitted in Sept ’20 Challenge It added, “Since a year, our national medi- Education resumes interviews for cal teams have been fac- ing a great challenge in locally-recruited faculty members confronting the spread of COVID-19 virus. KUWAIT CITY, March 15: The Ministry positions are Gulf nationals, Bedoun resi- Their efforts have been of Education, represented by the Tech- dents, and children of Kuwaiti women, praised by the World nical Guidance Department, resumed adding that their number does not exceed Health Organization conducting interviews for new locally- 350. and other international recruited faculty members who submitted They indicated that the defi cit in the ed- and regional health or- their application forms to the adminis- ucational sector exists in many subjects, trative sector in September 2020 for the stressing that the Public Education Sector ganizations”. subjects specifi ed by the ministry, reports has not determined its need for teachers In a related context, Al-Rai daily. for the next academic year yet, especially informed health sources According to educational sources, the as there are no external contracting com- told the daily that the interviews did not stop with just some mittees under the current circumstances. Ministry of Health has subjects, and are still being carried out by The sources affirmed that those who begun procedures for the committees formed for this purpose. pass the interviews are referred to the bringing in a team of The temporary suspension of inter- Civil Service Commission (CSC) for doctors and nurses from views during the previous period was preparation for their hiring, and to Malaysia to support the based on the recommendation of the send them to their respective education national medical teams acting Undersecretary of the Ministry zones, indicating that their appointment working to confront the of Education Faisal Al-Maqsid follow- will be immediate as soon as their con- COVID-19 virus. ing the increase in the number of the tract is approved. They affirmed that COVID-19 cases in the ministry head- They said, “The aforementioned num- the Malaysian medical quarters. The postponement included ber of applicants does not cover even and nursing teams are all supervisory positions as a precau- half of the existing defi cit in some teach- specialized in intensive tionary measure and in compliance with ing subjects. The educational zones will care, anesthesia, and the Ministry of Health’s directives to implement internal transfer requests elec- thoracic and abdominal apply health requirements. tronically to tackle the defi cit and ensure The sources revealed that the vast ma- some kind of balance between teachers’ diseases. jority of applicants for educational staff shares, especially in scientifi c subjects”. In addition, the As- sistant Undersecretary for Food and Medicine ‘Growth rate lowest in last 9 years’ Control Affairs at the Ministry of Health Dr Abdullah Al-Bader said Total number of buildings hits the sixth batch of the “Pfi zer-Biotec” vaccine against the COVID-19 208,500 at end of Dec 2020 arrived in the country on Sunday, March 7. KUWAIT CITY, March 15: Al-Shall These buildings consist of 746,600 In a press statement, he Economic Report revealed that the total units compared to 736,800 at the end of revealed that the contract number of buildings in Kuwait reached 2019 – an increase of 1.3 percent. between the Ministry of 208,500 as at the end of December 2020 The compound growth rate for the units Health and the global compared to 207,200 in 2019, reports Al- from 2011 to 2020 was 2.3 percent, while company Pfi zer is direct Anba daily. the compound growth rate for buildings without the presence of a According to the latest edition of the within the same period was the lowest – Public Authority for Civil Information’s 1.5 percent. This confi rms the continuous local agent. (PACI) Directory of Buildings and Units, reduction of unit space in each building. Dr Al-Bader affi rmed the number of buildings increased by Majority of the buildings in Kuwait the keenness of Kuwait 0.657 percent, which is lower than the are used for housing as the percentage to confront the CO- 1.2 percent annual growth recorded at the of residential buildings reached 68.7 VID-19 pandemic, add- end of 2019. percent of the total number of build- ing that the vaccination, The 2020 growth rate is the lowest over ings, followed by those designated for besides adhering to the the last nine years and the growth rate in both housing and work, and those des- health requirements, is 2011 was 0.662 percent. ignated for work only. the only way to allevi- The report disclosed that vacant Also, apartments constitute a large ate the problem that all buildings decreased by10.3 percent percentage of the units – 46.4 percent countries of the world – 21,600 out of 208,500 compared to of the total number of units, followed suffer from due to this 21,800 out of 207,200 at the end of by homes at 21.8 percent and shops at pandemic. 2019 (10.5 percent). 19.1 percent. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 LOCAL 5 REMEMBER WHEN

Local Mosques Pictured here is one of the larger mosques near the mar- Mosques were built of locally available materials and Photograph courtesy ketplace in the old city where the Friday congregation was their simple and effi cient design refl ected the values of the held. Across from it stands the most famous coffee-shop in community it served. However, new architectural ideas of The Center for Re- Kuwait where the early rulers of Kuwait held public hear- from Persia and Iraq infl uenced the later designs of mosques search and Studies on ings. The coffee-shop, however, has unfortunately been de- in Kuwait. The once humble minaret of early mosques was Kuwait and the work molished. replaced by a tall one which rose majestically above its sur- The mosque was one of the more prominent features roundings. of Dr Yacoub Al- of any fi reege or quarter in the old city. The entire male The blessings of these mosques continue, for had it not been Hijji in the book Old- population assembled there fi ve times daily for prayers. A for their survival, young Kuwaitis would not be able to locate mosque was also a resting place for a traveler or a poor man their fi reege or know where their parents’ houses once stood. Kuwait: Memories in need of shelter for a short time. (From the book ‘Old Kuwait: Memories in Photographs’) in Photographs fi rst Courtesy of The Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait published in 1996.

© N.M.M. diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Serve interests of citizens, not indulge in useless fights with govt’ “THE National Assembly 2020 elections have contributed to the production politically and not rely on certain people who draw up policies and determine we returned to square one, but more intensely after the high rate of infections. of a new political map in which positions differed through the so-called the tasks for them, so the independence of the opposition and its political and “In front of everyone’s eyes and ears, government justifications say the majority bloc and the barcode to manage a new reform phase on its various democratic culture is an important requirement for the success of the work of reason is the gatherings and events and other things but no one is held political fronts. The electoral program for some of the candidates was noth- any bloc or political organization. accountable for these violations since they have the power to implement the ing but a clear challenge, a loud voice, and training on the work of the oppo- “Is it reasonable to be indifferent to the reactions that harm national security, law. If there were real and serious accountability against the violators, sition, especially beginners and those who wanted to attract electoral bases and the internal and external political tension in the region does not bear all this things would not have reached this level. The violations continue as usual, and win the elections,” columnist Manal Al-Kandari wrote for Al-Qabas aggravation? threats come in flying but in reality nothing happens except it breeds confu- daily. “What we expect from you, MPs, through your parliamentary work is over- sion. “After the elections, the voices became louder and the sight, legislation, and approval of laws that serve the citizens and the country, “All measures have been followed, all methods are taken, and all means tone of challenge increased between the opposition and laws that fight corruption, and laws that include political, economic and service were implemented by the people, so where are the defects, where are the health the government and the crisis resurfaced with the forma- reforms. experts? tion of a pressure force on the government and by fuel- “Dear opposition MP, responsibility is a patriotic act and your responsibility “What is the reason behind this increase in infections? Why don’t the ing the street. Hence, we wonder whether all this plan- is not to record scores, incite the street and transgress on the authority, for you Minister of Health, his officers, and his advisers go out to explain the real ning comes from the will of the opposition bloc itself or are the nation’s representative.” reasons instead of their boring press conferences that continues along the same are there other parties managing this scene and drawing Also: lines as well as the sympathy and begging? Why is the law not applied deci- up scenarios. sively on the ground?” “We do not ignore the extent of corruption in the “I highly appreciate and respect the brave people in the White Army, ❑ ❑ ❑ country, or the extent of blatant transgressions. Although whether they are doctors, nurses, technicians or administrators who have con- the majority of the people are not convinced of the work tinued day and night for more than a year now, working for our comfort and “It is clear in the facts culled from the reality that we are living in as citizens of the government and the National Assembly, it is treating patients after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, which we hope will that the departure of the National Assembly is very likely unless the govern- imperative for us not to increase the tension in order to Manal Al-Kandari soon be eliminated,” columnist Dr Mubarak Al-Abdelhadi wrote for ment goes!” columnist Dr Naji Saoud Al-Zaid wrote for Al-Jarida daily. save the country from the quagmire of corruption and Al-Jarida daily. “The interrogations are raining down on the prime minister, and pouring out work rationally with the government. “These heroes are victims of government confusion, due to the failure to like a deluge on the Minister of Health. These two belong to the ruling family. “We all know that any opposition or any bloc must have clear goals orga- address the situation in an integrated manner and to limit the epidemic which This happens because some MPs believe it is easier and more painful for the nized within the legislative authority and what we have noticed since the begin- is aggravating all because of the short-sightedness and early registration of government to question a Sheikh and a minister instead of a minister from ning of the formation of the bloc is that it fluctuates in its decisions character- false heroism of a few. outside the ruling family. ized by instability and this is what we have witnessed through the lack of “When proper planning is absent, the mind goes with it and the peacock “From the point of view of some MPs, the government has no objection to confidence and accusations of betrayal that confused its ranks and led the begins to show its colorful feathers, so we are lost in the vortex of so-and-so sacrificing an ordinary minister to preserve the ‘deluxe ministers! public to lose confidence in its power, especially following the controversial who has no concern except for how to collect donations, positions and other “The aggravation felt by the government did not begin today, it began with positions of some of its members. great services. the elections, bearing in mind that there was no ideological struggle in the full “The success of any opposition bloc must depend on facing all political chal- “At the beginning of the crisis, they boasted of the speedy measures taken, sense of the word, but a race for illusory influence that was not approved by lenges and transformations with political acumen, and the ability to face crises and that many countries followed their policy which turned into more like any norms – whether political, constitutional, or even social ...” and pressures for the sake of the public interest and distance from the private prisons for the people who obeyed their orders and fulfilled their requirements interest, and that the majority of the bloc members need to educate themselves in the hope this epidemic will end, which as soon as we breathed a sigh of relief — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli Four suicides in one week Other Voices Newborn count dips in 2020 The problems of Lebanon’s Monsieur Liban By Munif Nayef By Ahmad alsarraf fleeing and taking refuge in his homes, and providing Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies them with shelter, so, they sent those who provided onsieur Liban descends from a family that has drugs to him, consequently he became an addict, and Mdeep roots in history. He is considered a his condition was gradually affected, and then he KUWAIT CITY, March beloved, handsome figure. He inherited a great for- 15: A Bangladeshi commit- considerably lost his mind, therefore villains began to tune from his father and grandparents and it seemed rob him and sell his property at low prices and divide ted suicide by hanging for a while that life would leave him enjoying his the difference with those who bought them and shar- himself inside the home of youth forever. ing the profits of selling the products of his farms Being single, most beautiful women were seen his sponsor in Khaldiya. around him, and he became a target for mothers of all with those in charge of them, and entering into a When the Operations Room of the girls in the region, as everyone was asking his close- partnership with the garbage collectors from his pal- Ministry of Interior received a report ness because of the love of life he knew, intimacy aces and properties, and the parties that supplied on the incident police and paramed- and generosity of the table, them fuel and electricity. ics rushed to the spot and discovered and he was one of the most The wheel of spending began to accelerate, and the victim had already died. skilled plastic surgeons. the income decreased a lot, and even the smallest of His corpse has been referred to Monsieur Liban was his workers seized the opportunity and began to steal Forensics and a case of suicide has known for his sense of the contents of his palaces and take them to their been registered at the area police sta- humor, and he was profi- homes or sell them at the cheapest prices. tion. cient in singing, drawing With the increase in his health and financial trou- The packets of tobacco seized. In one week, according to reliable and playing the piano, and bles, Monsieur Liban became inclined to associate sources this is the fourth case of sui- he had a wonderful voice, in with the mobs and the most deviant, so he looked like Tobacco smuggling foiled cide. addition to having a cultural an old man with gray hair in a short period and dark ❑ ❑ ❑ and literary sense that you circles appeared around his eyes, and his voice and his hearing diminished and he became lonely. Customs officers of the Southern found in one container and in the do not see in his surround- alsarraf Baby toll dips: Kuwait recorded the ings, he was the founder of A number of his relatives whose hands were not Ports Administration, Mina second container approximately lowest birth rate for over 15 years, dur- stained with theft met and decided to do something to Shuaiba, foiled the attempt to 166,260 thousand sachets.The the first publishing house and the owner of the first ing the ‘Corona Year’, reports Al-Rai printing press, and what he and his family did of save him, but he rejected all their proposals and smuggle 292,000 packets of consumption of tobacco is forbid- daily. tobacco which were neatly hidden den in Kuwait because it is consid- unprecedented works was as a cultural revolution in insisted on keeping his bad fellows and those that run The daily quoting reliable sources his business, so what was happening was with his among gallons of paste in two ered a kind of drug and usually said 2020 recorded on 50,409 births, an area known for its rigidity, and its adherence to the 40-feet containers coming from an results in throat cancer and other which is the lowest number since old traditions. consent, after he became addicted to drug abuse, and Asian country, reports Al-Seyassah internal diseases. 2005. In 2005 48,459 births were reg- Because of that, his homes, or his palaces, were the captive to his drug providers. daily. The daily did not say if the istered. favorite place to hold the most extravagant parties, His family and friends were confused in what they The security sources said importers have been arrested or if The birth rated during 2020 weddings and birthdays that the traditions of others must do to save what can be saved from the legacy of 125,410 thousand sachets were any action has been taken. decreased by 2.9 percent, equivalent to did not allow to establish in their areas. the man, his reputation and the renowned family, so 1,517 births, compared to 2019, when His visitors and loved ones were countless, and he they resorted to the judiciary to appoint someone to the number of births reached 51,926. did not hesitate to spend on them generously from take over his affairs, preserve what remained of his Co-ops may open in curfew timings In terms of births according to what he earned and from the returns of the huge real wealth, treat addiction, and prepare him for a return nationality, the number of Kuwaiti estate and tourism estate that he inherited, in addition to his normal life. KUWAIT CITY, March 15: The service to the people. to his income from his clinics, and the sales of spring Monsieur Liban is in Lebanon today, which has Chairman of the Board of Directors ❑ ❑ ❑ births during 2020 decreased by 1.8 percent, which was 31,295 compared water located in mountain properties. become in dire need of an international force to pull of the Khaldiya Cooperative With the increase in the poverty of the region in Society, Khaled Al-Yaseen says Blood donors needed: The Central to 31,870 births in 2019. it out of the calamity that it fell into, and the neces- As for the resident births, their num- which he lives, the increase in its problems, and its there is tendency to open the Blood Bank announced the urgent sity to impose guardianship over it, manage its need for (-) blood donors, especially ber decreased by 4.69%, equivalent to small wars, his conditions were inevitably affected affairs, restore balance to its economic conditions, branches of the cooperatives during 942 births, to reach 19,114 in 2020 especially after he accepted the asylum of every person the partial curfew to serve the peo- group A- and group O- and called on schedule its debts, and disburse the foreign aid that citizens and residents to initiate blood compared to 20,056 in 2019. in need or seeking justice or defender of freedom or will be received in a proper manner, and this needs ple of residential areas, reports ❑ ❑ ❑ opponent to find a good meal, a tender and kind heart. Al-Qabas daily. donations, saying ‘If you are A- or O-, holding an international conference under the aus- please donate your blood to save the The resistance of Monsieur Liban to the many pices of the United Nations, with the aim of imple- Al-Yaseen told the daily, during the 2 Kuwaitis die: Two Kuwaitis - a problems around him did not last long, especially next 24 hours, the branches are expect- life of someone who needs you’. 31-year-old and a 6-year-old child - menting international legitimacy decisions, protect- The bank stated that it receives blood after the bad fellows from his friends and family ing the Lebanese constitution and implementing the ed to be opened if the cooperatives get drowned during the weekend. gathered around and those who used to manage his a nod from the ministries of Commerce donors until 8 pm, and can leave their According to a security source, the Taif Agreement. many companies and his vast properties. ❑ ❑ ❑ and Industry, Interior and Socials residences during the curfew period after Ministry of Interior’s operations room His enemies from outside his region also conspired taking an appointment with the blood Affairs. received a report that a 31-year-old against him, after they were tired of their opponents email: [email protected] However, this will be done using the bank through its website http://btas-kw. Kuwaiti had drowned in a swimming barcode system to provide a wider org and then obtain the exit permit. pool of a health club in Jabriya. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 LOCAL 6 Restaurants and cafes among the ‘most affected’ by curfew Losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dinars

KUWAIT CITY, March 15: After the first week of Dr Abdul Hakim Al-Saghir the partial curfew to pre- vent the spread of the ‘Optometry’ among three COVID-19 pandemic in the country, two econo- mists affirm that malls, New diploma specialties which can restaurants and cafes are benefit during COVID-19 pandemic among those most affected by these measures, with By Abdulrahman Al-Shimmari pharmacy program with a Al-Seyassah Staff Bachelor’s degree. losses amounting to hun- On the issue of returning to KUWAIT CITY, March 15: dreds of millions of dinars, traditional education, it is sub- reports Al-Anba daily. The Dean of the College of Health Sciences at the Public ject to the developments in They stressed that restaurants, cafes the health situation. and malls have been committed to Authority for Applied health requirements to prevent the Education and Training Speaking of the College of spread of the virus, and are not respon- (PAAET), Dr Abdul Hakim Health Sciences he says the sible for the recent rapid increase in Al-Saghir, spoke of three college specializes in the COVID-19 cases. new ‘diploma’ specialties field of health which helps In two separate press statements, the that are compatible with the the Ministry of Health to a economists insisted that the main rea- large extent as well as other son for the increase in the number of needs of the health situation COVID-19 cases in Kuwait is the during the COVID-19 pan- employers in the country gatherings in diwaniyas, weddings and demic. with. funerals, and not the markets, com- He described them as an Boasts mercial complexes and restaurants due ‘anesthesia technician’, to the general economic and social He added the college boasts implications. ‘optometrist’, and a ‘respira- of many other departments tory therapist’ calling them Effects such as the Department of specialties of importance say- Pharmaceutical Sciences, They stressed that the partial curfew ing the epidemic directly ben- Medical Records and has negative effects on small and large efits from them. companies and restaurants alike, as Laboratory Technology, Oral Al-Saghir pointed out dur- and Dental Health, and a most companies are currently suffer- ing an interview with ing from financial deficits and large Medical Emergency Photographer: Yousef Dashti - KUNA Al-Seyassah daily that the Roads pavement works continue during the partial lockdown. debts due to the repeated periods of Department, Environmental embargoes and closures, which will authority provides scientific and technical cadres qualified Health, and it is the only spe- have major negative effects on the cialty in which the student Roads’ repair during lockdown hours much easier national economy in general. for the needs of the labor mar- The CEO of Al-Mabani Company ket in all specialized fields, graduates with a Bachelor’s KUWAIT CITY, March 15, (KUNA): maintain and pave roads in several absence of traffic during the lockdown Walid Al-Shuraia’an said, “The year and the lion’s share of them is degree. The public works ministry takes regions of Kuwait. hours from dusk to dawn - effective 2020 was an economic tragedy for all Other than that, students countries of the world without excep- for the needs of the Ministry advantage of the partial lockdown to The work is much easier in the between March 7 and April 8. of Health. graduate with a diploma qual- tion. All eyes were on the year 2021 to ification. The college also has be better than 2020 with the hope that He said, the authority has the agony will gradually disappear. responded to the Ministry of support departments, includ- “Everyone supports the application Health’s request to provide ing natural and medical sci- of health requirements, which can help about 200 ‘young men and ences, and in some disciplines overcome this crisis. However, the women’ volunteers, during their admission is annual, oth- government must balance between the the pandemic period, in the ers are quarterly, and for some implementation of the health require- specialties admission is only ments and the preservation of eco- fields of pharmacy, laborato- nomic conditions, so that the health ries and medical emergencies for Kuwaitis, some of which side does not overwhelm the economic to support the medical staff are general to all, and the col- side, which has become the biggest in the ministry and fill the lege has about 3,000 students, victim of this crisis. shortage. and in the ‘Boys College’ we “Why does the government deviate have about a thousand stu- from the real causes of the crisis, which Opinion are social reasons caused by gatherings dents, and these qualified sci- Al-Saghir also touched on entific and technical cadres in diwaniyas, weddings, and funerals, the cases of fraud that even though these reasons will not cost will provide the needs of the the state anything? It still insists on clos- appeared during the transi- labor market in all areas of ing the markets, complexes and com- tion to e-exams, saying: “We specialization in health sci- mercial activities, which has resulted in are awaiting the opinion of ences. losses estimated at millions of dinars, not the Legal Affairs Department On the issue of Corona pan- to mention its negative social impact on at the PAAET before taking many citizens and residents. any action, and these cases demic, he said, the college has “The government should have mon- are easily discovered through taken a set of preventive and itored weddings and diwaniyas regulatory measures in accor- through work teams in each region. the authority’s computer sys- tem which discovered that dance with what was decided Citations should have been issued by PAAET based on the against restaurants and shops that do answers to some questions not adhere to the health measures. were received from the directives of the health Most restaurants have proven during United States by a student authorities. However, work the last period that they adhere to the who answers his test in continues throughout the pan- health requirements set by the Kuwait Kuwait. demic period and has not Municipality, as evidenced by the fact stopped except during the that there were no violations”. In such cases, Dr Saghir Al-Shuraia’an said the partial cur- said, “We asked for legal period of total ban. few has negative effects on small and opinion to deal with cases of He went on to say the large companies alike, as most compa- electronic fraud, including Ministry of Health contacted nies are currently suffering from finan- answers that came from the the authority during the pan- cial deficit and large debts due to the United States, and in the cases demic to provide volunteers repeated periods of closure, which will to serve the medical person- have major negative effects on the of increasing fraud cases the local economy. authority prepares programs nel and a list of about 200 He highlighted that the treatment of to reduce fraud and the author- volunteers “young men and the crisis does not have to be by apply- ity provides qualified cadres women”, to do volunteer ing curfews. for the needs of the labor mar- work during the pandemic Paralyze ket and most of our outputs period, in all specialties, but Furthermore, Head of the Kuwait are in the area of ‘health’. most were in pharmacy, labo- Union of Restaurants, Cafes and Catering He also disclosed, the col- ratories and medical emer- Fahad Al-Arbash said the partial curfew lege aspires to implement a gencies. currently in force in the country will para- lyze the economic movement in general, as well as harm the interests of the owners of small, medium and even large enter- Research & development prises, especially since it extends for 12 continuous hours. He stressed that all economic activi- ties will be negatively affected by the OAPEC and KNPC initial MoU current curfew, especially since life KUWAIT CITY, March 15, and development in the petroleum begins in Kuwait after 5:00 pm when (KUNA): The Organization of Arab industry. citizens and residents normally go out Petroleum Exporting Countries This industry is heavily counting after the end of work, adding that (OAPEC) and Kuwait National on modern technology to cut costs applying the curfew at this time will Petroleum Company (KNPC) signed and produce clean and high-quality lead to a complete paralysis of both economic and social life. on Sunday a Memorandum of oil derivatives, Al-Badr noted. Al-Arbash indicated that restaurants Understanding (MoU) for coopera- For his part, bin Sabt affirmed and cafes are among the largest important tion in research and overhauling the that the MoU was inked for economic sectors affected by the curfew, oil sector and digital services. exchanging expertise, amid rapid as there are restaurants that have been Walid Al-Badr, the KNPC Chief technological development in the completely affected and a large number Executive Officer, who inked the energy sector at the Arab and inter- of cafes stopped working completely memo along with OAPEC Secretary- national levels. more than a year ago due to their inability General Ali bin Sabt, underlined in The MoU also aims to boost to settle their financial liabilities. remarks on the sidelines of the sign- mutual cooperation in research, He emphasized that the malls, com- mercial markets and restaurants cannot ing ceremony necessity of research upgrading, data and technology. be accused of transmitting infection and diseases, indicating that the gov- ernment knows with certainty that the main reason behind the recent spike in cases is the gatherings in diwaniyas and weddings, but the government has chosen to punish everyone through such a ban instead of applying the law on the main culprits. He added that favoritism should not have any place when it comes to human health, as implementing the law and taking the most severe penal- ties against violators is the best solu- tion in this case. Al-Arbash called on the government to reconsider the partial curfew deci- sion, or at least allow restaurants to deliver orders to citizens and residents, in addition to workers in the front-lines, nursing staff and other groups that will KUNA photo work during the curfew period, which Walid Al-Badr, KNPC Chief Executive Officer with OAPEC Secretary- extends for 12 continuous hours. General Ali bin Sabt during the signing of MoU. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

Myanmar

At least 4 shot dead Martial law imposed in ‘parts of Yangon’ YANGON, Myanmar, March as holding small rallies that are 15, (AP): Myanmar’s ruling quick to disband and reunite, junta has declared martial law and devising cover from fi re ex- in six townships in the country’s tinguishers, billowing laundry largest city, as security forces and burning tires. killed dozens of protesters over The AAPP’s tally of Sunday’s the weekend in an increasingly victims raised the number of ci- lethal crackdown on resistance vilians killed by security forces to last month’s military coup. since the coup to over 100. State Confi rmation of the number of broadcast- casualties is nearly impossible er MRTV due to the security situation and said Mon- a crackdown on independent day that media in Myanmar, but various the Yan- groups have compiled tallies gon town- with similar fi gures. ships of The actual death toll is likely North higher, as police apparently Dagon, have seized some bodies, and South some victims have had serious Suu Kyi Dagon, gunshot wounds that medical Dagon staff at makeshift clinics would Seikkan and North Okkalapa be hard-pressed to treat. Many have been put under martial hospitals are occupied by secu- law. An initial announcement rity forces, and as a result are was made late Sunday say- boycotted by medical personnel Thae Nu Naing, sister of Saw Pyae Naing weeps by his body at their home in Mandalay, Myanmar, Sunday, March 14. Saw Pyae Naing, a 21-year old ing two other townships - Hla- and shunned by protesters. anti-coup protester was shot and killed by Myanmar security forces during a demonstration on Saturday, according to his family. (AP) ing Thar Yar and neighboring Police have also aggressively Shwepyitha - were being placed patrolled residential neighbor- under martial law. hoods at night, fi ring into the At least 38 people were killed air and setting off stun grenades America Sunday and dozens were injured as an intimidation tactic. They in one of the deadliest days of have also taken people from the crackdown on anti-coup their homes in targeted raids protesters, according to the with minimal resistance. In at ‘Help is Here’ tour Assistance Association for Po- least two known cases, the de- litical Prisoners, or AAPP, an tainees died in custody within independent group tracking the hours of being hauled away. Biden team promote relief plan’s benefits toll of the violence. Several es- At least four people were shot WASHINGTON, March 15, (AP): He said he wants to do a better sales to break off for separate events in timates from other sources gave dead during protests in Myan- Let the sales push begin. job this time around on the details of Las Vegas on Monday and New higher fi gures. mar on Sunday, as security forc- President Joe Biden, Vice Presi- his fi rst big legislative victory. Mexico on Wednesday. Complicating efforts to or- es continued their violent crack- dent Kamala Harris and their spous- One of the plan’s key features is Since taking offi ce, Harris has ganize new protests as well as down against dissent following es are opening an ambitious, cross- direct payments of $1,400 for a sin- presided over swearing-in ceremo- media coverage of the crisis, last month’s military coup. country tour this week to highlight gle taxpayer, or $2,800 for a married nies for members of Biden’s Cabi- mobile internet service has been Demonstrations the benefi ts of his $1.9 trillion plan couple fi ling their taxes jointly, plus net. She has stood with the president cut, though access is still avail- to defeat the coronavirus and boost $1,400 per dependent - for a total of at his speeches, delivered remarks able through fi xed broadband Two of the victims were the economy. $5,600 for a married couple with two of her own, spoken by telephone connections. killed in Yangon, the country’s The road show - dubbed the children. The payments phase out for with assorted world leaders and Mobile data service has been largest city. One of them was “Help is Here” tour by the White those with higher incomes. made appearances in the Washing- used to stream live video cover- shot in the head and another was House - begins Monday with Harris An extension of federal unem- ton area, including at funeral ser- age of protests, often showing shot in the abdomen, accord- heading to a COVID-19 vaccina- ployment benefi ts will continue vices for Washington power broker security forces attacking dem- ing to local media covering the tion site and a culinary academy in through Sept. 6 at $300 a week. Vernon Jordan. demonstrations in Hlaing Thar President Joe Biden walks on the Las Vegas and fi rst lady Jill Biden There’s $350 billion for state, local Harris also cast three tie-breaking onstrators. It had been turned South Lawn towards the gathered off only from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Yar Township. touring a New Jersey elementary and tribal governments, $130 bil- votes in the 50-50 Senate in her role A third person died in the media members upon arrival at the school. lion for K-12 schools and about $50 as president of the Senate. for several weeks, with no offi - White House in Washington from a The president will have more to Jill Biden will be joined by New cial explanation. northern city of Hpakant when billion to expand COVID-19 test- weekend trip to Wilmington, Del., say about the plan Monday at the ing, among other measures. Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on a tour The blockage of internet ser- police fi red into a crowd of Sunday, March 14. (AP) demonstrators, local media re- White House, and he plans to visit a Monday of Samuel Smith Elemen- vice forced postponement of a small business in Delaware County, Advantage tary School in Burlington, where court hearing in the capital, Nat- ported. A fourth victim, a wom- Restaurants and bars that were an, died after being shot in the Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. He and she is expected to talk about how pyitaw, for Myanmar’s detained Harris are slated to appear together forced to close or limit service will the plan will help families and com- leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who head in Mandalay, the country’s in Atlanta on Friday. take advantage of a new multibil- munities, and highlight steps the was supposed to take part via a second-largest city, as security Harris will meet with small-busi- lion-dollar grant program, and the school took to reopen. video conference, said her law- forces were conducting clear- ness owners in Denver on Tuesday. plan also has tens of billions of dol- The fi rst lady has kept a robust yer Khin Maung Zaw. Suu Kyi ance operations. Wednesday sees Jill Biden in Con- lars to help people who have fallen schedule focused on education, mil- and President Win Myint were In Yangon, video posted on cord, New Hampshire, and Harris’ behind on their rent and mortgage itary families and cancer research detained during the Feb. 1 mili- social media showed crowds husband, Doug Emhoff, in Albu- payments. since stepping into her new role. tary takeover, and have been of people, some wearing hard querque, New Mexico. The bill cleared Congress with- Earlier this month, she and Educa- charged with several criminal hats and gas masks, running The stops at vaccination sites, out any backing from Republi- tion Secretary Miguel Cardona vis- offenses that their supporters down a street amid sounds of businesses, schools and more are cans, despite polling that found ited Connecticut and Pennsylvania gunfire. The demonstrators Blinken Morrison meant to educate the public about broad public support for the plan. public schools that reopened during believe are politically motivated different aspects of the giant Ameri- Republicans argued the bill was the pandemic. to keep them locked up. quickly sprayed vapor from fire extinguishers as they re- can Rescue Plan and how it will too expensive. Democrats pro- Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer, Since the takeover six help people get to the other side of vided the votes and Biden signed also has made a few appearances weeks ago, Myanmar has been treated. The use of fi re extinguish- In Brief the coronavirus pandemic. it into law last week. in the Washington area in between under a nationwide state of Biden has said President Barack The “Help is Here” tour is taking his stint teaching at Georgetown emergency, with its civilian ers - common now in protests Obama’s administration, in which Harris on her fi rst domestic trip as Law. He plans to visit a food relief leaders ousted and detained, across Myanmar - is intended US ministers visit Japan: Shared Biden was vice president, failed to ad- vice president. She’ll be accompa- organization Monday in Las Vegas and military leaders in charge to smother tear gas and also cre- worry about China’s growing influence equately educate the public about the nied by her husband, the nation’s and participate in a listening session of all government. But Sun- ate a vapor screen that makes it in the Indo-Pacific region will take cen- benefi ts of its economic recovery plan. fi rst “second gentleman,” who plans with the organization’s partners. day’s announcement was the harder for police to pursue or ter stage when President Joe Biden’s shoot demonstrators. defense chief and secretary of state visit first use of martial law since Japan for their first in-person talks with defended her officers’ actions and said women and remember Sarah Everard, from the vigil in south London were the coup and suggested more There were also reports of injuries from live rounds and their Japanese counterparts. she didn’t intend to resign, after coming a 33-year-old London resident whose “upsetting.” The capital’s mayor, Sadiq direct military control of se- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Aus- under heavy criticism for the way police disappearance and killing prompted a Khan, said the police response was “at curity, instead of local police. rubber bullets in other parts of tin arrived Monday, with Secretary of treated some protesters during a vigil for national outcry. But the vigil ended with times neither appropriate nor proportion- Yangon, including Insein dis- Security State Antony Blinken to join him later a woman whom one of the force’s own clashes between police and those attend- ate.” Both said they were not satisfied trict, where billows of black in Tokyo for meetings meant to reaffirm officers is accused of murdering. ing, and many questioned whether the with the force’s report of events and were The announcement said smoke could be seen after secu- America’s commitment to the region and Hundreds defied coronavirus restric- police force was too heavy-handed. seeking a full and independent investiga- that the State Administrative rity forces reportedly set road- to the two nations’ alliance following tions Saturday to protest violence against Home Secretary Priti Patel said scenes tion. (AP) Council acted to enhance se- blocks on fi re. former president Donald Trump’s more curity and restore law and On Saturday, the civilian confrontational approach. order, and that the Yangon leader of Myanmar’s govern- The two secretaries are holding so- called “two plus two” diplomatic and regional commander has been ment in hiding vowed to con- security talks on Tuesday with their entrusted with administrative, tinue supporting a “revolution” Japanese counterparts, Foreign Minister judicial and military powers to oust the military leaders Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister in the area under his com- who seized power in the Feb. 1 Nobuo Kishi. mand. The orders cover six of coup. Mahn Win Khaing Than, “The United States is now making a Yangon’s 33 townships, all of who was named the acting vice big push to revitalize our ties with friends which suffered major violence president by Myanmar’s ousted and partners – both in one-to-one rela- in recent days. lawmakers and is a member of tionships and in multilateral institutions – and to recommit to our shared goals, Thirty-four of the deaths were deposed leader Aung San Suu values, and responsibilities,” Blinken in Yangon. Video from Hlaing Kyi’s political party, addressed and Austin said in a piece published Thar Yar township showed peo- the public for the fi rst time since Monday in The Washington Post. ple running away after gunfi re the coup. The US and others share the values was heard at nighttime. Those “This is the darkest moment and principles of keeping an open Indo- fl eeing carried one injured per- of the nation and the moment Pacific region, but China is “all too will- son and tried to revive two oth- that the dawn is close,” he said ing to use coercion to get its way,” the ers, one who seemed to be dead two ministers said. “Here again, we see in a video posted on the shadow how working with our allies is critical.” or dying, the footage from inde- government’s website and so- (AP) pendent Democratic Voice of cial media. ❑ ❑ ❑ Burma showed. “In order to form a federal Hlaing Thar Yar was the loca- democracy, which all ethnic Aussies rally at Parliament: Austra- tion of 22 civilian deaths Sun- brothers who have been suffer- lians rallied in the capital and other cities Monday demanding justice for women day, according to the AAPP, ing various kinds of oppressions and calling out misogyny and dangerous which said more than a dozen from the dictatorship for de- workplace cultures as the government civilians were wounded and de- cades really desired, this revo- reels from two rape allegations. scribed a large number of junta lution is the chance for us to put Outside Parliament House in Canber- forces engaged in the township. our efforts together,” he said. ra, the crowd of hundreds was mostly fe- Four other deaths were re- He added: “We will never male and most wore black. They carried ported in the cities of Bago, give up to an unjust military, placards including “Justice for Women” Mandalay, and Hpakant, ac- but we will carve our future and “Men, Own Your Guilt.” Prime Minster Scott Morrison re- cording to the AAPP and local together with our united pow- fused organizers’ demand that he address media. er. Our mission must be ac- the crowd and they would not meet him In a new tactic, anti-coup complished.” in his office. demonstrators used the cover At the end of the message, “We have already come to the front of darkness to hold mass can- he flashed the three-finger sa- door, now it’s up to the government to dlelight vigils in various parts lute that has become a symbol cross the threshold and come to us,” or- of Yangon over the weekend, of resistance to the military ganizer Janine Hendry said. including some that took place rulers. “We will not be meeting behind closed doors,” she added. after 8 p.m., when a curfew im- Also Saturday, security forc- Morrison later told Parliament that posed by authorities starts. es again opened fi re on demon- he shared the protesters’ frustration and The protest movement has strators, killing four in Manda- concern. “This is not to suggest that good been grounded in nonviolent lay, two in Pyay in south-central faith and genuine efforts are not being civil disobedience from the Myanmar, and one in Twante, made whether by this government or the start, with marches and general a suburb of Yangon. Details of many governments that have proceeded strikes among its main features. all seven deaths were posted on us. Those efforts are being made. But the But some protesters have ad- multiple social media accounts, outcomes still elude us,” he said. (AP) vocated stronger, more agile with some accompanied by pho- ❑ ❑ ❑ methods of self-defense - such tos of the victims. ‘Police chief won’t quit’: Lon- don’s police commissioner on Sunday Korean battery fi rm offers Georgia plant as dispute lingers

With a giant battery factory in northeast tity acquires the SK plant, LG could help Michigan, one it’s building in Lordstown, Georgia hanging in the balance of a trade run the $2.6 billion electric vehicle battery Ohio, and one it could build in Spring Hill, The exterior of the dispute, South Korean company LG Energy plant in Commerce, where SK plans to hire Tennessee. All those plants are in partner- General Motors Solution is now telling some Georgia offi - 2,600 workers. ship with General Motors. Toledo Transmission cials that it could build its own factory in the “Multiple investors and manufacturers … LG’s overture comes as Republican Gov. Operations facility state if rival SK Innovation can’t proceed. will be interested in the Commerce plant Brian Kemp on Friday renewed his call for is shown in Toledo, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports due to increased demand for electric vehi- President Joe Biden to override a federal trade Ohio, Tuesday, Feb 2, LG Energy Solution CEO Jong Hyun Kim cle batteries,” Kim wrote. decision that threatens SK’s ability to move 2021. (AP) wrote a Wednesday letter to Democratic U.S. Thursday, LG announced plans to build ahead. The US International Trade Commis- Sen Raphael Warnock on Wednesday say- at least two new plants and spend more sion ruled in February that SK stole 22 trade ing LG “is prepared to do whatever we can than $4.5 billion to make electric vehicle secrets from LG and that SK should be barred to help the people and workers of Georgia.” batteries in the United States, in addition from importing, making or selling batteries in Kim also wrote that if some other en- to a plant it already operates in Holland, the United States for 10 years. (AP)

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Deal could incentivize automakers to get more electric vehicles on the road Auto industry urges emissions deal weaker than Obama’s

WASHINGTON, March 15, (AP): A coalition of automak- ers has told the Biden administration it would agree to raise mileage standards to reduce tailpipe emissions but with tradeoffs and at rates lower than those brokered by Califor- nia with fi ve other car manufacturers. If agreed to, the proposal could give President Joe Biden Erdogan pledges measures to a quick win by securing cuts in greenhouse gas emissions rather than waiting months, if not years, to legally undo a giant rollback approved when Donald Trump was president. But environmental groups say the proposal doesn’t go far enough to ward off the damaging effects of climate change and automakers are rejecting tougher Obama-era standards that they have the technology to meet. It also could result in two different sets of standards, one lift economy & tame infl ation for California and the states that follow its rules, and another for the rest of the country. This could drive up vehicle prices. Asked Friday about the proposal, the White House said Turkish president vows to reduce public expenses and narrow c/a defi cit discussions with the auto industry on a fuel emissions stand- ard were still early. It declined to comment on whether the administration would accept an agreement that falls below ISTANBUL, March 15, (AP): the California deal or Obama-era standards, stressing that tough requirements would be needed to get popular and less- Turkish President Recep Tayy- Program seeks to expose abusive drivers effi cient SUVs off the road. ip Erdogan outlined a series Under the plan, automakers would agree to stricter stand- measures that he said would ards in exchange for a “multiplier” that would give them ad- lift the country’s economy, and ditional credit toward meeting the standards if they sell more Uber and Lyft team up on database electric vehicles, three people with knowledge of the talks pledged to bring the infl ation said. The deal would incentivize automakers to get more rate back down to single digits. electric vehicles on the road, thereby reducing pollution, said SAN RAMON, California, March 15, driver on its service after its own investi- the people, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition In an address to business leaders in (AP): Uber and Lyft have teamed up to gation, West said. Istanbul, Erdogan also vowed, among of anonymity to reveal internal negotiations. create a database of drivers ousted from Michael Wolfe, a Uber driver who also The proposal would raise mileage and reduce greenhouse other measures, to reduce public ex- their ride-hailing services for complaints leads a Washington state group repre- gas emissions at a rate between Trump’s rollback and stand- penses and narrow the current account about sexual assault and other crimes that senting about 2,000 other drivers, praised ards brokered by California in a 2019 agreement with fi ve defi cit. have raised passenger-safety concerns for both ride-hailing services for trying to automakers - Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen and Volvo He promised tax exemptions to some years. weed out the abuses in the industry. - that is now followed by 13 states. 850,000 small businesses that have suf- The clearinghouse unveiled will ini- “The few bad apples give all us drivers Most other automakers, including General Motors, Toyota fered from the coronavirus outbreak. tially list drivers expelled by the ride- a bad name,” said Wolfe, executive direc- and Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) backed Trump’s rollback. “One of the priorities on our agenda hailing rivals in the U.S. But it will also tor for Drive Forward. They’re among the automakers putting forward the new pro- be open to other companies that deploy The added layer of protection was posal. The companies had no offi cial comment. will be the fi ght against infl ation,” Er- workers to perform services such as de- In this fi le photo, a passer-by walks hailed by the Rape, Abuse, & Incest Na- dogan said. “Our aim is to reach lower, past a sign offering directions to an The Trump rollback increased mileage requirements by livering groceries or take-out orders from tional Network, a victims’ rights group 1.5% per year from the 2021 through 2026 model years. The single-digit infl ation rates.” restaurants Uber and Lyft ride pickup location at that has criticized the ride-hailing servic- Erdogan said: “We will give approxi- Logan International Airport, in Boston. California deal has 3.7% annual increases, while the Obama The new safeguard, dubbed the “shar- (AP) es for not doing more rigorous screening standards were about 5% annually. mately 850,000 small businesses tax ex- ing safety program,” will be overseen of their drivers. Under the Obama-era standards, automakers got double emptions and lift their obligations to fi le by HireRight, a specialist in background horrent behavior that culminated in them “Sexual violence thrives in secrecy,” credit for fully electric vehicles toward meeting their fuel taxes.” checks. The use of a third party is aimed at being booted off their services. said Scott Berkowitz, the network’s pres- economy and pollution requirements. That “multiplier” was Turkey’s economy was already suffer- addressing potential legal concerns about Sharing the information about reported ident. “Thanks to this initiative, perpetra- removed in the Trump rollback. ing when it was hit by the pandemic, with companies, including competitors such as sexual assaults is considered especially im- tors will no longer be able to hide or es- The Trump administration had blocked California’s le- the Turkish currency depreciating to re- Uber and Lyft, having access to informa- portant because victims of such crimes fre- cape accountability by simply switching gal authority to set its own standards under the Clean Air cord lows due to concerns over economic tion to each other’s personnel matters. quently don’t fi le formal complaints with ridesharing platforms.” Act. The Biden administration is expected to take steps next mismanagement, central bank reserves “Lyft and Uber are competitors in a police. That gap has opened a crack for po- It could also help appease U.S. law- month to undo that with a rule that environmental groups and tense diplomatic relations with neigh- whole lot of ways, but on this issue of tentially dangerous drivers to slip through makers, who have criticized Uber and hope will pressure automakers to agree to higher standards. bors. safety, we completely agree that folks routine background checks drawing upon Lyft in the past for inadequate safety pro- A spokesman for the California Air Resources Board, In November, Erdogan replaced the should be safe no matter what platform legal records, Brandenburger said. tections for their riders. which regulates pollution, wouldn’t comment on the au- central bank governor as well as the fi - they choose,” Tony West, Uber’s chief To protect privacy, no passenger infor- Lyft hasn’t delivered on its promise to tomakers’ proposal but said the agency “continues to advo- nance minister – a position that had been legal offi cer, told The Associated Press. mation will be shared in the database and release a report about past problems on cate for the most rigorous vehicle standards possible.” He spoke in an interview that also includ- its service because the company is wait- held by his son-in-law Berat Albayrak – the incidents that resulted in a driver’s dis- Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, chairman of the Environment ed Jennifer Brandenburger, Lyft’s head missal will be listed in six broad categories: ing for Uber to resolve a privacy dispute and Public Works Committee who has met with Biden over after the lira dipped to record lows. of policy development. attempted non-consensual sexual penetra- with California regulators, according to effi ciency and vehicle emission standards, has said the Cali- Markets responded positively to the The safety program follows through tion; non-consensual touching of a sexual Brandenburger. fornia agreement is a useful starting point that he believes appointment of the new economic team, on a promise that Uber made 15 months body part; non-consensual kissing of a sex- After Uber detailed past abuses on all automakers should join as the two sides negotiate longer- whose moves, including increasing inter- ago when it revealed that more than 3,000 ual body part; non-consensual kissing of a its service in its December 2019 report, term standards to go beyond model year 2026 to fulfi ll the ests rates to tame infl ation, signaled a re- sexual assaults had been reported on its non-sexual body part; non-consensual sex- California’s Public Utilities Commission goals of the Paris climate agreement. turn to more orthodox, tighter policy. service in the U.S. during 2018. ual penetration; and fatal physical assaults. sought the victims’ names and contact Following the roadmap of GM’s recently announced goal Annual infl ation stands above 15% and Since that revelation, San Francisco- Only “fraction of a fraction” of driv- numbers. After Uber rebuffed the re- of making all passenger vehicles electric by 2035, the coali- unemployment at around 13%. based Uber and Lyft have been working ers have engaged in behavior that fall into quest to protect the victims’ privacy, the tion of automakers is pledging efforts to increase production Last year, the Turkish economy grew to navigate through antitrust and privacy those categories, West said. Any com- agency slapped the company with a $59 of electric vehicles and hybrids, the people said. by 1.8%, according to offi cial fi gures, al- concerns to create a way to fl ag drivers pany with access to the clearinghouse of million fi ne. The dispute is now in the ap- Automakers argue that it’s diffi cult to reach stricter though analysts said the growth is partly who have engaged in violent or other ab- information could still decide to allow a peals process. standards because of continuing consumer demand for less- due to a credit boom. effi cient SUVs and trucks, the top-selling vehicles in the country. By promoting more sales of zero-emission electric vehicles, which accounted for less than 2% of U.S. new ve- hicle sales last year, the United States can achieve greater emissions reductions down the road. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose depart- ment is overseeing a rewrite of Trump anti-pollution rules along with the Environmental Protection Agency, has sig- naled openness to granting industry more credits for EV de- velopment. The automakers’ proposal is being presented in hopes of having a preliminary deal by Earth Day, April 22, when the administration is expected to release broader emissions targets at a US-hosted climate summit. It highlights the ob- stacles ahead for Biden, who during the campaign promised “ambitious” fuel economy standards that also support job creation. Transportation emissions is the single biggest U.S. contributor to climate change. The Alliance for Auto Innovation, a large industry trade group, deferred to a February statement saying it wants to work with the administration on making fuel economy im- provements soon, while strengthening the economy and ben- efi tting consumers. The Trump rollback of the Obama-era standards would re- quire a projected 29 miles per gallon in “real world” stop and start driving by 2026. That’s well below the requirements of the Obama administration rules that would have increased it to 37 mpg. The California deal with Ford and the other automakers has vehicles getting about 33 mpg on average, according to environmental groups, after accounting for credits for elec- tric vehicles. Biden has said he would forcefully address climate change by returning to the Obama-era standards. “When the previous administration reversed the Obama- Biden vehicle standard and picked Big Oil companies over American workers, the Biden-Harris administration will not only bring those standards back, we’ll set new, ambitious ones that our workers are ready to meet,” Biden said in late January. Biden also has made boosting electric vehicles a top prior- ity. He has pledged billions of dollars as part of an upcoming infrastructure and climate spending package to build 550,000 charging stations over the next decade to support such vehicles. In a letter to the White House late last month, two dozen environmental and green-friendly groups including the Si- erra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council urged ac- ceptance of nothing less than the Obama standards as part of a longer-term path to make all new cars and light-duty trucks zero-emission by 2035. They described credits granted to automakers for electric vehicles as “loopholes” that do little to reduce emissions in the short term. “Not only are the automakers rejecting standards they agreed to 10 years ago, they are even refusing a weaker deal that fi ve carmakers cut with California,” said Dan Becker, a director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The admin- istration should follow the science. We need to have much stronger national rules so we’re not guilty of looking global warming in the eye and blinking.” ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 BUSINESS 9 Asian markets mixed as China reports so-so data

A currency trader walks near screens showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) (left), and the foreign exchange rate between US dollar and South Korean won at the foreign exchange dealing room in Seoul, South Korea on March 15. (AP) Benchmarks rise in Hong Kong

BANGKOK, March 15, half,” Julian Evans-Pritchard of up 0.4% at 6,789.86. above the 1.60% mark. On Mon- (AP): Shares were mixed Capital Economics said in a com- On Friday, a late-afternoon day, the 10-year Treasury was at mentary. burst of buying helped nudge the 1.62%. in Asia on Monday as “Domestic policy support is S&P 500 0.1% higher to 3,943.34, The increase in bond yields China reported a vari- being gradually withdrawn. And extending its winning streak to a came as President Joe Biden ety of data that painted a foreign demand for Chinese goods fourth straight day. The Dow Jones signed into law the $1.9 trillion will drop back as vaccines start to Industrial Average added 0.9%, stimulus plan, which will include complicated picture of its reverse the recent shift in global to 32,778.64, lifted by industrial $1,400 checks for most Ameri- recovery from the pan- consumption patterns,” he said. stocks like Boeing and Caterpillar. cans and additional payments for demic. The Shanghai Composite index The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 0.6%, those with children or those who Benchmarks rose in Hong fell 1% to 3,419.95. Tokyo’s Nik- to 13,319.86. collected unemployment benefi ts Kong and Tokyo but fell in kei 225 index edged 0.2% higher, The Russell 2000 index of last year. President Biden also laid Shanghai and South Korea. to 29,766.97 and the Hang Seng smaller company stocks advanced out a plan, in a primetime speech The passage of a $1.9 trillion aid in Hong Kong climbed 0.1% to 0.6% to 2,352.79. It ended the Thursday, to expand vaccine eligi- package for the U.S. economy has 28,777.41. In South Korea, the week 7.3% higher, outpacing the bility to all Americans by May 1. added to investor confi dence that Kospi lost 0.3% to 3,045.71. Syd- S&P 500’s 2.6% gain for the week. Wall Street got another sign Fri- ney’s S&P/ASX 200 inched 0.1% the U.S. and global economy will Downward day that infl ation is creeping high- likely experience a strong recovery higher, to 6,773.00. er. The Labor Department said India’s Sensex lost 1.8% to The bond market again was the its producer price index, which from the pandemic in the second dominant force in pulling tech half of the year but also potentially 49,859.99. measures infl ation before it reach- Investors will be watching this stocks mostly downward, because es consumers, rose by 0.5% last increase the rate of infl ation. as yields push interest rates higher, China has led the global recov- week for the outcome of a Federal month following a record jump of Reserve policy meeting, which they make high-fl ying stocks look 1.3% the month before. Over the ery, reopening earlier than other expensive. countries from coronavirus shut- wraps up on Wednesday. Japan’s past year, wholesale prices are up central bank will be issuing a poli- After remaining stable for most 2.8%, the largest 12-month gain at downs that emerged in the central cy update on Friday. of the week, the yield on the 10- city of Wuhan in early 2020. the wholesale level in more than In Europe, Germany’s DAX year Treasury note jumped to two years. Retail sales jumped nearly 36% climbed 0.3% to 14,546.95 and 1.62% from 1.52% a day earlier. year-on-year in January-February Some economists fear that infl a- the CAC 40 in Paris added 0.5% to Investors had sold off stocks late tion, which has been dormant over from a year earlier. But the surge 6,075.54. Britain’s FTSE 100 was last week after that yield crossed was mostly driven by strong de- the past decade, could nudge high- mand for cars, catering and jew- er under the extra demand generat- elry, suggesting Chinese consum- ed by the stimulus package. Others ers were splashing out during the disagree, given that there are 9.5 Lunar New Year, ING economists million fewer jobs in the Ameri- said in a report. can economy than there were be- The data were exaggerated by fore the pandemic hit a year ago. low base effects from the shut- They contend that unemployment downs last year, they said. will keep a lid on infl ation. In other trading Monday, bench- Rose mark U.S. crude oil climbed 55 Meanwhile, the jobless rate rose cents to $66.16 per barrel in elec- to 5.5% from 5.2% a year earlier, tronic trading on the New York possibly affected by fl are ups of Mercantile Exchange. It lost 41 coronavirus in some areas, ana- cents to $65.61 per barrel on Fri- lysts said. day. Brent crude, the international “Travel restrictions weighed on standard, added 61 cents to $69.83 retail sales but boosted industrial per barrel. output and investment. We think The U.S. dollar rose to 109.19 activity will remain strong during Japanese yen from 109.02 yen late the fi rst half of this year, before In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, trader Greg- Friday. The euro fell to $1.1919 giving way to a weaker second ory Rowe (left), works on the trading fl oor. (AP) from $1.1949.

Move to offer innovative purchase methods Thales brings contactless payment to Axis Bank PARIS, March 15, (Agencies): Sanjeev Moghe, EVP & Head- company them as well as possible curity and quantum computing - to Thales, worldwide leader in digital Cards & Payments, Axis Bank through this fast evolving payment build a confi dent future crucial for security, has been a pioneer in ena- said: “With the increasing number ecosystem.” the development of our societies. bling convenience and security of of digital payments users, we see a Suboor Ahmed, Vice President The Group provides its custom- contactless payment to the wearable huge opportunity in contactless pay- of Strategic Partnerships & Opera- ers - businesses, organisations and market. Today its technologies ena- ments, which will continue to grow, tions at Tappy Technologies said, governments - in the defense, aero- ble Axis Bank’s wearables as a styl- given the post pandemic situation “The Indian mass market potential nautics, space, transport, and digital ish and secure contactless way of and the need for social distancing. for contactless enabled wearables identity and security domains with payment. The new Thales chip form Contactless payments are the future is signifi cant and we see this ex- solutions, services and products that factor will leverage Tappy Tech- of payments industry in India. To panding into use on India’s pub- help them fulfi l their critical role, nologies’ holistic payment solution tap into this market, our Wear ‘N’ lic transport systems in the future. consideration for the individual be- to Axis Bank, to further enhance Pay program brings in convenience With Axis Bank’s forward-thinking ing the driving force behind all de- customers outreach by offering in- in contactless payments at a budget initiatives and Thales’ innovative cisions. novative purchase methods. friendly price point, offering a safe development in the wearable space, Thales has 81,000 employees These range of wearable contact- and secure mode of payments on Tappy is extremely proud to be a in 68 countries. In 2020 the Group less payment devices are easy to the go. Not only are these devices part of this collaboration to bring generated sales of 17 billion. carry around, and blend seamlessly contemporary looking, but are also wearables with contactless payment Present in India since 1953, into the users’ daily lives with mini- designed in a way that it becomes a functionality to more people across Thales is headquartered in New mum intrusion. Thales has man- part of our daily lives, thus increas- the globe.” Delhi and has other operational of- aged to condense the technology of ing adoption of cashless transac- With swift integration into a fi ces and sites spread across Noida, a contactless payment card into a tions for everyday requirements. range of products such as watches, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Bengaluru tiny piece of secure payment tech- We are confi dent that the ‘Wear ‘N’ accessories and more, contactless and Mumbai, among others. Over nology - Thales Gemalto FlexiTag Pay’ program would be an attractive technology is a part of the next in- 1,800 employees are working with - that can be invisibly integrated value proposition for our custom- novation wave. It is at the helm of Thales and its joint ventures in In- into a vast range of wearable shapes ers.” the next phase of revolution in the dia. Since the beginning, Thales and sizes. Axis Bank customers can Emmanuel de Roquefeuil, Vice fi eld of digital technologies. has been playing an essential role therefore enjoy payment bands, key President and Country Director, There has been signifi cant growth in India’s growth story by sharing fobs, or loops to process fast con- Thales in India, said, “ Thales has in adoption of contactless payments, its technologies and expertise in tactless transactions - without hav- always been a key driver to launch both globally and in India. Contact- Defence, Transport, Aerospace and ing to take a wallet out. innovative and secure digital solu- less payments have been surging Digital Identity and Security mar- The wearable is directly linked tions. We are glad to support Axis across the world with MasterCard kets. Thales has two engineering to the customers’ bank account and Bank with this innovative contact- reporting over 40% growth in con- competence centres in India - one functions like a debit card. This al- less payment experience in India. tactless transactions globally in the in Delhi NCR focused on digi- lows purchases to be done at any The current time is apt to discover fi rst quarter of 2020. tal identity and security business, merchant who accepts contactless new secure payment methods and Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a while the one in Bengaluru focuses transactions. Also, to ease acces- here contactless wearables arise as global leader in advanced technolo- on hardware, software and systems sibility, the Axis wearables can be an optimal alternative. We look for- gies, investing in digital and “deep engineering capabilities for both the purchased via phone banking or at ward to unleashing the full digital tech” innovations - connectivity, big civil and defence sectors, serving Axis Bank branches. potential of our customers and ac- data, artifi cial intelligence, cyberse- global needs. Covetrus announces VP of Global Talent Management Saks to spinoff website

Covetrus (NASDAQ: CVET), a bench across the organization. the most important factor for our Covetrus from Apple, where Saks Fifth Avenue is spinning orders at there. global leader in animal-health As part of her role, she will focus future success. she served in their Global off its website into a separate HBC, the parent company of technology and services, today on investing in and developing The role that Stacey is step- Talent Management & company, with the hopes of Saks, said Friday that the new announced the addition of employees, and helping drive an ping into is critical to the growth Organizational Readiness expanding that business at a company will focus on growing Stacey M.M. Shirra as vice pres- innovative fast-moving culture. and health of our organization group. While there, she time when more people are online sales by adding more ident of global talent manage- She is also responsible for lead- and business. We look forward designed, led and implement- ment. The newly created post is ing the Company’s Diversity & to her contributions and strong ed global executive develop- shopping online. products and services, such as a strategic role designed to drive Inclusion initiatives. leadership within our high-per- ment and performance man- Shoppers won’t notice the styling. the Company’s acceleration of “I am pleased to welcome forming culture.” agement programs. In her role change. The website will still Online shopping has its three-year plan. Stacey to our global leadership Stacey M.M. Shirra brings at Covetrus, Stacey will also carry the Saks name. And boomed during the pandemic, Shirra is responsible for team,” said Ditte Marstrand expertise ranging from learning lead organizational health and shoppers will still be able to even for high-priced luxury Covetrus’ global talent strategy Wulf, Covetrus CHRO. “Our and development to succes- performance management. buy online and pickup items at items, as homebound people including building a strong talent employees are our strength and sion planning. She joins (Agencies) stores, as well as return online avoid stores. (AP) Business PPluslus Many worry that EU funding could widen the gender gap Pandemic sets back Italian women’s long fight for jobs

degrees in science, technology, engi- neering and mathematics (STEM), compared with 16% for women. That has some worried that EU funding could widen the gender gap. “There is a big risk it will end up increasing jobs for men,’’ said sociol- ogist Saraceno, who is based in Turin. “I have been saying for some time that you have to prepare both sexes for this kind of work.” Daniela Magnanti, 42, says the push for tech and engineering jobs for women comes too late for her. She wrote computer code for years until her employer went bust. In a phone interview from her home in a Rome suburb, Magnanti recounted how, when she tried to get back to work after the birth of her second daughter, parenthood hurt her prospects. For recruiters, asking if she had a child “was a routine question. (And) it was always a male (recruiter) who called.” Magnanti now works part-time at the check-in desk of a hotel in a near- by beach town and does administra- tive work for her brother’s plumbing business. “At first, in the 1960s and 1970s, (lack of women working) was justi- fied by saying they weren’t prepared, they didn’t have the competence,’’ said Liliana Ocmin, who coordinates the CISL labor union group’s efforts for women. But even after Italian women armed themselves with col- lege degrees and skills they remained behind in the workforce. ISTAT’s Sabbadini noted last year that day-care availability nationwide was a scarce 25%. In southern Calabria, it was a mere 9%. Draghi seems to be getting the message. In remarks to the nation on Monday, International Women’s Day, he said Italy needed “profound reforms” to narrow the gender gap, Daniela Magnanti sits at the check-in desk of the hotel in the Santa Severa castle, near Rome, March 5, 2021. Daniela, 42, says the push to develop STEM (science, technology, engineering including more equitable access to and mathematics) jobs for women comes too late for her. According to 2019 ISTAT figures, 37.3% of Italian men have degrees in STEM compared to 16.2% for women. (AP) day-care. Meanwhile, Italian cultural atti- tudes toward working women seem By Frances D’emilio for children when schools closed or spread attitudes. Affordable day-care our country doesn’t succeed in stuck in a time warp for Carmen saw employment evaporate in hard-hit is chronically scarce, both public and employing,’’ ISTAT’s central director Basso, 63. ne of hundreds of thousands of retail and hospitality businesses. But private. Linda Laura Sabbadini said in an Owomen in Italy who lost jobs in Italian women went into the COVID- Of 456,000 jobs lost in 2020 in interview last month with the weekly One of her daughters is a lawyer the pandemic, Laura Taddeo has a 19 crisis already struggling for Italy, where the pandemic first erupt- Io Donna, (I, Woman). “The point is and the other a psychologist. But masters degree in tourism, speaks decades to expand their presence in ed in the West, 249,000 were held by that, as long as women are underuti- when she meets people, the first ques- fluent English and Spanish and some the workforce. women, many of whom had been lized in respect to their potential, Italy tion many ask about her daughters is, Arabic, too. Among the 27 European Union working as waitresses, store clerks, won’t grow.” “Are they married?” Her contract as a tour operator with nations, Italy ranks next to last, just nannies and caretakers for the elderly. If anyone is acutely aware of that “If they were men, they’d ask a high-end Italian hotel company above Greece, in terms of women’s According to the national statistics issue that would be Mario Draghi, “What do your children do?”’ said The point is that, as expired in May, just as COVID-19 participation in the workforce. In bureau, ISTAT, between November who headed both the Bank of Italy Basso, who lives near Venice. ‘ travel restrictions were crippling tour- 2020, while Europe’s economy was and December, when Italy was grap- and the European Central Bank and Among those suffering economi- long as women are ism, and it wasn’t renewed. But reeling from pandemic restrictions, pling with a devastating resurgence of last month became the nation’s pre- cally from the pandemic is Anita whenever tourism does rebound, 49.4% of women aged 15 through 64 infections, a staggering 99,000 of the mier. Galafate, who started a wedding plan- underutilized in Taddeo, who cuts a confident figure, worked in Italy, compared with an 101,000 jobs that disappeared were A hefty chunk of the 209 billion ner business 15 years ago, when she will brace for the job interview ques- EU average of 67.3%. By compari- women’s, mostly among the self- euros ($250 billion) in EU pandemic was 23 and newly married. respect to their poten- tions. son, 67.3% of men had jobs, against employed. aid for Italy is to be earmarked for Before her 3-year-old twin sons “It’s not, ‘What have you studied? an EU rate of 79%. Even before the pandemic, Italy’s digital innovation and shifting the were born, she handled 25 weddings a tial, Italy won’t grow What languages do you speak?’ but Deeply rooted Italian societal atti- economy had never fully recovered economy to environmentally friendly year, then cut back to 15. During the ‘Do you have a family? Do you tudes that hold a woman’s main voca- from the economic crisis of more than technologies. In laying out his priori- pandemic she received two bookings. ’ intend to have children?”’ Taddeo, tion is in the home help to explain the a decade ago. The Bank of Italy has ties to Parliament last month, Draghi “As far as my boys go, I don’t who is 33, said every man who has lag. estimated that GDP would improve said Italy must invest “economically, want them to see a woman who stays interviewed her asked her that right “It’s not so much that women by some 7 percentage points if the but above all, culturally,” so that home. I want them to think that when off the bat. shouldn’t work, but they shouldn’t proportion of women in the workforce young women can train for careers in they have a future wife or companion, Worldwide, working women have neglect the household. That’s the climbs to 60%. sectors that will get the new invest- it’s perfectly fine to work,” Galafate paid a painfully high price during the responsibility of women,’’ said soci- “We’re talking about women who ment. said. “Even if the pandemic costs me pandemic as many quit jobs to care ologist Chiara Saraceno of the wide- are more educated than men, but that Some 37% of Italian men have this job, I will find another.” (AP) Consumers are becoming more conscious travelers American Express launches 2021 Travel Trends Report NEW YORK, March 15, able to live and work while travel- to traveling again are topping the list for International Consumers are becoming more (Agencies): American Express ing the globe is more appealing People are finding hope and com- American Express Card Members conscious travelers, are more aware (NYSE: AXP) released the now than it was prior to the pan- fort in thinking about and even 3. of travel companies aligned with American Express Travel: demic. Safety is a Priority: 65% of planning future trips. The new travel mindset their values and will journey to des- Global Travel Trends Report today, respondents said they plan to travel Travel to Uplift Health & Wel- With regular changes to booking tinations where they can have a which provides unique insight into after they and their family members lness: 78% of respondents indicate policies, travel offers, and new des- positive impact on communities. consumer sentiment toward travel have received a vaccine for wanting to travel in 2021 to relieve tinations to consider, there is a new Backing Local Communities: nearly one year after the COVID-19 COVID-19. the stresses from 2020. Planning travel mindset today. 72% of respondents agree that they pandemic began. The findings in Privacy is the New Ultimate and Paying for Future Travel: One Luxury Travel: The pandemic are passionate about traveling to the report, grounded in survey Luxury: 75% of respondents agree in three say they will more fre- has changed peoples’ perception of destinations to help boost tourism research across seven countries, that the experiences that offer ulti- quently use travel credits or points luxury travel with personalized revenue and the local economy 1. including the United States, mate privacy is becoming a key to pay for all or part of a trip in experiences (82%), high cleanliness Supporting Travel Brands that Australia, India, Canada, Mexico, sought-after feature of luxury travel. 2021 than they did prior to the standards (81%) and privacy (79%) Prioritize Diversity & Inclusion: Japan and the United Kingdom 1, Increase in Sustainable Travel: COVID-19 pandemic. being the most desirable luxury Supporting Travel Brands that demonstrates that consumers are 68% of respondents agree they are Making Up for Missed Travel: amenities among respondents 1. Prioritize Diversity & Inclusion: Our latest global trends looking forward to traveling again trying to be more aware of sustain- 61% of survey respondents plan to 59% indicate that they want to use a 69% of respondents agree that they ‘ and that they are planning for future ability-friendly travel brands to sup- spend more than they normally travel agent to help plan and cus- want to choose an airline/hotel that report shows that there trips. port. “Our latest global trends report would on a trip in 2021 since they tomize their next trip and 80% indi- values diversity and inclusion, and Strong Pent-Up Demand for shows that there is a pent-up could not travel in 2020. Consumers cate they are willing to travel to whose employees reflect a diverse is a pent-up demand for Travel: 87% of people surveyed said demand for travel among consum- Willing to Make Sacrifices to destinations during the offseason so customer base. that having a trip planned in the ers, with many people longing for Travel: 64% of respondents miss that it’s less crowded. Carbon Conscious Travelers: travel among consumers, future gives them something to look and beginning to plan future trips,” traveling so much that they would Surge in ‘Second-City’ Destin- 60% of respondents agree they want forward to, 76% of respondents are said Audrey Hendley, President of be willing to give up social media ations: 69% of respondents are to book airlines that have a carbon with many people long- creating their destination wish list for American Express Travel. for a month to be able to go on interested in visiting lesser-known neutral commitment. American future travel even though they might “In addition, the pandemic envi- vacation. destinations and American Express Express Travel’s 4,500 travel consul- ing for and beginning to not be able to travel yet and 63% of ronment is giving rise to emerging Culinary Tourism is Here to Travel booking data reinforces this tants provide customers with world- respondents said that they are saving trends, such as the increasing appeal Stay: 62% of respondents say that trend, showing a rise in reservations class service, where high-tech meets plan future trips their credit card points so they can go of working from anywhere while eating is the top activity they are for second-city destinations. For high-touch support, 24/7. on a vacation once they feel comfort- traveling globally, luxury being interested in doing while traveling, example, Dallas and Charlotte saw To give customers more value ’ able traveling. Ready to Book Now: defined as more personalized expe- and American Express Travel book- a higher share of bookings from and confidence whenever they’re 56% of respondents said that they riences, cleanliness and privacy as ing data for January 2021 shows International Card Members in ready to travel, the company has miss traveling so much that they are the ultimate luxury amenities, as foodie centric cities as top destina- January 2021 than the previous year rolled out a number of discounts willing to book a trip now even if well as a growing interest in the tions for U.S. and International 4 and American Express Travel and offers across hotel, air and car they might have to cancel it in the environmental and social purpose of Card Members. Miami, San consultants are seeing requests for rentals and extended American future. their trips and travel companies.” Francisco, Chicago and Houston are smaller cities like Porto (instead of Express Travel cancellation fee Rise of The Digital Nomad: Here’s a look at key findings from hot spots for U.S. American Lisbon) in Portugal, and Wellington waivers through the end of 54% of respondents said that the the report: Express Card Members 2 whereas (instead of Auckland) in New September. To find out more visit freedom and flexibility of being Consumers are looking forward Mexico City, Singapore and Tokyo Zealand. AmexTravel.com. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

‘Low health literacy’ Health offi cials fi ght conspiracy theories

NEW YORK, March 15, (AP): Los Angeles emergency room nurse Sandra Younan spent the last year juggling long hours as she watched many patients struggle with the coronavirus and some die. Then there were the patients who claimed the virus was fake or coughed in her face, ignoring mask rules. One man stormed out of the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test, refusing to believe it was accurate. “You have patients that are literally dying, and then you have patients that are denying the disease,” she said. “You try to educate and you try to educate, but then you just hit a wall.” Bogus claims about the virus, masks and vaccines have exploded since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic a year ago. Journalists, public health officials and tech compa- nies have tried to push back against the falsehoods, but much of the job of correcting misinformation has fallen to the world’s front-line med- ical workers. In Germany, a video clip show- ing a nurse using an empty syringe while practicing vaccinations traveled widely online as purported evidence that COVID-19 is fake. Doctors in Af- ghanistan reported patients telling them COVID-19 was created by the US and China to reduce the world population. In Bolivia, medical workers had to care Brann for five people who ingested a toxic bleaching agent falsely touted as a CO- VID-19 cure. Younan, 27, says her friends used to describe her as the “chillest person ever,” but now she deals with crushing anxi- ety. “My life is being a nurse, so I don’t care if you’re really sick, you throw up on me, whatever,” Younan said. “But when you know what you’re doing is wrong, and I’m asking you repeatedly to please wear your mask to protect me, and you’re still not doing it, it’s like you have no regard for anybody but yourself. And that’s why this virus is spreading. It just makes Rachel Van Lear poses for a portrait at her home in Buda, Texas, March 9. Van Lear says she was in great shape when she got sick. At 35, she had no underlying illnesses you lose hope.” and was a busy mother of three who often worked out. First came a chest cold, then a high fever. A flu test came back negative, so her doctor tested for COVID-19. Results Missions were positive. Soon after she developed blinding headaches, debilitating fatigue and nausea so severe that she needed ER treatment to replace fluid. (AP) Emily Scott, 36, who is based at a Seattle hospital, has worked around the world on medical missions and helped care for the first US COVID-19 patient last year. She was selected Coronavirus because of her experience working in Sierra Leone during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak. While many Americans were terrified of Ebola - a disease that isn’t nearly as contagious as the coronavirus and poses little threat in the US - they aren’t nearly afraid enough of CO- Survivors struggle with ‘chronic disease syndrome’ VID-19, she said. Scott blames a few factors: Ebola’s frightening symptoms, racism against Africans and the politicization of COVID-19 by American elected officials. Scientists race to solve COVID mystery “I felt so much safer in Sierra Leone during Ebola than I did at the beginning of this outbreak in the US,” Scott said, NEW YORK, March 15, (AP): There tion, have also been seen. Pinpointing vere that she needed emergency room because of how many people failed to heed social distancing was no reason to celebrate on Rachel whether these symptom are directly treatment. and mask directives. “Things that are facts, and science, have Van Lear’s anniversary. The same day linked to the virus or perhaps to some ‘’I was very scared because no one become politicized.” a global pandemic was declared, she preexisting condition is among scien- could tell me what was going to hap- ER nurse L’Erin Ogle has heard a litany of false claims developed symptoms of COVID-19. A tists’ tasks. pen to me,’’ Van Lear said. about the virus while working at a hospital in the suburbs year later, she’s still waiting for them ‘’Is it just a very delayed recovery Over the next several months, symp- of Kansas City, Missouri. They include: The virus isn’t any to disappear. And for experts to come or is it something even more alarming toms would come and go: burning worse than the flu. It’s caused by 5G wireless towers. Masks up with some answers. and something that becomes the new lungs, a rapid heartbeat, dizzy spells, won’t help and may hurt. Or, the most painful to her: The virus The Texas woman is one of thou- normal?’’ Collins said. hand tremors and hair loss. While most isn’t real, and doctors and nurses are engaged in a vast global sands of self-described long-haulers, There are a few working theories have disappeared, she still deals with conspiracy to hide the truth. patients with symptoms that linger or for what might be causing persis- an occasional racing heartbeat. Heart “It just feels so defeating, and it makes you question: Why A doctor fills a syringe with the Indian version of the AstraZeneca coronavi- develop out of the blue months after tent symptoms. One is that the virus monitoring, bloodwork and other tests am I doing this?” said Ogle, 40. they fi rst became infected with coro- remains in the body at undetectable have all been normal. Nurses are often the health care providers with the most rus vaccine at a hospital in Kabul, Af- ghanistan, March 15. (AP) navirus. Hers fi rst arrived March 11, levels yet still causes tissue or organ Fatigue, fever, and no taste or smell patient contact, and patients frequently view nurses as more 2020. damage. Or it overstimulates the im- were Karla Jefferies’ fi rst symptoms approachable, according to professor Maria Brann, an expert The condition affects an uncertain mune system, keeping it from return- after testing positive last March. Then on health communication at Indiana University-Purdue Uni- number of survivors in a baffl ing va- ing to a normal state. A third theory: came brain fog, insomnia, a nagging versity Indianapolis. That means nurses are more likely to en- riety of ways. Symptoms linger or arise anew when smell of something burning that only counter patients spreading misinformation, which gives them “We’re faced with a mystery,” said the virus attacks blood vessels, caus- recently disappeared, and intermittent a special opportunity to intervene. Dr. Francis Collins, chief of the Na- ing minute, undetectable blood clots ringing in her ears. Now she can’t hear “Nurses have always been patient advocates, but this pan- tional Institutes of Health. that can wreak havoc throughout the out of her left ear. demic has thrown so much more at them,” Brann said. “It can Is it a condition unique to COV- body. Doctors can’t fi nd anything to ex- definitely take a toll. This isn’t necessarily what they signed ID-19, or just a variation of the syn- Some scientists think each of these plain it, and she bristles when some up for.” drome that can occur after other infec- may occur in different people. doctors dismiss her symptoms. In some cases, it’s nurses and other health care workers tions? How many people are affected, Dr. Steven Deeks, an infectious dis- ‘’I understand that COVID is some- themselves spreading misinformation. And many nurses say and how long does it last? Is it a new ease specialist at the University of Cal- thing that we’re all going through to- they encounter falsehoods about the coronavirus vaccine in form of chronic fatigue syndrome - a ifornia, San Francisco, said researchers gether but don’t brush me off,’’ said their own families. Weckstein Russell condition with similar symptoms? fi rst need to create a widely accepted Jefferies, 64, a retired state worker in For Brenda Olmos, 31, a nurse practitioner in Austin, Texas, Or could some symptoms be unre- defi nition of the syndrome. Estimates Detroit. who focuses on a geriatric and Hispanic patient population, it lated to their COVID-19 but a physi- are “all over the map because no one is As an African American woman was a no-brainer to get the vaccine. But first she had to debate cal reaction to the upheaval of this past defi ning it in the same way,’’ he said. with diabetes and high blood pressure, her parents, who had heard unsubstantiated claims that the shot Discovery pandemic year - the lockdowns, quar- she was at high risk for a bad outcome would cause infertility and Bell’s palsy on Spanish-language Deeks is leading one study, collect- antines, isolation, job losses, racial un- ing blood and saliva samples from vol- and knows she’s lucky her initial ill- TV shows. rest, political turmoil, not to mention ness wasn’t more serious. But her per- Olmos eventually convinced her parents to get the vaccine, unteers who will be followed for up to Lights Out Philly for birds: The overwhelming illness and deaths? two years. sistent symptoms and home confi ne- too, but she worries about vaccine hesitancy in her community. lights of Philadelphia might not shine as These are the questions facing sci- ment got her down and depression set When she recently encountered an elderly patient with can- bright in the coming weeks as a coalition entists as they search for disease mark- Infections in. cerous tumors, Olmos knew the growths had taken years to in the City of Brotherly Love tries to pre- Some people develop long-term Political and racial unrest that domi- develop. But the man’s adult children who had recently gotten ers, treatments and cures. With $1 bil- vent millions of migrating birds that pass lion from Congress, Collins’ agency problems even when their initial infec- nated the news didn’t help, and church him the vaccine insisted that the two were connected. through twice a year from slamming into tions were silent. Deeks said some evi- “To them, it just seemed too coincidental,” Olmos said. “I is designing and soliciting studies that services - often her salvation - were skyscrapers and crashing to the sidewalk. aim to follow at least 20,000 people dence suggests that those who initially suspended. She knows all that could just wanted them to not have that guilt.” Bird Safe Philly announced the Lights Olmos said the real problem with misinformation is not just Out Philly initiative, a voluntary pro- who’ve had COVID-19. get sicker from a coronavirus infec- have contributed to her ill health and bad actors spreading lies - it’s people believing false claims gram in which as many external and in- “We’ve never really been faced tion might be more prone to persistent says listening to music - R&B, jazz because they aren’t as comfortable navigating often complex ternal lights in buildings are turned off with a post-infectious condition of this symptoms, and women seem to de- and a little country - has helped her medical findings. or dimmed at night during the spring and magnitude so this is unprecedented,’’ velop them more than men, but those cope. fall. Collins said Monday. “We don’t have observations need to be confi rmed, Still, Jefferies wants to know what Guidance The problem of artifi cial lights attract- time to waste.” Deeks said. role the virus has played. “Low health literacy is the real pandemic,” she said. “As ing birds to their deaths in the city is not With nearly 30 million US cases Van Lear says she was in great “I’m a year in, and to still from time health care providers, we have a duty to serve the informa- new. of COVID-19 and 119 million world- shape when she got sick. At 35, the to time have lingering effects, I just tion in a way that’s palatable, and that’s easy to understand, so “We have specimens in the academy’s wide, the impact could be staggering, suburban Austin woman had no other don’t understand that,’’ Jefferies said. ornithology collection from a kill that even if only a small fraction of patients health issues and was a busy mother Jefferies and Van Lear are mem- that people don’t consume misinformation because they can’t happened when lights were fi rst installed digest the real data.” develop long-term problems. of three who often worked out. First bers of Survivor Corps, one of several on Philadelphia’s City Hall tower in Fatigue, shortness of breath, insom- came a chest cold, then a high fever. online support groups created during When Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lifted the state’s mask man- 1896,” said Jason Weckstein, associate date this month against the guidance of many scientists, nurse nia, trouble thinking clearly and de- A fl u test came back negative, so her the pandemic and that have amassed curator of ornithology at Drexel Univer- pression are among the many reported doctor tested for COVID-19. Soon af- thousands of members. Some are en- practitioner Guillermo Carnegie called the decision a “spit in sity’s Academy of Natural Sciences. the face.” The coalition, which includes Audubon symptoms. Organ damage, including ter she developed blinding headaches, rolling in studies to help speed the “I was disgusted,” said Carnegie, 34, of Temple, Texas. Mid-Atlantic, the Academy of Natural lung scarring and heart infl amma- debilitating fatigue and nausea so se- science. “This governor, and different people, they act like, ‘Oh, we’re Sciences of Drexel University, the Dela- proud of our front-line workers, we support them.’ But then ware Valley Ornithological Club and two they do something like that, and it taxes the medical field tre- local Audubon chapters, formed after the ronmental activist, in response to citizen ecuted a search and seizure warrant at the Waterford, Connecticut, for the past two mendously.” city’s largest mass-collision event in 70 complaints and surveillance that revealed home of Nancy Burton, the founder of the decades. Brian Southwell, who started a program at Duke University years was reported last October. Hun- animal welfare concerns, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Millstone, The department said it received a com- School of Medicine to train medical professionals how to talk dreds of dead birds were found around state Department of Agriculture. a watchdog group that has been critical of plaint in October about “injured goats and the city. to misinformed patients, said providers should view the patient State and local offi cials said they ex- the Millstone nuclear power complex in general care issues” on Burton’s property confiding in them as an opportunity. “Conditions were perfect for a heavy in Redding, Connecticut. Offi cials said migratory fl ight and imperfect given that “That patient trusts you enough to raise that information the search and seizure warrant was ap- there was a low ceiling of clouds and proved after citizen complaints and sur- with you,” Southwell said. “And so that’s a good thing, even if rain,” Weckstein said. “That in combina- you disagree with it.” veillance “that revealed animal welfare tion with Philly’s bright city lights was a concerns, including mobility issues due He said medical workers should resist going into “academ- disaster for many fall migrant birds wing- ic argumentation mode” and instead find out why patients to untrimmed hooves, excessive manure, ing their way south.” lack of suffi cient water, and structures in hold certain beliefs - and whether they might be open to other Birds navigate during migration using poor condition that did not provide ad- ideas. celestial cues and when they cannot see equate protection from the weather.” That act of listening is imperative to building trust, accord- stars on a cloudy night they get confused Burton told The Associated Press on ing to Dr. Seema Yasmin, a physician, journalist and Stanford by bright city lights, according to experts. Thursday that offi cials seized about 65 University professor who studies medical misinformation. Windows pose a problem, according goats. She denied any of them were in “Put down your pen, put down your notebook and listen,” to Weckstein, because birds might see a poor health or neglected in any way. Yasmin said. refl ection of trees or the sky. Burton accused offi cials of taking the Meanwhile, a Chinese official says the country has admin- Scientists estimate between 365 mil- goats not because of neglect, but to stop lion and one billion birds are killed by istered almost 65 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to its her testing of goat milk for radioactive citizens amid plans to immunize up to 80% of its entire popula- collisions with buildings or other outdoor structures in the U.S. every year and those materials linked to nuclear power plants. tion of 1.4 billion. crashes are taking a toll on some species. She also said she has been trying to fi nd Teams have been dispatched nationwide to oversee vacci- “The ovenbird and the black-throated animal sanctuaries to take most of her nations and are working with targeted groups according to a blue warbler are among the hundreds of goats, and state offi cials are aware of schedule, Vice Chairman of the National Health Commission bird species that are now at an increased those efforts. Li Bin told reporters at a news conference on Monday. risk of extinction in North America be- “This case is about goat milk,” Burton China has been slower in its vaccination campaign than cause of climate change,” said Keith Rus- This image from video provided by Smithsonian’s National Museum of American said. “And goat milk is not popular at many other countries, including the U.S., while committing sell with Audubon Mid-Atlantic. (AP) History shows Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and (Department of Energy and Environmen- roughly 10 times more doses abroad than it has distributed at ❑ ❑ ❑ Infectious Diseases and chief medical adviser to the president, holding his per- tal Protection) or Department of Agricul- home. The lack of urgency is partly due to the near elimination sonal 3D model of the COVID-19 virus he is donating to the Smithsonian’s National ture or the state of Connecticut because of locally spread cases. Goats seized from activist: Con- Museum of American History on March 2. Fauci presented the donation recently in it’s proof positive of contamination of the necticut authorities have seized dozens of a virtual ceremony to honor him with the museum’s Great Americans Medal. (AP) environment by nuclear power plants. So goats from the home of a longtime envi- that’s what this is about.” (AP) Grammys TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 FFeatureseatures solo violinand colò Paganini including acellorecordingof rich toneaswellhisvirtuosity, mism throughhisbeautifulmusic.” bringing people“hopeandopti- surprise showandpraisedMafor video postedonsocialmediaofthe liam Pignatelli responders. for essentialworkersandfi live-streamed virtualconcerts surprise pop-upconcertsand on TwitterMarch13,2020. gives mecomfort,”thecellistwrote tinue tosharesomeofthemusicthat of thepandemic. anxiety throughouttheearlydays social mediainanefforttoease hashtag #SongsOfComforton recordings ofhimselfusingthe one yearafterMastartedposting Vaccine Collaborativeassaying. Hall oftheBerkshireCOVID-19 The BerkshireEaglequotedRichard “wanted togivesomethingback,” lives part-timeinthearea,saidhe applause fromtheotherattendees. and playedforabout15minutesto Community CollegeinPittsfi tion areaSaturdayatBerkshire along thewallofobserva- coronavirus shot. instrument aftergettinghissecond cellist over theweekendwhenfamed were treatedtoaminiconcert cinated Massachusettsresidents Moes cello madeby her death.Healsoownsamodern Pré ously ownedby Davidov Stradivarius,wasprevi- nia anditstuck. will younameit?”ShechosePetu- He said,“No,butifIplayforyou, if hehadanicknameforhiscello. classes in approached himafteroneofhis named Petuniabyastudentwho valued atUS$2.5million.Itwas Montagnana “Petunia”, builtby instrument isthecellonicknamed solo sonata. (Agencies) and Clarkcompanyof and oneofcarbonfi LOS ANGELES: PITTSFIELD, Mass: since nokidswereallowedattheLosAngelesshow. but earliercreatedanInstagramredcarpetmomentwithhisdaughter a wide-brimgreenhatwithredunderneath.Hewasonhandinperson look, herhatandfacemaskalsoamatch. a sexyhighslit. terfl Dolce &Gabbana. pared-down redcarpetinabrightmustardandgreenfl at thetopandagoldbelt,whileDaBabybrightenedupdrastically zips oneacharmandafeatheredskirt. for thestars. Grammys asmusic’sbignightSundayofferedaluxefashionmoment in asparklingsilvergownwithgoldaccentsbyLouisVuittonatthe moto-inspired lookzippedallthewaydownandCynthiaErivostunned NEW YORK,March15,(AP):DojaCatwentforneonfeathersanda Doja Cat,CynthiaErivoledthefashionmarch attheGrammys Ma isknownforhissmooth, Massachusetts stateRep Since then,Mahasalsoplayed “I wantedtofi The quickconcertcameexactly The renownedmusician,who A masked-upMatookaseat Another ofMa’scellos,the Ma’s primaryperformance , whopassedittohimupon Joanie Leeds,winnerofthebestchildren’smusicalbum,didsome- DaBaby, hismom,Linda,bysideinred,toppedoffsuitwith Billie Eilishmatchedherlongnailstoaloosepinkandblacktrouser “It wasreallycooltocollaborate,”shesaid. Dua Lipaalsosparkled,inapinksequinVersacegownwithbut- Erivo’s gownincludedalowcutoutatthefrontwithgoldbibeffect “I wanttobethecatlady,soletmethat,”shesaid. Dressed inRobertoCavalli,Doja’srevealinglookincludedcat-claw In thisvideograbprovidedbyCBSandtheRecordingAcademy,MirandaLambertperformsat63rdannualGrammyAwards y motif.Thebody-skimminggownincludedcutoutsatthehipsand of Yo-Yo Ma Peißenberg, Germany ❑ Salt LakeCity in1733,and ’s 24thCapricefor Peter responded to a respondedtoa Zoltán Kodály nd awaytocon- Jacqueline du Ken isturning broughtouthis ber bytheLuis Domenico and Boston Newly vac- Wendela asking rst- Wil- eld Nic- . ’s , more diverse. and fashionchoices havebecome years, Ken’sbodytype, hairtextures sandals andayellow towel.Overthe bathing suitandcomes withred doll withblondfelthairwearsared rate his1961debut.Thatslender the originalKendolltocommemo- Barbie did. 60, twoyearsafterhisbestfriend Mattel launched a reproduction of Mattel launchedareproductionof to refl for “Savage,”withMeganTheeStallion. Girl” aswellbestrapperformanceandsong for “BlackParade,”bestmusicvideo“BrownSkin picked upfourhonors,includingbestR&Bperformance and “1989.” She previouslywonalbumoftheyearwith“Fearless” alternative albumshereleasedasasurpriselastyear. album, saidbackstage. feel thatenergy,”DuaLipa,whowonbestpopvocal been absolutelyamazingtojustbealongsideallthat, and lotsofwomenwinningawardstonight.Andsoit’s four honors. the fi past —includingEilish’ssweeplastyearitmarked Thee Stalliondeservedtheaward. telling theaudiencethatbestnewartistwinnerMegan up hersecondconsecutiverecordoftheyearhonor, history. win —becamethemostdecoratedwomaninGrammy album oftheyearthreetimes.Beyoncé—withher28th ing Swift,whobecamethefi ly absentduringthepandemicera. socially distancedshowhighlightedbylivemusicsore- night atthe2021GrammyAwards,ajam-packedbut cluding BeyoncéandTaylorSwifthadarecord-making NEW YORK,March15,(AP):Femaleperformersin- Beyoncé, Taylor Swiftmakehistory the bestrapsongwinwithhiswifesinceheco-wrote Sunday: Jay-Zpickeduphis23rdGrammy,sharing family did.Theroyalofmusicallwonhonors who isthemostdecoratedGrammywinnerwith31wins. ners. SheisonlybehindthelateconductorGeorgSolti, Quincy JonesforsecondplaceamongallGrammywin- This issuchamagicalnight.” “beautiful Blackkingsandqueens”intheworld. for “BlackParade,”whichwasreleasedonJuneteenth. yoncé saidonstageasshewonbestR&Bperformance “As anartistIbelieveit’smyjob,andallofourjobs, Beyoncé walkedintotheshowwith24winsand Swift wonthetopprizewith“folklore,”folky, “I feellikethere’sbeenalotoffemaleempowerment Though womenhavewonalltopfourawardsinthe H.E.R. wonsongoftheyearandBillieEilishpicked Four womenwonthetopfourprizesSunday,includ- But Beyoncédidn’tonlymakehistory,herwhole Beyoncé nowtiesproducerandmulti-instrumentalist She added:“Ihavebeenworkingmywholelife... She wentontosayshecreatedthesonghonor Variety rst timefourseparateandsolowomenwonthetop ect timeandit’sbeensuchadiffi Music’s bignightoffersaluxefashionmomentforthestars oral suitfrom rst femaleperformertowin Grammys choker fi slit andahugebackbowtrainbyDolce&Gabbana.HerChopard Stallion woreastraplessbrightorangeprincesslookwithhighside with abeadedhumanskeleton,fromThomBrowne,andMeganThee tails, byGeorgesChakra.PhoebeBridgersworeablackgownadorned big —andpinkinaminidressthathadhugetraintropicalde- in aclassicblacktuxedobyGucci,whilenomineeDebiNovawent site toconductliveinterviews—asafedistanceapart. mass ofcamerasandTVcrews.Aselectfewoutletswerepermittedon intliMa Pignatelli “I wantedtopop.IlooklikeaGrammy,”Megansaid. The night’shost,TrevorNoah,showedupforthepared-downcarpet Due topandemicprecautions,the“redcarpet”wasnotusual hoodie sweatshirt,”saidLeeds,afi slid offhersilverheelstoshowoncamera. really goodpictures.” walked theredcarpetandwehadaphotographerheretooksome porters duringavirtualnewsconferencebeforetheshow.“Weall thing similaratadistancefromhomeinNewYork. “Just becausewe’revirtualthisyear,Iwasn’tgoingtowearmy Leeds woreamulticolorsequinedgownbyNicoleMiller,andshe “I actuallycreatedastepandrepeatredcarpet,”shetoldre- cult time,”Be- nished offthelook. Ladies night:Fourwomenwintop4prizes protest anthem“ICan’tBreathe”andAndersonPaak’s Black experiencethatwonSunday,includingH.E.R.’s lory, gaveapoliticalperformancethatimpressed. Baby, joinedbyKillerMikeandactivistTamikaMal- navirus ravishedBlackAmericadisproportionately.Lil ity continuedtodevastateBlackfamiliesandthecoro- Like Me,”whichshereleasedlastyearaspolicebrutal- — gaveatopnotchperformanceofhersong“Black woman nominatedforbestcountrysoloperformance linist andbackgroundsingers. featuring R&BsingerAnthonyHamilton,askilledvio- star,” fl own performanceofhisguitar-tingedraphit“Rock- was joinedbyDaBaby,whoanall-starduringhis her hits“Don’tStartNow”and“Levitating,”whereshe Lipa provedherpopstarstatuswithaperformanceof with theirsmoothnewsingle,“LeavetheDoorOpen.” performed, bringingathrowbackR&Bvibetotheshow tanced, atsmallroundtables. with attendeeswearingmasksandsitting,sociallydis- was 2020,appearinglivefromdowntownLosAngeles Noah toldjokesaboutthepandemicandyearthat not-so-easy featduringaglobalpandemic.HostTrevor helped thenearlyfour-hourshowrunseamlessly—a the yearwithSwift. Antonoff andAaronDessner,whobothwonalbumof the collaboratorswhohelpedhermakealbums,Jack well as“willow”from“evermore,”andwasjoinedby Precautions “Black Parade”joinedalistofsongshonoringthe Country singerMickeyGuyton—thefi Silk Sonic,akaBrunoMarsandAndersonPaak,also The Grammysfeaturedpre-tapedperformancesthat She sang“cardigan”and“august”from“folklore,”as nominations. Shedidn’tperformbutSwiftdid. best newartist. best rapsong.She’salsothefi made historyandbecamethefi er, WhereArtThou?”soundtrack. appearance ontheTBoneBurnett-produced“OBroth- Sisters wonalbumoftheyearat2002showfortheir 63-year history.LeahPeasallwas8whenThe second youngestacttowinaGrammyintheshow’s best musicvideoalongsidehermother—becamethe “Savage.” And9-year-oldBlueIvyCarter—whowon Beyoncé wasthenight’stopcontenderwithnine Megan TheeStallion,whowonthreehonors,also ipping thesongforanexceptionalliverendition rst-time Grammywinner. at Mattel. Theoriginal,clean-cut Barbie seniordirector ofdesign that helivesin,”said ways beenarefl with thehandle@BarbieStyle. signs willbeviewableonInstagram case himasaninfl celebrate Ken’sbirthdayandshow- with severalfashiondesignersto “Ken,muchlikeBarbie, hasal- The companysaiditisworking Performances ector ofthetimes uencer. Thede- fth rap-basedacttowin rst femalerappertowin Robert Best rt Black rst , Los AngelesConventionCenteronSunday,March14.(AP) fi effect thatencircledherface.ItwasaSchiaparelli,somberCyrusand wide-leg trousers. rock star.” turtleneck. up toLizzoswitchitinthebestway,”Howardsaid. strapless dressbyBalmain.ShedrippedinBulgarijewels. maid looktopresentanawardandearlierworeashortruchedseafoam well,” shesaid. effortlessly. Ihopetoseeherincouturemoreoften.Shewearsitvery looked soregalinherorangegown,andtonightsheworeoutfi moments providedbyMeganandDaBaby. nation. to wearit.Cyrusismourningtherecentdeathofhergrandmother. rst-time Grammynomineesaid.Shesaidshewashonoredtobethefi Nandi Howard,associatefashioneditoratEssence,laudedthestyle Noah Cyrus spoke to reporters in a cream gown with a huge cape-like Noah Cyrusspoketoreportersinacreamgownwithhugecape-like In Dundas,H.E.R.rockedaburgundy,mid-calfrobewithmatching “I’ve neverbeenaskedaboutclothesbefore,”hesaid.“Ifeellikea Jacob Colliersaidhewentforcomfortinafl “We normallyseeavant-gardegownsattheGrammys,butleaveit Howard alsoofferedkudostoLizzo,whoshimmeredinapinkmer- “I’m eagertoseeD&Gworkmorewithhip-hopartists.Megan “I justwishmygrandmacouldhaveseenthis,”shesaidofhernomi- age consumersto buy outfi a minimaliststrategy toencour- 1959, alsocamein abathingsuit, Best said. ive bestfriendtotheBarbiedoll,” friend andabestfriend,support- groovier overthatfi ’60s versionofKenbecamemuch accessories. The originalBarbie, launchedin “I wouldsayKenisagood jazz instrumentalalbum. won thetrophyforbestimprovisedjazzsoloand about amonthafterhisdeath. Chick Corea,whowontwoGrammysonSundayonly standard “You’llNeverWalkAlone.” ed thetributewithastirringversionofBroadway backed upbyColdplay’sChrisMartinonpiano,end- hit, adding,“ImissyouKenny”asheended. sang “Lady,”theballadhewroteandRogersmadea tle Richard’s“GoodGollyMissMolly”andRichie he’s there.” performing forJohnPrine.It’sjustJohn,andIknow demic-restricted Grammysbecause“thistimeI’mjust her tobeperformingwithoutanaudienceatthepan- achievement awardattheGrammys. roots performance,ayearafterreceivinglifetime mys forbestAmericanrootssongand Lopez andmanyothers. cian andcomposerAdamSchlesinger,folksingerTrini country singersCharleyPrideandK.T.Oslin,musi- of themusicalartistslosttocoronavirus,alongwith Carlile sang“IRememberEverything”forPrine,one names andfacesinthemontageofpastyear’sdead, demic. long listofnamesafterayearthecoronaviruspan- day night’sGrammyAwardsthatfeaturedanespecially Kenny RogersduringaninmemoriamsegmentonSun- celebrated LittleRichardandLionelRichiehonored Corea. Kaytranada andlateperformersJohnPrineChick rection towinaGrammy. you somuch,”saidStyles,thefi “Watermelon Sugar.” Styles, whowonbestpopsoloperformanceforthehit Bad Bunny,MirandaLambert,MarenMorrisandHarry “Black Parade.” “Lockdown,” whichwasreleasedonJuneteenthlike Corea, whodiedofarareformcanceratage79, Among thosenamedinthemontagewasjazzpianist Former AlabamaShakessingerBrittanyHoward, Mars, joinedbyAnderson.PaakblazedthroughLit- Carlile toldTheAssociatedPressthatitdidn’tbother Earlier Sunday,PrinewontwoposthumousGram- In oneoffourperformancesinterspersedbetweenthe Brandi CarlilepaidtributetoJohnPrine,BrunoMars Double winnersincludedH.E.R.,FionaApple, “To everyonewhomadethisrecordwithme,thank Other performersSundayincludedEilish,CardiB, rst decade. ts and to Barbie’s success.”(AP) part ofthatworld and contributes “show thatKenis an important lion dollslastyear, numbersthat dolls wouldplay,”Bestsaid. the differentcareersandroles the differentfashionstoplayout single dollandthenyouwouldadd pattern was,thatyouboughta rst member ofOneDi- Best saidMattelsold 76mil- “That wasreallywhattheplay oral StellaMcCartney rst rst t ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

In this video grab provided by CBS and the Recording Academy, Dua Lipa performs at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 14. (AP)

Partial list of winners at Grammys

LOS ANGELES, March 15, (AP): A partial list of winners in the top categories at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, presented Sunday in Los Angeles. ■ Record of the year: ‘Everything I Wanted,’ Billie Eilish ■ Album of the year: ‘folklore,’ Taylor Swift ■ Best R&B performance: ‘Black Parade,’ Beyoncé ■ Best pop vocal album: ‘Future Nostalgia,’ Dua Lipa ■ Best rap song: ‘Savage,’ Megan Thee Stallion, featuring Beyoncé ■ Song of the year (songwriter’s award): ‘I Can’t Breathe,’ H.E.R., Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas ■ Best pop solo performance: ‘Watermelon Sugar,’ Harry Styles ■ Best country album: ‘Wildcard,’ Miranda Lambert ■ Best new artist: Megan Thee Stallion ■ Best traditional pop vocal album: ‘American Standard,’ James Taylor ■ Best dance/electronic album: ‘Bubba,’ Kaytranada ■ Best rock album: ‘The New Abnormal,’ the Strokes. Beyonce accepts the award for best R&B performance for ‘Black Parade.’ ■ Taylor Swift poses in the press room with the award for album of the year (AP) Best alternative music album: ‘Fetch the Bolt Cutters,’ Fiona Apple for ‘Folklore.’ (AP) ■ Best progressive R&B album: ‘It Is What It Is,’ Thundercat. ■ Best R&B album: ‘Bigger Love,’ John Legend ■ Best rap album: ‘King’s Disease,’ Nas ■ Best jazz vocal album: ‘Secrets Are the Best Stories,’ Kurt El- ling featuring Danilo Pérez ■ Best jazz instrumental album: ‘Trilogy 2,’ Chick Corea, Christian McBride and Brian Blade ■ Best gospel album: ‘Gospel According to PJ,’ PJ Morton ■ Best contemporary Christian music album: ‘Jesus Is ...,’ Kanye West. ■ Best Latin rock or alternative album: ‘La Conquista del Es- pacio,’ Fito Páez ■ Best reggae album: ‘Got to Be Tough,’ Toots and the Maytals ■ Best spoken word album: “Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth,” Rachel Maddow ■ Best comedy album: ‘Black ...,’ Tiffany Haddish ■ Best compilation soundtrack for visual media: ‘Jojo Rabbit.’ ■ Best score soundtrack for visual media: ‘Joker’ ■ Producer of the year, non-classical: Andrew Watt. ■ Best music video: ‘Brown Skin Girl,’ Beyoncé with Blue Ivy ■ Best music film: ‘Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice,’ Megan Thee Stallion, winner of the awards for best rap song and best rap Linda Ronstadt Lionel Richie performs during the In Memoriam as Kenny Rogers is pic- performance for ‘Savage Remix’ and best new artist poses. (AP) tured on screen. (AP)

Billie Eilish reacts as she accepts BTS performs ‘Dynamite’ at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Brandi Carlile performs during the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the 63rd Gram- H.E.R., (left), and Tiara Thomas ac- the award for record of the year for Angeles Convention Center on March 14. (AP) my Awards. (AP) cept the award for song of the year ‘Everything I Wanted.’ (AP) for ‘I Can’t Breathe.’ (AP) ‘This is such a magical night’ The joy of music returns for Grammy winners and performers

By David Bauder record of the year winner; H.E.R.’s 23rd Grammy on Sunday, and even Aaron Dessner. Trevor Noah handed out the Grammys about how intimate it was and to have topical “I Can’t Breathe” won song of their 9-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy “I want to thank the fans,” she said. at an outdoor stage set up across from everything stripped back and just to be eyoncé, Taylor Swift and Billie Ei- the year and Megan Thee Stallion was Carter, who won best music video to- “You guys met us in this magical Los Angeles’ Staples Center, with a hanging out with those fellow nomi- Blish made history at the Grammy named best new artist. gether with mom. world that we created.” relatively few nominees and guests in nees was just fantastic,” said Collier, Awards. Just as joyously, dozens of Beyoncé’s four awards Sunday “This is such a magical night,” Be- After her sweep last year, Eilish be- the audience. who won his fifth Grammy. “To me, creators largely sidelined for a year brought her up to 28 Grammys in her yoncé said. came only the third artist to win back- Performances were held in the Staples there’s something so special about due to the pandemic got to make music career, more than any other female art- Swift, who also found time during to-back record of the year Grammys. Center but multiple artists were often on communal celebration, especially after again. ist. Her celebration of Black history, the pandemic to make another album Roberta Flack won in 1973 for “The the cavernous stage at the same time, all this time of silence and being on our The Grammys on Sunday broke “Black Parade,” released last June- and re-record one of her old ones, be- First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and like when Harry Styles, HAIM and Ei- own.” through the Zoom trap that has bedev- teenth, won best R&B performance came the first woman to win the album in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly With lish opened the show. Cameras caught Lambert said that “I can’t wait to iled other awards shows with a surpris- and she shared two awards for col- of the year Grammy for the third time. His Song,” while U2 won in 2001 and artists enjoying their fellow nominees, get out as a band.” Lizzo, even though ingly intimate evening that, at its best, laborating with Megan Thee Stallion Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Frank 2002 for “Beautiful Day” and “Walk like when country singer Mickey Guy- she was giving out an award and not felt like viewers were invited into a on “Savage.” Sinatra have also done it. She won On.” ton sang along quietly to Miranda Lam- performing, couldn’t hold back: “I’m private club with their favorite musi- She ties Quincy Jones for second in 2009 for “Fearless” and 2015 for Then, when Eilish and her collab- bert, and Post Malone held up a red cup presenting because I L-O-O-O-V-E cians. most Grammys ever and has the leader “1989.” orator-brother Finneas accepted the in glee at Cardi B and Stallion’s perfor- you,” she belted. Four different women won the four - the late conductor George Solti, who She sang a medley of three songs award, she almost gave it away. She mance of “WAP.” Some of the performances, like Bru- most prestigious Grammys. Swift’s won 31 - in her sights. on the Grammys, “cardigan” and “au- brought Megan Thee Stallion to tears It made for an atmosphere unlike no Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Silk quiet surprise, “folklore,” was album Further crowding the family trophy gust” from “folklore” and “willow” by saying the rapper deserved the any other Grammy show, British sing- Sonic and Dua Lipa, felt like they were of the year; Eilish’s “Everything I case is husband Jay-Z, whose song- from its follow-up disc, “evermore,” Grammy for “Savage.” er Jacob Collier told reporters. on the soundstage of “Soul Train” - ask Wanted” was her second consecutive writing on “Savage” earned him his with collaborators Jack Antonoff and Because of the pandemic, CBS host “There was something very special your parents, kids. (AP) ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 SPORTS 14

Defenders unleash speed to achieve fi rst pass of 36th America’s Cup After a bizarre race Team New Zealand lead Luna Rossa AUCKLAND, March 15, (AP): De- lock that has existed throughout the fender Team New Zealand unleashed match, as each team has won one race its speed to achieve the fi rst pass of on the fi rst three days, seemed likely Medvedev wins Open 13 for 10th title the 36th America’s Cup match, then to continue. came from a long way back in a bizarre But, incredibly, after rounding the MARSEILLE, France, March 15, faced a player with all four majors eighth race to beat Italian challenger second mark Luna Rossa sailed into a (AP): Top-seeded Daniil Medvedev in doubles, but without any titles in Luna Rossa twice and take a 5-3 lead wind hole near the top of the course, was pushed to three sets by doubles singles and ranked 93rd. in the fi rst-to-seven wins series. fell off the foils and was left wallow- specialist Pierre-Hugues Herbert in But the serve-and-volley special- If Team New Zealand retains the ing and powerless. Team New Zealand the Open 13 fi nal, winning 6-4, 6-7 ist Herbert did made it awkward for Cup - it can do so if it wins both races rose up on its foils again and wore (4), 6-4 for his 10th career title on the imposing Russian at times by Tuesday - it will be because of the un- down the massive defi cit. the eve of his move up to second in upsetting his rhythm, breaking his precedented events of the second of the rankings. serve once and forcing him to save Monday’s two races when it turned Medvedev will overtake Rafael Na- four break points. what seemed likely to be a crushing SAILING dal on Monday and push the 20-time Medvedev edged the Frenchman defeat into an almost incomprehensi- Grand Slam champion down to No. 3. in aces 13-10 and fi rst-serve points ble victory. Always on the point of stalling, Victory also made his childhood won - 83% compared to 72% - while Luna Rossa held an early lead in a Te Rehutai managed to round the top dream come true. converting three of his six break race which began conventionally, de- mark and to turn a defi cit of 4 minutes Given that six of his 10 titles have points. fending that advantage to round the and 8 seconds at one mark to a lead of been on indoor hard courts, he was The Australian Open runner-up fi rst mark with a 16-second lead. The 4:27 at the next. heavy favorite here. Furthermore, improved to 14-2 this year and has Italy’s Luna Rossa, (left), races Emirates Team New Zealand in race seven the two-time Grand Slam runner-up won 23 of his last 25 matches. race at Auckland, New Zealand then The race was shorted to fi ve legs of the America’s Cup on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, on March 15. (AP) became extraordinary - perhaps one and New Zealand managed to fi nish of the most extraordinary in all of the inside the time limit for the race, to win For Luna Rossa, the events of the the foils. of speed Monday, coming from behind the fi rst mark 8 seconds ahead and Cup’s 170-year history. by 3 minutes, 55 seconds. Monday were demoralizing after a “We know we can win races. We’ve for the fi rst time in the series to win the sailed a strong fi rst downwind to be 10 Team New Zealand looked likely to “What a race,” New Zealand fl ight close tussle on the fi rst three days of been in some tough situations before fi rst race of the day by 58 seconds. seconds ahead at the second gate. roll Luna Rossa on the fi rst downwind controller Blair Tuke said. “It’s one to the series. and the guys will keep their heads up.” “It was good to actually get a pass But it was already apparent from the but, as the boats came level, gybed keep. “It was pretty tough conditions,” Team New Zealand’s rumoured fi nally,” New Zealand helmsman Peter data coming off the boats Team New away in a failing breeze. Its race boat, “It was a pretty unreal fi ghtback. We Luna Rossa co-helmsman Jimmy speed hadn’t been seen in the fi rst six Burling said. “Then to extend as we did Zealand was sailing faster. Te Rehutai, dropped off its foils and obviously made an error gybing right Spithill said. “We were sailing a pretty races when the teams traded wins, after the pass was pleasing as well.” The race completely changed at the was left almost stationery in the middle behind them on the fi rst downwind and good race. Unfortunately we just came splitting two races on each of the fi rst Luna Rossa comfortably won the second mark when Luna Rossa round- of the course while Luna Rossa sailed fell off the foils (but) we got it up rea- off the foils and really got stuck at the three sailing days when there were light start of race seven which, in keeping ed and headed to the left and Team away to four-minute lead. sonable quickly and sailed a great race top mark for some time, just trying to winds and no chances of overtaking. with the trend of the series, should New Zealand tacked and bore away to The race seemed over and the dead- from there.” fi nd enough pressure to get back up on The defender showed an extra turn have meant it won the race. It rounded the right. Logano fi nishes 2nd, Hamlin 3rd Thomas lives on edge, rallies Truex Jr ‘pulls away’ for fi rst NASCAR Cup win of season

AVONDALE, Arizona, March 15, All four tailed Truex across the fi nish to win Players Championship (AP): Joey Logano has won a few line Sunday. times at Phoenix Raceway and knows Phoenix Raceway will again host the a good restart when he feels one. With championship race in November. Rozner takes trophy at Qatar Masters 25 laps to go, he got a good run on the “To come here and win this, I wish green fl ag, dipped down low on the it was November,” Truex said. “Hope- dogleg and felt great. fully, we can come back in November PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Then he realized Martin Truex Jr’s and have a shot at the championship.” Florida, March 15, (AP): No. 19 Toyota was still right next to The 40-year-old Truex struggled Schachmann him. That was a big problem. earlier this year, fi nishing 25th at Day- Justin Thomas found the Truex blew past Logano on the fi - tona. But he’s raced much better in right time for a near-per- nal restart and pulled away for his fi rst recent weeks, fi nishing third at Home- defends ‘title’ NASCAR Cup Series victory of the stead and sixth at Las Vegas last week. fect performance to put season and 28th overall. That set off He was dominant during the fi nal a rough start to the year PARIS, March 15, (AP): After los- a hearty celebration from the his Joe half Sunday and became just the sec- behind him, rallying from ing last year’s Tour de France on Gibbs Racing team, especially after a ond driver from last year’s 16-car play- three shots behind with the last decisive stage, Primoz Ro- frustrating 2020 season that included off fi eld to qualify for the postseason. It glic failed in his bid to win the Paris- just one win. was good day for Toyota and Joe Gibbs bold play to close with a Nice race after crashing early in Racing, which had the winner in Truex 4-under 68 and win The fi nal stage. and Hamlin in the third spot. The overnight leader seemed CAR RACING Logano fi nished second. He said Players Championship. certain to triumph at the week-long even if he was able to hold Truex on Thomas becomes only the fourth race after winning three stages. But “I’d say we were really hungry for it,” the restart, he probably would have player to win a major, The Players the Slovenian fell after 22 kilome- Truex said. “We really wanted it, obvi- passed him before the checkered fl ag. Championship, the FedEx Cup and ters (15.5 miles) of the eighth stage ously. We worked really hard, we’ve “They just had a fast car,” Logano a World Golf Championship, and it and lost valuable time as German got a great team and it just seemed like said. couldn’t have come at a better time. rider Maximilian Schachmann suc- for whatever reason, it was always lit- Truex, who announced a contract He called it as good as he has ever cessfully defended his title. tle things biting us. We were always so extension with JGR days before the played tee-to-green, and he needed it Roglic caught up the peloton af- close, always second or third.” season-opening Daytona 500, rebuked to outlast 47-year-old Lee Westwood, ter his crash, but a double dose of This time he was fi rst. By a lot. questions about retirement before he’d bad luck saw him hit by a mechani- Truex beat the four championship even been asked. After last year’s one- a hard-luck runner-up for the second cal problem three kilometers later straight week. Westwood birdied the fi nalists from last year. He had failed win season, there had been speculation and he got dropped, crossing the to advance into the season-ending fi - the veteran was contemplating retire- fi nal hole for a 72 to fi nish one shot line in a weary 56th place and 15th behind. nale for the fi rst time in four years and ment. But Truex also collected 11 fi n- overall. could only watch as Chase Elliott beat ishes of second or third and missed the Russian cyclist Aleksandr Vlasov Logano, Denny Hamlin and Brad Kes- championship fi nale for just the second GOLF fi nished the race in second overall, elowski for the title at the desert oval. time in six years. 19 seconds behind Schachmann, while Danish rider Magnus Cort Thomas began the year with a barely Nielsen won the day’s fi nal stage. audible anti-gay slur under his breath Justin Thomas holds the trophy after winning The Players Championship after missing a short putt. That led to golf tournament, on March 14, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (AP) one corporate sponsor dropping him and join Migliozzi in a tie for second. the fi rst cut, safely in the fairway. France holed a 60-foot birdie putt on This was the fi nal week to qualify another giving him a public reprimand. His approach landed on the fringe - the fi nal hole for a 2-under 69 and a The one time he had a chance to win, he the fi rst green he missed all day - leav- for the WGC-Dell Technologies one-shot victory in the Qatar Masters, Match Play in two weeks in Austin, learned his grandfather died before the ing a simple two-putt for par and the moving him high enough in the world fi nal round of the Phoenix Open. 14th victory of his PGA Tour career. ranking to qualify for the World Golf Texas, which is for the top 64 avail- He was shaken until Sunday at the He returns to No. 2 in the world. Championship in Texas in two weeks. able players from the world ranking. TPC Sawgrass, where he took on every Thomas fi nished at 14-under 274. Rozner was tied for the lead with Other Tours: Jaco Prinsloo closed shot and delivered a gem. Bryson DeChambeau, coming off a Guido Migliozzi, who had closed with with a 7-under 65 and won the Players Thomas went birdie-birdie-eagle- win last week at Bay Hill, shot 71 and a 65 at Education City Golf Club, when Championship at Dainfern Golf Estate birdie around the turn, and put away tied for third with Brian Harman, who his approach in the 18th left him far with a birdie on the third playoff hole. Westwood for good with a pair of lag had a 69 and played the fi nal 12 holes enough away that his best hope ap- It was his third victory on the Sunshine putts from 50 feet - one for birdie on without a bogey. peared to be two putts for par and a Tour and fi rst since 2017. He won the the par-5 16th to take the lead, another Thomas was outside the cut line af- playoff. Instead, he made the double- playoff over Jake Roos (63) and Daniel on the island-green 17th for a par. ter nine holes on Friday. He followed breaking putt for his second European van Tonder (65). Andrew Evans shot Thomas still had one more shot be- that with a 64 on Saturday to get in the Tour victory in 29 events. a 5-under 67 for a two-shot victory fore he was in the clear. He took on the mix, and he fi nished off in style to pick Rozner fi nished at 8-under 276. in the Isuzu Queensland Open on the water framing the left side of the 18th up $2.7 million with a win against the Darren Fichardt of South Africa and PGA Tour of Australasia. Deven Law- fairway, the ball moving right-to-left strongest and deepest fi eld in golf. Gaganjeet Bhullar of India also made son (66), Bryder Macpherson (68) and Martin Truex Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Se- and bouncing straight off the crown of In Doha, Qatar, Antoine Rozner of birdie on the 18th that allowed them to Blake Windred (70) tied for second. ries auto race at Phoenix Raceway, on March 14, in Avondale, Arizona. (AP) ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 SPORTS 15

Alabama adds another SEC crown, holding off late fl urry by LSU Illinois tops Ohio State in OT for Big Ten title INDIANAPOLIS, March 15, (AP): Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu both scored 16 points, both grabbed nine rebounds and both made key plays in overtime to give No. 3 Illinois a 91-88 victory over No. 9 Ohio State for its fi rst Big Ten Tournament title since 2005. Cockburn made the go-ahead free throw with 1:39 to play, Dosunmu made a 15-footer with 50 seconds to go and the Illini (23-6) sealed it at the free-throw line. Illinois has won seven straight overall, six in a row over top-10 foes and 14 of its last 15 overall to claim the conference’s automatic NCAA Tournament bid. At times, Illinois appeared to be in complete control, but Ohio State (21- 9) refused to give in to the weariness of playing four games in four days. In- stead, the Buckeyes constantly fought back. Alabama 80, LSU 79 In Nashville, Tenn., Herbert Jones drove for a go-ahead layup with 19.5 seconds remaining and Alabama won the Southeastern Conference Tourna- ment for the fi rst time since 1991, hold- ing off a late fl urry by LSU.

BASKETBALL

Coach Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide added to their regular-season title with a victory that should help Alabama at least match its highest seed in the NCAA Tournament - it was No. 2 in both 1987 and 2002. Alabama, the reigning national cham- pion in football, won its seventh tourna- ment title overall, second in the SEC only to Kentucky’s 31. The Crimson Tide (24-6) hadn’t even reached this game since 2002.Jones, both the SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, fi nished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Jaden Shackelford led Al- abama with 21 points. Houston 91, Cincinnati 54 In Fort Worth, Texas, Quentin Grimes scored 21 points with fi ve The Illinois team celebrates with the trophy after defeating Ohio State in an NCAA college basketball championship game at the Big Ten Conference tournament, on March 14, in Indianapolis. 3-pointers, Marcus Sasser had 16 points Illinois won in overtime. (AP) and Houston beat Cincinnati in the third consecutive American Athletic Confer- Conference tournament to clinch an au- ence Tournament championship game tomatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. NHL Results/Standings between the two teams. St. Bonaventure (16-4) entered the The Cougars (24-3) were a lock for A-10 tournament as the conference’s their 22nd NCAA Tournament berth top seed after clinching the regular even before leading the entire game to season crown. The Rams (19-7) were Isles pip Devils in SO, win their fi rst conference tournament seeded No. 2 and now will have to await WASHINGTON, March 15, (AP): Results and standings from the NHL games on Sunday. title since 2010, when they were still in its NCAA Tournament fate, hoping for Minnesota 4 Arizona 1 Conference USA. an at-large bid. Carolina 2 Detroit 1 DeJon Jarreau, two days after a triple- Colgate 85, Loyola 72 Dallas 2 Columbus SO 1 double in the quarterfi nal round, hit a Colorado 4 Los Angeles 1 In Hamilton, N.Y., Tucker Richard- NY Islanders 3 New Jersey SO 2 3-pointer for the fi rst basket of the game Ottawa 4 Toronto 3 to put to Cougars ahead to stay. He fi n- son scored 17 points and Jordan Burns take NHL overall lead ished with 10 points. and Jack Ferguson 16 each to lead Col- East Division gate to win over Loyola of Maryland for GP W L OT Pts GF GA St. Bonaventure 74, VCU 65 the Patriot League Tournament champi- NY Islanders 29 19 6 4 42 86 64 Washington 27 17 6 4 38 94 87 Hurricanes top Red Wings for 8th straight win In Dayton, Ohio, Kyle Lofton scored onship. Pittsburgh 27 17 9 1 35 89 79 23 points and Osun Osunniyi scored 14 Colgate (14-1) advances to its fourth Boston 25 14 7 4 32 70 60 points with 12 rebounds and St. Bon- NCAA Tournament where it’s never Philadelphia 25 13 9 3 29 83 83 NEWARK, N.J., March eljkovic made 25 saves and Carolina aventure beat VCU in the Atlantic 10 won. Its last appearance came in 2019. NY Rangers 26 11 12 3 25 72 71 beat Detroit for its eighth consecutive New Jersey 25 8 13 4 20 62 82 15, (AP): Anthony Beauvil- victory. Carolina moved into the Central Buffalo 26 6 16 4 16 58 88 lier and Oliver Wahlstrom Division lead at 20-6-1, a point ahead of Central Division scored on New York’s fi nal idle Tampa Bay and Florida. Anthony GP W L OT Pts GF GA Mantha scored his eighth goal of the sea- Carolina 27 20 6 1 41 95 68 two shootout attempts and Tampa Bay 26 19 5 2 40 97 60 son for Detroit with just 9.4 seconds left Florida 27 18 5 4 40 93 78 the Islanders won their ninth in regulation, spoiling Nedeljkovic’s bid Chicago 29 14 10 5 33 89 92 straight game, beating the for his second career shutout. Columbus 30 11 12 7 29 80 99 Niederreiter gave the Hurricanes a Dallas 24 9 9 6 24 69 64 New Jersey Devils 3-2 to take Nashville 28 11 16 1 23 67 96 2-0 lead early in the third period, scor- Detroit 29 8 17 4 20 64 97 the NHL overall lead. ing off a pass from Sebastian Aho. West Division The Devils thought they had won Hamilton opened the scoring with GP W L OT Pts GF GA 27 seconds into overtime on a goal 4:47 left in the second period. Instead Vegas 25 18 6 1 37 83 56 by P.K. Subban, but a lengthy re- of passing to Hurrucanes scoring lead- Minnesota 26 17 8 1 35 83 64 Colorado 26 16 8 2 34 78 60 view showed Jesper Bratt was off- er Aho on a 2 on 1, Hamilton kept the St Louis 28 14 9 5 33 88 92 side. puck and beat goalie Jonathan Bernier Los Angeles 27 11 10 6 28 79 78 Beauvillier beat Scott Wedgewood from the right circle. Arizona 28 12 12 4 28 70 85 San Jose 25 11 11 3 25 75 89 on the Islanders’ third attempt to ex- Wild 4, Coyotes 1 Anaheim 29 8 15 6 22 63 95 tend the shootout, and Wahlstrom Los Angeles Kings right wing Alex In St. Paul, Minn., Nick Bonino and North Division extended New Jersey’s winless run at Iafallo, front, fi ghts for control of Kevin Fiala scored in a three-goal third GP W L OT Pts GF GA home to 0-10-1. Kieffer Bellows and the puck with Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri in the second period and surging Minnesota beat LSU’s Trendon Watford (2) loses the ball as he drives against Alabama Toronto 30 19 9 2 40 102 79 Brock Nelson scored in the fi rst period Arizona. during the second half of the championship game at the NCAA college Winnipeg 27 17 8 2 36 91 78 for the Islanders, who pushed their period of an NHL hockey game on basketball Southeastern Conference Tournament, on March 14, in Nash- Edmonton 30 18 12 0 36 100 87 March 14, in Denver. (AP) Victor Rask and Joel Eriksson Ek Montreal 27 12 8 7 31 86 74 points streak to 11-0-1. Rookie Ilya also scored to help Minnesota move ville, Tenn. (AP) Calgary 28 13 12 3 29 76 82 Sorokin made 29 saves, allowing only Vancouver 31 13 16 2 28 86 100 overtime. within two points of West-leading Ve- Nikita Gusev to score in the shootout. gas. Minnesota is 11-2-1 in its past 14 Ottawa 31 10 20 1 21 83 124 Janne Kuokkanen and Yegor Sha- Note: Two points for a win one point for over- Hurricanes 2, Red Wings 1 games, has won four straight overall time loss. The top four teams in each division will rangovich scored for New Jersey, while and seven in a row at home. Cam Tal- Bradley women bag MVC trophy qualify for playoffs under this season’s temporary Wedgewood made 32 saves, including In Detroit, Dougie Hamilton and realignment. bot made 21 saves after shutting out an in-close stop on Casey Cizikas in Nino Niederreiter scored, Alex Ned- the Coyotes 4-0 on Friday night in the Baylor wins Big 12 tourney as opener of the three-game set. Murray State beat Tennessee Tech 36-31 Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 In Ottawa, Ontario, Drake Bather- FGCU claims A-Sun title again son scored twice in 53 seconds in the second period in Ottawa’s victory over KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 15, (AP): Valley Conference Tournament. Ellis throws 6 TDs in Austin Peay’s win slumping Toronto. Queen Egbo scored 18 points and 11 Lasha Petree and Emily Marsh both North-leading Toronto has lost two rebounds and No. 6 Baylor beat West scored 12 points for Bradley (17-11), CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 15, threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to to give Eastern Illinois a 20-18 lead but Virginia 76-50 to win the Big 12 which was in its first MVC tournament (AP): Draylen Ellis threw for 262 yards LaMartez Brooks with 2:35 to play and Isaiah Green completed a 48-yard pass Tournament. championship. Mahri Petree added 11 and a school-record six touchdowns, Murray State defeated Tennessee Tech. to Cam Wyche to the Panthers 19 and ICE HOCKEY It is the ninth Big 12 Championship and Nyjah White 10 off the bench. Baniko Harley also set a program mark Tennessee Tech had just scored on a one play later Zita kicked his game- in the last 10 tournaments for top-seed- Grace Berg scored 23 points and with four receiving scores, and Austin 39-yard punt return for a touchdown by winner for the Tigers (1-2 Ohio Valley ed Baylor (25-2). grabbed 10 rebounds for the Bulldogs Peay beat Southeast Missouri State 49- Jyron Gilmore to cap a three-touchdown Conference, 1-2). Dijonai Carrington added 14 and (16-11). Maggie Bair had 14 points and straight and fi ve of six to drop out of 42 in double overtime. rally that put the Eagles ahead 31-30 Jacksonville St. 37, UT Martin 20 the top overall spot in the NHL. Moon Ursin had 12 points and 10 10 rebounds and Monica Burich and Harley scored on 12-yarder for a with 5:03 to play. In Martin, Tenn., Zion Webb threw Brady Tkachuk and Ryan Dzingel rebounds as the Lady Bears won their Sarah Beth Gueldner both added 11 35-28 lead with 7:44 left in regulation Eric Samuta had a 75-yard inter- 17th straight game. points. three touchdown passes to lead Jackson- also scored for Ottawa, and Joey Dac- before Geno Hess tied it for Southeast ception return in the fi rst quarter and cord made 33 saves for his fi rst NHL Kirsten Deans scored 15 and Kysre Lehigh 64, Boston 54 ville State to a victory over UT Martin. Gondrezick had 13 for West Virginia, Missouri by capping a 21-play, 75-yard Quinaz Turner an 82-yard pick-6 in the Webb completed 11 of 20 passes for victory. Matt Murray was supposed to which was trying to win their second In Boston, Frannie Hottinger scored score with his third rushing touchdown. third for a 30-10 lead for the Racers. 215 yards for the 10th-ranked Game- start in goal, but he was injured dur- Big 12 Tournament in the last four 21 points, Megan Walker had 7 of her Hess scored on a fi ve-yard run to fi nish TSU 21, E. Illinois 20 cocks (6-1, 2-0 Ohio Valley Confer- ing pre-game warmups. Zach Hyman 10 in the fourth quarter and Lehigh a drive that took 7:21 off the clock and years. West Virginia (21-6) went 17 of In Nashville, Tenn., Antonio Zito, ence), whose only loss has been at Flor- scored twice and William Nylander 63 (27%) from the field and Baylor was earned its first trip to the NCAA came with 23 seconds to play. ida State on Oct. 3. added a goal for Toronto. Tournament since 2010 with a 64-54 Hess opened overtime with a 2-yard who booted 62- and 51-yard fi eld goals 33 for 66 (50%). earlier, kicked a 35-yarder as time ex- Webb threw a 39-yard touchdown Avalanche 4, Kings 1 win over Boston University on Sunday TD run, and Harley answered with scor- pass to Ahmad Edwards with 1:34 re- FGCU 84, Liberty 62 ing grabs of 18 and 22 yards. pired to give Tennessee State a victory In Denver, Philipp Grubauer made over Eastern Illinois. maining in the second quarter to give In Kennesaw, Ga., Kierstan Bell Murray St 36, Tenn. Tech 31 the Gamecocks a 20-10 halftime lead. 27 saves, Andre Burakovsky and scored 30 points and Florida Gulf Coast BASKETBALL Stone Galloway booted a 37-yard Nazem Kadri each had a goal and an continued its dominance of the Atlantic In Cookville, Tenn., Preston Rice fi eld goal with 41 seconds remaining Sacred Heart 35, LIU 7 assist and Colorado beat Los Angeles. Sun Conference with a win over Liberty In Fairfi eld, Conn., Julius Chestnut Nathan MacKinnon and Joonas in the tournament championship game, in the Patriot League championship ran 24 times for a career-tying 203 yards Donskoi also scored for Colorado. The sending the Eagles to the NCAA game. The Mountain Hawks head to the and four touchdowns and Sacred Heart Avalanche swept the two-game series Tournament for the seventh time. NCAAs for the third time, all in the 26 beat Long Island University. with Los Angeles and allowed fewer FGCU (26-2), established in 1991 year reign of coach Sue Troyan and they than 30 shots on goal for the 16th and a Division I member since 2011, go with just a 10-5 record. FOOTBALL straight game, extending a franchise won its 25th straight game, its 11th Sydney Johnson scored 16 points for record set Friday night. league title and seventh tournament the second-seeded Terriers (12-3). Grubauer nearly had another shutout championship, improving to 8-0 against Emily Esposito added 11 points and Chestnut also caught two passes for before Kurtis MacDermid ended the Liberty. Maren Durant had 14 rebounds. bid early in the third period. Bell, a sophomore transfer from Ohio SFA 56, Sam Houston St 45 46 yards. His 249 total yards and four State is a big reason why. The first TD runs were career highs. His rushing Stars 2, Blue Jackets 1, SO In Katy, Texas, Aaliyah Johnson had player to win A-Sun Newcomer and total matched the mark he sent against In Columbus, Ohio, Alexander Player of the Year, the three-time Ohio 16 points and eight rebounds, Zya Bryant in a 24-17 win on Nov. 2, 2019. Nugent added 13 points and six boards, Radulov returned after missing 15 high school player of the year became Bryant 14, Merrimack 7 games and scored in the third round the first Eagle to surpass 600 points in a and top-seeded Stephen F. Austin beat Sam Houston State in the Southland In North Andover, Mass., Shai Young of the shootout to lift Dallas past Co- season in the second half, well after lumbus. they had wrapped up the game. Conference championship to return to had a touchdown run, Jihad Edmond re- the NCAA Tournament for the first time covered a fumble in the end zone, and The victory came a day after Dallas Bradley 78, Drake 70 since 2006. Stephen F. Austin (24-2) Bryant held off Merrimack for a victory. lost to Columbus in the closing seconds In Moline, Ill., Gabi Haack hit six won its 19th straight games to claim its Daniel Adeboboye carried the ball 21 of overtime. Radulov had been sidelined 3-pointers and scored 22 points to lead 16th Southland title, while denying Sam West Virginia’s Jayla Hemingway (right), passes the ball under pressure times for 141 yards rushing for Bryant (1- with a lower-body injury. Jake Oettinger Bradley to its first NCAA Tournament Houston State, and player of the year from Baylor’s DiJonai Carrington during the fi rst half of an NCAA college 1). He fumbled the ball into the end zone, made 29 saves, and Joe Pavelski scored with a win over Drake in the champion- Amber Leggett, their first champion- basketball game in the fi nal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament in but Edmond recovered it to cap the scor- for Dallas in regulation. Zach Werenski ship game of the reconfigured Missouri ship. Kansas City, Mo, on March 14. (AP) ing with 9:45 to play in the third quarter. scored for Columbus. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 16

Tottenham’s Harry Kane (right), heads the ball ahead of Arsenal’s Gabriel during the English Premier League soccer match between Arse- nal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates stadium in London, England on March 14. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Arsenal win derby Man U, Leicester strengthen top-4 bids

LONDON, March 15, (AP): It says a lot about Arsenal’s Lacazette put the hosts ahead from the spot in the second struggles that not even a fi rst north London derby win in half after being felled by Davinson Sanchez’s untidy chal- more than two years does much for their Premier League lenge before Lamela was dismissed for a second bookable targets. offense for recklessly swinging his arm at Arsenal defender Even after coming from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1, Kieran Tierney Harry Kane had a late header ruled out for Arsenal are in 10th place and 10 points from the top four. offside and then rattled a post with an 89th-minute free kick The more signifi cant results in the Champions League in a tense conclusion to the game as Tottenham remained chase were victories for Manchester United and Leicester, seventh, six points from the top four. which both pulled further clear. At Old Trafford, Craig Dawson inadvertently headed United, which are 14 points behind leaders Manchester past his own West Ham goalkeeper — Lukasz Fabianski — City in second, beat fi fth-place West Ham 1-0. Leicester re- main a point behind United after routing Sheffi eld United 5-0. Chelsea are now fi ve points further back in fourth after SOCCER only managing a draw on Saturday. Alexandre Lacazette captained Arsenal with Pierre- in the 53rd minute after Scott McTominay had touched on Emerick Aubameyang out of the starting lineup following a Bruno Fernandes’ corner. breach of pre-match protocols. Fabianski produced a fi ne save in the fi rst half to tip a Emile Smith Rowe was unfortunate not to open the scor- shot on to the post from Mason Greenwood, who also hit the ing for Arsenal when his shot came back off the crossbar woodwork with a 77th-minute strike. with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris beaten. And Tottenham sub- It was a miserable start to life without Chris Wilder stitute Erik Lamela, on for the injured Son Heung-min, took for last-place Sheffield United, although Leicester had full advantage with an audacious “rabona” shot from Lucas to wait until six minutes before halftime to find a break- Moura’s layoff 12 minutes before the break. through. Arsenal leveled with a minute of the fi rst half remaining Jamie Vardy found space on the left and crossed for Kel- Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, (second left), attempts a shot at goal as West Ham’s goalkeeper Lukasz when Martin Odegaard’s shot clipped defender Toby Alder- echi Iheanacho to tap in his third goal in as many games Fabianski, (right), blocks the shot during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United weireld and eluded Lloris. from close range. and West Ham United at Old Trafford, Manchester, England March. 14 . (AP ) Bayern have big lead over Lazio Warriors hold off Jazz to Real Madrid, Man City ‘eye’ last 8 of Champions League LONDON, March 15, (AP): The Champions League talking points end 4-game losing streak ahead of the remaining second-leg matches in the round of 16 on Tues- day and Wednesday: Real vs Atalanta (fi rst leg: 1-0) Karim Benzema is back in top form after an injury-enforced ab- sence, giving Real Madrid extra strike power against Atalanta. Ben- zema scored three goals in his two matches since returning to the squad, including two that gave Madrid a 2-1 win over Elche in the Spanish league on Saturday. Madrid will also have captain Sergio Ramos available for Tuesday’s match following a long in- jury absence that ended in the game against Elche. Left back Marcelo may also return after an injury layoff. Atalanta have won all their European matches away from home this season, AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu is including a 2-0 win over Liverpool at challenged by Napoli’s Nikola Mak- Anfi eld. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini simovic, rear, during a Serie A soc- has almost a full squad available, al- cer match between AC Milan and though defender Remo Freuler is sus- Napoli, at the San Siro stadium in pended following his red card in the Milan, Italy on March 14. Napoli won 1-0. (AP) fi rst leg. Atalanta have won three of its last four matches in Serie A since the fi rst-leg loss to Madrid. WI beat Lanka, SOCCER win ODI series

Man City vs M’gladbach (2-0) NORTH POINT, Antigua, Manchester City are running away March 15, (AP): Darren Bravo’s with the Premier League title but fourth one-day international cen- Gladbach are in a tailspin after losing tury steerted the West Indies to a all of their six games since the Feb. fi ve-wicket win over Sri Lanka 15 announcement that coach Marco and a sweep of the three-match Rose is joining Borussia Dortmund ODI series. next season. Just like the fi rst leg, Bravo was out for 102 in the this game will be played in Budapest, 47th over when the West Indies Hungary, because of German restric- needed only 26 runs to overhaul Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler is fouled while going up for a shot by Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA bas- Sri Lanka’s total of 274-6. He ketball game on March 14, in Orlando, Fla. (AP) tions on travel from Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic. City are shared an 80-run partnership 14 points clear in the Premier League with captain Kieron Pollard, and can focus on trying to win the who finished 53 not out as the Sixers rout Spurs Champions League for the fi rst time. home side won with nine balls NBA Results/Standings to spare. Bayern vs Lazio (4-1) SAN FRANCISCO, March Bravo earlier joined with Shai The defending European cham- Hope in a 109-run partnership 15, (AP): Draymond Green WASHINGTON, March 15, (AP): Miami 102 Orlando 97 pions are all but assured of a place for the third wicket which put the had his 26th career triple- NBA results and standings on Atlanta 100 Cleveland 82 in the quarterfi nals after a dominant double with 11 points, 12 re- Sunday. Boston 134 Houston 107 performance in the fi rst leg in Rome. Oklahoma City 128 Memphis 122 Minnesota 114 Portland 112 Robert Lewandowski scored Bayern’s CRICKET bounds and 12 assists and the Golden State 131 Utah 119 Chicago 118 Toronto 95 Philadelphia 134 San Antonio 99 New Orleans 135 LA Clippers 115 fi rst goal in that game and he’s been Golden State Warriors held in strong form in the three Bundes- West Indies on target to victory off the NBA-leading Utah Eastern Conference Western Conference liga games since then with six goals. after the hosts had been 39-2 in Jazz 131-119 on Sunday to Atlantic Division Southwest Division The one downside for Bayern ahead the 10th over. W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Captain Jason Holder ended end a season-worst four-game Philadelphia 27 12 .692 - San Antonio 19 16 .543 - of Wednesday’s game is a less-than- losing streak. Brooklyn 26 13 .667 1 Dallas 20 17 .541 - stellar defensive record, with at least the run chase with a six from Green also had four steals in his Boston 20 18 .526 6-1/2 Memphis 17 18 .486 2 one goal conceded in each of their last the third ball of the 49th over as New York 20 19 .513 7 New Orleans 17 22 .436 4 six games following the Club World West Indies ended on 276-5. second triple-double of the season. Toronto 17 22 .436 10 Houston 11 26 .297 9 Bravo’s century was his fi rst in Stephen Curry had 32 points with Cup fi nal last month. Lazio have con- Southeast Division Northwest Division ceded seven goals in the three matches an ODI since June, 2016 when he W L Pct GB W L Pct GB scored 102 against South Africa Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Miami 21 18 .538 - Utah 28 10 .737 - they have played since the fi rst leg. It lost two of those matches and only at Bridgetown, Barbados. BASKETBALL Edwards reacts after a dunk in the Charlotte 19 18 .514 1 Denver 22 16 .579 6 “I think today was an impor- fourth quarter of an NBA basketball Atlanta 19 20 .487 2 Portland 22 16 .579 6 managed a narrow 3-2 win over bot- game against the Portland Trail Washington 14 23 .378 6 Oklahoma City 17 22 .436 11-1/2 tom club Crotone in their last outing. tant day for me,” Bravo said. six 3-pointers to go with nine assists. Blazers in Minneapolis, March 14. Orlando 13 26 .333 8 Minnesota 9 30 .231 19-1/2 Forward Ciro Immobile, the European “Yesterday my sister celebrated Andrew Wiggins added 28 points (AP) Central Division Pacifi c Division Golden Shoe winner last year, has her 30th birthday. I wasn’t there as Golden State returned home for a W L Pct GB W L Pct GB for her celebration so I knew I the Eastern Conference appears tenuous Milwaukee 24 14 .632 - Phoenix 25 12 .676 - failed to fi nd the back of the net in his had to do something special for rare Sunday matinee at Chase Center, past six appearances. where the Warriors had played just one with Embiid out for at least two weeks Indiana 17 20 .459 6-1/2 LA Lakers 25 13 .658 -1/2 her. I just want dedicate this one- with a bone bruise on his left knee. Chicago 17 20 .459 6-1/2 LA Clippers 25 15 .625 1-1/2 Chelsea vs Atletico (1-0) day hundred to her.” time over the previous 24 days. Cleveland 14 24 .368 10 Golden State 20 19 .513 6 Rudy Gobert had 24 points and a Embiid had emerged as an MVP candi- Detroit 10 28 .263 14 Sacramento 15 23 .395 10-1/2 This is a rarity — a Champions Bravo had been hinting at the career-high 28 rebounds for Utah (28- date, averaging 29.9 points and 11.5 re- League home game being played in onset of his best form with scores 10), which became the league’s last bounds in 31 games until he was injured England by a Premier League team. of 58, 19 and 47 in the three- team to reach double-digit losses. Do- Friday night at Washington. Williams’ pass and subsequent layup Collin Sexton had 15 points for the German teams couldn’t travel to match Twenty20 series, which novan Mitchell added 24, Mike Conley Derrick White and Drew Eubanks with four seconds remaining sealed it. Cavaliers. They have lost three in a Manchester or Liverpool, but Atlé- the West Indies won 2-1. He also scored 37 not out and 10 in the 23 and Jordan Clarkson 21. led the Spurs with 17 points. Magic guard Terrence Ross scored row. tico are able to go to London without fi rst two matches of the ODI se- Utah had won the last fi ve against Heat 102, Magic 97 20 of his 31 points in the second half. having to quarantine on their return Golden State and two in a row on the Thunder 128, Grizzlies 122 to Madrid. Thomas Tuchel heads ries. In Orlando, Fla, Jimmy Butler Hawks 100, Cavaliers 82 Warriors’ home fl oor. scored 29 points, Tyler Herro added 22 In Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous- into the game enjoying a 12-game 76ers 134, Spurs 99 and Miami rallied in the fourth quarter In Atlanta, John Collins scored 22 Alexander scored 30 points and Alek- unbeaten start as Chelsea manager In Philadelphia,Tobias Harris scored to beat Orlando. points, Danilo Gallinari had 20 and At- sej Pokusevski had a career-high 23, but the team are still only just cling- has drawn two of its four matches 23 points, Seth Curry had 21 and Phil- The Heat won their fourth straight lanta beat Cleveland for its fi fth con- helping Oklahoma City beat Memphis. ing onto fourth place in the Premier since the fi rst-leg loss to Chelsea in adelphia won it fi rst game since Joel game and for the 10th time in 11 games. secutive victory under interim coach Kenrich Williams added 17 points League. Atlético are top in Spain but February, and coach Diego Simeone Embiid was lost with an injury, beat- Butler fi nished with nine assists, Nate McMillan. on 7-for-8 shooting. has been struggling recently, with will have to concentrate on keeping ing San Antonio. seven rebounds and fi ve steals in 36 Collins set a season high with 13 re- Ja Morant had 22 points and seven their once-comfortable league lead the team’s spirits high entering the The Sixers’ hold on the top spot in minutes. His steal of Michael Carter- bounds. Trae Young scored 14 points. assists for Memphis. dwindling in recent weeks. Atlético match in London.

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