JAMADA ALAWWAL 28, 1442 AH TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

16 Pages Max 20º Min 06º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18332 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Information minister slams French woman declared dead How Aussie doctor’s at-home Defiant India stand firm for 3 KUNA’s recurring mistakes 5 fights to prove she is alive 9 COVID test won US approval 14 fighting draw in third Test

MPs submit bill to impose fees on money transfers

Return of maids to resume Jan 17 • Airlines to bear cost of two PCR tests

By B Izzak expected that some KD 100 million will be collected every year from such fees. KUWAIT: Five lawmakers yesterday submitted a In previous parliaments, MPs had submitted sim- Dems move to impeach Trump draft law calling to impose a 2.5 percent fee on mon- ilar laws stipulating a five percent tax only on expat ey transfers out of Kuwait to help the domestic remittances to their home countries. This proposal economy and stop the flight of capital out of the calls to impose the 2.5 percent fee on all money country. MP Osama Al-Shaheen said he submitted transfers out of the country. Shaheen said such a fee the bill along with MPs Abdulaziz Al-Saqabi, Hamad will minimize the amount of capital leaving the Al-Matar, Khaled Al-Otaibi and Shuaib Al-Muwaizri, country every year. Separately, MP Hesham Al- because billions of dinars are transferred out of the Saleh said he will submit a draft law calling to country every year. impose taxes on money remittances out of Kuwait. Shaheen said that based on figures, around KD He also submitted amendments to the audiovisual 21 billion has been transferred out of Kuwait in the law calling to abolish the jail term in the law to past five years - around KD 4.2 billion on average guarantee freedom of speech. every year. He said based on these figures, it is Continued on Page 2

years, a Qatar Airways service to Riyadh, took off Qatar-Saudi flights from windswept Doha airport around 1100 GMT and touched down around 1200 GMT. Families hugged and laughed as they were reunit- resume after thaw ed in the gleaming arrivals hall of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport where two men waited RIYADH: Qatar-Saudi flights resumed yesterday as holding large bunches of flowers which they gave to WASHINGTON: Army National Guard members walk past a painting of the Declaration of Independence the neighbors normalize ties under a landmark two women who arrived with a child. “Thank God, being ratified while guarding Capitol Hill yesterday. — AFP agreement that ended a bitter three-year rift and may God save the (Saudi) King, the Crown Prince allows families to reunite. Saudi Arabia and its allies and the rulers of all the Gulf. It’s a great feeling,” said the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt in June WASHINGTON: US Democrats began the Democrats introduced a resolution in the House one tearful man on being reunited with his nephew 2017 slapped a blockade on Qatar that included process yesterday of impeaching President of Representatives calling for Vice President Mike in Riyadh. “I am very happy! Thanks to God we have closing airspace to the country over claims it backed Donald Trump for a historic second time, accus- Pence and the cabinet to remove Trump - who has been reunited again,” said his newly arrived nephew Islamist groups and was too close to Iran - charges ing him of “incitement of insurrection” over his been absent from the public spotlight for days - as as the family kissed and embraced. Doha has always denied. supporters’ deadly storming of the US Capitol. unfit for office under the Constitution’s 25th At Doha, airport staff filmed aircraft taxiing on the The quartet agreed to lift the restrictions at a The move - which threatens to torpedo the sin- amendment. But Republicans blocked an immedi- runway, anxious to ensure they got a clip of the rele- Gulf Cooperation Council summit last week in the gle-term president’s future political ambitions - ate vote on the resolution and Democrats followed vant plane taking off, according to an AFP corre- Saudi desert city of Al-Ula, after a flurry of diplo- could make for a frenetic culmination of four up by introducing an article of impeachment of spondent on the ground. A Saudi Airlines plane was matic activity by outgoing US President Donald years of controversy ahead of Joe Biden’s Trump for “incitement of insurrection”. also to fly yesterday from Riyadh to Doha, with serv- Trump’s administration. The first commercial flight January 20 inauguration. Continued on Page 2 ices from Jeddah expected to start at a later date. between Qatar and Saudi Arabia in three and a half Continued on Page 2

fi blockbuster. News in brief Saudi launches Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled plans for a city, Sultan issues succession law dubbed “THE LINE”, in a presentation car-free city broadcast on state TV. It consists of “a MUSCAT: Oman’s sultan has issued a new law city of a million residents with a length on the appointment of a crown prince for the RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, the world’s of 170 kilometers that preserves 95 first time in the country’s history, according to a top crude exporter, announced percent of nature within NEOM, with royal decree. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq issued Sunday the launch of an eco-city zero cars, zero streets and zero carbon two royal decrees yesterday, one for parliament “with zero cars, zero streets and zero emissions,” he said. “We need to and one for a new succession mechanism, state carbon emissions” at its futuristic transform the concept of a conven- television reported. “The most significant (ele- NEOM mega development. The $500 tional city into that of a futuristic one,” ment)... is establishing a specific and stable billion NEOM project, set to be built added the de facto leader of the Arab mechanism for transfer of the governing author- from scratch along the kingdom’s world’s leading economy, regularly ity and a mechanism to appoint a crown prince,” picturesque Red Sea coast, is billed ranked among the world’s most pollut- NEOM, Saudi Arabia: A handout picture shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed said a royal decree read on state TV. — AFP as a development evocative of a sci- ing countries. — AFP bin Salman launching ‘The Line’ green city on Sunday. — AFP

Bahraini bodybuilder ‘seized’ tion, as it is a partner in killing Yemenis and starving them.” Iran’s foreign min- MANAMA: Bahrain has accused Qatar of seiz- US brands istry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh ing one of the kingdom’s champion bodybuilders also condemned the US announce- during a fishing trip even as Manama normalized Houthis as ment, warning “it’s likely the bankrupt its relationship with its neighbor. “Bahrain has US government will do further damage strongly condemned the Qatari coastguard’s ‘terrorists’ to its reputation” in Trump’s final days arrest of Bahraini bodybuilding champion Sami in office. Al-Haddad while he was on a fishing cruise with SANAA: Yemen’s Houthis were defiant The decision, announced by US a number of his companions in the Bahraini ter- yesterday after Washington said it will Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, could ritorial waters,” the foreign ministry said late designate the Iran-backed rebels as complicate Biden’s promised efforts to Sunday. — AFP terrorists, a last-ditch move under restart diplomacy with Iran and President Donald Trump that aid reassess Washington’s alliance with groups and US lawmakers warned Saudi, which has led an offensive in Turkey probes WhatsApp would deepen the country’s humanitar- Yemen. The designation aims to hold ian crisis. Unless Congress blocks the the rebel movement “accountable for ISTANBUL: Turkey’s competition authority yes- decision, the Houthis will be blacklisted its terrorist acts, including cross-bor- terday opened an investigation into WhatsApp’s on Jan 19 - one day before the inaugu- der attacks threatening civilian popu- decision to share more of its user data with its ration of President-elect Joe Biden, lations, infrastructure and commercial parent company Facebook. The encrypted mes- whose aides had hoped to push to end shipping,” Pompeo said Sunday. saging app last week asked more than a billion of Yemen’s devastating six-year war. The Houthis have “led a brutal cam- its users outside the European Union and Britain Houthi political commander paign that has killed many people, con- to accept the new terms or lose access to Mohamed Ali Al-Houthi condemned tinues to destabilize the region and WhatsApp on Feb 8. The Turkish Competition the US move in a tweet and said they denies Yemenis a peaceful solution to Authority said yesterday it was opening an inves- SANAA: Fighters loyal to Yemen’s Houthi rebels raise their fists and chant slo- had “the right to respond”. “The the conflict in their country”. The gans as they visit the grave of slain Houthi political leader Saleh Al-Sammad at tigation and requiring WhatsApp to suspend the Yemeni government said the Houthis Yemeni people don’t care about any Al-Sabeen Square yesterday. — AFP data sharing obligation on its users. — AFP designation from Trump’s administra- Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Local Kuwait authority, UK agency join hands to protect marine environment

Paper’s publishing a landmark in promoting environmental research

KUWAIT: UK Government’s Centre for regional and globally important.” Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science He added: “But currently the Gulf is facing a dual (Cefas) and the Kuwait Environment Public climate and biodiversity crisis, with sea water tem- Authority (EPA) reached an important milestone in peratures expected to rise three times faster than their relationship with the joint publication of a the global average. The Gulf already experiences review paper in an international marine science environmental extremes and is one of the world’s journal. The published work describes the status of warmest seas. Globally around a million animal and biodiversity in the marine environment surrounding plant species are now threatened with extinction. Kuwait. It highlights the importance of preserving The data and assessments generated during this healthy and productive seas, which are vital for both work program will contribute to Kuwait’s reporting food and water security along with providing requirements for United Nations Sustainable unique coastal habitats, which will help reduce the Development Goals. Furthermore, the publication of impacts of climate change. our work in an international marine science journal Cefas and EPA have been working together to helps to demonstrate that Kuwait is developing a address the challenges of marine monitoring program marine environmental man- that meets International agement by strengthening Work describes best practice and is pro- regulation, developing the ducing data that will con- evidence to inform decision Kuwait’s marine tribute to the regional making, and building capaci- understanding of the Gulf’s ty for long-term sustainable biodiversity marine environment.” environmental management. This program of work is sup- Very precious porting Kuwait to sustainably Dr Abdullah Al-Zaiden, use its significant marine Deputy Director of EPA resources and realize the potential of its marine- said: “Our marine environment is very precious and based economies. is instrumental to our economy, culture and future KUWAIT: UK’s CEFAS and EPA scientists collaborating on projects to assess Kuwait’s marine environment. prosperity. Kuwait now faces a multitude of envi- Economic resource ronmental challenges, which necessitates better Development Programme and World Bank to dis- shellfish. It is vital we support and cherish our Dr Brett Lyons, Scientific lead for the Cefas team marine monitoring and management. We have been cuss how we can coordinate efforts internationally coastal habitats, as maintaining and rehabilitating in the Gulf said: “The coastline and waters sur- working with Cefas to develop management plans to better protect our marine environment.” them will be an important tool in the fight against rounding Kuwait are vitally important in terms of an to help protect our marine environment. In parallel Michael Davenport, British Ambassador to the impacts of climate change. We recently hosted a economic resource, through industries such as fish- we have been developing a program of rehabilita- Kuwait said: “Protecting our marine environment is virtual roundtable to hear about the work done by ing and those associated with tourism and other tion projects, including mangrove plantations to a global challenge which requires co-ordinated EPA to rehabilitate the marine environment.” This recreational activities. Having clean and healthy help restore and improve coastal environments. action between international agencies. Therefore, I event was attended by an international coalition, seas are essential for improving the quality of life of These will ultimately help to support biodiversity, am delighted to see EPA and UK’s leading including representatives from the French and residents who enjoy using the beach or spend time acting as a nursery ground for important commer- Government marine science agency, Cefas, continu- Italian Embassies, UNDP and World Bank. Such out at sea on a regular basis. The seas around cial species, and help protect the coast from sea ing to work together to address this important issue nature-based solutions will be a priority area for Kuwait are also home to a unique mix of ecosys- level rise linked to climate change. To support this, here in Kuwait. Healthy coastal areas will better discussion when the UK hosts the 26th UN Climate tems, plants and animals, such as coral reefs, turtles we recently met with representatives from the support important ecosystems that are essential Change Conference of the Parties, or COP26, in and endangered species of shark that are both diplomatic community, the United Nations breeding grounds for many species of fish and Glasgow in 2021.

KUWAIT: People shop at the main fish market in Sharq yesterday. Shrimping ban in Kuwaiti waters was set to begin on December 31, 2020, but it was postponed until February 1, 2021 similar to the case in neighboring countries. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

reporters afterward. “We have a particular responsi- economic flows.” Dems move to bility to hold everyone accountable who was involved US brands The Norwegian Refugee Council said the US must in any way, from the president on down,” he said. ensure sanctions do not block aid from entering “a Trump has been largely silent in recent days - country already in the middle of a full-blown humani- impeach... making few statements and holding no news confer- Houthis as... tarian catastrophe”. Save the Children said the meas- ences. Twitter, his favored public platform, has ures come as data shows “millions of people in the banned him for language that could incite violence. Continued from Page 1 country are edging closer to famine”. It could “threaten Continued from Page 1 He plans to travel to Texas today in one of his final the supply of lifesaving food, fuel and medicine,” they trips as president, reportedly to claim success in deserved the designation for “continuous efforts to warned. French aid group Action Contre la Faim (ACF) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed Republican delivering on his pledge to build a border wall to prolong the conflict and cause the world’s worst said the designation would have “an immediate lawmakers for blocking the resolution. “The House keep immigrants from Mexico out of the US. humanitarian crisis”, while Riyadh said the move would impact”. Republicans rejected this legislation to protect As Democrats began to act, the US Capitol build- help put “an end to the activities” of the rebels. Key US lawmakers yesterday urged a speedy rever- America, enabling the president’s unhinged, unstable ing was open to lawmakers and staff but under tight Pompeo also designated three leaders of the move- sal. The designation “is a death sentence for thousands and deranged acts of sedition to continue,” Pelosi security and ringed by a metal fence after ment as terrorists, including their chief Abdul Malik Al- of Yemenis”, tweeted Senator Chris Murphy, a promi- said in a statement. “Their complicity endangers Wednesday’s assault by Trump supporters that left Houthi. He pointed to a Dec 30 attack on an airport in nent member of Biden’s Democratic Party. “It will cut America, erodes our democracy, and it must end.” five people dead. Inside, some windows and doors Yemen’s second city Aden, which killed 26 people and off humanitarian aid, make peace talks nearly impossi- “This was an attempted coup, to overthrow the that were broken and breached by rioters remained was blamed by the Saudi-backed government on the ble and empower Iran. Biden should reverse this policy government, and we have a responsibility as boarded up with plywood, while reinforced glass on Houthis. The Houthis control the capital Sanaa and on day one.” Representative Gregory Meeks, the Congress to respond to that,” Congressmen David the outside doors near the Rotunda bore cracks from much of the north, and are already under US sanctions. Democrat who heads the House Foreign Affairs Cicilline, who introduced the resolution, told repeated battering. — AFP The designation is likely to dissuade any third par- Committee, said the move was “only pushing a political ties from transacting with the Houthi authorities for fear solution to the conflict further out of reach”. of US prosecution. Aid groups had warned Pompeo As Trump’s administration ramps up pressure on organized through an online website. against the blacklisting, saying they have no option but Iran, it could frustrate Biden if he seeks to ease sanc- MPs submit bill The Cabinet also decided that all people arriving to deal with what is the de facto government in north- tions and return to a nuclear deal. US officials and in Kuwait must produce a negative PCR test taken ern Yemen. “This is pure diplomatic vandalism,” David analysts say Iran has armed the Houthis, but some to impose... at least 72 hours before arrival. This decision will be Miliband, president of the International Rescue experts question the extent of cooperation. Some sug- effective from Jan 17. The Cabinet decided that air- Committee, said in a statement. “The last thing the gest Tehran is primarily interested in bogging down line companies will bear the cost of two coronavirus Yemeni people need is further interruption of aid and Saudi Arabia. — AFP Continued from Page 1 tests to be conducted on passengers - on arrival at the airport and another during the quarantine peri- In a related development, opposition MP od. The Cabinet urged all citizens and expats to Qatar Airways aircraft to fly over Iran, Riyadh’s Hamdan Al-Azemi said yesterday that new Finance take the vaccination against the coronavirus Qatar-Saudi flights archrival and long-time adversary of Washington, Minister Khalifa Hamada has invited bids for because of the dangerous situation after the spread paying significant overflight fees to Tehran in the installing and operating a system to manage inte- of the new virus strain. resume after... process. The New York Times has reported that grated taxes. He warned the minister against going Meanwhile, around 20 opposition MPs yesterday Qatar pays $100 million annually to fly over the ahead with the project, saying that there is no legis- held a meeting to assess the situation in light of the Islamic republic, citing diplomatic sources. The lation for taxation in the country to warrant estab- Cabinet’s reported resignation last week. The resig- Continued from Page 1 schism also complicated regional travel, divided lishing such a system. Azemi insisted that all MPs nation however has not yet been announced, families and raised costs faced by Qatari businesses. will strongly reject any attempt by the government although ministers are boycotting National Just as the first flight to Riyadh was preparing to US national security adviser Robert O’Brien said to impose taxes on citizens, saying Kuwait is among Assembly meetings. take off, Qatar Airways tweeted that services to in November that allowing Qatari planes to fly over major donor countries. MP Thamer Al-Suwait said the meeting was held Jeddah and Dammam would resume later in the week. Saudi Arabia via an “air bridge” was a priority for At its weekly meeting yesterday, the Cabinet yes- to coordinate future moves in light of domestic Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have both the outgoing Trump administration. The economic terday decided to resume the return of domestic political developments. He said the meeting also opened their airspace to Qatari aviation under the hit of the crisis, coinciding with low oil prices and helpers from Jan 17, but insisted on the application discussed various constitutional options and deal but there has been no word on when the first the coronavirus downturn, was felt across the of health measures. The process was launched sever- stressed the need to respect constitutional princi- direct flights will take off to or from those two region. Well-heeled Saudis were unable to visit al weeks ago but suspended last month after the ples that guarantee popular supervision. MP Saleh nations. Yesterday’s flight flew straight across Doha for holidays and long weekends while expats suspension of commercial flights at Kuwait airport in Al-Mutairi said the meeting stressed that those who Bahrain according to specialist flight tracker living in Qatar were unable to visit popular destina- order to protect Kuwait from a new strain of the commit mistakes will be held to account regardless FlightAware. tions like Dubai without tedious detours via Kuwait coronavirus. The return of domestic helpers will be if the government has resigned or not. Saudi Arabia’s closure of its airspace forced or Oman. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Kuwait announces 527 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths New vaccine shipment arrives as inoculation capacity set to increase

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health people that suffer from chronic diseases. All resi- number of doses included in the second batch, announced yesterday logging 527 new coron- dents of Kuwait, including citizens and expatri- but the source says it is enough to vaccinate tar- avirus cases detected in the past 24 hours, rais- ates, can register on the health ministry’s website geted categories until the third batch arrives. The ing the caseload to 154,841. Ministry spokesper- to get vaccinated free of charge. first batch had arrived on December 23, and son Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad reported two deaths The new batch of the vaccine was transported included 150,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. that were pronounced within the same period, There is no timetable for when the third batch putting the death toll at 945. He added that might arrive, but ministry sources quoted in an 10,087 swab tests were taken during the same Al-Qabas daily report three days ago predicted period, as the total reached 1,337,514. The min- Kuwait to receive a new shipment every week or istry had earlier announced that 366 patients 366 patients 10 days. The sources also expected the maximum have recovered within the same period, putting vaccination capacity to increase from 1,400 to the total number of recoveries at 149,373. The recovered 2,000 this week, and noted that more than number of patients in intensive care units in 24 hours 10,000 people have already been vaccinated. reached 50 as of yesterday, while the total num- Kuwaiti medical authorities have not reported ber of patients receiving treatment stood at any cases of side effects among people who have 4,523, Dr Sanad noted. received the vaccine, Dr Fahad Al-Ghemlas, In other news, the second shipment of the Public Health Director at the Ministry of Health, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived in Kuwait on said. He also revealed in an interview published Saturday, Al-Anba Arabic daily reported yester- immediately to the vaccination center at the in Al-Jarida Arabic daily yesterday that Hall 6 at day quoting an informed source. Priority in vac- Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref, Kuwait International Fairground is going to be cination is currently given to frontline and health where it is being stored in refrigerators, the opened soon to join Hall 5, noting that Hall 6 care workers, people above the age of 65 and source said. The report does not mention the alone has a capacity of 150 vaccination units.

Deputy FM meets Tunisian Oil Minister Info Minister Ambassador holds talks rejects KUNA’s with OAPEC recurring mistakes official KUWAIT: Minister of KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Oil Minister Dr Information and Mohammad Al-Fares held talks with Dr Mohammad Al-Fares meets OAPEC Minister of State for Secretary General of the Organization Secretary General Ali bin Sabt. Youth Affairs of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries —KUNA photos Abdulrahman Al- (OAPEC) Ali bin Sabt on current devel- Mutairi yesterday opments in the oil and gas sectors at the plan was designed to provide support expressed rejection of Arab and international levels. Kuwait’s for the OAPEC General Secretariat recurring errors by Ministry of Oil said in a joint statement, activities that are being planned and Kuwait News Agency yesterday, that Dr Al-Fares, also executed in tandem with current inno- (KUNA) in its news- Minister of Electricity and Water, dis- vations in the gas and oil industries. cast recently. The min- Abdulrahman cussed with the OAPEC secretary gen- Meanwhile, the minister hosted the UN ister has affirmed his Al-Mutairi eral most significant activities by the Secretary General’s Envoy Dr Tareq Al- rejection of irresponsi- organization after the latest OAPEC Sheikh, accompanying figures and a ble acts that harm the history of the official meeting, held in December 2020, during number of ambassadors to the State of news agency. Minister Mutairi, in a press which a scheme to overhaul the organi- Kuwait, as they discussed issues of statement, said KUNA’s Deputy Director zation was approved. The endorsed common concern. — KUNA General and the team involved in the incident would be subject to investigations to deter- mine circumstances of the issue and bring slack staff into account for the sake of ensur- ing that such mistakes do not recur in the future. Such errors will not be allowed in the future, he has emphasized. The news agency KUWAIT: Kuwait‘s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah meets Tunisian plays a crucial role in coverage of local and Ambassador to Kuwait Al-Hashemi Ajeeli. — KUNA international news with utter credibility and transparency as it is a reliable source, however the errors that have taken place affect its emi- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy regional and international develop- nent status, the information minister added. Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah ments, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry Moreover, Minister Mutairi has affirmed that met yesterday with the new said in a statement. Assistant he will work for improving the situation at the Tunisian Ambassador to Kuwait Al- Foreign Minister for Deputy Foreign news agency. — KUNA Hashemi Ajeeli. The two sides dis- Minister’s office Ayham Al-Omar Oil Minister Dr Mohammad Al-Fares meets UN Secretary General’s Envoy Dr Tareq cussed bilateral relations, as well as attended the meeting. — KUNA Al-Sheikh, accompanying figures and a number of ambassadors to Kuwait.

News in brief

33,414 work permits for stranded expats cancelled

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Manpower canceled 33,414 work permits for expatriate workers whose permits expired while they were abroad, spokesperson Aseel Al-Mezyed said yes- terday. A total of canceled permit reached 91,854, she added.

Attempted murder

KUWAIT: A Gulf national attempted to kill a young bedoon man in Mansouriya after differ- ences between the two escalated, Al-Rai Arabic daily reported yesterday. The suspect ran over the victim, leading to several fractures that required his admission to the ICU. The case is being considered as a felony. A bedoon called interior ministry operations and said a Gulf national deliberately ran over his son before escaping. An attempted murder charge was filed as police are looking for the suspect.

Reckless behavior

KUWAIT: Traffic officers in Ahmadi detained a driver for reckless behavior and violation of traf- fic law, reported Al-Rai. Police received several calls about the driver in Dhaher, as he caused the closure of various streets and junctions, until he was found and arrested. The suspect is a Kuwaiti in his 20s. His car was impounded as several vio- lations were registered against it.

Two ambulances donated

KUWAIT: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) donated two fully equipped ambulances for the Palestinian Red Crescent. KRCS Chairman of Board of Directors Dr Hilal Al-Sayer said that the donation comes within the spirit of continuous cooperation between both sides in various humanitarian fields. This donation will save many lives and cover part of the hospitals’ need for ambulances to transport patients through the Palestinian Red Crescent, he said. 4 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Photo of the Day Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net NCCAL mourns late pioneer of Kuwait literature Ansari

KUWAIT: Secretary- General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL) Kamel Al- Abduljalil mourned yes- terday member of the KUWAIT: Traditional fishing dhows lined up at the Shamlan Harbor in Sharq yesterday. —Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh Kuwaiti Writers Association, writer, researcher and historian Khaled Al-Ansari, one MILSET-Asia of the distinguished pioneers of Kuwait’s lit- announces robotics erature and history. Abduljalil said in a competition winners statement that Ansari Khaled Al-Ansari has had clear finger- prints in Kuwait literature as he is one of the few KUWAIT: The regional office of the International researchers in documenting history and dialects. Organization for Science and Technology He also contributed to documenting the history (MILSET) announced yesterday winners of of Failaka Island, its inhabitants and its civil life, Kuwait’s 2021 competition on robotics and industri- al applications for students. The office said as he also contributed to enriching many maga- Abdulwahab Al-Kandari won the first place, zines and Kuwaiti newspapers with rich articles Mohammad Al-Enezi won the second place, and that helped in development of the Kuwaiti and Yousef Al-Tamimi won the third place. The deputy Gulf cultural movement, he added. head of the organization and head of Asia regional Ansari was commissioned by the Kuwait office, Adnan Al-Meer, said during the inauguration Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences to that the training programs and projects for Kuwaiti review and evaluate a book on Failaka and was youth is designed to provide comprehensive train- also assigned to prepare a historical map of ing on modern science and technologies to enhance KUWAIT: Participants in Kuwait’s 2021 competition on robotics and industrial applications for students. —KUNA Failaka Island by the Kuwaiti Research and their capabilities. The representative of the Youth Studies Center. Abduljalil extended his sincere Ministry, Mohammad Al-Mutairi, said that the com- condolences and sympathy to the family of the petition began in September until last December, Dawood Al-Ahmad, said that the competition is ally. This competition shows the participants effi- deceased and the cultural community that lost a and the second season will start in February until organized for students who win the annual school ciency on programming the robot on a path with distinguished writer and a pioneering next May in order to increase the youth skills cre- competition for robots and depends on the design different angles and to adjust the speed of the robot researcher. —KUNA ativity. The regional director of MILSET Asia office, and programming of a line-tracking robot individu- to reach the goal in a short time. —KUNA

beaches, its rich culture, and unique artistic her- IWG hosts itage. In closing, the Ambassador thanked Mustafa and the IWG for their help and support in the Indonesian organization of this special event. A celebration cake was cut by the Ambassador and the IWG President, who presented the Ambassador Tri Cultural Day Tharyat with a commemorative shield. A special film displayed the diverse natural beau- KUWAIT: The International Women’s Group (IWG) ty of Indonesia including the hills, mountains, in cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy in coasts and sandy beaches, showcasing a pictur- Kuwait organized the Indonesian Cultural Day on esque backdrop for a colorful, and unique culture. Sunday, which was live-streamed to members and This was followed by a stunning presentation of guests. The President of the IWG, Ambreen classical and folk dance and music, beautifully per- Mustafa, wife of the Pakistan Ambassador, opened formed by groups from Bali Island. the event with a warm welcome and New Year Mustafa, on behalf of the IWG Board, expressed wishes to all participants; noting that the IWG was her thanks to the Indonesian embassy for the honored to host the Indonesian Cultural Day in the organization of this event and the performers were presence of the Ambassador of Indonesia. honored with certificates of appreciation for their Tri Tharyat, the Ambassador of Indonesia to the participation. In closing, Mustafa also noted her State of Kuwait, delivered an enlightening speech gratitude to the IWG Board members for their sup- covering various aspects of Indonesia’s magnificent port and hard work in making the event a resound- natural beauty with its stunning landscapes and ing success. International TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 Crew on crashed Indonesian jet did not A year on from first COVID-19 death, Wuhan basks in recovery Page 6 declare emergency: Investigator Page 7

LONDON: Robert Williams, 84, receives an injection of COVID-19 vaccine at a mass vaccination hub at Robertson House in Stevenage, north of London, yesterday. Seven mass coronavirus vaccination sites opened across England yesterday as the government races to dose millions of people while a new strain of the disease runs rampant across the country. —AFP WHO to probe virus origins in China Nations struggle with surges, England opens mass vaccination sites

BEIJING: A World Health Organization team will finally pendent inquiry, enraging China. sive national effort,” said health minister Matt Hancock. Europe and North America have hit even as COVID-19 reach China this week to start probing the origins of the Seven mass coronavirus vaccination sites opened The state-run NHS risks being overwhelmed and the vaccines were approved and rolled out in record time. coronavirus, more than a year after the pandemic began across England yesterday as the government races to country is in its third lockdown until at least mid- Virus deaths in Germany crossed 40,000 on Sunday, and following accusations Beijing tried to block the dose millions of people while a new strain of the disease February, with predictions the restrictions could last with Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that the coun- investigation. Infection numbers surged across Europe, runs rampant across the country. The sites include foot- even longer. “The next few weeks are going to be the try had yet to feel the full impact of socializing over with Germany warning of the “hardest” days ahead as ball stadiums and a horse racing course, and are located worst weeks of this pandemic in terms of numbers into Christmas and New Year period. The coming weeks will Britain raced to vaccinate as many people as possible to in cities including Bristol, London, Newcastle and the NHS,” England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty be “the hardest phase of the pandemic” so far, Merkel contain a virus that has infected close to 90 million Manchester. told BBC television yesterday. said, with hospitals stretched to their limits. Pope people worldwide and killed nearly two million. They are to vaccinate thousands per week and sev- Francis and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II became the lat- The human and economic toll of the pandemic has eral more sites are expected to follow, according to Double down est high-profile figures over the weekend to join the caused anger and frustration worldwide, giving even NHS England. Hospitals and pharmacies are set to begin “What we need to do, before the vaccines have had global vaccination campaign as officials try to over- greater political significance to the WHO’s long-awaited offering the vaccine later this week, with the govern- their effect... is we need to really double down” on come skepticism over jabs developed in record time. investigation mission to China. ment hoping to have doses available for 12 million of observing lockdown measures, he added. Vaccines “There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but The 10-member WHO team will arrive Thursday England’s 56 million population by mid-February, start- minister Nadhim Zahawi also urged the public to fol- today we have to get vaccinated,” the Pope said and “conduct joint research cooperation on the ori- ing with the most vulnerable. low the rules, which some have criticized for not being Sunday, denouncing opposition to shots. gins of COVID-19 with Chinese scientists”, Beijing’s More than 1.2 million people have already been vac- strict enough. While wealthier nations in Europe and North National Health Commission said in a statement that cinated in England, since the roll-out began of the The recovery of Wuhan is in sharp contrast to the America have already started their vaccination provided no further details. Beijing has faced interna- Pfizer-BioNTech jab on December 8. Britain has since many parts of the world where the pandemic is still rag- drives, India-with the world’s second-biggest virus tional criticism over its lack of transparency during approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Moderna jabs. ing, fuelled by new variants that are prompting govern- caseload-will begin giving shots to its 1.3 billion the early days of the pandemic. The United States “We are mobilizing the government, NHS (National ments from Israel to Australia to reimpose restrictions, people from Saturday in a colossal and complex and Australia have led international calls for an inde- Health Service) and the armed forces as part of a mas- including lockdowns and even curfews. The surges in undertaking. —AFP

transition team. News in brief Biden taps career Burns, who holds a masters and doctoral degrees from Oxford University, also served as US ambassa- dor to Oman from 1998-2001. He retired from the TV preacher jailed for 1,000 years diplomat Burns foreign service in 2014 and is the president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an TURKEY: A Turkish Muslim televangelist who as CIA chief international affairs think tank in the United States. surrounded himself with scantily-clad women on Burns had been considered a likely candidate to TV was jailed for more than 1,000 years yester- WASHINGTON: US President-elect Joe Biden yes- lead the State Department under Biden, given his day for sex crimes, local media reported. Adnan terday announced William Burns as his pick to lead deep experience with Iran. Oktar preached conservative views while the Central Intelligence Agency, tapping a retired He was involved in back-channel negotiations women he called his “kittens”-many of whom veteran diplomat who helped lead secret talks with that set the stage for the 2015 deal to limit Iran’s appeared to have had plastic surgery-danced Iran. Burns spent over three decades in the US for- nuclear capabilities. “The fact that we did it quietly around him in the TV studio. The 64-year-old eign service, including a stint as ambassador to or secretly caused a certain amount of controversy,” was detained in June 2018 as part of a crack- Russia from 2005-2008, and high-ranking jobs in he said in a 2016 interview. down on his group by the financial crimes unit of the State Department. “Bill Burns is an exemplary “But the reality is that after 35 years without sus- the Istanbul police. He was sentenced to 1,075 diplomat with decades of experience on the world tained diplomatic contact between the United States years for crimes including sexual assault, sexual stage keeping our people and our country safe and and Iran, there was a huge amount of baggage, a lot abuse of minors, fraud and attempted political secure,” Biden said in a statement released by his of mistrust, and a lot of grievances.” —AFP William Burns and military espionage, the private NTV broad- caster reported. —AFP

French woman fights US launches work on Sri Lanka to rebuild Tamil war memorial COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s government said yes- to prove she’s alive consulate in disputed terday it would rebuild a memorial to Tamil civil- ians killed in the country’s civil war that was PARIS: A 58-year-old French woman, who was Western Sahara demolished at the weekend. The destruction of wrongfully declared dead in a long-running dispute the monument at Jaffna University-depicting with a former employee, went to court yesterday in MOROCCO: The United States on Sunday started the arms sticking out of a mound-prompted protests the city of Lyon to try resurrect her existence. “process of establishing” a consulate in contested and threats of a general strike in areas where Reports of Jeanne Pouchain’s death have been greatly Western Sahara, after Washington recognized Morocco’s Tamils are a majority. The government had ear- exaggerated as AFP discovered when it met her at sovereignty there in exchange for Rabat normalizing ties lier condemned the structure as a memorial to her home in the southeastern town of Saint-Joseph, with Israel. US ambassador David Fischer visited the port “terrorists”, saying it glorified Tamil Tiger guer- near Lyon, recently. Pouchain has been trying to of Dakhla, 1,440 kilometers (895 miles) southwest of rillas who were crushed in 2009 at the end of a prove she’s alive ever since a labor court, allegedly PARIS: Jeanne Pouchain shows some papers in Saint- Rabat in the far south of Moroccan-controlled Western 37-year-long war. —AFP acting on information provided by a former employee Joseph. —AFP Sahara, to mark the start of work on a diplomatic office. of Pouchain’s cleaning company, noted her down in “It is such an honor for me to visit this stunningly beauti- November 2017 as dead. The ruling, which capped a the woman over 14,000 euros ($17,000) in damages, ful and critically important region of Morocco, and to UK to ban imports linked to Uighurs begin the process of establishing a US diplomatic pres- nearly two-decade-long wrongful dismissal suit, but because the case had been taken against her ence here,” Fischer said, according to the US embassy. turned Pouchain’s life upside down. Wiped from offi- company and not Pouchain herself the ruling was nev- LONDON: Britain is set to announce plans out- cial records, she lost her ID card, driver’s license, bank Western Sahara is a disputed and divided former lawing the import of goods suspected of using er enforced. In 2009, the woman took a case against Spanish colony, mostly under Morocco’s control, where account and health insurance. Pouchain directly, but that case was thrown out, only forced labor in China’s Xinjiang province, media She accuses her former employee of fabricating tensions with the pro-independence Polisario Front have reported yesterday, in a move which would fur- to return in 2016 before an appeals court, which, simmered since the 1970s. Last year, Morocco joined the her death to try to win damages from her purported believing Pouchain to be dead, ordered her husband ther strain ties between London and Beijing. heirs-her husband and son-after two failed attempts United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan in agreeing to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is expected to and son to pay damages. normalize ties with Israel under US-brokered deals. In to sue Pouchain herself. “It’s a crazy story,” Pouchain’s A lawyer for Pouchain’s former employee has reveal his plans, which are also set to include lawyer Sylvain Cormier told AFP. “The plaintiff return, US President Donald Trump fulfilled a decades-old tougher laws on exporting goods or technology accused her of having a hand in her own demise, say- Moroccan goal by backing its contested sovereignty over claimed that Mrs Pouchain was dead, without provid- that could be used for repression, to MPs this ing she played dead to try avoid litigation, by for the barren but phosphate-rich region, which lies next to ing any proof, and everyone believed her. No-one week, according to The Sun and Guardian news- example refusing to answer correspondence. key Atlantic fishing zones. Foreign Minister Nasser checked,” he added. Her former employee was not papers. Britain and China’s relationship has grown Pouchain, who is seeking to have the court declaration Bourita said Sunday that “Morocco feels stronger in its available for comment. The woman took a case of her death declared a fake, has denied those accusa- increasingly frosty over the last two years, partic- legitimate fight for its territorial integrity... with the sup- ularly over London’s criticism of the crackdown against Pouchain after losing her job with Pouchain’s tions. She described her life as being in limbo. “State port of its friends.” The Algerian-backed Polisario Front cleaning company when it lost a big contract in 2000. agencies tell me I am no longer dead, but that I am not on democracy campaigners in Hong Kong and its fought a war for independence from 1975 to 1991 and offer of citizenship for its residents. —AFP In 2004, a labor tribunal ordered Pouchain to pay yet alive. I’m in the making!,” she told AFP. —AFP controls about one fifth of the desert territory. —AFP 6 Established 1961 International Tuesday, January 12, 2021 A year on from first COVID-19 death, Wuhan basks in recovery ‘Wuhan is the safest city in China now, even the whole world’ WUHAN, China: A year ago, China announced the the safest city in China now, even the whole first death from a new virus in Wuhan — 12 months world,” 66-year-old resident Xiong Liansheng told later, COVID-19 has claimed 1.9 million lives in an AFP yesterday. Commuters headed to work and unrelenting march across the world. others strolled along the riverfront-a sharp con- But in the central Chinese city of 11 million where trast to the countries still under strict lockdowns the first known outbreak started, the virus has been and restrictions. extinguished and residents are proud of its revival. “The Wuhan people’s awareness of epidemic Yesterday morning, the anniversary slipped by prevention and control is very high-even my two- unmarked in Wuhan-commuters moved freely to year-old grandson will wear a mask when going work while parks and riverside promenades buzzed out,” said Xiong. with walkers in a city determined to banish its tag Elderly couples danced, some masked, but hands as the coronavirus ground zero. clasped as social distancing withered in the winter In a sparse report on January 11, 2020, China con- sunshine in a busy park next to the Yangtze river. firmed its first death from an unknown virus-a 61- “Most cases in China are imported from overseas year-old man who was a regular at the now-notori- now and our country has a good control of it,” said ous Wuhan wet market linked to many of the early Zhong, an 80-year-old woman giving only one name. cases. The world would soon become grimly familiar “All the Wuhan people feel very safe in the city, and with the disease that killed him as COVID-19. we come here and dance happily everyday.” Little is still known about the first victim, includ- China has faced criticism at home and abroad ing his name, while the market where the first over its initial handling of the virus, including reported clusters of cases were traced back to has attempts to silence whistleblowers and failure to remained closed, surrounded by boarding. After a report cases for days in early January. long wrangle, China on Monday said independent Two weeks after confirming the first death, experts from the WHO will be allowed into the Wuhan and the surrounding province were put country from Thursday, with the international com- under lockdown. Chinese authorities are trying to WUHAN: Elderly people dance in a public area along the Yangtze River in Wuhan yesterday as the city marks the munity hoping they can visit the market and retrace stamp out a series of local outbreaks, reporting 103 first anniversary of when China confirmed its first death from the COVID-19 coronavirus. — AFP in detail those early days of the virus in Wuhan. new infections on Monday-the highest figure since July last year-most in northern Hebei province. ‘Safest city in the world’ Transport links have been cut and schools of millions of people for the Lunar New Year next States, Britain and many European countries. The city has now bounced back and residents closed in an effort to contain the cluster. There are month may be ruined as virus controls tighten. But China’s official toll stands at 4,634 deaths from are reveling in the freedoms they enjoy. “Wuhan is also mounting fears that travel plans for hundreds it is a fraction of the daily infections in the United COVID-19. —AFP

the defendants, which include boss Italian Luigi Mancuso, “The Uncle”-who spent nearly 20 years in prison before going underground-and dozens of Facebook shuts mobsters face others with nicknames straight out of Hollywood, like “The Wolf”, “Fatty”, ‘maxi-trial’ “Sweetie”, “Blondie”, “Little Goat”, Uganda accounts and “The Wringer”. ROME: Hundreds of suspected mem- ahead of vote bers of the ‘Ndrangheta, Italy’s most ‘Deeply rooted’ powerful mafia group, will face a The trial is a show of strength for KAMPALA: Facebook has shut a slew of judge this week as the country’s the state in the backyard of the accounts belonging to Ugandan government biggest “maxi-trial” of the past three ‘Ndrangheta, which controls tons of officials accused of seeking to manipulate pub- decades gets underway. The trial cocaine flowing into Europe. Taking lic debate ahead of elections Thursday, the against the crime syndicate and its to the court will be Italy’s most internet giant said yesterday. The East African accomplices-among them politicians, famous anti-mafia prosecutor, Nicola nation is holding presidential and parliamen- civil servants, police and white-collar Gratteri, who has lived under police tary elections after a tense and bloody cam- businessmen-is expected to last more escort for more than 30 years. As a paign, with incumbent President Yoweri than two years. child, the 62-year-old Calabrian A view taken on December 15, 2020 in Lamezia Terme, Calabria, from one of the detained Museveni, 76, facing a stiff challenge from the With 355 defendants, over 900 played football with many of those he defendants’ cells, shows the inside of a new bunker room built for the upcoming popstar-turned-politician Bobi Wine, 38. prosecution witnesses and 400 put behind bars decades later. ‘Rinascita-Scott’ maxi-trial in which more than 350 alleged members of Calabria’s “This month, we removed a network of lawyers, the trial also features an He has vowed to take down “this ‘Ndrangheta mafia group and their associates go on trial this week. — AFP accounts and pages in Uganda that engaged unprecedented 58 state witnesses asphyxiating ‘Ndrangheta, which truly in CIB (Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour) to ready to break their code of silence, takes the breath and the heartbeat The scope of the upcoming trial is nology at Oxford University. target public debate ahead of the election,” or “omerta”, and expose the clan’s from the people”. The trial’s size is more limited, targeting one of the “It makes the point that there’s a Facebook’s head of communication for sub- long-buried secrets. Held inside a only eclipsed by Italy’s first “maxi-tri- estimated hundreds of ‘Ndrangheta society outside the criminal organiza- Saharan Africa, Kezia Anim-Addo, said in an specially outfitted building in the al” of 1986-1987 in Palermo against families whose tentacles spread glob- tion that’s colluding and helping,” he email. “They used fake and duplicate accounts heart of ‘Ndrangheta territory in Sicily’s Cosa Nostra and its web of ally. Still, it is significant not only for said. “Obviously it’s shocking that you to manage pages, comment on other people’s Calabria, Italy’s poorest region, the connected families. its size but also for the inclusion of so have a criminal group so rooted in the content, impersonate users, re-share posts in trial beginning tomorrow targets just That now-legendary event saw 338 many lawyers, politicians, public territory you have to put hundreds of groups to make them appear more popular one group, the Mancuso family and its people convicted. Prosecutors administrators and entrepreneurs who people on trial,” Varese said. “This tri- that they were.” affiliates. During a recent hearing, it Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino help the ‘Ndrangheta operate, said al shows how deeply rooted the Anim-Addo said the network was linked to took three hours to read the names of were later assassinated by the mob. Federico Varese, professor of crimi- ‘Ndrangheta is in society.” —AFP the government ministry of information and communications technology. “Given the impending election in Uganda, we moved He said he was “returning to my pre-2011, pri- quickly to investigate and take down this Billionaire Georgia vate lifestyle”. Georgia held a parliamentary elec- network.” tion in October and November but protests broke Museveni’s senior press secretary Don party leader says out after the first round and the opposition boy- Wanyama, who saw both his Facebook and cotted the second round. Georgian Dream scored a Instagram account shut down, accused the narrow victory against opposition parties, which company of seeking to influence the election. quitting politics accused it of “massively falsifying” the results, “Shame on the foreign forces that think they claims the ruling party denied. can aid and plant a puppet leadership on TBILISI, Georgia: The billionaire leader of Georgia became a darling of the West after Uganda by disabling online accounts of (ruling Georgia’s ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is Mikheil Saakashvili came to power in the 2003 party) NRM supporters,” he said on Twitter. widely seen as the Western-backed country’s most Rose Revolution and instituted reforms to boost “You wont take away President Kaguta powerful man, announced yesterday he was quitting democratic institutions and battle corruption. Museveni” he added, using the president’s sec- politics. Ivanishvili made the announcement after his But a brief war with Russia in 2008 and political ond name. —AFP Georgian Dream party claimed a narrow victory in infighting has dimmed hopes of the country joining a tightly-contested parliamentary election last year NATO and the European Union. In power since In this file photo, one of Georgia’s richest men, Bidzina Ivanishvili, speaks to the media in Tbilisi. — AFP that sparked protests. “My mission has been 2012, Georgian Dream has seen its popularity fall accomplished,” the country’s richest man said in a due to discontent over its failure to address eco- statement. nomic stagnation and perceived backsliding on of his second term as president in 2013. Ivanishvili India returns “I have made the decision to finally retire from commitments to democracy. Critics accuse became prime minister after Georgian Dream first politics and fully distance myself from the reins of Ivanishvili-who is widely seen to be calling the won a parliamentary election in 2012. He stepped power.” Ivanishvili said he was stepping down as shots in Georgia-of persecuting political opponents down in 2013 but since then he has been widely Chinese soldier party chairman ahead of his 65th birthday next and creating a corrupt system where private inter- believed to be the man in charge in the tiny Black Sea month and that it was time to “advance young peo- ests permeate politics. nation. He made a political comeback in 2018, when BEIJING: India has returned a Chinese soldier ple to the forefront”. Saakashvili was forced to flee Georgia at the end he took over as leader of Georgian Dream. — AFP detained for straying over the contested Himalayan frontier, China’s military said yesterday, of a remote flashpoint area between the two countries. the street again,” looking for another hospital, The soldier was apprehended Friday on the Paramedics struggle Zuniga said. Indian side of the high altitude border where rival troops fought deadly battles in June last year. He ‘You become desperate’ was returned to Chinese forces at noon yester- to find hospital beds Even when there is room for another patient, it day, according to the official People Liberation sometimes takes hours before they are admitted. Army Daily. in virus-hit Mexico “It’s frustrating, but if we collapse, the healthcare The military newspaper said the soldier had “lost system will collapse too. So, we always try to stay his way due to darkness and complicated terrain.” TOLUCA, Mexico: For paramedics dealing with a positive,” said Miguel Angel Moreno, a paramedic The soldier was handed over “according to a relevant surge in coronavirus infections in Mexico, finding from Naucalpan near the capital. agreement between China and India,” the PLA Daily an available bed for patients in overwhelmed hospi- “As humans, there’s obviously a point at which said. The Indian army later confirmed it had returned tals has become a daily lottery. “For there to be you become desperate.” On top of the emotional the individual. The soldier’s detention was the second room, one person has to be discharged or die. It’s stress comes the physical toll and discomfort of on the high altitude border since 20 Indian border tough but it’s the truth,” said Angel Zuniga, a Red having to wear a protective suit for hours. soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops Cross coordinator in the city of Toluca southwest of “Fatigue is always an issue,” said senior para- were killed in a violent skirmish last year. the capital. medic Ana Yesi Hernandez. “Sometimes it takes TOLUCA: Paramedic of the Mexican Red Cross Jesus Both sides have since poured tens of thousands “One goes in and another comes out,” Zuniga them three to four hours to find a spare bed in a Carmona poses for a photo after having transferred a of troops and heavy weaponry into the tension zone added. In Mexico City and neighboring areas, 64 of hospital.” COVID-19 patient to an emergency room in Toluca. —AFP in the Ladakh region, currently in the grip of freez- 78 hospitals were in a “critical” state on Friday with Mexico’s official COVID-19 death toll, the fourth ing winter temperatures. Another Chinese soldier beds available in only a handful of them, according highest in the world, now stands at nearly 134,000, now probably got sick while gathering to celebrate was briefly held by Indian forces in the same region to the authorities. In the capital itself, home to nine with more than 1.5 million cases registered. The Christmas. Soon they expect to see those who in October. million people, 86 percent of hospital beds were authorities acknowledge that the real figure is caught the virus during the New Year holiday. India and China have disputed their frontier for occupied. The problem is not confined to the public probably much higher due to limited testing. On They are praying for some respite after that wave seven decades and fought a brief war in 1962. The sector. Private clinics, where many coronavirus Friday authorities scrapped plans to reopen non- subsides. Beyond that they are counting on the two sides blame each other for the current standoff. patients turn in the hope of finding a place, are also essential activities in the capital. “The city is today vaccination program that the government began The neighbors have held several rounds of disen- overcrowded. Some turn away patients unless they at its highest level of hospitalization since the start on December 24, with priority going to health gagement talks but failed to ease the military give a deposit of 170,000 pesos (about $8,400). of the pandemic,” Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said. workers. “We all have high hope for the vaccine,” buildup. — AFP “They say ‘take him away’ and we’ll go back to Paramedics say the patients they are seeing Zuniga said. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Crew on crashed Indonesian jet did not declare emergency: Investigator Divers search plane wreckage for black boxes JAKARTA: The crew of an Indonesian passenger jet explain why the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 that crashed off Jakarta at the weekend with 62 peo- plunged about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in less ple aboard did not declare an emergency or report than a minute before slamming into the Java Sea. technical problems before it suddenly plunged into the sea, an investigator said yesterday. So far, inspec- Switched flight tors have so far been unable to say why the 26-year- There were 62 Indonesian passengers and crew old plane crashed just four minutes after takeoff, but aboard the half-full flight, including 10 children. The they do know the location of the black boxes. jet’s captain, Afwan-a 54-year-old father of three, A recording of conversations with air traffic con- who like many Indonesians goes by one name-was a trol pointed to routine exchanges, and there was no former air force pilot with decades of flying under his communication as the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 belt, according to local media. plunged about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in less Some of the 2,600 personnel working in the than a minute before slamming into the Java Sea, said recovery effort involving dozens of boats and heli- National Transportation Safety Committee investiga- copters are hauling body parts, twisted piece of tor Nurcahyo Utomo. “It’s like a normal conversation wreckage and passengers’ clothing from shallow and nothing suspicious,” he said. waters about 23 meters (75 feet) deep. Body bags “There’s no talk of an emergency or something filled with human remains are being taken to a like that.” The preliminary data suggested it was police hospital where investigators hope to identify “most likely” that the plane was intact when it hit the victims by matching DNA from their remains to liv- water Saturday, he added. ing relatives. JAKARTA : Rescuers lay out body bags containing human remains recovered from the crash site of Sriwijaya Air flight “But we don’t know at this stage” what caused the Rapin Akbar, who gave a blood sample to the SJ182 at the port in Jakarta on Sunday. — AFP crash, Utomo said. His comments came as divers hospital, had five relatives on board including an old- searched waters off Jakarta for black boxes-cockpit er sister, a nephew and his wife and their seven- Despite the name, black boxes are usually bright all crashes, according to aviation experts. The probe voice and flight data recorders-that could be crucial month-old baby. They were flying back to Pontianak, orange with reflective stripes, and all commercial into Saturday’s crash is likely to take months. Aviation to help explain why the plane went down. the city on Indonesia’s section of Borneo island, planes are obliged to have them on board. Built to analysts said flight-tracking data showed the plane Meanwhile, divers searched waters off Jakarta about 90 minutes away. survive at vast depths and in extreme heat, they are sharply deviated from its intended course before it yesterday for black boxes from a passenger jet that “(My nephew) had planned to go back to fitted with a beacon which can emit a signal for one went into a steep dive, with bad weather, pilot error crashed at the weekend with 62 people aboard, as Pontianak on Sunday but changed his mind and month. The devices record information about the and mechanical malfunction among the potential fac- investigators took up the grim task of identifying decided to fly on Saturday instead,” Akbar said. “He speed, altitude and direction of the plane as well as tors. “Something quite dramatic has happened after victims’ remains. Retrieving the boxes-cockpit called me to say the flight was delayed and sent me a flight crew conversations. takeoff,” said Stephen Wright, professor of aircraft voice and flight data recorders-will likely help picture of their baby. It was (their) first.” Black box data help explain nearly 90 percent of systems at Finland’s Tampere University. — AFP

networks and one of the world’s News in brief India readies worst-funded healthcare systems, the undertaking is still daunting. Regular child inoculations are a “much smaller Biden to receive second dose coronavirus game” and vaccinating against COVID-19 will be “deeply challeng- WASHINGTON: US President-elect Joe vaccine rollout ing”, said Satyajit Rath from the Biden received his second dose of the COVID- National Institute of Immunology. 19 vaccine yesterday, his office announced, NEW DELHI: India aims to begin The two vaccines approved by three weeks after his first injection was broad- vaccinating its 1.3 billion people India-AstraZeneca’s Covishield, made cast live on TV to boost public confidence in against coronavirus from Saturday, a by local partner the Serum Institute, the jab. Biden, 78, told Americans “there’s noth- colossal and complex task compound- and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin-need to ing to worry about” when he got his first dose ed by safety worries, shaky infrastruc- be kept refrigerated at all times. A of the Pfizer vaccine at the Christiana Hospital ture and public skepticism. In one of total of 29,000 cold-chain points, 240 in Newark, Delaware on December 21. His team the world’s biggest rollouts, the plan- walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, said that his second jab would also be done in BRISTOL: Boxes of vials of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are seen in a et’s second-most populous nation 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 front of the media, without giving further refrigerator at Ashton Gate Stadium. — AFP hopes to inoculate 300 million peo- deep freezers and 300 solar refrigera- details. More than 374,000 people have died ple-equal almost to the entire US tors are at the ready. from the coronavirus in America. — AFP population-by July. First to get one of Bangalore had to use a cellphone died from COVID-19 and the econo- two vaccines granted “emergency Bicycle transport hotspot to go online because their my is one of the worst-hit worldwide, approval” will be 30 million health and India has four “mega depots” to network was down. with millions losing their livelihoods. “I Australian charged over oil scandal other frontline workers, followed by take delivery of the vaccines and There are also concerns about the look forward to getting the vaccine around 270 million people aged over transport them to state distribution government’s aim to manage the entire and living without fear and the mask SYDNEY: Australian police yesterday 50 or deemed high-risk all over the hubs in temperature-controlled vans, process digitally via its own app, all the time,” migrant worker charged a man in connection with allegations a vast nation. but the final leg will be tough. In one CoWIN-of which there are already Shatrughan Sharma, 43, told AFP in Sydney-based firm paid $78 million in bribes About 150,000 staff in 700 dis- recent exercise in rural Uttar Pradesh- several fake versions. As of yesterday, the capital, New Delhi. “The last year to secure lucrative Iraqi oil contracts. The man, tricts have been specially trained, and where summer temperatures exceed it also remained unclear whether the was very tough for us.” But like in oth- who was not named by police, was identified in India has held several national dry 40 degrees Celsius (105 Fahrenheit) government has yet to agree a price er countries, there is skepticism about media reports as former Leighton Holdings runs involving mock transportation of — a health worker was pictured trans- per jab with the Serum Institute. Tens the vaccine, fuelled by a torrent of executive David Savage. Police said a 60-year- vaccines and dummy injections. porting boxes of dummy vials on his of millions of shots are reportedly sit- misinformation online. A recent survey old was charged with two counts of knowingly Authorities will use the experience bicycle. In Kashmir, currently being ting at Serum’s factory in the western of 18,000 people across India found providing misleading information contrary to from holding elections in the world’s pummeled by snowstorms, databases city of Pune waiting for an agreement that 69 percent were in no rush to get the Corporations Act. He was arrested on his biggest democracy, and from regular of priority groups-and of staff to before a fleet of refrigerated trucks a COVID-19 shot. Public trust was release from 14 days in hotel quarantine after child immunization programs for polio administer the vaccines-were still can take them to the airport. not helped by Bharat Biotech’s indige- returning to Australia from France. — AFP and tuberculosis. being prepared last week, officials nous vaccine being controversially But in an enormous, impoverished said. During the last dry run on Friday, Skeptics given “restricted approval” without nation with often shoddy transport workers at one health center in More than 150,000 Indians have data from Phase 3 human trials. —AFP Russia vaccinated 1.5m with Sputnik

MOSCOW: Russia announced yesterday that China warns 1.5 million people around the world had received its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine as part of an initiative Kremlin critics have ‘counterstrike’ against described as a geopolitical push. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has US move on Taiwan financed the development of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, confirmed the figure to BEIJING: China yesterday threatened a “counter- AFP without offering a breakdown of where strike” against a move by the United States to lift the jab was distributed. “We cannot say how restrictions on official contacts with Taiwan as mili- many of them are in Russia and in the rest of tary tensions grow between Beijing and the self- the world,” RDIF spokesman Arseny Palagin ruled island. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, adding that individual nations could said Saturday Washington would lift “complex release data separately. —AFP internal restrictions” on contacts with Taipei by diplomats, after a year of mounting US-Chinese friction on topics including human rights, trade and Micronesia records first COVID case PYONGYANG : This picture shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending the 8th Congress of the Workers’ Party the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beijing says of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang. — AFP Taiwan is an inviolable part of China to be KOROR: The remote Pacific nation of reclaimed, by force if necessary, and opposes any Micronesia recorded its first case of COVID-19 seen as a formal coronation for the leader, who was diplomatic recognition of the democratic island. yesterday, ending its run as one of the few N Korea’s Kim in his early 30s at the time. The new title comes Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian places on Earth without the coronavirus. after Kim pledged at the meeting to strengthen his said Beijing “strongly condemns” the move and President David Panuelo acknowledged the assumes late nuclear-armed nation’s military capabilities, and accused the United States of violating the terms of development was “alarming” for the country’s called the US his country’s “foremost principal Washington’s diplomatic relations with Beijing. 100,000 inhabitants but said the case had been enemy”. He also admitted that “almost all sectors “Any action that harms China’s core interests will contained at the border. “For this reason, citi- father’s mantle fell a long way short of the set objectives” in North receive a resolute counterstrike from China,” Zhao zens across the nation should remain calm,” he Korea’s previous economic plan. warned, urging Pompeo to retract the decision or said in a televised address. “Do not panic SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has Experts said the new nomenclature was largely face “severe punishment”. It was not clear what the because the situation is contained.” Panuelo had his official party title changed, state media symbolic, with the congress changing job titles to change means in practice, with Pompeo saying said the positive test came from a crewman on a reported yesterday, assuming a position previously reinstate a previously scrapped party secretariat executive branch communications with Taiwan will government ship “Chief Mailo”, which had been held by his late father in what analysts said was a system. North Korea is more isolated than ever be handled by the American Institute in Taiwan in the Philippines undergoing repairs. — AFP move to bolster his authority. The North Korean after closing its borders last January to protect (AIT), which is owned by the US government and economy is struggling in the face of self-imposed itself against the coronavirus that first emerged in serves as the de facto embassy. coronavirus isolation, and is subject to multiple neighbour and key ally China. “It’s another indirect The AIT was founded in 1979, when the United Brisbane lifts virus lockdown sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and bal- way of admitting that plans introduced in 2016 — States extended diplomatic recognition to mainland listic missile programs. At the same time, nuclear including the new chairman system-did not really China under a historic agreement requiring it to end AUSTRALIA: Australia’s third-largest city talks with the United States have been deadlocked work out,” said defector-turned-researcher Ahn formal recognition of Taiwan. But Washington lifted stay-at-home orders yesterday, after since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim Chan-il of the World Institute for North Korea remains a staunch ally of Taipei and is bound by mass testing and tracing across Brisbane found and President Donald Trump in February 2019. Studies in Seoul. Congress to sell it weapons for self-defense. It no new coronavirus cases despite fears over a The ruling Workers’ Party of Korea “unanimous- “Kim wanted to create a new image for himself opposes any move to change Taiwan’s current status contagious strain entering the community. ly adopted” a decision to elect Kim as general sec- and his era-that’s different from his father’s-by by force. Military tensions between mainland China More than two million people were ordered retary at its congress on Sunday, the official KCNA becoming a ‘chairman’, but it looks like he feels the and Taiwan have grown sharper in the past year- into a snap lockdown Friday after a cleaner at a news agency reported. “All the delegates need to stress his connection to his father in order to reaching their worst since the mid-1990s, some ana- quarantine hotel contracted the UK variant of expressed full support with stormy applause in consolidate his leadership during this difficult time.” lysts say. Chinese jets made a record 380 incursions COVID-19 from a returned traveller. great excitement,” it said. The South Korean mili- Kim’s father Kim Jong Il has remained the party’s into Taiwan’s defense zone last year, a military official Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk tary said it detected signs that a military parade Eternal General Secretary since soon after his 2011 said Tuesday. Beijing’s animosity has increased dra- said the lockdown would be lifted at 6pm local may have been staged Sunday night for the con- death, while the current leader’s grandfather Kim Il matically since Tsai Ing-wen won election as Taiwan’s time yesterday after tens of thousands of tests gress. The last such gathering five years ago had Sung, North Korea’s founder, is the country’s Eternal president in 2016 — she rejects Beijing’s insistence detected zero cases of transmission. —AFP named Kim as party chairman in what was largely President despite dying in 1994. —AFP that the island is part of “one China”. —AFP Established 1961

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 Digital health in spotlight as virus shifts tech show focus CES to showcase technology for remote patient visits, biosensors and gadgetry

WASHINGTON: Digital health care is in the elderly living alone for signs of medical issues, spotlight at the tech industry’s big event this week wearables that help with early detection of disease amid a pandemic that has highlighted the impor- as well as various diagnostic tools. tance of remote services, with a potentially lasting Also on display will be an array of workplace impact on medical delivery. The Consumer health gadgets, from smart thermometers to air Electronics Show, which is being held online from purifiers and sanitizing robots. “Crazy devices such yesterday, will showcase technology for remote as personal air purifiers that were viewed with patient visits, biosensors and a range of other gad- amusement last year will be viewed as much more getry that can help people avoid doctors’ offices relevant this year,” said Richard Windsor, an inde- and waiting rooms. pendent technology analyst who pens the Radio Demand for telehealth services was projected to Free Mobile blog. have risen 64 percent in the US alone, according to Frost & Sullivan researchers, underscoring the need Digital records, analytics for better communications platforms, home moni- Another important element for remote medical toring devices and more. “We have learned that care is keeping track of health data and using ana- going into waiting rooms with other sick patients lytics tools to better understand the risks for can be problematic and people are looking for other COVID-19 as well as other diseases, notes Bettina ways of getting care,” said Samir Qamar, a family Experton, chief executive at the digital health plat- physician and founder of MedWand, which is form Humetrix, a longtime CES exhibitor. expected to launch its device with 10 diagnostic With more people turning to telemedicine, tools for remote care this year. “sometimes the physician might not have an existing Qamar, who is speaking at a CES panel, said the relationship with the patient, so there is a critical pandemic also exposed gaps in telemedicine includ- need for their medical history,” Experton said. ing a lack of accessible internet for some population “We have developed various mobile applications segments. with medical history which you can share with the “One of the big problems is the lack of ability to push of a button.” The platform, which is available Pregnant women can now perform at-home ultrasound scans with a smartphone device. —AFP examine patients remotely,” Qamar told AFP. for individuals and insurers, also uses artificial intel- Companies have been developing remote tools ligence to help assess risks for people affected by Fitness evolves consumer side of health and fitness, but there is that can be used at home, including stethoscopes, the coronavirus. While CES has long focused on consumer prod- some crossover,” Murdoch said. “You now have otoscopes, heart and blood pressure monitors, but Similarly, Tokyo-based Axion Research will be ucts for fitness, this has increasingly been applied to smartwatches and other devices which monitor your need to show they are highly accurate in order to unveiling an early-detection system that predicts the healthcare field as technology advances, said pulse, your blood oxygen and more, and that pro- gain regulatory approval, Qamar noted. CES disease risks, including for cancer and Alzheimer’s, Robin Murdoch of the consulting group Accenture, vides a lot of data” that can be applied for medical exhibitors will be showing devices that monitor the using AI to “map” people’s health outlook. who follows the show. “It has been focused on the purposes. —AFP Big tech show goes on, in HK tracker fund virtual format stops investing in SAN FRANCISCO: The big tech show goes on, China firms on but online only: the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show kicked off yesterday aiming to create connec- US ban list tions and showcase the latest in robotics, smart devices, digital health and more. HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s original stock mar- Some 1,800 exhibitors will be participating in the ket tracker said yesterday it would make no new show, forced to go online-only by the coronavirus investments in firms listed by Washington as pandemic. The new format will be a challenge for having links to China’s military as it also recom- one of the world’s largest trade events. In previous mended Americans no longer invest in the fund. years, the Las Vegas extravaganza pulled in more The announcement is the latest stark illustra- than 4,000 exhibitors from startups to big multina- tion of how tensions between the world’s two tionals, with upwards of 175,000 attendees. biggest economies are causing headaches for The event opens with a media day-normally Some 1,800 exhibitors will be participating in the show, forced to go online-only by the coronavirus pandemic. international firms in Hong Kong, which has long packed with press conferences in Las Vegas ball- served as China’s gateway to global markets. rooms-replaced with streamed video presenta- Outgoing US President Donald Trump issued an tions from companies, such as Hisense, LG, heightened focus on sessions diving into issues such action,” said Richard Windsor, an independent tech- order in November banning Americans from Samsung and Sony. as privacy and 5G internet. Sessions will be immedi- nology analyst who writes the Radio Free Mobile investing in Chinese firms deemed to be supply- The Consumer Technology Association, the trade ately available for replay on demand, and remain blog. Windsor said health tech will be at “the top of ing or supporting the Asian giant’s military. group producing the event, will also unveil its fore- accessible until mid-February, according to CES the agenda” for the pandemic-hit event, which he Yesterday the Tracker Fund of Hong Kong cast and trends for 2021. Gary Shapiro, president organizers. said will likely be “a diminished experience” com- (TraHK) — which has some US$14 billion in and chief executive of the group, said the first all- When the virtual show floor opens today, atten- pared with prior shows. Show organizers said they assets-said it was complying with that order. digital show would be “showcasing the latest trends dees will be able to click into online exhibition hope to deliver a new kind of experience which can “In light of the Executive Order, TraHK will and innovation in artificial intelligence, 5G, digital booths for demos and chats. Some unveilings that be useful to the expected online crowd of 100,000 not make any new investments in a sanctioned health, smart cities, vehicle tech and beyond.” would normally draw crowds in Las Vegas are going or more. entity with effect from 11 January 2021,” the Digital CES is relying on artificial intelligence to ahead in the virtual space: Audi is set to launch its “CES is one of the most experiential events in company wrote in a statement to the stock match interests indicated in attendee profiles with electric sports car, and LG will show off a large the world, where attendees can actually see and exchange. “TraHK is no longer appropriate for exhibitors, hoping to put a software spin on the bendable display for gamers; other companies will touch and experience the latest innovations,” US Persons to invest. You should consider serendipity of stumbling upon cool products on be releasing gadgets adapted to superfast 5G wire- CTA spokeswoman Jean Foster said during a whether this is an appropriate investment for show-floors. Software will recommend people or less networks which are gaining traction. But some briefing ahead of the show. “And while we can’t you,” it added. Yesterday Goldman Sachs, exhibitors to connect with and provide tools for analysts say the lack of in-person events has recreate that magic that happens in Las Vegas, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase also said online meetings or chats. pushed many participants to the sidelines. we can bring our audiences a new and unique they would delist some 500 structured products CES has more than 300 speakers lined up, and a “A large part of the show is likely to be missing in whole digital experience.” —AFP in Hong Kong to comply with the same execu- tive order. TraHK was set up by Hong Kong’s govern- ment following the 1998 Asian financial crash Brexit, COVID and is the city’s biggest exchange traded fund. It is run by the Asian arm of State Street Global threaten 250,000 Advisors, a massive US asset management firm. Investors and businesses have been scram- bling to respond to Trump’s often vaguely- small UK firms worded executive orders targeting China. Last week the New York Stock Exchange confirmed, LONDON: More than one quarter of a million after a dizzying few days of reversals and confu- small British businesses face bankruptcy this year sion, that it was delisting three state-owned without more state help amid coronavirus and post- Chinese telecom giants. Brexit trade fallout, a study showed yesterday. Trump also signed an executive order ban- “A record number of small business owners are ning transactions involving Alipay, WeChat Pay planning to close their firms over the coming twelve and other apps linked to Chinese companies, months, putting the UK on course to lose more than drawing strong criticism from Beijing. a quarter of a million businesses,” the Federation of Over the weekend China published new rules Small Businesses estimated after last month to protect its firms from “unjustified” foreign quizzing 1,401 firms on their outlooks. laws that will allow Chinese courts to punish The FSB meanwhile said that Britain’s financial global companies for complying with foreign support measures in response to Covid-19 did not restrictions and sanctions. Hong Kong-based “keep pace” with tightening lockdown restrictions. firms are finding themselves acutely vulnerable It added in its study that exporters were “feeling the to the crossfire of these spiralling tensions and LONDON: A digital display at a bus station warns pedestrians of the new strain of coronavirus in central London as strain as (the) new EU-UK trade deal beds in” fol- competing restrictions. lowing Britain’s recent exit from European Union England entered a third lockdown due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19. — AFP Last year the US imposed sanctions on multi- single market and customs union. ple Chinese and Hong Kong officials over FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry called on Brexit trade deal that came into force on January 1. “Direct funding to help them manage new obli- Beijing’s crackdown on democracy supporters in the UK government look at how emergency debt “Our exporters are trying to get across what a gations in the form of transition vouchers is urgently the city. The restrictions bar financial institutions facilities could help small businesses to survive. And new EU-UK trade agreement means for them with- needed. “This government can stem losses and pro- from doing any transactions with the sanctioned he urged the adoption of “transition vouchers” to out the cash they need to make adjustments,” tect the businesses of the future-but only if it acts individuals. — AFP help firms cope with uncertainty surrounding the Cherry said. now,” he added. — AFP Established 1961 9 Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Business How Aussie doctor’s at-home COVID test won US approval How ‘a bit of a hobby’ turned out to be a mass virus detection tool

BRISBANE: An Australian doctor who began ed for “many years” to come. inventing virus detection tools as a “hobby” is “There will be people that are not just worried now helming a mammoth effort to ship the first about having coronavirus, but people who choose non-prescription home COVID-19 tests cleared to not be vaccinated for whatever reason,” he by US regulators. Sean Parsons is the founder of said. “Testing at scale in the community is here to Ellume, a medical tech firm based in a suburban stay, as we see it.” industrial park, where rows of factory workers in sterile clothing swiftly assemble sleek grey kits ‘A bit of a hobby’ roughly the size and shape of home pregnancy The seed for Ellume was planted during the tests. swine flu pandemic in 2010, when Parsons worked Ellume’s product delivers results in just 15 min- in a busy Brisbane hospital filled with worried utes and will soon be available over the counter in people seeking tests. As his shift was ending, the pharmacies across the country worst-hit by the doctor treated a teenager who later tested posi- pandemic. “We’re making the first product that’s tive for the disease. “If he could have obtained the headed for the US. So it is an important day,” results earlier and not spent four hours in the Parsons told AFP on a recent tour of his compa- waiting room spreading it to goodness knows how ny’s Brisbane facility. many people, then we could have offered even At the time, the Food and Drug better care,” Parsons said. Administration (FDA) in Washington had just He tinkered away at the side on an invention approved Ellume’s kits for emergency use and he hoped would eventually help rapidly detect the company was manufacturing 16,000 tests a flu-like illnesses. It started as “a bit of a hobby” day. It is now rapidly scaling up production, but by late 2011 Ellume had attracted enough aiming to hit 100,000 units a day this month investment for Parsons to fully devote himself to and one million by mid-year. the venture. “The objective is to diagnose as many people When the coronavirus pandemic struck, the as possible-millions of people with coronavirus-to firm had already invented a nanoparticle testing enable and encourage them to reduce the trans- system used to make an at-home influenza test BRISBANE: In this picture taken on Dec 21, 2020, employees work on the production line of a COVID- mission within the community,” Parsons said. and had embarked on a partnership to bring 19 home test unit at the production facility of Australian digital diagnostics company Ellume. —AFP The single-use kit comes with a self-adminis- tuberculosis testing into communities. tered nasal swab that is slotted into a tube con- taining a small analyzer capable of detecting the ‘We need to be ready’ delivered there first. took more than eight years to create the tech- virus. A free smartphone app walks users through As early as February-before Australia had A clinical trial found it to be 96 percent as effec- nology and eight months to tailor it to detect the process and pairs with the analyzer over slammed shut its international borders to fore- tive as lab testing-positioning it as a complement to COVID-19, Parsons is already looking ahead to Bluetooth to download test results. stall the pandemic-Parsons and his team were traditional methods and eventually convincing the how they can more quickly address the next Though the vaccine rollout is already “pouring their energies” into adapting their FDA to grant emergency use authorization. major disease outbreak. underway in the US, the pathway to herd work for COVID-19 testing. That attracted a $31 Ellume’s focus remains squarely on the US “We’re also building this capacity to respond immunity is expected to be long and rocky, million investment from US government agen- but Parsons wants to expand globally and hopes to a future pandemic,” he said. “That is inevitable, and Parsons is confident his tests will be need- cies, setting the stage for the at-home test to be for EU approval later this year. And while it and we need to be ready.” —AFP

In a letter to Parler’s owners, the web giant Conservative said it would suspend service by 11:59 PM on Sunday (0759 GMT Monday). Tracking website Down For Everyone Or Just Me showed Parler website Parler offline from just after midnight, suggesting its Pakistan suspends owners had not been able to find a new hosting forced offline partner. In a series of posts on Parler before the site power plant staff SAN FRANCISCO: The conservative social net- went down, CEO John Matze accused the tech work Parler was forced offline yesterday, tracking giants of a “war on free speech.” “They will NOT after blackout websites showed, after Amazon warned the com- win! We are the world’s last hope for free speech pany would lose access to its servers for its fail- and free information,” he said. Parler did not ISLAMABAD: Seven staff at one of Pakistan’s biggest ure to properly police violent content. The site’s respond to a request for comment from AFP. power plants have been suspended after a technical fault sparked a massive grid breakdown at the week- popularity soared in recent weeks, becoming the The social network, launched in 2018, operates FRANKFURT: A display showing the German Stock number one download from Apple’s App Store much like Twitter, with profiles to follow and Market Index DAX is pictured at the stock exchange in end, plunging the entire country into darkness. The after the much larger Twitter banned US “parleys” instead of tweets. In its early days, the Frankfurt, Germany. —AFP blackout hit all of Pakistan’s major cities, including the President Donald Trump from its platform for his platform attracted a crowd of ultra-conservative capital Islamabad, economic hub Karachi and the sec- role in inciting a riot at the US Capitol last week. and even extreme-right users. But it now attracts ond-largest city Lahore, lasting around 18 hours in Messages of support for Wednesday’s attack many more traditional Republican voices. after last week’s violence in DC as new users, most areas. in Washington DC-along with calls for more Fox News star host Sean Hannity has 7.6 mil- furious over Twitter’s ban on Trump, flocked to The employees at Guddu thermal power plant in demonstrations-had flourished on the platform, lion followers, while his colleague Tucker Carlson the app. In one now-deleted post, an account Sindh province were suspended “on account of the leading Google to remove it from its app store on has 4.4 million. Elected officials present include purporting to belong to Lin Wood, a pro- negligence of duty”, according to the Central Power Friday, followed by Apple on Saturday. Amazon Republicans Devin Nunes, a California congress- Trump lawyer, called for Vice President Mike Generation Company, which operates the facility. then confirmed it would suspend the platform man, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Pence to be put in front of a firing squad- Guddu plant, built in the 1980s, is one of the coun- from its cloud hosting services for allowing Trump is not known to have a Parler profile. threats which US media have reported led to a try’s largest and generates power from furnace oil and “threats of violence.” Parler’s recent growth was supercharged secret service investigation. —AFP natural gas. The suspended staff included a manager and six junior employees. The blackout, which started shortly before mid- at Markets.com. “Looking ahead this week we are and lending linked to them, generally involves taking night on Saturday, was caused by an engineering fault Stocks struggle focused on the start of the fourth-quarter earnings very high risks with investors’ money. “If consumers which tripped the system and caused power plants season on Wall Street.” Bitcoin was the standout, invest in these types of product, they should be pre- across the country to shut down. Pakistan’s electricity after bumper week, losing a fifth of its value from Sunday to $32,388, pared to lose all their money,” the FCA added. Wall supply system is a complex and delicate web, and a before going back up to above $35,000. The cryp- Street closed out last week with more record-highs, problem in one section of the grid can lead to cascad- tocurrency last week smashed record after record, with investors broadly upbeat on the prospect of a ing breakdowns countrywide. There were no reports bitcoin plunges eventually surging past $40,000. further massive stimulus for the US economy. of disruption at hospitals, however, which often rely on With small investors at risk of big losses amid the “After being bullish for several months, we are backup generators. LONDON: Equities mostly dropped yesterday after volatility that saw bitcoin rocket by one third in val- definitely becoming more cautious on the stock mar- The outage marked Pakistan’s second major power last week’s strong showing, while bitcoin plunged ue last week, Britain’s financial watchdog on Monday ket up at these levels,” said Matt Maley, at Miller breakdown in less than three years. In May 2018, pow- 20 percent as volatile trading returned to markets. urged caution. The Financial Conduct Authority “is Tabak + Co. Gains last week were driven by US er was partially disrupted for more than nine hours, The dollar climbed, while oil prices declined, also aware that some firms are offering investments in stimulus hopes and as countries begin rolling out while in 2015 an apparent rebel attack on a key supply after big gains last week. “It was a strong run-up cryptoassets, or lending or investments linked to coronavirus vaccines, helping to offset surging cases line plunged around 80 percent of the country into last week so we are likely just seeing a little pause cryptoassets, that promise high returns”, it said in a of the disease that has trigged fresh lockdowns darkness. —AFP for breath,” noted Neil Wilson, chief market analyst statement. “Investing in cryptoassets, or investments worldwide. —AFP

is the unique overlay of economic, social, environ- 2. Overlap of vital interests defined by service level agreements, megacommuni- The unique value mental, and health implications in today’s intercon- For megacommunities to succeed, participants ties are more adaptable. This enables them to cater nected world that amplify them. Individually, GCC must share a common goal; in this case, a swift to varying needs of local communities across the governmental authorities, private sector entities, recovery from the pandemic. A megacommunity can GCC. Reliance among different members can be proposition of and/or civil society organizations (e.g., NGOs, be a powerful way to translate these shared interests shifted, depending on immediate needs, and engage schools, universities, religious communities) certainly into workable, sustainable actions. The GCC is con- new entrants without establishing authority over possess the knowledge and experience to overcome ducive to this overlap of interests with governments them. megacommunities these challenges. However, pooling this knowledge and private organizations eager to address the multi- Today, GCC HEPR authorities have a unique and experience can generate greater impact. ple challenges and re-launch economic activity, and opportunity to capitalize on the unprecedented during pandemic As countries gradually shift their focus to manag- NGOs seeking sustainable impact as demand for engagement of governmental, private sector, and civ- ing the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic - a their services increases. il society stakeholders to mitigate or even eliminate By Leslie Raimondo and Samer Abi Chaker hallmark of the disaster recovery phase - megacom- the pandemic’s impact. It is also a chance to devise munities can be an effective approach to actively 3. Convergence novel and more effective ways of tackling longstand- he COVID-19 pandemic, one of the largest engage a wide array of stakeholders. More than an overlap of interests, megacommuni- ing and new challenges brought forward by COVID- health crises of modern times, has triggered a A megacommunity is based on the premise that ty members have to converge towards a clearly 19. The GCC has numerous examples of successful Tseries of economic, social, and environmental some challenges are so large that they cannot be articulated mutual action. In the context of COVID- collaborations, consortiums, or workgroups whose repercussions. Long-term public health implications addressed by a single sector, but they can be effec- 19, megacommunity members will need to focus on mission is to advance and protect the health of the are anticipated, driven by reduced access to health- tively addressed by public, private, and community- addressing challenges such as ensuring financial via- community - take for instance, the recent Abu care services, the limited capacity of GCC healthcare based sectors working together. By leveraging an bility of healthcare providers, maintaining a robust Dhabi-based “Hope Consortium” that is focused on systems, and the known prevalence of obesity, dia- interconnected collaborative network, megacommu- medical supply chain and immunizing vulnerable solving the logistical challenges associated with vac- betes, and other chronic conditions, some exacerbat- nities can overcome the daunting challenges of communities. cine supply for the UAE and the world. ed by the lockdown. large-scale disasters such as the COVID-19 pan- However, current health emergency preparedness Healthcare systems’ financial sustainability is at demic. For megacommunities to work, five critical 4. Network structure and response models still do not recognize mega- risk from significant reductions in revenue and size- elements need to be present: The multi-sector nature of a megacommunity communities as a stakeholder group, and without able financial losses across providers in the GCC. tends to generate a networked environment that official recognition, megacommunities cannot be Given these are national emergencies, many GCC 1. A three-sector flat organization complements the efforts of participating members engaged effectively in disaster response activities. providers are required to treat patients irrespective To best address the needs of affected popula- with those of external connections. Members should As a result, to fully realize their potential, it is of their insurance eligibility, likely leading to further tions, the megacommunity will need to involve continuously widen the network, involving as many important for relevant authorities to update existent financial pressure on payers and providers. leaders from the government, private sector external connections as possible. For example, they plans, framework, and concepts of operations to While the vaccine rollout has started, difficulties (including healthcare providers, Insurers, manufac- can better understand the needs of local communi- include mechanisms for the formation, integration, are anticipated in mass vaccination programs. turers, etc.), and the nonprofit sector at all times. ties by tapping into diverse information sources and engagement of megacommunities across all four Production and distribution of vaccines might be More importantly, megacommunities’ intrinsic within the network, for efficiently deploying mission areas: Preparation, Mitigation, Response, delayed as manufacturers acquire the necessary model of interdependence requires a flat organiza- resources and effective interventions. and Recovery. approvals to launch. Many countries across the tion and leadership structure, which is more effec- Note: Leslie Raimondo is Senior Vice President world will compete for their share of doses. tive than conventional hierarchical leadership in 5. Adaptability at Booz Allen Hamilton and Samer Abi Chaker, While these challenges are not necessarily new, it disaster recovery situations. Unlike typical organizational partnerships, rigidly Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, MENA 10 Established 1961 Business Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Gulf Bank’s ‘WISE’ Investments rolls out two new investment portfolios Islamic portfolios designed to meet customers’ goals and preferences

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is celebrating the fourth portfolios, which we have launched to suit our and volatile markets due to COVID-19, Gulf Bank’s build a uniquely tailored anniversary of its digital investments’ platform, clients’ growing goals and preferences. Through our WISE portfolios continued to exceed the returns of Investment Policy WISE Investments, and is introducing new invest- two new portfolios, the ‘Islamic’ portfolio and the some of the major markets in the past three years. Statement (IPS) that ment portfolios and saving plans to meet customers’ ‘Income’ portfolio, we are proud to offer our cus- WISE portfolio with a conservative strategy posted clearly states each cus- growing financial needs. tomers with a Sharia-compliant opportunity, as well 23 percent total return since inception in 2017, with tomer’s financial goal, Gulf Bank’s WISE Investments is an advisory and as provide new asset classes, including gold. We an average annualized return of 7.1 percent. In turn, investment horizon and portfolio management service that follows an award strive to offer only top, hand-picked securities from WISE’s aggressive investment strategy has risk appetite in order to winning investment strategy, providing Gulf Bank leading fund providers in the world such as “iShare achieved a return of 38 percent since its inception assist and guide our cus- clients with the opportunity to invest in internation- by BlackRock” to guarantee the satisfaction of our with an average annualized return of 10.8 percent. tomers in attaining their al markets in an easy, transparent and cost-efficient growing client base, while fulfilling their unique Al-Qassem continued: “We would also like to investment goals and way. The principle of WISE Investments is to invest financial requirements.” take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers grow their wealth.” through international, diversified portfolios while As a low-cost investment solution, the WISE for their confidence and trust in the WISE platform To learn more about achieving the ideal risk-adjusted return in the long platform continues to prove its advantages over during the most challenging times of the pandemic WISE Investments with term. Gulf Bank’s new WISE portfolios will serve other investment alternatives in the long term. Aside and unpredictable economic development sur- Gulf Bank, customers can customers that prefer Sharia-compliant investments from robust returns, WISE customers enjoy a high rounding international markets. We promise to keep visit one of Gulf Bank’s Dalya Al-Qassem and clients that favor high-yielding portfolios, capi- level of transparency and constant flexibility with enhancing our investment solutions to provide our branches or log onto talizing on the current platform’s technology that their portfolios which inspired us to introduce new clients with only the finest, cutting-edge investment https://www.e-gulfbank.com/en/personal/invest- has shown real value to existing customers. varied saving plans. The objective of the new plans tools and alternatives. Gulf Bank’s CMA-certified ment/wise. Customers can also use the WhatsApp Commenting on the new products and plans, is to encourage the youth to actively manage their Investment Advisors, who are experienced in the service on 1805805 for round-the-clock assistance Dalya Al-Qassem, Head of Investment Management finances in an effort to safeguard their futures. local and global markets, will always place their from Gulf Bank representatives, or call the at Gulf Bank, said: “We are thrilled to share our new It is worth noting that despite the uncertainty clients’ interests as their utmost priority. They will Customer Contact Center on the same number. Corruption trial of CBK bonds and Israeli magnate related Tawarruq opens in Switzerland KUWAIT: The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) GENEVA: French-Israeli diamond magnate announced the most recent issues of CBK bonds Beny Steinmetz went on trial in Geneva yester- and related Tawarruq at a total value of KD 240 mil- day over allegations of corruption linked to lion for three months with a rate of return at 1.125 mining deals in Guinea, after a drawn-out inter- percent. national investigation. Steinmetz, who travelled from Israel to take part in the two-week trial, has denied wrongdoing in the case, which involves allegations of multi-million-dollar bribes paid to top Guinean officials to win Dr Martens shoemaker lucrative mining rights. The 64-year-old businessman, who made his eyes stock market float fortune in diamonds, faces charges of corrupt- ing public officials and forging documents fol- LONDON: Iconic British footwear brand Dr lowing a six-year inquiry. The trial participants Martens yesterday took steps to launch on the are separated by plexiglass barriers due to the London stock market, seven years after it was coronavirus pandemic, with Steinmetz and his acquired by the private equity group Permira. lawyer Marc Bonnant allowed to share the The maker of boots and shoes, whose internet same space. sales have boomed worldwide during coronavirus “We will plead his innocence,” Bonnant told lockdowns, “announces that it is considering an ini- AFP last week. Swiss prosecutors accuse tial public offering”, Dr Martens said in a statement. Geneva’s prosecutor Yves Bertossa arrives at Geneva’s courthouse for the trial of French-Israeli diamond Steinmetz and two partners of bribing a wife of magnate Beny Steinmetz over alleged corruption linked to mining deals in Guinea yesterday. —AFP Permira, which bought Dr Martens for £300 former Guinean president Lansana Conte and million (332 million euros, $404 million) in early others in order to win mining rights in the south- 2014, said it would sell down its stake under a eastern Simandou region. from prosecution for her alleged role in the of natural resources”, showing how a country flotation. Dr Martens, which sells more than 11 mil- The area is thought to contain the world’s corruption scheme, does not exist under Swiss as rich in resources as Guinea could continue lion pairs of boots and shoes annually in more than biggest untapped iron ore deposit. law and should invalidate any testimony she to wallow in poverty. Conte’s military dictator- 60 countries, saw revenues jump by around one Steinmetz has previously dismissed the alle- might give. “This is a case of witness suborna- ship ordered global mining giant Rio Tinto to fifth to £318 million in the six months to gations as baseless and an attempt by political tion,” he told the court. relinquish two concessions to BSGR for around September from a year earlier. enemies to smear him. Prosecutors say Bonnant maintains his client “never paid a $170 million in 2008. Chief executive Kenny Wilson yesterday said the Steinmetz obtained the mining rights shortly cent to Ms Mamadie Toure” and says she was Just 18 months later, BSGR sold 51 percent of company was targeting “significant global growth before Conte died in 2008 after about $10 mil- not married to Conte, she was his mistress, its stake in the concession to Brazilian mining potential” with the help of increased investment lion (8.2 million euros) was paid in bribes over a meaning she could in any case not be considered giant Vale for $2.5 billion. “The profit was colos- from a stock-market listing. “Our iconic brand number of years, some through Swiss bank a corruptible official under Swiss law. The sal, about twice Guinea’s state budget at the appeals to a diverse range of consumers around the accounts. world who wear our footwear to express their indi- lawyer also claims there are serious questions time,” Viret said. vidual style. “We have invested massively to ensure around the handling of the case by Claudio But in 2013, Guinea’s first democratically that we deliver the best digital and store experi- ‘Pact of corruption’ Mascotto, the prosecutor initially in charge of elected president Alpha Conde launched a ences to connect with our wearers, and through this Prosecutors claim Steinmetz and representa- the investigation that began in 2013. review of permits allotted under Conte and later we are driving our long term, sustainable growth,” tives in Guinea entered a “pact of corruption” He asked the judge to add Mascotto, who is stripped the VBG consortium formed by BSGR he added in the statement. Dr Martens has 130 retail with Conte and his fourth wife Mamadie Toure. no longer prosecuting the case, to the witness and Vale of its permit. In February 2019, stores worldwide, with online sales representing She is a key witness in the trial and is scheduled list over a secret trip he allegedly took to Israel Steinmetz reached a deal with Guinean authori- one-fifth of all revenues. —AFP to testify tomorrow, though it remains unclear if in March 2017, which he said tainted the case. ties, who lifted corruption charges against him in she will come. exchange for him giving up his remaining rights Bonnant spent much of the first morning dis- ‘Curse of natural resources’ to the Simandou mine. However, Geneva has cussing her protected status as a state witness Geraldine Viret, a spokeswoman for inves- continued to press ahead with its case, which in the United States, where she lives. He argued tigative NGO Public Eye, told AFP the case could see Steinmetz jailed for up to 10 years if JPMorgan halts all that this status, which protects Mamadie Toure was a “sad illustration of the problematic curse convicted. —AFP political donations NEW YORK: JPMorgan Chase said it is suspending China consumer all US political donations following the attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, joining a growing list of American corporations holding back funding prices rise since the violence. The political action committee at JPMorgan, the country’s largest bank by assets, will in December stop making any financial contributions to Republican and Democratic leaders for at least six BEIJING: China’s consumer prices rebounded in months, a spokesperson told AFP Sunday. December, official data showed yesterday, as “The focus of business leaders, political leaders, food prices picked up due to weather difficulties civic leaders right now should be on governing and and rising demand ahead of the Lunar New Year getting help to those who desperately need it most,” festival. In December, the consumer price index said Peter Scher, the bank’s head of corporate (CPI) rose more than expected at 0.2 percent on- responsibility. “There will be plenty of time for cam- year, said the National Bureau of Statistics, with paigning later.” prices increasing for fresh produce and meats Other companies have opted to specifically tar- such as pork, beef and mutton ahead of next get the Republican officials who on January 6 voted month’s nationwide holiday. against certifying the results of the presidential “Due to continued low temperatures, the pro- election. That day’s assault saw a mob of angry duction, storage and transportation costs of fresh Donald Trump supporters storm the US Capitol vegetables and fruit increased,” said NBS senior shortly after the president reiterated baseless elec- statistician Dong Lijuan. tion conspiracies to the crowd. Five people died in The index is a key gauge of retail inflation, and the ensuing riot, including one police officer. the rebound follows the first negative reading in Billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, Ben & Jerry’s over a decade the month before as food costs fell. ice cream company and the AFL-CIO-the largest Yesterday, Dong said that consumer demand was trade union federation in the US-have since called picking up due to New Year’s Day and the for Trump’s immediate departure from office. upcoming Lunar New Year, bumping up prices of Hospitality giant Marriott International said it will other food items. But pork prices, which rocketed NANJING: Customers shop for vegetables at a market in Nanjing, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province halt donations to “those who voted against the previously after an African swine fever outbreak yesterday. —AFP certification of the election,” a spokesperson told ravaged pig stocks, continued to drop by 1.3 per- AFP Sunday. cent on-year last month as supplies of the staple trading, which officials hope will help halt price progress, there will be more demand for con- The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association of health meat recovered. fluctuations. High food inflation has triggered sumer goods and... prices should increase.” insurance companies had already announced Friday For the full year of 2020, consumer prices rose urban unrest in the past and rising prices is a Meanwhile, the producer price index (PPI) which it intended to suspend all contributions to “those 2.5 percent on-year. “Consumer prices may slip concern not just for farmers but also the country’s measures the cost of goods at the factory gate, lawmakers who voted to undermine our democracy.” back into deflation over the next couple of leaders. fell 0.4 percent on-year last month-better than “While a contrast of ideas, ideological differ- months due to a jump in pork prices a year ago, Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater China at November’s 1.5 percent drop. “Domestic demand ences and partisanship are all part of our politics, but this should prove temporary,” said Capital ING said consumer prices should hold steady recovered steadily, coupled with the continued weakening our political system and eroding public Economics’ senior China economist Julian Evans- moving forward, with prices stabilizing and veg- rise in prices of some international commodities,” confidence in it must never be,” the group’s director Pritchard. etable costs dropping after winter. said Dong. For the whole of 2020, PPI fell 1.8 general, Kim Keck, said in a statement. —AFP On Friday, China’s first live hog futures began She added: “I expect that as vaccinations percent on-year. —AFP Classifieds Tuesday, January 12, 2021

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Muzzammil Khan holder of Indian Passport No. R8108878 & Sabah Hospital 24812000 Civil ID No. 278081006338 has changed my name from Muzzammil Khan to Sohrab Khan as Sohrab (Given Name) and Amiri Hospital 22450005 Khan (Surname) hereinafter in all my dealings and documents, Maternity Hospital 24843100 I will be known by name of Sohrab Khan. (C 0206) 12-1-2021 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Chest Hospital 24849400 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Adan Hospital 23940620 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Airlines Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Kuwait Airways 171 Jazeera Airways 177 Turkish Airlines 1884918 FlyDubai 22414400 Kaizen center 25716707 Qatar Airways 22423888 Rawda 22517733 KLM 22425747 Adaliya 22517144 Royal Jordanian 22418064/5/6 British Airways 22425635 Khaldiya 24848075 Air France 22430224 Kaifan 24849807 Emirates 22921555 Shamiya 24848913 Air India 22456700 Air India EXPRESS 22438185/4 Shuwaikh 24814507 Sri Lanka Airlines 22424444 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Egypt Air 22421578 Nuzha 22526804 Swiss Air 22421516 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Saudia 22426306 Middle East Airlines 22423073 Qadsiya 22515088 Lufthansa 22422493 Dasmah 22532265 PIA 22421044 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Bangladesh Airlines 22452977/8 Oman Air 22958787 Shaab 22518752 Turkish Airlines 22453820/1 Qibla 22459381 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Mirqab 22456536 Sharq 22465401 112 Salmiya 25746401

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STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Cancer (June 21-July 22) Libra (September 23-October 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Books and conversations with friends could take Some great news could come today that turns Today you may take up the study of astrology, This should be a stimulating day, Capricorn. The up most of your day, Aries. The intellectual stimulation could your life upside down momentarily. Cancer, you will find it numerology, alchemy, or other occult discipline. Your possibility of a journey might arise unexpectedly. This could have positive and negative effects on your health. Positive very exciting. New neighbors could move in and you might intellectual abilities are particularly sharp, Libra, so you be exciting as some close friends or a romantic partner because it raises your enthusiasm and puts you in an enthusi- spend some time getting acquainted. Much of your day could may want to combine them with your tendency toward might accompany you. A new turn in your intellectual or spiritual interests could have your mind going a thousand astic state of mind, and negative because it might get you so be spent seeking information in a field that interests you. mysticism. This should keep you busy for much of the miles an hour. You will want to learn more about it. The excited that you forget to eat or rest. Enjoy all the excitement Expect a busy day, but remember to rest now and then. A day, but you need to watch out for intellectual overload. Internet could have useful information. Make the most of it. but don't forget to take a break. walk in the evening might be a good idea. You don't want to forget what you've learned. Take notes.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Leo (July 23-August 22) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

If you're currently romantically involved, expect News might bring exciting opportunities for New friends, new goals, and new attitudes Unexpected economic developments might make a sudden and positive difference in your your relationship to reach a new understanding and sense increasing your income, Leo. Perhaps you will learn of ways could all appear on the scene, Scorpio. Unexpected situation, Aquarius. Perhaps your field becomes more of unity, Taurus. If you aren't involved, you could meet some- to start your own business. Maybe the demand for people developments within a group are likely to require reevaluating a course of action. This is probably a competitive, and people with your skills are more in one special today, and it might be like love at first sight. An with your skills has increased. You might discover the effi- positive development, and it could be exciting, but demand. Whatever it is, you can expect more money instant bond could form between you because of mutual ciency some new technology for managing your finances. it's going to mean some immediate adjustments. As to come your way in the future. Legal papers could be intellectual interests. You might have a lot to talk about, as Discussions with others should bring many new ideas your involved, as could some interesting people you way. Make the most of them. your mental energy is still sharp, this shouldn't be your own projects are going better than you'd hoped. too difficult. haven't met before. Your mind is likely to be buzzing.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (August 23-September 22) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Pisces (February 19-March 20) If you've been aiming for a specific career goal, An old friend you haven't seen in a long time Discussions could bring some exciting infor- Your social life might suddenly be busier than Sagittarius, it might suddenly manifest with the could turn up. This should be a pleasant surprise, Gemini, as mation your way that alters your thinking slightly. You tend you expected, Pisces, perhaps because of the appearance of current planetary energy. You could be catapulted into the you will have a lot of catching up to do. You might have to be oriented toward social, political, or humanitarian some interesting new people. This could involve a group public eye in some way. The possibility of an increased income good news, as you've been busy and could have come issues, Virgo. Today you might have the chance to put your with which you're affiliated, perhaps one with a humanitari- across some very exciting information. Take a walk at the end talents to work. Someone could ask you for assistance. You could arise, although it might be speculative at this point. Your an focus. Expect to be busy over the next few weeks, as this of the day or you might not be able to sleep. have the mental and physical energy to go for it, so it's like- mental energy continues high, so you should be able to easily trend isn't likely to slow down soon. Stimulating conversa- ly that you will, though perhaps not right away. grasp all the ins and outs of your situation. tions could set your mind going a mile a minute. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Gossip Tuesday, January 12, 2021

B Jordan and Harvey make relationship Instagram official

ichael B. Jordan and she was engaged to Dutch foot- Lori Harvey have made baller Memphis Depay in 2017. Mtheir relationship Last year, Michael took over Instagram official. The 33-year- from John Legend to be crowned old actor shared a series of pro- Sexiest Man Alive by PEOPLE fessional photographs with the magazine and he admitted it’s a 24-year-old model on the social “good club” to be joining. He media app over the weekend, said: “It’s a cool feeling. You and captioned the post with a know, everybody always made black love heart and exclamation that joke, like, ‘Mike, this is the marks, seemingly confirming one thing you’re probably not they are dating. Lori also took to going to get.’ But it’s a good club her own profile to post a series to be a part of.” The ‘Black of polaroids from the same shoot Panther’ star - who rarely speaks of the pair looking loved-up in about his love life - also spilled Styles fell for Wilde’s front of a Christmas tree. in the November issue of the Romance rumors were swirling publication that he was seeking a around the couple during the girlfriend with a “sense of ‘independent nature’ Thanksgiving break, when they humor”. He said: “A sense of were seen in Lori’s native humor, true understanding - he One Direction star met the breaks, he hasn’t been able to stay away Atlanta. While the day before because (an actor’s) life is not actress and filmmaker on the set and visited her trailer.” Olivia split from New Year’s Eve , they were conducive to a relationship, it’s Tof their movie ‘Don’t Worry Jason Sudeikis last year but he is hope- spotted stepping off a plane really not. “Somebody that’s nur- Darling’, and they have reportedly start- ful about “repairing things” with Olivia. together in Salt Lake City, where turing .... That’s probably why Im ed up a romance. Speaking to Us A source said of the former couple: “He they reportedly ringed in 2021 still single, but yeah, it’s a list.” Weekly, a source said: “Harry likes that is absolutely heartbroken about the together in the wintery ski The ‘Just Mercy’ actor has previ- Olivia is so driven and confident and split. “There is still a lot of love there, resort. Lori has previously been ously been linked to the likes of smart. Her intelligence and independent and he would like to have hope that romantically-linked to the likes Swedish singer Snoh Aalegra, nature were the first things that drew maybe there’s a way for them to repair of Diddy, his son Justin Combs, model Cindy Bruna and actress him to her.” It comes after it was things. But what happens next remains Future and Trey Songz. While Kiki Layne. claimed Harry and Olivia were spotted to be seen.” Before Harry was romanti- holding hands whilst at a friend’s wed- cally linked to Olivia, a source claimed ding over the weekend, and the pair he has adopted a “go-with-the-flow have actually been dating for “a few attitude” towards his love life but is weeks”. An insider said: “They were in open to finding someone special. The Montecito this weekend for a wedding. insider said: “He’s got some options in Dave Grohl feels ‘concerned’ They were affectionate around their the pipeline in terms of who he’d like to friends, held hands and looked very date under the right circumstances, but for young music artists happy. They have dated for a few nothing intense or formal. He’s in no hur- weeks.” And their friendship was said to ry at all. It’s a genuine, go-with-the-flow he Foo Fighters rocker admits he the permanent closure of independent have “quickly turned romantic”. An attitude, although it goes without saying worries about younger musicians just music venues amid the pandemic. In a insider added: “What started out as a he certainly won’t be single forever.” Tstarting out in the industry and how statement issued to the band’s social media close friendship, quickly turned roman- they have to learn to “navigate success”. He pages, Dave wrote: “A huge, heartfelt thank tic. Everyone saw it coming. During told The Sunday Times’ Culture magazine: you to everyone who supported the Save “Still, to this day, I’ll see a new artist in their Our Stages Act, which passed yesterday as early twenties having to navigate success a part of the economic stimulus bill. The and feel concerned for them. “Because at preservation of America’s smaller, inde- that point in life it’s hard for anyone to be pendent venues is not only crucial to the Goldberg dreams of prepared for the ... the trauma that comes millions of concert goers whose lives are with it. I look back, I think I was 22 when bettered by experiencing their favourite starring in ‘Doctor Who’ Nirvana became popular, and obviously I artists in the flesh, but to the future of music didn’t bear the same weight that Kurt did, itself, as it gives the next generation of hoopi Goldberg wants to be but I had an incredibly naive attitude, like, young musicians a place to cut their teeth, the first American Time Lord ‘Oh my God, I have a credit card now. I can hone their craft, and grow into the voices of on ‘Doctor Who’. The 65- take my friends out for drinks. I can have tomorrow. The absence of live music this W year-old actress and television person- my own apartment!’ It sounds ridiculous, year has left us all longing for that commu- ality had always wanted to be the first but my experience was as simple as that.” nal feeling of connection, one that is best female Doctor in the BBC science fiction Dave previously insisted “preservation” of felt when joined in a song. “The Save Our series and even pitched the idea of a US smaller music venues is “crucial” for the Stages Act brings us one step closer to spin off. Speaking to The Daily Star, she future of the music industry as he praised sharing that feeling again, one that I hope said: “I wanted to be the first female the Save Our Stages Act in the US, a $900 we can all experience again very soon. Doctor, but they have one ... I said to billion bill that will go towards preventing Everyday we’re one step closer. (sic)” him [Tom Baker], ‘I love the idea of an American Doctor Who’. I’m still trying to do it.”And Whoopi had previously revealed her idea was rejected by boss- es. She said of her dream to star in a US again expressed her desire to lead the version of the iconic show: “I wanted to show. She said: “I always hope when I Grimes has tested be the first female Doctor ... [It could come to England the BBC will say, ‘Hey be] the American version of Doctor we want you to do something [on positive for coronavirus Who ends up in New York and it’s me. Doctor Who]’. I would love that. You We don’t have a Doctor Who. We don’t have a different quality now on televi- have that character who is travelling sion. “The way you guys have always he 32-year-old music star has revealed her done shows has always been the diagnosis via social media, saying she’s through dimension and time, and being an observer -≠ ≠sometimes a hindrance, smartest and we’ve finally just figured it T“weirdly enjoying” the experience. She out. I like the idea of doing things the sometimes a help. The idea of that just wrote on Instagram: “Finally got COVID but way y’all do them. You do some really weirdly enjoying the dayquil fever dream 2021 so made me happy. But they were like, “Um, no.’ So I was like, “OK, I’m cool. I fun stuff like Black Mirror or, you know, [plant and fairy emojis] (sic)” The singer didn’t I’m still dying to do Doctor Who.” add any further details about her symptoms, but ≠understand.’” And in 2017, Whoopi she did post a screenshot of SZA’s ‘Good Day’ cover. She wrote: “This song is sooooo [planet, heart and star emojis] (sic)” In May, Grimes wel- with the vaccination comed her son - whom she named X ? A-Xii - Dame Joan Collins has on Saturday after- with billionaire businessman Elon Musk. And the noon as they are in musician subsequently revealed that he’s already had her COVID-19 vaccination the over 80 group, become a fan of “radical art”. She said: “I’ve Ricky Gervais asked to who are some of the watched ‘Apocalypse Now’ and stuff with my he ‘Dynasty’ star - who is 87- first people to be baby. He’s into radical art. Like, he just actually years-old - was given her first vaccinated. A doctor do stand up show in space is, and I don’t think it’s problematic to engage dose of the vaccination against T at Windsor Castle is with them on that level.” Grimes also revealed coronavirus and admitted she was “hon- said to have given icky Gervais was offered the watching him. Speaking on The Tonight she was teaming up with the Endel app in a bid ored” to receive the jab. Sharing a pic- them the vaccine. It chance to be the first comedian to Show with Jimmy Fallon, he added: “Also to create “a better baby sleeping situation”. She ture of herself getting the jab at a sur- is uncommon for the do a stand up show in space. The these people have paid $300,000 to go explained: “When you have a baby, you’re gery in London, she captioned the snap: R royals to issue state- ‘Office’ star has revealed he was asked into space and have a look around. And always using white noise machines. It’s much “Delighted to get @astrazeneca ments on private health matters but it is to perform a 15 minute set in space but then they go there and it’s Ricky Gervais easier to get them to sleep if you train them on @ouhospitals #vaccine yesterday morn- believed the Queen decided to announce he declined as he doesn’t want to take doing 10 minutes. They can watch me on some kind of audio situation. “And so I was just ing at the @nhsenglandldn Bloomsbury the news to avoid any speculation. Other the “risk” as he’s even “careful crossing YouTube. “And now they have blown like, could this be more artistic? In general, stuff surgery - thank you Mr. @rajgill2585 stars to receive their jab include singer the road”. He said: “I was offered one of three hundred thousand? Look out the for babies is really just creatively bad. I don’t and @dr_ammarahughes for a painless Sir Tom Jones, who is 80-years-old. these things where you go up into space window. That is the other thing when want your first introduction to the world to just and seamless procedure! Same day as And Sir Paul McCartney, who is 78, is for 15 minutes. And it was like a group they say let’s go into space - We are in be all this aimless crap.” Meanwhile, Elon recent- our Queen! #honored #registernow keen to have the coronavirus vaccine. of billionaires and they offered me the space now - right in the middle. There is ly became the world’s richest person, as his net (sic)” The coronavirus vaccine is cur- Speaking about his reasoning behind chance to be the first comedian to do a nothing you can see up there that you worth reached $185 billion. The entrepreneur rently being rolled out in the UK to getting the jab, he said: “I know we’ll stand up show in space. I went no. I am cannot see from here. It is like me get- overtook Amazon founder Jeff Bezos after Tesla’s those over 80 first as well as those who come through this. It is great news not going to risk it. I am careful crossing ting out of my chair and walking over share price soared. However, Elon didn’t appear work on the frontline as doctors and about the vaccine. I’ll have it as soon as the road.” Ricky also joked people there and saying I can see the chair to be particularly impressed by his own success, nurses, before being rolled out further. It I’m allowed. I’m a grandad and you would have spent hundreds of thou- from there - but you were in the chair.” which was pointed out to him on social media. In comes after Queen Elizabeth and Prince don’t want grandad to collapse. You’ve sands of pounds to go into space and response to the news, he tweeted: “How strange Philip received their vaccinations over got to stay strong, that’s all you can do, would much rather be focusing on the “Well, back to work ... (sic)”. the weekend. The British monarch, 94, or you go under.” —Bang Showbiz view from out their window rather than and her husband, 99, were administered

Kardashian ‘sobbing’ as ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ wraps filming im Kardashian West was “officially sob- we first started, there was no Instagram or bing” as ‘Keeping Up With The Snapchat or other social media platforms. The KKardashians’ wrapped. The reality star was world has changed. Now there are so many, the left in tears as her and her family - Kylie, Kendall viewer doesn’t have to wait three or four months and Kris Jenner and Kourtney and Khloe to see an episode. We can give them all of the Kardashian - filmed the last ever scenes of their information anyone would ever want to know in reality show. Taking a selfie, she shared with her real time.” And Khloe Kardashian feels “devastat- millions of Instagram followers: “Officially sobbing. ed” to be saying goodbye to the program. She Grateful for every single second.” The 40-year- said: “It’s devastating for all of us. The day it hap- old star also shared a quick behind the scenes pened, Malika and I were talking throughout the video with E! News, where she admitted it was day, because you don’t have to be a main charac- “crazy” that the show was coming to an end. In ter - you’re still a part of this journey from day the clip, she said: “We just finished filming forever, one, even if you were in the first episode or not. like ever, ever. We’re done, we’re never filming You have been you Simon, you Malika, you guys again - isn’t that so crazy?! So we’re having a have been our family. You’re on this journey with drink with the crew in my backyard, hanging out. us and just for any chapter to end, that doesn’t Cheers to - I don’t know. 15 years; 20 seasons of mean everything is ending for good. That just craziness and lots of love.” Kris previously claimed means there’s room for another chapter to open. social media was to blame for the end of ‘Keeping It’s sad, but we’ve been doing this for 15 years. We Up With the Kardashians’ after 14 years because get two weeks off a year. It’s exhausting. We’re all people aren’t so focused on TV. Of the family’s in a different place in our lives and some of us decision to end the show, she explained: “When need a nap.” Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit social media

rince Harry and Meghan Markle have to California last year after abruptly resigning launched a wide-ranging non-profit organiza- quit social media after growing disillu- from British royal duties, have previously had tion, Archewell, after giving up their “Sussex Psioned by the “hate” they have found on prominent presences online. Royal” brand as part of the terms of their sites like Facebook and Twitter, a UK news- They amassed more than 10 million departure from frontline monarchy duties. paper reported on Sunday. The couple were Instagram followers to their Sussex Royal They have started other creative ventures, rejecting social media in both a personal and account while they were working royals. But including signing a deal with Spotify to pro- professional capacity as part of their new the couple have also previously complained duce podcasts that tell “uplifting and enter- “progressive role” in the United States, the about their treatment on social media, as well taining stories”. The couple also signed a Sunday Times said. A source close to the as in the British press. Meghan described past multi-year contract, reportedly worth tens of couple told the newspaper they had “no trolling of her as “almost unsurvivable” while millions of dollars, with streaming giant plans” to use social media for their new Harry issued an unprecedented statement in Netflix to produce “impactful” films and Archewell Foundation and were “very unlike- 2016 denouncing “the racial undertones of series. Meanwhile Markle, a former television ly” to restart utilizing platforms personally. comment pieces” and “the sexism and racism actress, narrated a wildlife documentary on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who moved of social media trolls”. Last year they Disney+ in 2020. —AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘Sex and the City’ revival coming on HBO

revival of the hit show “Sex specify a premiere date but said The original “Sex and the City,” and the City” will come to that production is set to start in which HBO described as “ground- AHBO Max, the network New York City in late spring. breaking” in its statement, was cre- announced Sunday, and will star all Parker, who will also produce ated by Darren Star based on of its original leads except actress alongside Nixon, Davis and Michael Candace Bushnell’s eponymous Kim Cattrall. The new series, titled Patrick King, posted a teaser trailer 1997 book. It premiered in 1998 “And Just Like That...”, will consist on Instagram Sunday. The short and ran for six seasons. of 10 episodes and feature Sarah video is a montage of classic New The show was also made into Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and York City shots, intercut with two movies that came out in 2008 Kristin Davis, HBO said in a state- images of Parker’s character Carrie and 2010. A prequel series, “The ment. Parker played protagonist and Bradshaw’s iconic computer screen, Carrie Diaries,” premiered on the narrator Carrie Bradshaw. Nixon on which the phrases “And just like CW in 2013 and ran for two sea- and Davis played her best friends, that...” and “The story continues...” sons. It is unclear if Star will return lawyer Miranda Hobbes and art are typed out. Parker’s signature for the new series. While promot- dealer Charlotte York, respectively. voiceover accompanies the clips. ing his latest project, the Netflix Cattrall, who played sexually liber- “I grew up with these charac- series “Emily in Paris,” he told ated publicist Samantha Jones, was ters, and I can’t wait to see how industry specialist The Hollywood not mentioned in the statement. their story has evolved in this new Reporter in October that he had no HBO did not specify why she was chapter, with the honesty, poignan- interest in returning to “Sex and not returning. cy, humor and the beloved city that the City.” —AFP The story will follow the three has always defined them,” said women as they navigate love and Sarah Aubrey, head of original con- friendship in their 50s. HBO did not tent at HBO Max, in the statement. “Vodoun” dignitaries attend a voodoo ritual in a Zangbeto convent in Guezin, as part of the annual voodoo festival as sanitary measures are put in place to fight the spread of COVID-19. —AFP Virus curbs dampen Benin’s voodoo festival

enin held its annual voodoo festival Sunday with- sea goddess Mami, Hounnon Zekpon, did not lead the out the usual grand processions after authorities usual procession on the city’s Fidjorosse beach. Bof the West African country banned large gath- Dressed in white with a matching mask, Zekpon never- erings because of the coronavirus pandemic. Voodoo, theless held forth in the courtyard of his home which more often called “vodun” in the region, originated in serves as a convent, with around a dozen believers the Kingdom of Dahomey, now Benin and neighboring carrying out sacrifices. The pandemic has had little Togo. With a hierarchy of deities and tribal spirits of impact on the country of around 11 million people, nature, the ancestral religion uses fetishes, magical which has officially recorded some 3,300 cases and 44 practices and healing remedies, believed to be divine, deaths. The real toll is thought to be greater, however. and revered ancestors are believed to live alongside While the authorities have balked at imposing lock- the living. The traditional processions staged in villages downs, they have banned large gatherings in the for- and cities across the country normally attract large mer French colony. Sunday’s festivities generally crowds of believers as well as onlookers and tourists. respected the rules. “We don’t want to be the ones But this year only small groups of faithful took part blamed for COVID-19 infecting our country,” said in observances mostly held at voodoo convents. On the Baba Adeniyi, another voodoo dignitary. beach of Grand-Popo, a coastal village in southwestern He notes meanwhile that the virus came as no sur- Benin, around 50 faithful, all wearing masks and prise to him. In November 2019, Le To Fa, a voodoo observing social distancing, carried out traditional oracle, “predicted a serious disease for 2020”, he said. sacrifices. “It is a blessing bestowed on this beach “So we made a lot of sacrifices to ward off bad luck every January 10 and you can’t miss the occasion for and protect the people.” According to the latest avail- anything in the world,” one believer, Odilus Sogan, told able official figures, which date from 2013, practition- AFP. “We’re a bit disappointed,” added Metowanou ers of voodoo account for just 11 percent of Benin’s Guedehoungue, a voodoo official. “The faithful have population, against nearly 30 percent Muslim and 25 been asked to stay home.” In normal times, “voodoo is percent Christian.—AFP In this file photo (From left) US actress Sarah Jessica-Parker, US actress Kristin Davis, English actress Kim celebrated with pomp and grandeur,” he said. Cattrall and US actress Cynthia Nixon pose as they arrive at the UK premiere of “Sex and the City 2” in In the economic capital Cotonou, a dignitary of the Leicester Square, central London. —AFP Japan celebrates coming-of-age day despite virus surge oung adults dressed to the nines in kimonos gath- ered at venues in Japan yesterday to celebrate Yreaching the age of majority, although many of the usually jubilant events were cancelled over virus fears. More than a million people in Japan turn 20 this year, the age at which they can legally drink, smoke and get mar- ried without parental approval. They are traditionally fet- ed each January on “coming-of-age day” with a formal ceremony, originally a rite of ancient samurai families-now often followed by raucous drinking sprees. But a record surge in COVID-19 cases and a month-long virus state of emergency declared in and around Tokyo has led many local authorities to scrap or postpone the 2021 festivities. “I know there is a risk of infection, but I am here because it’s an event that you only experience once in your life, and it’s also a chance to meet friends who I haven’t seen for a long time,” student Naomi Ooba told AFP at an event in Kawasaki, southwest of the capital. “After the cer- emony, I’m going to return straight home, but it’s a shame that we can’t go and eat with our friends, because of the virus,” said another 20-year-old student called Ayane Twenty-year-old women dressed in kimonos gather outside Todoroki Arena Twenty-year-old women dressed in kimonos take pictures as they attend a Uchino. Kawasaki and neighboring Yokohama are includ- during the “Coming-of-Age Day” celebration ceremony in Kawasaki, “Coming-of-Age Day” celebration ceremony. ed in the state of emergency, which is less strict than the Kanagawa prefecture yesterday under a state of emergency over the COVID- harsh lockdowns seen in other countries. 19 pandemic. —AFP photos At Yokohama Arena, women in ornate kimonos, fluffy white stoles and masks sat in socially distanced seating for the ceremony, with the men dressed mainly in suits. The arena’s capacity was limited to 5,000, with four sep- arate ceremonies held on Monday. Participants were told to keep their distance and speak quietly to avoid spread- ing the respiratory disease. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged young people to follow the emergency measures, which ask residents to avoid non-essential out- ings and request restaurants and bars to close early. Last week he said more than half of recent new infections in greater Tokyo were among the under-30s. The fishing city of Yaizu in central Japan held a “drive- in” Coming-of-Age event on Sunday, drawing some 470 vehicles to the harbourside celebration. “We are sad to miss a chance to meet as friends, but I’m happy to see the event held no matter how,” a 20-year-old man in Yaizu told the Sankei Shimbun. Tama in western Tokyo held an Twenty-year-old Japanese (from left to Twenty-year-old men and women dressed in online ceremony for residents entering adulthood. Before Twenty-year-old Japanese Serika right) Keita Daisen, Sara Watanabe and Twenty-year-old Japanese Kanon kimonos attend the “Coming-of-Age Day” the event, the mayor apologized to participants, saying: Abe dressed in a kimono poses Honoka Watanabe dressed in kimonos Nonomera dressed in a kimono celebration ceremony at Todoroki Arena in “I’m sorry ... but it is true that infections are spreading. As outside Todoroki Arena. and a suit pose outside Todoroki Arena. poses outside Todoroki Arena. Kawasaki, Kanagawa prefecture yesterday. an adult, please accept this.” —AFP 14 Sports Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Photo of the Day Sheikh Mishal patronizes Crown Prince Cup final KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah patronizes the final match of His Highness the Crown Prince Football Cup between Kuwait SC and Qadsia SC. Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi will represent His Highness the Crown Prince in the match that takes place at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium at 7:00 pm this evening. — KUNA

Professional snowboarder Judd Henkes performs in North Carolina, USA. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Defiant India stand firm for draw in third Australia Test Series heads to Brisbane for final chapter later this week SYDNEY: A courageous and injury-wracked India character and fight till the end, not to think about the pulled off a remarkable draw in a tense third Test result,” said India skipper Ajinkya Rahane. “I’m real- against Australia yesterday as they survived against ly happy with the way we fought, especially today the hosts’ much-vaunted bowling attack to take the but throughout the game. There are few areas we series into a decider. They resumed day five at 98-2, can improve on, but special mention to Vihari and needing a further 309 runs after being set a huge Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed 407 to win when Australia declared their second character was really good to see.” innings at tea Sunday on 312 for six. An absorbing Test was marked by some high No team had ever bettered 288 to clinch victo- quality batting, led by man-of-the-match Steve ry in the fourth innings at the Sydney Cricket Smith’s innings of 131 and 81, and Pant’s 97. But it will Ground, with Australia achieving that mark also be remembered for allegations India were against South Africa in 2006. But India gave it a racially abused by sections of the Sydney Cricket massive go, passing 288 in the final session to fray Ground crowd, with investigations under way and the nerves of Australian team throwing everything tough action promised against the culprits. they had at them. After Australia won the first Test in Adelaide by The visitors abandoned any hope of victory but eight wickets and India bounced back in Melbourne they bravely clung on for the draw with Hanuma by the same margin, the series now heads to Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, surviving 161 balls Brisbane later this week for the final chapter. It will for just 23 runs and Ravi Ashwin, who had treatment be a depleted India again at the Gabba, with fast on his ribs, making 39. The 256 balls they faced in bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav and SYDNEY: Australia’s Mitchell Starc (center) bowls to India’s Ravichandran Ashwin during the fifth day of the third cricket their unbeaten partnership of 62 was the most by an batsmen KL Rahul out injured. India sixth-wicket pair on Australian soil, helping There are now doubts over the participation of Test match between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney yesterday. —AFP steer them to 334 for five at the close, 73 runs adrift. all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who dislocated his thumb in Sydney, and Vihari whio could barely run it and move on to Brisbane.” nasty blow to his elbow while batting in the first Paine’s costly drops during his rearguard knock. “I thought we created innings and didn’t keep wicket on Sunday, surpris- Their resistance was built on the back of an enough chances to win the game, this one’s a tough Pant onslaught ingly came in at number five ahead of Vihari and explosive 97 from Rishabh Pant and a typically gritty to swallow,” said Paine. Australia removed openers Shubman Gill for 31 produced some fireworks. He came to the wicket 77 from Cheteshwar Pujara, who passed 6,000 Test “I thought our bowlers were superb all day, and Rohit Sharma for 52 before stumps on day four, with no strapping on his hurt elbow and, after set- runs, but also helped by wicketkeeper Tim Paine Nathan (Lyon) tried everything, the quicks were and when Lyon accounted for Rahane without tling in and surviving a missed catch by Tim Paine on dropping three catches. awesome. “Just didn’t hold our catches, myself in adding to his overnight four in Monday’s second three, began to hit out, smacking a four and a six off “Our talk coming into this morning was to show particular. You’ve got to cop the blame for that, wear over the end appeared nigh. But Pant, who took a Lyon on consecutive balls. — AFP

Qadsiya is now in fourth place with 7 points, while Fatat club leads Arabi is third on goal difference with 10 points. Fatat scored five goals, making it hard for indoor women’s Kuwait players, who could only manage one goal in the first half. In the second half, Kuwait’s players tried hard to make a comeback but failed, although football league they managed to score a second goal. Fatat goal- By Abdellatif Sharaa scorers were Noor Al-Hufaiti, Haifa Al-Qadari (2), Kawther Abbas and Naseema Ghulami. Kuwait’s KUWAIT: Fatat women’s football team beat goals were scored by Fajer Al-Amer and Fajer Kuwait 5-2 recently and took the top place in the Mohammad. In the other game, the second half URC indoor women’s football league with 16 points. was exciting after the yellow shirts were up by two Kuwait remain in second place with 10 points. The goals, with the score at 4-2. The green shirts second match was between Qadsiya and Arabi. scored another and did their best to almost equal- Qadsiya won 4-3 following an exciting match. ize, if not for goalkeeper Lura Ibrahim.

NEOM, Saudi Arabia: Mini’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz compete during stage 8 of the Dakar Rally 2021 between Sakaka and Neom, in Saudi Arabia yesterday. — AFP

14th Dakar title. Al-Attiyah adds Sainz is third overall at 38min 55sec ahead of KUWAIT: A picture from the Fatat women’s football team A picture from the Qadsiya and Arabi match in the URC Tuesday’s ninth stage, a 579km loop on sandy against Kuwait in the URC indoor women’s football league. indoor women’s football league. tracks around Neom that is expected to be one of another Dakar the toughest of the rally. Chile’s Jose Ignacio Cornejo extended his advantage in the motorbike Rally stage win category with his first stage victory of the event. “Anushka and the baby are both healthy and we are Cornejo gained over a minute on nearest rival India skipper feeling beyond blessed to start this new chapter of Toby Price, having led by just one second on our lives,” Kohli, 32, tweeted. The pair married in NEOM, Saudi Arabia: Qatari driver Nasser Al- Sunday. American Ricky Brabec, winner of the 2020 Italy in December 2017 after being in a relationship Attiyah won stage eight of the Dakar Rally yester- rally, was almost three minutes adrift in third. French Kohli announces for several years. day, covering the 375 kilometers of the timed spe- rider Xavier de Soultrait withdrew from the compe- Sharma, 32, is one of the highest-paid actresses cial between Sakaka and Neom in Saudi Arabia in tition following a heavy crash on stage eight. He was birth of daughter in Bollywood. She was last seen on the big screen in just under three hours. taken to hospital in Tabuk for observation and had the 2018 film “Zero”, and has also been working on Three-time champion Al-Attiyah has now won been fourth overall at the time. NEW DELHI: Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, content for streaming platforms. The announcement four of eight stages of this year’s edition as well as De Soultrait was considered among the favorites who pulled out of a Test series in Australia to attend came as India salvaged a hard-fought draw in the the prologue but still trails Frenchman Stephane and had briefly occupied first place last week fol- the birth of his first child, said yesterday his third Test in Sydney on Monday after being set a Peterhansel by 4min 50sec. Last year’s winner lowing stage four. Britain’s Sam Sunderland is third Bollywood actress wife Anushka Sharma had deliv- daunting target of 407. “Welcome to parenthood. A Carlos Sainz finished 52sec behind Al-Attiyah along overall, 5min 57sec off the pace after crossing ered a girl. The captain, who returned to Mumbai big hug to the little one, who’ll give you happiness the Red Sea coastline, with Peterhansel third as he fourth in Monday’s special, with Brabec in sixth at after playing in the first Test in Adelaide, said like you’ve never experienced before,” tweeted fel- stayed on course to capture a record-extending 17min 42sec. — AFP Sharma and their daughter were doing well. low cricketer all-rounder Hardik Pandya. — AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Tuesday, January 12, 2021 First place Lakers thump Rockets, Clippers storm back to beat Bulls Celtics v Heat postponed due to COVID-19 safety measures

LOS ANGELES: Anthony Davis scored how we play defense. The coach came in beyond the arc. a game-high 27 points as the Los at halftime and said our defensive effort Asked how he has been able to stay Angeles Lakers delivered a dominating was off the charts.” focused long enough to reach 10,000 all-around performance on Sunday with With both James (ankle) and Davis career points, Leonard said, “Just hard a crushing 120-102 defeat of the Houston nursing nagging injuries, getting 54 work and dedication. I spend hours in Rockets in Texas. The Lakers finally hit points from their bench and holding the the gym. I pretty much grind it out every their stride in the new NBA season, run- Rockets to just 46 points in the first half day, and I have my mind set on a goal.” ning the Rockets ragged on offense and is good sign for the future. Davis also The Clippers were able to regroup bottling up their top scorers on defense, had three blocks. Sunday after a crushing 115-105 loss especially three-time league scoring “Our goal is to be the No. 1 defensive two days earlier to the Golden State champion James Harden, who was held team in the league,” said James. “We Warriors, when they surrendered a 20- to 20 points and committed seven came in with the mindset to get stops point lead. Paul George had 28 points, turnovers. and get out and do what we do on seven rebounds and nine assists and LeBron James scored 18 points as he offense. We able to those things on both Lou Williams came off the bench to and fellow all-star Davis had plenty of sides.” Christian Wood paced the score 21 points for the Clippers, who help from the bench. Talen Horton- Rockets with 23 points while Harden also averted their first three-game losing Tucker (17 points), Montrezl Harrell (16) had nine assists. Houston shot just 12 for streak of the season. and Kyle Kuzma (13) all came off the 41 from behind the arc. The Bulls hung in there, but suffered bench to reach double figures for the Elsewhere, Kawhi Leonard scored a another disappointing close loss. They Lakers, who are now a perfect 5-0 on team high 35 points and surpassed lost by two points to the Los Angeles the road to start the season. 10,000 career points as the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and by four points to The defending NBA champions Clippers rallied to edge the Chicago the Sacramento Kings two days earlier. HOUSTON: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts up a layup during the scored a whopping 32 fast break points Bulls 130-127. Leonard earned the bulk Zach LaVine scored a season-high 45 second quarter of a game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Sunday in and 62 points in the paint, finally looking of his points during an explosive third points and he made 10 three-pointers Houston, Texas. —AFP like the juggernaut team that many had quarter in which he scored 21, a career for the Bulls, who lost their third con- envisioned at the start of the season. But high for one quarter. He finished with secutive game. Garrett Temple added where they really excelled Sunday was seven three-pointers in the game, includ- 18 points and Patrick Williams had 17 three point range and then George court, the contest postponed because of on defense, grabbing 39 defensive ing one in the third period that allowed points. LaVine’s finished just shy of his nailed two free throws to seal the victo- COVID-19 safety measures. Miami did rebounds and forcing 13 steals. him to reach the milestone. personal high of 49 points. ry. Elsewhere, Mike Conley had 22 points not have the required number of available “We’ve got to be a team who lead “We shot the ball well tonight and we The Clippers outscored the Bulls 42- and Rudy Gobert grabbed 20 rebounds players to play the game while the Celtics games with defense,” said Davis, who got stops at the end of the game,” said 35 in the third quarter to go into the as the Utah Jazz slipped past the Detroit were down to the NBA minimum of eight. returned to the lineup Sunday after sit- Leonard, who hit 14 of 22 shots. “I never fourth with the game tied 94-94. Nicolas Pistons 96-86. Also, Nikola Jokic posted another dou- ting out with a sore groin. “Tonight we make excuses.” The Clippers scored the Batum completed a four point play with ble-double by finishing with 22 points made shots, but there are going to be first basket of the game but did not lead 2:30 remaining in the fourth to give the Celtics v Heat postponed and 10 rebounds for the visiting Denver nights when we don’t make shots and we again until the third quarter when Clippers the lead for good. In the final The Boston Celtics’ home game Nuggets, who cruised to a 114-89 win can’t control that. What we can control is Leonard drained his seventh basket from seconds, LaVine put up an airball from against the Miami Heat didn’t even get on over the New York Knicks. — AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo completed the scoring deep McKennie to injury in the first half. Midfielder Juan Cuadrado and Matthijs de Ligt who tested Juventus beat into injury time, rifling in his 15th league goal this McKennie pulled up after 18 minutes with a muscle positive for coronavirus. term. “It was a painful match, badly managed after problem and was replaced by Welsh international There was also a scare for forward Chiesa, who 10-man Sassuolo, our advantage, but the important thing was winning Ramsey. was left screaming in pain and clutching his left even if we were a little disorganised,” added Pirlo. Dybala was substituted three minutes before the ankle following Obiang’s tackle. But Alvaro Morata It was a bruising clash for the reigning champi- break after receiving treatment for a knock to his returned from injury, coming on for the final minutes move to fourth ons, who are chasing their 10th title in a row, as left knee, with Swede Dejan Kulusevski coming on of the game for his first outing in 2021. — AFP they lost forward Paulo Dybala and Weston in his place. Juve are already without Alex Sandro, MILAN: Champions Juventus battled to a 3-1 vic- tory over 10-man Sassuolo to close the gap on the top three in Serie A on Sunday. Andrea Pirlo’s side Matches on TV won their third straight league match for the first time this season to move fourth, seven points behind (Local Timings) leaders AC Milan with a game in hand. “It was important to give continuity and win tonight, because otherwise the match played on Wednesday at San Siro was useless,” said Juventus ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE coach Andrea Pirlo whose side ended Milan’s 27- Sheffield United v Newcastle United 21:00 match unbeaten run midweek. beIN Sports HD 1 Sassuolo played the entire second half a man Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton 23:15 down after Pedro Obiang saw red for a dangerous beIN Sports HD 2 challenge on Federico Chiesa. Defender Danilo put Burnley v Manchester United 23:15 Juventus ahead in the 50th minute when he fired beIN Sports HD 1 home his first goal of the season. But seven minutes later Sassuolo pulled level with SPANISH LEAGUE Gregoire Defrel brilliantly finishing off a Hamed Granada CF v Osasuna 21:00 Junior Traore through ball. Substitute Aaron Ramsey beIN Sports HD 3 gave Juventus the advantage again eight minutes TURIN: Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball during the Italian Serie A football Atletico de Madrid v Sevilla FC 23:30 from time when he tapped in a Gianluca Frabotta match Juventus vs Sassuolo on Sunday at the Juventus stadium in Turin. —AFP beIN Sports HD 3 cross to claim his first goal of the campaign.

Who is Matthew Hoppe? Meet new Bundesliga star BERLIN: Matthew Hoppe earned instant hero status at Schalke with his hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Hoffenheim on Saturday that saved his club from matching the Bundesliga record for the most consecutive games without a win. So who exactly is this latest young American to break through in Germany? At Schalke the 19-year-old is fol- lowing in the footsteps of Texas-born Weston McKennie, who left the Gelsenkirchen club to join Juventus on loan at the start of this season. GELSENKIRCHEN: Schalke’s US forward Matthew Hoppe (C) shoots to score a goal past There was also Christian Pulisic at Hoffenheim’s German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (L) during the German first division Borussia Dortmund before he signed for KUWAIT: Jahra and Burgan players vie for the rebound during their Kuwait Bundesliga football match Schalke 04 v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Gelsenkirchen, western Chelsea, while Hoppe’s peers this season Basketball League playoff match Sunday night. Germany, on Saturday. — AFP include Gio Reyna at Dortmund, Josh Sargent at Werder Bremen, RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams and Chris Richards at Bayern and Wales forward Rabbi Matondo strug- three goals to become the third-youngest Jahra, Kuwait win in Munich. And then there is Pellegrino gled before being loaned to English second- player to score a Bundesliga hat-trick. Matarazzo, the New Jersey-born coach of tier side Stoke City last week. Promoted to Ironically, Schalke are in their 30th straight Basketball League playoffs VfB Stuttgart. The Bundesliga has been the first team in late November, Hoppe start- season in the Bundesliga. One of Germany’s good to American players in recent years ed on his Bundesliga debut, a 4-1 defeat at best-supported teams, Hoppe’s goals By Abdellatif Sharaa Rifae, but Jahra did not take long to and they have been good for Germany’s top Borussia Moenchengladbach. helped lift them off the bottom of the table, restore its dominance through play- flight, helping raise its profile across the Christian Gross, Schalke’s fourth coach although they remain in the relegation zone, KUWAIT: In an exciting match, ers Mohammad Ashkanani, Fahad Atlantic. Hoppe, though, will settle for being this season, arrived in late December and six points from outright safety after 15 Jahra basketball team won the first Khalid and Humaidi, and ended the revered in the blue half of the Ruhr region. has clearly spotted Hoppe’s talent. The for- games. “He will always remember this day in playoff game against Burgan 75-65 first half with the score of 47-34. mer Tottenham manager selected him for his his career,” Gross said of Hoppe. Sunday night. The second match Jahra continued scoring in the Chose Ruhr over San Diego first two games, including Saturday’s thrash- The veteran coach described a player saw Kuwait notch an easy win third quarter and led by 18 points, Hoppe is from southern California and ing as Schalke ended an astonishing run of who “doesn’t shy away from working against Qurain with the score of which made Burgan’s coach to take joined Schalke in 2019 after playing for the 30 games without a win, one shy of the all- extremely hard” in training and is “unbeliev- 107-58. Kuwait Basketball League time out to reorganize his defense Barcelona Residency Academy USA in time Bundesliga record of 31 set by ably ambitious, has tremendous commitment playoff rounds are of three matches and raise the pace of the match. Arizona. He scored 29 goals in 23 games in Tasmania Berlin in the 1960s. and only thinks about Schalke. “He wants to each, with the winners qualifying for Burgan were able to reduce the 2018/19 while playing for Barca’s USA do whatever it takes to get us out of this sit- the next round to start on Jan 24. point difference to 10 points, but academy and committed to San Diego State ‘Unbelievably ambitious’ uation. He’s still very young and still has lots Jahra saw themselves up 11-2 at Humaidi’s three-pointers ended the University before being offered a trial with “I have no words,” Hoppe said after to learn in order to become a top-rate fin- the start of the match through accu- third quarter at 65-52. The fourth Schalke. becoming the first American to score a isher, but we’re working on that.” rate shooting by Abdelaziz Al- quarter saw Jahra players tiring, After moving to Germany, he did enough Bundesliga hat-trick on what was just his His hat-trick instantly made Hoppe Humaidi. Burgan players were reck- which was an opportunity for to impress in Schalke’s reserves last season fifth appearance in the league. “The first Schalke’s top scorer this season. Bayern are less and allowed Jahra to go up 26- Burgan to reduce the difference to 5 despite scoring a single goal in 16 games. goal was the easiest as it was pure instinct,” due in Gelsenkirchen in a fortnight, but 12. The second quarter saw Burgan points through their fast-paced play, The first team’s dire form and lack of goals he said of his deft chip which put Schalke on Hoppe is not assured of his place with the organize their attack and they but the experience of Jahra players created a chance this season for Hoppe as the path to a first league win since January Royal Blue still on the lookout for another reduced the gap to 8 points through saved the day for them, as the match Schalke’s other strikers fell by the wayside. last year. “I hope the team can keep fighting, striker. “Nothing has changed. We’re work- Musaed Al-Otaibi and Saad Al- ended at 75-65. Vedad Ibisevic was sacked in November, stay confident and stay in the league.” ing hard to strengthen the squad - especial- Goncalo Paciencia picked up a knee injury Hoppe needed just 21 minutes for his ly up front,” Gross said. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 Browns stun Steelers in NFL playoff return, Brees sets up Brady clash

LOS ANGELES: The Cleveland Browns ended their another interception, Pittsburgh finally getting on the NFL playoff drought in spectacular style, exploding for board with a touchdown midway through the second 28 first-quarter points in a stunning 48-37 victory over quarter. The Browns responded with a TD drive and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The Browns, in the after a Pittsburgh field goal took a 35-10 lead into the playoffs for the first time since 2002, shook off a spate interval. of COVID-19 absences to notch their first postseason Pittsburgh narrowed the gap with two third-quarter win since the 1994 campaign and send Pittsburgh quar- touchdowns, but Cleveland responded and when terback Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers home. Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki intercepted a They booked a meeting with the reigning Super Roethlisberger pass with 3:16 remaining in the fourth Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs as the Baltimore quarter it was essentially over. Roethlisberger threw Ravens set up a showdown with the Buffalo Bills with four interceptions while Mayfield, making his playoff a 20-13 come-from-behind victory over the debut, connected on 21 of 34 passes for 263 yards and Tennessee Titans in the day’s other AFC clash. In the three touchdowns without an interception. NFC, the New Orleans Saints ground out a 21-9 vic- Another young quarterback came through in tory over the Chicago Bears, keeping 41-year-old Nashville, where Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson threw for quarterback Drew Brees’s dream of a Super Bowl one touchdown and produced a dazzling 48-yard solo swansong alive. score to propel the Ravens. Jackson finished with 179 Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, 25, wasn’t even passing yards and 136 yards rushing. born the last time Cleveland won a playoff game, but It was the first postseason win of Jackson’s career despite the pandemic-related disruption to his team’s after two previous defeats, and the first time the reign- preparations he kept the Browns on track. “We ing NFL MVP had helped his team overturn a double- believed,” he said of predictions the depleted Browns digit deficit. “It feels great,” Jackson said. “I’m happy NEW ORLEANS: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints dives in the end zone to score a one yard touchdown — playing without a string of players as well as head we got it done.” against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz coach Kevin Stefanski because of COVID protocols — The win was especially sweet for the Ravens, who Superdome Sunday in New Orleans, Louisiana. — AFP would crumble. “The people on the outside don’t matter were stunned by the Titans last season after entering to us, and we believed the whole time.” the playoffs as the top seed in the AFC. It looked as if drive to open the third quarter that ended with JK well be his final season in the NFL — who shepherded The Browns seized the lead in remarkable style on history was set to repeat itself as the Titans surged to Robbins blasting through a crowd of bodies for a the Saints into a divisional round clash with Tom Brady the opening play from scrimmage, when Pittsburgh’s an early 10-0 lead thanks to an AJ Brown touchdown touchdown. The Ravens defense, meanwhile, had done and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next weekend with a nine-time Pro-Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey sailed a and a Stephen Gostkowski field goal. With the Titans a good job of containing the Titans’ star running back two-touchdown 265-yard performance. It will be the shotgun snap over the Roethlisberger and Browns safe- defense stifling Jackson, the Ravens were limited to a Derrick Henry, who was restricted to just 40 yards first playoff meeting between Brees and Brady. ty Karl Joseph fell on the fumble in the end zone for a 33-yard field goal from Justin Tucker as half-time throughout. The Saints made hard work of overcoming a Bears touchdown. approached. Gostkowski cut the Ravens’ lead to four points with team who finished the regular season with an 8-8 Cleveland’s MJ Stewart intercepted Roethlisberger A moment of magic from Jackson transformed the a 25-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, but record, however, and will likely need to raise their game on Pittsburgh’s next series and Mayfield connected on game, the 24-year-old bursting through a gap and Baltimore restored their seven-point cushion when against the Buccaneers. Brees threw touchdowns to a short pass to Jarvis Landry who turned and ran for a accelerating away for a touchdown. “That’s one of the Tucker nailed a 51-yard effort with 4:23 remaining to Michael Thomas in the first quarter and Latavius 40-yard touchdown that put Cleveland up 14-0. best runs I’ve ever seen,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh make it 20-13. A late interception by Marcus Peters, Murray in the third quarter before feeding running Kareem Hunt added two rushing touchdowns for the said. “It’s the best run I’ve ever seen by a quarterback. picking off Ryan Tannehill’s deep pass for receiver Kalif back Alvin Kamara for a three-yard rushing touchdown Browns — the second set up by another Roethlisberger We needed points at that point. It got us back in the Raymond, sealed the Ravens win. in the fourth quarter. The New Orleans win means the interception to take a 28-0 lead — matching an NFL game.” Los Angeles Rams will travel to Lambeau Field to play playoff record for points in the first quarter. That solo effort made it 10-10 at the break, and Brees steers Saints the Green Bay Packers in the other NFC divisional Roethlisberger opened the second quarter with Jackson then led the Ravens on a 10-play, 77-yard In New Orleans it was Brees — playing what could game Saturday. — AFP