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MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 25 SAFAR - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8408 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Watch Disney+ Streaming App Originals as a gift Terms & Conditions Apply MoPH launches mental Amir, US Congress delegation review strategic ties health awareness drive THE PENINSULA — DOHA these feelings persist and neg- campaign is being run under atively impact their mental the theme “Are you OK?’, and The Ministry of Public Health health and emotional well- aims to encourage you to ask in collaboration with Hamad being,” said Chair of the this simple question to people Medical Corporation (HMC), National Taskforce for Mental who you believe may be expe- Primary Health Care Corpo- Health and Wellbeing and Chief riencing stress or anxiety,” said ration (PHCC), Sidra Medicine of the Continuing Care Group Al Raisi. and Naufar, has launched a at HMC, Mahmoud Al Raisi. The campaign is being mental health awareness “But one of the main chal- launched as countries around campaign under the theme ‘Are lenges for people who expe- the globe have been holding you OK?’ aimed at encouraging rience psychological distress is activities to mark World Mental people to talk more openly seeking help because of the Health Day. In Qatar, many about their emotional well- stigma associated with it. This prominent landmarks were lit being. stigma often makes it difficult up in green on October 10 to “In today’s busy world it is for people experiencing mental highlight this important day. easy to become overwhelmed health symptoms to talk openly Green symbolises the continued with the pressures of daily life. and to seek help. awareness of mental health in Everyone experiences feelings "This is why we have order to help fight the stigma Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Amiri Diwan Office yesterday morning with of stress, anxiety, and sadness launched a national campaign that is often associated it. Their Excellencies members of the United States Congress delegation, on the occasion of their visit at times throughout their lives to raise awareness of mental Deputy National Lead for to the country. The Amir met with H E Jim Himes from Connecticut State, H E Eric Swalwell from and these feelings usually pass health and wellbeing and to Mental Health and Wellbeing California, H E Seth Moulton from Massachusetts, and H E Patrick Murphy from Florida. They reviewed quickly. But for some people, reduce the stigma. The and Executive Director of Oper- aspects of strategic cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States, and exchanged ations at PHCC, Dr. Samya views on a number of regional and international issues. ‘Are you OK?’ campaign launched in Ahmad Al Abdulla, said that this year has been a particularly collaboration with HMC, PHCC, Sidra challenging time for many Medicine and Naufar, aims at encouraging people due to the impact of people to talk more openly about COVID-19. MME updates digital aerial photos database emotional wellbeing. “COVID-19 has changed many aspects the way we live QNA — DOHA the map represents five square through the national network COVID-19 has changed many aspects the our normal lives and has centimetres in reality). of geographic information way we live our normal lives and has affected many people’s emo- The Center for Geographic The CGIS, through its systems. tional health as well as their Information Systems (CGIS) of adoption of this system, seeks The drones can fly at low affected many people’s emotional health. physical health. So it is now the Ministry of Municipality and to benefit from modern tech- altitudes between 240 and 500 more important than ever that Environment (MME) carried out nologies and integration with metres for up to an hour. One of the main challenges for people who people feel comfortable talking aerial photography of Al the rest of the means of The CGIS uses this type of experience psychological distress is openly about feelings of stress, Shamal, Ruwais and Abu updating data from satellite drones to photograph areas seeking help because of the stigma anxiety and sadness. By asking Dhalouf, using drones, as part images and images captured with relatively limited areas to associated with it. ‘Are you OK?’, and asking in of its plan to update the digital by conventional aviation and update and according to the the right way, you can help to aerial imagery database for field survey, to update the need of ministries and state We all need to play our part in creating an start a conversation with geographic information databases of digital geo- institutions for such images. environment where mental health is talked someone who may be finding systems in the country. graphic information systems The center owns a fleet of it difficult to speak openly The photography was done of all kinds and make them drones consisting of seven types about as openly as physical health. about their struggles,” said Dr. with a high resolution of 5cm available to ministries and of fixed-wing or propeller air- Samya. `P2 (that is, each point or pixel on government institutions craft. `P3 Al Rayyan Stadium gets prestigious sustainability ratings Exams of visual arts put THE PENINSULA — DOHA football project overseas. The stadium will Engineer Jassim Telefat, the Supreme off to end of semester 1 also become the home of popular Qatar Stars Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) Al Rayyan Stadium has been highly League team Al Rayyan Sports Club. Competition Venues Executive Director, SANAULLAH ATAULLAH rooms for suspected COVID-19 commended for its sustainability features The materials from the demolished said: “We are very pleased to receive these THE PENINSULA cases. As per the measures, by the Gulf Organisation for Research & stadium were either used in the construction GSAS sustainability certifications from proper social distancing Development (GORD). The FIFA World Cup of the new venue or recycled. Construction GORD. These awards highlight our ongoing The Ministry of Education and between the students must be Qatar 2022 tournament venue achieved and demolition waste were kept to a minimum, commitment to sustainability and our goal Higher Education has released observed during the excellent sustainability ratings for its design, with the project achieving a landfill diversion to leave a lasting legacy in this field as a schedules and regulations for examinations. construction, management and energy effi- rate above 90 percent. In addition, the stadium result of Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World semester 1 mid-term exami- Marks for grades 1, 2 and 3 ciency in line with the Global Sustainability is just a short walk from Al Riffa station on the Cup. I offer huge congratulations to eve- nation for students (day will be awarded on the basis of Assessment System (GSAS). green line of Doha Metro, making it easy for ryone involved in the design and con- education) of grade 1 to 11 which (5 marks) for continuous After the final audit, it was awarded fans to get to and from the venue. struction of this striking venue.” `P3 will begin on October 18, 2020. assessment tools and (15 marks) GSAS Design & Build Certification (four- The Ministry said on its for the exams. This will be star rating), GSAS Construction Man- Twitter account that all public based on the specifications agement Certification (Class A*) and GSAS and private schools must table and assessment tools Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) adhere to all precautionary released by the relevant Compliance Certificate. measures and relevant instruc- departments of the Educational The 40,000-capacity stadium will be tions issued by the Ministry. To Affairs Sector. one of eight venues used during Qatar 2022. ensure social distancing during The mid-term exams of the It is in the final stages of construction and examination, the number of visual arts’ subject in all grades will will soon become the fourth venue to offi- students must not be more than be postponed to the end of cially open following Khalifa International, 15 per classroom and 60 stu- semester 1. Additionally, no exams Al Janoub and Education City. The dents per multipurpose hall. will be held for the subjects of remaining four stadiums — Al Bayt, Al The Ministry has identified physical education and life and Thumama, Ras Abu Aboud and Lusail — a set of precautionary measures research skills in all grades. Both are all set to open well in advance of the to be followed for ensuring the subjects will not be considered in tournament, which will kick off on safety of students during the the students’ total score. November 21, 2022. exam period. Relevant decisions For grades 4 through 11, Built on the site of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, have also been taken regarding exams of the subjects that feature Al Rayyan will host seven matches during the assessment of exams. oral, practice and listening Qatar 2022. After the tournament, the sta- Special examination halls assessments will be conducted dium’s capacity will be reduced to 20,000 must be made for students with in the written format only, and following the removal of the modular upper chronic diseases, students with the full (15) marks will be tier. The excess seats will be donated to a A view of the Al Rayyan Stadium. special needs and isolation awarded accordingly. `P3 NCCCR expansion to decrease waiting time for patients FAZEENA SALEEM at the Urgent Care Unit has been waiting time and patients will such as chemotherapy and radi- in the Day Care Unit, so patients Al Hammadi, said that Pain THE PENINSULA increased from six to 10. Also, be able to get treatment in a otherapy. NCCCR also treats need not wait for a longer time Management and Palliative expansion saw establishment more comfortable atmosphere. blood conditions. and they can get chemotherapy Care Clinic, Pharmacy Lead The new expansion made at the of 37 outpatient clinics outside He highlighted that services at “The Day Care Unit has in a very comfortable atmos- Clinic, and a Psychotherapy National Center for Cancer Care NCCCR to see cancer survivors NCCCR, the premier cancer greatly expanded, from 16 to 52 phere. We have also been able Clinic have been included into and Research (NCCCR) will and patients with haematology hospital, have transformed in beds, which will positively to decrease the waiting time at the Outpatient Department. positively impact the care problems and added 10 new recent years to provide best impact the care provided to the Outpatient Clinic. All these Also 37 Outpatient Clinics provided to patients and beds for Medical Oncology. care to people in Qatar. patients. Also chemotherapy expansions will enhance patient outside NCCCR are situated in decrease waiting time. Medical Director of NCCCR, NCCCR is part of Hamad services have also been care and services,” he added. the Ambulatory Care Center, Al The Day Care Unit has Dr. Mohamed Salem Al Hassan Medical Corporation and looks enhanced,” he said. Deputy Medical Director Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hos- greatly expanded, from 16 to 52 in a video message said that the after cancer patients who “In the last four months, we and Chair of Radiation pital, and the Women’s Wellness beds, while the number of beds new expansion will reduce the require ongoing treatments have tripled the number of beds Oncology at NCCCR, Dr. Noora and Research Center. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020

Spanish Parliament Speaker M7 launches monthly speaker series OFFICIAL NEWS meets Qatar's Ambassador RAYNALD C RIVERA dramatically affected people’s leaders in the field, intended Amir sends THE PENINSULA sense of communal space, to guide and encourage organisers said the event “will aspiring designers. condolences to Following the success of its address the implications of our It was followed by an King of Thailand online programmes, M7, a recent experiences, while also online group mentorship creative startups hub dedicated considering the broader role development programme, DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin to innovation and entrepre- that artists and designers play which ran from July 6 to Sep- Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir neurship established by Qatar in giving meaning to the public tember 30, aimed at exposing H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Museums, is launching its latest and private realms.” creatives from all disciplines Al Thani sent yesterday cables of initiative called Dardasha The panel discussion will of design to relevant subjects condolences to King of Thailand Speaker Series. also talk about career strat- concerning the future of their H M Maha Vajiralongkorn on the On its recent social media egies, and different contexts industry. victims of a train collision with a post, M7 stressed it is “thrilled for action including civic M7 serves to advance the tourist bus in central Thailand, to offer engaging, design- sculpture, gallery work, and careers of Qataris in creative wishing a speedy recovery for the focused programmes to the interior design, they added. industries, especially design injured. Prime Minister and Min- public”. Tonight’s panel includes and fashion; train aspiring ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid “Our Dardasha Speaker Aisha Al Sowaidi, a multidisci- entrepreneurs in creative bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani Series brings together Qatar- plinary designer who is fields; spark creativity in also sent a cable of condolences based, regional, and interna- director of Liwan; Maryam Al people of all ages and back- to Prime Minister of Thailand H E tional designers and thought Homaid, a designer who is grounds through exhibitions, Prayut Chan-o-cha on the victims leaders to explore questions Assistant Professor of Graphic performances, films, educa- of a train collision with a tourist related to the complex role of Design at VCUarts Qatar; and tional programmes, and public bus in central Thailand, wishing design in our lives,” reads M7’s David Raffoul and Nicolas discussions; and help connect a speedy recovery for the injured. Instagram post. Moussallem, co-founders of Qatar’s innovators with the — QNA The series kicks off this Design Studio David/Nicolas. world. evening at 7pm via Zoom with Since the start of the global M7 is located in a new five- a panel discussion titled pandemic, M7 has launched a storey, 29,000sqm facility in MoPH launches “Between Art and Design” number of online initiatives for the heart of Msheireb President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies H E Meritxell Batet which will be moderated by the country’s growing creative Downtown Doha, the mixed- mental health has met with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Spain, H E curator, writer, and historian community. use development that is Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Hamar. During the meeting, the two sides Glenn Adamson. In April and May, M7 reviving the city’s historic core awareness drive reviewed the bilateral cooperation and relations, in addition to Given the turbulent events organised a biweekly series of as a sustainable new live-work FROM PAGE 1 issues of common interest. of 2020 which have online coaching sessions by neighbourhood. Chair of the Mental Health Service at HMC, Dr. Majid Al Abdulla, said that experiencing Doha Forum partners with India's ORF think-tank feelings of stress, anxiety and sadness is common and not QNA — DOHA collaborate with the ORF, and Singapore, H E S. Iswaran; something that we should be looked forward to expanding Chairman of the Federal Com- ashamed of. Doha Forum has announced its this partnership when the pan- The Observer Research Foundation has been an active munications Commissions in He said: “It is important partnership with the Observer demic restrictions ease. contributor to Doha Forum's success. As a content partner the United States, Ajit Pai; and that people are aware that Research Foundation (ORF), For his part, President of in 2018 and 2019, they brought important perspectives Foreign Minister of Czech many of us will experience India’s leading think-tank, on the ORF , Dr. Samir Saran said: and voices from the East to the Forum, which enriched our Republic, H E Tomas Petricek, these feelings at some point in the India Conference on Tech- “We are delighted to welcome diversity and encouraged an honest exchange of views. in addition to a number of our lives. We all need to play nology, Security and Society the Doha Forum to the CYFY cyber experts from leading our part in creating an envi- ‘CYFY2020’, which will be family. Changes that are taking companies such as Facebook, ronment where mental health hosted online from October 12 place in Asia point to the H E Lolwah Al Khater Microsoft, Netflix, and Twitter. is talked about as openly as to 16. importance of innovation and Executive Director of Doha Forum Ahmed Elmagarmid, Exec- physical health. Simply talking Executive Director of Doha knowledge as key drivers of utive Director of Qatar Com- about your feelings can help Forum, H E Lolwah Al Khater growth and prosperity. Qatar puting Research Institute, will relieve the pressure and begin said: “The Observer Research has demonstrated the political interpret the new normal that Payne; Moroccan Minister of participate in a Speed Talk at the road to recovery. So, Foundation has been an active will to invest in these sectors is emerging in the global digital Industry, Investment,Trade and the conference, where he will throughout October, let’s all contributor to Doha Forum's that will allow it to lead in the society. Digital Economy, H E Moulay discuss artificial intelligences make an extra effort to look success. As a content partner Fourth Industrial Revolution. Distinguished speakers Hafid Elalamy; Minister of contribution to the job market out for people who may be in 2018 and 2019, they brought We look forward to continuing include Indian Minister for Transport and Communica- and job creation in Qatar. struggling with emotional dis- important perspectives and our partnership at the Doha Communications, Electronics tions of Finland, H E Timo Doha Forum partnered tress, and ask them ‘Are you voices from the East to the Forum and other platforms.” and Information Technology Harakka; UK’s Minister of State with the ORF last January on OK?’” Forum, which enriched our The CYFY2020 conference and Minister for Law and for Media and Data, H E John the Raisina Dialogue, which National Lead for Mental diversity and encouraged an will gather an international Justice H E Ravi Shankar Whittingdale; Minister for was held in New Delhi and fea- Health and Wellbeing and CEO honest exchange of views.” community of experts to Prasad; Australian Minister of Communications and Infor- tured renowned global of the Mental Health Service She expressed pleasure to identify, interrogate and Foreign Affairs, H E Marise mation and Cybersecurity of speakers. at HMC, Iain Tulley, said that the campaign was a prime example of collaboration NCCCR expansion across the healthcare system. Experts discuss collaboration for equity in education “We have a compre- to decrease hensive range of mental health FAZEENA SALEEM post-COVID-19. doesn’t necessarily translate community within education; services delivered across the waiting time THE PENINSULA At different sessions edu- into success. and globalising school cur- healthcare system in Qatar and cators and school leaders “Change is complex and ricula to blend global issues I am delighted that this cam- for patients Local and international explored ways to identify how difficult. And we have to take and local contexts, were high- paign has brought together the education leaders discussed to make learning sustainable steps slowly, but we have to lighted during the ‘Teaching main healthcare providers FROM PAGE 1 how collaboration can be used amid a global situation that is make progress. First of all, we and Learning Forum 2020.’ working together to raise “We established clinics as a strategy to promote equity set to look radically different have to look within our Director of educational con- public awareness,” said Tulley. outside the NCCCR mainly for in education in a post COVID-19 after COVID-19. schools. That’s where profes- sultancy, Erimus Education, cancer survivors. We will be era, during a Qatar Foundation “We shouldn’t assume that sional learning has to take Malcolm Nicolson highlighted seeing patients who need forum held yesterday. collaboration is an easy place. Schools have to be a the need of ‘glocaliation’ within Authorities acute care and chemotherapy The virtual ‘Teaching and answer. The challenges we place where it’s not just the school education system. He services at NCCCR. All sur- Learning Forum 2020’ meet while trying to educate children who are learning, but said that ‘glocalization’ is fairly arrest suspect vivors and hematology related organised by the Education every child effectively are the teachers and other support a recent innovation within conditions will be seen at the Development Institute (EDI), complex. Collaboration can staff is learning together,” said education. who stole items outside clinics,” said Dr. Al part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre- help us to think in new ways, Professor Ainscow. “We’re talking about Hammadi. University Education, also dis- to share ideas, to invent new According to him, schools learning global themes, talking from cars “This will help to accom- cussed several issues that will possibilities. But collaboration that make progress are the about big global issues, and then modate more patients and be vital for both safeguarding in itself is time-consuming,” schools that are constantly ana- using examples that are local, THE PENINSULA — DOHA reduce the waiting time,” she and disrupting learning into the Emeritus Professor of Edu- lysing their own context and where students can engage in said. NCCCR focuses on deliv- future. cation at the University of finding examples of good doing something, and use the The Criminal Investigation ering high quality and safe The event was held under Manchester, Professor Mel practice. skills and knowledge they’ve Department of the Ministry of patient care and at the same the theme of ‘Education for Ainscow, said during the Topics including personal- developed. They will then use Interior (MoI) arrested an Arab time adopts cutting edge tech- Resilience’ and it brought keynote speech. ising teaching and learning; in a meaningful action locally suspect who stole items from nology and the latest method- together more than 1,600 par- Speaking about equity, he building inclusive, accessible that has the relationship with a cars in different parts of the ologies of providing world ticipants to look at how learning said that treating everybody as learning communities; fos- global issue, and vice-versa,” country. class cancer therapies. can be made sustainable being of equal importance tering wellbeing and a sense of he said. “As the Department received complaints of theft from cars, a specialised team was formed immediately. Municipality seizes illegal food store GU-Q holds inaugural Loiy Through intensified search and investigation, the team THE PENINSULA — DOHA Hammad Memorial Lecture identified the accused. The suspect admitted to the crime Al Khor and Al Zakhira Munic- THE PENINSULA — DOHA who would have graduated at during interrogation after ipality seized an illegal food the end of the current academic taking the necessary legal per- store at a labour accommo- The Indian Ocean Working year. missions,” the Ministry said in dation in a joint inspection Group (IOWG) research initi- The Dean of GU-Q, Dr. a post on its website campaign. ative at QF-partner Geor- Ahmad Dallal, said: “The yesterday. The campaign was con- getown University in Qatar passing of this cherished young The suspect used to steal ducted by the inspectors of (GU-Q) organised the inaugural scholar has affected all of us. items from unlocked cars in health and technical monitoring Loiy Hammad Memorial This commemorative lecture the evenings while roaming sections of the Municipality. The Lecture by Dr. Thomas F. series is one way to recognise residential areas. store did not comply with spec- McDow from Ohio State the deep impact Loiy had on us The investigation team ification required for proper University on the subject of his as a community. By bringing also confiscated the stolen storage of food items, said the book, Buying Time: Debt and the community together in his items found in his possession Ministry of Municipality and Mobility in the Western Indian name for scholarship, we are and referred him to the com- Environment in a statement. Ocean. celebrating the memory of a petent authorities for further The violation was booked In Buying Time, a finalist special individual.” legal action. according to some provisions for the Bethwell A. Ogot Book Professor of Anthropology, The competent authorities of the Law No. 8 of 1990 for Prize for Best Book in East Dr. Rogaia Abusharaf, shared at the MoI urged the public to food regulation. The seized food African Studies, Dr. McDow that it was Loiy’s love of eth- take necessary preventive items were destroyed. analyses Swahili and Arabic nography, and “the marvellous measures to secure vehicles Meanwhile, Al Rayyan financial records that reveal world of the Indian Ocean” that and valuables from theft. They Municipality recorded 34 vio- new connections between led to the group’s decision to also emphasised that citizens lations at food outlets and trade relations, familial con- lend his name to the IOWG’s and residents should lock their Inspectors from the Health Monitoring Section of Al Rayyan closed down two food outlets nections, colonial expansion, scholarly work. cars properly. Municipality during inspection of food items. for violating some provisions and environmental change “Loiy was the student that The ministry said motorists of health rules in September across a vast region that every professor wished to see. should avoid leaving 2020. cases and referred five cases to slaughtered animals. extends from the Arabian His intelligence and quick wit belongings visibly inside the This came during 3,475 security agencies for taking As a result, 43 animals com- desert to the Congo River. will be greatly missed. To car and not park vehicles in inspection visits to food outlets further legal actions. pletely and 371 animals partially This memorial lecture honour his loving memory, we isolated areas. made by municipal inspectors The inspectors of Health were destroyed after they were series was recently launched plan to dedicate our lectures to The public can contact last month. The inspectors also Monitoring Section of Al Rayyan found unfit for human in memory of GU-Q student him throughout this academic emergency service 999 to made reconciliations in 29 Municipality inspected 4,061 consumption. Loiy Ahmed Hammad, a senior year.” report any suspected cases. MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 HOME 03 Qatar, Sudan discuss ways to mitigate flood damages Third edition of QNA — KHARTOUM mechanisms to coordinate efforts and Drama Writers interventions to address the effects of Acting Federal Minister of Health, H E floods and landslides, and ways to take Forum on Dr. Osama Ahmed Abdul Rahim; advantage of the support received by Undersecretary of the Sudanese the government in rebuilding and November 11 Ministry of Labor and Social Devel- reconstructing the affected areas, opment, H E Mohammed Al Shabak, moving from providing humanitarian QNA — DOHA and Undersecretary of the Sudanese assistance to adopting sustainable Ministry of Education, H E Tamader Al solutions to the problems of floods and The Ministry of Culture and Tarifi met the Ambassador of State of landslides. Sports will hold third edition Qatar to the Republic of the Sudan, H They indicated the need to reha- of Drama Writers Forum E Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Kubaisi. bilitate schools affected by floods and virtually, due to COVID-19 The Sudanese Ministry of Labor landslides as one of the most important pandemic, on November 11. and Social Development expressed priorities of the government at the The forum is an oppor- Sudan’s appreciation to the Gov- current stage, in addition to rehabili- tunity for those in charge of ernment and people of Qatar for the tating health facilities, improving Arab culture and creativity to government’s generous efforts to deal health conditions, combating diseases discuss and review the nation’s with the effects of floods and landslides and epidemics, and expressed their issues through drama and the through the ‘Safety for Sudan’ cam- desire for Qatar’s contribution to the cultural change that it can paign. During the meeting, the officials implementation of projects, in constitute in society. It also Ambassador of State of Qatar to the Republic of the Sudan, H E Abdulrahman bin Ali presented the vision of the social sector accordance with government contributes to creating a state Al Kubaisi, and Sudan officials during the meeting in Khartoum. in the Republic of Sudan and its joint priorities. of mobility and awareness among writers, in addition to forming positive reflections on the drama in general. Qatar participates in meeting of GCC Mathaf to host Creative In a statement on Sat- urday, the ministry said that the winners of the Doha Prize justice ministries' representatives Conversation for Artists for Dramatic Writing will be announced after the end of the QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA Artists provides the space for forum on November 13. networking among Qatar- The first edition of the The State of Qatar partici- As part of its ongoing efforts to based artists from different age forum was held in 2018. The pated in the 22nd meeting of support the local art groups and a forum to second was held in 2019 under the representatives of the community, Mathaf: Arab showcase their work and latest the title, ‘major perceptions in ministries of justice in the Museum of Modern Art has projects to a wider audience. Arab drama between the countries of the Cooperation announced to host an online Maryam Ghanem Al Attiya, current intellectual content Council for the Arab States of Creative Conversation for Acting Deputy Director of and the horizon of aesthetic the Gulf (GCC), which was Artists tomorrow, with artists Learning and Outreach, Mathaf, experience’, with the partici- held yesterday via videocon- Muna Al Badr and Masoud Al said: “This online event series pation of academics, artists, ferencing. Bulushi. brings together artists from dif- writers, and critics from 14 Assistant Undersecretary The event invites emerging ferent disciplines to engage in Arab countries. of the Ministry of Justice for and established artists to conversation about their cre- Furthermore, the Music Legal Affairs, Salem Rashid present and debate their new ative processes. We invite the Affairs Center of the Ministry Al Muraikhi, represented the projects and conceptual ideas community to sign up to attend of Culture and Sports affirmed State of Qatar in the meeting, with the wider creative com- this discussion which provides its keenness to support all who which reviewed several munity comprising artists and an opportunity to connect and have the talent to enrich the issues related to strength- curators. Artists will have the gain inspiration from like- music scene in the country, by ening joint cooperation opportunity to engage in open minded individuals who are discovering these talents and between the GCC ministries dialogue on their recent exper- pursuing their artistic passions promoting them technically of justice, in addition to dis- imentations and lines of and making their mark on the and in the media to continue cussing the development of inquiry, as well as discuss some Qatar art scene.” their journey in making cre- an agreement for the imple- of the challenges faced in the Creative Conversation for ative streams for the benefit mentation of judgments, creative process and devel- Artists will be conducted in of the artistic movement in Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice for Legal Affairs, assignments and judicial opment of conceptual thinking. Arabic tomorrow from 6pm to Qatar. Salem Rashid Al Muraikhi, attending the meeting. announcements. Creative Conversation for 8pm via Zoom. The centre indicated that it provides care and moral support to musical instrument makers who would form an Nigerians urged to register with Embassy to access services infrastructure based on pro- viding music amateurs and AYENI OLUSEGUN to provide assistance and Starting October 11, issuance and keeping track of generally voluntary, since the professionals with the tools THE PENINSULA service delivery to Nigerians, residents in the country. Embassy has made it almost necessary to practice and the Embassy is hereby re-intro- the Embassy said Speaking to The Peninsula compulsory, I urge all Nige- promote the oud industry in The Embassy of Nigeria in Qatar ducing the registration of Nige- it will not attend about the Embassy’s efforts, rians to register, especially Qatar. has announced the re-intro- rians, as is the practice the the Nigerians in Diaspora when knowing you will need duction of registration for Nige- world over,” the statement read. to Nigerians not Organisation – Qatar (NIDO – services from the Embassy,” rians living in Qatar, in order “A bio-data form will be registered with the Qatar) president, Victor Ikoli, Ikoli said. MME updates to provide adequate services to distributed to all concerned. mission. urged Nigerians to take “Registering with the them. The form is expected to be advantage of the process. Embassy may give you access digital aerial The Embassy said in a filled and returned to the “Telling your home county to several services such as statement, signed by the Head Embassy. Forms would also be the form is a vital requirement where you are may not be the renewal of passports, emer- photos database Consular for Charge d’Affaires made available at the Embassy for all services requested from first thing you think about gency assistance, character cer- FROM PAGE 1 MM Abubakar, that it would not for those who wish to do so. the Embassy,” the statement when you settle abroad. tificate for employment or attend to Nigerians who do not “Forms are free, and no one added. However, expatriates from immigration purposes, travel All stages of the work are register their data with effect would be attended to at the The registration is nec- many countries are often alerts, and warnings. It will also carried out, starting from the from October 11. Embassy without completing essary for the over 10,000 advised to register with the help the government to obtain development of the flight plan, “In a determined bid by the the form. This means that with Nigerians in Doha, especially Embassy or consulate. accurate data from Nigerians in photography, and filming, fol- Federal Government of Nigeria, effect from October 11, 2020, for passport renewals and Although this procedure is the Diaspora,” he added. lowed by processing aerial images and converting them into geographic information Exams of visual systems data, by a specialized Al Rayyan Stadium gets prestigious sustainability ratings team of the center’s staff. Al Khor and parts of Doha FROM PAGE 1 arts put off to More than 50 percent of the said: “Once considered sources During legacy mode, Al will be photographed in the Engineer Bodour Al Meer, project in terms of cost was of entertainment only, today’s Rayyan will be home to recre- end of next stage. the SC’s Sustainability & Envi- delivered by local contractors, sporting tournaments are ational facilities for the local ronment Senior Manager, said: while 15 percent of the total increasingly seen as trans- community, including sports semester 1 “Sustainability has been at the materials were derived from formative tools uplifting com- facilities, cafes and walkways. FROM PAGE 1 MoPH: 207 new heart of the Al Rayyan Stadium recycled sources. munities and driving social, Al Rayyan’s glowing façade is project right from the very Energy efficiency strategies economic and sustainable comprised of patterns that Students will attend phys- virus cases, start. We were committed to mean the stadium is 20 percent development. characterise different aspects ically to their schools as per reusing and recycling the more efficient than compa- "Qatar 2022 is a shining of Qatar: the importance of the exam schedules released 211 recoveries material from the old venue rable venues. In addition, the example demonstrating how family, the beauty of the desert, for students of grades 1 to 11. and are proud to have included stadium is using 20 percent hosting nations can effectively the native flora and fauna, as Detailed schedules of exams THE PENINSULA — DOHA much of those materials in the less water due to low-flow fix- achieve sustainability goals. well as local and international including those for model new stadium. In addition, this tures, recycled water for irri- With these awards, the stadium trade. A fifth shape, a shield, schools and all three tracks of The Ministry of Public Health project — like others related to gation and landscaping with epitomizes Qatar’s com- brings together all the others, class 11 are available on the yesterday registration of 207 Qatar 2022 — has prioritised native plants that require mitment to environmental sus- representing the strength and website of the Ministry at new confirmed cases of the procurement of locally reg- minimal water. tainability in setting new unity that is particularly rel- https://www.edu.gov.qa/en/ COVID-19. As many as 195 of istered subcontractors and the Dr. Yousef Alhorr, benchmarks for sporting facil- evant to the proud desert city pages/pubschoolsdefault. these are from community use of recycled content.” Founding Chairman of GORD, ities worldwide.” of Al Rayyan. aspx?itemid=181. cases and 12 from travellers returning from abroad. Also 211 people have recovered from the virus QU to hold annual research forum on October 28 bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to QNA — DOHA that reinforces the university’s cooperation in the field of research and graduate studies with developments and crises, 124,978. In addition, the Min- vision and supports Qatar’s research, like many aspects of sector at the university sought pointing out that the best istry announced one new Qatar University (QU) will hold research priorities and the goals the academic process, depends to establish a research base expression of this is the efforts death, aged 84 — who was the annual research forum and of Qatar National Vision 2030. on the local social, political and capable of carrying out high- to address the COVD-19 pan- receiving the necessary exhibition on October 28 with The 2020 forum focuses on economic contexts in which the level inter-research, centered demic by launching the Qatar medical care. the participation of academics, the “ the future university” research institutions are located. around national priorities in the University Emergency Response All new cases have been students, and researchers from theme in light of the current In a statement, Vice-Pres- fields of energy, environment, Grant, which supports new and introduced to isolation and are various QU colleges and centers, regional and international chal- ident of QU for Research and health, and technology, in early research on the virus, receiving necessary healthcare and institutes, partners, and lenges. Participants will discuss Graduate Studies Prof. Mariam addition to the human and social adding, “We will make all according to their health stakeholders, as well as experts current research projects, imple- Al Maadeed said that the sciences, which made a big pos- efforts to develop skills and status. and academics from various mentation of new programs, research forum and exhibition itive difference in the field of launch pioneering initiatives to The ministry said that foreign universities. opportunities for cooperation, is an annual event held by QU to innovative research that is in line develop Qatar University to measures to tackle COVID-19 The forum, which will inte- innovations, and other related enhance the university’s close with changes and meets needs become a worthy university of in Qatar have succeeded in grate direct attendance and vid- projects related to QU’s scien- association and commitment to and challenges, she explained. the future.” flattening the curve and lim- eoconferencing, aims to present tific research roadmap 2018- national research priorities, thus Prof. Mariam Al Maadeed The exhibition of research iting the spread of the virus the QU mechanism in addressing 2022, the Qatar National contributing to enabling underlined that QU is working posters accompanying the and the number of new daily the issues and challenges facing Research Strategy, and Qatar researchers to meet economic hard to enhance the impact of forum, which will be visited via cases and hospital admissions society through research-based National Vision 2030. and social needs of the state. research and its diversity the mobile application, will is continuing to decline each active partnerships with industry Also, the forum addresses Excellence in research and according to a transformative include the most prominent week. and other stakeholders, regional and international chal- education is one of the most and ambitious methodology research projects and innova- Qatar’s proactive and including institutions and lenges, the importance of the important goals of QU’s vision, that determines research pri- tions in 2020, especially those extensive testing of suspected research centers. It sheds light dialogue of civilizations, and mission, and new strategic plan orities in various fields and is related to the COVID-19 chal- cases has enabled us to on important award-winning their impact on cooperation in in the transition from reform to based on a supportive envi- lenges and its repercussions on identify a high number of pos- research being conducted at QU the field of research, given that transformation, she said. The ronment capable of dealing various fields. itive cases in the community. 04 HOME MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 AMNM signs partnership agreement with QLM THE PENINSULA — DOHA collaborate with Alfardan Alfardan Group boasts Medical with Northwestern Alfardan Medical with North- over 65 years of legacy in Medicine and sign this western Medicine (AMNM), delivering world-class agreement. Through more than Qatar’s latest premium ambu- premium experiences, with 55 years of QIC’s operation, we latory care center, signed a the guiding principles of have been providing excep- Memorandum of Understanding quality, luxury and service tional services and the same (MoU) with QLM Life and virtue is reflected through Medical Insurance Company excellence. Our partnership QLM’s motto of delivering (QLM), a subsidiary of Qatar with QLM will provide their quality healthcare. At QLM we Insurance Company (QIC) local clients access to the focus consistently towards pro- Group. high-quality, advanced, viding world-class healthcare Through this agreement, and innovate healthcare services through our expanding QLM cardholders can now services that are available global network of providers. In benefit from AMNM’s inno- at AMNM. fact, this in conjunction with our vative, tech-powered, and years of expertise have enabled patient-centric healthcare us to carve out a niche that dis- model. AMNM provides high- Omar Hussain Alfardan tinguishes us from other players quality, multidisciplinary President and CEO of in the marketplace.” medical care, and patient Alfardan Group “QLM will continue to service. provide customised insurance QLM and AMNM officials during the agreement signing event. AMNM operates under an plans with distinctive, world- American model of care, with a class healthcare services to its focus on advanced medicine “Alfardan Group boasts over 65 innovate healthcare services long-standing and successful Lusail City, AMNM is the result multicultural client base. In fact, practices, backed by a patient- years of legacy in delivering that are available at AMNM. partnership with QLM, they have of a significant international QLM is the only specialized centric approach, transparency, world-class premium experi- Having only just opened in Sep- cared for all of our Alfardan collaboration between Alfardan national insurance company in world-class service, and ences, with the guiding prin- tember 2020, ensuring an Group employees under their Group and USbased North- the life and health insurance teamwork that excels in the ciples of quality, luxury and agreement with one of Qatar’s excellent insurance. We now western Medicine. segment in Qatar. The signing of services provided. service excellence. Our part- leading healthcare insurance look forward to caring for QLM Group CEO of Qatar this agreement is an integral part President and CEO of nership with QLM will provide providers was a natural and clients and providing them with Insurance Group, Salem bin of a series of many achievements Alfardan Group (AFG), Omar their local clients access to the important next step for us.” exceptional healthcare.” Khalaf Al Mannai said, “We are that will be announced by QLM Hussain Alfardan, said, high-quality, advanced, and He added, “We’ve had a Located in the heart of extremely delighted to in due course,” he added. VCUarts Qatar puts 3D technology QRCS provides clean water in Taiz, Al Hudaydah The project in Yemen to use to print cameras involves digging and THE PENINSULA — DOHA Obaidli and other PAPR deepening wells to faculty, including Aissa Deebi, provide pure and When educational institutions in Abir Zakzok, and Rola the country reopened for the new Khayyat partnered VCUarts unpolluted water. Water academic year, it was apparent Qatar’s FabLab team to 3D tanks, distribution that delivering specific essential print various components points, and solar- tools and resources would be models. Saga Elkabash from delayed due to the pandemic- the FabLab team further powered pumping rooms induced disruptions to normal adapted these models to meet will be constructed. business operations. the specific requirements of However, such delays were the PAPR curriculum that hardly an issue for faculty and includes analogue or pinhole THE PENINSULA — DOHA staff at Virginia Commonwealth photography. University School of the Arts in “The beauty of analogue Qatar Red Crescent Society Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar photography – unlike digital (QRCS) has resumed the works Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) officials at a water project in Yemen. Foundation partner university. photography – lies in being of digging manual wells and When classes started for the able to observe the actual rehabilitating water facilities, donkeys, which caused them Non-access to potable water is 2020 fall semester, faculty and process of photo development, with a total of 27 wells in the health problems. a main cause of malnutrition, staff at the university’s Painting from shooting an image to governorates of Taiz and Al “It was extremely difficult which is threatening the lives and Printmaking (PAPR) darkroom development,” Hudaydah in Yemen. to bring water from too far of around 385,000 children. department realised that they Obaidli explained. Three districts of Taiz gov- areas. We used buckets to lift Project Manager, Eng. Younis wouldn’t import enough ana- Chris Buchakjian, VCUarts ernorates— Al Shamayatayn, Al water from the deep wells, Mansour Al Ariki, said: “Work is logue cameras for all the students Chris Buchakjian, VCUarts Qatar’s Qatar’s Digital Fabrication Lab Mawasit, and Jabal Habashy which would leave wounds on going on at a speedy pace to com- in the pathway in time for the Digital Fabrication Lab & Woodshop & Woodshop Coordinator, and two districts of Al our hands. Now, thank Allah, plete the execution of the project. start of the course. Coordinator at FabLab. who was part of the team that Hudaydah — Al Sukhnah and the problem is over, and we can So far, seven new water wells of Analogue (or pinhole, as it is researched and developed the Al Marawiah — will benefit get clean water easily,” said different depths have been dug. popularly referred to) camera Qatar’s department of Painting camera, explained the devel- from the project. Mahmoud Jawad, a child from The water levels have been photography being an integral and Printmaking Adjunct opment process further. The project involves digging one of the villages covered by reached. Digging will continue part of the PAPR curriculum – Instructor. “PAPR faculty pointed us and deepening wells to provide QRCS’s project to dig and reha- down to the required depths.” and purchasing cameras from “And purchasing them locally towards an Open Source 3D pure and unpolluted water. bilitate water wells. He was so “Six water wells are being within the country proving to be was too expensive an option. As Printable camera designed by Water tanks, distribution excited by the big difference rehabilitated and deepened in too expensive – faculty and staff creatives and designers, we’re Clint O’Conner,” said points, and solar-powered made in their lives by this different areas, 14 solar did the next best thing – they trained to look for solutions. In Buchakjian. pumping rooms will be $399,999 project. pumping rooms have been made their own. Or rather, they this specific case, that meant “With this 3D model as our constructed. Many parts of the country established, and 14 water dis- 3D printed them. making our own. Online research starting point, we made adjust- This vital humanitarian lack water. UN reports show tribution points with plastic “We realised that due to the revealed an opensource link to ments based on the needs of the intervention is aimed at that two thirds of Yemenis are tanks have been installed. Cur- COVID-19 induced delays to designs that could be 3D printed. faculty. The camera is almost securing drinking and personal too poor to pay for or secure rently, preparations are in business processes and shipment, We discussed our idea with the entirely 3D Printed. It’s a lovely use water for around 25,000 safe water supply. progress to begin work at the we didn’t have the luxury of time FabLab team, who were excited design and a testament to the villagers in the target districts. Statistics indicate over remaining locations, and the to import enough analogue about the possibility of creating value of open-source 3D mod- Formerly, they had to go walk 250,000 suspected acute works are expected to begin cameras for our students,” said analogue cameras from scratch,” eling communities that collab- long distances to bring water, watery diarrhea and cholera during the coming weeks,” said Khalifa Al Obaidli, VCUarts Obaidly added. orate to share expertise.” carried on their shoulders or on cases are under-5 children. Eng. Al Ariki. Mall of Qatar announces first winner of ‘Pick & Choose’ Festival THE PENINSULA — DOHA outlets to be eligible for the weekly raffle draw. Also, customers who buy Gifts Mall of Qatar has announced the first Card’s worth QR500 or spend QR500 winner for the shop and win campaign or more will be entitled to participate that was launched last week under the in the grand prize raffle draw to win theme ‘Pick and Choose.’ The one of the two luxury cars in December. announcement was made at a Customers can redeem their ceremony held at the Oasis Stage of the receipts with coupons from the Mall Mall and attended by General Manager customer service desks and will have Emile Sarkis (pictured) and other opportunity to select the car and the guests. week of the raffle drawing they wish to Emile Sarkis said: “We are pleased of the Ministry of Commerce and participate in to win through the ‘Pick to welcome the media, which supports Industry representative. Ramishwar and Choose.’ Designated raffle draw us in delivering our message to the Raut was the first lucky winner in the boxes have been installed at all the cus- community. Our customers are always first draw that attracted 760 tomer service. Customers can track the our priority, and the media is our participants. number of raffle participants in each partner in reaching them. The new ‘Pick The current ‘Pick and Choose’ fes- box to have better information for and Choose’ campaign demonstrates tival offers customers more flexible making their decision. our plans to provide the best services options to choose their favourite car and Pick & Choose festival includes to customers giving them the chance to the weekly draw date until the cam- twenty BMWs and Mini Coopers. The win valuable prizes. The ‘Pick and paign’s end on January 14, 2021. Qatar’s weekly raffle draw will occur every Choose’ festival is the biggest of its kind biggest shop and win festival allows Thursday at the Oasis stage. The two in Qatar, and just this week, we picked customers to win twenty fascinating grand prize draws for the two luxury the first winner of the first weekly draw, cars during the festival. BMW will take place on December 10 and 19 cars are still waiting.” Mall of Qatar’s visitors will need to on the Mall’s anniversary, and on “Our main goal is to please our buy a gift card worth QR300 or spend December 18 on the occasion of Qatar shoppers and to activate the business QR300 or more in any of the Mall National Day. cycle while taking all precautionary measures for the safety of visitors. We are glad to see the clients’ turnout, a clear indication of their confidence and trust, thanks to our unique shopping experience for individuals and families. Mall of Qatar will be their favorite des- tination, and we promise more activ- ities and plans in the coming months,” added Sarkis. ‘Pick and Choose’ first weekly draw A view of the event organised by Mall of Qatar to took place last Thursday in the presence announce first winner of Pick & Choose campaign. MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 HOME 05 No elimination in Stars of Science Library and Information THE PENINSULA — DOHA In addition to the appearance Association in Qatar calls for of Hayfa Al Abdulla, Innovation For the first time in the history of Director at Qatar Science & Tech- postgraduate programme Qatar Foundation’s Stars of nology Park, as an expert guest, Science, the jury agreed to this episode witnessed the return advance all top eight contestants of Majed Lababidi, who com- QNA — DOHA in the concept prototyping peted during Season 3 in 2011, as episode to the next phase – a co-host alongside the show’s The Fifth Annual Forum for displaying the TV show’s long-time presenter, Khalid Al the Library and Information commitment to scientific Jumaily. Association in Qatar (LIA-Q) Libraries today, due to the integrity and fairness. Lababidi is an example of the has urged leading institu- COVID-19 pandemic, have Stars of Science jury member, show’s strong track record of tions in the country, such as Dr. Khalid Al Ali, noted that the empowering young Arab minds the Qatar National Library, been extended to homes show’s contestants ran into and creating a vibrant entrepre- to adopt immediate plans more than before thanks to unprecedented circumstances neurial culture among them. He to support library specialists with the outbreak of COVID-19, used his time on Stars of Science by providing an interna- the digital shift, indicating that causing disproportionate diffi- All eight innovators move to engineering prototyping round after as a foundation to begin his tionally accredited the process of harnessing culties in materials procurement non-elimination episode. journey in innovation and entre- academic programme for and shipping delays. preneurship, building several postgraduate studies in the technology to enhance the “Exceptional times neces- by building an initial Arabic hampered some contestants’ businesses and developing field. digitisation of library content sitate exceptional action. We, the database for her invention, the progress, as they did not have the ground-breaking technological This came during the jury members of Stars of Science, Arabic Conversation Fraud necessary resources to start solutions. Lababidi took the forum hosted by the Doha has become an ongoing bet to place fairness firmly on top of the Detection program. proving the concept of their inno- opportunity to encourage the Institute for Graduate build bridges with the readers. show’s platform of opportunity. All the contestants defended vation. Jamal Shaktour and his contestants to continue their Studies, under the title, We work hard to give the con- their inventions and proved their Dual Mask Rescue Pack were innovation journey after the show. “Innovation in Libraries,” H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz testants a level playing field in concepts in front of the jury among the most affected, as crucial The top eight will now and its activities held via order for the best to truly excel,” members. Ahmed Fathallah supplies from abroad did not arrive proceed to the engineering pro- videoconferencing in coop- Al Kuwari, Minister of State said Dr. Al Ali. worked on his Educational in time for the jury’s review. totyping phase, where they will eration with UCL Qatar. and President of the Qatar During the proof of concept Platform using Electronic Cubes; “These exceptional times be asked to implement a fully In the opening speech National Library episode, several contestants laid Mohammad Almogahwi on his pushed all of us to adapt to the functional prototype built around of the forum, Minister of out a roadmap for the next stages Automated Hands-free Tooth- new norms dictated by the pan- the proven novel concept in State and President of the of the competition. Azzam Alwan brush; Othman Abu Laban on his demic, as we had to work with order to create a useful product. Qatar National Library, H E demonstrated how his inno- Adaptive Car Headrest; Sarah what we had available and per- The show is currently Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al years, noting that the number vation, the Biometric for Infor- Aboerjaib on her Fractured Bone severe,” said Shaktour. “The accepting applications for next Kuwari said that libraries of its members has increased mation Security, would add an Optical Scanned; and Wadah jury’s decision is a golden oppor- season until December 1, 2020. today, due to the COVID-19 to 200. extra layer of security to mobile Malaeb on his Ductal tunity to all of us and is a push to To register, and for this season’s pandemic, have been She explained that the phones. While Eiman Al Hamad Organoid-on-a-Chip. motivate us even further, prove full broadcast guide, visit www. extended to homes more than association’s biggest successfully detected text fraud However, COVID-19 ourselves, and shine.” starsofscience.com before thanks to the digital achievement is its registration shift, indicating that the as a member of the Interna- process of harnessing tech- tional Federation of Library nology to enhance the digiti- Associations and Institutions Ooredoo set to demonstrate sation of library content has (IFLA), highlighting the close become an ongoing bet to relationship between the potential of its cutting-edge build bridges with the association and cultural and readers. academic institutions. digital delivery He stressed that relying on Associate Professor and human capital is important in Coordinator of a Master’s THE PENINSULA — DOHA use cases that illustrate Qatar’s already transforming business “From remote medicine to smart developing libraries and that Degree in Library and Infor- advanced digital opportunities. and individual enterprises logistics to the industrial Internet having human capabilities that mation Studies at UCL Qatar, Ooredoo launched yesterday a Current 5G technologies already throughout Qatar. To date, of Things, 5G will transform busi- have creative thinking is a pre- Dr. Frederick Nesta, talked video and social media allow businesses and enterprises Ooredoo’s 5G provides low nesses and individual enterprises requisite for the library’s sur- about the role that the college awareness campaign, grounded to operate at much faster speeds, latency and high throughput, nationwide. October’s video-led vival in a rapidly changing played in developing and in the message that Ooredoo 5G permitting customers to improving operations and social media campaign will high- environment. qualifying library and infor- will help Qatar lead the world in encounter new and innovative assisting the IoT industry in light this movement of business Chairman of the Founding mation specialists over ten technological advancement. experiences, including inter- scaling up much faster. Within towards non-stop productivity. Committee of the Library and years. Ooredoo aims to demon- active displays and virtual Qatar, 5G creates new opportu- Our showcased 5G use cases will Information Association in IFLA President Christine strate to businesses how 5G is technologies. nities to keep operations invite users to dare to dream; Qatar Dr. Hend Al Muftah Mackenzie highlighted the transforming lives for the better. Throughout October moving, from using remotely imagine a ship informing the port pointed out that despite the history of IFLA since its estab- Customers will be invited to Ooredoo will publicise a large operated machines to auton- automatically to initiate docking, delay in its registration and its lishment in 1927 and its role to imagine the potential of 5G to number of 5G use cases in B2B omous vehicles. or a medic in the USA performing official declaration, the asso- support the library sector in the change working life and leisure 5G. From medicine to logistics Chief Business Officer at remote control surgery in Qatar. ciation members have world. The forum also featured time immeasurably, due to to the industrial Internet of Ooredoo, Sheikh Nasser bin The potential is, quite literally, managed to organise four dif- series of presentations by Ooredoo publicising a range of Things (IoT), 5G is Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, said: endless.” ferent forums during the past researches. HBKU webinar joins dots between Islamic social finance and UN SDGs

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The potential for Zakat financing to fill funding gaps for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was the opening subject of a three-part webinar series co-organised by the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority. The first installment of the HBKU-UNDP Webinar Series: Islamic Social Finance and SDGs showcased National Zakat Board Participants during the webinar co-organised by HBKU and UNDP Indonesia’s (BASNAZ) innovative in partnership with QFC. application of Zakat funds for local SDG projects in unders- Utilization, BAZNAS, Dr. Irfan intellectual debates on the erved communities. Syauqi Beik. Participants applied nature of Islamic Consideration was also gained additional insights from Studies. Innovative and given to how the BAZNAS Professor of Islamic Finance resourceful use of Islamic Zakat Model for development and Economics at CIS, Dr. social finance will be crucial can be replicated and utilized Nasim Shirazi, Visiting over the years ahead, particu- within and beyond the Islamic Assistant Professor of Public larly when it comes to sustain- world. Policy at CIS, Dr. Abdulfatah ability issues. We’re confident In keeping with all HBKU Mohamed and the founder of that this and our other events, proceedings concluded MESCO in India, Dr. webinars will provide an with opportunities for audience Mohammed Abbas Khatkhatay. informed overview of what members to pitch questions and Speaking after the webinar, relevant types of Islamic social respond to observations made Director of CIS’ Research financing look like. by the panelists. Division and its Centre of “We’d also like to Part one of the HBKU-UNDP Islamic Economics and Finance acknowledge the support pro- Webinar Series was moderated (CIEF), Dr. Syed Nazim Ali said: vided by the National Zakat by a senior advisor to the UNDP “We are delighted and honored Board Indonesia (BAZNAS) and and consultant to the World to be working with the UNDP the Qatar Financial Centre Bank, Dr. Aamir Rehman. on this webinar series. Doing (QFC). Their respective contri- A case study of Indonesia’s so not only reflects HBKU’s butions to a stimulating and use of Zakat funds at the local determination to help fulfill the thought-provoking opening level was provided by Director SDGs, but also CIS’ place at the webinar was much appre- of Zakat Distribution and forefront of global and ciated,” he said. beIN, JeemTV launch new show ‘Larry the Wonder Pup’

THE PENINSULA — DOHA journeys of Larry, the or battle aliens. mischievous but cute dog that The mixture of live action beIN Media Group has launched will win children’s hearts with and animation in this show a new programme ‘Larry the his engaging tales and encourages everyone to face Wonder Pup’ on its children’s wonders. life and its exciting challenges. channel JeemTV. Every Every day, Larry and his After all, even if you are small, episode of this new show tells eight-year-old owner Sasha you can still reach for the an interesting story of an embark on adventures, as stars. adventure to explore the children get to see life from The show is broadcast wonders of the real world and Larry’s point of view – filled Sunday through Thursday at the realms of make-believe. with excitement and curiosity. 20:00 local time exclusively on Together, viewers live the He can soar like a superhero beIN’s JeemTV. DOHA TODAY

06 MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 Banking innovations prod customers to go digital

SACHIN KUMAR cards. From June 28 to Certificates of Deposit for THE PENINSULA Banks have rolled December 24 this year, COVID-19 frontliners, every time a customer uses filling and submitting the Making use of the latest tech- out innovative his QNB Mastercard Con- Common Reporting nology, banks in Qatar are products and tactless Card, he will be eli- Standard (CRS), and com- prodding residents to go digital. services that are gible to enter daily prize pleting Foreign Account Banks have rolled out innovative draw. The more he uses Tax Compliance Act products and services that are encouraging card, the better will be his (FATCA) declarations. encouraging customers to use customers to use chances to win latest elec- According to the bank’s digital channels to complete their digital channels to tronic gadgets. website, the employees of banking transactions. QNB is also offering 10 the Ministry of Public Banks have introduced new complete their percent upfront discount Health, Hamad Medical features in ATMs, credit and debit banking when booking accommo- Corporation, Primary cards and their mobile applica- transactions. dation on Booking.com Health Care Corporation, tions which have enabled cus- using QNB Cards. This offer Sidra Medical and tomers to do banking transactions is valid until December 31 Research Center, Ahli Hos- from their home. for stays up to 14 months pital, American Hospital Although almost all the banks cost, whereas for customers it pro- from booking date. Doha, Doha Clinic, Al in Qatar were swift in adopting the vides ease of doing banking used to go to a bank branch for withdraw the amount from any of Qatar Islamic Bank Emadi Hospital, in addition latest technology, COVID-19 out- because they can do banking from some of my banking needs, Commercial Bank’s ATMs in Qatar. (QIB) has introduced new to the Ministry of Interior break accelerated the pace of their home and at any time,” a because I was not well versed with Banks in Qatar have rolled out features to its Mobile App. personnel and volunteers launch of technology-based senior banking official told The Internet technologies. Now I am contactless cards that have With the new QIB Mobile can now request the banking solutions. Peninsula. doing all my banking transactions removed the need for pressing the App updates, eligible exclusive Certificate of “The role of technology in the Digital banking has also played through Internet, because it is now Personal Identification Number Qatari customers can now Deposit for COVID-19 banking sector is set to increase in a supporting role in limiting the better to stay at home, due to (PIN) at the retail outlets. Con- postpone their Personal front-liners through the coming days. Adoption of tech- spread of COVID-19 as customers COVID-19 outbreak,” a civil tactless cards allow customers to Finance Monthly QIB Mobile App. nology is a win-win situation now prefer to do banking transac- engineer with a construction firm pay by simply tapping the card on Installment through the The Certificate of which not only benefits the banks tions from their home, instead of told The Peninsula. the Point of Sale (PoS) machines Mobile App. This solution Deposit is introduced to but also the customers. For banks, going to a bank branch. Commercial Bank has or ATMs. Contactless transactions allows QIB eligible cus- help front-liners increase the technology reduces operation “Before COVID-19 outbreak, I launched the Digital Cheque are as safe as traditional card tomers to postpone their their long-term savings, Deposit service, an innovation that payment transactions. Each trans- next three months’ per- with a minimum amount allows customers to process Com- action uses state-of-the-art sonal finance installments of QR5,000 and no mercial Bank cheques via the security to generate a random ver- and provides them with the maximum amount. These bank’s mobile application. The ification code that cannot be option of adjusting the new special Certificates of bank has also launched e-Gift counterfeited. It also provides financing to take place Deposit offer exclusive feature which allows customers more control, since the card does after the maturity of their returns allowing COVID-19 to send cash gift to their loved not leave customer’s hand to be existing finance terms. frontline employees to ones. Customers can send an swiped by the merchant. The app also allows benefit from a higher e-Gift as a transfer through its Every time a customer per- opening of exclusive expected profit rate. ATM network in Qatar, or as a forms a contactless transaction he local or international account gets informed immediately via transfer. e-Gift combines the con- SMS alerts. This way, he knows all venience and swiftness of elec- the time the transactions that were tronic money transfer with the performed using cards. The ease personalised touch of a greeting of using these cards is prompting card. The recipient is notified via residents to go for cashless SMS and email with an electronic transactions. greeting card with a personalised QNB has given more reason to message. The recipient can then its customers to use its contactless Exhibition highlights unseen stories during COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ultra-modern operating theaters Qatar Foundation partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in Education City is hosting an exhibition which takes an in-depth look at unseen stories during the ongoing global pandemic through paintings, photography, poetry, design objects, video and digital art. The “Good Vibes Only” exhibition brings together works from the University’s students, faculty, staff and alumni from diverse fields such as graphic design, fashion design, painting and printmaking, art history, and interior design, to name but a few. The collective endeavor engages a vibrant State-of-the-art ambulance community of practitioners and shows how the artists and designers reflect on isolation, fleet dreams, and mental escape through personal narratives. “Good Vibes Only” features works by Aisha Exhibition by faculty, students, staff and alumni includes paintings, photography, poetry, design Al Abdulla, Arhama Amjad, Chris Buchakjian, objects, video and digital art. Elizabeth Ju, Ghaida Azzam, Gul Thakur, Haya Al Hetmi, Jesse Payne, Izza Alyssa, Leticia McClure, Rabab Abdulla, Reham Mohamed, only, and can be scheduled for 30-minute time Aguirre, Luma Mansi, Madjulin Nasrallah, Maha Robin Fetherston, Roshni Tarcar, Roudah Al- slots throughout the day by going to this link: Nasr, Marsya A. Abdulghani, Maryam Khalil, Sheeb, Selma Fejzullaj, Shima Aeinehdar, Stella bit.ly/337WNGE. Michael Perrone, Naima Almajdobah, Nia Alex- Colaleo, Tasnim Rahima, Yeon Geong Hwang, Visits should be scheduled at least 24 hours ander Campbell, Noora Al Henzab, Nour and Yomna Eltouny. in advance. The opening hours are Sunday to Elbasuni, Nour Elzayat, Patty Paine, Rab Visits to the exhibition are by appointment Thursday, from 10am to 4pm.

DPS-MIS concludes Rendezvous 2020-21 online Highly-advanced patient THE PENINSULA — DOHA successful execution of the events. School which included events like Poetry information systems All the activities and ceremonies are con- writing, Story Writing, Poster Making, Spell DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) culmi- ducted with great élan as per the year planner, Bee, Scavenger Hunt Debate, Group Dance, nated Rendezvous 2020-21 with the online providing holistic development to all the enthu- Digital Logo Designing, App Development, and ‘Result Declaration Ceremony’ on October 6. siastic students. She also expressed her grat- Acapella were organized using Zoom or This year, keeping the present condition itude towards the management for their con- Microsoft Teams platforms. in mind, the annual inter- house activity fest tinuous support and valuable guidance. Rules and regulations for the competitions was conducted online during the summer Soma Bhattacharjee congratulated all the were laid and shared with the students by the break in order to provide effective avenues to team members and extolled the students for respective house wardens, which ensured the students to channel their holiday energies their ‘enthusiasm to participate’. She also high- smooth functioning of the events online. and maintain the learning momentum. lighted the importance of collaborative team The participants from all the four houses The occasion was graced by Principal Asna efforts in the successful completion of an event – Lily, Lotus, Tulip and Rose left no stone Nafees, Vice-Principal Senior Secondary of such magnitude. Mary Cruz inspired the young unturned to add on to the winning streak of School Soma Bhattacharjee, Vice-Principal minds with her words of wisdom and mentioned their houses. Senior School Mary Cruz, Vice-Principal Junior that such competitions develop life skills and Tulip House emerged as the winner in the School Shifa P Shaikh and Headmistress Junior prepare the students for their future endeavours. Middle School, whereas Lotus House topped School Sini Menon. Nafees commended the Fourteen competitions for the Middle the medal tally in the Senior School. However, Cutting-edge treatments for efforts of the students and the teachers in the School and 18 competitions for the Senior on compilation of the results of both the sec- cancer tions (Middle School and Senior School) Tulip House bagged the first position followed by Lotus House, Lily House and Rose House for the second, third and fourth positions At Hamad Medical Corporation we respectively. are utilizing advanced technology and The ceremony concluded with the DPS-MIS United Rendezvous Band video. It was anchored innovative systems to deliver the highest by Arya Kanade, Head Girl and Mohak Vaswani, quality care to Qatar’s population. Head Boy under the able guidance of Bhatta- charjee, Activity Coordinator( IX to XII) Priti Ket- anbhai Modi and Activity Coordinator ( VI to VIII) Chinmayee Pathak. The vote of thanks www.hamad.qa was proposed by President of Student Council Girls Anushka Jain and President of Student Council Boys Moussab Zaz. The cultural bonanza was a thumping success and would remain etched in mem- DPS-Modern Indian School teachers and students during the programme. ories forever. MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 DOHA TODAY 07 E-scooters gain traction as new HEC Paris’ new SBUM alternative transport, leisure activity participant calls program RAYNALD C RIVERA ‘a game changer’ THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA - DOHA education in the world, and I Strolling along the seven-kilo- feel that I will also benefit from metre stretch of Doha Corniche, A graduate of King’s College the experience of my col- one wouldn’t fail to notice the London and a former projects leagues over there.” dozens of electric motorised specialist at Qatar Airways, With a total work expe- scooters (e-scooters) scattered Maryam Alkhalaf expects HEC rience of four years now, around specially near the park Paris’ Specialized Master’s to Maryam believes that devel- close to Sheraton Doha. enhance her professional and oping essential business skills The e-scooters labeled personal skills. is crucial and beneficial in car- “Loop” are part of a new Featuring an all-new cur- rying out daily activities related scooter-sharing service which riculum, HEC Paris in Qatar will to her work. makes them available for short- start its next Specialized “I can apply multiple term rentals through an app. In Masters in Strategic Business business practices to my pro- some countries, scooter-sharing Unit Management (SBUM) fessional requirements like systems have gained traction program in January 2021. designing a strategy, devel- as one of the least expensive The updated SBUM degree oping leadership skills, and and most popular micro- program is designed especially managing human capital and mobility options. for participants looking to decision-making, which are These dockless e-scooters enhance their leadership and essential for my career devel- don’t have a fixed station and management skills. Further, it opment,” said Maryam. can be conveniently picked up accentuates HEC Paris’ position Commenting on her expec- and parked in various locations as the leaders in executive edu- tations from the SBUM in the city. Currently, dozens cation, for which it was ranked program, Maryam said that she of these e-scooters can mostly #2 worldwide by the Financial is looking forward to a solid be found on Doha Corniche, Times in 2020. So it comes as program, which requires a lot the West Bay area and other little or no surprise that of effort from participants to arbitrary locations around the 26-year-old Qatari profes- derive maximum benefits. A couple of e-scooters parked along Doha Corniche. PIC: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA city, and they are fast becoming sional Maryam has jumped at Maryam also feels that under- a popular alternative mode of the opportunity of enrolling for taking the Specialized Masters transport as well as a new form enjoyable and engaging activity but also as an alter- user gets a QR10 free credit. the Specialized Masters. degree will enable her to attain of leisure activity for pastime specially in the native form of transport for The e-scooter can be Maryam has a Bachelor of Arts a senior level position at WISE. residents. company of my friends during travelling to nearby areas. unlocked by scanning the QR in International Politics from “The SBUM program will “I always make it a point to weekends,” said Mark, one of “One thing that I like about code, and R2 is charged every King’s College London and has give me the responsibility to ride the Loop scooter the Corniche visitors who fre- these scooters is that they are time a user unlocks an worked as a corporate sales explore different research whenever I come to the Cor- quently rides the e-scooter. environment friendly and they e-scooter. First-time users can projects specialist at Qatar areas, including writing and co- niche to take a break from a Some people find using the are convenient to use for short- enjoy a five-minute free ride, Airways. And she knows what authoring research reports,” busy day at work. It is a very e-scooters not only a fun distance travels. It is very useful after which QR0.75 is charged to expect from her stint at HEC said Maryam. “It will also at the same time fun to ride per minute. One can earn up Paris in Qatar. “Having HEC enable me to maintain regular when I go to the metro station to 10 free unlocks by inviting Paris in Doha is a great oppor- contact with international The e-scooters labeled “Loop” are part of a new scooter- from here,” said Mahmoud, a friends. tunity for me to pursue my edu- organizations. And talking sharing service which makes them available for university student who was Using the Loop app, one cation along with my work,” about how the program will short-term rentals through an app. In some countries, seen riding an e-scooter on the can find the location of the said Maryam, who is currently affect her overall life, Maryam Corniche on Saturday. nearest e-scooter to ride and serving as a Research Associate said, “I believe that if you have scooter-sharing systems have gained traction as one of To be able to use the read the instructions on how at the World Innovation time-management skills, then the least expensive and most popular micro-mobility service, one has to download to use the e-scooter as well as Summit for Education (WISE), you will be able to find the right the Loop app and register. additional safety reminders of Qatar Foundation. balance between work, studies options. These dockless e-scooters don’t have a fixed Using credit card, a user can and tips. The app also has a “It is important to connect and personal life. I don’t think station and can be conveniently picked up and parked in choose among three plans number of extra features such my studies with my everyday it will be easy, but it is doable various locations in the city. namely Basic which costs as indicating the distance trav- work. Moreover, HEC Paris is if you prioritize your goals.” , QR25, Advanced (QR50) and elled and the number of cal- considered to be one of the top finance, leadership, and Pro (QR100). With Pro plan the ories burned by the rider. institutions for executive change. World Mental Health Day: A focus on emotional wellbeing at ACS Doha THE PENINSULA - DOHA added introversion in school-aged which aspires to educate and care for students has been the successful trial/ children from the lack of social inter- the person as a whole,” she said. launch of the Middle Years Programme One in four people in the world will be action have become major concerns In the face of COVID-19, ACS has (MYP) eAssessment. affected by a mental health problem, for schools that are striving to keep doubled its efforts in providing support Recognising the barriers students according to the World Health Organ- educational continuity while keeping to students, parents and staff. were facing in taking online exams, the isation. students’ mental health afloat. From welcoming parent drop ins MYP eAssessment was specifically The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has “The question is to what extent as at the ‘Wellness Centre’ at school, to designed to give students a space to exacerbated this by creating a situation teachers and caregivers have we nur- one-on-one sessions where students experience examination ahead of of uncertainty, bringing about feelings tured resilience in the face of mental are encouraged to ‘Rate your mood’ in scheduled exams and become of apprehension and anxiety. health issues; and what more can we online conversations, the school main- equipped with the skills needed to Alka Maher, Middle & High School do to safeguard the emotional well- tained open and honest communi- succeed in online learning. Counsellor at ACS Doha, said the pan- being of students at school,” said cation channels to better understand ACS Doha’s focus on wellness is demic has shown how exactly mental Maher. the wellbeing of the entire complemented by teacher trainings health can affect a society and “ACS International School Doha community. and awareness workshops run for the heightened the need to pay attention places a high level of importance on “Our open communication within benefit of the community. to issues of emotional wellbeing. mental health, integrating it well within the community gives us the foresight The school’s strong relationship When following social distancing our core philosophy and using it in our needed in tailoring programmes like Alka Maher, Middle & High School with Sidra Medicine, one of Qatar’s and work/study from home practices, approach to education. the ACS Doha ‘Advisory Programme’. Counsellor at ACS Doha leading medical research and feelings of isolation have arisen, From the practices we followed Run once a week, the Advisory Pro- healthcare providers, developed bringing a host of mental health con- before the pandemic to the additional gramme seeks to address issues that from bullying to managing stress,” she training programmes which bring cerns to the surface of society. programmes we have incorporated in directly or indirectly cause mental and said. in licensed medical professionals to An increase in psychological dis- response to it, we are guided by a fluid, physical health issues by incorporating Another fruitful collaboration the school to touch upon various orders like anxiety, depression and comprehensive and adaptive attitude various themes each week ranging between teachers, parents, and topics. THROUGH THE LENS

BMKQ Women in Construction and Allied Sectors in Qatar recently held their first Basic Gender Sensitivity Seminar. Filipino group holds inaugural gender sensitivity seminar

THE PENINSULA - DOHA and members of the group. Fri- The BMKQ (Bayanihan ng Man- day’s seminar was the first ggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng training module on Basic Gender Qatar) Women in Construction Sensitivity Seminar (BGSS), which and Allied Sectors in Qatar, a was led by BMKQ Women Coor- member of Bayanihan Qatar – dinator Mags Laja and supported the federation of Filipino grass- by BMKQ President Engr. Ressie roots organisations, recently S. Fos, Lorna Ferrer, who was the organised their first Basic Gender resource speaker, and Prerna Sensitivity Seminar. Prasad, South Asia Programme Held at Holiday Inn Doha - Officer at BWI – South Asian The Business Park on Friday, the Project. seminar was organised in collab- The seminar contributes oration with Building Wood- awareness and in-depth under- workers International (BWI as standing to different genders spe- part of the campaign in support cially in the workplace and uplifts of International Labour Organi- the important role women play With gradual decline in temperature, Aspire Park is again abuzz with activities. The number of residents coming to the park has increased sation (ILO) Convention C190 in society. in the past few weeks. The park, located in Aspire Zone, covers an area of 88 hectares and is the biggest park in Doha. The park has Harassment and Violence in the During the event, the partic- different features such as beautiful fountains, playgrounds for children, and other fun features. It has the only lake in Qatar, a small hill, World of Work. ipants actively shared their expe- a coffee shop where different kinds of beverages can be bought, and various kinds of trees, both rare and common. Located closey b The event is part of the series riences, insights and learnings on is the Aspire Tower, a 300-metre modern hotel, which served as a giant torch for the 15th Asian Games in 2006. of trainings for women leaders the subject. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA 08 DOHA TODAY MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Iran reports 251 virus deaths in a single day AP/REUTERS — TEHRAN positive for the virus last week beginning in June. 315,000 rials yesterday, com- minister said. violations more severely,” and has been in home quar- The government has largely pared to what was 32,000 rials Mask-wearing became Health Minister Saeed Namaki Iran announced yesterday its antine since. The news agency resisted imposing wide-scale to the dollar at the time of Iran’s mandatory in public in the said. “It has been decided that highest single-day death toll reported that his health con- lockdowns as the economy 2015 nuclear deal with world capital on Saturday and Pres- this action would start from from the coronavirus with 251 dition is currently good. teeters from continued US eco- powers. ident Hassan Rouhani Tehran and will be extended confirmed dead, the same day A separate report by the nomic sanctions that effectively Iran plans to make mask- announced that violators to other large cities in the local media reported two senior news agency said the country’s bar Iran from selling its oil wearing mandatory in public in would be fined. “We have coming weeks,” Namaki said officials had been infected and Vice-President in charge of internationally. other large cities after imposing asked the police and the basij in remarks carried by state the nation’s currency plunged budget and planning, Money exchange shops in it in Tehran to fight rising coro- (paramilitary volunteers) and television. to its lowest level ever. Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, Tehran sold the US dollar at navirus infections, the health other agencies to help us.. fight Health Ministry spokes- had also tested positive for the person Sima Sadat Lari said the coronavirus. total confirmed death toll now Salehi is known interna- stands at 28,544, making Iran tionally as one of the key Lebanon orders lockdown in 169 towns, villages the hardest-hit country in the Iranian negotiators who took region. Iran had just recently part in those nuclear talks. The AP/QNA — BEIRUT Cases in Lebanon have been rising current hospitalised COVID-19-infected recorded its highest daily death deal curbed Iran’s nuclear since early July when the country eased a patients stands at 562, of the 219 are in toll four days earlier with 239 activities in exchange for sanc- Lebanon’s Interior Ministry has ordered a nationwide lockdown and opened its only intensive care units (ICU). new fatalities. tions relief, but President lockdown in 169 villages and towns as well international airport. The numbers Royal Oman Police (ROP) will this A further 3,822 new cases Donald Trump unilaterally as ordering all clubs to close around the increased dramatically following an August evening impose a complete lockdown on were confirmed over the past withdrew the United States country amid a sharp increase of corona- 4 blast in Beirut that killed and wounded public movement and commercial outlets 24 hour-period, raising from the agreement in 2018 and virus cases. many, as people gathered at hospitals, from 8 pm to 5 am, every night till Sat- recorded nationwide cases to reimposed crushing economic The Ministry said yesterday that the funerals and anti-government protests. urday, October 24 2020. 500,075. Nearly 4,500 patients sanctions. Iran has seen several lockdown will begin today morning and Meanwhile, Oman's Ministry of Health The ROP also began locking beaches are in critical condition. top officials contract the virus last until October 19. The new lockdown announced that the total number of pos- and monitoring adherence to the ban on Among those recently over past months, including comes a week after the ministry ordered itive COVID-19 cases in the Sultanate movement there throughout the day till infected is the head of the coun- senior Vice-President Eshaq a lockdown in 111 villages and towns that reached 105,890. The total number of further notice in implementation of deci- try’s atomic energy organi- Jahangiri and Vice-President ends today. Some of those towns are COVID-19 related death cases stood at sions of the Supreme Committee tasked sation, the latest senior official Massoumeh Ebtekar included under the new restrictions. 1038, while the number of recoveries stood with tackling developments resulting from to test positive for the virus. Iran has struggled to contain On Saturday, Lebanon’s Health Min- at 92840, comprising 87.6 percent. the coronavirus pandemic, Oman News The semiofficial Tasnim the spread of the virus across istry registered 1,388 new cases of coro- The Ministry also pointed out that 65 Agency (ONA) reported. The ROP warns news agency said Ali Akbar this nation of 80 million people, navirus, raising the country’s confirmed cases were hospitalised over the past 24 that it will be firm with violators of the Salehi, who is also a Vice-Pres- initially beating it back only to total to 52,558 infections and 455 deaths. hours, adding that the total number of Supreme Committee’s decisions. ident of Iran, had confirmed see a spike in cases again, Libyan political dialogue Two migrants dead, many to resume next month missing as boat AFP — TRIPOLI Tripoli in April 2019, but was sinks off Tunisia The UN mission in Libya has beaten back in June by the GNA announced a face-to-face with military support from AFP — TUNIS dialogue between the country’s Turkey. rivals to be held early next Hope for a solution to the Two bodies were recovered month in neighbouring Tunisia. crisis has risen, however, after and seven people rescued after Tunisia will host “the first the two main warring factions a boat carrying dozens of face-to-face meeting” of the separately announced in would-be migrants went down Libyan Political Dialogue August they would cease off the Tunisian coast Forum (LPDF) “in early hostilities. yesterday, the National Guard November, following prepar- The move was followed by said. atory virtual consultations”, the a series of UN-backed talks in “A boat carrying illegal United Nations Support Mission Morocco, Egypt and migrants was shipwrecked off in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a Switzerland. Sfax... two bodies, of a woman statement. UNSMIL said it “has made and a baby, were found, and The forum’s aim is “to gen- it a requirement for partici- seven people were rescued,” erate consensus on a unified pants to the LPDF to recuse spokesman Housemeddine governance framework and themselves from political and Jebabli said. According to arrangements that will lead to sovereign positions in any new An aerial picture shows flames engulfing trees as a forest fire rages in Lebanon’s Ras El Metn area, initial estimates, 30 migrants the holding of national elec- executive arrangement... and on Saturday night. from sub-Saharan Africa were tions in the shortest possible to refrain from the use of hate on board the vessel, Jebabli timeframe”. speech and incitement to said, adding that a search was Libya has been wracked by violence”. Fires brought under control in Syria, Lebanon underway for those missing. conflict since the overthrow Participants “will be drawn He did not indicate where and killing of dictator from key Libyan constitu- AFP — DAMASCUS of all the fires in the province” In neighbouring Lebanon, they had departed from. The Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, encies... and with a firm com- of Latakia, governor Ibrahim more than 100 forest fires that number of would-be migrants with rival power centres as mitment to the meaningful par- Fires that ravaged parts of Syria Khader Al Salem said, quoted raged since Thursday were also attempting to cross to Europe well as a myriad militias vying ticipation of Libyan women and Lebanon in recent days by state news agency Sana. completely under control, a from Tunisia sharply from a for control. The two main fac- and youth”, the statement have been brought under Firefighters were still on the civil defence source said. peak in 2011. But it began tions are the UN-recognised added. control, authorities in the two scene trying “to cool the burned Authorities have yet to rising again in 2017, driven Government of National Meanwhile, Libya's countries said yesterday. sites,” he added. reveal the full extent of the partly by economic woes and Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and a National Oil Corporation gave In Syria, blazes fuelled by Sana said all fires in Tartus damage from the fires in Syria inequality in the North African parliament in the eastern city the green light yesterday for high temperatures broke out had also been brought under and Lebanon. country, almost a decade after of Tobruk. production to resume at a Friday in the provinces of Homs, control, and crews had In Israel, fires fuelled by the a revolution that many hoped Efforts to move the political major oil field following the Tartus and Latakia, where at managed to completely extin- heatwave were brought under would bring change. process in Libya forward have lifting of an nine-month-long least three people died, according guish a fire in the Korb Ali forest control overnight Friday-Sat- The interior ministry said been repeatedly interrupted blockade. The state oil firm to the health ministry. in the western suburbs of Homs. urday, the firefighting service Sunday it had stopped 32 since a deal signed in Morocco lifted force majeure on Al- Several families had to flee Syrian Prime Minister said. “After more than 30 hours attempts to cross the Mediter- in December 2015. Sharara, a field in Oubari residential areas near the fires, Hussein Arnous said efforts of firefighting, we have brought ranean and arrested 262 Eastern strongman Khalifa region about 900km south of according to media reports. were underway to recover from the main fires under control... people between the start of the Haftar, backed by Egypt, Russia Tripoli, and instructed the “Civil defence teams, sup- the blazes and support those (but) we remain vigilant,” the year and mid-September. Two and the United Arab Emirates, operators Akakus to resume ported by army units and the who had been forced to flee fire service there said in a people were from sub- launched an offensive on production. population, are now in control their homes. statement on Saturday. Saharan Africa.

Gas explosion in Iran marketplace Iran-backed militias offer truce for US troop withdrawal AP — TEHRAN to AP just hours after a roadside the US Embassy - located inside “acceptable timeframe,” said without specifying a length of leaves 5 dead bomb targeted a convoy trans- the heavily fortified Green Zone Mohammed Mohie, a the truce, and said it was open- REUTERS — DUBAI Iraqi militias backed by Iran porting equipment for the in Baghdad — have become a spokesman for the powerful ended. Iraqi lawmakers vote in have agreed to temporarily halt US-led coalition on a highway frequent occurrence and have Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah. January on a non-binding res- A suspected gas explosion flat- attacks targeting the American south of Baghdad, damaging strained ties between Baghdad “If it does not withdraw, the olution to oust US-led coalition tened a building and shops in presence in Iraq on the one vehicle, an Iraqi army and Washington. resistance factions will resume troops in the country, following a marketplace in southwest condition that US-led coalition statement said. The attack The militia factions offered their military activities with all a Washington-directed drone Iran yesterday, killing at least troops withdraw from the prompted questions over a truce and will refrain from the capabilities available to strike that killed Iranian general five people, a fire official said, country in line with a parlia- whether such a truce could hold targeting the US in Iraq, them,” he said. Qassim Soleimani and Iraqi in the latest in a series of fires mentary resolution, three of the across all militia factions. including the the US Embassy, Two other factions from dif- militia commander Abu Mahdi and blasts, some of which have militia officials said yesterday. Roadside bombs and espe- on the condition that American ferent Iran-backed groups Al Muhandis outside Baghdad’s hit sensitive sites. The militia officials spoke cially rocket attacks targeting forces withdraw within an echoed Mohie’s comments, international airport. State television showed rescue teams looking for sur- vivors in the rubble of the two- storey residential building Nigeria dissolves special located near a historic mar- ketplace in the old district of police unit after protests the city of Ahvaz, capital of oil- rich Khuzestan province. “The gas explosion led to AFP — ABUJA society organisations, it added. the complete destruction of a Former SARS officers are to two-story residential Nigeria yesterday announced the be redeployed into other units. building... and four nearby res- dissolution of a special police Yesterday's announcement idential buildings and six unit tackling serious crimes after comes after growing anger over shops,” Ebrahim Qanbari, head an outcry over alleged abuses the past week expressed on the of the fire department in from rights groups and protests streets and on social media over Ahvaz, was quoted as saying both in the streets and online. the group’s alleged abuses. by the semi-official Mehr news The president’s office and the On Friday, hundreds of agency. Nigeria Police Force announced people marched in many of the Four men and one woman the dissolution of the Special main cities in the south of the were killed and nine people Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with West African country calling for were injured, Qanbari said. immediate effect. the SARS unit to be reformed or Some of the explosions in The police statement also disbanded. the past few months appeared announced an investigation into In June, a report by Amnesty to be linked to Iran’s deterio- allegations “of crimes committed International listed what it rating infrastructure, while against citizens”, adding that alleged were 82 cases of torture, others may have been security- “the culprits will be punished”. ill treatment and extra-judicial Nigerians taking part in a protest against alleged violence, extortion and harrassment from the related such as blasts at sen- The investigation will involve execution by the SARS between Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), in Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday. sitive military and nuclear sites. human rights groups and civil January 2017 and May 2020. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL Pedestrians and shoppers, some wearing face masks as a precaution against the transmission of the novel coronavirus, walk in the high street in west London, yesterday. Delightful weekend for fans A security guard urging a young rider to place his mask properly was a noteworthy sight at the Qatar The lesson from the pandemic? Equestrian Federation's (QEF) Indoor Arena over the weekend. With riders and backroom staff seated - at a safe distance - from one another, it was smooth sailing for the organisers of the show jumping event We need to tackle inequality at the same venue as fans welcomed the start of the new riding season. The same day but elsewhere in leaving billions unprotected. and suspend minimum pay little else. the city, football giants Al Sadd beat Al Arabi in the In more than 100 coun- legislation. First – that governments final of the Ooredoo Cup, another event that came tries at least one in three This is not about rich need to get a handle on ine- to a safe conclusion at Al Duhail Stadium. Also on workers had no labour pro- countries doing well and poor quality. It is not inevitable, Saturday, at Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, table tennis tections, such as sick pay. countries doing poorly. The like rain from the heavens. It giants Qatar SC and Al Sadd - in front of a small yet Nearly half of all coun- United States, a rich G7 comes down to government socially distanced crowd - reached the final of the tries do not have adequate country in which more than choices – as the pandemic

Amir Cup Championship. Also on Saturday, regular JOSE MARIA VERA legislation on sexual assault 200,000 people lost their profoundly exposes. The AL JAZEERA season competitions in motorsport, handball and and 10 countries, such as Sin- lives to COVID-19, for ability to go to the hospital, or basketball also brought teams and players together gapore, have no laws on equal example, trails 17 low-income have a safety net when losing for sporting battles that fans had been waiting for “Would we have been better pay or gender discrimination. countries like Liberia on your job, has shaped our months. off in New Zealand?” “Or This is despite outrage at labour laws in the index due experience of this pandemic. Four days ago, FIFA President made a quick South Korea?” I’ve been asked inequality being at an all-time to anti-union policies and a That governments have done stopover to Doha to meet the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim so many questions like these high. Leaders from the Inter- low minimum wage. The toll too little to tackle inequality bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan and then a since the beginning of the national Monetary Fund’s the pandemic is taking on the has made us less safe. couple of hours later, he was seen playing football COVID-19 pandemic. Managing Director Kristalina US is impacted by intersecting Second – that governments with the officials of the Supreme Committee for Nowhere feels safe enough. Georgieva to China’s President inequalities. rich and poor have huge scope to Delivery and Legacy at the brand new Al Bayt But some countries clearly Xi Jinping and Pope Francis Unlike India and the US, act. If Sierra Leone – a poor Stadium in Al Khor. "It is an absolute pleasure to have been in a better place to have all spoken out against and many other countries, nation – can make bold reforms play football at this amazing stadium, where on 21 weather the pandemic than inequality in recent years. It is however, some countries to make secondary education November 2022, we will kick off the greatest FIFA others. My colleagues in increasingly hard to find a clearly have been better posi- free and clamp down on tax World Cup ever. Al Bayt Stadium is incredible: a Africa point to Senegal. In leader who does not say they tioned to weather today’s evasion by mining companies, or true football stadium. It has a real football feel and Europe, Norway. care about inequality. pandemic. Consider Thailand, if Costa Rica has been able to a local touch. It is time to ask: just how Yet, the data show that where the official COVID-19 achieve near-universal primary The tented shape makes it truly unique, and the ready were each of our gov- such concern is not trans- death toll remains below 60. healthcare in 10 years, so can Arabic patterns in the roof are just beautiful. I am ernments for this crisis? And lating into policies. With The country provides uni- others. It is clearer than ever that speechless," Infantino said after playing football for what could they be doing to notable exceptions, inaction versal healthcare. It also does political will, not sound eco- a short while. The FIFA President was also shown avert more death, hunger and on inequality has left most so by spending only $277 per nomics, is the barrier to change. around the new Al Bayt Stadium to witness the pace destitution? How can they rise countries catastrophically capita on health. The US, in And third, that govern- of progress at one of Qatar's eight World Cup venues. out of this pandemic stronger? unprepared to weather the comparison, spends $11,000 ments can better reduce ine- Two days ago, in another football related devel- Development Finance pandemic. That is, millions of per capita on its famously pri- quality within their borders if opment, it was announced that the East Zone matches International and Oxfam’s people have died, and hun- vatised system. they cooperate across them. of the AFC Champions League will also be held in recently published “Com- dreds of millions are falling Or consider South Korea, Governments would be wise Doha in the coming weeks. mitment to Reducing Ine- into poverty, unnecessarily. which responded to the pan- to act together on areas of The last one week has been nothing short of pure quality Index”, which ranks Consider India, which cur- demic by instituting universal common interest – expanding delight for the sports fans in the country. With 158 countries on labour rights, rently has the fastest growing emergency relief payments protection to workers, pro- COVID-19 pandemic stalling life around the world, a taxation, and spending on coronavirus caseload of any for 22 million households. The viding debt cancellation to determined Qatar has successfully put together a health, education and social country in the world. India’s country in recent years has poor countries and pursuing sports feast for fans despite immense difficulties protection, provide the data leaders would do well to read boosted the minimum wage, solidarity taxes on wealth and arising arousing out of the pandemic sweeping the we need to answer these the index carefully. The increased taxes on the richest income. globe. In the coming days, Qatar, which sets sports crucial questions scientifically. country is among the world’s while boosting spending on The perils of the pre- as one of its top priorities, plans to stage top-notch The headlines of the worst performing countries in health and education. COVID-19 era, in which taxes events included in the Qatar Olympic Committee's report make for challenging tackling inequality. Only half Moreover, some countries and labour rights were sports calendar, while ensuring safety for all those reading: of India’s people have access are recasting their entire lowered and public goods involved by adhering to health protocols strictly. Heading into the pan- to the most basic health strategies to tackle inequality. were privatised in the pursuit demic, only one in six coun- services, with its health New Zealand, another success of limitless growth, has been tries were spending the inter- spending proportionally the story of the pandemic, has readily exposed. The enduring nationally accepted basic world’s fourth lowest. Rather centred its entire budget on legacy of the pandemic must level on healthcare – 15 than strengthen policies “wellbeing” to tackle issues be a new race to the top, in percent of the total budget. during the pandemic, several like child poverty, challenging which governments coop- D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Only 22 percent of the states in India have used the old and stubborn erate in their shared com- obsession with the gross mitment to reducing EMAIL: [email protected] global workforce had ade- COVID-19 as a pretext to quate social protection, increase daily working hours domestic product (GDP) and inequality. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Right-wing extremists pose an alarming threat THE WASHINGTON POST because of some of her people face terrorism, con- surveilled the governor’s DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 covid-19 restrictions. spiracy and weapons charges vacation home, studied police FBI Director Christopher Wray Right-wing extremist for their involvement in response times, participated LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 warned in September that the groups represent a real and various plans, including kid- in firearms training and tested most pressing threats facing the rising menace at a volatile napping Whitmer and putting improvised explosive devices. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 nation came from anti- time in the country’s politics. her on “trial,” storming the Michigan has a history of government and white- Americans should be alarmed state capitol and trying to so-called militia activity, but SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 supremacist groups. Tuesday, - but also reassured that law ignite a civil war. One plotter, that alone can’t account for the Department of Homeland enforcement authorities seem recorded in the investigation how it has become a hot spot ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Security echoed the to be taking the threat seri- that relied on undercover for resistance against pan- email: [email protected] assessment, identifying the ously, as their foiling of the agents, confidential demic restrictions, with violent white supremacy alleged conspiracy against informants and intercepted Whitmer a particular target. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 movement as the “most Whitmer demonstrates. messages, complained about Demonstrators who swarmed email: [email protected] persistent and lethal threat in They’re doing their job. If only gyms being closed. Reduced the capitol this spring the homeland.” Just two days President Donald Trump workout opportunities would included those who advo- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 later, the danger was under- would do his and stop the be almost comical as a motive cated violence against her; FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] scored in a terrifying way when harmful, mixed messages that if lives weren’t at risk - not one man carried a doll federal and state authorities give oxygen to extremists. only Whitmer’s but also those hanging from a noose. In May, CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 announced they had broken up “Extreme” surely of her family, police officers, a man was charged with email: [email protected] a domestic terrorist plot to describes the Michigan plot other officials and the public. threatening to kill the gov- kidnap Michigan Democratic outlined in an FBI affidavit According to the government, ernor and state attorney SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed in federal court. Thirteen the alleged terrorists general. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar We must be a bit stricter in places where /ThePeninsulaQatar infection chains spread mostly, which is parties /Peninsula_Qatar and, unfortunately, also travel.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

+974 6698 6188 MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 ASIA 11 Virus cases surpass 7 million in India AP — NEW DELHI reporting and health infra- structure and inadequate testing. India’s confirmed coronavirus India aims to provide vac- We have been able to cases crossed 7 million cines to 250 million people by yesterday with a number of new July 2021, Health Minister Harsh keep the curve rise slow, infections dipping in recent Vardhan said last week. He said but I do agree that we weeks, even as health experts that the government was have not been able to get warn of mask and distancing planning to receive 450 million it to move aggressively fatigue setting in. to 500 million vaccine doses down. That’s related to The Health Ministry regis- and would ensure “equitable tered another 74,383 infections access”. our population density, in the past 24 hours. India is India saw a steep rise in diversity of our country expected to become the pan- cases in July and added more and socioeconomic demic’s worst-hit country in than two million in August and challenges in our country. coming weeks, surpassing the another three million in Sep- US, where more than 7.7 million tember. But it is seeing a slower infections have been reported. pace of coronavirus spread Dr. Randeep Guleria. The ministry also reported since mid-September, when the 918 additional deaths, taking daily infections touched a total fatalities to 108,334. record high of 97,894. The number of people who It’s averaging more than their hands regularly. He added have died of COVID-19 has 70,000 cases daily so far this that the sick were still being remained relatively low in South month. India has a high recovery brought in to his hospital. and Southeast Asia — from India rate of 85 percent with active India’s meagre health to Vietnam and Taiwan — com- cases below 1 million, according resources are poorly divided pared to European countries and to the Health Ministry. across the country. Nearly 600 Shoppers wearing face masks as a precaution against coronavirus disease walk in a market area in the United States, said Dr. Health officials have million Indians live in rural the old quarters of New Delhi, yesterday. Randeep Guleria, a government warned about the potential for areas, and with the virus hitting health expert. the virus to spread during the India’s vast hinterlands, experts “We have been able to keep upcoming religious festival worry that hospitals could be Jacob John said there was Health Organisation’s continuing to relax lockdown the curve rise slow, but I do season, which is marked by overwhelmed. increasing tendency among benchmark of 140 tests per restrictions that were imposed agree that we have not been huge gatherings in temples and “If we are able to have good Indians not to wear masks or one million people. But many in late March. The government able to get it to move aggres- shopping districts. behaviour in terms of physical maintain distancing. of these are antigen tests, in May announced a $266bn sively down. That’s related to A crucial factor will be distancing and masks, maybe Social media have com- which look for virus proteins stimulus package, but consumer our population density, people wearing masks and by early next year we should be pounded the problem by prop- and are faster but less accurate demand and manufacturing are diversity of our country and maintaining a safe distance. able to come to a new normal. agating misinformation and fake than RT-PCR, which confirm yet to recover. socioeconomic challenges in Dr. S P Kalantri, a hospital COVID-19 will not finish but it cures. “And the result of this is the coronavirus by its genetic A large number of offices, our country,” said Guleria, director in the village of will be under reasonable control that people have gotten fed up code. shops, businesses, clubs and referring to India’s burgeoning Sevagram in India’s worst-hit with travel and other things and have started making their With the economy con- restaurants have reopened. population of nearly 1.4 billion. western Maharashtra state, said becoming much more easier own conclusions,” John said. tracting by a record 23.9 percent Restricted domestic and inter- Some experts say though that people in his village had and people relatively safer,” Nationwide, India is testing in the April-June quarter, national evacuation flights are that India’s death toll may not stopped wearing masks, main- said Guleria. more than 1 million samples leaving millions jobless, the being operated along with train be reliable because of poor taining distance or washing Retired virologist Dr. T per day, exceeding the World Indian government is services. Indian Railways to upgrade all high speed trains China providing $90m IANS — NEW DELHI such trains which will be “Presently, an 83 berth affordable for the passengers, running at 130 or 160kmph. coach is being designed. It is the comfort and conveniences grant to Sri Lanka The Central government AC coaches are essentially planned to have 100 coaches increase manifold and there is yesterday said it has an a technical need for trains this year and 200 next year. The substantial reduction in travel AP — COLOMBO Chinese-funded projects are extensive plan to upgrade running on 130 or 160kmph,” coaches will be evaluated and time.Reiterating that “all non AC not financially viable and that Indian Railways network to Narain said. experience gained from the coaches are not going to be China announced yesterday Sri Lanka will face difficulties high speed potential. “Speed potential of some of running of these coaches will replaced”, the official said very that it was providing a $90m in repaying the loans. In the run up, Railway Min- the corridors have already been lead to further progress.” miniscule numbers are being grant to Sri Lanka, two days In 2017, Sri Lanka leased istry Spokesperson D J Narain upgraded to 130kmph. Wind Needless to say, the official planned only for future trains after the island nation’s pres- out a Chinese-built port located said that air conditioned and weather factors demand mentioned, modified AC which would run those sectors ident sought help from a near busy shipping routes to a coaches have become a tech- that only certain type of coaches coaches will come in place of having running speeds of 130km visiting Chinese delegation in Chinese company for 99 years nical necessity wherever the can run at higher speed. non AC coaches in the trains per hour and above. disproving a perception that to recover from the heavy speed of the train is going to be It is therefore not to be miss running at 130 or 160kmph and “Presently, only Delhi China-funded megaprojects are burden of repaying the Chinese above 130kmph. construed that all the non-AC that too because of technical Mumbai Delhi Howrah sections “debt traps.” loan the country received to “Track on golden Quadri- coaches will be made into AC and comfort necessity. are getting geared up for that. Calling the financial build it. lateral and Diagonals are being coaches.” A prototype of AC “Non AC coaches will con- Travel will be made convenient, assistance a “timely grant,” the The facility is part of Bei- upgraded to cater to speed of Coach at Rail Coach Factory tinue to run in trains running at faster and more comfortable for Chinese Embassy in Colombo jing’s plan for a line of ports 130km to 160km per hour. Non (RCF) is being made and that 110 kmph.” It will ensure that many more number of trav- said that it would be used for stretching from Chinese waters AC sleeper coaches would be should be ready in a few weeks, while the price of tickets of mod- ellers at very, very affordably medical care, education and to the Arabian Gulf. China has replaced by AC coaches only for the official said. ified AC coaches remain very priced tickets,” he added. water supplies in Sri Lanka’s also agreed to provide a rural areas and that it would $989m loan to Sri Lanka to “contribute to the well-being build an expressway that will Australian ship of (Sri Lankans) in a post- connect its tea-growing COVID era.” central region to the Chinese- tows unexploded The announcement follows run seaport. a visit to the Indian Ocean China expanded its foot- bomb out to sea island nation on Friday by a print in Sri Lanka during the Chinese delegation led by Yang leadership of former President AP — SYDNEY Jiechi, a Communist Party Mahinda Rajapaksa, the older Politburo member and a former brother of the current leader. Australian navy divers have foreign minister. Mahinda Rajakapaksa, who is removed an unexploded 45kg During talks with Yang, Sri currently Prime Minister, held bomb on a reef off the south- Lankan President Gotabhaya separate talks with Yang on eastern coast and a ship towed Rajapaksa asked China to help Friday. it to deeper waters because it him in disproving a perception China’s economic influence posed a “significant risk” to the that China-funded meg- over Sri Lanka has worried its public. aprojects are “debt traps” closest neighbor, India, which The bomb was found by a aimed at gaining influence in considers the Indian Ocean fisherman on Elizabeth Reef local affairs. region to be its strategic near Lord Howe Island, about China considers Sri Lanka backyard. 550km off New South Wales to be a critical link in its Yang’s visit came days after state. He photographed his dis- massive “Belt and Road” global the top diplomats of four Indo- covery and reported it to infrastructure building initi- Pacific nations — the US, Japan, authorities. ative and has provided billions India and Australia — met in Divers aboard the HMAS of dollars in loans for Sri Tokyo to increase their Adelaide carefully removed Lankan projects over the past involvement in a regional ini- the abandoned explosive by Myanmar poll campaign rally decade. The projects include a tiative called “Free and Open floating it to the surface and seaport, airport, port-city, Indo-Pacific” aimed at coun- towing it farther out to sea Supporters of Myanmar’s ruling National League for Democracy party ride in a motorcade during a highways and power stations. tering China’s growing assert- where it was dropped into campaign rally in Naypyidaw, yesterday. Critics say that the iveness in the region. 550M deep waters. Although there was no date given for the bomb removal, the Australian South Korea to ease some Australia’s former PM calls for probe Department of Defense photos were dated September 25. social distancing rules “That depth is really safe. into Murdoch media dominance It’s not going to ever get REUTERS — SEOUL “Many citizens are feeling washed back up onto the reef,” fatigue over prolonged dis- REUTERS — MELBOURNE Twitter on Saturday, urging not respond to requests for Senior Marine Parks Officer South Korea will relax some tancing, and we also took its people to sign the petition, comment. John Pritchard said. rules on social distancing from negative impact on the economy Former Australian Prime which also called for recom- Rudd, who became leader “There’s no deep-sea today, allowing clubs to re-open into consideration.” The relax- Minister Kevin Rudd has called mendations to boost media of the Australian Labor Party in fishing or trawling allowed out and spectators to attend sports ation means places of enter- for a major government inquiry diversity. 2006 and left parliament in there. It’s a recreational fishing events, after new coronavirus tainment, such as clubs, karaoke into the tight ownership of The petition, due to be sub- 2013 after the party lost an zone only. The chances of that cases edged lower in recent bars and buffets can re-open, Australian media by Rupert mitted to the House of Repre- election, has previously blamed UXO (unexploded ordinance) weeks, authorities said. and audiences of up to 30 Murdoch’s News Corp, securing sentatives on November 5, had Murdoch for running a cam- ever coming back to the Daily infections have fallen percent of stadium capacity will more than 46,000 signatures 46,246 signatures as of Sunday paign to kill Labor’s plan for the surface is negligible.” The largely into the double-digit be allowed at sports matches on a petition after just two days. afternoon, up from a few national broadband network in origin of the bomb is not range in the past two weeks, such as the popular Korea Rudd, who was prime min- thousand on Saturday. 2013. known and divers couldn’t down from 440 during out- Baseball Organisation League, ister from 2007 to 2010 and Australia’s parliament is not Rudd said Murdoch’s news- estimate its age because of its breaks at a church and a as long as they comply with briefly in 2013, filed a petition required to respond to petitions, papers had consistently cam- deterioration, a spokesman for political rally in August that anti-virus guidelines. calling on parliament to set up unlike in Britain, where peti- paigned in the past 18 federal Environment Minister Sussan prompted clampdowns on gath- But high-risk activities such a royal commission to inves- tions that obtain more than and state elections for the con- Ley said. erings and some businesses. as door-to-door sales busi- tigate what he called the “abuse 100,000 signatures are con- servative Liberal National Bombs of that size were “We will lower the level of nesses and small religious gath- of media monopoly in Australia sidered for debate in par- Party, currently led by Mor- used as long ago as First World social distancing nationwide erings remain banned, with in particular by the Murdoch liament. Petitions to the House rison, and against Labor. War, sometimes dropped from but maintain controls on risk new limits on guests and media”. of Representatives have rarely The newspapers owned by aircraft to target submarines. factors such as the door-to- spacing at clubs and indoor “The truth is Murdoch has been acted upon, according to Murdoch’s News Corp include There were also bombings off door sales industry,” Prime sport venues in the heavily become a cancer, an arrogant the parliament website. The Australian, the Daily Tele- the Australian east coast Minister Chung Sye-kyun told populated Seoul area, the gov- cancer on our democracy,” Prime Minister Scott Mor- graph, the Herald Sun, and the during the Second World War. a meeting yesterday. ernment said. Rudd said in a video posted on rison’s office and News Corp did Courier Mail. 12 ASIA MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 18 dead in Thailand bus-train collision AFP — CHACHOENGSAO More than 40 Factory worker Samruan passengers were Thongdee said he was having At least 18 people were killed breakfast nearby when he and more than 40 injured in rushed to nearby heard the crash. Thailand yesterday when a medical facilities for “I called my colleagues to freight train crashed into a bus come to help” before the emer- taking passengers to a religious treatment. By late gency workers arrived, the ceremony, officials said. afternoon, more than 57-year-old said. “I managed to The morning collision, drag a woman from the around 50km east of the capital, 30 passengers who wreckage and helped her up Bangkok, toppled the bus and had sustained mild onto the train platform.” sheared off part of its roof. injuries were sent Two cranes were brought More than 40 passengers in the afternoon to lift the bus were rushed to nearby medical home. off the tracks so that police facilities for treatment, said pro- could better assess the vincial hospital director Sombat government department carnage. Chutimanukul. showed the bus edging from the There were some 60 pas- “Four are in critical con- road onto train tracks before a sengers in the chartered bus dition and eight remain under blue cargo train slammed into travelling from Samut Prakan Officials and onlookers gather near the wreckage of an overturned bus involved in a deadly collision observation” out of the 23 its side. province to a temple in Chacho- with a train next to Khlong Kwaeng Klan railway station in Chachoengsao province, east of the Thai admitted to her hospital, she “I was frozen in fear when engsao, said province governor capital Bangkok, yesterday. told reporters. I saw the crash... It was a ter- Maitree Tritilanond. By late afternoon, more rible sight,” said Pitchitra They were planning to offer Travel throughout the most lethal roads, with victims are motorcyclists, bus than 30 passengers who had Thongwichit, 34, who lives close yellow robes to monks — a tra- kingdom has been thrown into speeding, drunk driving and crashes involving groups of sustained mild injuries were to the tracks. ditional ceremony held within disarray by a big storm hitting weak law enforcement all con- tourists and migrant labourers sent home, said a local police “All the passengers were a month of the end of Buddhist the region, leaving roads in tributing factors. often grab headlines. chief. moaning and crying for help.” Lent, he told reporters. poor conditions and some Thailand has the second- In March 2018, at least 18 “The death toll is at 18,” he Photos taken by rescue workers Thai Premier Prayut Chan- provinces deluged in shin-high highest traffic fatality rate in the people were killed and dozens said, adding that “the investi- showed gnarled metal and O-Cha instructed authorities to floods. world, according to a 2018 wounded when a bus carrying gation on the cause of the debris, with bodies lying by the investigate the cause of the Deadly accidents are World Health Organisation domestic tourists in north- accident is ongoing”. tracks and belongings scattered crash, a government spokesman common in Thailand, which report. eastern Thailand swerved off Footage shared by a around the scene. said in a statement. regularly tops lists of the world’s Though a majority of the the road and into a tree. Religious cleric shot dead Qureshi hopes to see Pakistan on FATF white list soon INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD The foreign minister said people as it could result in a attempts to bring about political A virtual meeting of the in Karachi the opposition parties’ alliance surge in coronavirus cases in instability, pleading that it Financial Action Task Force Foreign Minister Shah is unnatural and does not seem the days to come. would benefit none. (FATF), which will decide if AP — KARACHI Mehmood Qureshi said to last longer. Stating that the sessions were “We are proud of our institu- Pakistan should be excluded yesterday that he hoped that People of different thinking, held with the opposition on 34 tions and their performance. We from its ‘grey list’, is scheduled Gunmen riding on a motor- Pakistan would be on the white varying ideologies and agendas points to discuss the FATF legis- are proud of Pakistan’s armed for October 21-23. cycle shot and killed a reli- list of The Financial Action Task have assembled in the alliance lation, the federal minister said forces,” Qureshi said, adding that The decision would be gious scholar who belongs to Force (FATF) soon, maintaining with the sole objective of that the opposition thought that the government had invited the based on a review of the coun- a little-known branch of Islam that the US and some other stopping the process of they could extract favours for their opposition to jointly thrash out try’s performance to meet in Pakistan’s bustling city of countries would support accountability, he said, support to the FATF legislation. proposals for free, fair, and trans- global commitments and Karachi, police said yesterday. Pakistan on the FATF issue. asserting that the government The opposition tried hard to parent elections in Gilgit- standards on the fight against The killing of Maulana Adil Pakistan will participate in is not afraid of the All Parties achieve what they wanted but Baltistan, but they refused. money laundering and terror Khan was immediately con- the virtual meeting on the FATF Conference (APC) and that the failed and resorted to forming Speaking on how the gov- financing (ML and TF). demned and seen as an to be held in Paris. opposition rallies and public the alliance, he added. ernment is highlighting the According to a local news attempt to trigger sectarian While inaugurating different meetings are a political process. Censuring the elements Kashmir cause on international report, the FATF plenary violence between Sunnis and road schemes in Union Council “The government will com- speaking against the national forums, Qureshi said: “The world meeting was earlier scheduled Shias in the country. Prime 38 of NA-156, Old Shujabad road plete its constitutional term no institutions, Qureshi said that it now knows Kashmiris need their in June but Islamabad got an Minister Imran Khan termed in Multan, the minister stated matter what opposition does,” did not serve the purpose of right to self-determination.” He unexpected breather after the it “an attempt by India to that opposition parties formed said the foreign minister. protecting national interests. said that the US is appreciating global watchdog temporarily create sectarian conflict across an alliance after they failed to He, however, added that the The elements, he said, are Pakistan’s role in securing peace postponed all mutual evalua- the country,” though no imme- get the process of accountability Pakistan Democratic Movement making anti-Pakistan forces in Afghanistan. He urged the tions and follow-ups deadlines diate evidence was given that of their leaders stopped in return (PDM) leaders should keep in happy through their unwise United Nations to play its role to in the wake of grave health risks India was behind the attack. for their support to the FATF- mind that their public meetings approach and statements and bring about peace between following the COVID-19 Khan is the son of late related legislation. and rallies could cause harm to urged the opposition to avoid Armenia and Azerbaijan. pandemic. prominent scholar Maulana Saleemullah Khan, who founded the grand seminary, Jamia Farooqia, decades ago. Tajikistan President on The seminary adheres to the Sunni Muslim teachings of the Deobandi sect, whose scholars course for fifth term have been the target of killings in the past. AFP — DUSHANBE fellow former Soviet republic Khan held a doctorate in Belarus have triggered massive religious studies, received Voting was underway in upheaval, similar develop- training in his father’s sem- Tajikistan yesterday in a pres- ments appear unlikely in inary and had taught in idential election expected to Tajikistan. Malaysia. pave the way for incumbent Rakhmon is portrayed by Police chief Ghulam Nabi Emomali Rakhmon to become state media as bringing stability Memon said the cleric and his the longest-ruling strongman to the country following a civil driver were both killed in the in the former Soviet space. war during the 1990s that pitted attack on Saturday evening, Few are anticipating any government forces against a which took place in the middle hiccups for Rakhmon as he diverse opposition including class neighbourhood of Shah closes in on three decades in Islamist fighters. Faisal Colony. power and looks to overtake Constitutional changes Kazakhstan’s recently retired passed in 2016 allowed the Nursultan Nazarbayev in the “Founder Of Peace and Malaysia seizes 6 Central Asian longevity stakes. National Unity, Leader of the Chinese vessels, The Central Electoral Com- Nation”, as Rakhmon is offi- mission said the vote had cially known, to run for office detains 60 people passed the turnout threshold an unlimited number of times. required for validation, with Rights groups have flagged REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR more than 70 percent of the an intensifying crackdown on Rescue bid in choppy waters nearly five million strong elec- opposition, media and civil Malaysia’s maritime author- torate casting votes. society since the changes took ities said on Saturday they A military helicopter rescues sailors of a submerged ship at Cua Viet Port in Quang Tri province, Statements of turnouts are effect. had detained 60 Chinese Vietnam, yesterday. a feature of elections in this Safar Mallayev, 66, was nationals and six Chinese- part of the world however, and voting for Rakhmon because of registered fishing vessels are impossible to verify. his “enormous experience”. they said were trespassing Authoritarian Rakhmon “Peace is the main thing. If into the Southeast Asian Cambodian farmers deploy faces four other candidates, all we have peace it means every- country’s waters. viewed as token opponents, in thing will be alright,” Mallayev Malaysia reported 89 his bid for a fresh seven-year said. intrusions by Chinese coast- term. Few would have guessed guard and navy ships between scarecrows to ward off virus Polling stations opened at that former collective farm boss 2016 and 2019, amid esca- 6am local time (0100 GMT) and Rakhmon would stay the lating tensions between the AFP — KAMPONG CHAM about 110km northeast of the village, no chances are taken —an are to close at 8pm (1500 GMT), course when he was elevated United States and China over capital Phnom Penh. effigy is tied to the gate of nearly with results expected today. in 1992 to the chairmanship of Beijing’s claims to most of the Armed with a stick, a floral- The other is dressed in every home, though constructed Voters in the capital the national assembly — a resource-rich South China Sea, shirted scarecrow with a plastic camo-green and has a stick with varying degrees of effort. Dushanbe interviewed said position equivalent to head of which is also a major trade pot for a head stands guard in propped like a rifle across its Some are elaborately dressed overwhelmingly stated their state — as fighting between route. front of a rural Cambodian hay-stuffed chest. in military uniform or floral intention to cast their ballot pro-government forces and the The Malaysian Maritime home — a sentry erected by “It is our ancient super- pyjamas, while others simply for Rakhmon — and struggled United Tajik Opposition raged. Enforcement Agency (MMEA) superstitious farmers to ward stition to set up Ting Mongs have stuffed bags with sunglasses to name the other He was elected president in said the fishing vessels and off the coronavirus. when there are dangerous dis- perched on them for a head. candidates. 1994 after the position was re- crew were detained in an Known as “Ting Mong” in eases or to avert evil,” she said. Farmer Ton Pheang stuffs Zarina Mamadnazarova, a established, and re-elected in operation off the coast of the Khmer, the creatively rendered The majority-Buddhist old clothing up the arm of his 25-year-old woman who is 1999, 2006 and 2013. southern state of Johor on scarecrows often pop up in vil- kingdom has a strong strain of Ting Mong, which is dressed in currently unemployed, said she None of the votes were Friday. lages that have been hard-hit by animism incorporated into the a bright pink shirt and has a would vote for Rakhmon endorsed by Western electoral “Further checks found that infectious diseases like dengue daily lives and rituals of Cam- helmet for its head. “because he is the best pres- observers. all the vessels registered in or water-borne diarrhoea. bodians, with many believing “This is my second one — ident, our national leader”. The candidates he faces Qinhuangdao, China, were This time, “I’ve set up the Ting that spirits are tied to places, the first one broke,” the Another woman, 39, who exist “to give a veneer of cam- manned by six captains and 54 Mong to prevent the coronavirus animals and things. 55-year-old says, adding that preferred not to give her name, paign to what is otherwise a crew who are Chinese from threatening my family,” says The Ting Mongs are meant his scarecrow has been said Rakhmon had her vote non-event,” said John Heath- nationals aged between 31 and farmer Sok Chany, 45. to ward off evil spirits wishing to standing guard under sun and “because the other candidates ershaw, professor of interna- 60 years,” MMEA regional She has two posted in front bring harm on an unsuspecting rain since April when the out- are not as strong”. tional relations at the Uni- director Mohd Zulfadli Nayan of her wooden stilt home in family by spreading disease. break started spreading rapidly While disputed votes in versity of Exeter in the United said in a statement. Kampong Cham province, In Sok Chany’s Trapeang Sla across Southeast Asia. neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and Kingdom. MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Two small planes collide in western France, 4 dead

AFP — RENNES, FRANCE The cause of the reach. A 75-year-old was collision remains piloting the plane with two pas- Four people were killed and sengers aged 28 and 30, while one was missing after a tourist unclear. However a a 66-year-old was at the con- plane and a microlight aircraft local mayor suggested trols of the microlight with a collided in western France on passenger aged 50, Dulin said. Saturday, local authorities said. the late afternoon None of the people involved in The small microlight car- sunlight could have the crash were related. rying two people collided with dazzled one of the Around 50 firefighters were a DA40 tourist plane with three called out following the crash, people onboard around 4:30pm pilots. while 30 police officers set up (1430 GMT) in Loches in the road detours around the two Indre-et-Loire department, from nearby Tours, said that crash sites. The causes of the local government official Nadia four bodies had been recovered collision remain unclear. Seghier told AFP. from the microlight and the “There’s never any air traffic “(The microlight) landed on larger plane. around Loches, it’s an unlikely the fence around a house “One person who sup- and unbelievable accident,” without harming anyone else, posedly fell, certainly from the mayor Marc Angenault said. Environment protest (the DA40) several hundred plane, has not yet been found,” He suggested that the Activists of environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion deploy banners reading “Rebel” metres away in an uninhabited he said, adding that the larger blinding late afternoon sunlight overhanging the first floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, yesterday, as part of a week of actions by the area,” Seghier said. plane had crashed into a tree in could have dazzled one of the Gregoire Dulin, a prosecutor an area that was difficult to pilots. group. Two Spanish regions tighten measures as infections rise Fatigue takes toll on many AFP — MADRID 30 percent, regional leader a news conference. He also asked universities COVID-19 hotspots. The Two northern Spanish regions Maria Chivite said. Navarra recorded 463 new to move their classes online infection rate in the region of French nurses, bordering France, Catalonia and Capacity at cinemas, the- COVID-19 cases on Saturday, during the next 15 days to Madrid currently stands at 564 Navarra, announced yesterday atres and libraries will reduced the highest daily figure since the reduce “social interactions”. cases per 100,000 people, com- poll finds new coronavirus restrictions on to 30 percent while super- start of the pandemic. “We will have to make sac- pared with just 257 in the rest public life to try to tame a rise markets will be limited to 40 In the northeastern region rifices,” he said in an interview of Spain, itself the highest in the AP — PARIS in COVID-19 infections. percent, she added. of Catalonia, which is home to with RAC1 radio. “Without European Union. In Navarra, which is home “We are at a critical around 7.5 million people, taking measures, we could Spain’s central government A significant number of French to around 650,000 people, moment, when we need to regional public health secretary reach the situation in Madrid on Friday declared a state of nurses responding to a poll say gatherings as of Tuesday will be redirect the situation. We still Josep Maria Argimon urged in two or three weeks,” he emergency in the Madrid region they are tired and fed up, with limited to six people; restau- have time. We don’t want to go companies to encourage their added. to enforce a partial lockdown 37% saying that the corona- rants must close at 10pm and to a tougher scenario but that employees to work from home The Spanish capital is cur- in and around the Spanish virus pandemic is making their capacity will be limited to possibility exists,” Chivite told for the next 15 days. rently one of Europe’s capital. them want to change jobs. The poll published yes- terday by the National Order UK, Kenya to of Nurses comes as COVID-19 infection rates soar across the co-host summit Britain at ‘tipping point’ in virus fight nation. French health authorities for education REUTERS — LONDON counted nearly 26,900 new daily infections on Saturday fundraising British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is and had four more cities join expected to announce today new measures Paris and Marseille in the AFP — LONDON to tackle a growing coronavirus crisis, maximum alert category: moving to work more closely with local Lyon, Grenoble and Saint- Britain and Kenya said leaders from England’s worst affected areas. Etienne in the southeast and yesterday they would co-host With Johnson reluctant to repeat a Lille in the north. a summit next year to raise national lockdown that would further hurt There were just under funds for children’s schooling a struggling economy, the government is 5,000 new hospitalisations in poorer countries, warning trying to contain a surge in cases, as well over the past week, with 928 that the coronavirus pandemic as growing anger, in parts of northern and of them in ICUs, and the pos- risked depriving many millions central England. itive rate for the increasing of an education. England’s deputy chief medical officer number of COVID-19 tests The summit is scheduled Jonathan Van-Tam described Britain as climbed to 11%. Nearly 32,690 to take place in Britain in mid- being at a “tipping point”, saying the spread coronavirus deaths have been 2021 under the UK’s presi- would soon translate into more deaths and counted in France, but the dency of the G7 club of that the country should act now. actual number is likely far developed nations, and will be Robert Jenrick, Britain’s housing min- higher, due to limited testing co-chaired by Prime Minister ister, refused to detail the new measures and missed cases. Boris Johnson and Kenyan the prime minister will announce but said Pedestrians and shoppers, some wearing face masks, walk in a street in London, yesterday. Nearly 59,400 nurses President Uhuru Kenyatta. they would focus on local areas. Johnson responded to the October 2-7 Johnson said the goal was was expected to speak to ministers later poll on the impact of the health to raise at least $5bn for the yesterday. might also introduce a three tier-system them. I think there is probably a large gulf crisis on their working condi- Global Partnership for Edu- “In addition to the basic simple rules to try to simplify the rules and the mes- at the moment between us and the gov- tions, out of 350,000 in the cation (GPE), an initiative that apply to the whole country, we are saging, which opposition parties and some ernment,” Richard Leese, the leader of Order of Nurses. The numbers launched in 2002 which designing a framework for those places for in the governing Conservative Party say Manchester City Council, told Times painted a grim diagnosis of the counts the singer Rihanna as where the virus is very strong,” Jenrick told has been too confusing and might have Radio. profession and suggested that a global ambassador. Sky News. contributed to rising cases. Labour also urged the government French medical facilities may “I urge the global com- “We want the strongest possible working But with many in northern England to offer more financial support if busi- not be keeping pace with the munity to come together, dig relationship now between central gov- having already lived with tightened nesses were told to close, and that the growing need, despite lessons deep and ensure we fund their ernment and local government,” he said, “So restrictions for weeks, the government opposition party would work on offering that should have been learned vital work to give every child it’s right that we take action in those com- might have to do more to quell growing an alternative package to one announced from the height of the virus the chance at an education,” munities and design the measures in con- anger over any new measures. by finance minister Rishi Sunak on crisis last spring. the British leader said in a junction with people who know those places Local leaders said there was a “gulf” Friday. Of nurses in public estab- statement. best.” Jenrick said local leaders would be with the government on the best steps “What we really want... is the gov- lishments, 43% feel that “we He said that due to school more involved in contact tracing after the forward after complaining for months that ernment to come forward with a package are not better prepared collec- closures during the pandemic, robustness of Britain’s test-and-trace system they were being left out of decision- of financial support that enables people tively to respond to a new some 1.3 billion children has been repeatedly questioned, and that making by what some called an overly to comply with the health restrictions,” wave of infections,” according including 650 million girls there would be more guidance on travel. centralised strategy. Lisa Nandy, Labour’s foreign policy chief, to the poll. The figure rises to have lost out on months of The government, local media said, “We’ve certainly not agreed with told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show. 46% for nurses in the private education, and many may domain. And about two-thirds never return because of the of respondents say their economic havoc caused by working conditions have dete- COVID-19. Police station outside riorated since the start of the “It is a toll of wasted crisis. Burnout looms, the poll potential and missed oppor- shows, with 57% of tunity that is a tragedy not just Paris targeted in respondents saying they have for those children, but for each been professionally exhausted and every one of us,” Johnson since the start of pandemic, said. Kenyatta said the GPE fireworks attack while nearly half saying there’s had been a “key partner” in a strong risk that fatigue will helping Kenya invest in edu- AFP — PARIS proven”. impact the quality of care cation, especially for girls. Interior Minister Gerald patients receive. “We must use the oppor- Around 40 people staged an Darmanin tweeted that “these For 37% of the nurses tunity of GPE’s financing con- hour-long fireworks attack little dealers don’t scare anyone, responding, “the crisis... makes ference to make ambitious against a police station outside and will not discourage our them want to change jobs,” pledges to invest in quality Paris early yesterday, author- anti-drug work”, though police and 43% “don’t know if they education so our children and ities said, the latest in a string officials did not identify the will still be nurses in five young people have the skills of incidents targeting security attackers. No arrests have been years,” according to the poll, and knowledge they need to forces in recent months. made, but prosecutors said yes- which did not provide a Police officers stand outside the police station of Champigny-sur- seize the opportunities of the Two officers were on a terday that surveillance margin of error. Marne, outside Paris, yesterday, the morning after the station was 21st century,” he said. break outside the station in cameras were being reviewed The National Order of The GPE has helped get Champigny-sur-Marne, around for clues. Jeanne acknowledged attacked by around 40 people launching fireworks. Nurses notes that 34,000 160 million more children into 12 km east of the capital, when that drug trafficking was a nurses’ jobs in France are cur- school and doubled the the assailants, some carrying problem in the Bois-L’Abbe “But that was just kids and unfortunately the gov- rently vacant. enrolment of girls in the coun- steel bars, suddenly arrived neighbourhood, where the acting out during the ernment has not succeeded in Nurses and other health tries where it works, Kenyatta shortly before midnight. station is located. lockdown” imposed to curb the changing this trend,” Frederic professionals in France and noted. If countries pledge The officers barely managed But police union officials coronavirus, Jeanne said. Lagache of the Alliance police elsewhere have sporadically another $5 billion over five to barricade themselves inside said the attack underscored a “This was something totally union said yesterday. demonstrated for higher sal- years, that would add 175 when the crowd began growing threat against law different — they wanted to “What will it take for the aries, better working condi- million extra children to school attacking the entrance and enforcement in depressed physically injure these two government to commit to pro- tions and more personnel, rolls in 87 lower-income coun- several police vehicles, but suburbs of Paris and other officers,” he said. The assault tecting its security forces?” he even during the pandemic. tries, he said. That would in nobody was injured during the large cities. Several other came after two officers were said. Tensions have long run They were given small salary turn “lift 18 million people out raid. police stations across France attacked and shot with their high between police and res- hikes in France starting this of poverty, and protect two The city’s mayor, Laurent have been targetted in similar own guns in a Paris suburb last idents in poor cities, often with fall. “Today, nurses must deal million girls from early mar- Jeanne, told AFP the police fireworks attacks this year, and Wednesday, prompting large immigrant communities, with a growth in COVID-19 riage”. The summit’s timing might have been targeted in the Champigny-sur-Marne renewed calls for greater efforts where protests erupted this cases and feel unarmed to do will depend on the progress of retaliation for a recent scooter station had already been hit by to tackle crime and insecurity. summer over claims of bru- so,” the president of the the global fight against accident allegedly caused by youths wielding fireworks, “There is no longer any tality and racism in their National Order of Nurses, COVID-19. police, “which has not been most recently last April. respect for law enforcement, ranks. Patrick Chamboredon, said. 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020

Peru President to Police break up Belarus opposition protest face graft probe Large numbers of black-clad masked police, when term ends internal troops and men in plain clothes AFP — LIMA emerged from minibuses and ran towards protesters in the capital Minsk, pulling some Peruvian state prosecutors have said they intend to open a to the ground and hitting them with batons, corruption investigation into witness footage on independent news sites President Martin Vizcarra when his term ends in July next year. showed. “We have decided that there are reasons to investigate the AFP — MINSK released today, while the Viasna president of the Republic,” said rights group, which monitors a statement Friday from the Police deployed water cannon detentions at political protests, prosecutors’ office, based on a and stun grenades and detained said almost 250 people had been report from a provincial col- hundreds of demonstrators in detained in Minsk and around league focusing on public sector Minsk yesterday after Belarus 35 in other cities. corruption. leader Alexander Lukashenko Among those detained were The head of state enjoys raised hopes for change by journalists from Russia’s TASS immunity from prosecution, meeting jailed opposition state news agency, although they meaning the investigation is figures. were later released, the agency suspended until he leaves Large numbers of black-clad reported. office on July 28, 2021, the masked police, internal troops Protesters have gathered statement said. and men in plain clothes every weekend since Vizcarra asked on Sat- emerged from minibuses and Lukashenko claimed victory in urday for the investigation to People attend an opposition rally to reject the presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus, yesterday. ran towards protesters in the August 9 elections over a proceed immediately. capital Minsk, pulling some to popular opposition candidate, “I’m here. I’m not waiting the ground and hitting them with Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who umbrellas on a rainy afternoon has presented as a response to However the authorities yes- for July 28 of next year. I want batons, witness footage on inde- claims to have been the true for the latest in a series of mass public demands for change. terday used some of the harshest to clarify now because every- pendent news sites showed. winner. protests urging Lukashenko to The opposition hailed this as tactics seen since the election, thing is absolutely transparent Medics tended to the injured, The European Union and the step down, called the “March of a sign that Lukashenko senses after ordering a reduction of and complies with the law,” he bandaging those who had been United States have refused to Pride”. his weakness and is seeking mobile Internet to hinder coor- said. left bleeding. recognise Lukashenko’s inau- Independent media esti- some compromise with the dination and sending military Vizcarra is under fire after In one video, filmed by a guration for a sixth term, saying mated that tens of thousands of protest movement, as vehicles into the centre of the recordings were leaked in reporter for the Nasha Niva the polls were not free and fair people were taking part in scat- Tikhanovskaya has recently met capital. which he is heard telling aides independent newspaper, and condemning alleged abuse tered demonstrations as police national leaders including Several thousand protesters to hide details from investi- internal troops appear to run and torture of detained blocked roads in the city centre. French President Emmanuel dodged police who closed off gators of the controversial towards demonstrators while protesters. The protest came after the Macron and German Chancellor main streets to prevent marchers hiring of a popular singer, threatening them with guns. The United States and the EU 66-year-old strongman, in Angela Merkel. from reaching the city centre. Richard Cisneros — stage name “In Minsk at least, water have also hit Belarus with sanc- power since 1994, on Saturday Tikhanovskaya wrote on The police crackdown Richard Swing — as a paid cul- cannon and stun grenades were tions for allegedly rigging the took the unusual step of visiting social media that Lukashenko “underlines once more that the tural advisor. used,” interior ministry spokes- vote and orchestrating the a group of recently jailed oppo- had “acknowledged the regime is not capable of leading The Peruvian leader last woman Olga Chemodanova crackdown on protesters, tar- sition politicians. existence of political prisoners honest and open dialogue with month survived an said. geting key officials — but not Officially, the meetings were whom he used to call criminals.” society,” opposition politician impeachment vote in Congress She said that the number of Lukashenko himself. over Lukashenko’s plans for But she added that “you can’t Pavel Latushko commented on that was launched over the detainees would only be Protesters came out with constitutional reforms, which he have dialogue in a prison cell.” social media. allegations. Czech govt to tighten curbs as Coronavirus death toll surpasses 150,000 in Brazil infections soar AFP — BRASÍLIA recorded in March, and world — with the toll currently coping far better than it had. applied social distancing 5,082,637 infections, the min- 83,507. Brazil’s tally has been “I don’t know if the worst is measures at the start of the REUTERS — PRAGUE Brazil yesterday passed the istry said. falling slowly since it plateaued over because we don’t know crisis — though with the pan- bleak marker of 150,000 deaths It is the second highest over the summer, which saw an what’s coming, but we’ve cer- demic hitting the economy they The Czech government will from COVID-19, the health national death toll in the world, average of around 1,000 deaths tainly had worse moments than have begun loosening the tighten coronavirus measures ministry said, as the rate of after the United States, which per day for two months. this,” Jaques Sztajnbok, head of restrictions in recent months. from Wednesday to curb coronavirus infections has recorded more than But experts say the fall is the intensive care unit at the “I think we are becoming soaring infections and hospi- continues to slow in the South 213,000 fatalities from slow compared to countries in Emilio Ribas Institute in Sao numb with this situation. We talisations but will seek to American country. COVID-19; and the third highest Europe and Asia, suggesting Paulo, the state with the highest hear so many bad things that avoid the kind of blanket The toll comes as Latin number of infections after the Brazil may still be in its first number of deaths from COVID, we end up getting used to it,” lockdown imposed in the America and the Caribbean US and India. In Latin America, wave of the virus. said. student Caio Gomes said during spring, government officials marked 10 million cases on Sat- Brazil is followed by Colombia, “It’s like coming down from From the beginning, Brazil a walk on Rio de Janeiro’s said yesterday. urday and more than 360,000 with 894,300 cases and 27,495 the Himalayas to the Alps, that has faced the pandemic with its Copacabana beach. The nation of 10.7 million deaths. The region is the worst deaths; Argentina with 871,455 is, you’re still on a mountain,” leaders divided. Since it emerged in China has recorded Europe’s fastest hit in terms of fatalities, cases and 23,225 deaths; and Jose David Urbaez, a President Jair Bolsonaro has late last year, the virus has rate of growth in new cases according to official figures. Peru with 843,355 cases and researcher with the Brazilian downplayed the disease from killed more than one million per capita in recent weeks With 212 million inhab- 33,158 deaths. Society of Infectology, said. the start, despite contracting it worldwide, infected more than after authorities eased most itants, Brazil has accumulated Mexico, although it has Even so, with more thera- himself, and insists on a return 36 million and forced millions restrictions during the summer the majority of the region’s fewer cases at 809,751, has suf- peutics available and to normalcy to prevent eco- more out of work as the pan- following a tough lockdown at deaths: 150,198 from COVID-19 fered a high number of deaths awareness growing, health nomic collapse. In contrast, demic batters the global the start of the pandemic. since the first fatality was — the fourth highest in the experts say the system is state governors and mayors economy. “We have to decide on further measures, that will happen today at the gov- ernment session, and the Lithuania holds first measures will be effective from Wednesday,” Prime Min- ister Andrej Babis said in a round of national polls video message on YouTube. He did not give any details AP — VILNIUS several years to be splendid for on the measures. Lithuania. We have all the oppor- Finance Minister Alena Lithuanians voted yesterday in the tunities for that,” said Nauseda, Schillerova said earlier yes- first round of the parliamentary who assumed the head of state’s terday that the government election in which the electorate will post in this European Union and sought to avoid the complete choose 141 national lawmakers, Nato member last year. lockdown the country experi- and the ruling four-party coalition He said what the country enced in spring. is facing a stiff challenge from the needed following the election opposition. was “a clear vision and strategy.” Pre-election polls in the Five or six parties are expected Ireland planning Baltic nation show the Lithuanian to cross the 5 percent threshold Farmers and Greens Union, to enter the Seimas assembly but virus testing to which now leads the coalition none is likely to get more than 20 government, marginally ahead percent support, so horse-trading enable travel of the opposition conservative talks to form a new governing Homeland Union-Christian coalition are very likely after the REUTERS — DUBLIN Democrats, the Social Democrats, election. the populist Labour party and the The recent sharp rise in coro- People vote at a polling station in Vilnius, Lithuania, during the parliamentary elections, yesterday. Ireland plans to introduce centre-right Liberal Movement. navirus infections in Lithuania coronavirus testing at airports A recent surge in COVID-19 and new restrictions to fight the enough to help companies during for one of the opposition parties. seen 5,963 confirmed corona- as part of a possible alternative cases, soaring virus-related spread of COVID-19 may affect the nation’s coronavirus “I’m tired with all of these virus cases and and just above to quarantine for some unemployment and economic turnout among the country’s 2.4 lockdown, as the unemployment regulations, restrictions and lim- 100 deaths. arriving passengers, although challenges are the major issues million registered voters. Some rate jumped from 9 percent in itations that came with this Marija Kazlauskiene, a it is not clear when the that have sparked criticism of the 7.3 percent have already cast February to more than 14 percent Cabinet long before the pan- 75-year-old retiree, said she capacity will be ready, Health current coalition government. their ballots in an early voting, in October. demic period,” Sulga said. “It is prefers the ruling coalition. Minister Stephen Donnelly President Gitanas Nauseda according to the Central Electoral Others say the strict health just not the kind of Lithuania that “They have done a tre- said yesterday. came to vote with his wife Diana Commission. regulations focused on fighting we dreamed about when we mendous job in saving the Under an EU system to be at a polling station in Vilnius, the A second round of voting has the virus left thousands of other broke away from (the Soviet) country from this virus - just look signed off next week, trav- capital, and told reporters he been set for October 25 in con- patients without proper access occupation decades ago.” Sup- at those other poor countries in ellers from regions with hoped for better mutual under- stituencies where no candidate to health services. porters of the ruling coalition say the EU. Lithuania has managed extremely low levels of the standing and cooperation with gets a majority. Marius Sulga, a 44-year old this coastal Baltic country has to avoid all of that suffering,” she virus will be placed in a the new Parliament. Many Lithuanians complain teacher from Lithuania’s second- suffered relatively lightly in the said after casting her ballot in “green” category and allowed “I wish the next five or that government did not do largest city, Kaunas, said he voted pandemic. So far Lithuania has downtown Vilnius. to travel without restriction, but very few regions in Europe now qualify. Other regions would be Mexico removes statue of Columbus ahead of protest listed as “amber” or “red” with governments to impose AFP — MEXICO CITY statue was removed from commemorated as Dia de la City’s statue, which had been especially towards next year,” restrictions. Health minister Reforma Avenue in Mexico City Raza (Day of the Race), in rec- damaged in 1992, was the first Sheinbaum said at a press Stephen Donnelly said the Mexican authorities on Saturday on the request of city officials, ognition of the country’s mixed monument installed on Reforma conference. default position would be to removed a statue of Christopher adding it was taken down for res- indigenous and European her- Avenue in 1877. The controversy came the require travellers from “red” Columbus that stood in the toration. Activist groups had itage. Activists in various cities Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum same day as the release of a and “amber” regions to restrict capital, two days before organised a protest called “We’re in the United States have torn said it could be returned after letter in which Mexico’s pres- their movements. But plans are protesters planned to knock it going to knock it down” for down and vandalised statues the restoration work was ident asked Pope Francis for an being worked on by the gov- down during events commem- Monday, October 12, the date honouring Columbus in recent complete. apology for the Catholic ernment for testing that could orating the Italian navigator’s marking Columbus’ arrival in months, claiming they symbolise “Maybe it would be worth... Church’s role in the oppression allow some passengers to avoid arrival in the Americas. America in 1492. the genocide and exploitation of a collective reflection on what of indigenous people in the quarantine. The culture ministry said the In Mexico, the date is Native American people. Mexico (Columbus) represents, Spanish conquest 500 years ago. MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 Trump eager to get back on poll campaign trail

REUTERS — WASHINGTON “I passed the highest Trump, who is trailing Biden test, the highest in opinion polls, is eager to get US President Donald Trump said back on the campaign trail after yesterday he is fully recovered standards, and I’m in an absence of more than a week. from COVID-19 and will not be great shape,” Trump, He plans to travel to the key bat- a transmission risk to others, tleground state of Florida today, freeing him to return to holding who spent three days followed by rallies in Pennsyl- big campaign rallies during the in the hospital after vania and Iowa tomorrow and final weeks of the race for the revealing he had Wednesday, respectively. White House. Trump addressed supporters Trump’s physician said on tested positive on from a White House balcony on Saturday the president had taken October 2, told Fox Saturday afternoon, urging a a test showing he was no longer crowd of hundreds of largely infectious and there was no evi- News Channel. Black and Latino supporters to dence “of actively replicating help get out the vote. virus,” but did not directly say Standing alone at the event, whether Trump had tested The scientific evidence is Trump was not wearing a mask Supporters of US President Donald Trump hold signs and wave US flags during a rally in Beverly Hills, negative. unclear on how long people who as he spoke. In the crowd, most California, on Saturday. “I passed the highest test, the have recovered from COVID-19 were wearing masks but not fol- highest standards, and I’m in have antibodies and are pro- lowing social distancing guide- great shape,” Trump, who spent tected from a second infection. lines. The president’s illness has least 11 close Trump aides have dominating the campaign, a new sign of abating. New cases of three days in the hospital after “Now you have a president put a focus on his handling of the tested positive for the Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Amer- COVID-19 in the United States hit revealing he had tested positive who doesn’t have to hide in the pandemic, which has infected coronavirus. icans steadily losing confidence a two-month high on Friday. on October 2, told Fox News basement, like his opponent,” nearly 7.7 million people in the Opinion polls show Biden in how he has managed the Nationally, the United States is Channel. Trump said in a shot at Demo- United States and killed more with a substantial lead nationally, health crisis - with his net reporting on average 48,000 new Trump said he was no longer cratic rival Joe Biden, who he has than 214,000. although with a narrower approval on the issue hitting a cases a day and coronavirus hos- on medications for the corona- mocked for wearing a mask and His administration has faced advantage in some of the states new low. pitalisations in the Midwest hit a virus. “I beat this crazy, horrible keeping a light, socially distanced criticism for its lax approach to that may decide the election Trump repeated past calls for record for a sixth day in a row on China virus,” he said, adding “it campaign schedule ahead of the mask-wearing and social dis- outcome. But with Trump’s man- states to reopen their economies Saturday, according to a Reuters seems like I’m immune.” November 3 election. tancing in the White House. At agement of the pandemic even as the pandemic shows little analysis. Conservative PAC draws charges of racism in Missouri SC nominee Barrett to AP — O’FALLON she supports.” The site includes running for the US House in Mis- website simply compiles photos of Black politicians and souri’s 4th District against unedited statements from Nicole pledge fealty to law A conservative political action activists Cori Bush and Rasheen incumbent Republican Vicky Galloway’s allies advocating for committee in Missouri is facing Aldridge of St. Louis, and Clem Hartzler. defunding the police, freeing accusations of racism after Smith, a Black man who is the “They are directly saying, convicted cop killers, and even REUTERS — WASHINGTON posting a website that uses acting chairman of the Missouri ‘Hey, be afraid of Nicole Gal- setting fire to a police station,” images of violent protests and Democratic Party. Also pictured loway, she is pro-crime, because Hancock said in an email. US Supreme Court nominee Amy photos of Black politicians to are mixed-race members of the look at the Black people she “If Nicole doesn’t want to Coney Barrett will tell senators in attack the Democratic Sunrise Movement. Video in the hangs out with, and they’re pro- face criticism for endorsing can- her high-stakes confirmation candidate for governor on her background shows violent crime, too.’ That is just didates that want to defund the hearing this week that she will support for police. scenes from protests. incredibly, overtly racist.” Par- police, then she should rescind approach cases based on the law, Nicole Galloway, Missouri’s Several Democrats along son’s campaign is not involved her endorsements - it’s as simple not her personal views, as Demo- state auditor, is trying to unseat with St. Louis Post-Dispatch col- in the website. His campaign did as that,” Hancock said. crats urged her to step aside on Republican Gov Mike Parson, a umnist Tony Messenger and an not return email messages Galloway campaign an upcoming challenge to the former sheriff running on a the Kansas City Star editorial seeking comment. spokesman Kevin Donohoe said Obamacare law and any potential “law-and-order” platform. The board contend it’s more than Uniting Missouri Chairman in a statement that the website election-related disputes. website recently set up by the coincidental that the imagery John Hancock denied any racist is evidence that Parson’s allies A four-day Senate Judiciary Uniting Missouri PAC has the overwhelmingly involves Black intent, saying the people pic- “are desperately trying to divide Committee confirmation hearing heading, “Nicole Galloway’s people. tured meet two criteria: They Missourians to distract from for the conservative appellate Judge Amy Coney Barrett anti-policing allies” and says, “To me, it is not just a dog support Galloway, and they Governor Parson’s failures on court judge is set to begin today, “If you want to know where whistle. It’s a bullhorn,” said “hold documented radical anti- crime, law and order, healthcare, a key step before a final full Galloway stands, look at who Lindsey Simmons, a Democrat law enforcement views.” “The and the pandemic.” Senate vote by the end of October and that’s why she should recuse on her nomination for a lifetime herself,” he said. job on the court. A key Obamacare provision Louisiana residents In a copy of her prepared that would be thrown out if the remarks released yesterday, court strikes down the law bars return home to assess Barrett said that as a judge she insurance companies from seeks to “reach the result required denying coverage to people with damage by hurricane by the law, whatever my own pre-existing conditions. Demo- preferences might be.” Barrett, 48, crats have criticized Trump for said in the statement that it will seeking to end Obamacare pro- REUTERS — LAKE CHARLES be an “honor of a lifetime” to tections amid a pandemic that has serve alongside the current eight killed more than 210,000 Louisianans continued storm cleanup justices and explained how she Americans. yesterday after Hurricane Delta rolled approaches cases. Schumer also said Barrett through the region on Friday, as more “When I write an opinion should recuse herself from any returned to survey damage to their homes, resolving a case, I read every cases involving the presidential having waited out the storm elsewhere. word from the perspective of the election because of statements Delta made landfall near the town of losing party. I ask myself how made by Trump in which the Creole in Cameron Parish early Friday would I view the decision if one president has said the court is evening as a Category 2 hurricane, packing of my children was the party I was likely to have election cases. sustained winds of 100 miles per hour. ruling against,” she wrote. Trump, who is running for ree- By yesterday, the storm had weakened Barrett’s confirmation to lection against Democrat Joe to a post-tropical cyclone, but continued to replace the late liberal Justice Biden, has indicated he would An aerial view of flood waters from Hurricane Delta surrounding structures destroyed be a heavy rainfall threat, the National Hur- Ruth Bader Ginsburg would expect the court to rule in his by Hurricane Laura in Creole, Louisiana, US. ricane Center said. create a 6-3 conservative favor if Barrett is confirmed. The storm knocked out power for more majority on the court. Under existing rules, indi- than half a million customers and com- his son in Fort Worth, Texas, because his elec- “mega” shelter, according to Catherine Democratic opposition to vidual justices have the final say pounded damage from the more powerful tricity was out. Jones had only recently had Heitman, spokesperson for the Department Barrett on policy issues has on whether they should recuse. Hurricane Laura, which devastated the region his power restored after Laura. of Children and Family Services. focused on her possible role in The Senate’s Republican in August. “I don’t see any electricity coming back Hurricane Delta also cut most US offshore deciding a case before the leaders rejected Democratic Gerard Meschwitz, 62, returned to Lake anytime soon, so I’m going to give them about Gulf of Mexico oil output and 62 percent of Supreme Court in which Trump pleas to delay the hearing after Charles yesterday morning after evacuating a week and then come back,” he said. “When natural gas, the Department of Interior and Republican-led states are two Republican Judiciary Com- to Houston for the storm. He found that Delta you can’t put any air on, it puts you to where reported. seeking to invalidate the mittee members and Trump had torn up more of his roof, which was you don’t get a good night sleep.” His Insured losses from Delta are estimated Affordable Care Act (ACA) himself tested positive for the already damaged by Laura. neighbour, who evacuated to Moss Bluff to be around $2bn, while Laura’s losses were healthcare law, often called coronavirus in the days following Meschwitz said he delayed his return until ahead of the storm, came back on Saturday estimated at around $10bn, including over Obamacare. his Sept. 26 White House cer- yesterday instead of the day before to avoid to grab essentials before leaving again $2bn to offshore energy production facilities, Senate Democratic leader emony announcing Barrett, 48, traffic from other returning evacuees. because her power was also out. said Steve Bennett, chief product officer for Chuck Schumer said yesterday as his nominee. Meanwhile, some residents prepared to Many residents in Lake Charles and else- The Demex Group, a technology company. that Barrett should, if confirmed, Barrett is scheduled to leave the region yesterday. where left before the storm. As of Sunday Insured losses from natural catastrophes step aside from the case, which is deliver her opening statement to Though Sam Jones, 77, waited out the morning, 9,109 Louisianans were still in have been rising steadily over the past several scheduled to be argued at the the committee today, with sen- storm in his Lake Charles home, he was shelters, with more than 8,200 of the decades, as a result of climate change and court on November 10. ators also making opening planning to head out on Sunday to stay with evacuees in hotels and in the Alexandria population growth, Bennett said. “She doesn’t come unbiased remarks. 28 arrested, tear gas used in Wisconsin protests AP — WAUWATOSA Wauwatosa Police Department announced Wednesday that failed leadership you have posted on Twitter that people they would not charge Officer turned Wauwatosa into a war Police used tear gas on demon- have been asking valid questions Joseph Mensah in 17-year-old zone!’ About an hour after Fri- strators and arrested 28 people about the police response over Alvin Cole’s death. Mensah, who day’s curfew went into effect, during a third straight night of three nights of protests. Police is Black, shot Cole after a foot law enforcement began protests over the lack of charges posted a picture of bottles they chase outside a Wauwatosa mall advancing toward the crowd. against a suburban Milwaukee said were found in a backpack, in February. Police said they used chemical police officer who fatally shot a including a bottle of lighter fluid, The police department’s irritants, which they described Black teen, authorities said, as noting that the materials can be tweets come as some have chas- as tear gas, as well as pepper they took to Twitter on Saturday used to start fires. tised authorities for the way they balls and paint balls after bottles to outline what they called an “Over the past three nights, have handled the protests. and rocks were thrown at them. “escalation in force by the we have seen an escalation in During Thursday night’s dem- Video posted to Twitter by local protesters.” force by the protesters. Our law onstration, police arrested Alvin reporters showed heavy smoke About 100 people gathered enforcement response is in Cole’s mother, Tracy Cole, and in the air as police advanced, outside City Hall on Friday past reaction to this escalation,” his sisters. Family attorney Kim- and multiple people taken into Wauwatosa’s 7pm curfew and police tweeted. They said that berly Motley criticised the way custody. refused multiple orders to dis- on Friday night, protestors had police treated the family, noting Windows were broken at a perse, according to police. Police Molotov cocktails and other fire Tracy Cole had to be treated for Snap Fitness centre, police said. said they used tear gas on the starting supplies and guns were injuries. Police said two of Friday’s Police take people into custody who were out after curfew following crowd, after bottles were thrown spotted in the crowd. In a tweet addressing the 28 arrests were for felonies, one a brief skirmish with demonstrators near the Wauwatosa City Hal at officers. Protesters have gathered police chief and mayor on was for a misdemeanour and 25 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, US. On Saturday, the every day since prosecutors Friday, Motley said “due to your were for municipal citations. MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020 16

Celebrities lead TED global call to act on climate crisis

Solutions posed included ways of farming reverse itself and dismissing that welcome wildlife as well as crops; climate change as a cause of the ferocious fires engulfing vast PRAYER transportation systems powered by electricity; swaths of the US West. TIMINGS cities designed for people instead of cars; Christiana Figueres, former PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING executive secretary of the United economies that thrive by keeping the planet Nations Framework Convention healthy instead of destroying it, and voting for on Climate Change, warned FAJR 04.13 am political leaders keen to end the climate crisis. before the event that the topic has SUNRISE 05.31 am been “politicised.” “But,” she added, “democracies have a way DHUHR 11.20 am AFP — SAN FRANCISCO and voting for political leaders of changing the leaderships in ASR 02.41 pm keen to end the climate crisis. those countries.” An array of MAGHRIB 05.12 pm With a call to save the planet, “We are living during a his- Countdown speakers urged ISHA 06.42 pm Prince William and Pope Francis toric moment marked by difficult people to use their voting power yesterday joined activists, artists, challenges, as we all know,” Pope to elect decision-makers who celebrities and politicians in a Francis said while urging people prioritize stopping the climate Duke of Cambridge Prince William free streamed TED event aimed of all faiths to unite to protect crisis. at mobilising and unifying people Mother Earth. “I want to cast my vote in to confront the climate crisis. “The world is shaken by the people of colour who are most “We let capitalism turn into favor of the planet,” filmmaker “The shared goals of our gen- crisis caused by the COVID-19 likely to suffer in the climate something monstrous,” she said, Ava DuVernay said. eration are clear,” William said pandemic, which highlights yet crisis,” said British Parliament adding: “It’s going to be tough to “If you are eligible to vote, in a video message kicking off the an even bigger challenge — the member David Lammy. keep free enterprise alive if most anywhere in the world, elect event, dubbed Countdown. socio-environmental crisis.” “It gives all new meaning to people believe the rich and the people who care and urge others “Together we must protect The Pope joined other the Black Lives Matter slogan ‘I white are trashing the planet for to do the same. Vote for the WEATHER and restore nature, clean our air, speakers in saying the climate can’t breathe.’” their own benefit.” Other planet.” TODAY revive our oceans, build a waste- crisis is real and backed by Lammy called for climate speakers presented ways people Countdown organizers set a free world and fix our climate.” science, and needs to be urgently and social justice leaders to join can help stop slow down climate goal of mobilising governments For more than five hours the confronted in ways that are forces, and for a new interna- change. and citizens to cut greenhouse second-in-line to the British socially just. tional “ecocide” law to crimi- The mayor of Freetown, gas emissions in half over the throne and other speakers delved “The Earth must be worked nalize “the most severe actions Sierra Leone, for example, next decade and get to net-zero in the reality of the climate crisis, and nursed, cultivated and pro- against nature itself.” explained a project there to plant carbon pollution by the year o o the need for action, and what can tected,” the Pope said. Firms that make fortunes a million trees to protect against 2050. TED head Chris Anderson 26 C 35 C be done. “We cannot continue to from fossil fuels or other green- flooding and to absorb carbon called Countdown “a clarion call” Minimum Maximum Solutions posed included squeeze it like an orange.” house gas-emitting operations dioxide. to tackle the daunting challenges Relatively hot daytime with ways of farming that welcome Countdown also focused on ways cause damage they don’t pay for, Countdown came as some of climate change. scattered clouds and chance of wildlife as well as crops; trans- in which damage to the envi- while funnelling money to poli- world leaders have seized on the “But it’s also a day of hope rain at places, mild by night. portation systems powered by ronment also fuels social and ticians who help preserve the issue of climate change for that there is a pathway to do this electricity; cities designed for racial injustice. status quo, said another speaker, political gain. and we must walk down it W ALRUWAIS : 26o → 33o people instead of cars; economies “Black people breathe the US economist Rebecca Hend- US President Donald Trump together.” A recording of the live W ALKHOR : 22o → 32o that thrive by keeping the planet most toxic air relative to the erson, who called on businesses triggered outrage recently by event is available at countdown. W DUKHAN : 23o → 32o healthy instead of destroying it, general population, and it is to step up. suggesting global warming will ted.com. W WAKRAH : 21o → 34o W MESAIEED : 21o → 34o W ABUSAMRA : 26o → 34o BTS online concert draws global fans Torlonia collection’s ancient

REUTERS — SEOUL HIGH TIDE social distancing curbs. The spearheaded a global K-Pop sculptures back on show 13:11 – 00:00 band had already cancelled craze with catchy, upbeat music Fans of BTS tuned in to an online planned world tours. and dances, as well as lyrics and AFP — ROME sculpture known as “Il caprone LOW TIDE 04:19 – 21:18 concert by the K-pop boyband The band’s latest success social campaigns aimed at in reposo” (“The resting goat”) on Saturday, holding their was “Dynamite”, its first song empowering young people. One of the world’s biggest that was worked on by legendary signature light sticks and entirely in English, which As the band performed, a private collections of antique Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo sharing messages in a chatroom. topped the Billboard Hot 100 background wall of small marble sculpture is bringing Bernini. Titled “Map of The Soul singles chart last month. screens showed thousands of restored works, from mythical “What’s especially inter- ON:E,” the virtual event came “You’re not here but I feel fans joining from across the creatures to statues of emperors, esting in this collection are all the Study tests if BCG after the seven-member group you here, as if I can hear your world, many waving light sticks back to public display in Rome inserts that have been made, vaccine protects scrapped its initial plan to hold chants, and next time let’s really known as “army bombs”. A cha- this month. either in marble or plaster, in an in-person show for a limited be here together,” vocalist V, or troom was opened to allow fans More than 90 Greek and short all the interventions of the against virus audience, in line with the South Kim Tae-hyung, told fans. to post comments Roman pieces of 620 in the Tor- past, we catalogue them to get a Korean government’s tightened Since its 2013 debut, BTS has simultaneously. lonia catalogue are to be shown general idea of the history of REUTERS — LONDON in the Villa Caffarelli at the Italian each piece,” says restorer Kine capital’s Capitoline Museums Settimini. The widely used BCG tuber- from October 14. “It’s emotional just to touch” culosis vaccine will be tested The aristocratic Franco- works like a bronze sculpture of on frontline care workers in Italian Torlonia family grew Germanicus, a Roman general Britain for its effectiveness wealthy managing the Vatican’s who was the older brother of against COVID-19, finances. Now three artists in a Emperor Claudius and father of researchers running the UK workshop in central Rome have Caligula, the Torlonia collection’s arm of a global trial said. cleaned, whitened and recon- chief curator Anna Maria Bacillus Calmette-Guérin structed their collection. Carruba says. (BCG) vaccine, used to protect Valentina Raciti, who has “There’s a big difference against tuberculosis, induces worked on the restoration for between works preserved in a broad innate immune- four years, was passing a sponge museums and those in private system response and has soaked with ammonium car- collections. With art in museums, been shown to protect against bonate over the figure of a the observer is supposed to infection or severe illness reclining woman holding a imagine the missing pieces back with other respiratory crown on a tombstone when into places, so even if they aren’t pathogens. visited. Such pieces might nice to look at they have the “BCG has been shown to already have been restored charm of ancient things. In a boost immunity in a gener- several times over the private collection, by contrast, alised way, which may offer centuries. that’s unacceptable,” she adds. some protection against “The way they restored The “Torlonia marbles” exhi- COVID-19,” Professor John things in the 18th Century tried bition — supposed to open in Campbell, of the University to imitate what was added, the April but pushed back due to the of Exeter Medical School, flaws. By contrast, we have an coronavirus pandemic — was said. eye for the artistic side, but also born of a partnership between “We are seeking to try not to hide what we’ve done,” the Torlonia foundation, Italy’s establish whether the BCG Heralding Autumn Raciti explains. culture ministry and the luxury vaccine could help protect Her colleague Elisabetta Lulli brand Bulgari. It is set for a tour people who are at risk of The autumn colours of the leaves on the trees line The Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, leading points out how “you can see the of Europe and the US before COVID-19. If it does, we could away from Windsor Castle, west of London, as people enjoy the morning sunshine, yesterday. previous restorations, like in a returning to a permanent space save lives by administering history book” on a Greek in Rome. or topping up this readily available and cost-effective vaccination.” The UK study is part of an Pandemic fuels New York used-car sale surge, risking ‘Carmageddon’ existing Australian-led trial, which launched in April and AFP — NEW YORK virtually all its cultural activities model, same condition,” said you’re losing so much money just using public transportation but also has arms in the Nether- are shut down. Stylianou, owner of Major Auto as soon as you drive it out of the now they are afraid to do so.” lands, Spain and Brazil. The Increasing numbers of New “Living in New York when Show in Brooklyn. “People were parking lot. It seemed like a better Transportation Alternatives, a BCG vaccine is also being Yorkers are buying cars as they you can’t do anything, you have buying just to avoid public trans- investment just to buy a used car,” non-profit that works to take cars tested as a protection against avoid public transport because of to go out,” said the tech entre- portation. Anything that was good she added. Cerda, the mother of off New York’s streets, noted in COVID-19 in South Africa. the coronavirus pandemic, preneur. Genestoux has swapped to go would go,” he added. a seven-year-old girl, wanted a September that despite most New The British trial is igniting the second-hand market weekends in Central Park for trips Rudy Blocker, a used-car temporary fix because she hopes Yorkers working from home recruiting volunteers ahead but undermining hopes of less to Rockaway beach. And he’s not salesman at A Class Auto Sales, New York City will one day return “traffic is down only nine percent of winter months that officials congestion in the Big Apple. the only one to purchase four also in Brooklyn, believes the to normal and she’ll be able to compared to last year.” The group have warned may be tough Julien Genestoux, 35, never wheels of their own. surge in purchases was helped by safely take the subway again. warned that without action the as the country grapples with owned a car when he lived in He was the last of his group of weekly $600 cheques the gov- “Everyone hopes it is just tem- city faces becoming a “gridlocked, a second wave of infections. Lyon, Rome and San Francisco. friends to buy a car — none of ernment sent to unemployed porary,” agreed Genestoux. exhaust-choked, and crash-laden UK Prime Minister Boris And he got through five years in them had ever owned one before Americans until the end of July to “If the situation returns to ‘Carmageddon.’” Self-proclaimed Johnson has indicated that New York without needing one. the pandemic. help stimulate the economy. normal, I think we would get rid champion of the fight against pol- restrictions to curb the pan- “Using a car in the city is a The Manheim used vehicle “People had a little money of the car,” he added. lution Mayor Bill de Blasio has not demic could be in place until nightmare,” he said. “There’s the value index, which tracks price and it was burning their pocket,” Neither Genestoux or Cerda yet laid out any plan to prevent spring. traffic jams, going round for hours trends in the United States, he said. Sales of new cars have not use their new vehicles on congestion borne of the The trial’s UK arm, which looking for somewhere to park.” reached an all-time high of 163.7 soared, however. While they have weekdays, unlike the tens of thou- pandemic. is being run from Exeter, “For me, it was not practical at all. in August, against 141.3 a year ago. picked up since June, they are still sands of New Yorkers who now A pre-pandemic congestion southwest England, is seeking But here it has become necessary In early June, second-hand car significantly down from 2019 for hit the road every day. charge scheme for midtown Man- to recruit 1,000 people who unfortunately.” A few weeks’ ago, dealer Chris Stylianou was close all major makers. “It’s different people (from hattan scheduled for January 2021 work in care homes and Genestoux, who has three to completely emptying his stock, “With a lease, you’d have to before). It’s people who work has been postponed until at least community healthcare children, finally took the plunge something he’d never come close commit for three years,” said epi- around here,” said Fernando the end of 2021. nearby. Globally, more than and bought a family car from a to achieving in his 30-year career. demiologist Magdalena Cerda, Bajana, manager of the GGMC “If today people buy cars, I 10,000 healthcare staff will used-car website. “A car I was buying for $5,000 who bought a BMW station wagon Seven Eleven parking lot in think that shows there is also a be recruited. It has allowed his family to two years ago, I end up (paying) for $35,000. Midtown, Manhattan. failure of public transport policies escape New York at a time when $5,500 today. Same car, same “When you buy a new car “Before they came to work in the city,” said Genestoux.