BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 16 Logistics Fourth S’hail provider GWC exhibition gets achieves underway 9-month profi t of QR171mn at Katara

published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11708 October 21, 2020 Rabia I 4, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Sheikha Moza crowns winners of Akhlaquna awards In brief PHCC launches

MoPH reports 126,866 total Covid recoveries new website for

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 273 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 easy access to in the last 24 hours, of which 237 were from community cases and 36 from travellers returning from abroad. The ministry also recorded 216 recoveries in the health services same period, bringing the total number of recoveries to 126,866. Page 4 he Primary Health Care Cor- US antitrust suit may poration (PHCC) has launched lead to Google breakup Ta new website that will provide easy access to a host of e-services as The US government filed a well as information on various related blockbuster lawsuit yesterday matters. accusing Google of maintaining These e-services will include new an “illegal monopoly” in online patient registrations and making ap- search and advertising in the pointments, among others. country’s biggest antitrust case Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, awarded Fahad al-Hamad, Abdullah al-Sada Dr Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, manag- in decades - opening the door to and Noora al-Maslamani with the Akhlaquna Award for their project “Yes, I can!”, a student-led initiative that calls for ing director of PHCC, launched the a potential breakup of the Silicon changing the prevailing stereotype of people with disabilities by highlighting their active role in society. Her Highness website yesterday in the presence of a A screenshot of the new website. Valley titan. The case draws Sheikha Moza also awarded the first cycle of the Akhlaquna Junior winners for their commitment to their moral values number of senior offi cials and execu- new battle lines between the US and leadership. PICTURE: Aisha al-Musallam Page 8 tive directors. website has shifted from being just government and Big Tech with The corporation stressed that the an informative and archival service potentially major implications for website (www.phcc.gov.qa) is user- to becoming a platform for providing the sector. Google is accused of friendly and eff ective, and has been e-services that will make it easier for maintaining its monopoly through Qatar hails US move to take Sudan off ‘terror list’ designed according to the latest inter- patients to benefi t from many services exclusionary practices that are national standards to give easy, rapid without having to visit any health cen- harmful to competition. Business Qatar has welcomed US President Reuters adds from Khartoum: Sudan conference. Due to US sanctions and safe access to services and infor- tre, Dr Abdulmalik said. Page 7 Donald Trump’s announcement of his has transferred the compensation dating back to the 1990s, Sudan has mation pertaining to the PHCC and The website, which has been rede- intention to remove Sudan from the it has agreed to pay US victims of been largely cut off from international its various departments and health veloped and launched in both Arabic Man Utd beat PSG in list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. militant attacks and their families, banking. But Zainelabidine said centres. and English, also supports accessibil- In a statement yesterday, the Ministry paving the way for its reintegration local banks could begin restoring Through the use of advanced digital ity options for persons with colour Champions opener of Foreign Aff airs said Qatar looks into the global economy after correspondence relations next week technology, the website will provide blindness, visual impairment or spe- Marcus Rashford produced a late forward to the completion of the nearly three decades of isolation, following the US move. access to services such as new pa- cial needs, in accordance with inter- strike as Manchester United beat procedures to remove Sudan from the central bank governor said “The Sudanese economy will not feel tient registration, requests for medical national standards. The website is also Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 at the Parc the US list as soon as possible, yesterday. a fundamental change tomorrow records, new patient appointments, tailored for all types of computer and des Princes in their Champions expressing hope that the prospective The payment of $335mn is part of morning,” Acting Finance Minister rescheduling/cancellation of appoint- smartphone screens. League group-stage opener step would contribute to supporting a deal with the United States to get Hiba Mohamed Ali warned at the ments at health centres, changing the The ICT team has worked hard to yesterday. The England striker, the democratic transition process in Sudan removed from its list of state conference. “But there will be some family physician, changing the health secure and protect the e-services pro- whose last-gasp penalty gave Sudan. sponsors of terrorism, which has been rapid improvements, including moral centre in accordance with the place of vided and to ensure the confi dential- United a victory over PSG in the The statement renewed Qatar’s a hurdle for Khartoum as it sought and psychological.” residence and adding dependent(s). ity of patient information exchange last 16 in 2019, smashed home support for Sudan and the aspirations debt relief and external borrowing. These include eliminating Sudan’s The public will be able to avail of all through the new website against cy- low in the 87th minute as Ole of its brotherly people to achieve Sudan has transferred the required debts and commitments to the World these services electronically without ber-attacks, particularly during crises, Gunnar Solskjaer’s side claimed economic stability, progress and amount, bank governor Mohamed Bank and the International Monetary having to attend health centres. most notably the Covid-19 pandemic, three points. prosperity. al-Fatih Zainelabidine told a news Fund (IMF). Page 9 With these changes, the PHCC the statement notes. To Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 QATAR

AlKhater meets British minister Al-Muraikhi, British minister hold talks

HE Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater met yesterday with British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly, who is currently visiting HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with British Minister of State the country. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral co-operation relations, especially in the economic and for Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral co-operation humanitarian fields, in addition to issues of joint interest. relations between the two countries, in addition to issues of common concern.

Shura Council in Inter-Parliamentary meet

NHRC webinar looks at rights Shura Council participated yesterday in a parliamentary session on the first goal of the United Nations and Sustainable Development goals, which was of the elderly in times of crisis held by the Inter-Parliamentary Union via videoconferencing. In this session, discussions QNA the rights of the elderly in the Center of Empowerment and decision to establish the Na- focused on the issue of poverty Doha context of the international Elderly Care (Ehsan) Salem al- tional Committee for Women, and the attempt to eradicate it human rights conventions. Anezi. The webinar shed light Children, Elderly and Persons by 2030, as there are at least Social Affairs Expert at the on the situation of the elderly with Disabilities Affairs, in ad- 700mn people in the world he National Human Ministry of Administrative De- in Qatar, both in terms of the dition to improving the process below the poverty line, which is Rights Committee velopment, Labour and Social social and legal aspects, and in of protecting the priority care 10% of the world’s population. T(NHRC) organised yes- Affairs Reem al-Ajami present- terms of the measures taken for groups and defining the appro- This poses tremendous terday a webinar on the rights ed another working paper on their benefit. priate behaviour to meet the challenges for the UN as well as of the elderly in times of crisis. the social and legal protection The NHRC called for set- health challenges that they may governments and parliament, The webinar presented a set of of the elderly at the national ting up an emergency room be exposed to. and requires the enactment of working papers related to the level (the State of Qatar). and developing national strate- NHRC Assistant Secre- many laws to reform legislation rights of the elderly in times of A third working paper on gies to face the crises that may tary-General Sultan Hassan in many countries. In the Inter- health crises. how to deal with the psycho- be exposed to the priority care al-Jamali underlined that the Parliamentary session, Shura Head of the Investigation and logical aspect of the elderly groups, whether health cri- NHRC continues to monitor Council was represented by Legal Consultation Depart- during the coronavirus crisis ses or others. Meanwhile, the the efforts of the State to com- member of Council, Abd al-Latif ment at NHRC Nasser al-Marri was presented by Head of the NHRC stressed the need for mit to its national, regional and bin Mohammed al-Sada. presented a working paper on Psychological Care Unit at the realising and activating the international obligations. QF honours VCUarts Qatar faculty for innovation in nanotechnology

atar Foundation (QF) has hon- “Furthermore, the material devel- oured a faculty member of oped in our laboratory has promising Qpartner university Virginia applications across fi elds such as fi re Commonwealth University School of protection of structures, internal com- the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) for bustion engines, aerospace, footwear, an innovation in nanotechnology that clothing for extremely cold conditions, was granted a US patent. and resin for 3D printing. Dr Khaled Saoud, Professor of “For instance, when applied on the Physics, Liberal Arts and Sciences external surfaces of a building, it is programme, VCUarts Qatar, was rec- able to defl ect heat rays from pass- ognised at a virtual QF Innovation ing through surfaces such as doors, Showcase, titled ‘Empowering Innova- windows, and walls, allowing indoor tion.’ His invention — a cost-eff ective temperatures to be maintained at lower rapid fabrication method to produce energy costs. ultra-light and mechanically robust The product – when it is eventually silica thermo-resistant aerogel mate- available in the market – will help ar- rial — was part of the Wall of Innova- VCUarts Qatar’s Dr Khaled Saoud’s chitects and builders design energy- tion that displayed the 70-odd inter- thermal resistant aerogel granted US saving residences and structures.” national patents granted to various QF patent. Dr Saoud’s aerogel innovation has researchers, over the years. been officially granted the status of Dr Saoud – who, incidentally, is the aerogel that has been patented was patent number US 9 , 745 , 439 B1 by fi rst faculty member from VCUarts created by manipulating nanoparti- United States Patent, and the patent Qatar to be granted a patent for an cles to create porous material (pore is in the name of VCUarts Qatar. He innovation – also received a Patent size 2-50 nm), which can be used as a was assisted by a research associate Plaque commemorating this specifi c thermal insulation coating which can Dr Shaukat Saeed from Pakistan In- achievement in research, from QF. be applied or sprayed onto surfaces, stitute of Engineering and Applied This innovation was a direct result of preventing infrared rays or heat from Sciences. twenty-odd years of research into na- passing through. The VCUarts Qatar physicist had notechnology, including his investiga- “Aerogels are good thermal insula- already been granted patents for oth- tions at VCUarts Qatar. tors because they can block heat trans- er innovations developed during his “I have always been fascinated by fer (convection, conduction, and ra- tenure as a researcher at Phillip Mor- the applications of nanotechnology in diation) as they are composed almost ris USA, and his alma mater, Virginia daily life,” Dr Saoud said. “The possi- entirely of air, an inferior heat conduc- Commonwealth University in Rich- bilities are immense. In this case, the tor. mond, Virginia.

PHCC new website off ers easy access to health services

From Page 1

The website has an advanced search engine for services and provides easy access to services and information, in addition to highlighting the PHCC’s most important news and events and placing great importance on health awareness. More than 120 pages have been cre- ated with content of interest to the general public and in a way that en- sures that the visitor can easily browse these pages. The sections include the PHCC off icials at the launch of the new website yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand PHCC’s profi le, Patients and Clients, Clinics and Services, Health Centres healthcare in Qatar, promote eff ective “There are carefully studied stages and others. communication mechanisms with the according to a time-bound plan to up- “The PHCC’s new website comes public, and use information technol- grade and develop the website and add within the framework of the corpo- ogy eff ectively to support healthcare,” new services related to the Qatari ID ration’s focus on making primary Dr Abdulmalik explained. number of all health centre registered healthcare services more accessible, She also noted that the Covid-19 patients, as well as the continuous up- aligned to the National Health Strategy pandemic has helped fi nd many elec- date of the health centre data and serv- 2018-2022, which focuses on popula- tronic alternatives which, in turn, has ices. This has also led to introducing tion health and integrated care. Hence, led to providing a number of electronic the website’s visitors to Qatar’s map the PHCC website has been upgraded services to the PHCC staff and meet and the geographical distribution of to keep pace with the substantial and their needs in line with instructions on health centres across the country,” she accelerated progress in the fi eld of social distancing and remote work. added. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 21, 2020 3 QATAR Qatar Airways becomes Qatar Airways Holidays fi rst airline to surpass announces new ‘Stay and Spa’ staycation packages 20mn fans on Facebook Prices start from QR445 per person per night for packages booked by Oct 31 for stays up z National airline reaches more than 26mn people across all its social media platforms to Nov 15

atar Airways Holidays atar Airways has become ing virtual family continues to has announced its ‘Stay the “most followed air- grow as they look forward to Qand Spa’ collection of Qline” on Facebook, with travelling often like before.” staycation packages for Qatar’s more than 20mn followers of its According to the latest IATA citizens and residents, which in- page. data, Qatar Airways has become clude a hotel stay, breakfast, free The award-winning airline the largest international carrier spa treatment and room upgrade. began its social media journey in between April and July by fulfi ll- Packages are available at fi ve 2012, and today, it has reached ing its mission of taking people of Doha’s top spa hotels - Inter- more than 26mn followers glo- home. This enabled the airline Continental Doha, JW Marriott bally across its active social to accumulate unmatched ex- Marquis City Center Doha, Mar- media platforms including Fa- perience in carrying passengers riott Marquis City Center Doha cebook, Instagram, Twitter and safely and reliably and uniquely Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Doha, and LinkedIn. positioned the airline to eff ec- Warwick Doha. The airline fi rst became the tively rebuild its network. Each of the hotels selected for most popular carrier ever on The carrier has stringently Qatar Airways Holidays stay- Facebook when it passed 8mn implemented the most ad- cation packages off ers its own fans in December 2014, and has vanced safety and hygiene unique twist, designed to help held the title consistently since measures on board its aircraft visitors switch off , relax, re- as it continues to engage with and in the Best Airport in the charge and make the most of the its passengers and followers by Middle East, Hamad Interna- upcoming half term holidays. creating inspiring and informa- tional Airport. Qatar Airways Privilege Club tive content. A multiple award-winning members can enjoy a 5% dis- Facebook particularly rose airline, Qatar Airways was count on packages. Additionally, to be a key platform for Qatar named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by citizens and residents who are Airways to stay in touch with the 2019 World Airline Awards, not already a member of Qatar its passengers when an illegal managed by Skytrax. Airways Privilege Club can join blockade against Qatar was im- It was also named ‘Best Air- and earn 3,000 bonus Qmiles posed in 2017, which further also closely followed and moni- fact that we have grown by 4mn line in the Middle East’, ‘World’s when they book a staycation with boosted their trust and confi - tored during the coronavirus followers during the pandemic Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Qatar Airways Holidays, which dence in the brand. pandemic as it used its widely speaks for the credibility and re- Business Class Seat’, in recog- can be used to redeem future The airline’s steady climb to followed social media platforms silience of our airline. nition of its ground-breaking fl ights with Qatar Airways. be the most liked global airline to inform its customers about its “The importance of social Business Class experience, Qatar Airways Group Chief off er incredible value for money ‘Qatar Clean’ initiative – a se- on Facebook has been a result operations and safety measures. media to Qatar Airways as a way Qsuite. Executive HE Akbar al-Baker for those looking to treat them- ries of measures and regulations of its increasing investment in Qatar Airways senior vice to directly reach our passengers It is the only airline to have said: “With the ongoing corona- selves.” for hotels to follow to safeguard creating engaging content for president (Marketing and Cor- cannot be overstated as we keep been awarded the coveted ‘Sky- virus pandemic limiting interna- The staycation packages are their guests and employees from its fans. porate Communications) Salam aiming to create quality content trax Airline of the Year’ title, tional travel, we have designed carefully designed to provide Covid-19. In addition to winning fans al-Shawa said: “We are ex- while actively engaging with our which is recognised as the pin- a new selection of staycation customers in Qatar with a much- Deals are available for couples with its viral, innovative cam- tremely proud of this achieve- followers in a way they can re- nacle of excellence in the air- packages for citizens and resi- needed change of scenery in a and families and include a hotel paigns such as the 100,000 ment as we became the world’s late,” al-Shawa said. line industry, fi ve times. HIA dents to relax and recharge dur- safe and responsible manner. All stay, breakfast, free spa treatment, tickets giveaway for medics, fi rst airline to surpass 20mn “We hit 20mn followers in was recently ranked ‘Third Best ing the half term holiday. Qatar of the hotels selected for these room upgrades, and much more. A350-1000 delivery campaign, fans on Facebook, reaffi rming 2020 on Facebook, and I am Airport in the World’, among is home to so many incredible staycation packages have been Prices start from QR445 per FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 our position as the world’s most confi dent that we will reach 550 airports worldwide, by the hotels that off er some of the best accredited by the Qatar Na- person per night for packages activations to name a few, and popular airline on the most pop- 30mn followers before 2022 on Skytrax World Airport Awards spa experiences in the world. Our tional Tourism Council (QNTC) booked by October 31 for stays up route launches, the airline was ular social media network. The all platforms, as our ever-grow- 2020. Stay and Spa staycation packages and Ministry of Public Health to November 15. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 QATAR

Ooredoo to sponsor Fintech lab connectivity at QU CBE Revamped Al Khor oredoo will sponsor the connectivity of Oa new Fintech lab at Qatar University’s College of Business and Econom- ics (QU CBE), it was an- Park draws crowds nounced yesterday. Ooredoo will be provid- he revamped Al Khor Park ing an independent 5G con- to test the capability of this opportunity to see is receiving a good response nection to the lab, so fac- the 5G network. just what our 5G network Tfrom the public, according to ulty can test heavyweight Sabah Rabiah al-Ku- can do in the Fintech field, offi cial statistics. blockchain fi nancial trans- wari, director, PR at and excited to see yet more Khaled al-Nuaimi, an admin- actions as they conduct Ooredoo, said: “We’re of what the 5G future istrative offi cial, told local Arabic research into blockchain immensely proud to be holds.” daily Arrayah that the Park received technology and prepare working with Qatar Uni- Commenting on this 16,750 visitors during the last week- students for the next gen- versity on such a worth- sponsorship, Professor end (Thursday, Friday and Satur- eration of 5G and Fintech. while initiative. As part Mazen el-Masri, director day). This 5G connection will of our corporate social of Qatar University Fintech The fl ow of visitors was good be used primarily to test responsibility strategy, Innovation Hub, said: “We notwithstanding the precaution- the performance of such we’re committed to sup- thank Ooredoo for their ary measures in place as part of transactions, which are porting research and edu- continuous eff orts to sup- Covid-19 restrictions. The Park, to be tested on a 5G net- cation, and the develop- port research and educa- according to al-Nuaimi, mandates work for research pur- ment of Fintech is very tion. Powering our Lab and wearing face masks, social distanc- poses. The new lab will be relevant to our progress technological resources ing and measuring of tempera- equipped with extremely towards achieving the with 5G connectivity ena- ture. Visitors are allowed only after powerful, high-perform- goals set out by Qatar Na- bles us to open up our lab to showing Ehteraz with green code. ing computers, which will tional Vision 2030. We’re a wider range of innovators Toilets are now open after clean- offer ample opportunity extremely excited about across the country.” ing and sterilisation. Regular clean- ing is undertaken for seats and other facilities in the Park. Dr Mohamed A view of Al Khor Park. al-Khayarin, general supervisor of the zoo at the Park, said sterilisation Park, including big cats such as and disinfection campaigns are car- lion, tiger, cheetah and jaguar, be- ried out in animal zones regularly. sides crocodiles, diff erent types of “The cleaning activities are not monkeys and other animals as well linked with Covid-19. They are ini- as birds. The Park features all nec- tiated twice a week and have been essary facilities to provide a whole- intensifi ed in order to ensure the some family entertainment experi- safety of all,” he said, adding that ence. animals’ health are monitored 24 The Park also has 42 species hours remotely through surveil- of trees, shrubs and plants. The lance cameras. An integrated emer- 240,000sq m Park also features wa- gency team of veterinarians, techni- terfalls, a battery-operated train, a cians and workers take care of the large restaurant, mosque, museum, animals. There is within the Park, mini golf area, wall murals, skating a veterinary clinic for animal care area, children’s play areas, a basket- with surgical facilities. ball court, food kiosks, water cool- The Park was reopened in Febru- ers and an amphitheatre. ary this year, after three months of The Park is equipped with a good closure to carry out maintenance number of eateries, including those and development works, including operated by eight local families in the expansion of the mini-zoo and order to give them an opportunity creation of seven new sections. to market their items while giving A wide variety of animals and the public a taste of the original lo- birds have been introduced to the cal fl avour. All areas of Al Khor Park are cleaned and disinfected regularly.

MoPH reports 126,866 total Covid-19 recoveries

QNA tar have succeeded in fl attening the z Expanding hospital capacity, crowded places and confi ned closed Doha curve and limiting the spread of the especially intensive care, to ensure spaces where people congregate. virus and the number of new daily patients receive the medical care Now more than ever, we must be cases and hospital admissions are zProtecting the elderly and those careful and protect the most vul- he Ministry of Public Health continuing to decline each week. with chronic diseases nerable. (MoPH) reported yesterday, Qatar’s proactive and extensive Even though restrictions are be- Anyone suff ering from Covid-19 T273 new confi rmed cases of testing of suspected cases has ena- ing lifted, and numbers are declin- symptoms should either contact Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, of bled the MoPH to identify a high ing, this does not mean that the 16000 helpline or go directly to one which 237 were from community number of positive cases in the Covid-19 pandemic is over in Qatar, of the designated health centres to cases and 36 from travellers return- community. Qatar has one of the as people continue to be admitted undergo the necessary checks at ing from abroad. lowest Covid-19 death rates in the with moderate to severe Covid-19 Muaither, Rawdat Al Khail, Umm The ministry also recorded 216 world. symptoms. “Unless we follow all Slal, or Al Gharafa Health Centres. recoveries in the same period, This is a result of: precautionary measures, we may This is important as the earlier bringing the total number of recov- z Very high quality of care pro- experience a second wave of the vi- the disease is detected, the easier eries to 126,866. vided through the public healthcare rus and see numbers increasing, as it will be to receive the right treat- All new cases have been kept in sector there are already signs of this hap- ment and recover from it. The isolation and are receiving neces- z Qatar’s young population pening in other countries around MoPH has urged people to visit its sary healthcare. The ministry said z Proactive testing to identify the world.” website for regular updates and new measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qa- cases early Avoid close contact with others, information.

Seven held for fl outing home quarantine rules

Seven people were arrested yesterday for violating the legal requirements of home quarantine. The arrests came in implementation of the precautionary measures in force in the country, approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), to ensure public safety and to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The seven being referred to prosecution are: Mohamed Saeed Jibran Bani Saghir al-Shahrani, Abdullah Mohamed Salem Mohamed al-Hanitem, Nasser Abdul Hadi Jaber Jrizy al-Marri, Saud Khalid Faraj Abdullah al-Abdullah, Saud Nasser Rashid Madghash al-Hajri, Mohamed Regahel Mohamed Jaber and Mohamed Zaid Haitham al-Saadi. The authorities concerned called on citizens and residents who are subject to quarantine to adhere to the requirements set by the Min- istry of Public Health, to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 21, 2020 5 QATAR

Qatar takes part in meeting of GCC audit bureaus

The State of Qatar has participated in the 17th meeting of heads of GCC Audit and Accounting Bureaus, which was held yesterday via videoconferencing. Qatar was represented by HE Deputy President of the State Audit Bureau Abdulaziz Mohamed al- Commercial Bank and Emadi. The meeting discussed the topics on its agenda, including the memorandum of the General Secretariat on joint oversight, and the proposal to raise awareness and knowledge to exercise oversight over the goals of sustainable development, in addition to discussing topics of the 5th GCC competition for research and studies in the field of oversight and accounting. The participants took the appropriate decisions on these topics, and followed Qatar University get up on previous decisions that were taken by heads of bureaus. (QNA) creative with students

n collaboration with students and proves to them Qatar University (QU), that everything is possible.” ICommercial Bank is QU’s Student Activities launching a fi rst-ever com- acting director Nada Asad petition for QU students, al-Emadi said: “We are inviting them to unleash very excited to be working their creativity and design with the Commercial Bank their own space at Qatar on this collaboration. We University Metro Station. truly believe our students Enjoying a sole and ex- will benefi t, learn and grow clusive presence inside the from this competition. We Qatar Rail Metro Station encourage our students to at QU, Commercial Bank is take advantage of this op- seeking through the contest, portunity and participate in to allocate a dedicated space the competition and dazzle for students, where they can everyone with their distinc- study, learn about fi nance, tive and innovative designs. and to use as they see best, Through the use and ap- according to a statement. plication of knowledge and Participants are request- technology, students will ed to come up with an idea through the process, Com- looking for a concept that also fun and informative.” enable themselves to im- of how to use the allocated mercial Bank held an online embraces creativity and in- Commenting on the com- prove and develop in a vari- space in the Commercial mentoring session yester- novation. Something that petition, Hussein Ali al-Ab- ety of areas in this journey.” Bank branch at Qatar Uni- day. Mentors from QU and was meaningful to students, dulla, EGM, Chief Market- The winning idea will be versity Metro station, name Commercial Bank were useful, yet can still be fun ing Offi cer at Commercial brought to life by the stu- their project, and pitch in available for two hours to and that with our expertise, Bank, said: “Being one of dents working together their ideas. The idea can be answer all questions regard- help the students take an our fundamental 5 C’s, crea- with Commercial Bank as presented by one person or ing the contest and advise idea and bring it to life. This tivity and innovation are key well as a share of the cash a group of up to four peo- on the project. exciting project is linked to pillars of the future. Hence, prizes, from a prize fund of ple, in whatever medium Commercial Bank’s EGM, our digital banking solu- we are pleased to launch up to QR96,000. This will or method they wish to get Consumer Banking, Amit tion called Sadara Youth, a such a competition that be awarded to winners in ac- their concept across. Sah said: “When we fi rst in- prestigious, exclusive dig- sheds light on the compe- cordance with the published To help guide students itiated this contest, we were ital way of banking that is tencies and talents of the rules.

“A lot of customers are calling us and looking for e-scooters but we are currently out-of- stock in all our stores in Qatar. We hope that our next shipment will come soon, possible in the next two weeks”

Eco-friendly vehicles such as e-scooters have become popular alternative mode of transport. PICTURE: Electric Scooter Qatar E-scooters craze takes over Doha

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

he demand for electric motor- ised scooters (e-scooters) in TDoha continues to surge as many residents – including offi ce employees – fi nd these battery-powered vehicles practical, easy-to-use and environ- ment-friendly. An employee of a leading retail chain in the country and the region told Gulf Times yesterday that e-scooters are fast-moving items like bicycles nowa- days especially after offi ces and busi- ness establishments have reopened. “A lot of customers are calling us and looking for e-scooters but we are cur- rently out-of-stock in all our stores in Qatar. We hope that our next ship- ment will come soon, possible in the next two weeks,” he said, adding that new models are also expected to be launched within the year. Members of the ‘Electric Scooter Qatar’ at a recent meet up. The group aims to Asked about the growing popular- raise public awareness on the importance of road safety and the mandatory and ity of e-scooters, he said these two- proper use of safety gears. PICTURE: Electric Scooter Qatar wheeled and compact vehicles are easy to carry and operate, foldable, and most every day – riding from home to trying to beat the pedestrian signal. lighter (in weight) than some bicycles the Umm Ghuwailina station – then “Just like cyclists, I think they when riding the Doha metro. fold it, before taking the metro. From should be required to wear head gears In case of possible repairs, the em- the DECC station, City Centre Mall or helmets and refl ective safety vests ployee added that users can bring their is just a few metres away, so it’s really for visibility, so car drivers will notice units to a service centre in Doha for fi x- very convenient to use,” he said. them especially in the evening,” said a ing and parts replacement. “I also often use it when I want to commuter. “I almost hit a scooter user He noted that many customers also buy food or something I urgently need because he suddenly crossed the road fi nd the prices of e-scooters reason- for cooking like vegetables, spices, as the signal turned green, which is able, ranging between QR1,200 and or cooking oil at the nearest bacala or highly dangerous.” QR2,500 for brands such as Xiaomi mini store. Just make sure it is always Many residents also formed a group and Segway. charged,” said Anthony, adding that on Facebook named ‘Electric Scooter Filipino expatriate Anthony M, who he also decided to sell his car since he Qatar’, which aims to educate and raise reports to work fi ve times a week at rarely uses it. public awareness on the importance West Bay area, said he enjoys using his However, a number of commuters of road safety and the mandatory and e-scooter especially now that temper- raised safety issues on the use of e- proper use of safety gears. The group atures start receding. scooters saying that some users tend to also holds meet up and riding activities “I use Optimus, my e-scooter, al- speed up while crossing the roads and at a number of locations in Doha. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 QATAR

Lexus brand ambassador Amal Ameen receiving the key of the LC 500 convertible. The canvas paintings provided by the Triple Trend Art Gallery to be showcased in Lexus showroom. AAB unveils Lexus LC 500 convertible bdullah Abdulghani & Lexus LC 500 Convertible, which same dynamic and luxurious ble’s suspension is tuned specifi - Bros Co (AAB) has un- comes with a fi ve-litre, 471hp driving performance for which cally to complement the subtle Aveiled the Lexus LC 500 high-performance naturally as- the fl agship LC 500 coupe is changes in weight between the convertible at the state-of-the- pirated V-shaped engine, accel- known, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 two platforms, as a reduction of art Lexus showroom. erates from 0 to 100km in less Convertible stylishly blends the un-sprung weight in the front The event was attended by than 4.7 seconds. The perform- coupe’s unique roofl ine with suspension improves the over- AAB acting CEO R K Murugan, ance engine is distinguished by the character of a convertible, all stroke. In the rear, engineers senior marketing manager Firas its assembly of lightweight ma- achieving an exquisite profi le were able to further enhance Mufti, Lexus national sales sen- terials, along with titanium in- with the top open or closed. structural rigidity by reshaping ior manager Ahmad Abusaad, takes. The LC 500 Convertible echoes and relocating the rear suspen- and Lexus brand ambassador The all-new Lexus LC Con- the coupe’s “Even Sharper, More sion brace tower. Amal Ameen. vertible is available in a choice Refi ned” driving characteristics, Weight was reduced in the The event started with the un- of 12 diff erent colours, includ- with a low center of gravity, op- rear of the vehicle by utilising a veiling of two cars. In his speech, ing the newly developed yellow timal weight distribution, and a lightweight die-cast aluminum Mufti described that the new ve- contrast layer that refl ects the focus on performance-minded suspension brace, while a per- hicle as ‘a beautiful piece of art’ vehicle’s sporty performance, handling thanks to impressive formance dampener is employed which perfects the Lexus brand as well as three colours for the structural rigidity. Lexus engi- to enhance ride comfort. Drivers and DNA and recalled it was fi rst soft-top retractable roof. Driven neers relied on computer-aided of the front engine, rear-wheel- introduced in 2017 at the Qatar by her passion towards the brand engineering (CAE) analysis and drive LC Convertible can expect Motor Show as a coupe in two and specifi cally to the LC 500 real-world driving evaluation similar breath-taking perform- variants, the LC 500 V8 gasoline convertible, Amal Ameen was to match the driving qualities of ance to the coupe, thanks to the engine and the LC 500 Hybrid. the fi rst proud owner to purchase its coupe counterpart, and the powerful drivetrain combina- “Both vehicles have become a ‘this piece of art’ as she described extensive research and develop- tion of the 5.0-liter V8 engine premium choice for super niche it, highlighting the Terrane Khaki AAB off icials at the event. ment yielded impressive results. paired with the seamless Di- clientele in Qatar. Based on the colour with the Sand colour of Engineers aimed to retain sim- rect-Shift 10-speed automatic coupe’s success the soft top. A key handover cer- provided by the Triple Trend Art to the brand by highlighting four est addition to the Lexus family, ilar handling dynamics to the LC transmission. The naturally as- we are launching the convert- emony was held during the event. Gallery to be showcased in Lexus diff erent generations of the Lex- I wanted to highlight its beauty 500 coupe while also improving pirated, direct-injection V8 is ible version for those who prefer Followed by the handover, showroom. Amal Ameen stated: us fl agship sedan the, LS 400, not only as a vehicle but also as a chassis rigidity with the addition rated to produce 471hp at 7,100 to lead and not to follow,” he said. Amal Ameen and Mufti unveiled “As a brand ambassador, I want- LS 430, LS 460, LS 500. Since piece of art.” and relocation of various struc- rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at Abusaad explained that the fi ve amazing canvas paintings ed to include my artistic touch the LC convertible is the new- With a focus on providing the tural braces. The LC Converti- 4,800 rpm.

Qatar Al Fann exhibition fl agged off at Doha Fire Station

By Joseph Varghese the exhibition through a jury. We Staff Reporter also have plans to export these art works highlighting Qatari culture to other countries,” ex- atar Al Fann, an exhibi- plained Azeem, the organiser of tion featuring functional the exhibition. Qart and highlighting Qa- The selected products are tari art and culture by local art- to be utilised in public spaces, ists, got underway at Doha Fire hotels, offi ces, parks, mosques Station Art Gallery 4 yesterday among others both locally and on and will run until October 27. The projects across the world. opening ceremony was attended “Qatar Al Fann stands distinct by Dr Deepak Mittal, Indian am- for various reasons; the foremost bassador; Khalifa al-Obaidly, of all is that the products repre- director of Fire Station, Artist sent Qatari heritage and are made in Residence; Fahad al-Jahram, in Qatar,” sated al-Khaldi. chief project delivery offi cer, Coastal Qatar will organise the Qatar, Qatari Diar; Mohamed production of the selected prod- Arqoub al-Khaldi, chairman, The artists with the off icials at the exhibition yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam ucts in Qatar through technol- Supervisory Committee of Beau- ogy partnership with experts or tifi cation of Roads and Public displayed at the Qatar Al Fann ists in the community to explore better though these art forms,” manufacture them through se- al khaliji launches Places, Public Works Authority; exhibition fl aunting Qatar’s art new sectors and spaces in co-op- noted Indian envoy Dr Mittal. lected sources. Andrew Humphries, acting chief and its heritage to the global au- eration with local companies that “Qatar Al Fann commenced “Coastal Qatar feels extremely executive offi cer of Katara Hos- dience. provided practical opportunity with a contest to gather the privileged to have the opportuni- pitality and Nishad Azeem, CEO, At the opening event, al- for Qatari artists and residents to best of artistic expressions ty to promote Qatari art and her- contactless Coastal Qatar, as well as mem- Obaidly said: “Qatar Museums express their creativity through from the local artists in Qatar. itage while providing the much bers of the artist fraternity. supports such initiatives to en- an intuitive project such as Qatar This is an effort at highlighting deserved exposure to our artist Qatar Al Fann aims at trans- gage the local artists with the art Al Fann.” the art and culture of Qatar and community and support local forming products like street scene in Doha. The collaboration “It is a very unique project with engage the local artists in a big manufacturing. Qatar Al Fann services across furniture, carpets, smart light- with private sector has contrib- so many artists coming together. way. focuses to unveil the potential of ing poles among others to func- uted to the organisation of the The artists have portrayed vari- “We had arranged a workshop our local artists by exhibiting and tional art. The artworks selected event in a big way. We have been ous facets of Qatar and as an ex- for the artists and thereafter se- utilising their exquisite creations from the competition, are now keen to encourage the role of art- patriate, I can understand Qatar lected the best of the works for in public spaces,” added Azeem. its POS machines

Safari Mall celebrates 10th anniversary l Khalij Commercial Bank The bank’s ‘Ingenico’ (al khaliji) has launched POS machines have been Acontactless services upgraded to accept the across its point of sale (POS) ma- contactless debit and chines. credit cards, as a faster and The bank’s ‘Ingenico’ POS safer way for conducting machines have been upgraded to transactions accept the contactless debit and credit cards, as a faster and safer POS services have been intro- way for conducting transactions. duced in light of the current Customers using contact- situation as a risk-free and safe less cards can easily make pay- option to help build customer ments of (up to) QR300 with a confi dence in a post-Covid envi- ‘Tap and Pay’ service and any ronment,” said Omar al-Emadi, amount above QR300 using the Group chief business offi cer. ‘Tap and PIN’ service. Cardhold- The lender’s contactless POS ers with the contactless symbol machines come in line with its on their card can benefi t from vision to digitise the fi nancial the contactless payment service. service sector and come at a To make a transaction, they sim- time when new health and safety ply need to tap their card on the measures have emerged in re- reader on top of the POS screen. sponse to the Covid-19 pan- When customer hears a ‘beep’ demic. sound, transaction is initiated The bank continuously looks and upon transaction authorisa- to meet the fi nancial needs for tion the receipt is printed. this generation and the next, The 10th anniversary celebration of Safari Mall, Abu Hamour, was inaugurated on Sunday with a cake- “We are constantly looking focusing on long-term sustain- cutting ceremony attended by Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal. Safari Group director and general for ways to innovate and inte- ability by balancing a commit- manager Zainul Abideen, director and Group co-ordinator Shaheen Backer, regional director of finance grate new technology within our ment towards the fi nancial in- Surendra Nath and other off icials were present. sphere of operations, products, dustry and to the community, its and services. The contactless spokesman said. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 21, 2020 7 QATAR Sidra Medicine joins hands with MoPH in ‘Are you ok’ campaign

idra Medicine, a Qatar support and help they need,” al- Foundation entity, has Ansari said. Spartnered with the Minis- Dr Felice Watt, division chief try of Public Health (MoPH) in of Adult Psychiatry for Women’s its national mental health and Mental Health at Sidra Medi- wellness campaign ‘Are you ok’ cine said: “Healthy pregnan- to highlight the support services cies also include healthy mental WCM-Q symposium examined psychological safety for simulation-based medical education. available for women, children health. One in fi ve pregnant and and young people in Qatar. new mothers experience mental “The (coronavirus) pan- health diffi culties - especially demic has changed the land- Dr Azeem Dr Nazeer anxiety and depression. This scape regarding the critical need can also aff ect the pregnancy, for robust mental health sup- the child, and family. Good pa- Medical experts discuss port systems. It is very assuring ternal and family support can and speaks of the calibre of the help improve mothers’ mental healthcare services in Qatar, to health during pregnancy and af- see how the Ministry of Public ter childbirth. This is why it is simulation-based learning Health and Sidra Medicine have also important that women who rapidly mobilised to keep men- are pregnant or who have re- tal health on top of the country’s cently delivered a baby are asked service agenda,” Professor Mu- about their emotional well-be- at WCM-Q symposium hammed Waqar Azeem, the chair ing. Sometimes it is diffi cult for of Psychiatry at Sidra Medicine, Dr Watt Dr al-Ansari women to admit to being unhap- said. py because they expect that they xperts in medical educa- importance of remaining hope- other industries, we are strong- “At Sidra Medicine, we remain port services, we have focused on Dr Alanoud al-Ansari, divi- ‘should be happy’ because they tion from across the Mid- ful and resilient, acknowledging ly socialised to want to be seen committed to supporting the patient care, education to build sion chief of Adolescent Medi- are pregnant or have had a baby. Edle East and Europe con- that the end-date of the pan- to be succeeding and discour- people of Qatar, particularly chil- local human resources, research cine whose clinic provides Unfortunately, sad or anxious vened for an online symposium demic is diffi cult to predict and aged from being open about dren, young people and perinatal and building community models developmentally appropriate feelings are common and not the hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine thus the importance for educa- mistakes. That’s a dilemma women in meeting their mental of care in Qatar. The success of mental health and medical care woman’s fault. It is important to – Qatar (WCM-Q) to discuss the tors and healthcare providers because to really benefit from healthcare needs. In addition to our programme is based on the for adolescents aged 12 to 18 ask a woman whether is ok, and latest trends in simulation-based feeling cared for, safe and united, simulation-based training, world class mental health servic- collaboration of patients, their years, has seen a rise in anxiety to listen without judgment and learning, including the impact of especially in times of physical both learners and educators es, our Department of Psychiatry relatives and our staff , who all in teenagers. to invite her to talk further about the Covid-19 pandemic. isolation and prolonged uncer- need to feel safe in order to open has started a number of educa- work to help achieve patient goals “Teenagers are manifesting her feelings.” The 4th Annual Symposium tainty. up and discuss sub-optimal tional and training programmes to live their lives as fully possi- their anxiety around loss of con- To book an appointment with on Optimising Health Profes- “We did not want to cancel our performance,” she said. and is also involved in various ble. I am also proud of our team’s trol and unpredictability through the Women’s Perinatal Mental sions Education with Simu- annual community symposium A key part of the event sym- leading-edge mental health-re- achieving accreditation for the eating disorders, depression and Health Service at Sidra Medicine, lation-Based Learning: Psy- and worked very hard to learn posium was an interactive work- lated research projects.” world’s fi rst Child and Adoles- cutting themselves. Many of pregnant women or newly de- chological Safety in Times of how to achieve an interactive, shop that used video materials Sidra Medicine off ers Child cent Psychiatry Fellowship from them have not been able to cope livered mothers can directly call Covid-19 was held fully online educationally safe and inclusive created by the WCM-Q Clinical and Adolescent Mental Health, the Accreditation Council for with being back at school. Despite 4003 7109 or 4003 7177 (7am to for the first time. event using online meetings. We Skills & Simulation Lab to dem- Adolescent Medicine and Perina- Graduate Medical Education In- families being in lockdown and 3pm on weekdays). In another fi rst for the sym- were hugely supported by the onstrate how to promote and re- tal Mental Health services in Qa- ternational (ACGMEI),” Dr Ahsan opting to stay home during the In support of the ‘Are you ok’ posium, course director Dr Stella excellent audio-visual team at store psychological safety during tar. The services are either refer- Nazeer, division chief of CAHMS pandemic, many families while campaign, Watt will be hosting a Major, associate professor of WCM-Q who prepared us well so the debriefi ngs that follow most ral-based (in the case of children) at Sidra Medicine, said. in physical proximity remain free webinar in English on “Sup- Family Medicine in Clinical Med- that we were able to connect with simulation-based learning expe- or self-referral/ direct (perinatal “Our advice to parents deal- emotionally distant and are not porting mental health in fami- icine and Director of the Clinical our community remotely,” Major riences. mental health services). ing with children with anxiety, spending enough time to bond lies” on October 29 from 2pm to Skills & Simulation Lab (CSSL), said. Medical students from Qatar, Sidra Medicine’s Child and especially during this time, is to together as a unit. This has meant 3pm. For details, visit: https:// extended its community of prac- The symposium featured a Lebanon and Turkey also attend- Adolescent Mental Health Serv- encourage their children to share that small noticeable changes in www.sidra.org/events-calendar/ tice to include participants based presentation by guest speaker ed the symposium and refl ected ice (CAMHS) is available for their concerns and have frank their teens go undetected, par- event-details/?Event=18982. in countries beyond Qatar. Invit- Prof Michaela Kolbe, director of on their experience as learners children aged 5 to 18 years and and open discussions about their ticularly as young people are Qatar has set up a helpline ed scholars and educators shared the Simulation Centre at Uni- during the pandemic lockdown includes outpatient, inpatient, fears and concerns. It is also im- not always willing to talk about (16000) to support people of their stories refl ecting on how versity Hospital Zurich, Switzer- period. They described the chal- consultation liaison and emer- portant that children obtain ac- what they are going through. We all ages and nationalities who simulation-based education and land. lenges that many faced in having gency care. curate information from reliable encourage families to make the are looking for advice on coping practice had helped the profes- Kolbe said that psychological to adapt to the new norm and The service can be accessed sources. We also encourage par- time to have at least one meal a with stress, anxiety and depres- sion prepare for and respond to safety was crucial in simulation- celebrated moments when with via referral from Primary Health ents to focus on instilling a sense day together and talk about their sion and other mental health the emergent clinical demands of based learning in order to allow their teachers they explored and Care Centres, private clinics, of hope and optimism in their day – no matter how mundane. disorders. The helpline is avail- the pandemic. learners to speak openly about learnt how best to navigate les- schools and other sources. children by role modelling ap- The earlier they can pick up any able from 8am to 7pm Sundays The invited scholars dis- any diffi culties they might be sons using the ever-evolving “As part of our ongoing eff orts propriate positive behaviours,” changes in their teens, the sooner to Thursdays, and 8am to 3pm on cussed lessons learnt during the having with an exercise. technologies within the class- to strengthen mental health sup- Nazeer said. they can give their children the Saturdays. pandemic and refl ected on the “In medicine, and indeed in room. 2020 online Ajyal Film Fest to draw more jurors, viewers

By Joey Aguilar Al-Remaihi noted that they that extends the spirit of Ajyal festival to watch a film. We are Staff Reporter were confined with the number into a virtual space for immer- basically taking the same ap- of people who can travel and sive creative expression and proach (blended learning like in come during the previous edi- community.” Part of the festi- schools), there are opportuni- he 2020 online edition of tions of the annual event. But val this year includes the Ajyal ties for people to enjoy the fes- Ajyal Film Festival pro- now, she said that more people Competition awards, which will tival,” she said. Tvides an opportunity for can watch from their own coun- run online to ensure the safety “We are really working hard more jurors outside the coun- tries or from their own homes. of participants. to deliver a safe festival and try to take part in the event and Such a set up, she added, Al-Remaihi said the festival taking into consideration all for viewers to watch films from opens up the jury programme has two tiers: the first tier is for the necessary precautions,” al- their home countries, Doha internationally and DFI has under 18 who register as jurors Remaihi added. Film Institute (DFI) CEO and been working closely with many and will have everything avail- Categorised in three compe- festival director Fatma Hassan organisations in different coun- able to them online except one tition segments – Mohaq (ages al-Remaihi has said. tries to recruit jurors. DFI is ex- screening in person while the 8-12), Hilal (ages 13-17) and “What makes it (Ajyal) really pecting between 450 and more second tier is for 18 to 25-year- Bader (ages 18-25), the Ajyal Ju- unique is it was a challenge by it- than 500 jurors this year. olds who can come to Katara rors evaluate a curated film pro- self this year to prepare and plan According to al-Remaihi, the – the Cultural Village (with all gramme including feature films for it, but it actually opens new latest edition also provides a the safety measures in place in and short films appropriate to doors for us that we were not chance for many people in the co-operation with concerned their age brackets. able to have. For example, now region to experience Ajyal com- government agencies to deliver DFI noted that “being an we have for the jury programme, pared to the regular programme a safe festival) and watch films Ajyal Juror is a highly creative we can have more jurors from where online those who live or in small groups. learning experience that instils outside Qatar because it is online visit Qatar can come and watch. “I want to give parents a an appreciation of cinema as so it is easier to have as many ju- The eighth edition of Ajyal peace of mind, their children well as the values of teamwork, rors as we want,” she told a vir- will take place from November have the option to register and critical thinking and leader- tual press briefi ng yesterday. 18 to 23 “in a new hybrid format do it online or bring them to the ship.” Fatma Hassan al-Remaihi

QRCS promotes hand hygiene at Bangladesh refugee camps

o mark Global Handwash- ing virus-carrying objects. First marked in 2008, Global ing Day 2020, the repre- Twenty-eight young women Handwashing Day is an annual Tsentative mission of Qatar and men from among the refu- event observed every October. Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in gees are hired as community vol- It features national and interna- Bangladesh took part in hygiene unteers at QRCS’s health centres, tional awareness campaigns to awareness campaigns at refugee working on a daily basis to com- promote a culture of handwash- camps. municate health awareness mes- ing among society members. Community volunteers work- sages to refugee families and the “Under the theme of ‘Hand ing at the health centres operated host community. Hygiene for All’, the World Health by QRCS in the 19 and E8 refugee They cover a wide range of Organisation reminds us that we camps held a series of communi- important topics, such as fi rst must work towards universal ac- ty events and sessions for around aid, family planning, fundamen- cess and practice of handwash- 350 people in order to raise tal principles and psychological ing with soap as a priority for awareness of the importance of support, QRCS said in a state- now and for a healthy future. washing hands with soap and ment. Handwashing is one of the sim- water as a crucial way to prevent Since the beginning of 2020, plest ways to prevent the spread communicable diseases, in the some 43,214 families, or 216,070 of coronavirus and ensure bet- Community volunteers working at the health centres operated by QRCS in the 19 and E8 refugee camps held a series of community events midst of the Covid-19 outbreak people, have been visited by ter health outcomes overall,” the and sessions for around 350 people in order to raise awareness of the importance of washing hands with soap and water. and easy transmission by touch- community awareness teams. statement adds. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 QATAR

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, awarded Fahad al-Hamad, Abdullah al-Sada and Noora al-Maslamani with the Akhlaquna Award for their project, “Yes, I can!”. Her Highness also awarded the first cycle of the Akhlaquna Junior winners for their commitment to moral values and leadership. PICTURES: AR al-Baker & Aisha al-Musallam Sheikha Moza crowns winners of Akhlaquna Award at special ceremony er Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, HChairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), crowned the winners of the third cycle of the Akhlaquna Award and the inau- gural Akhlaquna Junior Award, yesterday at a special Akhlaquna Day ceremony in Education City. The Akhlaquna Award went to the student-led initiative, “Yes, I Can!”, which aims to highlight the active role and contribution of people with disabilities. It was developed by Noora Hassen al-Maslamani, Abdullah Ahmed al-Sada, Fahad Saeed al-Ha- Keynote speaker Dr Mohamed Nowaimi al-Hajri. ‘Yes, I Can!’, the winner of the Akhlaquna Award. mad, Roqayya Khan Khan, Ayub Mohamed Janahi, Ibrahim Aly El Feky, Abdullah Mohamed al- Ishaq, Shahed Salem al-Dosari, Nada Juma Aldos, and Ibrahim Yousef Dorzadeh. The team has organised nu- Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar merous campaigns – including Foundation, presents the award at the special ceremony. With Thanks, which highlighted PICTURE: Aisha al-Musallam the role of sanitary workers, and Our Land, which is designed to and I hope we can live up to the Khalood Zaid Almarri, an appli- help protect Qatar’s environ- responsibility.” cation that helps sign language ment. “I would like to thank Her Other projects shortlisted users communicate their needs Highness Sheikha Moza bint for the Akhlaquna award and by translating their hand move- Nasser for this valuable award,” also recognised at the ceremony ments through a glove equipped said al-Hamad. “It has great were Life Engineers, developed with motion sensors. meaning for us, and we’ve par- by Hamad Abdulla Aljumaily to The winners were decided by ticipated to show our role and nurture future leaders aged from public voting and an expert jury, The winners of Akhlaquna Junior. The winners of Akhlaquna Junior. pay something back to our coun- 3-18 years who embody moral comprising Dr Jassim Sultan, di- try.” values, through consultations, rector of Wijdan Cultural Center; brouk Zeid Elkheir, director of with the audience for the event Al-Sada said: “I feel very workshops, travel opportunities, Dr Emad El-Din Shahin, dean of the National Center for Research watching virtually and a number proud to have met Her Highness and summer programmes; and the College of Islamic Studies at in Islamic Sciences and Civili- of stakeholders in attendance, Dr Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. It is a Sign Language Translator, cre- Hamad Bin Khalifa University, a sation, Algeria. Meanwhile, the Mohamed Nowaimi al-Hajri, as- great honour to win this award, ated by Noora Talib Almarri and QF member; and Professor Ma- Akhlaquna Junior winners for the sistant professor of International Grades 1-3 category were Fatima Relations, Qatar University, said: Faisal al-Thani of Qatar Acad- “The most important task in our emy Al Wakra, Hemyen Hamad world today is to raise children al-Kuwari of Athaayen Girls Pri- who have trust and honesty. mary School, and Faisal Abdalla “We also must be aware of al-Shahwani of Ali bin Abdullah the importance of the pivotal Model School. role of families and societies in In the category for students in bringing up our youth in an en- Grades 4-6, Fahad Masoud Nabi- vironment that is built on hon- na of Qatar Academy Al Wakra, esty and faithfulness, through Abdulla Rafea al-Ahbabi of Ali bin our words and actions, so that The winners of Akhlaquna Junior. Abdullah Model School, and Al- this is refl ected in the souls of Hanouf Hassan al-Emadi of Qatar our children. This responsibility sincerity and honesty, and hav- improving society through the Academy Doha were named the is embodied in Akhlaquna and ing a genuine awareness of what example they set, and to become winners, with the awards in the Akhlaquna Junior, with the goal honesty means and how it is leaders and agents of change. Grades 7-9 category going to Fati- of strengthening the role of so- connected to trust and integrity The award aims to emphasise the ma Saad Mohamed Almohannadi ciety in cultivating honesty as a in our words and actions, show- importance of the four values of of Qatar Academy Al Khor, Mar- way of life for our youth. ing us a pathway that we can fol- mercy, honesty, generosity, and iam Ameen Abdalaa Mohamed “I sincerely hope that our low throughout our lives.” tolerance. Abdalaa Ameen of Moza bint Mo- youth take this opportunity to The Akhlaquna Award was This year, QF also launched hamed Preparatory School, and explore these concepts, enhanc- established by QF in 2017 to rec- Akhlaquna Junior, designed to Bhagath Krishnan of Birla Public ing honesty in themselves fi rst ognise members of Qatar’s com- honour school students who up- School. as a step toward demonstrating munity who demonstrate social hold the morals and values that Giving the keynote speech at it with others. The respect and awareness, compassion, and Akhlaquna seeks to promote and A scene from the film shown during the Akhlaquna Day ceremony. the Akhlaquna Day ceremony, dignity of any person lies in their thoughtfulness towards others, cultivate.

Lane closure at Nuaija Intersection on D-Ring Road Galfar Al Misnad achieves 3mn safe Doha Debates programme man-hours at Ashghal project focuses on racial injustice Racial inequality around the shghal recently felici- world will be the focus of the tated Galfar Al Misnad second season of Doha Debates’ Afor successfully complet- #DearWorldLive programme, ing ‘3 Million Safe Man-Hours which premieres today with an without LTI’ in the Sewer Repair interactive episode examining Marc Lamont Hill (left) and Rehabilitation & Replacement racism in America, amid the Mikki Kendall. Framework (SRRRF) contract. Black Lives Matter movement The certifi cate of apprecia- just two weeks before the US by the feminist movement; and tion was received by Galfar Al presidential election. A produc- Vikiana Petit-Homme, a Boston Misnad’s senior general manager tion of Qatar Foundation’s Doha college student who became (Infrastructure) Hemachandran Debates, #DearWorldLive is a a national inspiration for her from Ashghal’s Khalid Ahmad Ashghal felicitates Galfar officials on the 3mn safe man-hours lively, candid, and engaging work in organising thousands of al-Obaidli and Ali Hassan al-Mu- achievement. weekly online programme host- teenagers to participate in gun hannadi. “The leading Qatari con- ed by award-winning journalist reform eff orts, including March tracting company that is currently working in traffi c congested ar- Quality Working” trickles down Nelufar Hedayat, with guest for Our Lives, and who works to celebrating 25 years of operations eas in the city and responding to to the entire workforce. newsmakers, student participa- lower America’s voting age. in the country, is grounded in the emergency fl ooding situations Galfar Al Misnad has a long as- tion, and viewer comments Amjad Atallah, managing founding principle of Safety First. across Qatar. Despite these try- sociation with Ashghal, notably and questions from around the director of Doha Debates, said, The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) will reduce This noteworthy achievement is a ing conditions, ‘Safety First’, was in the construction of the Doha world. “With the Black Lives Matter one lane at Nuaija Intersection on D-Ring Road in all further testament to our commit- our approach,” explained senior South Sewerage Treatment Plant. Participants in the show today movement in the US resonating directions except the west side for five months from ment to prioritising the highest project manager N Ravindran, The company was also recently are Marc Lamont Hill, an activist, among people around the world, October 23. The closure in co-ordination with the levels of safety in all activities,” who executed the project. awarded Package 01 and Pack- author, and professor of Media it’s clear that racial injustice is General Directorate of Traffic is aimed at revamping said Galfar Al Misnad’s executive He added that the credit of age 03 for road development in Studies and Urban Education pervasive and problematic on and expanding Nuaija Intersection as part of D-Ring director, Satish G Pillai. this recognition goes to the en- Al Wajba. These packages were at Temple University in a global scale. The programme Road Upgrade Project. Ashghal will install road signs “The long journey, since the tire SRRRF team, all supporting part of the nine citizens’ land plot Philadelphia, US; Mikki Kendall, will be livestreamed today advising motorists of the closure and has requested all project’s inception was fi lled with departments, and to Galfar’s top development contracts worth activist and author of Hood at 5pm Doha time on Doha to follow and abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. challenges of executing in the management, from where the QR3.6bn signed by Ashghal ear- Feminism, which makes the Debates’ Twitter, Facebook, sewage environment, deep shafts, values and principles of “Safe and lier this year. case for Black women ignored YouTube, and Twitch pages. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 21, 2020 9 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA ICC prosecutor holds talks with Sudan govt over probe access

AFP Khartoum Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah gestures in greeting upon arrival to attend the opening of the fifth regular session at the country’s National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City, yesterday. nternational Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda Isaid yesterday she discussed with Sudanese offi cials access for investigators to probe al- Kuwait’s Amir appeals for leged atrocities in Darfur region under ousted president Omar al-Bashir. Bashir, who was toppled in national unity ahead of elections April 2019, has been wanted by the ICC for nearly a decade on charges of genocide, war crimes Reuters death of the previous ruler. He said the government clarity on government plans to and crimes against humanity in Kuwait The outspoken assembly, the was seeking more sustainable reduce reliance on oil exports, the western region of Darfur. Gulf’s oldest legislature, can tools to finance the budget, in which accounted for 89% of “A memorandum of under- block bills and question minis- which public sector salaries revenues in the last fiscal year. standing on the modalities of uwait’s Amir Sheikh Na- ters. and subsidies accounted for The Amir is expected to co-operation, technical visits, The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor Fatou Bensouda gives waf al-Ahmad al-Sabah Prime Minister Sheikh 71% of spending for the 2020- maintain oil and investment and immediate access in Sudan a press conference in Sudan’s capital Khartoum, yesterday, at the Kcalled yesterday for Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah, 2021 fiscal year. policy and a balanced foreign by our investigators, amongst conclusion of her five-day visit to the country. national unity to meet chal- also addressing the opening The nearly $140bn economy policy that strove for Arab other action points, were dis- lenges facing the Gulf state, in of a supplementary legisla- is facing a yawning deficit of unity. In his speech, the pre- cussed,” Bensouda said. ouster, and described her visit to ple and displaced 2.5mn others. a speech to lawmakers ahead of tive session, called for greater $46bn this year. mier said Kuwait would con- “We look forward to making Sudan as “historic”. She said she Other than Bashir, several of elections on Dec 5. efforts to “diversify rev- A priority will be overcom- tinue mediation efforts to end timely progress on all of these was looking to launch an “inves- his aides also face accusations of “National unity has proven enue sources and rationalise ing legislative gridlock on a a Gulf dispute that has seen items,” she told a news confer- tigation on the ground in Darfur committing atrocities in Darfur, to be our strongest weapon in spending and consumption... bill that would allow Kuwait Saudi Arabia and its allies ence in Khartoum. as soon as possible.” including former South Kordo- facing challenges, dangers and without detriment to citi- to tap international debt mar- boycott Qatar since mid-2017. Bensouda is heading an ICC Bensouda also voiced hopes fan governor Ahmed Haroun and crises,” said the Amir, who as- zens” in the cradle-to-grave kets. Lawmakers opposed to He reiterated his country’s delegation that has been in for sending a “permanent del- ex-defence minister Abdelrahim sumed power last month on the welfare state. the debt law have called for support for Palestinians’ rights. Khartoum since Saturday on egation” to Sudan, and said she Mohamed Hussein. Both are in a mission to review options of discussed the matter with au- custody in Sudan. holding Bashir and others ac- thorities. A fi fth man, rebel leader Ab- ELECTION countable for the Darfur con- Fighting in Darfur erupted in dallah Banda, is wanted by the Monitors express fl ict, which left hundreds of 2003 between African minor- ICC but remains at large. In support for Guinea thousands dead. ity rebels, complaining of the June, militia leader Ali Kushayb, Iran health minister urges tougher The ICC prosecutor hailed region’s marginalisation, and who was accused by the ICC of electoral process co-operation eff orts by Su- government-backed forces. multiple accounts of rape, mur- dan’s transitional authorities, The United Nations estimates der and pillaging, surrendered African monitors said yesterday Covid action as new cases soar who seized power after Bashir’s the fi ghting killed 300,000 peo- himself to the court. that Guinea’s weekend election was conducted properly, despite es set a daily record of 5,039. fi ned, but I saw...that 40% of the opposition claiming irregulari- Reuters Govt says it has transferred compensation for US bombing victims ties and declaring itself the winner Dubai “Everyone should know the people on the bus did not before the release of off icial results. that I, as health minister, can- wear masks. Can an infection The announcement was a blow to not bring this epidemic situa- be controlled in this way?” Sudan has transferred the compensation it has Hiba Mohamed Ali warned at the conference. Guinea’s leading opposition figure ran’s health minister ap- tion under control alone, and Namaki said. Mask-wearing agreed to pay US victims of militant attacks and “But there will be some rapid improvements, in- Cellou Dalein Diallo, who declared pealed yesterday for more a lot more (help) is required,” became mandatory in public their families, paving the way for its reintegra- cluding moral and psychological.” These include victory on Monday against incum- Ipublic and government Saeed Namaki said in remarks in Tehran, capital of the coun- tion into the global economy after nearly three eliminating Sudan’s debts and commitments to bent Alpha Conde after suggesting support to enforce restric- quoted by the semi-offi cial try hardest hit by Covid-19 in decades of isolation, the central bank governor the World Bank and the International Monetary the poll was rigged. Conde, 82, tions aimed at stemming a news agency ISNA. the Middle East, on Oct 10 said yesterday. The payment of $335mn is part Fund (IMF). is seeking a controversial third third major outbreak of coro- “It was announced that an- and offi cials said violators of a deal with the United States to get Sudan “We have prepared and are passing through presidential term, a move that navirus infections as new cas- yone without a mask would be would be fi ned. removed from its list of state sponsors of terror- a very delicate phase, and you will hear good has triggered months of deadly ism, which has been a hurdle for Khartoum as it news about it soon,” Ali said. After that, Sudan unrest in the West African nation. sought debt relief and external borrowing. would apply for debt relief under the IMF and Addressing reporters in the capital Sudan has transferred the required amount, bank World Bank programme for Heavily Indebted Conakry, Augustin Matata Ponyo, governor Mohamed al-Fatih Zainelabidine told a Poor Countries (HIPC), allowing it to combine its the African Union’s head of mission news conference. $60bn in debts to various parties into one pool, in Guinea, said Sunday’s ballot took Militants kill six Chad soldiers Thanks to US sanctions dating back to the 1990s, Ali said. place “in transparency”. Jose Maria Sudan has been largely cut off from international Sudan has been in economic crisis for decades. Neves, the head of the West Afri- banking. But Zainelabidine said local banks could The Sudanese pound has fallen to 220 to the can Ecowas monitoring mission, oko Haram fi ghters killed forces are on the rise, the army bases on islets dotting Lake begin restoring correspondence relations next dollar on the black market from 50 pounds two agreed the voting process was law- six Chadian soldiers in said yesterday, AFP reported. Chad, a vast swampy expanse week following the US move. “The Sudanese years ago, and the country has $60bn in foreign ful and urged candidates to “use Bthe Lake Chad region, Security experts say Boko in the border region straddled economy will not feel a fundamental change debts. The crisis has accelerated since the over- legal channels to settle election where deadly militant attacks Haram, which originated in Ni- by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and tomorrow morning,” Acting Finance Minister throw of Omar al-Bashir last year. disputes”. Diallo on Monday had against civilians and security geria in 2009, has established Cameroon. called on “fellow citizens who love peace and justice...to defend this democratic victory”. But Conde’s camp rejected the self-proclaimed win, and joyous celebrations from opposition supporters in Conakry Feared DR Congo quickly descended into violent Lagos imposes indefi nite clashes with security forces. Diallo, 68, tweeted on Monday night that militia frees security forces had shot dead “three boys” and wounded several people. hundreds from jail curfew to curb protests He blamed Conde for the “crimes”. Guinea’s government did not confirm the deaths. AFP inmates.” Amaq also said IS Reuters Beni fighters attacked a Congolese Lagos military base in the Beni area. DISSENT IS has claimed responsibil- Protesters claim feared militia attacked ity for several attacks blamed uthorities yesterday media bill would a prison in the restive on the ADF since April 2019, imposed a round-the- Aeast of the Democratic sometimes with factual er- Aclock curfew on the Ni- open sector to graft Republic of Congo yesterday, rors, while the ADF itself has gerian state of Lagos — includ- freeing hundreds of inmates, never claimed responsibility ing Africa’s biggest city — in Journalists and activists pro- local offi cials and police said, for any. response to protests against tested yesterday outside Tunisia’s as the Islamic State (IS) group UN chief Antonio Guterres alleged police brutality which parliament against a proposed claimed responsibility for the said he did not know of a “for- they said had turned violent. law to shake up the media sector pre-dawn assault. mal link” between the ADF The national police chief also by removing a requirement for Two prisoners were shot and IS after visiting the region ordered the immediate deploy- television and radio stations to dead during the breakout in September 2019. ment of anti-riot forces follow- have off icial licences. The bill’s from the Kangbayi prison in “But it’s clear that there ing increased attacks on police supporters include the moderate Beni at around 4:30am (0230 are real ties, because there is facilities, a police spokesman Islamist Ennahda party and the GMT), police said on Twitter, recruitment in other coun- said. A demonstrator paints ‘End Sars’, referring to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad police unit, on a street media mogul Nabil Karoui, whose blaming the attack on the Al- tries (of fi ghters) who go to The Lagos state governor’s during a protest demanding police reform in Lagos, yesterday. own unlicensed Nessma television lied Democratic Forces (ADF). the DRC,” Guterres told Radio spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, station played a big role in his Beni’s acting mayor Modeste France Internationale. said: “The curfew will not end for the duration of the curfew. tests. Police denied the inci- is threatening the wellbeing of campaign for president last year. Muhindo Bwakanamaha also By noon yesterday, dozens tomorrow. Thousands of Nigerians de- dent, and disbanded SARS on our society,” Sanwo-Olu said. However, about 300 protesters pointed the fi nger at the ADF, of soldiers and police were A 24-hour curfew means all manding an end to alleged po- Oct 11, but protests have per- A police station in the Orile at yesterday’s demonstration said which originated in the 1990s locking down the prison and round the clock, day and night. lice brutality have taken to the sisted. Iganmu area of Lagos was set that relaxing licensing rules for as a Ugandan rebel group and two armoured vehicles of the It is indefi nite. streets every day for nearly two Governor Babajide Sanwo- ablaze yesterday, TV news sta- media channels risks giving pow- has been accused of killing UN peacekeeping mission Nobody moves until we lift weeks across the country. Olu said the curfew would ap- tion Channels reported. erful outside interests the power more than 1,000 civilians in Monusco were on hand, an the curfew.” Amnesty International said ply to all parts of the state, The Lagos Chamber of Com- to interfere in Tunisia’s young the region since October 2014. AFP reporter at the scene said. Citizens in the commercial at least 15 people had been including the metropolis of merce said Nigeria’s economy democracy. “Only around 100 detainees Residents were fearful of a capital stocked up on food after killed since the protests began. Lagos, Africa’s largest city with had suff ered an estimated loss “This proposed amendment did not leave the prison from sharp increase in attacks after the announcement. Rights groups had for years 20mn inhabitants. of 700bn naira ($1.84bn)in the presents a real threat to democ- among the 1,455 who were the jailbreak. The rights group Staples such as tomatoes accused the Special Anti-Rob- Only essential workers were last 12 days due to the disrup- racy and for the press sector,” there,” Bwakanamaha said. Lutte pour le Changement and eggs were sold out in bery Squad (SARS), a police exempted. It had been imposed tion. Early in the protests, po- said Mehdi Jlassi, president of Militant monitoring group (Fight for Change) said the es- some places as women in mar- unit targeting violent crime, of as the protests had turned vio- lice fi red on protesters in the the journalists’ labour syndicate. SITE, citing Islamic State’s capees would “reinforce crimi- kets closed shops and people extortion, harassment and tor- lent, he said. Surulere area of Lagos and else- “Cancelling licenses will open the Amaq News Agency, said the nal gangs.” queued at cash machines. ture. “I have watched with shock where. door to corrupt money, politicians IS “took credit for the raid The breakout “further dashes GT Bank, one of the largest But a video allegedly show- how what began as a peace- Armed gangs have attacked and perhaps extremists to control at Kangbayi prison...which any hope of justice and truth lenders in Nigeria, said all its ing SARS offi cers killing a man ful #EndSARS protest has de- protesters in Lagos and the the sector,” he said. ultimately led to freeing 900 over the killings in the region. branches would remain closed in Delta state sparked the pro- generated into a monster that capital Abuja. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Thailand shuts down news site linked to former PM Shinawatra

AFP protest movement. Thousands year’s election in his favour. They casting material that “violated court’s order in writing. “This is journalists should be allowed to their own judgement,” Tatthep Bangkok of protesters have massed daily in are also calling for the reform of computer crimes laws and the direct interference by the state,” report important developments “Ford” Ruangprapaikitseri, 23, the capital since last week, fl out- the kingdom’s powerful and ul- emergency decree”, the ministry he told AFP. “We’ve been singled without the threats of bans, sus- told AFP. The court ruling comes ing an emergency edict prohibit- tra-wealthy monarchy — a long- said. Voice TV executive Makin out because the state wants to de- pensions, censorships or pros- a day after the ministry of dig- Thai news outlet con- ing gatherings of more than four taboo subject. Petplai denied their coverage had ter the other platforms.” ecution hanging over them,” the ital economy and society said it nected to exiled former people. But they appeared to take Prayut yesterday accused jeopardised national security. The Foreign Correspondents club said. Yesterday’s protests had fl agged more than 325,000 Apremier Thaksin Shina- a break Tuesday, with only several media outlets of spreading false “For 11 years, Voice TV has been Club of Thailand expressed deep were much more low key, with messages on social media plat- watra was ordered to close yes- hundred gathered at the usual news. “Media freedom is impor- committed to democracy, giving concern that the Royal Thai Po- demonstrators gathered at train forms that violated the Computer terday over its coverage of anti- protest sites. The largely leader- tant but in some cases there are space to people’s opinions from lice were investigating Voice TV, stations chanting “long live the Crimes Act, which critics say is government protests that have less youth movement is calling for some media outlets disseminat- all sides with openness, trans- along with Prachatai, The Re- people” while giving the three- used to muzzle dissent. rocked the capital for nearly a the resignation of Prime Minister ing distorted information that is parency, and responsibility to porters and The Standard. The fi nger salute that has become a The hashtag #SaveFreeP- week. Voice TV, a website partly Prayut Chan-o-cha — a former inciting unrest,” he said after a facts,” he said in a statement on four outlets have been broadcast- symbol of the movement. ress was trending in Thailand on owned by Thaksin’s family, was army chief and mastermind of court order following a complaint their website. Voice TV political ing live footage over Facebook “The state’s order to shut down Monday. The court is yet to an- one of four media organisations a 2014 coup — as well as a re- from the digital economy minis- commentator Virot Ali said the during the protests. “A free me- the media is a big slap in the face nounce a decision on whether to under investigation because of writing of the military-drafted try. The four media outlets were station will continue to broad- dia is an essential element in any to people, it shows that the state shut down the other three media their reporting of the ongoing constitution they say rigged last accused of publishing and broad- cast online until they receive the democratic society and bona fi de deemed that people can’t make outlets. Thais defy protest ban

Reuters changes to the constitution and Bangkok a reduction in the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s monarchy. hai protesters raised The government imposed three-finger salutes to emergency measures last Tthe national anthem at Thursday to stop the biggest public places across Bangkok challenge to the establishment yesterday in a sixth day show- in years, but that only served ing defiance of a ban meant to to stoke public anger and bring Pro-democracy protesters give the three-finger salute outside the end three months of protests tens of thousands of people Victory Monument BTS skytrain station in Bangkok yesterday. against the government and onto the streets. monarchy. Protesters had promised a big Voice TV had also been found sin Shinawatra and his sister Protests have only grown de- surprise yesterday if the gov- to have breached the Computer Yingluck, who was overthrown spite a crackdown in which doz- ernment did not give into their Crime Act by uploading “false by Prayut in a 2014 coup. Both ens have been detained. Two demands by 6pm for the release information,” digital ministry fled Thailand to escape corrup- protest leaders were arrested on of all detained activists and the spokesman Putchapong Nod- tion cases they branded politi- Tuesday on new charges just as scrapping of the emergency de- thaisong said. Rittikorn Maha- cal. The demonstrations have soon as they were granted bail cree. khachabhorn, Editor-in-Chief been largely led by youths and on previous charges. But nothing notable took of Voice TV, said it would con- students in contrast with a dec- “This is not a leaderless place as the deadline passed. tinue broadcasting until the ade of street violence between protest, but everybody is a Other than the salutes at the court order arrived. “We insist supporters of Thaksin and con- leader,” Tattep “Ford” Ruang- time when the anthem plays that we have been operating servative royalists before Pray- prapaikitseree told reporters at every day, it was the quietest based on journalistic principles ut seized power. the Siam Paragon mall, where day since the decree was im- and we will continue our work Two detained protest leaders dozens of people gave the sa- posed. Earlier, a court ordered presently,” he said. — Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak lute which comes from ‘The Pro-democracy protesters make a three-finger salute at 6pm, at the time the national anthem is usually the suspension of an online TV Thailand said on Monday and Panusaya “Rung” Sithi- Hunger Games’. “It’s not anar- played in all public transport stations in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. station critical of the govern- that three other media organi- jirawattanakul — were arrested chy. Everybody has judgement ment, which has accused it of sations are under investiga- again yesterday as soon as they and will do what is reasonable,” began. Prime Minister Prayut liament next week because of ers have demanded. Prayut’s violating emergency measures tion. Voice TV is owned in part had been freed on bail granted said Ford, who has already been Chan-o-cha’s cabinet agreed the crisis, but he has said he supporters have a majority in aimed at ending three months by the Shinawatra family of by a court over earlier charges arrested twice since protests to an emergency session of par- will not quit -- as the protest- parliament. Protesters also seek of protests. former prime minister Thak- related to the protests.

Ardern swings into action Bangladesh garment workers pray for orders as virus shreds exports

Reuters said Siddiqur Rahman, a garment t-shirts and sweaters are fi nding ond wave has started. We don’t Dhaka supplier to international retail- it diffi cult to remain open, said know what future holds for us.” ers including H&M and GAP Inc. Selim Osman, president of the Experts fear the South Asian “We anticipated orders could Bangladesh Knitwear Manufac- country might itself face another angladesh garment factory look up before the Christmas but turers and Exporters Associa- surge in infections during the owner Shahidullah Azim that didn’t happen.” tion. winter, having so far confi rmed Blaid off 20% of his work- Rahman said customers were “A second wave could further 390,206 cases, including 5,681 ers in the wake of the fi rst wave of demanding price cuts of as much delay the recovery,” Osman said. deaths. About a third of the 1mn the coronavirus pandemic. as 15%, making the recovery that Low wages have helped Bangla- workers who were either fur- Now watching the second wave much harder. desh build its garment industry, loughed or laid off have been build in Europe and the United In the fi nancial year that ended with some 4,000 factories em- rehired since July, according to States, Azim is staring at “an in June, Bangladesh’s garment ploying 4mn workers. Ready- union leaders. But many workers unprecedented crisis”. He’s not exports totalled $27.94bn, down made garments are a mainstay are struggling without overtime alone. Bangladesh is the world’s 18% from the previous year. of the economy, contributing al- pay, which often accounts for second-largest apparel produc- There was a rebound of less than most 16% of country’s GDP, ac- 20% of their monthly income. er after China, but its industry 1% in the July-September quar- cording to the central bank. “Without overtime, it is too leaders say international retail- ter, thanks to a surge in demand Factory owner Azim, who sup- diffi cult to meet expenses,” ers are either refraining from for knitwear items, which ac- plies European and North Amer- said Banesa Begum, a worker in Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern arrives for her first caucus meeting with her MPs placing orders, delaying buying count for half of Bangladesh’s ican retailers, says he has been Gazipur, on the outskirts of the at Parliament since last weekend’s election in Wellington yesterday. Ardern vowed to “crack on” decisions or demanding steep total garment exports. forced to cut one-in-fi ve jobs. capital city Dhaka. “I just pray with delivering her vision following a landslide election victory, after a string of disasters frustrated price cuts. “This is a disaster. We But nearly half of factories “That’s the case for most of the that my factory gets more orders reform in her first term. are taking orders just to survive,” producing knitwear products like factories,” he said. “Now the sec- so that we can survive.”

Indonesia, Japan seek stronger security ties Philippines, Vietnam

Reuters Indonesia is not a formal brace for storm Saudel Jakarta claimant in the strategically vital South China Sea, but considers a portion of the waterway its own. Reuters apan and Indonesia agreed It has regularly repelled Chinese Hanoi yesterday to speed up talks coast guard vessels and fi shing Jon the export of Japanese de- boats from an area that Beijing fence gear and technology to In- says it has a historic claim to. uthorities in Vietnam and the Philippines braced yesterday for a donesia and to have their defence But Jakarta this year rejected tropical storm that could bring fl ooding and landslides in both and foreign ministers meet soon, a proposal by the United States Acountries, as the death toll in Vietnam from weeks of adverse refl ecting concern over China’s to allow its P-8 Poseidon mari- weather rose to 105, with dozens still missing. Rescue teams and dis- regional assertiveness. time surveillance planes to land aster offi cials were on standby and preparing equipment in the Philip- Japanese Prime Minister and refuel there, a sign Jakarta pines, awaiting the arrival on the main island of Luzon later on Tues- Yoshihide Suga is on a four-day does not want to take sides in the day of tropical storm Saudel, which could bring heavy rains and cause trip to Vietnam and Indonesia, US-China confrontation. Suga’s mudslides. his fi rst since taking offi ce last Southeast Asia trip follows a Moderate early rains triggered some minor landslides yesterday, month, and part of Tokyo’s eff ort meeting in Tokyo this month of blocking several roads. Vietnam’s weather agency is expecting Saudel to strengthen ties with the two the “Quad”, an informal grouping to arrive in its central region on Saturday, bringing more intense rains, key countries in Southeast Asia. of India, Australia, Japan and the risking exacerbating its worst fl ooding in years. Floods and mudslides “To further advance security United States. during October have killed at least 105 people in central Vietnam, and defence co-operation be- On Monday, Quad members about a third of those soldiers, with 27 people missing, among those tween the two countries amid said Australia would join naval 15 construction workers buried under one of several deadly mudslides the changing regional situation, exercises in the Bay of Bengal last week. we’ve agreed to hold a meeting next month involving the United At least 178,000 homes, nearly 7,000 hectares (17,297 acres) of crops of foreign and defence ministers States, Japan and India, in a move have been impacted and 700,000 farm animals killed, offi cial data at an early date and to accelerate that could raise concerns in Chi- showed. Vietnam’s current coff ee crop harvest and bean quality should talks over the transfer of defence Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Indonesian President Joko Widodo greet each other after a na, which has criticised similar not be hurt by continuous rains, traders said, while its main rice grow- equipment and technology,” Suga joint statement following their meeting at Indonesian Presidential Palace in Bogor, Indonesia. drills as destabilising. ing region will be unaff ected. State television showed people sitting on said after discussions with Indo- The United States has been the roofs waiting for aid from rescuers in Quang Binh province, where nesian President Joko Widodo at ing rivalry between world’s big port pact on Monday. Suga must ties warmed under Abe. Like pushing for deeper collabora- fl oods have blocked roads and cut power. Bogor palace near Jakarta. powers,” an apparent reference balance Japan’s deep economic other members of Asean (the tion among Quad members as a “I have not eaten since yesterday,” an elderly woman told VTV from The Indonesian leader, widely to an intensifying confronta- ties with China with security Association of Southeast Asian bulwark against China’s growing her roof. “We have nothing, no food, no phone. Nothing.” The Interna- known as Jokowi, said during a tion between United States and concerns, including Beijing’s Nations), Indonesia is wary of regional infl uence. tional Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) in a statement said the fl oods joint media appearance that a China. Suga and his Vietnamese growing push to assert claims alienating big economic part- China has denounced the had compounded the suff ering of people already struggling from the stronger partnership between counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc over disputed East China Sea ner China and getting entangled grouping of the four democra- impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. “These fl oods are the last straw Tokyo and Jakarta was vital “es- agreed in principle on a military isles. Some in his ruling party in an intense confrontation be- cies as an attempt to contain its and will push millions of people further towards the brink of poverty,” pecially amid increasingly glar- equipment and technology ex- want to see a harder line, after tween Washington and Beijing. development. Christopher Rassi, director of the Offi ce of the Secretary-General. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 21, 2020 11 AMERICAS/BRITAIN Trump goes big on campaign trail while Biden remains cautious

AFP programme, claiming that his central message that the Repub- based on information supplied by Melania cancels rare campaign appearance due to ‘cough’: spokeswoman Washington own polling showed Biden is lican leader has failed the coun- Trump allies, regarding the sup- “imploding”. “He’s gone into try on managing the coronavirus posed discovery of incriminating President Donald Trump’s wife Melania cancelled a ing been considerably milder. hiding ... he’s been there for a crisis. information on a laptop belong- rare joint appearance with him at a campaign rally However, last week she revealed details of the illness in ith two weeks to go un- long time.” Trump is the subject of multi- ing to Hunter Biden. yesterday due to a “lingering cough” following her an unusual statement entitled My Personal Experience til Election Day, Presi- There is little visible evidence ple accusations of sexual assault, Trump took his tactics a step infection with the coronavirus, a spokeswoman said. with Covid-19, in which she said the aftermath had Wdent Donald Trump that the Democrat is really fl ag- fi nancial improprieties, and also further yesterday when he not “Mrs Trump continues to feel better every day follow- been diff icult. and Joe Biden adopted radically ging in terms of voter support is the fi rst president to run for re- only called Joe Biden “a criminal” ing her recovery from Covid-19, but with a lingering “It seemed to be a roller coaster of symptoms in the diff erent strategies to secure – two days before the fi nal tel- election after being impeached. but demanded on Fox News that cough, and out of an abundance of caution, she will days after. I experienced body aches, a cough and votes – the Republican incum- evised debate with the Republi- However, he won in 2016 in Barr “act and act fast”. not be travelling today,” Stephanie Grisham said in a headaches, and felt extremely tired most of the time,” bent ramped up his appearances can president, he appears to be part thanks to the success of a “This has to be known about statement. she said. and the Democratic challenger preparing at home. last minute push to sow doubt before the election,” Trump said. The Covid-19 respiratory disease is caused by the Melania Trump said that in contrast to the president, opted to hunker down at home. In fact, polls show Trump about the honesty of his oppo- According to a new poll from coronavirus. who took an intense therapy of experimental drugs After two campaign rallies on down or in a tight contest in most nent Hillary Clinton. the New York Times/Siena Col- The first lady’s appearance with Trump in Erie, Pennsyl- and received oxygen to assist his breathing, “I chose to Monday in Arizona, the 74-year- of the swing states that decide This time, he has dusted off lege, Biden has a nine-point lead vania, was to have been her first at a campaign rally in go a more natural route in terms of medicine, opting old Trump headed yesterday to presidential races, but he believes that playbook again. nationally. more than a year. more for vitamins and healthy food”. Pennsylvania, making a new push a combination of frenetic cam- His 2020 attack centres on a Although this refl ects the con- Trump, the first lady and their teenage son Barron all It was only in that statement that she revealed that in the battleground state seen as paigning and scorched earth per- conspiracy theory about the Bi- sensus of polls, there are outliers, tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month. Barron, 14, had also become infected, although he has vital to his re-election bid – al- sonal attacks on Biden are giving den family’s business activities. including IBD/TIPP, which ac- The president was hospitalised for three nights and since recovered. though a rare appearance by fi rst him new momentum. Crowds at Trump’s rallies have curately predicted the 2016 shock later said he’d risked death, but now appears to have Trump has been holding at least one election rally a lady Melania Trump was called Trump went on the off en- even repurposed the old anti- result and sees a much tighter recovered. day in the last two weeks before Election Day but he off at the last minute (see ac- sive as fi ercely as ever yesterday, Clinton chant for Biden, shout- race now, with Biden only 2.3 The first lady’s coronavirus case was described as hav- has not appeared on stage with his wife since 2019. companying report). fl ooding the zone with an intense ing “lock him up”. points ahead. The former vice-president, pursuit of a murky story paint- According to Trump, Biden’s Pennsylvania is one of the half- 77 – who is leading Trump in ing Biden as corrupt, calling on personally-troubled son Hunt- dozen states that Trump more or he won in the long-time Demo- him as an irresponsible leader A key element in this year’s the polls ahead of the November US Attorney-General Bill Barr to er sold access to his father in less has to win to hold on to the cratic bastion in 2016, highlight- who panicked – the president is campaign is early voting, which 3 showdown at the ballot box – investigate his “criminal” oppo- Ukraine and China when he was presidency. ing his ability to woo the white, milking frustration in places like is at record highs amid fears meanwhile did not schedule any nent. vice-president to Barack Obama. Polls show Biden ahead, non-college educated, working Pennsylvania with the economic about the spread of the virus. public events for the second day However, just over two weeks The narrative has been given though a Reuters/Ipsos poll this class vote with his rhetoric. impact of shutdowns and social So far, some 34mn Americans running. ago Trump was hospitalised with new life on the eve of the election week showed the gap narrowing. While Biden continues to try distancing. have already cast ballots, accord- “Things are changing fast,” Covid-19 and Biden had the fi eld with the release of a story in the Trump’s choice of Erie for the to focus on Trump’s handling “We will never shut down” ing to the independent US Elec- Trump told the Fox & Friends to himself, hammering home his Trump-friendly New York Post, rally yesterday matters because of the pandemic – depicting again, Trump said yesterday. tions Project.

Most would get Covid vaccine if off ered by UK ramps up Covid govt or employer: poll

Reuters Many are being squeezed London into a matter of months for a process that would typically take 10 years or longer. rules in Manchester ost people would get Scott Ratzan, co-leader of a Covid-19 vaccine Business Partners to CON- AFP Mif their government VINCE and lecturer at CUNY Manchester or employer recommended it, Graduate School of Public results of a global poll showed Health and Health Policy, said yesterday, amid growing con- that the data demonstrated di- rime Minister Boris John- cerns about public distrust of minished public trust. son said yesterday that the shots being developed at “It will be tragic if we de- Phe will impose tougher speed to end the pandemic. velop safe and eff ective vac- coronavirus restrictions on the The Covid-19 disease is cines and people refuse to take English city of Manchester, de- caused by the coronavirus. them,” he said in an e-mail. fying local leaders who bitterly Some 71.5% of participants “We need to develop a robust opposed the move without extra said they would be very or and sustained eff ort to address cash. somewhat likely to take a Cov- vaccine hesitancy and rebuild He said the city region of id-19 vaccine and 61.4% re- public confi dence in the per- around 2.8mn residents would ported they would accept their sonal, family, and community enter the highest risk category employer’s recommendation benefi ts of immunisations.” from Friday but, for the fi rst time to do so, according to the sur- Reporting a willingness to under a new system of localised vey in June of more than 13,000 get vaccinated might not be curbs, would do so without the people in 19 countries. necessarily a good predictor of support of its mayor and other Prime Minister Johnson: Given The poll was overseen by the acceptance, as vaccine deci- leaders. the public health situation, I Vaccine Confi dence Project sions can change over time. The Conservative premier said must now proceed with moving (VCP), a global surveillance Also the poll took place be- that ministers had spent 10 days Greater Manchester to the ‘Very programme on vaccine trust fore Russia started the mass trying to reach an agreement High’ alert level. funded by the European Com- inoculation of its population with Greater Manchester mayor mission and pharmaceuti- with its Sputnik V shot before Andy Burnham and that the gov- Northern Ireland last week cal companies among others, full studies had been com- ernment had made a “generous announced it would shut down as well as Business Partners pleted, and AstraZeneca had off er” of financial support. nightspots and restaurants for a to CONVINCE, a US/British to pause its late-stage study “The mayor didn’t accept month and extended the school initiative that is partly govern- in September due to a partici- this, unfortunately, and given Burnham: At no point today were we off ered enough to protect the poorest people in our communities. holidays, while Wales will im- ment funded. pant’s illness. the public health situation, I pose a two-week shutdown from All respondents, regardless Last month, nine leading US must now proceed with moving deadline of midday yesterday for public at this diffi cult time, and National Labour leader Keir Friday. of nationality, said they would and European vaccine devel- Greater Manchester to the ‘Very an agreement. we need to carry them with us, Starmer said the collapse of the However, Johnson is persisting be less likely to accept a Cov- opers issued a pledge to uphold High’ alert level,” Johnson said at He had been holding out on not crush their spirit.” talks was “a sign of government with a more localised strategy for id-19 vaccine if it were man- scientifi c standards and testing a press conference. agreeing to shut nightspots and The Manchester mayor said failure” and accused Johnson’s England. dated by employers. rigour. “I do regret this ... we would other venues, warning that low- Johnson’s government had Conservatives of treating com- Manchester joins the city of There were regional diff er- Last week, Facebook said it have a better chance of defeating paid workers could sink deeper steadfastly refused to meet his munities in Manchester and Liverpool and nearby county of ences in responses though, would start banning ads that the virus if we work together,” he into poverty unless the govern- demands for a package of £65mn other hard-hit parts of England Lancashire in entering the high- highlighting the polarisation in explicitly discouraged people added. ment improved its fi nancial off er. ($84mn), which he called “the “with contempt”. est of the government’s three- attitudes on the topic. from getting vaccinated. The acrimonious split threat- “At no point today were we of- bare minimum to prevent a win- Britain has suff ered Europe’s level approach based on the local Almost 90% of participants Even before the pandemic, ens to undermine Johnson’s lat- fered enough to protect the poor- ter of real hardship here”. worst death toll from coronavi- prevalence of the coronavirus. in China said they accepted a it was a growing challenge for est strategy of local lockdowns est people in our communities,” Burnham was visibly shocked rus, with nearly 44,000 deaths, Under that regime, many vaccine, but the rate in Russia public health bodies. across England – other parts Burnham told reporters, fl anked when presented with news live despite imposing a nationwide nightspots and other venues will was less than 55%. In January 2019 the WHO of the UK set their own rules – by leaders from several sur- on air that the government, in- stay-at-home order in late be closed for four weeks and resi- In France, the positive re- named vaccine hesitancy as which he hopes will allow him to rounding towns that make up the stead of its reported off er of March. dents will be barred from meet- sponse rate 58.89%, com- one of the top 10 global health avoid the kind of national shut- Greater Manchester region. £60mn, was now reverting to an With fears of a second wave – ing anybody outside their house- pared with 75.4% in the United threats for that year. down imposed in March. “I don’t believe we can proceed initial package worth just £22mn. more than 21,000 new cases and hold indoors. States, and 71.48% in Britain. Countries where acceptance Shortly before he spoke, Burn- as a country on this basis through He called on parliament to in- 241 new deaths were reported Talks are ongoing this week At least 60-70% of the exceeded 80% tended to be ham, from the main opposition the pandemic by grinding com- tervene to ensure a “fair fi nan- yesterday – its four devolved with several other northern Eng- population would need to have East Asian nations, including Labour party, hit out at the gov- munities down through punish- cial lockdown”, but also urged governments are adopting diff er- lish regions with the highest vi- immunity to break the chain China, South Korea and Sin- ernment for walking away from ing fi nancial negotiations,” he residents to comply with the new ent levels of restrictions to con- rus rates, which also face enter- of transmission, according to gapore, where there is strong the talks after Johnson had set a added. “We are asking a lot of the rules. tain infection rates. ing the category. the World Health Organisation trust in central governments, (WHO). the study found. Respondents were aged 18 A relatively-high tendency ‘The Dude’ years or older from 19 coun- toward acceptance in middle- tries from among the top 35 income countries, such as Bra- has cancer countries aff ected by the pan- zil, India and South Africa, was Two Uruguayan ex-presidents quit politics demic in terms of cases per also observed. US film star Jeff Bridges million population. Age also aff ected attitudes. announced on Monday that The results will likely stir Older people were more AFP year’s election by centre-right he has been diagnosed with the debate about how to over- likely to report that they would Montevideo leader Luis Lacalle Pou. lymphoma, a form of cancer that come public safety concerns, take a vaccine, whereas young- The veteran politician gained starts in the body’s infection- particularly in Western coun- er respondents were more like- international recognition for fighting cells called lymphocytes. tries, about the frenetic speed ly to accept an employer’s vac- wo former Uruguayan his unconventional style, but at Bridges, 70, who is best known of work to develop vaccines, cine recommendation. presidents – including home he was a controversial fi g- for his role as a tipsy slacker in potentially hampering eff orts This fi nding might refl ect Tthe iconic Jose Mujica ure due to his guerrilla past. the Coen brothers’ cult classic to control the pandemic and who was actually employed or known as the world’s “poorest” He was part of the MLN- The Big Lebowski, did not give revive the global recovery. employable at the time of the leader during his term in offi ce – Tupumaros rebels that waged much detail about his condition. There are about 200 Cov- survey which was an issue they resigned from frontline politics an insurgency during the 1960s “As the Dude would say ... new id-19 vaccine candidates in de- did not investigate, it said. yesterday. and 70s against democratic gov- (expletive) has come to light. velopment globally, including Mujica, 85 – a former left- ernments. I have been diagnosed with more than 40 in human clinical „ Scientists raise alarm over wing guerrilla – said that the Many Uruguayans blamed lymphoma. Although it is a trials to test for safety and ef- signs of vaccine ‘hesitancy/ coronavirus pandemic was be- them for provoking the 1973 serious disease, I feel fortunate fectiveness. Page 12 hind his decision as he suff ers military coup that ushered in that I have a great team of from a weakened immune sys- a dictatorship that lasted until doctors and the prognosis is tem. Former presidents Sanguinetti (right) and Mujica attend their last 1985. good. I’m starting treatment Asbestos town to have a new name Julio Maria Sanguinetti, who session as senators yesterday at the Congress in Montevideo. Mujica spent a decade in pris- and will keep you posted on was Uruguay’s fi rst president on during that time, much of it my recovery,” he said on social The Canadian town Asbestos has voted to rename itself “Val-des- following the end of the dicta- “Honestly, I’m going because by old age and illness.” in solitary confi nement. media. Sources”, the mayor announced on Monday, in a hope to shed its torship, said his decision was the pandemic is tossing me out,” He said he was leaving “with Sanguinetti, 84, served two Bridges has been nominated association with the deadly mineral. taken before last year’s election. said Mujica, who was a serving great regret” but that he was terms as president, from 1985- seven times for an Oscar, finally Asbestos, a town 100km from Montreal with a population of 6,700, Mujica became a cult fi gure senator. “grateful, with many memories 1990 and 1995-2000. winning for his performance is historically entwined with the nearby Jeff rey asbestos mine, during his 2010-15 presidency “Being a senator means talk- and deep nostalgia”. He said he was standing down of an ageing country singer in which was active until 2012. for giving away most of his sal- ing to people and going all over Mujica is one of the top of- as a senator due to “the need to 2009’s Crazy Heart. But the town decided to change its name mostly for economic ary and an austere lifestyle the place. The game isn’t played fi cials in the leftist Broad Front serve as general secretary of the In a follow-up tweet, Bridges reasons, after years of losing the PR war ever since asbestos was that included driving an old in offi ces,” he added. coalition that spent 15 years in Colorado Party” as well as jour- thanked well-wishers for their declared cancer-causing by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Volkswagen Beetle. “And I’m doubly threatened, power until it was ousted in last nalistic commitments. messages of support. in the 1980s. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 EUROPE

Quake forces France and Spain edging MPs to stop work

AFP closer to 1mn Covid cases Reykjavik „ Spain considers curfews to ing the cumulative death toll to to 34,210, including 40 deaths in “A curfew would mean ... that started drawing up their own re- late night gatherings where the fight new coronavirus wave 33,885. the past 24 hours alone. at some hours there’s no mobil- strictions to tackle a surge in virus might easily spread. he Icelandic capital Rey- „ Italy’s regions impose The number of people in hos- Imposing a curfew in Madrid ity, like France has done for ex- Covid-19 cases. Campania, which is cen- kjavik was shaken yester- patchwork restrictions to pital with Covid-19 rose by 797 – one of Europe’s hotspots of the ample,” he said. The Italian government im- tred on Naples, said yesterday Tday by a magnitude 5.6 tame Covid-19 surge to 12,458, the biggest single-day pandemic – and possibly beyond France last week ordered a posed a nationwide lockdown that it would follow suit, while earthquake, forcing parliament increase since early April. would require invoking a state of curfew in Paris and eight other when the epidemic took hold in the northern Piedmont region, to briefl y pause its session but Reuters The number of people in in- emergency, Illa said. cities from 9pm to 6am. March, but with a second wave centred on Turin, announced it infl icting no harm or injuries. Paris/Madrid/Rome tensive care rose by 78 to 2,177. Any such measure lasting The Socialist-led Spanish now sweeping the country it has would shutter shopping centres The tremor at 1343 GMT last- The Spanish government is more than two weeks would re- coalition government declared urged local authorities to decide at the weekend. ed several seconds, with the im- meanwhile considering new re- quire the support of some oppo- a two-week state of emergency what is best for their own re- Campania emerged largely pact being felt across the north rance again reported more strictions, including possible sition parties, he added. on October 9 to impose a partial gions. unscathed from the initial wave Atlantic island nation. than 20,000 new con- curfews, in hard-hit regions like But that could prove challeng- lockdown in and around Madrid, “We are in a completely diff er- of the epidemic, but has seen a MPs in the Reykjavik par- Ffi rmed coronavirus infec- Madrid to tackle a new wave of ing in Spain’s deeply polarised meaning people can leave their ent situation to the fi rst wave,” recent jump in infections. liament building froze during tions in a day, a total of 20,468, coronavirus, Health Minister parliament. homes but must remain within Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte The region has already or- the quake, television images after the daily tally dipped to Salvador Illa said yesterday. Towards the end of Spain’s the city. told a news conference. dered the closure of all its showed, and they stopped work 13,243 on Monday. The country, which has West- fi rst state of emergency lock- Following weeks of disagree- “We must enter into the logic schools until the end of October for around 15 minutes. The coronavirus causes the ern Europe’s highest caseload, downs from March to June, the ment between regional and na- that restrictive measures can be and the mayor of Naples, Luigi Buildings shook in the capi- Covid-19 respiratory disease. is also likely to surpass 1mn in- opposition opposed any further tional authorities over what pol- arranged at a local level by re- de Magistris, said yesterday that tal and a loud throbbing sound Last week, France saw fi ve fections this week and several extensions and has recently been icies to adopt, Minister Illa said gional heads and mayors when Campania risked returning to a could be heard, an AFP corre- days with more than 20,000 new regions have toughened their against extending a govern- the government would not seek their situation becomes particu- rigid lockdown because the virus spondent said. cases per day and two days with coronavirus restrictions in the ment-ordered partial lockdown an extension of its decree after it larly worrying,” he said. was “out of control”. Iceland’s meteorological in- more than 30,000. past few days. in Madrid. expires on Friday. Some local leaders have ac- “We have just 15 intensive care stitute said the epicentre of the The total now stands at “We have very tough weeks The Madrid region’s top health However, he said yet unspeci- cused central government of beds left,” he told state broad- quake lay about 20km outside 930,745 and looks set to jump ahead, winter is coming,” Illa offi cial, Enrique Ruiz Escudero, fi ed tough restrictions would shirking its responsibility, but caster RAI. the capital near the Seltun geo- above the 1mn mark before the told reporters. “The second told Spanish news agency Eu- have to be imposed in Madrid for mayors and regional chiefs are Italy recorded 10,874 new thermal area, which has been hit end of this week if the trend con- wave is no longer a threat, it is a ropa Press earlier that authori- three weeks in any case. starting to respond. coronavirus cases in the last 24 by several tremors since January. tinues. reality in all of Europe.” ties were evaluating whether a Meanwhile, Italy’s southern The northern region of Lom- hours, up from 9,338 the day be- “There were no reports of The health ministry also re- Spain added 13,873 cases yes- curfew was needed but they did Campania region said yester- bardy, which has borne the brunt fore. injuries or damage” from the ported 262 new deaths, includ- terday, bringing the cumulative not have the power to enforce it day that it planned to intro- of the contagion in Italy, decided There were 89 deaths and 73 earthquake, Iceland’s civil pro- ing a multi-day batch of 100 total to 988,322. and would have to ask the central duce a nighttime curfew from on Monday to introduce a curfew new patients hospitalised in the tection agency said in a state- from retirement homes, push- The death toll jumped by 218 government. the weekend, while other areas from 11pm to 5am, to shut down intensive care units. ment. Pope Francis wears City to use fl owers a mask for the fi rst to stop chaining of time at public event bicycles to bridges Reuters leader of Orthodox Christians. Rome Simultaneously in other loca- Amsterdam authorities miles) of cycle lanes. tions in Rome, Jews were praying say canal views blighted The coronavirus pandemic in the city’s synagogue and Bud- by bikes and pedestrians has further promoted a trend ope Francis wore a mask dhist, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim pushed off pavements away from the car and public for the fi rst time at a public leaders also prayed for peace. transport. Pfunction yesterday when The event took place as the By Daniel Boff ey A report from the Dutch he and other religious leaders at- number of people who have test- Guardian News & Media knowledge institute for mo- tended a prayer service for peace ed positive for the coronavirus bility policy this month found around the world. has risen steadily in Italy in the that the average distance cov- The Pope wore a white mask past few weeks. msterdam prides it- ered by bike had increased during the service at the Rome Italy recorded 10,874 new self on being one of the from 3.4km in September 2019 Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara- coronavirus cases in the last 24 Aworld’s most cyclist- to 4.1km in July of this year. coeli. hours, up from 9,338 on Monday. Pope Francis stands as young faithfuls wave during a ceremony for peace with representatives from friendly cities. But even the More than a third (37%) of Previously he wore masks only The coronavirus causes the various religions in Rome’s Campidoglio. Dutch capital has its limits. those avoiding public trans- in a car taking him to his weekly Covid-19 respiratory disease. The municipality has com- port because of the corona- audiences in the Vatican. There has also been a rela- It was scaled down this year both Christian and non-Chris- of war endured by the world’s plained that the views of some virus were jumping on their He had come under some tively small spike in the Vatican, because of the coronavirus pan- tian religious leaders read ad- peoples.” of the most beautiful canals are bicycle. criticism, particularly on social where four members of the Swiss demic. dresses, some with messages to Francis said the pandemic being blighted while pedestri- About half of those said they media, for not wearing a mask at Guards, the elite and colourfully The Pope took off his mask politicians. had shown that “no one is saved ans are being forced into the would continue using the bike his general audiences and some- dressed corps that protects the while he read his address, as did “Peace is the priority of all alone”. street by the accumulation of more when coronavirus re- times coming in relatively close Pope, have also tested positive other leaders when they spoke, politics,” Francis said. “God will Justin Welby, the Archbishop bikes being tied to bridge rail- strictions were fi nally lifted. contact with visitors. for Covid-19. but put it back on when he fi n- ask an accounting of those who of Canterbury and spiritual lead- ings. The massing of cycles on the Francis, 83, attended the serv- The annual event was started ished speaking. failed to seek peace, or who fo- er of the world’s Anglicans, was As a result, the council has city’s bridges is not the only ice with other Christian leaders by the late pope John Paul and The event continued in the mented tensions and confl icts. to have attended the event but decided that wooden plant and unintended consequence. in the basilica, including the Pa- Rome’s Catholic Community of adjacent Campidoglio square de- “He will call them to account could not because of Covid-19 fl ower baskets should be placed The travellers association, triarch Bartholomew, spiritual Sant’ Egido in 1986. signed by Michelangelo, where for all the days, months and years restrictions. on the busiest canal bridges in the Algemene Nederlandse an attempt to persuade cyclists Wielrijders-Bond (ANWB), to fi nd other parking spots. has called for an improvement “Due to the large number of of safety standards around bicycles parked at the bridge crowded Dutch bike lanes. Scientists raise alarm over signs of vaccine ‘hesitancy’ railings, Frits van Bruggen, ANWB’s pedestrians no longer fi t on director, told the NL Times: the narrow sidewalks and walk “Before the coronavirus cri- AFP In a new study published yes- contain this pandemic.” Health, found greater acceptance part of the vaccine development on the roadway”, a spokesman sis, we already had full cycle Paris terday in Nature Medicine, re- Researchers found that people of vaccines among people earn- team at Imperial College in Lon- said. “This creates unsafe situ- paths and more and more two- searchers in Spain, the United who had least faith in their gov- ing more than $32 a day. don. “TikTok is a new frontier for ations.” wheelers at diff erent speeds. States and Britain surveyed ernments were less likely to ac- They also found older people me but I’m enthusiastic about The baskets will be main- “E-bikes, e-scooters, bi- cientists called for urgent 13,400 in 19 countries hit hard by cept a vaccine – and even those were more likely to accept a vac- demystifying our work and mak- tained by visitors to drop-in cycles, cargo bikes also in action to improve public Covid-19 and found that while who had been ill with the virus cine than those under 22. ing it accessible to the world.” centres frequented by the electric, racing bikes, and the Strust in immunisation as 72% said they would be immu- were not more likely to respond In a new initiative launched Earlier this month a study in city’s homeless community. e-scooter. Not all of them can research suggested sizeable mi- nised, 14% would refuse, and the positively. yesterday and supported by the the journal Royal Society Open To create extra space for the ride side by side.” norities in some nations may be remaining 14% would hesitate. While in China 88% of re- Vaccine Alliance Gavi, scientists Science found up to one-third cyclists away from the bridg- “I am 100% sure that we reluctant to be vaccinated against When extrapolated across spondents said they would take involved in vaccine development of people in some countries may es, car parking spots will also will have even more victims Covid-19. whole populations this could “a proven, safe and eff ective vac- will appear in a series of videos believe coronavirus misinforma- make way for more bike stands because we cycle and take the The Covid-19 respiratory dis- amount to tens of millions of cine”, the highest of all the coun- on social media to help raise pub- tion and in turn be less open to by the canals. car more because we no longer ease is caused by the coronavirus. people who may avoid vaccina- tries surveyed, the proportion lic confi dence in their work. immunisation. Amsterdam has more bikes dare to use public transport,” With few eff ective treatments tion, the authors said. dipped to 75% in the US and was The researchers and clinicians And recent research from Cor- than people, with 767km (478 he added. and no cure for the coronavirus, “These fi ndings should be a as low as 55% in Russia. in the UK, the US, South Africa, nell University found that US companies and governments are call to action for the internation- “We found that the problem India and Brazil will be posting President Donald Trump was the racing to develop vaccines in a al health community,” said co- of vaccine hesitancy is strongly under the hashtag #TeamHalo – world’s biggest driver of Cov- Danish sub murderer recaptured bid to arrest the pandemic. author Heidi Larson, who runs related with a lack of trust in a reference to the circle of global id-19 misinformation, because But there is increasing con- the Vaccine Confi dence Project government,” said study co- scientifi c endeavour – on Tik- of his promotion of what the re- Peter Madsen, who was convicted of killing Swedish journalist cern that “vaccine hesitancy” is at London School of Hygiene and ordinator Jeff rey Lazarus, of the Tok, Twitter and Instagram. searchers termed “miracle cures”. Kim Wall in a self-built submarine in 2017, was caught by Danish also on the rise, with misinfor- Tropical Medicine. “If we do not Barcelona Institute for Global “I’m used to spending time authorities yesterday after he briefly escaped from prison. mation and mistrust colouring start building vaccine literacy Health. pipetting samples and analys- „ Most would get Covid Madsen forced his way out of the prison, located just outside of people’s acceptance of scientifi c and restoring public trust in sci- The study, released at the Un- ing data,” said Anna Blakney, a vaccine if off ered by govt or Copenhagen, using objects resembling a gun and a bomb belt and advances. ence today, we cannot hope to ion World Conference on Lung participating bioengineer who is employer: poll / Page 11 holding a prison employee hostage, local police said. Madsen was sentenced to life in prison in 2018 for murdering, mutilating, and dismembering Wall aboard the submarine in Copenhagen harbour. Madsen was arrested less than a kilometre from the prison, five minutes after police were alerted, police chief Mogens Lauridsen Armenia, Azerbaijan foreign ministers to meet Pompeo told reporters at a press briefing. When police found him, Madsen had forced his way into a van and was pulled out by off icers and handcuff ed. AFP yan will both meet Pompeo in to no impact on the ground. Their long-simmering confl ict held by Armenian forces. Yerevan/Baku Washington on Friday, the two Yerevan says 772 Armenian erupted again on September 27 in In an address to the nation foreign ministries said. soldiers and 36 civilians have fi erce clashes that raised alarm yesterday, Azerbaijani President Killer ‘in contact with pupil’s father’ However, they both ruled out a been killed in the current fl are- over the failure of decades-long Ilham Aliyev said the army had he foreign ministers of Ar- possibility of a trilateral meeting. up of fi ghting. international mediation. taken control of some 20 more A man who beheaded a history teacher outside Paris last week had menia and Azerbaijan will World powers including Rus- Baku reported 63 civilian cas- Along with France and Russia, villages in Azerbaijan’s Arme- been in contact with a parent who was leading an online campaign Tmeet separately this week sia and the United States have ualties and has yet to disclose its the US co-chairs the so-called nian-held districts surrounding against the teacher, police sources said yesterday. with US Secretary of State Mike expressed dismay that there has military losses. Minsk Group of international Karabakh. The 18-year-old killer had exchanged messages on WhatsApp with Pompeo as world powers seek to been no let-up in more than three Azerbaijan and the Armenian mediators to the Karabakh peace However Armenian Prime the man, who wanted Samuel Paty fired after his daughter told him halt the fi ghting over Nagorno- weeks of fi ghting over Nagorno- separatists who control its Kara- talks since the 1994 ceasefi re. Minister Nikol Pashinyan urged about what transpired during a lesson on free speech. Karabakh, the two sides said yes- Karabakh. bakh region have been locked in a Azerbaijan has repeatedly international recognition of Ka- The father is one of 16 people being held over the killing that has terday. A truce was agreed earlier this bitter impasse over the fate of the claimed military success in the rabakh, claiming on Twitter that sent shock waves through France. Azerbaijan Foreign Minister month in Moscow and another mountainous province since a current fi ghting by taking control making Armenians there “live Abdullakh Anzorov, who is of Chechen origin, launched the attack Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian this weekend. war in the 1990s that left 30,000 of areas both within Karabakh under Azerbaijani rule violates as Paty was returning home on Friday from the junior high school counterpart, Zohrab Mnatsakan- But the accords have had next people dead. and other Azerbaijani territory international law”. where he taught in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, northwest of Paris. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 21, 2020 13 INDIA

POLITICS ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE CONTROVERSY CRIME Kamal Nath’s remark BJP eyes Suresh Gopi Andhra urges Centre to Legislator off ers to quit Criminal who shot at unfortunate: Rahul for Nemom assembly seat speed up airport work if charges are proved police off icer held

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi yesterday said Malayalam actor and Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party legislator The Gurugram police yesterday arrested dreaded he “did not appreciate” a remark by senior Gopi will in all likelihood contest next year’s Rajendranath Reddy has urged the central Lokendra Pratap Singh said yesterday he was criminal Sombir who was on the run after shooting party leader and former Madhya Pradesh assembly elections from Nemom in Kerala as a government to speed up construction of the willing to resign if allegations against him were and injuring a police inspector in September, chief minister Kamal Nath against a woman Bharatiya Janata Party candidate, a top party Bhogapuram airport near Visakhapatnam. He found to be true. Singh came under fire when off icials said. Sombir was overpowered and minister of the state. “Personally I don’t like the source said. The Kerala assembly polls are likely met Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri his supporters created a ruckus in his presence arrested from after a brief shootout during which type of language he used; I don’t appreciate to be held in May and the state BJP unit has in New Delhi to discuss the airport. Bhogapuram at a police station where police had detained he fired at the police in a bid to escape. A country- it, regardless of who he is. It is unfortunate,” started to zero in on its candidates in certain airport is planned to be single-runway airport, a party worker for misbehaving with a woman made pistol, two cartridges and a motorcycle Gandhi told reporters on the second day of his crucial seats. In 2016, BJP candidate and former capable of handling the world’s largest aircraft. constable. The MLA’s supporters forcibly took were seized from him. “Sombir alias Chand alias visit to his parliamentary constituency Wayanad federal minister O Rajagopal created history by Some key facilities planned at the airport include away the party worker with them late Friday David alias Govind of Jind district was riding the in Kerala. While campaigning for assembly by- winning the first-ever assembly seat for the BJP, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) night. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and motorcycle when he was intercepted by police on elections Nath used the word ‘item’ for Imarti which until then had drawn a blank in the 140 facility, research and development centre, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed the Uttar Kartarpuri Road. Police asked him to stop but he Devi, who is a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata member Kerala Legislative Assembly. “Rajagopal, test laboratories. The minister said the Andhra Pradesh government. Singh said in a statement fired and tried to flee but was overpowered. No Party. While the BJP turned aggressive and even who has had a long innings in politics is now 91 Pradesh government has sought permission that the Congress was “inappropriately one was hurt,” police off icer Preet Pal Sangwan held ‘silent protests’ on Monday across Madhya years old. So, the party’s state unit doesn’t wish from the Director General of Civil Aviation politicising the issue. I will immediately resign if said. “The accused will be taken on police remand Pradesh to protest against the Congress leader’s to take any chances. We have zeroed in on Gopi, (DGCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) for any allegations are found to be true”. However, for questioning. Further probe is on,” he added. remark against the state’s Women and Child who is a hugely popular figure cutting across Orvakal airport near Kurnool. Reddy said that police have registered a case against five people Sombir is involved in several cases of murder, Development minister, the Congress accused the the political spectrum,” the BJP source said on Orvakal airport has been completed and would including Shibu Singh, the party worker who was attempt to murder and theft in Gurugram, Sonipat, ruling party of trying to misinterpret the word. condition of anonymity. be inaugurated in November. allegedly freed from the police station. Jind, and Bhiwani districts. ‘No time-frame’ for release of Chinese soldier, says govt offi cial

Agencies time take part in naval exercises New Delhi with India, Japan and the United States in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile the Indian army’s Chinese soldier detained vice chief of staff , Lieutenant after straying into Indian General S K Saini, is in the United Aterritory near their high- States for talks and to seek other altitude frontier will be handed equipment for use in the China back “after formalities are com- border showdown, government pleted”, New Delhi said yester- sources said. day. India also said yesterday it Both sides have engaged in planned to build 10 tunnels, a tense standoff along their totalling more than 100km in 3,500km border since a bat- length, in high-altitude areas of tle in June left at least 20 Indian the Ladakh and Kashmir regions soldiers dead, as well as an un- for smooth movement of the specifi ed number of Chinese military throughout the year. Motorcyclists take out a rally to raise awareness about the use of wearing face masks and social distancing norms against the spread of Covid-19, in Amritsar, Punjab yesterday. casualties. The Border Roads Organisa- India announced Monday that tion (BRO) has proposed eight a corporal named Wang Ya Long tunnels to enhance all-weather had been “apprehended” in the connectivity to Ladakh and harsh mountainous area of La- Kashmir, and to forward areas in dakh. both regions. Colonel Zhang Shuili, a Chi- “A few tunnels would be at the nese military spokesman, said 17,000ft level, to connect for- Wang got lost while looking for ward locations,” a source said. Govt committed to Covid Tibetan herdsman’s yak. Among those planned is the “We hope that the Indian side 7km Khardung La Tunnel, con- will live up to its promise to hand necting Leh to the Nubra Valley, over the missing Chinese soldier a strategically important area of as soon as possible” to “maintain Ladakh bordering both China peace and tranquillity” on the and Pakistan. vaccine for all, says Modi border, he said in a statement. Another 8km tunnel, at An Indian government offi cial 17,580ft level, is planned to con- said yesterday that Wang “was nect Karu to Tangste in Lada- Agencies pictures and videos where it It also reported 587 deaths, task force and we will take into if antibodies start depleting well”, but his release would come kh, and will ensure all weather New Delhi was clearly seen that people taking the total to 115,197. cognisance the results of these from the body,” he added. only “after completion of for- movement to areas close to the were not taking precautions to Experts have warned that in- trials and issue advisories ac- Bhargava also stressed that malities”. Pangong Lake. contain the spread of the virus. fections could rise as the holi- cordingly,” Balram Bhargava, one should not become com- “No time-frame is fi xed as of For year-round connectivity rime Minister Narendra “This is not right.” day season nears, with celebra- the Director General of ICMR, placent, and follow all precau- now,” he said, on condition of to Ladakh, another tunnel on the Modi yesterday said the Modi said India was doing tions for the festivals of Durga said. tionary measures. anonymity. Nimmu-Darcha-Padam Road, Pgovernment was working better than many developed Puja and Diwali due this month Bhargava also said patients He said the ICMR was con- India and China have poured through the Shnku La pass, is in rapidly to ensure the supply of countries in the fi ght against and in mid-November, respec- who have recovered from Cov- ducting an assessment on the tens of thousands of troops into the pipeline. Covid-19 vaccines to all citizens the coronavirus. tively. id-19 can again get infected by subject of reinfection, and its the region since the June battle The planned 7km tunnel will once they are available. He said the fatality rate in “This is not a time for care- the virus once antibodies starts result will be released shortly. despite several rounds of talks. be at a height of 16,703ft. In his address to the nation, India was 83 out of every 1mn lessness. I want everyone to depleting. Health Minister Harsh Var- Analysts say both sides are The construction of a 14km Modi urged people to continue population, whereas it was remember that we cannot be “According to the Centre for dhan had earlier said the ICMR digging for a long, hard winter tunnel has started at the over wearing masks and uphold so- more than 600 in countries like complacent in our fi ght against Disease Control, you call it a had set up a committee of ex- showdown. 11,500ft Zojila Pass to keep Sri- cial distancing rules to prevent the US, Brazil, Spain and Brit- Covid-19,” Modi said. reinfection if the person is rein- perts to study reported cases Tensions have also spilled into nagar connected with Kargil, further spread of the pandemic ain. The head of the country’s fected after 90 days from turn- of reinfection among Covid-19 civilian life, with some Indian Dras and Leh. ahead of the festive season. Earlier yesterday, India re- clinical research body, the Indi- ing negative to the Sars-CoV-2 patients. nationalists demanding a boycott Another proposed tunnel, at “Whenever the corona vac- ported its lowest daily corona- an Council of Medical Research after testing positive to it. How- According to the ICMR, three of Chinese goods, and the gov- 17,800ft, will provide alternate cine comes, how it reaches to virus caseload in nearly three (ICMR) told reporters yesterday ever, there are multiple studies cases of reinfection have been ernment banning a slew of social connectivity to Daulat Beg Oldie every Indian as soon as possible, months, as new cases continued that drugs such as the antiviral which suggest that the antibod- reported in the country – two media apps from its major rival. (DBO) and Depsang Plains in the government is also working to decline from a peak in Sep- remdesivir and anti-malaria ies that develop after Covid-19 from Mumbai and one from India is also seeking closer se- eastern Ladakh. for that,” Modi said in a short tember. drug HCQ, touted as poten- sustain for up to fi ve months,” Ahmedabad. curity ties with other countries The 10km-long tunnel is speech. The country reported 46,790 tial weapons against Covid-19, Bhargava said. The medical research body wary of China’s growing military needed at Saser La to ensure the The prime minister said lock- new infections in the last 24 were not working as expected “Since the disease is new, we had also stated that the cut-off power. 100km alternate route to DBO downs may have ended but the hours, taking its tally to nearly in India. do not have any further infor- date for depletion of antibodies Australia announced yester- can be used throughout the year, virus was still out there. 7.6mn – the second highest be- “Debate and discussion is mation about it. However, peo- set by it for the assessment is day that it would for the fi rst the source said. He said he recently saw many hind the United States. ongoing and at the national ple can recontract the infection 100 days from the infection. Army fl ood relief teams UN ‘dismayed’ at India on standby in Hyderabad arrests, NGO curbs AFP eign Contribution Regulation Geneva Act, which prohibits the receipt IANS marooned people to safe loca- Municipal Corporation (GHMC) of foreign funds “for any activities Hyderabad tions. The evacuation process is continued to shift people from prejudicial to the public interest”. still continuing with increasing fl ood-hit areas to safe places. N rights chief Michelle “The FCRA has been invoked water fl ow of Bhima and Krishna People hoping to return to Bachelet voiced her dis- over the years to justify an array uthorities have placed Rivers,” the statement said. their homes in the fl ooded areas Umay yesterday at the of highly intrusive measures,” army fl ood relief teams Following heavy rains last may have to wait longer as the arrest of activists in India and she said, including “offi cial raids Aon standby in Hyderabad week in Telangana that resulted meteorological offi ce has fore- restrictions to the work of non- on NGO offi ces and freezing of and Secunderabad for antici- in inundation of the Bandlaguda cast more rains. governmental organisations. bank accounts”. pated rescue of people as heavy area of Hyderabad, army fl ood “DRF teams are clearing stag- The United Nations High “I am concerned that such rains are forecast for the next few relief teams had evacuated 153 nant water and fallen trees in Commissioner for Human actions based on the grounds of days, offi cials said yesterday. people and had distributed a view of the heavy rains in the Rights appealed to New Delhi to vaguely defi ned ‘public interest’ The army said the teams were large number of food packets to city. All the teams are alert and safeguard the rights of human leave this law open to abuse, and kept on standby on request of stranded people. attending to emergency citizen rights defenders and NGOs. that it is indeed actually being the Telangana government. Rains continued to lash Hy- assistance calls,” GMHC offi cial Residents ride on a float through a flooded housing colony Bachelet regretted what she used to deter or punish NGOs for Nine fl ood relief teams with derabad and its outskirts yester- Viswajit Kampati said. in search of their belongings on the outskirts of Hyderabad called the application of vague- human rights reporting and ad- boats are on standby to be day, adding to the woes of people Meanwhile, there were ru- yesterday. ly worded laws that constrain vocacy that the authorities per- launched immediately if needed. already battered by heavy down- mours of breach of Meerpet lake NGOs’ activities and restrict ceive as critical in nature.” Additional teams and boats pour and fl ash fl oods twice last but authorities sought to dispel announcement, several stu- The government is likely to foreign funding. Bachelet said that activists will be sent depending on the week. them. dents replied with a request to announce a fresh schedule of “India has long had a strong and human rights defenders had situation, a Defence Ministry Hundreds of houses in Hafi z Education Minister P Sabitha cancel the examinations say- the exams later. civil society, which has been at come under mounting pressure statement said. Baba Nagar and surround- Indra Reddy clarifi ed that there ing they can’t write the exams Meanwhile, the Jawaharlal the forefront of groundbreak- in recent months, particularly “These preparations are over ing areas and in Bandlaguda, was no breach, and that some in the current situation in view Nehru Technological Univer- ing human rights advocacy,” the those involved in mass protests and above the current deploy- Mailardevpally, Nadeem Colony old videos and photographs were of the Covid-19 pandemic and sity (JNTU), Hyderabad also former Chilean president said. against the Citizenship Amend- ment of six fl ood relief teams and several colonies on the out- being circulated on social media. fl oods. announced postponement of “But I am concerned that ment Act. with boats and medical facilities skirts of Hyderabad are still un- Reddy said all examinations The decision to postpone all undergraduate and post- vaguely defi ned laws are in- More than 1,500 people have at Gulbarga and Yadgir districts der water. have been postponed due to the the exams is expected to graduate regular and supple- creasingly being used to stifl e reportedly been arrested, she of Karnataka from October 17 The Disaster Response Force fl oods. provide relief to more than mentary examinations set for these voices.” said, including 83-year-old who have already evacuated 427 (DRF) of Greater Hyderabad After the minister tweeted the 500,000 students. today and tomorrow. Bachelet took aim at the For- Catholic priest Stan Swamy. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Global eff orts needed to address debt burden of poorer countries

Concerns over rising debt levels in the developing world are nothing new. But the humanitarian and economic shocks of the coronavirus pandemic have worsened the situation. International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva on Sunday called for signifi cant steps to address the increasingly unsustainable debt burdens of some countries, urging creditors and debtors to start restructuring processes sooner rather than later. Georgieva said a six-month extension of the Group of 20 major economies’ freeze in offi cial bilateral payments would help low-income countries hammered by the pandemic, but more urgent action was needed. For sure, Georgieva’s remarks come amid growing worries Johnson’s failed Covid-19 launch about sharp increases in debt levels, especially among low- and middle-income countries hard hit by the new A 99% accurate test of 10mn infection rates within the community. trust of their respective communities. isolation, and integrate national and coronavirus, a drop in tourism and in some cases, lower oil people per day will yield For assessing the spread of a virus Every general practitioner has nasal local health systems, these funds will prices. within a given area, access to an swabs, and could be equipped to off er likely be fed into a parallel, outsourced Emerging market countries owed more than $8.4tn in 100,000 false diagnoses daily, unbiased, reasonably sized sample is testing services within a mile of where system run by consulting fi rms that are foreign currency debt, or about 30% of the developing potentially misdirecting far more important than the absolute people live. Nurses and other trained not fi t for purpose. number of tests performed. personnel could collect samples from Just when it is needed most, the world’s gross domestic product, as of the end of the fi rst health services Moreover, universal testing of the surrounding community and use UK’s public-health leadership has quarter, according to a Bloomberg report. At least $620bn everyone raises the spectre of false their standard designated courier been thrown into turmoil by the may need to be refi nanced this year, as many of these nations By Mariana Mazzucato and Anthony positives. As the government’s own services to submit the tests to National abolition of Public Health England see the worst eff ects of the pandemic. Costello statistical adviser, David Spiegelhalter, Health Service labs, which follow proper and the establishment of a National The fear is that weaker local currencies, lower government London has pointed out, a 99% accurate test procedures, unlike the labs run by Institute for Health Protection of ten million people per day will yield accountancy fi rms. (bringing together Public Health revenues, dwindling foreign reserves and a worldwide 100,000 false diagnoses daily, sowing Ignoring these options, the England, NHS Test and Trace, and recession will make it more diffi cult to keep up on foreign n old saying cautions, “Do not confusion and potentially misdirecting government has resorted to blaming the Joint Biosecurity Centre). This debt payments. mistake the fi nger pointing health services. By putting quantity others (currently “young people”) new body has been placed under the While some nations — Argentina, Lebanon and Venezuela at the moon for the moon.” before quality, the government’s when things go awry, even though the interim leadership of Baroness Dido among them — were ABy focusing too much on the moonshot planners appear not to public has been simply adhering to Harding, a politician with no formal in trouble long before means, one can lose sight of the ends. A have consulted with the UK National offi cial advice. If communities were public-health training. EM countries case in point is UK Prime Minister Boris Screening Committee. updated frequently on the state of the A chronic lack of public investment Covid-19 scared Johnson’s ambitious £100 billion ($130 A second problem concerns virus in their own area, as has been has resulted in a health crisis that is owed more than investors out of risky billion) “Operation Moonshot” to boost feasibility. Under the plan, the done in countries like South Korea and much worse than it needs to be. The assets, the virus and the the country’s Covid-19 testing capacity government would continue to rely Norway, they would be far more likely UK needs more public-sector capacity, $8.4tn in foreign lockdowns to contain it from 350,000 per day to ten million per on profi t-maximising companies to to adhere to safety protocols and trust not more outsourcing. While Johnson have had a major impact day by next spring. Owing to its design, achieve the necessary testing capacity. public authorities. The United Kingdom looks at his fi nger, his moonshot is currency debt as Johnson’s plan is at best a distraction But why should anyone expect has failed to do this, and also has not barrelling off in the wrong direction. on the balance sheets of from his government’s ongoing failure companies that failed to deal with a made good use of the 750,000 people The UK public deserves a stronger of the end of the many others. to implement an eff ective test-and- surge in testing from 700 to 7,000 per who have volunteered to support local health system. That is the “moon” we G20 leaders have trace system; at worst, it represents day be able to manage ten million per contact-tracing eff orts. should be shooting for. Achieving a fi rst quarter backed a temporary waiver a conscious eff ort to undermine the day? So, while the government is showing safe and timely landing will require of debt payments by some public sector. As Theodore Agnew of the Cabinet appropriate ambition, its actual a combination of bottom-up, cross- To be sure, a moonshot is long Offi ce and Treasury recently noted, approach leaves much to be desired. By sectoral innovation and eff ective central of the world’s poorest countries, mostly in Africa. The initiative overdue. Governments absolutely must such outsourcing has already exploiting the rhetoric of a “moonshot,” coordination. — Project Syndicate off ers a way for them to pause some of their external debt- adopt a mission-oriented approach “infantilised” the government and Johnson has done a great disservice to service payments through at least the fi rst half of 2021. to address major collective challenges resulted in low-quality delivery. In those who are working hard behind the zMariana Mazzucato, Professor in The Institute of International Finance, which represents like climate change and the Covid-19 fact, outsourcing Covid-19 testing has scenes on credible plans to mitigate the the Economics of Innovation and Public the world’s biggest fi nancial institutions, helped spearhead pandemic. A well-designed universal created as many problems as it has worst eff ects of the pandemic. Value at University College London and testing plan with a robust test-and- solved, including poor quality control, Worse, by neglecting the essential Founding Director of the UCL Institute the voluntary initiative. trace component is the key to opening a lack of data alignment with primary- philosophy of a mission-oriented for Innovation and Public Purpose, The Paris Club has recorded at least 30 bilateral the economy safely, just as widespread care physicians, and barriers to access approach — which aims to create is the author of The Entrepreneurial agreements through the initiative, and China has pursued its mobilisation of industrial production for patients (with many having to drive dynamic public-sector capabilities to State: Debunking Public vs. Private own arrangements with some debtor nations. will be crucial for the economic for miles). serve common goals — the government Sector Myths (2013) and The Value Meanwhile, the IMF granted debt waivers to at least 29 recovery. Given these obvious fl aws, the could end up further undermining of Everything: Making and Taking in But the Johnson government’s plan government’s plan looks like another public health. At £100 billion, the cost the Global Economy (2018). Anthony countries. raises concerns. First, by focusing missed opportunity. A far better of the plan amounts to 87.7% of NHS Costello is Professor of Global Health The deeper problems in the EMs stem from the excessive so much on the sheer volume of approach would be to give testing England’s total budget of £114 billion. and Sustainable Development at fi nancialisation of the global economy that has occurred tests, it ignores the central purposes contracts to local public-health Rather than being used to back local University College London and a former since the 1990s. The resultant policy dilemmas – rising of testing: to diagnose individuals, authorities and primary-care providers eff orts, improve testing access, provide director of maternal and child health at inequality, greater volatility, reduced room to manage trace their contacts, and determine with the necessary expertise and fi nancial support to those in self- the World Health Organisation. the real economy – are seen continuing to preoccupy policymakers in the decades ahead. Without a signifi cant home-grown investor base, supported by futuristic policy initiatives and structural reforms, countries risk a return to the old boom-bust cycles of the 20th century. And part of the challenge will be to rebuild macroeconomic buff ers that have been depleted during years of fiscal and monetary stimulus. The G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative has helped 44 countries defer $5bn to spend on mitigating the Covid-19 crisis. But its effi cacy has been limited by the absence of private creditors and China’s failure to include all state- owned institutions. More than 100 nations have now asked the IMF for help, and there has been a co-ordinated eff ort to ease the pressure. Longer-term relief would need the backing of multilateral organisations, bilateral lenders and private creditors.

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DISTRACTION: Boris Johnson’s plan is at best a distraction from his government’s ongoing failure to implement an eff ective test-and-trace system; at worst, it represents a © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved conscious eff ort to undermine the public sector, say the writers. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, October 21, 2020 15 PAKISTAN

Afghan leader meets prime minister Pakistan 15th most powerful in Asia based on diplomatic sway: report

Internews (-0.2) points. The score for economic coronavirus pandemic has also af- Islamabad capability remained unchanged this fected the economic forecast of the year. country for 2030. Pakistan’s major improvement has India also slipped into 7th position akistan has been listed as the been in future resources measures, for economic relationships, as it falls 15th most powerful country in where it is placed on 7th rank refl ect- further behind in regional trade inte- PAsia on the Lowy Institute Asia ing an anticipated demographic divi- gration eff orts. The decision to with- Power Index with biggest gains in dip- dend to 2050. Its lowest ranking is in draw from the Regional Comprehen- lomatic infl uence, according to a re- the economic relationships measure, sive Economic Partnership has been cently released report on the subject coming in at 20th place. damaging in this regard. by Sydney-based Lowy Institute Asia In 2020, Pakistan saw its greatest The Australian think-tank outlined Power Index aimed at qualifying and improvement in economic capability, that the inaugural index ranked 25 tracking the wealth and infl uence of resilience and diplomatic infl uence, countries in Asia based on their overall nations on the continent. where it moved up one place. Howev- infl uence, which was calculated using Prime Minister Imran Khan and his er, it has also slipped by two places in eight measures of power and 114 sub- team took productive measures to im- the defence networks measure relative indicators. prove diplomatic relations with other to 2019, the report mentioned. The eight measures listed in the in- countries, enhancing trade and eco- Pakistan’s negative power gap also dex were economic resources, military nomic ties, the report said. improved in 2020, the report stated. capability, resilience, future trends. It stated that in 2020, Pakistan had On the other hand, Pakistan’s diplomatic infl uence, economic rela- the biggest gains in diplomatic infl u- neighbour India lost the most points tionships, defence networks and cul- ence with (+3.8) points. However, it in cultural infl uence with (-5.3) points. tural infl uence. lost some points in cultural infl uence Elsewhere, it trended down in future Pakistan was rated 15th on the over- with (-3.9). resources with (-4.9) points, eco- all power ranking, scoring 15.2 out of a Elsewhere, it improved in resilience nomic relationships at (-2.9) points maximum of 100. Other key fi ndings Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, chief of Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan, (left), met with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad with (+1.3) points and future resources and diplomatic infl uence with (-2.6) highlighted in the report noted that yesterday. The two discussed matters related to Afghan peace process and bilateral relations. The prime minister (+1.2) points, while trending down in points. three of the four largest economies in said lasting peace in Afghnaistan can only be achieved through a political settlement accepted by the Afghan defence networks with (-1.9) points. The report maintained that India’s the world were now from Asia and that people. Earlier a Foreign Off ice statement in Islamabad said that Pakistan will continue to play the role of a facilitator Its military capability stood at (-0.8) overall score declined by 1.3 points as global wealth and power was ‘shifting in the Afghan peace process. points and economic relationships at compared to 2019. The impact of the eastwards’.

PML-N leaders booked for ‘attempted murder’ Army chief orders inquiry into Punjab police have registered an attempted murder case against Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab president Rana Sanaullah, Safdar’s arrest, calls Bilawal former federal minister Khurram Dastagir Khan, party PPP chairman complains of resting place of Jinnah — pop- ordered his offi cers to set aside mausoleum. MPA Imran Khalid Butt and interference as Sindh top ularly revered as the Quaid-e- their leave applications for ten “No person shall organ- others, local media reported. cops first seek, then defer, Azam (Great Leader). days, with the Sindh police as- ise, convene or take part in The FIR was registered on the leave over ridicule Safdar was released on bail serting that the decision was any meeting or demonstra- complaint of sub-inspector on Monday — the same day taken “in the larger national tion or procession or engage Asghar Hussain at the Satellite Internews of his arrest — but the events interest” and pending the con- in political activity within the Town police station. Rawalpindi/Karachi surrounding the arrest have clusion of the inquiry into how premises of Quaid’s mausole- According to the FIR, four snowballed into a major con- Safdar’s arrest took place um or within a distance of ten PML-N supporters attending troversy pulling in the arms of Interestingly, a day earlier, feet from the outer boundary the Pakistan Democratic hief of Army Staff the Sindh administration and Sindh Police’s Digital Media thereof,” reads the law on the Movement’s (PDM) Gujranwala General Qamar Javed the security establishment as Cell had tweeted, then deleted, matter. public meeting on October CBajwa has ordered an to who calibrated the arrest then tweeted again a statement In another news conference 16 attempted to hit police inquiry into the recent “Ka- and the circumstances which defending Safdar’s arrest, say- earlier in the day, Chief Min- personnel with their vehicle. rachi incident”, a statement by led to the episode. ing it was done “according to ister Sindh Murad Ali Shah Meanwhile, the police also the military’s media wing In- The Sindh government has the law”. alleged that an attempt was lodged a first information ter-Services Public Relations publicly denied any role in The department’s Twitter made to put the police under report (FIR) against the (ISPR) said yesterday. the arrest with Bilawal apolo- activity, which indicated that pressure, with federal minis- organisers of the newly-formed “[General Bajwa] has di- gising to Maryam Nawaz for not all was well within the ters of the Centre-ruling Pa- opposition alliance Pakistan rected Commander Karachi the “embarrassment”, saying ASSURANCE: General Qamar Javed Bajwa (left), and PPP chair- provincial police, had raised kistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Corps to immediately inquire it was against “the tradition man Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. eyebrows. going to the police on two dif- over the Gujranwala public in to the circumstances to de- of Sindhi culture”. The arrest The controversy had al- ferent occasions to register a meeting. termine the facts and report came hours after the two sci- “Persons from these insti- Sindh Mushtaq Mahar, decided ready been brewing over the case and on a third occasion The Civil Line police lodged back as soon as possible,” the ons addressed a public rally tutions should be focusing on to go on leave citing demorali- circumstances surrounding accompanying the Mazar-e- the FIR for violation of PDM’s statement said. on the platform of the newly- matters of national security and sation of the police force. Safdar’s arrest, with PML-N Quaid board. agreement with the district The statement by ISPR fol- formed Pakistan Democractic the law and order issues of the An application signed by AIG representatives claiming that He also announced that a administration on the basis lows Pakistan People’s Par- Movement (PDM) province,” he said. “Our civilian Special Branch Imran Yaqoob, the police had been put under ministerial committee will be of which they were given ty (PPP) chairman Bilawal Addressing reports of the institutions and these institu- which was making the rounds pressure to pick him up. formed to investigate the ar- permission to hold a public Bhutto Zardari news confer- police being pressurised to tions have to work together [to on social media, read that he Representatives of the Sindh rest, adding that PTI lawmak- meeting. ence at Bilawal House in Ka- register a police complaint uphold the law in Sindh].” wished to proceed on leave be- government had publicly dis- ers in Sindh had pressurised The opposition parties, as rachi where he urged the army against Safdar, Bilawal said Bilawal said that interference cause the police high command tanced themselves from the the police into registering the part of PDM public meeting, chief and Director General that every police officer in in police matters was intolerable, has been “ridiculed and mis- arrest and condemned it, say- FIR, which he claimed was established camps in Kamoki, Inter-Services Intelligence Sindh, from a station house adding that he had “condemned handled”, leading to demorali- ing that while Safdar raising based on a “lie”. Ghakhar and other areas and ISI) Lt General Faiz Hameed officer to senior police offic- it in the strongest words.” sation within the ranks of Sindh slogans at the Quaid-e-Azam’s “Certain facts have emerged brought vehicles into prohibited to hold an inquiry into the ers, were wondering who had Later on, a statement by the Police. mausoleum was not condon- and those will be investigated areas by removing roadblocks circumstances surrounding “surrounded Inspector Gen- Media Cell Bilawal House said They maintained that in the able, the arrest had been made what occurred from 4:30pm in violation of the agreement. the arrest of Captain (retired) eral (IG) Sindh Mushtaq Ma- that General Bajwa and Bilawal recent episode of registration without its knowledge. on October 18 till the morning The FIR stated that those Safdar Awan, husband of Pa- har’s office at 2am on Sunday spoke on the telephone “to dis- of FIR against Capt (r) Safdar in Safdar was arrested in the of October 19 will be probed,” convicted from courts delivered kistan Muslim League – Na- night”. cuss the Karachi incident”. which police high command has early hours of Monday for, he said, adding that he will speeches and shouted slogans waz (PML-N) vice-president “Who were the two per- According to the statement, not only been mishandled and among other charges, alleg- also appear before the com- against the government and Maryam Nawaz. sons who went inside the IG’s the PPP chairman “expressed ridiculed, but all ranks of Sindh edly violating the sanctity of mittee if required. state institutions at the event Safdar, who is the son-in- house at 2am and where was his appreciation” to the army police have been demoralised Quaid-e-Azam’s Mazar (also “They (PTI officials) were that was held on October 16. law of former prime minister our IG taken at 4am in the chief “for taking prompt no- and shocked. called Mazar-e-Quaid). told by the police that a sum- Besides, the organisers used Nawaz Sharif, had raised po- morning?” he asked. tice of the Karachi incident and The police offi cials said that The sanctity of the Quaid’s mary trial like the one sought loudspeakers in violation of the litical slogans at the famed Bilawal urged Gen Bajwa his assurance of conducting a in order to come out of this Mazar is protected by The falls under the jurisdiction of Amplifier Act. and sanctified mausoleum of and Lt Gen Hameed to hold transparent inquiry on the in- shock and settle down, they Quaid-e-Azam’s Mazar (Pro- a judicial magistrate and it is The participants also blocked Pakistan’s founder Muham- an investigation into their in- cident”. need to go on leave. tection and Maintenance) Or- not up to the police to register the GT Road near Sialkoti Gate mad Ali Jinnah a day earlier. stitutions and determine how It came shortly after reports Late last night however, dinance, 1971, which explic- a case,” Shah said, adding the and Ghondlanwala Adda, the The law prohibits any po- their people were operating in that several senior offi cers of Sindh IGP Mushtaq Mahar de- itly forbids political activities police had refused to fall under report stated. litical activity around the last the province. Sindh Police, including IG cided to defer his own leave and within the premises of the pressure.

Covid-19 bane turns into No more production order for opposition leader: PM’s aide e-commerce boon The e-commerce market also increased by more than Internews mentarians under arrest to be in Pakistan witnesses a 30 per cent, summing up to Islamabad produced in the House after be- year-on-year growth of 1707 as of June 2020. ing summoned. 78.9% and 33.3% in volume A major factor that He said the Pakistan Demo- and value respectively in supported the growth of pping the ante in the cratic Movement (PDM) had lost 2020, according to the latest the e-commerce sector face of the ongoing op- its credibility as it had failed in e-commerce data by the has been the rise in the Uposition campaign to gathering people for their second State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). use of digital payments. bring down the ruling Pakistan power show in Karachi. The Covid-19 pandemic has E-commerce transactions Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the gov- The people were not support- essentially transformed how by debit, credit and prepaid ernment has announced that it ing convicted looters and plun- businesses interact with their cards in FY2020 increased will not issue production orders derers, who had gathered under consumers. by around 88 per cent and for the Opposition Leader in the banner of PDM to protect While many wholesale 18 per cent in volume and the National Assembly Shahbaz their vested interests, he added. and retail businesses have trade as compared to the Sharif. The premier’s aide said the shifted online to reach their last year. While speaking to a private opposition leaders were using target market through E-commerce transactions news channel, Special Assistant blackmail to secure a National e-commerce, others have by debit, credit and prepaid to the Prime Minister on Po- Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), used social media and the cards were also the highest litical Communication Shahbaz but they could not get it. rising power of influencers during the 2nd quarter of Gill said: “The opposition par- Earlier on Saturday, Prime to step into the arena of FY2020, when the Covid-19 ties were doing reprehensible Minister Imran Khan, while ad- digital marketing. lockdown was imposed on and dirty politics to protect their dressing the Tiger Force Conven- State Bank’s e-commerce businesses and customers looted wealth and to halt the tion in Islamabad, had turned his data compiled by DYL could not physically visit the ongoing accountability process guns on former prime minister Ventures shows that stores. against their bigwigs.” Nawaz Sharif, calling him out on e-commerce revenue However, online transactions Gill said the production orders his past links to dictators and dis- increased by Rs 2.3 billion have fallen after the will not be issued for Pakistan missing his stance as a desperate to Rs 9.4 billion in the last lockdown was lifted in Muslim League – Nawaz (PML- attempt to save a legacy which quarter of FY2020, bringing Pakistan, indicating the N) President Shahbaz Sharif, has become mired in corruption Security off icials escort Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif (centre) as he leaves the National Accountabil- the yearly e-commerce need to develop more who is currently in the custody cases. ity Bureau (NAB) court after a money-laundering case hearing in Lahore yesterday. (AFP) revenue to Rs 34.8 billion. long-term policies in the of National Accountability Bu- “The opposition has so far Number of e-commerce retail and banking sectors to reau (NAB). It is a parliamentary seen one Imran Khan,” the prime orders and invite them to assem- be a diff erent Imran Khan.” get a production order till he sub- merchants who are complement this growing rule vested with the offi ce of the minister thundered, adding: “I blies and so on. The Imran Khan “No dacoit will get a production mits a full response in court, nor registered with banks have need. speaker which allows parlia- used to say: give them production you will be seeing now is going to order [sic] Shahbaz Sharif will not will any of the other dacoits.” Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 QATAR

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani visited S’hail - Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti. Al-Muraikhi, British minister visit S’hail S’hail exhibition begins at Katara Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani visits exhibition on Day 1

atara – the Cultural Vil- He stressed that the event is HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi and British Minister of State for lage Foundation yesterday among the most important in- Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly visited the fourth edition of S’hail – Katara International Kopened the fourth edition ternational heritage exhibitions Hunting and Falcons Exhibition at Katara – the Cultural Village. of S’hail – Katara International hosted by Katara, and has become Hunting and Falcons Exhibition. a “destination and global station Some 120 companies from 13 attracting lovers of hunting and tan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, British countries, specialising in hunt- trekking, and falconers, from Qa- Minister of State for Middle East ing weapons and supplies, fal- tar and all around the world”. and North Africa James Cleverly, conry and off -road trips, are tak- In view of the coronavirus as well as the ambassadors of ing part in the event. situation, all precautionary and some countries, including Syria’s Besides Qatar, the list of coun- preventative measures are being Nizar Hasan al-Haraki, Moldo- An off icial giving a briefing to Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal. tries includes Kuwait, Pakistan, followed to ensure everyone’s va’s Victor Tvircun, India’s Dr the US, Britain, Spain, Turkey, safety at the exhibition. Deepak Mittal, and Switzerland’s Belgium, Lebanon, Portugal, Ro- The coronavirus causes the Edgar Doerig. mania, France, and Hungary. Covid-19 respiratory disease. The Katara International S’hail is considered the larg- The event off ers a conducive Hunting and Falcons Exhibition est international exhibition in atmosphere to take a look at the 2020 is sponsored by a number of the Middle East and North Africa latest types of weapons and the agencies and companies, such as region for hunting and falconry, best equipment and products the Social and Sporting Activi- Katara said in a statement. in the world of hunting and off - ties Support Fund (Daam), Qatar On the fi rst day, the exhibition road adventures, he added. Insurance Group, Qatar Airways, witnessed a visit by Qatar Olympic Katara said that the exhibi- Ooredoo, Milaha, and Tanzifco. Committee President HE Sheikh tion witnessed a “huge public This edition of S’hail is distin- Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, ac- presence” on the fi rst day itself guished by the electronic falcon companied by Dr Khalid bin Ibra- while following all precautionary auction. him al-Sulaiti, the general man- measures to prevent the spread Each participant will receive a ager of Katara and chairman of the of Covid-19. Visitors are allowed gold card that allows the person to S’hail organising committee. entry in two time slots – the fi rst visit the exhibition at any time. On this occasion, Dr al-Sulaiti one is from 9am-2pm, and the The participant can also view expressed happiness at the open- second one from 4pm-11pm. pictures and data of all kinds of Moldovan ambassador Victor Tvircun at the exhibition. ing of the fourth edition of S’hail. This is done based on an elec- participating falcons, and follow tronic reservation system ac- the auction electronically. Swiss ambassador Edgar Doerig taking a look at some of the cessed through the exhibition’s The exhibition will also see the products on display. website, in order to avoid crowd- launch of two competitions: the ing at the exhibition site and to fi rst one for the most beautiful ensure safety for all. commercial pavilion participat- The exhibition also witnessed ing in the exhibition, and the visits by a number of dignitaries second for the most beautiful and top offi cials yesterday. falcon head mask. They include HE the Minister The exhibition will continue of State for Foreign Aff airs Sul- until October 24.

The exhibition will continue until October 24. One of the stalls. A wide range of hunting weapons and supplies is on display. MME takes part in falcon, hunting exhibition

he Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), repre- Tsented by the environment af- fairs sector and livestock department, is taking part in the fourth edition of S’hail – Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition at Katara – the Cultural Village. The MME pavilion off ers a number of services that include issuing permits for importing and exporting falcons, is- suing documents for a falcon pass and issuing health certifi cates for birds, as well as communicating with the public to respond to their queries. Also on display are Houbara bustard birds, which are produced at a breeding centre under the ministry. Further, visitors to the event are in- troduced to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which Qatar joined in 2001. The MME’s public relations de- partment has designed the pavilion in co-ordination with the environment aff airs sector, as well as the brochures The MME pavilion at S’hail 2020. (Left) On display at the pavilion are Houbara bustard birds. meant for the public.