FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2021 RAJAB 14, 1442 VOL.14 NO. 5192 QR 2

Fajr: 4:44 am Dhuhr: 11:47 am PARTLY CLOUDY Asr: 3:06 pm Maghrib: 5:35 pm HIGH : 23°C LOW : 18 °C Isha: 7:05 pm

Nation 2 Business 7 Sports 10 Tunisia seeks to boost educational QSE outperforms GCC Olivier Philippaerts makes swift cooperation with Qatar: Minister markets, jumps 1.7% winning start at CHI Al Shaqab

Amir greets AMIR RECEIVES MESSAGE FROM KUWAIT AMIR Amir congratulates Saudi King, Crown Prince QNA Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom Kuwait Amir DOHA of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince QNA Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, DOHA HIS Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Crown Prince and Deputy Chairman of the Coun- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday sent a cil Ministers and Minister of Defense, on the oc- HIS Highness the Amir cable of congratulations to each of his brother, casion of the success of the surgery performed of State of Qatar Sheikh the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King on His Highness the Crown Prince. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday sent a cable of congratulations to HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah on the occasion of his country’s National Day. Industrial sector sees

I congratu- 6% growth despite late my brother His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al COVID-19: Al Kuwari Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, HIS HIGHNESS the Amir of State of Qatar the Amir at the Amiri Diwan on Thursday. At the and the brotherly Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received outset of the meeting, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minis- Number of factories in Qatar reached 927 with total Kuwaiti people on the a written message from HH the Amir of the ter conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir of the occasion of the 60th State of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber State of Kuwait to HH the Amir, wishing HH the investment in the sector touching QR263 billion anniversary of the Al Sabah. Amir good health and happiness and the Qatari National Day and the The message pertains to the deep fraternal people further progress and prosperity. For his TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 30th anniversary of relations between the two countries, the ways part, HH the Amir entrusted the Kuwaiti minister DOHA liberation, wishing Ku- to support them, and issues of mutual inter- to convey his greetings to HH Sheikh Nawaf Al wait continued security, est. The message was handed over by Kuwaiti Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, wishing him good MINISTER of Commerce and safety and progress un- Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser Al health and the Kuwaiti people further progress Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed Al der the wise leadership Mohammed Al Sabah during a meeting with HH and prosperity. (QNA) Kuwari has said Qatar’s indus- of His Highness. trial sector is seeing significant growth coinciding with the progress made in developing an area for small and medium enterprises. “The industrial sector grew Qatar pledges to provide $60 mn 6 percent in 2020. The total The directives of the wise leadership de ned number of factories in Qatar the main pillars and the priorities regarding reached 927 with a total in- the future of the national economy. Qatar to solve electricity crisis in Gaza vestment in the sector worth continued to implement its economic policy despite QR263 billion, a growth of 0.4 geopolitical changes.” QNA the Gaza Strip. percent compared to 2019,” Al DOHA For his part, the Palestin- Kuwari said while giving a lec- — HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari ian PM praised the Qatari and ture at Joaan Bin Jassim Joint QATAR’S Gaza Reconstruc- European support to complete Command and Staff College on tion Committee Chairman the project, stressing on the im- the role of the national econ- cal changes. uted to 62 percent of real GDP Peaceful means Ambassador HE Mohammed portance of this project, which omy in supporting defense ef- The lecture covered a num- during the second quarter of Al Emadi has said Qatar has aims to transport gas from the forts. ber of topics, including the 2020. the best way to pledged to provide an amount Israeli side to supply the power Chief of Staff of the armed challenges that faced the state In terms of the measures of $60 million to finance the plant in the Gaza Strip. He af- forces HE Lieutenant-General over the past few years such as adopted by Qatar to face the maintain security, project to supply the Gaza firmed that this project would (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen the COVID-19 pandemic, and impact of the coronavirus pan- stability: Qatar (PG 2) Strip with the gas to solve the provide higher electrical capac- Al Ghanem, along with a num- the efforts made to achieve a demic, he said Qatar has suc- electricity crisis. ity and achieve regularity of the ber of officers and ranking of- comprehensive renaissance. ceeded in limiting the negative During the meeting held current in the Gaza Strip, which ficials, attended the lecture. The minister highlighted impacts of the pandemic at the on Wednesday via video con- means solving the electricity Al Kuwari stressed that the the state’s economic diversi- social and the economic levels. ference with the Prime Minis- HE Mohammed Al Emadi. problem radically. directives of the wise leader- fication policy. He said other He said state worked on ter of Palestine Dr Mohammad The meeting discussed ship defined the main pillars policies included enhancing enhancing the flow of goods Qatar University Shtayyeh, and the representa- be allocated for extending gas plans to develop the only pow- and the priorities regard- the participation of the private and supply by enhancing co- Press launches its tive of the European Union pipelines from the Israeli side. er station in Gaza and mecha- ing the future of the national sector, growing local indus- operation with countries and to Palestine Sven Kuhn von The EU pledged to provide an nisms for converting it to work economy. He said Qatar con- tries and exports, attracting trade partners. e-platform (PG 13 ) Burgsdorff, Al Emadi af- amount of EUR 20 million to on gas as an alternative to liq- tinued to implement its eco- investment in the non-hydro- firmed that this amount will complete the extensions inside uid fuel. nomic policy despite geopoliti- carbon field, which contrib- Continued on page 2 Drills to secure Metro stations will continue: MoI QATAR-KUWAIT QNA force at these stations. DOHA He said the exercises began last SOLIDARITY ON SHOW year and will be completed during this THE Ministry of Interior (MoI), rep- year, according to the same previous resented by the public transport secu- plan, and according to the specified rity department, is carrying out exer- timetables. cises at Metro stations with the aim He said plans for exercises have of raising readiness and identifying been developed in particular in light of the measures taken to secure the rail- the coronavirus pandemic in line with ways. General administration of civil safety requirements and precautionary defense, the ambulance service measures taken by the state to at Hamad Medical Corpo- combat the pandemic. ration, Qatar Railways He said the Ministry Company (Rail), and of Interior has devel- MoI concludes course on operator of the Doha oped various exercis- Metro RKH partici- es with the participa- pated in the exercise. tion of many parties, securing buses and trains Head of the de- whether from the THE Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Thursday concluded a course Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor is decorated with partment of public ministry represented on preventing attacks on buses and train cars, which was held ags of Qatar and Kuwait on the occasion of transport security by the General Ad- by the ministry’s training institute in cooperation with the US Kuwait National Day on Thursday. The inaugu- Lieutenant Colonel Sa- ministration of Civil Department of State’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance programme. ration of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor coincided lem Sultan Al Nauimi Defense, the National 22 of cers from MoI, Lekhwiya, and Qatar Rail participated in with the celebration of the National Day and said the department, since Command Center and the the 10-day course. The goal of the course was to enhance Liberation Day Anniversary of Kuwait. Sabah Al its inception, has been con- General Traffic Department, participants’ ability to prevent attacks on buses and train cars.. Ahmad Corridor extends from Hamad Inter- cerned with securing all public trans- or bodies outside the ministry such as Director of the Department of International Cooperation Major national Airport to Umm Lekhba Interchange portation in the country, including the the Qatar Rail or the operating com- General Engineer Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ansari said the aim was near Landmark on Al Shamal Road covering a Doha Metro, Lusail Tram and buses in pany and the ambulance service of the to equip of cers with the latest techniques and technologies to distance of more than 29 kilometres. (TNN) a comprehensive manner, with the aim Hamad Medical Corporation that It has achieve the desired outcomes of the course. (QNA) of raising the readiness of the work- a major role in these exercises. 02 Friday, February 26, 2021

Contact US: Qatar Tribune I EDITORIAL I Phone: 40002222 I ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING I Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

Quick read FM REVIEWS TIES WITH KUWAITI COUNTERPART Deputy Amir congratulates Amir of Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Minister of Foreign sent on Thursday a cable of congratulations to the Amir of the Affairs HE Sheikh Mo- sisterly State of Kuwait HH Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al hammed bin Abdulrah- Sabah on the occasion of his country’s National Day. (QNA) man Al Thani met with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Deputy Amir congratulates King Salman, crown prince Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser The Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent Al Mohammed Al Sabah a cable of congratulations to each of his brother, the Custodian in Doha on Thursday. of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud The meeting reviewed of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince bilateral cooperation and Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and the latest developments Deputy Chairman of the Council Ministers and Minister of De- in the region. The FM fence, on the occasion of the success of the surgery performed congratulated Kuwait HAMMADI MEETS DELEGATION FROM CHILE: Secretary-General of on His Highness the Crown Prince. (QNA) during the meeting on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Ham- the occasion of its Na- madi met on Thursday with a delegation from Chile headed by PM sends greetings to Kuwaiti counterpart tional Day. (QNA) Vice Minister of International Economic Relations at the Ministry PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin of Foreign Affairs of Chile Rodrigo Yanez. During the meeting, Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Thursday a cable of con- they reviewed the bilateral cooperation relations. (QNA) gratulations to Prime Minister of the sisterly State of Kuwait HE Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah on the occasion of his country’s National Day. (QNA) Lekhwiya 2021 exercise from Sunday THE Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) has announced that it will launch the Lekhwiya 2021 exercise between its departments Peaceful means remain best way to maintain and groups in Al Duhail camp on Sunday. The drill will continue until March 4, 2021. (QNA) peace, security and stability, reaf rms Qatar QNA gitimate self-defence’. indeed pose serious threats to peace DOHA She said that based on its com- and security, cause serious human 5 arrested for violating mitment to the efforts to achieve suffering and leave social and eco- QATAR has reiterated that peaceful peace, security, stability and devel- nomic impacts. In this context, she home quarantine rules means are the best way to achieve the opment in the region and across the referred to the participation of Mem- goals of peace, security and stability world, Qatar recognises that peace- ber States, including Qatar, in col- THE competent authorities on Public Health (MoPH), to en- in the region and across the world, ful means are the best way to achieve lective action to combat the common Thursday arrested five people sure the achievement of public calling on UN member states to ful- these goals. threats posed by terrorist groups for violating the requirements safety and to curb the spread fill their obligations in accordance “Use of force should be the last classified by the UN. of home quarantine, which of the coronavirus. The ar- with the UN Charter and to refrain resort and in a proportionate and re- She reaffirmed that acting in ac- they are legally accountable rested persons being referred to in their international relations from sponsible manner. Some situations cordance with the privileges granted for, in accordance with the the prosecution are: Abdul Hadi using force in contradiction with the require the use of force, especially in by some provisions of the UN Char- procedures of the health au- Muhammad Abdul Hadi Al purposes of the United Nations. the implementation of the inherent ter does not exempt states from the thorities in the country. Barais Al Marri, Jaber Muham- This came in a statement made by and legitimate right to self-defence obligations stipulated in other provi- The step is in implementa- mad Saeed Al Aswad Al Marri, Permanent Representative of Qatar Sheikha Alya and to confront the grave threat sions, pointing out that international tion of the precautionary meas- Muhammad Mubarak Ali Saeed to the UN Ambassador HE Sheikha posed by terrorist acts,” Sheikha Alya law, international humanitarian law ures in force in the country, Al Safran, Omar Mohammed Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani at collective security system of the UN said. and international human rights law approved by health authorities Odeh Hindi and Nadim Abbas UN Security Council’s virtual Arria- Charter: the use of force in interna- She pointed out that there is al- are always applicable and must be represented in the Ministry of Muhammad Qasim. (QNA) Formula meeting on ‘Upholding the tional law, non-state actors and le- ready a consensus that terrorist acts respected. Shura attends IPU panel meeting Law to enhance investment in Qatar Continued from page 1 and provide a suitable legisla- continuing its digital trans- QNA bin Mubarak Al Khayareen, who reviewed tive framework for good gov- formation efforts to ensure DOHA the measures taken by the Council to adapt THE other efforts included ernance and good risk man- all transactions can be swiftly to social distancing and other precautions providing the raw products agement. concluded. THE Shura Council participated in the necessitated by the for various industries, in ad- He said the law offers in- The number of electronic regular meeting of the Association of pandemic. He praised the Council’s dition to adopting a series vestors the opportunity to fi- services that were conducted Secretaries General of Parliaments of success in overcoming all obstacles by of measures to stimulate the nance, develop and operate through one platform grew 56 the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), dividing its members into different halls economy, protect the private projects in a wide variety of percent in 2020, while digital which was held via videoconferencing on and conducting sessions using videocon- sector and enhance the ability high-priority sectors, includ- transformation grew 22 per- Thursday. ferencing, while strictly adhering to all of companies to adapt to the ing food security, sports, tour- cent compared to 2019 to The meeting focused on exchanging precautionary measures. current economic conditions, ism, health, education and lo- reach a 62 percent. expertise on structural measures and pol- The secretary-generals reviewed their while enhancing the ability gistical services. Speaking on the initiatives icies adopted to overcome the challenges own experiences in their countries to of companies to pay wages to He noted in that regard made to raise Qatar’s strate- posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The enrich the exchange of expertise. After- employees. the signing of a contract to gic reserves, he discussed law meeting also discussed how parliaments wards, there was a discussion on creat- He shed light on the laws establish eight public schools no 24 of 2019 regulating the can carry out their roles in light of the The Council was represented in the ing mechanisms on exchanging exper- and regulations adopted by and establish tourist resorts strategic reserves of food and pandemic. meeting by its Secretary-General HE Fahad tise during epidemics and pandemics. the state to attract investment, with a total area that exceeded consumer products. including a law on public- 450,000 squaremetres. The law aims to establish a private partnerships. Kuwari In the area of developing system to regulate the process stressed that the law will en- business environment, he said of production, import, supply Shura attends 27th session hance investment in the state the ministry is committed to and storage of these products. of APU Executive Committee MoPH reports 465 new COVID-19 cases THE Shura Council partici- and projects, including the pated in the 27th session of draft budget for 2021 and the THE Ministry of Public Health abroad who were subject to the Executive Committee of draft agenda for the 31st con- (MoPH) on Thursday reported quarantine. The MoPH also Arab Inter-Parliamentary Un- ference of APU. The Council 465 new confirmed cases of recorded 540 recoveries from ion (APU) meeting that was was represented in the session coronavirus (COVID-19) in the virus during the past 24 held via videoconferencing on by Hadi bin Saeed Al Khaya- 24 hours, of which 408 were hours, bringing the total num- Thursday. The participants rin, member of the Council. from the community and 57 ber of recoveries in Qatar to discussed a number of reports (QNA) from travellers returning from 152,327. (QNA) Tunisia seeks to boost educational cooperation with Qatar: Minister QNA with Qatar News Agency tion in the educational systems fruitful meetings with several various fields of education number of prestigious uni- DOHA (QNA), Olfa Sioud said Qatar in the Arab region, through top officials, with a focus on and research. This is in addi- versities, adding that this and Tunisia share common building and enhancing part- enhancing cooperation be- tion to exploring the possibil- strengthens partnerships, en- MINISTER of Higher Educa- interest and visions with re- nerships in this regard. tween the two countries in ity of launching a joint scien- riches experiences and devel- tion and Scientific Research gard to education as well as “We have great potential the fields of education, scien- tific digital library to support ops knowledge and cultural of Tunisia, Olfa Benouda scientific, cultural and cog- as well as a common orienta- tific research, academic and research and scientific knowl- exchange. Sioud has affirmed her coun- nitive research, within the tion, and we can build a dis- student exchange, and teach- edge within the framework of She added that Tunisia try’s desire to develop coop- framework of a comprehen- tinct educational system that ing faculty. joint initiatives, she said. has a similar approach to be eration and partnership with sive vision based on investing benefits all countries in the The minister said she dis- The minister praised the the gateway to Africa towards Qatar in the fields of educa- in people. region,” she said. cussed the possibility of hold- amazing development in the a distinguished international tion and scientific research, She also affirmed that the The minister appreciated ing a Tunisian-Qatari forum educational system in Qatar, education, and a destination considering the capabilities two countries are considered Qatar’s continued support for for higher education and sci- which enjoys advanced Arab for students on the African the two countries have and models in the fields of educa- Tunisia in various fields, em- Olfa Benouda Sioud entific research that can bring and international position in continent to obtain a qualita- the common visions, ap- tion and scientific research, phasising the distinguished researchers and scientists to- the quality of education. tive education in the field of proaches and interests they and that with their capabilities relations that link the two explained that she visited a gether as a platform for con- She praised Qatar’s open- postgraduate studies, quali- share in this regard. and experiences, they are ca- countries. number of the country’s edu- tinuous communication and ness to international uni- fication and training in the In an exclusive interview pable of creating transforma- On her visit to Qatar, she cational institutions and held exchange of experiences in versities and its hosting of a fields of scientific research. Friday, February 26, 2021 03 Islam

Dedicating One’s Life to Islam is Every Muslim’s Duty

Bene ts of Seeking Question: Can someone make the intention that he wants to dedicate his life to Islam? By this, I do not mean like the monks of the previous nations, but as per the Sunnah of the Messen- ger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, and to give Dawah to Islam and enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. I heard someone saying that it is arrogant to tell yourself that you will do this, and that rather, you should just let it happen if it happens, because then, you might begin to see Forgiveness yourself as being some kind of saviour, but I definitely do not want this to happen. I only want to give myself motivation for doing good and for others to do the same. However, the constant fear of arrogance and hypocrisy is weighing me down. I also feel embarrassed to spread any knowl- edge that I have, and I feel paranoid that I may be wrong or that I’m not qualified to do so, such as explaining a verse of the Qur’an to someone if I have knowledge on that particular verse. On one hand, we are told to convey what we know. On the other hand, what Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, said ‘which earth will hold me...’ Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, is His slave and Messenger. First of all, we ask Allah to increase your zeal for doing good and to bless you with even more guidance. Making intention to dedicate one’s whole life to Islam is something required of every Muslim, as Allah says (what means): {Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacri ce, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the rst [among you] of the Muslims.”} [Qur’an 6:162-163] As for the issue of arrogance or hypocrisy, it is another matter. Intending and being deter- mined to do good are part of the religion, but praising oneself by claiming to be the upholder of religion or mentioning that in order to receive praise from people is dispraised. Arrogance and showing off may in ltrate any good deed, so a Muslim should not abandon doing good or refrain from being determined to do it on account of such matters; rather, he should intend to do good and do whatever good he is able to. Then, he should engage in spiritual strug- gle to purify his heart from the symptoms of showing off, hypocrisy and so forth. On the other hand, the Muslim should convey the religion of Allah to the best of his ability and knowledge, even if his knowledge is limited, as stated in the Hadeeth: “Convey on my behalf even if it is only one verse.” [Al-Bukhaari]. Concerning this issue, what is correct is to be on a middle course between someone who abandons conveying whatever he knows from the religion with the excuse that he is not learned – as this is not a praiseworthy form of cautiousness – and between someone who engages in false discourse about the religion of Allah with the excuse that it con- sists of conveying the message. Allah Knows best. Strengthening Kinship Ties as a Method of Da‘wah

Question: I am a woman who is about to marry and I am religious, thanks to Allah. Is it permissible for me to visit my husband’s sisters after marriage, noting that they do not follow the way of Allah and always mix with men? They even spend hours talking and joking with their husbands’ male friends and relatives without wearing the Hijaab. Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none wor- thy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, is His slave and Messenger. There is nothing wrong in exchanging visits with your husband’s sisters because the sin of a Muslim does not justify deserting that person, except if this will deter him from sin. In fact, your visits will strengthen the relationships and ties between the entire family, which will have a positive impact on your relationship with your husband and his sisters, and this, in turn, will make your advice to them more effective, Allah Willing. This effect is unlikely to happen O you want to have peace of Allah. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what rank to be elevated? You should ask for if you desert them. mind, reassurance and joy? means): {And said, ‘Ask forgiveness of the forgiveness of Allah, The Almighty. However, you have to abide by the rulings of the Sharee‘ah in this regard. Speci cally, you You should ask for the your Lord. Indeed, He Is ever a Perpet- Allah Says (what means): {And say, ‘Re- should not go out without the permission of your husband; you must adhere to Hijaab and non- forgiveness of Allah, The Al- ual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] lieve us of our burdens.’ We will [then] Mahram men should not be present in the gathering. mighty. Allah, The Almighty, the sky upon you in [continuing] show- forgive your sins for you and We will If these criteria are not ful lled, then such visits would be impermissible because of the SDays (what means): {And [saying], “Seek ers. And give you increase in wealth and Increase the doers of good [in goodness violations involved, such as intermixing, talking and exchanging gazes between non-Mahram Forgiveness of your Lord and repent to children and provide for you gardens and reward].”} [Qur’an 2:58] men and women, all of such acts are prohibited matters. Allah Says (what means): {And tell the Him, [and] He Will Let you enjoy a good Asking for forgiveness is the suc- believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private provision”} [Qur’an 11:3] cessful remedy for getting rid of sins. parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is Do you want to have a strong body This is why the Prophet, sallallaahu apparent….} [Qur’an 24:31] It is also reported on the authority of ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir, may Allah and be healthy, and be free of diseases Do ‘alayhi wa salam, ordered us to ask for be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, warned men against meeting and disabilities? Is so, you should ask you want to have the forgiveness of Allah, The Almighty, women. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, stressed the warning with regards to the husband’s for the forgiveness of Allah, The Al- a strong body and be frequently. relatives, to the extent of likening this to the danger of death.” [Al-Bukhaari] mighty. Allah, The Almighty, Says healthy, and be free of diseases The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa In conclusion, such visits are permissible if they are free of any violation. Otherwise, they (what means): {Ask Forgiveness of salam, said: “O people! Ask for the would be prohibited based on the abovementioned proofs. Allah Knows best. your Lord and then repent to Him. and disabilities? Is so, you should forgiveness of Allah and repent to He will send [rain from] the sky ask for the forgiveness of Allah, The Him as I ask for the forgiveness of upon you in showers and Increase Almighty. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what Allah and repent to Him one hun- you in strength [added] to your dred times a day.” And there is no creature on (or within) “The Islamic teachings have left great strength.} [Qur’an 11: 52] means): {Ask Forgiveness of your Lord and Allah, The Almighty, is satisfied then repent to Him. He will send [rain the earth or a bird that ies with its traditions for equitable and gentle deal- Do you want to drive disas- with the one who asks for His forgive- ings and behaviour, and inspire people ters and accidents away and be safe from] the sky upon you in showers and ness as this person acknowledges his wings except that they are nations from Fitnah (trials) and afflictions? Increase you in strength [added] to sin as if he says, “O Allah! I have made (communities) like you. } ” with nobility and tolerance. These are You should ask for the forgiveness of Al- your strength.} a mistake and I was negligent with Your human teachings of the highest order lah, The Almighty. Allah, The Almighty, rights as I wronged myself and the devil – [Quran 6:38] and at the same time practicable. These Says (what means): {But Allah would [Qur’an 11: 52] tempted me and my soul, which is a per- not punish them while you, [O Muham- sistent enjoiner of evil, betrayed me. I teachings brought into existence a society mad], are among them, and Allah would relied on Your mercy, forgiveness and in which hard-heartedness and collective not punish them while they seek forgive- forbearance. Now, I come to You while oppression and injustice were the least as ness.} [Qur’an 8:33] repenting and regretting, so forgive me, Do you want rain in continuing and provide for you rivers.} [Qur’an remove my sins and mistakes as I do not compared with all other societies preced- showers, righteous children, lawful 71:10- 12] have any other Lord but You. O Allah! ing it… Islam is replete with gentleness, money and expanded sustenance? Then Do you want your sins to be forgiven, Even if my sins are grave, Your Forgive- courtesy and fraternity.” — H.G. Wells you should ask for the forgiveness of your rewards to be increased and your ness is greater and more comprehensive.”

MEET RENOWN SCHOLAR IMAAM MAALIK IBN ANAS

USLIMS follow four deeth. Later, he tried to recite the bey you, but I rather wanted the It was with this sense of re- major schools of juris- Hadeeth to himself in order to make Imaam Maalik’s mother advised him to join the first school and Leader of the Faithful to show due sponsibility that Imaam Maalik prudence. The School of sure that he retained every single university in Islam, the mosque of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alay- respect to learning in order that taught people and gave his reli- Imaam Maalik Ibn Anas, one. Once he attended a session hi wa salam (may Allah exalt his mention) in Madeenah, where Allah may raise his position.” gious verdict (fatwa), despite the may Allah have mercy where 30 Ahadeeth were narrated he started by memorising the Quran and then the Hadeeth of Caliph Haroun Ar-Rasheed fact that he collected (and memo- uponM him, comes second in or- and discussed. When the session the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam. was convinced and he walked rised) more than 100,000 Pro- der from a chronological point of was over, he checked his retention along with Imaam Maalik to his phetic Ahadeeth and studied at view. This is because Maalik ibn of those Ahadeeth and found that own house to listen to him and to the hands of scores of well-known Anas, was known as the scholar he forgot one of them. So he rushed teaching sessions of their former sincere advice, in addition to his his readings from his book. authorities on religious matters. of Madeenah, as he was born in after his teacher to learn the miss- student to learn from him. dignity as a scholar. We are told Another quality typical of the We read that very often (as a con- Madeenah in the year 93 A.H. ing Hadeeth from him; the teacher As a conservative traditional- that when the famous Caliph Ha- knowledgeable heroes of Islam, scientious advisor) he would ask Imaam Maalik’s mother ad- listened to him and taught him the ist, Imaam Maalik being a teacher roon Ar-Rasheed learnt about Al- which Imaam Maalik taught to the inquirer to wait for some time vised him to join the first school one he had missed. in the Prophet’s mosque, had great Muwatta’ (a book compiled by Im- people through word and action before he gave him the answer to and university in Islam, the As an eminent scholar, he not reverence for the Ahadeeth of the aam Maalik), he sent his minister was humility and confession to ig- his question. mosque of the Prophet, sallal- only attended study circles held Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa to fetch him in order to read the norance of matters of which he was Maalik ibn Anas is specially laahu ‘alayhi wa salam (may Allah by no less than 90 scholars, but salam. History tells us that before book to the Caliph. Imaam Maa- not certain. He emphasised to his recognised for his voluminous exalt his mention) in Madeenah, throughout his life, he discussed Imaam Maalik embarked upon lik politely answered, “Give my students that the most important book ‘Al-Muwatta’, which is said where he started by memorising different matters of faith with his teaching the Hadeeth, he would regards to the Caliph and tell him expression a true scholar should to be the second compilation in the Quran and then the Hadeeth colleagues and the scholars who have a bath and wear his best that knowledge should be visited, have the courage to say was, “I do Islamic history of religious teach- of the Prophet Muhammad, salla- came to Madeenah during the Hajj clothes and he would not allow and it should not visit people. Peo- not know.” In fact, we are told that ings. It was compiled, according to llaahu ‘alayhi wa salam. At a time (pilgrimage) season, in addition to anyone to raise his voice too high. ple should come to it and it should a man came to Imaam Maalik and some historians, in 40 years. To- when writing and written educa- corresponding with well-known It is also reported that he would not go to the people.” informed him that he had travelled day, that book is still a major guid- tional materials were a rarity, stu- authorities in various parts of the not ride in Madeenah, saying that Later, when the Caliph blamed for six months to ask him about a ing authority for millions of Mus- dents and scholars had to have a Muslim world. We are told that he could not see himself riding in Imaam Maalik for disobeying him, certain problem. Upon hearing the lims in Northern and Sub-Saharan strong memory to consult and store Maalik ibn Anas started teaching a town where the Prophet, sallal- he said to the Caliph: “” Leader of problem, Maalik could not find a Africa, where the “Maaliki School “ the knowledge they gained. Imaam in the Prophet’s mosque very early laahu ‘alayhi wa salam, was buried. the Faithful, Allah the Almighty satisfactory answer. So, he humbly is dominant. Maalik was not lacking in this spe- in his life (late teens or early twen- Since Imaam Maalik lived for has raised you to this honorable told the man, “I do not know.” The Imaam Maalik was a very de- cial ability. We are told that when ties), but he did not start teaching ninety years, he witnessed the position. Do not be the first one man was surprised and he said, vout, Allah-fearing person. He he listened to a teacher narrating until his command of religious change of the Umayyad Dynasty to lower that place and insult the “What shall I tell my folk when I go lived a life of self-denial and absti- the Hadeeth of the Prophet, sallal- learning was witnessed to by no to the Abbasid, and he met many dignity of knowledge and learning, back home.” Imaam Maalik said: nence. He often fasted, sometimes laahu ‘alayhi wa salam, Maalik ibn less than seventy of his teachers, a Caliph whose respect he com- so that Allah may not lower your “Tell them Maalik ibn Anas says he about four days in the week. He Anas used to tie a knot for each Ha- some of whom came to attend the manded with his knowledge and place. I did not really want to diso- does not know.” died in 170 A.H. 04 Friday, February 26, 2021 World Armenians rally as prime minister Euphoria as Pakistan, India accuses military of coup attempt agree to adhere to The PM and the government are no longer able to make reasonable decisions,” the military said in a statement Kashmir ceasefire DPA YEREVAN/MOSCOW DPA people and the states by re- ISLAMABAD storing diplomatic and eco- IN the midst of a domestic nomic relations, Masood said. political crisis, the Armenian PAKISTAN and India have Islamabad and New military has sided with the op- agreed to uphold their cease- Delhi downgraded diplomatic position and demanded the fire agreements in Kashmir, relations, halted trade and resignation of Prime Minister officials in both countries said suspended rail and road links Nikol Pashinyan, who in turn on Thursday, raising hopes for following India’s revocation accused the generals of at- peace in the highly militarised of Kashmir’s status in August tempting a military coup. region after years of deadly 2019. “It is the clear conviction border clashes. Most analysts believe the and stance of the generals and The understanding surprise thaw after years of officers, with one purpose - to reached between the military’s hostilities might be linked serve for the salvation of our operation commanders came with US President Joe Biden’s homeland at this critical mo- into force during the night, a ment,” the Armenian Armed joint statement by the Paki- Forces said in a statement cited stani army and Indian De- Key move by news agency Armenpress. fence Ministry said. “The prime minister and A euphoria swept the More than 300 Pakistanis the government are no longer region as both people and ana- have been killed since the able to make reasonable deci- lysts welcomed the surprising signing of the ceasefire sions,” the military said in an move that was announced in earlier statement. Islamabad and New Delhi. agreement in 2003 in Pashinyan spoke on Fa- Pakistan and India have clashes across the LoC cebook however of an “at- fought two of three wars to tempt at a military coup” and gain control of the Himalayan The announcement was immediately announced the valley of Kashmir that is divid- immediately welcomed by dismissal of the head of the ed between the South Asian the stock market in armed forces’ general staff, nuclear powers but claimed by Pakistan, where the main Onik Gasparyan. He dubbed both in its entirety. index gained 600 points in later repeated calls for his More than 300 Paki- resignation an “emotional re- stanis have been killed since the day’s trading sponse” from the military. Supporters of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (inset) gather to listen to his speech at Republic Square in downtown Yerevan on Thursday. (AFP) the signing of the ceasefire The military representa- agreement in 2003 in clashes new administration in Wash- tives noted in their statements Observers spoke of a tense Most recently, tens of both countries maintain links across the Line of Control ington. that Pashinyan had recently situation but they did not ex- thousands of people called for with Moscow. (LoC), a 740-kilometre-long “America’s new govern- dismissed the deputy chief of pect him to resign. The people his resignation in new pro- According to the Interfax de facto frontier that divides ment might have encouraged general staff. would have to decide, Pashin- tests, which Pashinyan has re- agency, Kremlin spokesman Kashmir. Relations fell to a both the countries for de-es- The 45-year-old told his yan said. peatedly refused to accept. Dmitry Peskov said on Thurs- new low after India revoked a calation,” said Irfan Shahzad, supporters in the capital Yere- The largest opposition Azeri defeat In the fighting from Sep- day that the situation in Arme- special autonomous status for head of Islamabad-based van the attempted coup would party, Prosperous Arme- tember 27 to November 9 over nia was being observed “with the part of Kashmir under its Eurasian Century Institute not work. “Everything will end nia, urged him to vacate his Pashinyan has been under Nagorno-Karabakh, which is concern.” control in a 2019 move that think tank. peacefully,” Pashinyan said, post and warned him against extreme pressure since the mostly inhabited by Christian Turkish Foreign Minister was followed by a months- The announcement was adding the situation was “un- bloodshed. Opposition repre- end of ghting over the Armenians, Muslim-majority Mevlut Cavusoglu told a press long security lockdown of the immediately welcomed by der control.” He also said he sentatives planned to spend disputed region of Azerbaijan reclaimed large conference with his Hungar- region. the stock market in Pakistan, had no plans to leave the coun- the coming night in Yerevan’s Nagorno-Karabakh more than parts of the territory it lost to ian counterpart Peter Szijjarto “This seems a great move where the main index gained try with his family. central Freedom Square. They three months ago because Armenia in the early 1990s. In in Budapest that his country ... Border tensions were 600 points in the day’s trading In the afternoon, tens of were prepared for the fight, a the opposition holds him total, more than 4,700 people “strongly condemns the coup depleting a lot of energies on and the local currency gath- thousands of people joined an spokesman said. personally responsible for the died. attempt in Armenia.” both sides which could have ered strengthened against the opposition rally, according to a President Armen Sargsyan defeat to Azerbaijan Azerbaijan looked to Tur- Turkey believes “a window been used for poverty reduc- US dollar. local reporter for dpa. The same called on his compatriots to key with which it shares reli- of opportunity” for stability in tion and social welfare,” said “That’s the dividend of number took to the streets in exercise restraint. gious, historical and cultural the region should not be wast- defence analyst Talat Masood, peace. Even an effort towards support of Pashinyan. Pashinyan has been under more than three months ago links for support in the con- ed, Cavusoglu said, adding An- a retired Pakistani general. it can make a huge difference,” A large contingent of po- extreme pressure since the end because the opposition holds flict, while Armenia looked to kara had not been in contact Pakistan and India should said Mohamed Ajmal from the lice was deployed around the of fighting over the disputed him personally responsible for Russia for similar reasons. with the Armenian authorities now focus on measures that Dollar East foreign exchange Defence Ministry. region of Nagorno-Karabakh the defeat to Azerbaijan. As former Soviet republics, about the developments. can help build trust between company in Islamabad.

Syria: COVID News vaccination Families of Sri Lanka’s war crime in brief campaign from IS no longer capable of complex attacks, victims vow to ght on for justice says terrorism expert next week DPA for Human Rights Michelle LONDON: The Islamic State terror militia is no longer capable DPA COLOMBO Bachelet said domestic initia- of carrying out complex attacks, London-based German ter- DAMASCUS tives had repeatedly failed to rorism researcher Peter Neumann said in remarks published A defiant group represent- ensure justice for victims and Thursday in the daily Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. SYRIA will start rolling out ing families whose kith and promote reconciliation. IS can no longer carry out long-planned, complex actions, such Covid-19 vaccinations to health kin were killed in Sri Lanka’s “Despite commitments as in Paris in 2015, Neumann, a professor for security studies workers next week, Health Min- drawn-out conflict that end- made in 2015, the current at King’s College London told the paper. Terrorists struck at the ister Hassan Ghabbash said on ed nearly 12 years ago have government, like its prede- same time in ve different locations in the French capital in Thursday, after Damascus re- vowed to continue their cam- cessor, has failed to pursue November 2015, incuding the Bataclan theatre and the Stade ceived vaccines from a “friendly paign for justice, as the UN genuine truth-seeking or ac- de France stadium. A total of 130 people were killed at that country.” In comments pub- Human Rights council debat- countability processes,” she time. Neumann sees the loss of control over parts of Iraq and lished by Syria’s state-run news ed the issue in Geneva. said. Syria as one of the reasons behind the weakening of the IS ter- agency SANA, Ghabbash did Relatives of people de- Sri Lanka’s Foreign Min- rorist militia. The caliphate no longer exists, said Neumann. not reveal which country or how clared as “missing” in ister Dinesh Gunawardena, Without this attraction, it would be much more difcult for IS many doses Syria has received. the conflict that affected Sri Lanka’s 26-year con ict between Tamil rebels and the armed addressing the Council on to recruit new ghters, he added. The threat posed by Islamist Ghabbash said the country the north and eastern parts forces ended in May 2009, claiming over 100,000 lives. (AFP) Monday, refuted allegations extremists is thus signicantly lower than it was six years ago, aims to protect health work- of Sri Lanka said a protest made by Bachelet in her re- Neumann explained. (DPA) ers against the virus in order to campaign that entered its the secretary of the Enforced only international communi- port on Sri Lanka, saying continue to provide the neces- fifth year on Thursday would Missing Persons Federation ty-backed intervention will some of the contents were sary level of care for the public. go on despite attempts to get (NE) in northern Kilinochchi, provide us with answers as based on disputed reports. Indonesia’s Mount Sinabung ejects ash Since the outbreak be- them to suspend their efforts. was summoned by the Ter- successive governments failed Sri Lanka’s 26-year con- 1,500 metres into sky gan, Syria has registered As the 46th session of the rorism Investigation Depart- to provide justice,” she said. flict between Tamil rebels some 15,343 cases and 1,008 UN Human Rights Coun- ment (TID), a police unit, for Addressing the Human and the armed forces ended JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra prov- deaths in areas controlled by cil got under way this week, questioning. Rights Council on Wednes- in May 2009, claiming over ince erupted on Thursday, sending ash 1,500 metres into the the government. Leeladevi Anandanadarajah, “We are convinced that day, UN High Commissioner 100,000 lives. sky. The eruption lasted more than 3 minutes, but there were no reports of casualties, according to the country’s Centre for Vol- canology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. Mount Sinabung has been erupting intermittently for years. In 2016, nine villagers Former prisoners of war used were killed after the volcano ejected searing gas and volcanic Indian coastguard aiding Rohingya materials known as pyroclastic ow. Authorities are advising as slave labourers in N Korea villagers to stay out of an exclusion zone of about 3 to 5 kilome- tres away from the crater. Indonesia has the largest number of adrift in sea, says UN agency active volcanoes in the world with 127 volcanoes, and 77 seven DPA the country’s nuclear weapons of them with eruptions that date back before the 1600s. (DPA) SEOUL programme, the group said. DPA The number of the refu- gees had started their jour- “The entire mineral re- DHAKA gees could not be known yet, ney. The UNHCR on Monday NORTH Korea has forced source industry in North Kore- she told dpa in reference to called upon nations in the re- Six killed, one missing in landslide at thousands of former South Ko- an mines ... is characterized by THE Indian coastguard has the Indian response to the UN gion immediately to rescue the Indonesian mining site rean prisoners of war and their forced labour and mass abuse,” aided a boatload of Rohingya agency’s request for a search refugees in distress. descendants to work in mines Kim Young Ja of the NKHR Muslims with food, water and mission in the sea. A number of refugees JAKARTA: Six people were found dead and another was still for several decades, a human said. After the Korean War medicine after the refugees The boat is believed to have lost their lives, many missing after a mudslide buried workers at an illegal gold min- rights organization said on (1950-53) these former pris- were found adrift in the An- have left the southern Bang- others were suffering from ing site in Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province, ofcials said Thursday. oners of war worked in coal, daman Sea, the UN refugee ladeshi district of Cox’s Bazar, extreme dehydration as the on Thursday. Sixteen miners were rescued after the incident Citizens’ Alliance for North magnesite, zinc and lead mines agency said on Thursday. home to hundred of thousands vessel had run out of food and in Parigi Moutong district on Wednesday evening, said Andi Sul- Korean Human Rights (NKHR) in the provinces of North and “We understand the Indian of Rohingya refugees who fled water, the UN agency said in tan, the operational head of the provincial search and rescue released a report describing a South Hamgyung. coastguard did indeed supply persecution in neighbouring a statement. agency. “Among those found dead were a husband and his system by which North Korea’s “You were never allowed food, water and some medical Myanmar, nearly two weeks “We understand that the wife,” he said. The mine shaft collapsed about 30 minutes af- leadership extracts and exports to return to South Korea,” the care on Monday,” said Cath- ago and its engine broke down crew of smugglers abandoned ter heavy rain began pouring in, burying workers under 20-me- coal and other mineral resourc- group said. The group collected erine Stubberfield, spokesper- in the Andaman Sea. the ship some days ago. With- tre thick mud, said Raditya Jati, spokesman for the National es with the help of slave labour. the testimony of former politi- son for the regional bureau Bangladeshi officials, how- out a qualified crew on board, Disaster Management Agency. “More people came because The system allows Pyong- cal prisoners and prisoners of for Asia and the Pacific of the ever, said they have no knowl- there is a high risk of further they heard news that there was substantial gold and they jos- yang to procure foreign curren- war who managed to escape to United Nations High Commis- edge about the boat, or about harm to the refugees and more tled to get into the narrow pit,” Raditya said. (DPA) cy that is also used to finance South Korea. sion for Refugees (UNHCR). how and from where the refu- deaths,” Stubberfield said. World Friday, February 26, 2021 05 EU divided on COVID Violent clashes at Myanmar protest vaccine passports, border closures as military faces more sanctions DPA become possible again, he said. BRUSSELS However, the science on DPA [the armed forces of Myanmar] whether vaccinated people can WASHINGTON on Facebook and Instagram are THE European Union’s 27 still infect others is not yet de- too great,” the company said in leaders are debating their cisive. Moreover, with shots in PEOPLE demonstrating against a statement. shared COVID-19 strategy on short supply, there are also con- the military coup in Myanmar The social media giant said Thursday, with several mem- cerns about fairness. clashed with pro-military pro- the Myanmar military and mili- ber states vying to break rank Just over 6 per cent of the testers on Thursday, while the tary-controlled state and media and offer privileges to vacci- EU population has had at least military regime faced more entities, as well as ads linked nated foreign visitors. one dose so far, according to sanctions from Britain and was to the army, would be banned The bloc is split between figures compiled the Univer- blocked by Facebook. from the two platforms. member states like France and sity of Oxford’s Our World In the largest city, Yangon, Facebook said that the army Germany, which are reluctant in Data project. supporters of the coup pelted ban was the result of its history to start linking shots to travel “Vaccine passports” could pro-democracy protesters with of “exceptionally severe human rights, while another camp, led also exclude those unwilling or stones, leaving several people rights abuses and the clear risk by tourism-minded Greece and unable to get a shot. injured, according to eyewit- of future military-initiated vio- Cyprus, is keen to move forward No decision is expected on nesses cited by news portal lence” in the country, as well more quickly. Thursday. At present, discus- Frontier Myanmar. as its repeated violations of the Nicosia has already signed sions are focussed on how to Ma Su, a resident, told platforms’ community stand- a deal with Israel allowing citi- mutually recognize vaccination Frontier Myanmar that the pro- ards, among other reasons. zens who’ve had the jab in for or testing certificates, according military group was also carrying The move follows the re- holidays from April 1. to EU and diplomatic sources. knives and batons. moval of “at least six Coordi- “Vaccines will prove central Many are keen to see a global People on social media spec- nated Inauthentic Behavior to our long-term recovery, with framework in place, to ensure ulated that the military paid the networks run by the Tatmad- no one left forgotten,” Europe- any EU certification scheme group to cause unrest and make aw” and a ban on some 20 in- an Parliament President David could also function elsewhere. it seem like the armed forces dividuals linked to the military, Sassoli told leaders at the open- The 27 countries unani- had a large support base. including Min Aung Hlaing, be- ing of the talks. mously pledged to restrict non- For weeks, Myanmar has Pro-military supporters throw projectiles at residents in Yangon on Thursday. (AFP) tween 2018 and 2020. “We need to develop a pan- essential travel within and into been shaken by mass protests Campaigners against the European response that brings the bloc a few weeks ago. A draft after the military took power Independent media organi- The measures are designed The measures bring the coup called a general strike tangible benefits to citizens in joint statement seen by dpa and detained de-facto leader zations in Myanmar issued a to stop the targeted individuals number of individuals sanc- on Monday as enormous all member states,” the official ahead of Thursday’s videocon- Aung San Suu Kyi and Presi- statement saying that they will from travelling to Britain. Those tioned by London to 25. Brit- crowds flooded towns and cit- transcript of his address read. ference shows they plan to stick dent Win Myint. Security forc- continue to report on the pro- targeted include Commander- ain has also temporarily sus- ies across the country despite Ahead of the EU videocon- to this position. es have violently cracked down tests freely, after the Ministry of in-Chief General Min Aung Hla- pended all promotion of trade threats of violence from the ference, Austrian Chancellor Another contentious is- on protesters; three people Information warned them not ing and other leading members with Myanmar, the govern- new regime. Sebastian Kurz said he backed sue is border closures. The have been killed to date and to use terms like “coup govern- of the military. ment said. Two people were killed in making travel easier, among European Commission chided scores detained. ment” or “military regime” in “Today’s package of meas- On Wednesday, Facebook the second-largest city of Man- other benefits for the inoculat- Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Suu Kyi is said to be un- their reporting. ures sends a clear message to announced a ban on Myanmar’s dalay on Saturday as police ed. The vaccination certificate Denmark, Sweden and Finland der house arrest, although her On Thursday, Britain issued the military regime in Myan- military on its platforms with and soldiers attacked protest- should ideally be stored on the earlier this week for sealing off lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said sanctions against six additional mar that those responsible for immediate effect. ers gathered to protect striking holder’s mobile phone, Kurz frontiers to neighbours within he was still unable to visit her members of the military as a human rights violations will be “Events since the February shipyard workers when police said on German newspaper the EU free movement area in and remained barred from par- result of “their responsibility held to account, and the author- 1 coup, including deadly vio- tried to arrest them. Bild’s livestream, Bild Live. a bid to curb the spread of new ticipating in an upcoming trial for serious human rights viola- ities must hand back control lence, have precipitated a need On Friday, a woman died Those who are immune coronavirus variants. hearing on Monday, according tions,” Foreign Secretary Domi- to a government elected by the for this ban. We believe the after being shot in the head by after having recovered from The EU executive arm is to newspaper The Irrawaddy. nic Raab said. people of Myanmar,” Raab said. risks of allowing the Tatmadaw police at a rally the week before. Covid-19 could also regain “full pushing member states to stick freedom” as well as those with to a framework for travel with- a negative test, the Austrian in the bloc agreed just a few leader argued. In this way, free- weeks ago, based on shared Israel fears Results will be determined by teachers, dom to travel in Europe could risk assessments. rise in virus infections not exams: UK’s education secretary DPA be determined by teachers which were far worse than “This year’s students will during holidays LONDON who can use coursework, in- their predicted grades and receive grades determined by class tests and mock exams to ended up losing their places at their teachers, with assess- DPA BRITAIN’S education secre- assess them. college and university. Uni- ments covering what they TEL AVIV tary has unveiled how pupils’ Grades will also be given versities offer places ahead were taught and not what they results will be calculated this earlier in August to give stu- of exams based on predicted have missed,” Williamson ISRAELI authorities were summer after previously an- dents time to appeal them if grades and dependent on said. “Teachers have a good guarding against a feared nouncing all exams would be necessary. students achieving them. understanding of their stu- spike in coronavirus cases on cancelled due to the coronavi- It comes after a fiasco Protests were undertaken dents’ performance and how the eve of the Jewish festival rus pandemic. last summer where students and Williamson was forced to they compare to other stu- of Purim on Thursday. Gavin Williamson told were given grades based on withdraw the scheme, instead dents this year and from those A night curfew was lawmakers in the British an algorithm which calculated giving students grades based of previous years.” He added due from 8:30 pm until 5 parliament on Thursday that their results after examina- on the grades predicted in that exam boards would give am on Thursday, Friday and grades of qualifications taken tions were unable to be held advance by their teachers. teachers grade descriptions so European Council President Charles Michel arrives for a video conference Saturday. by 15 and 16-year-olds, known in person. On Thursday, Williamson that teachers could make sure with the members of the European Council on the COVID-19 pandemic, “We expect the pub- as GCSEs, and A Levels, taken Hundreds of thousands of said “no algorithm” will be their assessments are “fair” in Brussels, on Thursday. (AFP) lic to stay at home and not by 17 and 18-year-olds, would students received results used for grades this summer. and “consistent.” hold [superspreader] parties, events or gatherings,” said a senior police official, Yogev Atias, in remarks broadcast Russian of cials uncover on public radio. Police would be deployed in large numbers Russia reduces price for Sputnik V vaccine by 50% black market for babies, to enforce the curfew, he said. Violations carry a fine of DPA tion quantities had been significantly take nine into care 500 Israeli shekels (150 US MOSCOW ramped up with the start of mass vac - dollars). Hundreds never- cination in Russia, another reason why DPA was recruited by one of the theless attended street par- RUSSIA on Thursday lowered the Sputnik V had become cheaper to pro- MOSCOW suspects. ties throughout the country price of its Sputnik V coronavirus vac- duce, he said. The woman was artificially late on Wednesday, including cine to 866 rubles (about 12 dollars), However, the new price only ap- INVESTIGATORS in Rus- inseminated in Cambodia, one documented in Tel Aviv, or half of the original price. plied to the vaccination programme in sia arrested three men and a gave birth in Russia in April with many party-goers in cos- The jab, which consists of two com- Russia, Manturov said. woman accused of running a 2020 and left her baby with tumes dancing close together, ponents, was on the list of vital medi - Sputnik V was approved by Russian black market for babies, they the men, according to officials, without masks. cines, so the price had to be controlled authorities in August, the first coro- said on Thursday. who said she returned to Ka- “Whoever celebrated at by the state, the government said in a navirus vaccine to be certified world- Officials took nine babies zakhstan and received 13,000 the street party yesterday is statement. wide, although important phase-three into care in the eastern city dollars for the sale of the boy. scorning public health and “The price cut was made possible trials had not been concluded yet. This of Krasnoyarsk who were No information was our supreme efforts to curb An employee of the United Nations Relief because of the development and opti- sparked international criticism. probably going to be sold, available about the mothers the pandemic,” condemned and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees mization of the industrial production Russia has also registered the jab they said. of the other babies. Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai. prepares a shot of the Sputnik V COVID-19 of the vaccine,” Trade Minister Denis in 36 other countries, according to the A 27-year old woman The four suspects are Purim usually involves large vaccine in Gaza City on Thursday. (AFP) Manturov said. In addition, produc- Russian Direct Investment Fund. from Kazakhstan gave birth being investigated for child fancy dress parties across to one of the babies after she trafficking. the country for both children and adults. Last year, a mass out- break of coronavirus infec- tions followed the holiday. The curfew rules require resi- Biden administration to send out millions of free masks dents to stay within 1 kilome- tre of their home during these DPA 60,000 food pantries and soup ernment plans to increase the weekends and said the federal hours and prohibit them from WASHINGTON kitchens across the country. The US supply of vaccines to states government could help provide visiting anyone else’s resi- masks are expected to reach an and pharmacies. backup if needed. dence. THE Biden administration plans estimated 12 million to 15 mil- States should receive 14.5 More shots may be on the Prime Minister Benjamin to send 25 million reusable cloth lion Americans. COVID-19 Re- million vaccine doses this market soon, Zients noted, as the Netanyahu late on Wednes- masks directly to community sponse Coordinator Jeff Zients week, up from 13.5 million last Food and Drug Administration day announced that Israel’s health centres and food banks to said the program will cost 86 week, Zients said. This marks a is expected to make a decision on massive vaccination cam- protect the communities hardest million dollars and will not im- 70-per-cent supply increase to Johnson and Johnson’s one-shot paign would enable the coun- hit by COVID-19 from rapidly pact the delivery of masks to states during the Biden-Harris vaccine candidate. An FDA advi- try to emerge from the pan- spreading the virus and increas- health care workers. administration. sory committee will meet Friday demic in April. ing the likelihood of mutations. White House public health The administration will pro- to discuss that vaccine, and if the Health officials however “One of the most impactful officials stressed that the coun- vide another 2.1 million doses agency follows the timeline of expressed skepticism, as the things we can do is wear a mask, try is at an inflection point when directly to pharmacies. previously authorized vaccines, a infection ‘R’ number in Israel and this is so important during it comes to COVID-19. Cases and Last week, the adminis- green light could come as soon as remains close to 1, meaning this critical period where cases infection rates are dropping as tration experienced weather- this weekend. one person on average infects are declining, but variants that vaccine distribution ramps up, related shipping delays due The administration would one other. spread more easily are increas- but emerging, highly contagious to severe weather, but at this be able to immediately distrib- Israel is headed to an ing throughout the country,” the virus variants threaten to thwart US President Joe Biden in Washington on Wednesday. (AFP) point, officials say they have ute 3 million to 4 million doses of unprecedented fourth par- Centers for Disease Control and the nation’s progress. completely caught up on ship- the Johnson and Johnson vac- liamentary election in two Prevention director Rochelle Scientists have already dis- the United Kingdom could be ing and distancing, can help slow ments to states. cine next week if it’s authorized, years on March 23. Netan- Walensky said. covered several COVID-19 vari- the dominant virus strain in this the spread of these highly trans- The administration’s task which would directly translate yahu hopes an early relief will The masks will go to 1,300 ants in the United States and country by March. Normal virus missible variants. force encouraged states to work into 3 million to 4 million vacci- boost his chances. community health centres and have said the B117 variant from mitigation efforts, such as mask- Meanwhile, the federal gov- around the clock and on the nated people. 06 Friday, February 26, 2021

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN Opinion ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

We Need To Tighten Up Regulations On Deadly Biden’s Strongest ‘Ghost Guns’ OR several years now, some Climate Allies Are gun manufacturers have been Fexploiting a loophole in fed- eral regulations to evade a range of gun control measures by selling firearms in pieces to be assembled later by consumers, including peo- Outside Washington ple barred from owning a gun. It’s a preposterous situation, and the Biden administration should either address it through stronger regula- For the past four years, communities and companies across the US have been stepping up tions under existing congressional their environmental e orts. e current administration should encourage their initiative authority, or work with Congress on a legislative fix. The issue centers on so-called out conducting background checks, MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG & CARL POPE ghost guns, which consist of untrace- including to buyers who would not TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE able parts that can be ordered online have been able to pass one. and then, with a little finishing work, We hope Feuer is successful in RESIDENT Joe Biden’s ability to bring assembled into a working firearm. his suit, which seeks an injunction together the two parties in Congress is The gun parts fall outside federal against the firm. But the problem already being tested. But the good news regulation because the Bureau of is much broader than one company is that on at least one issue — climate Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Ex- and one local jurisdiction. change — the fate of the president’s am- plosives held that while the core sec- Although federal law says that bitionsP does not rest primarily with his ability tion of a gun — called a receiver or a receivers and frames that are “de- to unite Congress, but with his ability to sup- frame — meets the legal definition of signed to or may readily be convert- port and expand ongoing work in the rest of the a firearm, an incomplete receiver or ed” into working guns must be regu- country. frame does not. lated, the ATF has said in a series of Consider this: The US is actually within In what used to be the purview advisory letters in recent years that striking distance of reaching the goal it set un- of gun hobbyists, manufacturers the so-called 80% receivers by them- der the Paris climate agreement, a 26% to 28% have surfaced that produce receivers selves do not clear that threshold for reduction in emission levels by 2025. In fact, lo- and frames that are 80% complete, readiness. Gun control advocates, cal and state leadership alone could take us to then sell them to people who finish including Everytown for Gun Safety 37% by 2030. the production by drilling holes and (which supports Feuer’s lawsuit), The reason is simple: While the previous ad- making other alterations that result argue rightly that experience shows ministration was trying to drag us backwards — in a completed part. the parts can be, and readily are, fin- it failed, spectacularly — cities, states and busi- That piece is then the central ished into working firearms. nesses were racing ahead. part of a homemade gun that does The advocates have urged the President Biden’s decision to rejoin the not carry a stamped serial number ATF to reverse its position and treat Paris Agreement on his first day in office sends or other traceable identifiers, and unfinished receivers and frames the a powerful message to the world that Washing- is often passed on or sold to peo- same as they do finished guns, which ton will once again lead on the world stage, but US President Joe Biden’s decision to rejoin the Paris Agreement on his rst day in of ce sends a powerful ple who otherwise would have to would require them to be stamped those paying close attention to global emission message to the world that Washington will once again lead on the world stage, but those paying close atten- clear a background check. It’s no with a traceable serial number and, reductions know that America as a whole never tion to global emission reductions know that America as a whole never abdicated its leadership role.(TNS) surprise that such guns have found in most circumstances, require buy- abdicated its leadership role. It’s just that the their way into the hands of people ers to pass a background check. Sev- action has been happening from the ground up, derstanding the importance of cities and work- is the traditional American genius — innova- barred from buying firearms, in- eral states and cities have joined the rather than the top down — and without all the ing closely with them. tion comes from the country to Washington, cluding those with violent criminal fight in separate civil suits accusing Sturm und Drang of Beltway debates. Here’s an example of why city leadership not from Washington down. And just last week, records or mental illnesses or both. the ATF of violating federal law. A pop quiz illustrates the point: Did the US matters so much. Two years ago, cities and we launched a new phase in our bottom-up ap- Law enforcement officials say ghost But it shouldn’t take lawsuits to retire more coal plants under the Trump admin- states came together to pass important new en- proach to climate action called America Is All guns account for about a third of all force the government to embrace istration or the last four years of the Obama ad- ergy-efficiency standards for homes and offices, In, the broadest coalition of US climate leaders firearms they confiscate in the Los common sense and craft regula- ministration? Most people would say the latter. over fierce opposition from building contractors ever assembled. Angeles area. In 2019, police offi- tions that reflect Congress’ intent. But in fact, over the past four years, local groups and real estate developers. The Biden administration wants to acceler- cials nationwide confiscated about Selling gun parts as a do-it-yourself and market forces combined to retire more coal Now, the construction industry has asked ate innovation, but it will be slowed down by 10,000 ghost guns. kit is so close to selling the gun it- plants than the previous four years. Going back the International Code Council, which man- industry lobbyists and lawsuits. Once a new Last week Los Angeles City Attor- self, the government should regu- to 2010, when Congress failed to pass a cap- ages model codes, to eliminate the right of cities climate solution is demonstrated by city, state ney Mike Feuer announced a lawsuit late the kits as firearms, including and-trade bill, these same forces have helped and states to vote in the setting of future energy and industry leaders, the argument against against a leading ghost gun vendor, requiring serial numbers and back- trigger the retirement of about two of every codes. Instead, the builders would become the making it a national policy diminishes, and it Polymer80, based near Carson City, ground checks for customers. three (339 out of 530) US coal plants. arbiters of model standards for houses and of- becomes less likely that regulators or members Nevada, which is also the subject of Less likely to happen in these Cities, states and businesses have been blaz- fices. This would be akin to letting the coal in- of Congress will reject it as politically toxic. In a federal investigation. In addition fractious political times is Con- ing a clean energy trail, because they recog- dustry adopt its own emission standards — and this way, local policy becomes a powerful tool to to selling the unfinished receivers, gress addressing the issue as part nize it is in their own interest to do so. They’ve Bloomberg Philanthropies has been organizing transform national politics — and one that the Polymer80 sold “Buy, Build, Shoot” of a package of reforms that would shown that the faster we move away from fos- mayors and others to defeat it. Biden administration has a chance to imagina- kits that included all the components ban assault-style weapons, require sil fuels, the more dynamic and prosperous our We do not for a moment diminish the im- tively and aggressively deploy to accelerate our necessary to craft the finished weap- universal background checks for economy will grow, the healthier our lungs will portance of a national policy that brings the en- path to a clean energy economy. on, including correctly sized drill every transfer of a firearm, close the become and the safer from natural disasters our tire country — every ZIP code — the benefits of bits. The ATF determined that the “Charleston loophole” that allows communities will be. a clean energy and climate-resilient future. Pro- (Michael R. Bloomberg is the founder kits as a package constitute a firearm a firearm sale to proceed if the FBI One of the most important steps the Biden moting “the general welfare” of all Americans and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, and raided Polymer80’s headquar- doesn’t finish a background check administration can take to achieve its climate is one of the core purposes of the Constitution. the parent company of Bloomberg News, ters late last year. No charges have within three days, and take other goals is actually one of the simplest: Empower But at the same time, it’s important to recognize and served as mayor of New York City been filed, but a federal affidavit al- common sense steps toward making cities and states to pursue their own climate that the pacesetters in the clean energy transi- from 2002 to 2013. Carl Pope is a former leges that the firm sold the kits with- society safer. agendas — and don’t allow industry to block tion will be the cities, states and companies chairman of the Sierra Club and the them. Fortunately, National Climate Advisor that have already embraced a ramped-up ef- co-author, with Michael R Bloomberg, (TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE) Gina McCarthy has a strong track record of un- fort to achieve a fossil-fuel-free economy. This of “Climate of Hope.”) Stop Worrying About Extremely Unlikely COVID Risks After nearly a year, we’ve learned some things about how the virus spreads — and doesn’t

FAYE FLAM the difference between a potential danger Javid was one of the very first propo- would no longer be infectious today. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE that hasn’t been tested and something where nents of masking, fighting for it back when That may in part explain why I keep there’s evidence piling up that the danger is it was unpopular with other public health hearing educated people try to tell me that HE USDA has now announced that there’s minuscule. People can grasp that. It’s not leaders — but even he draws the line at mak- once people contract the disease, they will “no credible evidence” that people can get rocket science. ing runners and cyclists or solitary walkers always be carriers. That’s true for untreat- TCOVID-19 from touching packages in the But for the past year, there’s been too mask up. “In the context of the pandemic ed HIV, but SARS-CoV-2 can be cleared, grocery store. At first blush, this sounds like much spin, too much moralizing, and not where there are literally hundreds of million like flu — which people don’t pass on after a breakthrough — but there was no evidence enough in the way of clear explanation. Peo- cases worldwide, even rare events can hap- they’ve recovered. The risk of getting COV- of this in the spring of 2020 either. ple still wrongly fear that passing others on pen,” he says. “So I am not going to say it is ID-19 in a given region is related to the per- Throughout the pandemic, there’s the street is a big danger because scientists impossible. I think the risks of, you know, cent of people who are actively infectious been a tendency to play up unlikely risks, and the press lump all risks together — sub- someone cycling past you and giving you — a condition that lasts only a few days. But and not to talk enough about uncertainty stantial with astronomically unlikely. COVID is minimal, to say the least.” such useful numbers are drowned out by and probabilities. Vaccine messaging is now playing up It’s true that even 95% vaccine efficacy He says the biggest positive impact of more dramatic sounding ones. The risk of getting COVID-19 from gro- post-vaccination risks, with health author- means a few people might still get the dis- outdoor mask mandates is that it might en- Scientists and journalists may feel mag- ceries or mail or monkey bars was always ities saying vaccinated people will have to ease post-vaccination — and some might get courage people to mask up indoors. If that’s nifying small risks is erring on the side of a guess. Yes, there was an eye-popping lab continue take exactly the same precau- a silent case and give it to someone else — but the reason, I think officials should be explicit caution. But if freaking people out about experiment last spring that showed that tions. As New York Times columnist David the vaccine is proving close to 100% effective about that so people don’t actually believe small things is distracting from the risks that parts of viral RNA — but not necessarily live Leonhardt found, many people took that at preventing the most severe and deadly their neighbors could infect them from have led to most of the 500,000 deaths, then virus — could persist for a few days on some recommendation so seriously that they’re cases. And as more people get vaccinated, across the street. perhaps true caution would instead dictate surfaces. Yet the public was advised to scrub questioning the point of getting the shots, incidence of the disease should plunge even Adding to the confusion is the way cumu- erring as little as possible. and sterilize everything, even though there or are refusing them. lower. The risks will plunge with it. lative cases have gotten muddled with cur- was never evidence that groceries posed In fact, having a dinner party with a few Why not lay that all out on the table and rent infection rates. People I know have been (Faye Flam is a Bloomberg more than a tiny risk compared to crowded vaccinated friends would be reasonable, says propose a short period of stringent post- frightened by the New York Times reporting Opinion columnist and host of the living or working conditions. Babak Javid, an infectious disease doctor at vaccine precautions, to be eased when all that 1 in 8 people in my home state ofR hode podcast “Follow the Science.” She Science and science communication the University of California, San Francisco. the most vulnerable people are vaccinated? Island have been infected. You have to read has written for the Economist, the are both fraught with the potential for er- Could someone transmit the disease — may- With 500,000 people dead, we shouldn’t be carefully to see the numbers refer to people New York Times, the Washington ror — what makes them work is honesty and be? “I think the risks of that are so remotely focusing on extremely unlikely risks when who’ve tested positive from the beginning of Post, Psychology Today, Science transparency. It’s not that hard to explain low,” he says. He would go if invited. larger ones loom. the pandemic — the vast majority of whom and other publications)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Why engine failure on a Boeing 777 was not dangerous PAGE 8

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021

31,603.77 10,120.67 51039.31 1,774.00 -358.09 PTS +167.81 PTS +257.62 PTS GOLD -1.33 % GameStop shares up in early trade DOW QE SENSEX before being halted PAGE 9 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 27.61 BRENT 66.81 -0.34 % WTI 63.47 +0.40 % SILVER -1.14 % QSE outperforms GCC Khater discusses trade ties with Chilean of cial markets, jumps 1.7% TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

SULTAN Bin Rashid Al Four insurance stocks among ve top gainers  QLM rises maximum 10% Khater, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Com - SATYENDRA PATHAK merce and Industry, on DOHA Thursday, met with Rodrigo Yanez, Undersecretary for QATAR outperformed GCC International Economic Re- stock markets as major stock lations in Chile, and the ac - markets in the Middle East companying delegation cur- registered sharp gains track- rently visiting the country. ing a rise in global equities During the meeting, of- and a recovery in oil prices on ficials touched on the bi- Thursday. lateral relations between Snapping a six-day losing the two countries and dis - streak, the Qatar Stock Ex- cussed aspects of joint co- change (QSE) general index operation, especially in the gained 167.81 points (1.69) commercial, investment, percent, when the bourse and industrial fields, as closed trading at 10,120.67 w e l l a s w a y s t o e n h a n c e a n d points on Thursday. develop them. The volume of shares trad- The meeting also fe MoCI Undersecretary Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater with Rodrigo Yanez, ed increased to 309.337 mil- atured a discussion of trade Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of Chile, in Doha lion from 200.482 million on policies between the two on Thursday. Wednesday and the value of countries, and the efforts shares increased to QR802.117 exerted by both to confront Khater highlighted Qatar’s ties offered to foreign inves - million from QR506.860 mil- the COVID-19 pandemic. economic development and tors and companies looking lion on Wednesday. During the meeting, the investment opportuni- to invest in the country. Six out of the seven sector indices closed in the positive Six out of the seven sector indices closed in the positive territory on the day that saw the All Share territory on the day that saw Insurance Index lead gainers with an increase of 6.19 percent. the All Share Insurance Index lead gainers with an increase Exposure of Norway’s sovereign of 6.19 percent. Out of the five top gainers Oil prices hover near 13-month highs on the day, four were from the wealth fund in Qatar surges insurance sector with QLM AGENCIES delivery rose 10 cents, or 0.2 settlement in 13 months. Life & Medical Insurance ris- NEW YORK percent, to $67.14 a barrel, The Organisation of the ing the maximum day limit while US West Texas Inter- Petroleum Exporting Coun- seven times to $582 million of 10 percent. Qatar Insur- OIL prices held near 13-month mediate (WTI) crude rose tries (OPEC) and allies in- ance rose 7.418 percent, while highs on Thursday, with prof- 44 cents, or 0.7 percent, to cluding Russia, a group TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in 2020, its second-best per- intense scrutiny. Alkhaleej Takaful Insurance it-taking limited by an assur- $63.66. The April Brent con- known as OPEC+, are due to DOHA formance ever thanks in According to an earlier and Doha Insurance gained ance that US interest rates will tract expires on Friday. meet on March 4. large part to tech stocks. But, report, Norway’s sovereign 6.784 percent and 5.617 per- stay low and a sharp drop in In intraday trade, both The group will discuss a NORWAY’S $1.3 trillion some of its biggest losses wealth fund acquired shares cent respectively. US crude output last week due contracts hit their highest modest easing of oil supply sovereign wealth fund has were tied to its holdings of of QLM Life and Medical In- Jump in insurance sector to the winter storm in Texas. since January 2020 and both curbs from April given a re- boosted its portfolio in Qatar oil companies and the fund surance Company. stocks was mainly triggered Brent futures for April are on track for their highest covery in prices. by almost seven times. exited stocks focused on oil Norway’s central bank, by the Cabinet’s decision to According to data from exploration and production which oversees the world’s approve a draft law regulating QR2.512.6 billion against 42.4 percent to reach 59,717 percent. Norges Bank Investment last year. biggest wealth fund, pur- health care services that re- QR1.796 billion in the prior transactions against 41,933 Dubai’s main share index Management, which manag- Nicolai Tangen, the chased a stake just shy of 5 quired all expatriates and visi- trading week. QNB was the transactions in the previous added 0.8 percent, buoyed by es the fund, the fund’s expo- fund’s chief executive offic- percent in January, according tors to obtain health insurance top value traded stock during week. Qamco was the top vol- a 2.3 percent gain in Emirates sure in Qatar surged to $582 er since September, said on to data from the Qatar Stock to receive basic health care the week with a total traded ume traded stock during the NBD Bank and a 5.4 percent million from $80 million. Thursday he doesn’t expect Exchange. The holding is services in Qatar. value of QR516 million. week with a total traded vol- surge in DAMAC properties. According to a Bloomb- the stimulus-driven surge worth more than $17 million. The QSE main index, Trading volume increased, ume of 185.7 million shares. In Abu Dhabi, however, erg report, Qatar is now the in equity markets to con- The Norwegian fund, however, closed lower for the by 35.4 percent to reach 990.6 Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s the index traded flat as gains fund’s second-biggest hold- tinue, and that his strategy however, chopped equities week that witnessed heavy million shares against 731.8 benchmark share index rose in Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank ing in the Gulf after the Unit- will rely largely on a “foren- ownership last year in Oman, trading. The value of trade million shares in the previous 0.9 percent with Al Rajhi Bank was offset by losses in the ed Arab Emirates. sic” approach to ethical in- the UAE, Turkey, Kuwait and during the week increased trading week. The number of rising 2 percent and Saudi Tel- country’s largest lender First The Oslo-based fund gen- vesting, implying portfolio Israel, while increasing hold- by 39.9 percent to reach transactions also increased by ecom Company climbing 3.3 Abu Dhabi Bank. erated $123 billion of returns c o m p a n i e s w i l l f a c e m o r e ings in Egypt and Bahrain.

How will oil prices shape the COVID-19 recovery in emerging markets?

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of around $40 a barrel last year on $50 a barrel this year, above the on average prices of $45 per barrel. DOHA the back of a lack of storage space. 2020 average of $41.30. Although the outlook for oil- While global demand for oil re- However, the continued rise of producing countries looks signifi- A combination of continued pro- mains low, one factor credited with prices over the first two months of cantly brighter than in 2020, there duction cuts and an increase in reversing the trend is the decision the year has led to some more bull- are still a number of factors that economic activity has prompted oil to make significant cuts to oil pro- ish estimates, with Dutch multina- could hinder a sustained rebound. prices to return to pre-pandemic duction, which subsequently tight- tional banking firm ING predict- Chief among them is the poten- levels – a factor that will be crucial ened global supplies. ing average annual prices of $65 tial for further outbreaks of COV- to the recovery of major oil-produc- In April, members of the Or- per barrel, while investment bank ID-19. Another is the possibility ing countries in the Middle East ganisation of Petroleum Exporting Goldman Sachs has forecast Brent of delays in the rollout of vaccines, and Africa. Countries (OPEC), along with oth- prices will rise as high as $75 a bar- which could result in the extension Brent crude prices rose above er oil-producing nations including rel in the third quarter of the year, of travel and general movement re- $60 a barrel in early February, the Russia, Azerbaijan, Malaysia and $10 higher than earlier estimates. strictions. A further factor that could first time they had exceeded pre- Mexico, agreed to cut total global Any continued rise in oil prices affect oil market stability in the short Covid-19 values. They have since output by 9.7m barrels per day would make a significant contribu- term is the upcoming OPEC+ meet- continued to rise, going above $66 (bpd), equivalent to around 10 per- tion to the recovery of oil-producing ing on March 4, a potentially signifi- a barrel on February 24. cent of global production. emerging markets. Just as the rapid cant event in determining policy for The ongoing increase in oil The 23-nation group, known as drop in prices badly affected hydro- the rest of the year. prices, which have soared by 75 OPEC+, decided to scale back the carbons exporters last year, the re- While a number of countries, percent since November and cuts to 7.7 million bpd in August, be- bound could play a key role in stim- led by Saudi Arabia, are expected around 26 percent since the begin- fore announcing in early December The ongoing increase in oil prices, which have soared 75 percent since Novem- ulating broader economic growth. to push for an extension of the pro- ning of the year, marks a dramatic that they would increase production ber and around 26 percent since the beginning of the year, marks a dramatic For example, in Saudi Arabia, duction cuts, others such as Russia change from last year. by 500,000 bpd as of January 2021. change from last year. where oil accounts for around 45 are likely to call for a further relaxa- Following the closure of many Concerned that the most recent percent of GDP, the country expects tion of the measures. national borders and the implemen- decision could have led to excess come which would further spur lagging, but is forecast to pick up a fiscal deficit of 4.9 % of GDP this In some corners there are con- tation of travel-related restrictions oil in the market, Saudi Arabia an- demand. in [the second half of] 2021,” the year, according to its 2021 budget, cerns that scaling back production to stop the spread of the virus, de- nounced that it would cut an ad- In an annual outlook released group said in a statement. “With released in December. cuts too early could flood the mar- mand for oil slumped globally. ditional 1m barrels daily between in mid-February, OPEC forecast this, a healthy rebound in oil de- However, a sustained rise in oil ket with oil, subsequently leading In the wake of the Saudi-Rus- January and the end of March. full-year oil demand to increase by mand, in combination with the prices could significantly improve to a fall in prices, while others are sia price war in early 2020, Brent Another factor seen to be sup- 5.8 million bpd compared to 2020 vigilant stance and considerable ef- the country’s fiscal status. The IMF concerned that a failure to increase crude prices fell from around $60 porting the increase in oil prices is levels, driven partly by an improv- forts of the countries participating predicts the Kingdom’s break-even production could place extra fiscal a barrel in February that year to the improving economic outlook. ing global economic climate and in the Declaration of Cooperation, oil price will be $67.9 per barrel pressure on oil-producing countries. two-decade lows of $20 a barrel in With the global rollout of vari- significant stimulus measures from are essential to maintaining stabil- this year. Similarly, in Oman ana- Indeed, with current produc- late April, as supply increased and ous COVID-19 vaccines, it is hoped governments around the world. ity in the oil market.” lysts are hopeful the increase in oil tion cuts, most OPEC+ countries demand plummeted. The value of that the world will return to a de- “While the global economy is As for the value of oil moving prices can improve the country’s are producing less oil than stipu- WTI crude, the main benchmark gree of normality in 2021 in terms showing signs of a healthy recov- forward, in late January the IMF economic performance, with this lated in their budget estimates for for oil in the US, fell to record lows of travel and consumption, an out- ery in 2021, oil demand is currently forecast oil prices would average year’s budget figures being based the coming year. 08 Friday, February 26, 2021 Economy & Business EU countries Coinbase pave way takes a for new tax step towards transparency going public law for AGENCIES multinationals COINBASE has filed pa- pers with U.S. regulators DPA to become a publicly trad- BRUSSELS ed company as digital cur- rencies continue to march TAX affairs of big multination- toward mainstream ac- al companies could soon be- ceptance. come public after EU countries The digital currency paved the way for the adoption exchange is seeking a di- of a new EU tax transparency rect listing, which would law on Thursday. allow company insiders Under so-called country- and early investors to by-country reporting, mul- convert their stakes in tinational companies would Coinbase into publicly be required to publish key traded stock. financial data and tax infor- In a Thursday filing mation - such as where and with the Securities and how much tax they pay - on a Exchange Commission, country-by-country basis. Coinbase also revealed “I am happy to say that we how interest in digital received a very strong sup- currency is gaining steam port from a large majority of on the exchange. member states,” Portuguese Revenue more than Economy Minister Pedro Siza doubled to $1.14 billion Vieira told the press after a in 2020 and the com- meeting with his 26 counter- pany swung to a profit of parts. $322.3 million after los- The European Commis- ing tens of millions the sion first proposed the rules previous year. in 2016, but the mechanism There were 43 million had been in deadlock for verified Coinbase users years. in 2020, with 2.8 mil- Strong opposition came lion making transactions from Germany, which argued monthly. that such reporting would put Coinbase is taking the its companies at a disadvan- step toward becoming tage internationally. public at at time when A United Airlines ight of a Boeing 777, which was en route on Saturday from Denver to Honolulu with 229 passengers and 10 crew members, suffered a midair engine failure recently. With the majority of the chatter about cryptocur- 27 relevant ministers having rencies is everywhere, expressed their support for even at the U.S. Federal introducing the tax transpar- Reserve. ency rules on Thursday, the decision will now have to be Why engine failure on a Boeing adopted in writing. It will then build the basis for negotiations between the EU Council, the European Parliament and the commis- 777 plane was not dangerous sion. Recent mid ight engine failures show modern planes’ ability to y for an extended period even after an engine quits Under so-called country- Coinbase is seeking a direct by-country reporting, mul- listing. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Aviation records over the creased inspections of the fan airlines and Boeing and that tinational companies last 24 months show nearly blades on Pratt & Whitney safety “is our top priority.” would be required to pub- Tesla this month ABOUT a month before the two dozen reports of U.S.- 4000 series engines, the type As for the plane that lish key financial data and said that it was buying engine of a United Airlines based commercial planes We spend a lot of time in used in that plane. made its emergency landing tax information on a coun- $1.5 billion in Bitcoin Boeing 777 burst into flames aborting flights because of single-engine training. It’s Boeing recommended last weekend, Sumwalt said try-by-country basis as part of a new invest- last weekend after departing an engine failure or because pretty innate for an over the weekend the world- its damaged parts and main- ment strategy, and that it Denver International Airport, the crew shut down an engine experienced pilot. wide suspension of opera- tenance history would be would soon be accepting a Bombardier jetliner fly- due to mechanical problems. tions of the 69 in-service and examined. The cockpit flight Several data leaks, such Bitcoin as payment for its ing from Denver to Billings, In each case, the planes land- R.D. Johnson, a former fighter 59 in-storage 777s using the recorder has been taken to as the Paradise Papers and electric cars. Mont., declared an emer- ed safely with one engine out pilot and retired American same Pratt & Whitney en- Washington, D.C., for exami- Luxleaks, have drawn global Also this month, BNY gency when one of its engines of commission. Airlines captain who now flies gines until further notice. nation, he said. attention in recent years to Mellon, the oldest bank failed shortly after takeoff. Some of the larger com- Federal officials said that “We are going to be companies avoiding taxes by in the U.S., said it would That plane landed safely 20 mercial jets fly with four en- corporate jets only the U.S., South Korea very deliberate about going setting up offshore compa- include digital currencies minutes after departure. gines, and they can continue and Japan use planes with through the inspections and nies in jurisdictions with low in the services it provides Nearly a year earlier, the with only three if needed. But was reaching an altitude of the Pratt & Whitney 4000 se- all the maintenance records,” tax rates. to clients. Mastercard crew of an Airbus 321 jet op- even on two-engine commer- 12,500 feet, the crew and ries engine. In the U.S., only Sumwalt said. Transparency Interna- said it would start sup- erated by American Airlines cial planes, each individual passengers heard a loud bang United flies with that engine. Pilots who have flown tional welcomed the agree- porting “select crypto flying from Charlotte, N.C., to engine has enough thrust to and felt the plane vibrate, ac- Airlines grounded the plane planes that suffered an en- ment as a “significant step currencies” on its net- Philadelphia had to abort the continue flying the whole cording to investigators. The pending an investigation. gine failure say controlling towards greater corporate work. And Blue Ridge flight when one of its engines plane for long distances, ac- pilots declared an emergen- The incident was the lat- a one-engine plane requires tax transparency” but said Bank of Charlottesville, quit after takeoff. Again, the cording to aviation experts. cy, turned the plane around est of several similar mishaps a lot of training and a bit of the proposal left room for im- Virginia, said it would plane landed safely, 13 min- “The overall system is de- and landed back in Denver involving Pratt & Whitney finesse. provement. allow cardholders to pur- utes after takeoff. signed with the knowledge 20 minutes later. engines on Boeing 777s. “The general issue is con- The organization said the chase and redeem Bitcoin And then there was the that man-made components Parts of the shell contain- On Feb. 13, 2018, a 777 trollability,” said Doug Moss, proposal contained “several at 19 of its ATMs. Feb. 3, 2020, Spirit Airlines are going to fail occasionally,” ing the engine disintegrated flying United Airlines pas- a retired test pilot and retired serious loopholes” that had to But volatility current- flight from Fort Myers, Fla., said Clint Balog, an associate and fell to the ground, with sengers from San Francisco captain at United Airlines. be addressed in the final leg- ly makes the use of digital to Chicago. Minutes after professor at Embry-Riddle some pieces landing in front to Honolulu experienced a He said that when work- islative texts. currency for the exchange takeoff, passengers heard Aeronautical University. yards and a soccer field. In- failure of the same type of ing for United, he once had In a similar vein, Chiara for goods and services un- several loud bangs and saw And pilots train regularly spectors found minor dam- engine over the Pacific. The to shut down an engine of a Putaturo, Oxfam’s EU policy tenable. streaks of flames from the for such a mishap. age to the wing, but NTSB plane landed safely in Hono- Boeing 727 plane because the adviser on tax and inequali- This month, the price disabled left-hand engine of “We spend a lot of time in Chairman Robert Sumwalt lulu. The NTSB concluded throttle was stuck. ties, highlighted that the re- of a single Bitcoin ex- the Airbus A320. The pilots single-engine training,” said told reporters this week it did that a fan blade inside the With one engine operat- porting requirements only ceeded $50,000 for the landed the aircraft safely 15 R.D. Johnson, a former fight- not appear that any struc- engine fractured, leading to ing and the other shut down, applied to companies with an first time. It’s value is up minutes into the flight. er pilot and retired American tural damage was caused by the failure. Moss said, the plane wants to annual consolidated turnover 450% over the past year, These and other recent Airlines captain who now fragments that flew out of the A Dec. 4 Japan Airlines “skid sideways.” above 750 million euros (916 down 8% this week, and examples of midflight engine flies corporate jets. “It’s pret- engine. flight of a 777 also suffered a He said he had to coun- billion dollars) - which, she up 4% Thursday. failures — including the lat- ty innate for an experienced NTSB inspectors are fo- failure of the same type en- ter that by engaging the rud- said in a press release, would An early digital cur- est mishap of the Boeing 777 pilot.” cusing their investigation on gine on a trip from Okinawa der but in very measured exclude 85 to 90 per cent of rency adopter, billionaire now being investigated by That was made clear two fan blades in the engine to Tokyo. Part of the engine amounts. multinationals. Chamath Palihapitiya, the National Transportation during the United Airlines that appear to have fractured cover and a fan blade were “It’s a skill set,” Moss The rules, if adopted as tweeted this month that Safety Board — demonstrate flight of a Boeing 777, which due to metal fatigue, leading damaged. The plane landed said. “You have to use a lot they stand, would also allow he bought an empty lot the ability of modern com- was en route Saturday from to the damage to the engine’s safely in Okinawa. of muscle memory. It’s like exemptions for commercially in Lake Tahoe using $1.6 mercial airliners to fly for an Denver to Honolulu with containment unit. Pratt & Whitney said in a dribbling a basketball. You sensitive information, which million in Bitcoin in 2014. extended period even after 229 passengers and 10 crew The Federal Aviation Ad- statement Tuesday that it’s have to do it a couple of hun- the organization dubbed a one engine quits. members. Just as the plane ministration has ordered in- cooperating with regulators, dred times before you get it.” corporate “get out” clause. Ford building new Texas-style Explorer King Ranch at Chicago plant

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE ing is expected to begin pro- The Explorer King Ranch, vehicles sold, up 20.9% over March 2020 as the pandemic duction of the King Ranch, set to hit showrooms in 2019, the automaker report- hit, the plant reopened in FORD announced Wednesday Ford spokeswoman Kelli Fel- ed. May and ramped up to full it is rolling out a new version ker said. the spring, will be built In March 2019, Ford production. Ford switched of its Explorer SUV — the King Named after a 168-year- exclusively at Ford’s spent $1 billion to transform over to building 2021 models Ranch Edition — with the “au- old cattle ranch in southern Chicago Assembly Plant on the nearly century-old Tor- at the plant in October. thenticity” of a Texas ranch Texas, the new SUV will fea- the city’s Southeast Side. rence Avenue plant, which During the first week of and a made-in-Chicago label. ture a “rugged premium ap- The new SUV will feature a phased out production of February, production scaled The Explorer King Ranch, pearance” with leather and “rugged premium appear- the Taurus sedan to focus on back to one shift because of set to hit showrooms in the wood interior, a stone gray- ance” with leather and building SUVs, including the an ongoing shortage of semi- spring, will be built exclusive- painted mesh grille, 20-inch Ford Explorer, Lincoln Avia- conductor chips that has ly at Ford’s Chicago Assembly aluminum wheels and quad wood interior tor and Police Interceptor. slowed the global auto manu- Plant on the city’s Southeast chrome exhaust tips. The plant began build- facturing industry. The plant Side. The SUV will offer mas- wheel-drive and $54,350 for ing a redesigned Explorer in returned to full production Ford has more than 5,200 saging seats, a 10-inch touch four-wheel drive. June 2019, but early produc- the following week, Felker hourly employees working screen and a 14-speaker The Explorer was the top- tion lagged projections amid said. three shifts at its Chicago sound system. Prices will selling mid-size SUV in the some quality concerns. “It’s a fluid situation,” Ford Motor Co introduced the 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch edition plant. No new hires or retool- start at $52,350 for rear- U.S. last year with 226,217 Temporarily closed in Felker said. with luxury features on Wednesday. Economy & Business Friday, February 26, 2021 09 FB to pay $1 bn over 3 years to news industry Low-carbon tech: Chevron launches $300 mn fund AGENCIES Google and Facebook to pay criticized for its ban, which for the news that appears on also temporarily cut access to AGENCIES Earlier this month, top FACEBOOK, following in their platforms. Governments government pandemic, public U.S. oil producer Exxon Mo- Google’s footsteps, says it in Europe and Australia are health and emergency services Chevron Corp on Thurs- bil Corp unveiled a carbon- plans to invest $1 billion to increasingly sympathetic to on the social networking site. day said it had launched a removal technology venture “support the news industry” this point of view. The two Facebook said Tuesday $300 million fund focused that would directly compete over the next three years. tech companies suck up the that the changes allow it to on low-carbon technology, as with Occidental Petroleum The social networking gi- majority of U.S. digital adver- choose which publishers it traditional global oil and gas Corp’s efforts to develop the ant, which has been tussling tising dollars, which — among will support and indicated firms attempt to invest more largest ever facility to pull with Australia over a law that other problems — has hurt that it will now start striking in green energy and tackle cli- carbon dioxide out of the at- would make social platforms publishers. such deals in Australia. mate change. mosphere. pay news organizations, said Facebook said on Tuesday Google had already been Major energy firms have Chevron Technology Ven- it has invested $600 million it would lift a ban on news signing content licensing set targets to reduce green- tures, the venture capital divi- since 2018 in news. links in Australian after the deals with Australian media house gas emissions or are sion of the company, launched Google said in October government agreed to tweak companies, and says that it exploring investments in re- the first Future Energy Fund that it would pay publishers proposed legislation that has arrangements with more newable energy and green in 2018 and has invested in $1 billion over the next three would help publishers negoti- than 50 publishers in the technology amid rising pres- more than 10 companies in years. ate payments with Facebook country and more than 500 sure from investors and the field that focus on carbon News companies want and Google. Facebook was globally. activists. capture and energy storage.

US jobless claims at 730K, still high but GameStop shares up in early fewest in 3 months AGENCIES aling a turning point for la- trade before being halted bor market conditions,” said THE number of Americans Nancy Vanden Houten, lead The new frenzy puz- seeking unemployment economist at Oxford Eco- benefits fell sharply last nomics. zles analysts, with week in a sign that layoffs Still, she cautioned, “the some ruling out an- may have eased, though ap- data continue to suffer from plications for aid remain at noise related to issues of other short squeeze a historically high level. backlogs and fraud. We ex- Jobless claims declined pect a more sustainable la- by 111,000 from the previ- bor market recovery to take AGENCIES ous week to a seasonally ad- hold closer to mid-year with justed 730,000, the Labor broader vaccine distribution GAMESTOP Corp shares shot Department said Thursday. and the arrival of more fiscal higher in early trading on It is the lowest figure since support.” Thursday before a series of late November and the In the meantime, econo- NYSE trading halts, a day after sharpest one-week decline mists say, widespread busi- an unexpected surge doubled since August. Still, before ness shutdowns in states the price of the video game the virus erupted in the hit by the ice storms could retailer’s stock. The stock hit United States last March, cause an increase in applica- $160 at the open before being weekly applications for un- tions for jobless aid in com- halted after several minutes of employment benefits had ing weeks. trading. Shares were changing never topped 700,000. Despite the weakened hands at around $129 before The latest figures coin- job market, key sectors of the second halt. cide with a weakened job the economy are showing The early rise built market that has made scant signs of picking up as vac- on Wednesday’s rally in progress in the past three cinations increase and gov- GameStop and other so-called months. Hiring averaged ernment rescue aid works its “stonks” - an intentional mis- just 29,000 a month from way through the economy. spelling of “stocks” - favored November through January. The Federal Reserve’s ultra- by retail traders on social me- Though the unemployment low-rate policy is providing dia sites such as Reddit’s Wall- rate was 6.3% in January, important support as well. StreetBets. a broader measure that in- Retail sales soared last The new frenzy has puzzled This le photo illustration shows the logos of video grame retail store GameStop and trading application Robinhood in a computer and on a cludes people who have giv- month as many Americans analysts, with some ruling out mobile phone in Arlington, Virginia. en up on their job searches spent the $600 checks that another short squeeze of the is closer to 10%. were included in a relief stock which had battered some people who got burnt last time Gill, known to followers as excitement behind the recent much gambling in stocks by All told, 19 million people package enacted in Decem- hedge funds, and fueled more may not participate in this epi- DeepF—ingValue on Reddit, Reddit-fueled rally had died people who have the mind- were receiving unemploy- ber. Factory output also rose hype after some Twitter users sode.” reportedly boosted his stake in down. set of racetrack bettors,” said ment aid as of Feb. 6, up and has nearly regained its pointed out a cryptic tweet of GameStop shares were still GameStop soon after his Con- GameStop shares skyrock- Munger, Berkshire Hatha- from 18.3 million the previ- pre-pandemic levels. And an ice-cream cone photo from well below their peak of $483 gressional testimony. eted in January as retail inves- way’s vice chairman. ous week. About three-quar- sales of newly-built homes activist investor Ryan Co- in January. Reddit discussion threads tors, urged on by WallStreet- GameStop’s U.S.-listed ters of those recipients are soared last month. hen - a major shareholder in GameStop was the fourth were buzzing again about Bets, bought the stock as a way shares soared nearly 104% on receiving checks from federal Michelle Meyer, an GameStop and a board mem- most traded stock by Fidel- GameStop on Thursday, with to punish hedge funds that had Wednesday. The volatility in benefit programs, including economist at Bank of Amer- ber. ity’s customers on Wednesday, members exhorting others taken an outsized short bet GME, AMC Entertainment programs that provide job- ica, on Monday upgraded A short squeeze takes with buy orders outnumbering to pile in as the rally gathers against it. and other stocks led to outages less aid beyond the 26 weeks her forecast for growth this place when the price of a heav- sell orders nearly 2-to-1, as per steam. The squeeze hurt Melvin on Reddit and periodic trading given by most states. year to 6.5%, which would ily shorted stock rises sharply, the broker’s data. “Bought lots more #GME Capital’s Gabriel Plotkin, halts by the New York Stock Last week’s drop in ap- be the fastest since 1984. forcing short-sellers who had The latest surge comes today, let’s keep fighting whose firm was left needing a Exchange. plications was concentrated Daily coronavirus infec- bet against the stock to buy it days after Reddit trader Keith !!,” wrote one Reddit user $2.75 billion lifeline supplied Online brokerage Robin- in two states, California and tions are down more than at those prices to avoid further Gill, who runs the YouTube Fundssqueezzer, while anoth- by hedge fund Citadel LLC’s hood said in a tweet that the Ohio, where they fell by a 70% from their peak, Meyer losses. channel Roaring Kitty, dou- er user Responsible_Fun6255 Kenneth Griffin and Point72 NYSE action would impact all combined 96,000. Ohio of- noted, which should lead to Short interest, though still bled down on GameStop and said, “Rise of the planet of the Asset Management’s Steven brokerages, but that it had not ficials had said earlier this more states and cities relax- significant, is now starting out bought additional shares last ape: GME edition”. Cohen. paused trading on the shares. month that a surge in new ing business restrictions. from a different base than last week. Earlier on Thursday, The risky trading strate- “It’s a pretty risky play to applications was driven in Further economic re- time when it was more than Gill testified to Congress GameStop’s Frankfurt-listed gies employed by some trad- try and buy now ... what we part by a jump in potentially lief is also likely, she said, 100%,” said Ankit Gheedia, last week that he remains bull- shares trebled at one point, ers on Reddit have drawn the might (see) at the open of the fraudulent claims. That now as Congress considers Head of Equity and Deriva- ish on GameStop, with his overshooting the 100% surge ire of investing legends such cash market is some people appears to have faded. President Joe Biden’s pro- tive Strategy, Europe for BNP words “I like the stock” gaining on Wall Street overnight, as as Charlie Munger, long time trying to get in,” said Oriano California’s system op- posal for a new aid package Paribas. popularity, being quoted by European retail traders joined business partner of Warren Lizza, premium sales trader erates on a biweekly bases, amounting to $1.9 trillion. “And this time around hundreds of his online follow- in the fresh buying push. Buffett. at CMC Markets in Singapore, which can make its weekly The Fed has pegged its (GameStop trading) is likely ers and featuring on financial- The sharp moves surprised “It’s really stupid to have which does not offer pre- or data choppy. short-term interest rate near to have a smaller impact as themed meme pages online. the market, which thought the a culture which encourages as post-market trade. This month’s devastat- zero to encourage more bor- ing winter storms and power rowing and spending. Chair outages in Texas and some Jerome Powell stressed in neighboring states might testimony to Congress this have also disrupted the fil- week that the Fed plans to ing or processing of some keep its rate ultra-low until Never too late: Pandemic propels older shoppers online claims. Applications for job- the job market has recov- AGENCIES they may have resisted until weekly shopping sessions. less aid fell by one-sixth in ered – even if inflation has now: how to buy groceries and Internet retailers and deliv- Texas to about 35,000. begun to surpass the Fed’s IN November, Paula Mont did more online. ery services hope people over Yet last week’s decline 2% target level by then. That something new: The 86-year- Americans 65 and older 65 keep up the online shopping in applications was broad- soothed the stock market, old, who hasn’t left her New rang up an average of nearly habit. Freshly, which delivers based, with 36 states and the which had fallen in the past Jersey senior living communi- $187 per month online last prepared meals, is looking at District of Columbia report- week on fears that rising in- ty in nearly a year, went shop- year, up 60% from a year adding smaller portions and ing fewer people seeking un- terest rates and the threat of ping — online. earlier, according to market low-sodium options aimed at employment benefits. That inflation might lead the Fed Mont used an iPad, research firm NPD Group’s seniors; grocery delivery ser- suggests that employers to raise rates too quickly equipped with a stylus to help Checkout Tracking. They still vice Instacart set up a phone might be cutting fewer jobs. and potentially derail the her shaky hands, to buy a toy spend less than the average support line; Target’s delivery “The drop may be sign- economy. grand piano for her great- $238 per month by the total service, Shipt, is scrapping its granddaughter. She picked it population, but they are the $99-a-year fee for some low- out from more than a dozen fastest-growing group of on- income seniors. versions of the instrument on line shoppers by age group. Diane Shein, 73, from Bon- Amazon. The biggest online spend- ita Springs, Florida, turned to “It is like a wow feeling. I ers were people ages 35 to 44 Instacart and Amazon-owned found it!” Mont said. who spent an average of $306 The pandemic has sparked a surge of online shopping across all ages Whole Foods for groceries be- The internet has become per month online last year, up as people stay away from physical stores. But the biggest growth has cause of the pandemic. a crucial link to the outside 40% from the previous year, come from consumers 65 and older. “I’m not sure how much it world during the pandemic, according to NPD. costs, but I don’t care,” Shein one that millions of people still Shopping is one of a slew of The transition online lenges residents face with their said. “It’s very easy and safe.” don’t have access to. Among activities that older Americans hasn’t always been easy, and devices is that they are used Instacart president Nilam older adults, the lack of inter- now have to do over the inter- children and senior living staff to pushing, not tapping, as if Ganenthiran predicted that net has even impeded their net, like doctor’s appointments often have to help, an experi- they’re using a touch-tone tel- online groceries will be a “new ability to get vaccinated. and socializing via digital video ence that can be both gratify- ephone. She has to repeat tips normal” for older people even But the pandemic has also like FaceTime. Such behavior ing and difficult. often. “I would lie if I didn’t say when the pandemic ends. motivated many who have was forced by necessity — old- Barbara Moran, director of I was frustrated sometimes,” Still, there are many barri- US Fed says there’s evidence hiring has picked up in recent weeks, been isolated at home or un- er people face the biggest risk social programs for Atria Sen- said Moran, who sits with ers, from struggling to use new though the job market remains badly damaged by the pandemic. able to leave their senior com- of infection, so it’s more dan- ior Living where Mont lives, Mont — masked and gloved — technology to high prices to munities to learn something gerous for them to go out. says one of the biggest chal- in the facility’s dining room for access. Axar Patel QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune ends with a QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune match-haul of 11 wkts as India win England Test inside two days FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021 PAGE 12 Olivier Philippaerts makes swift winning start at CHI Al Shaqab

Julien Epaillard back with a win

VINAY NAYUDU DOHA

BELGIAN Olivier Philip- paerts made a thrilling start to Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines campaign at the magnificent venue winning the feature Showjumping CSI5* 1.55m class in style riding 15-year- old grey mare H&M Legend of Love on Thursday. The 27-year-old Philip- paerts, son of Ludo Philip- paerts and twin brother of Nicola Philippaerts (who is also a showjumping rider), topped the Against the clock Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.1 main event jumped directly at the expan- sive outdoor arena. Olivier emerged flawless and the fastest. He rode a clear round com- bining superbly with H&M Legend of Love and finished in 60.61 seconds. The effort put him ahead of Britain’s Scott Brash, who fin- ished in second with Hello Vin- cent clocking 60.85 seconds. German Philipp Weishaupt astride Coby 8 finished third place with a clear round in 61.07 seconds. Pieter Devos (Jade vd Khalifa Al Attiya, Vice-Chairman, Supreme Organizing Committee Commercial Bank CHI AL Shaqab Presented by Longines Competition, and Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI AL Shaqab Presented by Bisschop) and Olivier Robert Longines, and Organizing Committee Member, after awarding Showjumping CSI5* 1.55m podium nishers Olivier Philippaerts of Belgium, Scott Brash of Britain, and Philipp Weishaupt of Germany at Al Shaqab on Thursday. (Vivaldi des Meneaux) followed in places four and five. In a class which saw as many as 43 top riders of the Doha event off world make a start, Philip- paerts stood out tall. “If you to a safe and look at the start list, you know that you have to ride fast if you spectacular start want to play a role of impor- tance. I didn’t let that distract me and wanted to ride my own TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK round,” he said after his win. DOHA He also spoke highly of the organization in Doha which has THE eighth edition of managed to host the event de- Commercial Bank CHI AL spite the global pandemic chal- SHAQAB Presented by lenges. “It’s super that we can Longines kicked off to start again at the highest level another fabulous start with here at this location. So I didn’t 85 international riders in want to come to the start here attenfance at the Longines unprepared Arena (indoor and outdoor) “In January, I rode in Oli- at Al Shaqab equestrian va to get my horses optimally centre on Thursday. ready for the outdoor season With strict health pro- and I seem to have succeeded tocols against the spread pretty well. My horses al- of COVID-19 and inkeeping ready have some competitions Frenchman Julien Epaillard during the CSI5* 1.45m/Special Two-Phases event on his mount Safari d’Auge. Belgian Olivier Philippaerts in action astride H&M Legend of Love. with the guidelines of the in their legs and are in the Ministry of Public Health rhythm. That certainly made a only ten percent spectators difference today.” are being allowed. Omar Al Mannai, Event Julien Epaillard back Director, Commercial Bank to his favourite turf CHI AL Shaqab Presented Earlier, Frenchman Julien by Longines and Organizing Epaillard returned to the Lon- Committee Member, appre- gines Arena at Al Shaqab with ciated the start and said yet another winning start as that everyone in the organ- he claimed the CSI5* 1.45m/ izing committee is working Special Two-Phases (Table A, hard to make the event a FEI Art. 274.2.5) title. success especially since it Epaillard has begun with is being held under excep- a win in the CSI5* last year tional circumstances of too, and prior to that had won the pandemic. the Global Champions Tour Al Mannai praised the Grand Prix Doha in 2019. high level of the competi- On Thursday evening, tions explaining the high the French rider rode Safari level of competitions and d’Auge clear through the sec- expects that the event ond phase in 32.19 seconds. to one of the strongest The rest of the top three Medals are being carried for a presentation during the CHI para dres- internationally in terms of went to Swedish riders: Hen- sage CPEDI3* event at the indoor arena of Al Shaqab on Thursday. Podium nishers in the special para dressage event with of cials after being honoured with their prizes. its technical level, although rik Von Eckermann rode Car- it is held under exceptional lotta 276 (33.06secs), and Schufro; 65.758%; 67.727%; 72.121%; 74.625%; 70.750%; 72.250%; circumstances. 68.535%; €250 72.542%; €250 Peder Fredricson on Hansson Hathab Small Tour at 9am at 61.07secs; €14,235 He stressed that the 4. Pieter Devos (BEL); Jade v Bisschop; 0; Para Dressage 3. Tessa Baaijens-Van-De Vrie (NED); Happy WL (33.34secs. the indoor arena. 61.58secs; €9.490. FEI Team Test - Grade I - CPEDI3* FEI Team Test - Grade III - CPEDI3* Grace; 68.375%; 70.375%; 68.500%; event is one of the most Penelope Leprevost (Verite 1. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga (POR); Convicto; 1. Rixt van der Horst(NED); Findsley N.O.P.; 69.083%; €200. distinguished on FEI calen- Une Prince) and Jos Verlooy Results CSI5* 1.45m/Special Two-Phase 70.714%65.714%; 66.071%; Total Score: 76.176%; 76.471%; 72.353%; 75.000%; dar. It will help the riders a (Fabregas) took home fourth Showjumping CSI5* 1.55m/ Table A, FEI Art. 274.2.5 67.500%; €330 €330 FEI Team Test - Grade V - CPEDI3* great deal in preparing for and fifth spots respectively. Against the clock 2. Magdalena Cycak (POL); Sybilla; 2. Maud de Reu (NED); Webron N.O.P.; 1. Valentina Strobl (AUT); Bequia Simba; the forthcoming Olympics The opening day of CHI Al 1. Julien Epaillard (FRA); Safari d’Auge; 0; 67.857%; 62.857%; 66.429%; 65.714%; 74.559%; 71.618%; 75.882%; 74.020%; 72.907%; 69.419%; 71.977%; 71.434%; in Japan in July. Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.1 32.19secs; €6.350 €250 €250. €330. CHI Al Shaqab Champi- Shaqab also saw Para Dres- 1. Rider: Olivier Philippaerts (BEL); Horse: sage CPEDI 3* classes and 2. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE); Carlotta; 0; 2. Amelia White (AUS); Genius; 68.023%; onship is the rst interna- H&M Legend of Love; Faults:0; Time: 60.61 33.06secs; €5.080 FEI Team Test - Grade II - CPEDI3* FEI Team Test - Grade IV - CPEDI3* 67.442%; 68.256%; 67.907%; €250. Longines Hathab dressage secs; Prize: Euros 23,725 3. Peder Fredricson (SWE); Hansson WL; 0; 1. Pepo Puch (AUT); Sailor’s Blue; 76.515%; 1. Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA); Don Henrico; tional meeting to be held Level1 and Level 2. 2. Scott Brash ..(GBR); Hello Vincent; 0; 33.34secs; €3.810. 74.394%; 77.424%; Total Score: 76.111%; 75.500%; 77.875%; 76.000%; 76.458%; 3. Tamsin Addison (IRL); Donna Siesta; after a break of more than On Friday, the action 60.85secs; €18,980 4. Penelope Leprevost (FRA); Verite Une Prize: €330 €300 67.674%; 66.279%; 68.023%; 67.326%; 10 months. will kick off with Longines 3. Philipp Weishaupt (GER); Coby; 0; Prince; 0; 33.40secs; €2.540. 2. Annemarieke Nobel (NED); Doo 2. Lotte Krijnsen (NED); Rosenstolz; €200. Sports Friday, February 26, 2021 11 Al Duhail, Al Sadd set for electrifying Qatar Cup 2021 nal clash today TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

QNB Stars League’s reign- ing champions Al Duhail and champions-to-be Al Sadd will face off in an electrifying 2021 Qatar Cup final at the Al Duhail Stadium at 4.45pm on Friday. Al Duhail and Al Sadd qualified for the title clash by defeating Al Gharafa (2-1) and Al Rayyan (1-0) respectively in the one-off semifinals of the tournament, which fea- tures the top-four clubs in the league championship. Al Duhail and Al Sadd are easily the two best teams around and it is quite befitting that they made it to the final. Al Sadd are leading the 2020- 21 season QNB Stars League standings with 47 points, 13 Al Duhail players during their training on Thursday session ahead of the Qatar Cup nal against Al Sadd. points more than second- placed Al Duhail. the team is present in all finals to play good football and re- It will also be a battle for and we hope to bag another main strong on the pitch like technical supremacy between trophy. The title is won, the fi- we did against Al Gharafa in Al Duhail coach Sabri Lam- nals are won and not played,” the semifinal. Given the cir- ouchi and his Al Sadd counter- Xavi added. cumstances, we have tried to part Xavi Hernandez. The Al Sadd coach, how- prepare in the best way to go Both the teams have fierce ever, warned his players on into the match with the aim of rivalry, but Al Sadd have had being complacent against achieving victory. the better of their rivals in the Duhail. “Al Duhail are one of “We are trying hard de- recent past. the best teams in Qatar. Both spite the pressure of playing The Wolves have beaten teams have very high-level many matches and the lack Al Duhail six consecutive players and from my point of of time for players to recover times, dating back to January view, Al Sadd are better than from injuries. last year. Al Duhail. We are also strong- “The two teams are un- Al Sadd had beaten Al Du- er even though Al Duhail are doubtedly looking forward to hail in last year’s Qatar Cup fi- one of the best teams in Asia winning the title. Both teams nal and it would be hard to bet and recently signed quality are among the best in Qatar. against them not retaining the overseas players,” said Xavi. We must work to avoid mis- title. Having said that, Duhail Meanwhile, Duhail coach takes and pay attention to have settled down nicely un- Sabri Lamouchi admitted Al details to achieve the desired der their French coach Sabri Sadd are in good form but goal, which is winning the Qa- Lamouchi and can make it urged his players to focus on tar Cup,” Lamouchi added. hard for their Al Sadd, who are winning game. Duhail will be without expe- unbeaten this season. An Al Sadd player jumps through loops during a practice session on Thursday ahead of the Qatar Cup nal “The strength of Al Sadd rienced midfielder Luiz Martin Al Sadd coach Xavi Her- against Al Duhail. in the recent matches cannot Junior, who is sidelined for a nandez was happy for his team ponent. We are happy to play be denied. But I have told the month following surgery in the to carry the favourites tag into conditioning. We have not lost experience before facing Al winning mentality. This is an the final for a second year in team’s players to focus more lower abdomen. Lamouchi said the final and warned his team for a long time and the team is Duhail, as we performed very important feature of my team a row. We want to add this ti- in order to achieve victory,” he was yet to decide whether to was at its best. presenting very good levels. I well in it,” the Spaniard said as we go into a match with a tle to our trophy cabinet. The he said. play Mohamed Muntari, who “We are at our best. We think the Al Arabi match in the on Thursday. strong desire to win, regard- good thing for me is that since “My team is ready to face had suffered injury in the last are at the top of our physical league last week was a great “Al Sadd players have a less of the strength of our op- I started training with Al Sadd, Al Sadd. Duhail will continue league match.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Messi scores twice as Barcelona move Man City outclass Gladbach back to third DPA that he was not talking about in last 16; Real edge Atalanta BARCELONA his captain when he asked for more from his more experi- BARCELONA moved back to enced players on Monday. DPA third in La Liga thanks to Li- “When I spoke about the BERLIN onel Messi inspiring a 3-0 win experienced players I was not over Elche at the Camp Nou on talking about him,” said Koe- TWO headers from the un- Wednesday. man. likely source of Bernardo Silva Argentine star Messi broke “He keeps scoring lots of helped lift Manchester City to the deadlock at the start of the goals. It’s the others that have a comfortable 2-0 win away to second half by converting from to start making a difference, Borussia Moenchengladbach Martin Braithwaite’s assist. not Messi. He is already mak- in the Champions League on He made it two on 69 min- ing a difference and he did it Wednesday while record win- utes after Frenkie de Jong’s again in this game.” Koeman ners Real Madrid struck late to bursting run from deep. had left Antoine Griezmann beat 10-man Atalanta 1-0. And on 73 minutes it was and Ousmane Dembele on the Creative midfielder Silva, Messi’s long ball to Braith- bench for a game Barcelona who stands only 1.73 metres, waite that the forward nodded had to win to get back in the nodded in the 29th minute down for Jordi Alba to score. title race. opener for City in Budapest, Messi’ two goals mean he Messi was upset in the first which hosted the last 16 first is La Liga’s top scorer with 18 half after a pedestrian 45 min- leg match as German corona- for the season. utes left lowly Elche very much virus rules prevented Glad- More importantly for Bar- in the game at the break. bach playing at home. celona it moves them to just “Everyone could see that we And he turned provider two points of second placed lacked intensity in rhythm in the for Gabriel Jesus, heading Real Madrid’s French defender Ferland Mendy (left) and Raphael Var- Real Madrid and five points first half. It’s a good thing that across goal for a tap-in, mid- ane (centre) react at the end of their UEFA Champions League round behind leaders Atletico Ma- as the captain Messi demands way through the second half to of 16 rst leg match against Atalanta at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia drid who have a game in hand. more intensity,” said Koeman. leave Gladbach facing an up- Manchester City’s Portuguese mid elder Bernardo Silva (left) and stadium in Bergamo on Wednesday. (AFP) “We are still in the title Messi was not the only one hill struggle in the Manchester Moenchengladbach’s Swiss defender Nico Elvedi vie for the ball during race,” said Jordi Alba. “We making demands. Koeman return on March 16. the UEFA Champions League, last 16, 1st-leg match at the Puskas tried to play simple football is an issue as we scored, and have always maintained that. admitted he was not a happy Atalanta travel to Madrid Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on Wednesday. (AFP) and not make mistakes. didn’t concede. “This was a good perfor- man at the break. at the same time trailing by “It’s not finished yet but “We’ve got a lot of absen- mance. It was frustrating in “I was disappointed with a goal having played more crown a decade after his last score again when Silva was it’s a good win.” Real in con- tees but we’re on the right the first half but we found the our play and the rhythm we than 70 minutes of their triumph with Barcelona. again free in a similar position trast have more success in the track, we’re strong defensive- spaces in the second period and were playing at. home leg a man short after Gladbach had nothing to and this time headed back to tournament than any other ly, didn’t give up any chances took our chances.” Coach Ron- We were a bit slow. We Remo Freuler was harshly lose going into the game, ac- Jesus who turned the ball over team and are looking to im- and got our away goal.” Home ald Koeman praised Messi for were much better in the dismissed for a professional cording to coach Marco Rose, the line. prove on their last 16 exit - at keeper Pierluigi Gollini had his performance and clarified second half.” foul on Ferland Mendy. but never looked capable of “Usually I’m not (good the hands of City - last season. saved Raphael Varane’s head- Real, 13-time record win- winning their first knock-out with his head),” Silva told Feuler seeing red for bring- er in first half stoppage-time ners of the continental com- tie in Europe’s elite competi- BT Sport. “I try to practice ing down Mendy at the corner and Vinicius’ shot deflected petition, struggled to create tion in more than 40 years. a lot. I think tonight I was of the box in just 17 minutes over after the break as the Ber- chances but a wonderful shot “We ran a lot, as we knew lucky Joao gave me a great set the tone for the game but gamo hosts tried to hold on. from Mendy late on spared we’d have to, but we have ball. I’m happy to score and it took Real to the 86th minute But Atalanta must now their blushes. to admit we deserved to help the team. to break through. launch a comeback away from Holders Bayern Munich lose,” Gladbach midfielder Guardiola’s City were A short corner reached home if they are to repeat are among those on the verge Lars Stindl told DAZN. stunned by Lyon in the quar- Mendy and the left back curled their visit to he quarter-finals of the quarter-finals after win- Silva was given space at ter-finals last season but look into the far corner from the from their maiden Champions ning 4-1 at Lazio on Tuesday. the back-post to head Joao increasingly capable of ending edge of the box with his weak- League campaign last term. The final is May 29 in Istanbul. Cancelo’s cross back across their wait for a first Champi- er right foot for the winner. “We just have to win in Runaway Premier League goalkeeper Yann Sommer ons League title. “It’s a good result for us Madrid,” Atalanta coach Gian leaders City are now unbeaten and into the net to end their “It was a good game for and that’s the most important Piero Gasperini, told Sky in 26 in all competitions as resistance. us, a good win,” said Silva. “In thing,” said Madrid coach Zin- Sports. “It’s easy - we can’t manager Pep Guardiola seeks City controlled possession this competition you can make edine Zidane. overthink, we just have one Barcelona’s Lionel Messi gestures during the Spanish League match against a third Champions League but needed until the 65th to a mistake and you’re out. We “I don’t think creativity possibility. We must win.” Elche CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Wednesday. (AFP) 12 Friday, February 26, 2021 Sports

QATAR’S CHERIF AND AHMED STORM INTO DOHA CUP BEACH VOLLEYBALL FIVB WORLD TOUR SEMIS

Qatar top duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan defeated Russia’s Daniil Kuvichka and Anton Kislytsyn 2-0 (22-20, 21-13) in the quarter- nals to reach the last-four stage of the Doha Cup Beach Volleyball tournament at Al Gharafa Beach Complex on Thursday. The top-seed Qatari pair will meet yet another Russian pair – Pavel Shustrov and Alexey Gusev at 4pm on Friday. In the other semi- nal, Turkey’s Giginoglu and Gogtepe V will clash against Swiss Metral and Haussener at 5pm. Back injury rules Nadal out India ride Axar, Ashwin show of tournament in Rotterdam

DPA to script 10-wkt win in 2 days BERLIN WORLD number two Rafael ANI land skipper since Bob Willis Nadal has pulled out of the AHMEDABAD TEST HIGHLIGHTS in 1983 to take a Test fifer as Abn Amro World Tennis Tour- he finished with figures of 5/8 nament in Rotterdam next RIDING on brilliant spells of  Shortest Match In 86 years from 6.2 overs. Leach finished week citing a back injury. spin bowling from Axar Patel  Axar Patel bags 11 wkts with figures of 4/54 from his “It is with great sadness and Ravichandran Ashwin, 20 overs as Rohit Sharma (66) that I have to forfeit from India registered a comprehen-  Ashwin reaches 400 wkts was the best batsman on dis- Rotterdam,” organizers quot- sive 10-wicket win over Eng-  Shortest Pink ball Test play for the hosts. The rest had ed Nadal saying on Thursday. land in the pink-ball Test at no answer to Root and Leach “As most of the fans know, I the Narendra Modi Stadium on a wicket that was turning suffered some back problems on Thursday to go 2-1 up in the square at times on the second in Australia that started in Ad- four-match series. afternoon. elaide and continued during In the end, English skipper Interestingly though, the Melbourne. Joe Root winning the toss and ball that didn’t turn caused “We found a temporary so- batting first meant nothing as much damage on the first lution that allowed me to play the visitors were completely two days as the batsmen have without pain in the second outplayed in the game. found it tough to adapt to the week of the tournament. Chasing 49 for a win, India skidding pink ball. “Once I got back to Spain I raced home with 10 wickets in Starting the day on 99/3, visited my doctor and together the bag as Rohit Sharma (25) Rohit did not have Ajinkya with my team they’ve advised and Shubman Gill (15) looked Rahane’s company for long as not to play this upcoming in a hurry to finish proceedings. India’s Test deputy was out for week.” Russian third seed Da- Rohit finished it off in style 7 minutes after passing Eng- niil Medvedev, who lost the fi- by sending Root into the mid- land’s first innings total. His nal of the Australian Open to wicket stands. lack of consistency will be a Novak Djokovic last weekend, India captain Virat Kohli concern for the team manage- is now top seed for the March blamed lack of application for ment. 1-7 event in the Netherlands. the bizzare two-day result. “To While Leach got the ball be honest, I don’t think the to skid onto Rahane and the quality of batting was up to batsman faltered by going standards. We were 100 for 3 India captain Virat Kohli exults in delight as an England batsman is dismissed on the second day of the third Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium back to a full ball, Rohit was and then got bowled out for in Motera, near Ahmedabad, on Thursday. (Pic: BCCI) the next to go as he missed a Barty leads less than 150. It was just the sweep off the left-arm spinner. odd ball turning and it was a It was the Root show af- the way for good wicket to bat in the first Scoreboard ter that as he started with the innings. It was bizzare that England 1st innings 112 (Z. Carwley 53; A. J. Bumrah lbw b Root 1 J. Bairstow b Patel 0 (Anderson) wicket of dangerman Rishabh 21 of the 30 wickets fell to Patel 6-38) Extras: (b2, lb2, w1) 5 J. Root lbw b Patel 19 Bowling: Patel 15-0-32-5, Ashwin 15-3-48-4, Pant. While Pant pushed away Stuttgart straight balls, Test cricket is India 1st innings (overnight 99-3) Total: (53.2 overs, all out) 145 B. Stokes lbw b Ashwin 25 Sundar 0.4-0-1-1. from the body and was caught about trusting your defence. R. Sharma lbw b Leach 66 Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Gill), 2-34 (Pujara), 3-98 O. Pope b Ashwin 12 India 2nd innings (target 49) by keeper Foakes, Washington tourney Lack of application ensured S. Gill c Crawley b Archer 11 (Kohli), 4-114 (Rahane), 5-115 (R. Sharma), B. Foakes lbw b Patel 8 R. Sharma not out 25 Sundar and Axar Patel went C. Pujara lbw b Leach 0 6-117 (Pant), 7-125 (Sundar), 8-125 (Patel), J. Archer lbw b Ashwin 0 S. Gill not out 15 it was a quick finish,” he ex- V. Kohli b Leach 27 9-134 (Ashwin), 10-145 (Bumrah). J. Leach c Rahane b Ashwin 9 Extras: (b8, lb1) 9 back in quick succession with- DPA plained at the end of the game. A. Rahane lbw b Leach 7 Bowling: Anderson 13-8-20-0, Broad 6-1-16-0, S. Broad not out 1 Total: (7.4 overs) 49 out bothering the scorers. STUTTGART England skipper Joe Root R. Pant c Foakes b Root 1 Archer 5-2-24-1, Leach 20-2-54-4, Stokes 3-0- J. Anderson c Pant b Sundar 0 Did not bat: C. Pujara, V. Kohli, A. Rahane, R. Pant, While Sundar was a clas- felt both the pitch and the R. Ashwin c Crawley b Root 17 19-0 (w1), Root 6.2-3-8-5. Total: (30.4 overs, all out) 81 W. Sundar, R. Ashwin, A. Patel, J. Bumrah, I. Sharma. sic off-spinner’s dismissal for WORLD number one Ashleigh pink ball were responsible W. Sundar b Root 0 England 2nd innings Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Crawley), 2-0 (Bairstow), Bowling: Leach 4-1-15-0, Root 3.4 0 25-0. Root, Axar tried to attack the Barty will play at the Porsche for the quick finish. “I think A. Patel c Sibley b Root 0 Z. Crawley b Patel 0 3-19 (Sibley), 4-60 (Stokes), 5-56 (Root), 6-66 Toss: England; Result: India won by 10 wickets spinner from the word go and Grand Prix for the first time in it sums up the wicket, if I am I. Sharma not out 10 D. Sibley c Pant b Patel 7 (Pope), 7-68 (Archer), 9-80 (Leach), 10-81 Series: India lead the four-Test series 2-1. ended up giving a simple catch April as she leads a star-stud- getting a fifer. Congratula- to Sibley at short extra cover. ded field into the start of the tions to Ishant (Sharma) for in particular, he utilized and also became the second-fast- ball of England’s second in- comfort zone for a second. Ashwin and Ishant Shar- European clay court season. 100 Tests and (Ravichan- exploited that exceptionally est to 400 Test wickets dur- nings as Axar took the new ball Washington Sundar picked ma did try their bit as they Stuttgart organizers said dran) Ashwin for 400 Test well,” he added. ing England’s second innings and immediately sent back the last England wicket as he hit 17 and 10* respectively, on Wednesday that Barty wickets,” Root said. The win has taken India when he trapped Jofra Archer first innings’ top-scorer Zak sent back James Anderson (0) but it was clearly Root’s af- is joined by second-ranked “Honestly, I think that ball one step closer to the final of plumb in front. Crawley for a duck. to see the visitors’ innings fold ternoon as the Indian lower- Simona Halep and freshly- had quite a big factor in this the World Test Champion- Root and Jack Leach’s The flow of wickets didn’t up for 81 -- their lowest in Test order had no answer to his crowned Australian Open wicket. I think the plastic quot- ship. But the star of the show domination in the opening stop from thereon with only cricket against India. disciplined effort. champion Naomi Osaka as ing on it and the hardness of was hometown boy Axar as he session on the second day was Root (19) and Ben Stokes (25) Earlier, India lost seven This after England was world number three at the the seam compared to the red finished with 11 wickets in the indication enough that the looking like they were in with a wickets in 20.2 overs in the bundled out for 112 in the April 19-25 event. SG ball, meant that it almost game (six in the first innings English batsmen would have chance to take England’s total first session of the second day first innings with only Zak “Stuttgart will be a great gathered pace off the wicket and five in the second). their task cut out in the second past the 100-run mark. as the visitors rode on skip- Crawley managing to hit 53. way to begin my European if it did not hit the seam... and Senior partner Ashwin innings. And that is exactly But clearly the Indian spin- per Root’s maiden fifer. In Of the 30 wickets that fell in clay swing,” Barty said. because of the nature that it wasn’t to be left too far be- how it panned out as Axar ners had other ideas as they the end, the hosts managed the game, 28 were picked by “I have heard fantastic gathered pace off the wicket, hind as he picked four wickets picked his third consecutive kept picking wickets in quick 145 in their first essay -- a spinners with Ishant Sharma things about the tournament I think that had a big part to to finish with 7 in the game. fifer in Test cricket. succession to ensure that the lead of 33 runs. and Jofra Archer picking one so I am really looking forward play in things. Credit to Axar Interestingly, the off-spinner It all started from the first game didn’t roll out of their Root became the first Eng- wicket apiece. to playing the event for the first time.” Others entered include past grand slam winners Vikto- ria Azarenka and Garbine Mu- guruza as well as local star An- Bayern return to domestic business with Leipzig hot on heels gelique Kerber, a former world number one and three-time DPA Struggling Cologne visit from naming a full bench but can only win but against Bay- to be in a close fight with the Grand Slam winner who took BERLIN Munich on Saturday with Bay- 17-year-old Jamal Musiala ern it really is the case we have other four teams at the tip of the Stuttgart trophy twice. ern knowing another slip could seized his chance in midfield, nothing to lose,” Ismail Jakobs the league,” said attacker Yus- It remains unclear whether CHAMPIONS League holders give RB Leipzig the chance to becoming the club’s youngest told the Cologne homepage. suf Poulsen. fans will be admitted as under Bayern Munich made short go top later at home to Borus- scorer in the competition with While Bayern have erred Form team Frankfurt, who coronavirus restrictions in work of Lazio in their last 16 sia Moenchengladbach. a fine finish. domestically but won in Eu- have won nine and draw two Germany professional sport is first leg clash midweek and Behind the top two there is “We’re all happy that Ja- rope, Leipzig were well beat- in their last 11, visit Werder currently taking place behind now look to put recent do- a frantic battle for the remain- mal played well and scored the en 2-0 by Liverpool in the Bremen to open the round closed doors. mestic struggles behind them ing pair of Champions League goal,” said coach Hansi Flick. Champions League only to on Friday. Another victory “Organising an event like against Cologne. places with Wolfsburg, Ein- “He did a good job.” Musiala bounce back 3-0 at Hertha would lift them fourth to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix The German champions tracht Frankfurt, Bayer Lev- has committed to playing for Berlin last weekend. third, at least until Wolfsburg in these times is a big chal- returned from winning the erkusen and Borussia Dort- Joachim Loew’s Germany Julian Nagelsmann’s side host Hertha Berlin a day later, lenge for everybody involved,” Club World Cup in Qatar to mund separated by six points rather than Gareth South- are chasing a first-ever title in and closer to a maiden Cham- tournament director Markus draw with Arminia Bielefeld and all eyeing the riches of- gate’s England this week and Bayern Munich’s German head both league and cup, in which pions League appearance. Guenthardt said. and lose to Eintracht Frank- fered by the elite continental could boost his chance of an coach Hans-Dieter Flick. they host Wolfsburg in a quar- “I’m not going to dampen “But we are making every furt meaning their advan- competition. immediate call-up again this ter-final next midweek. the euphoria and will always effort to enable the tourna- tage at the top of the table Bayern travelled to Rome week. play-off spot, and enduring a “We like accepting the make sure the squad stay fo- ment to take place and thus is just two points going into with injuries and coronavirus Cologne are 14th, three difficult season. challenge of the fight in the cused in training,” said coach give a degree of normality the weekend. problems preventing them points above Bielefeld in the “You always say that you Bundesliga and are pleased Adi Huetter. back to not only the fans” The Last Word Friday, February 26, 2021 13 DIFI conference calls for liberal policies to build stronger marriages On last day of Doha International Family Institute’s conference on marriage, QF member o ers insights on how to address marital challenges

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

OPEN dialogue can help create healthier marriages, stronger families and more stable com- munities, according to rela- tionship specialists who spoke on the final day of Doha In- ternational Family Institute’s (DIFI) conference on marriage. Featuring thought leaders, policymakers, social science specialists, researchers and education programmes. Citing examples on how cial Affairs, Kuwait; Reem Abu couple and children. They also Ministry of Labour and Social The last day also included representatives of non-gov- Kick-starting the last day policies can foster stable mar- Hassan, former Jordanian contribute to resolving dis- Protection State Department two Ask the Expert sessions ernmental organisations, civil was a session on ‘The Future riages, Hitmi said: “I consider it minister of social development; putes faster and emphasizing for Social Protection, Kenya; with Dr Aisha Al Mannai, pro- society and young people, the of Marriage Policies’. Moder- necessary to broaden the scope Parveen Ali, senior lecturer and the concept of social responsi- and Ibrahim Al Ansari, event & fessor and director of Muham- global conference, titled ‘Mar- ated by Hitmi Khalifa Al Hitmi, of premarital screening and in- deputy director of Research bility,” Ghadori said. wedding planner. mad Bin Hamad Al Thani Cent- riage: Formation and Constitu- lecturer, Qatar University (QU) clude more matters than those and Innovation, Health Scienc- Crisis can also put signifi- Najat Al Abdullah, director er for Muslim Contribution to ents of Stability’, underscored and social media influencer, its being currently examined. es School, University of Shef- cant strain on marriage and of the Family Affairs Depart- Civilization, College of Islamic various issues that challenge speakers included Dan Ander- “This conference will help field, the UK; and Robinson families, which was highlighted ment, Ministry of Administra- Studies, HBKU; and Humoud marital stability and called for berg, professor, Department of academics and non-academics Mose Ocharo, associate profes- in the sessions ‘Marriage in the tive Development, Labour and Fahad Alqashan, dean of the policies and programmes to Economics, Royal Holloway, to broaden their perspective of sor, Department of Sociology Time of COVID-19’ and ‘Mar- Social Affairs; Sheikha Hessa Faculty of Social Sciences, Ku- prepare young people for mar- University of London; Shafi Al future policies on something and Social Work, the Universi- riage in Conflict Zones’. bint Khalifa Al Thani, special wait University, and family and riage. Hajri, associate professor, QU; integral that affect all human ty of Nairobi, Kenya, gathered Moderated by Mohammed envoy of the Arab League Sec- marital therapist. The discussions on the last Hairil Fadzly Md Akir, deputy beings, such as marriage. Dis- to discuss the types of support Al Hayder, positive psycholo- retary-General for Humani- In her closing remarks, Dr day of the conference focused director-general, National cussing these topics may bear provided by extended families. gist and people empower- tarian Affairs; Yafa Shanneik, Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, on the importance of support Population and Family De- fruit and lead to an increased The session was moderated by ment expert, the session on lecturer in Islamic Studies, executive director, DIFI, said: systems in strengthening mari- velopment, Malaysia; Suhaila percentage of successful mar- Sheni Hamid, political strate- COVID-19’s impact on mar- University of Birmingham, the “This multifaceted forum has tal stability, particularly for Ghuloum, senior consultant riages.” gist, advisor and media con- riage featured speakers Haela UK; Hanan Ashegh, founder, enabled us to underline the marriages facing challenging psychiatrist, Hamad Medical In a session on ‘Extended sultant, the UK. M Almikrish, executive deputy Goodwill Caravan, the UK; Arab nature of our mission’s situations such as the COV- Corporation; and Balázs Mol- Families and Marital Stabil- “Extended families create to the Secretary General, Fam- and Susan Karamanian, dean, principles on the Arab family.” ID-19 pandemic and displace- nár, vice-president for Strategy ity’, Saleh Al Ghadori, director a social network that supports ily Affairs Council, Saudi Ara- College of Law, Hamad Bin More than 1,000 individu- ment due to conflict. They also and Coordination, Kopp Maria of Social Affairs Department, the new family, providing it bia; Lissel Mogaka, director, Khalifa University (HBKU), als attended 18 interactive examined the valuable role of Institute for Demography and Executive Bureau, Council of with security, psychological Family Promotion, Protection also spoke on the last day of the discussions spread over three extended families and marital Families, Hungary. Ministers of Labour and So- support and protection for the and Social Welfare Division, conference. days of the conference.

ARMED FORCES CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF Qatar University Press 15TH BATCH OF NATIONAL SERVICE RECRUITS launches its e-platform TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ing books to their databases for advanced DOHA search, thus improving citations. In line with the objective of QU Press to QATAR University Press launched its e- include their journals in recognized index- platform at an event attended by Dr Hassan ing bodies, the platform allows the display Al-Derham, QU President, Prof Maryam of journals published under the umbrella of Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research QU Press with their structure, content and and Graduate Studies, and Dr Talal Abdulla appropriate features that facilitate their in- Al-Emadi, Founding Director of QU Press. dexing on a long-term basis. Authors will This launch comes at a time when the therefore be required to submit their arti- local and international university publish- cles through individual accounts, so that ing arena is clearly in need of such state- all submissions and peer-review dates are of-the-art digital platforms for effective kept in a single account. The Armed Forces on Thursday celebrated the graduation of the 15th batch of national service personnel, communication with authors, researchers, The platform incorporates produc- under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin readers and all audiences. tion-specific features such as iThenticate Mohammed Al Attiyah. The course, which lasted for three months, included a number of different military The website of the QU Press platform plagiarism checker software to verify the exercises and maneuvers in partnership with some security and civil authorities in the country. (QNA) is https://qup.qu.edu.qa and includes a facilitate communication with authors originality of written work, the Digital Ob- number of other leading university presses. and peer-reviewers; to use automatic re- ject Identifier (DOI) system, and automatic The platform can track and download visi- sponses, follow-up and reminder forms; to support for export of metadata. These fea- tors. Its security is consistent with the Gen- organize work with all partners remotely; tures enable QU Press journals to transfer eral Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to expand the database of authors and metadata to external indexing and archiv- and contributes to the development of the peer-reviewers. ing repositories such as Pubmed and Med- MME to celebrate Qatar editing and production of books and jour- Electronic indexing, an increase in line for Biomedical Sciences, as well as the nals, reflecting the professionalism and ef- quotation and an improvement in the im- Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), fectiveness of the editorial process. pact factor are other features of an inher- Google Scholar and other tools. Journals Environment Day today Commenting on the launch, Dr Talal ent value. These can be achieved through and scholarly articles at Qatar University Abdullah Al-Emadi, founding director of the electronic submission of metadata, are therefore accessible and easy to read, QNA that Qatar, under the wise (2018-2022), clear goals the QU Press and professor of oil and gas journals and book content; the transfer of track and download. DOHA leadership of the Amir HH have been set to achieve the law, said: “This newborn platform seeks data to global indexing platforms, digital With regard to the marketing and sale Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad country’s environmental sus- to be among the leading platforms of uni- academic repositories, e-libraries, global of digital books and journals, the platform THE Ministry of Municipal- Al Thani, is keen on protect- tainability, and the ministry versity presses. It is set to provide ways book distributors, as well as mobile re- contributes to the distribution of news ity and Environment (MME) ing the environment and its works through many projects to communicate professionally especially search applications, such as: researcher, and events through links to QU Press so- will celebrate on Friday natural balance, in order to and initiatives to achieve at a time when the world is still suffering and personal search file building platforms, cial media channels. It aims to expand the Qatar’s Environment Day, achieve comprehensive and these strategic environmen- from Covid-19 pandemic. The state-of- such as: ORCID & Research Gate. opportunities for attracting new local and which falls on February 26 sustainable development for tal goals, and to enhance en- the-art platform will open up many global With regard to books, in particular, the international readers and peer-reviewers, each year. all generations, as it placed vironmental protection, sus- prospects for QU Press. It will exemplify platform acts as a register of publishing ap- and will also be able to display journals and Activities will be held in environmental development tainability and integration. global influence factor that develops digi- plications, allowing authors to easily track books, including hypertext, metadata and several areas in the presence as one of the four pillars of For his part, Assistant tal publishing, marketing and sales as well their submissions. It also facilitates the research, display online introductory vid- of ministry officials, and will Qatar National Vision 2030. Undersecretary for Environ- as increasing citations of our unique and submission, evaluation and peer review eos, and announce invitations to publish continue until Saturday. The He said the celebration mental Affairs at the Ministry specialised references.” processes, as well as the provision of auto- such journals and books. The platform also programmes will include stresses the importance of of Municipality and Environ- QU Press is committed to keeping pace mated electronic archiving to preserve pub- facilitates automatic display and marketing cleaning and rehabilitation of the environment and its ment Eng. Hassan Bojumhur with industry best practice benchmarks for lications over the long term. It also makes it on social media platforms, announcing QU beaches. preservation and sustainabil- Al Mohannadi affirmed that online academic publishing platforms and possible to display, locate and sell books in Press news, and organising virtual events. Minister of Municipality ity for future generations. the allocation of a day every will always focus on transparency between Arabic and English. In addition, books will Moreover, the platform is a comprehen- and Environment HE Eng. The minister added that year to celebrate the environ- books, magazines, authors, peer-reviewers be available online with their specific bib- sive e-commerce solution for bookselling, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin through the second national ment in Qatar is evidence and the press. In addition, the QU Press liographic data, which will allow indexing distribution, and print-on-demand (PoD) Turki Al Subaie said in a development strategy and of the state’s interest in this e-platform will be used to expedite and in international digital repositories, add- services both locally and internationally. statement on this occasion the strategic plan of the MME issue. Qatar Academy teachers help students grow a green thumb TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Jaseena Faisal and Neema plants, pull-out weeds and har- staff and students, and the duo is to make Agriculture DOHA Saleem kick-started the idea. vest the produce. money raised is donated to the part of the curriculum. Faisal Hailing from Kerala – a state “What the students enjoy Educate A Child programme. said: “Just like we have Physi- SCHOOLS across the world in India often referred to as the most is the practical aspect The farm-to-table strategy cal Education and Arts, why are trying to incorporate new ‘God’s own country’ because of this. Yes, they learn about is what guides their long-term not allocate a period for Ag- subjects and new ways of of its lush green landscapes – things like botanical names goal. Saleem said: “What we riculture? If we want to grow teaching in the hope that the to the duo, any open space is and plant lifecycle in class, but would like to do is grow enough environmentally-responsible children of today will grow up a potential garden. “When I when they get to experience it fruits and vegetables to be able and conscious citizens, what to become environmentally joined Qatar Academy Sidra first-hand, they are a lot more to supply to the school cafeteria. better way to teach them than responsible citizens of tomor- and saw a large unused piece enthusiastic about it,” said Imagine that, a school cafeteria through growing their own row. The approach that some of land on the campus, my first Saleem. that sources most of its food food?” Qatar Academy teachers have thought was to turn it into a A new topic and one the from the school garden!” Over at Qatar Academy taken to do this is through gar- garden,” said Saleem. students are very excited about “To be able to reach this Doha (QAD) – another school dening. Being an agriculturist, Sal- is composting. The duo is work- goal, the most important thing under the umbrella of QF’s While gardening is not part eem had the know-how of to ing on a plan to compost all the we need is greenhouses as they PUE – age is no barrier to gar- of the curriculum, ‘environmen- turn the sandy piece of land into food waste from the school caf- will allow us to grow year- dening. Alison Gilford has her talist’ teachers, powered by their a fertile fruit and vegetable gar- learning. “Children, especially Their work is inspired by the eteria and use it as fertiliser for round. The school leadership preschoolers helping her grow passion for the environment, den. With the school’s financial those in middle school, can of- UN’s Sustainable Development the garden. and QF have been extremely beans, papaya, basil, cherry to- are turning outdoor spaces at support, she and Faisal com- ten struggle with their emotion- Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO’s Everything they grow is 100 supportive of our requests. matoes and even sunflowers in their respective schools into bined their efforts to cultivate al health. Gardening is a great Garden Based Learning (GBL) percent organic. No chemical Thanks to them, we already their class garden. fruit and vegetable gardens. a garden which produces fruits, opportunity for them to chan- which encourages the three R’s fertilisers, chemical pesticides have a greenhouse on the pri- “I think the younger you get At Qatar Academy Sidra vegetables and even medicinal nel their energy into something – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. or any chemical-based plant mary school campus and are them started, the better. For me, (QAS) – a school under the plants. productive. Sowing a plant and Their target group for now protection practices are used. hoping to have one on the sec- in addition to gardening, it’s all umbrella of Qatar Founda- For Faisal, the school gar- then seeing it grow does won- is middle and high school stu- The have harvested fruits and ondary school campus by next the other life skills they learn tion’s (QF’s) Pre-University den is a tool to teach the stu- ders for their self-confidence,” dents, who help prepare the vegetables that are available for year,” said Faisal. that really make it worthwhile,” Education (PUE) – teachers dents social and emotional she said. soil, plant the seeds, water the sale to Qatar Academy Sidra The ultimate goal for the said Gilford.