Tuesday August 3, 2021 Dhul Hijjah 24, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5327 QR 2

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World 5 Business 8 Sports 12 Taliban on verge of capturing South Mekdam shares surge 45.64% Gold, a product of decade-long Afghan provincial capital on QSE debut amidst heavy trading training and sacrifice: Barshim

QMC launches new media Al Bayt Stadium to host Proactive steps helped platform for Arab Cup opening match Shura Council delay arrival of delta candidates QNA Doha variant: Dr Maslamani The Media Support Com- mittee for the Shura Council ‘Rise in daily COVID-19 cases behind delay in fourth phase reopening’ Elections of Qatar Media Cor- poration (QMC) on Monday Tribune News Network On the reasons for delay- launched a new website htt- Doha ing the fourth phase of the ps://shuraelections.gov.qa that plan to lift the COVID-19 re- allows candidates to appear The mutated delta variant of strictions, Dr Al Maslamani in the media through multiple the coronavirus has arrived in said, “There are criteria that platforms with fair and equal Qatar, a top health official has we rely on and that help us to opportunities. It aims at as- FIFA Arab Cup 2021 tickets go on sale today revealed. know the rates of the epidem- sisting candidates wishing to Hamad General Hospital ic in society, and then based nominate themselves for the The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 tickets will be available for sale from Tuesday. Submission of Medical Director Dr Yousef on that we take the decision membership in the upcoming requests for match tickets will be available exclusively for Visa card holders on Tuesday, August 3 Al Maslamani has said the to move to the next stage and Shura Council to present them- until August 17, provided that the first phase of ticket sales to the public concludes from Septem- proactive measures taken by open more activities to the selves and their programmes to ber 28 to October 12, the final stage of ticketing begins on November 2, and continues until the the authorities succeeded in public.” the electorate in the electoral end of the tournament. The Arab Cup matches will be hosted at the six FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 delaying the arrival of the He added, “In recent days, districts through Qatar Media stadiums, foremost of which is Al Bayt Stadium, designed in the form of a traditional Arab tent. delta variant in the country the number of people infected Corporation. The stadium will host the opening of the tournament between Qatar and Bahrain on November 30, until the rate of vaccination with the virus has increased, The new website will pro- and the final match on December 18.A l Thumama Stadium and Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will also was increased and the com- The success in and almost all criteria are in vide a number of services be revealed for the first time.p age 15 munity’s immunity strength- delaying the the second and third stage. including personal photogra- ened. arrival of the So, scientifically it is illogical phy, filming an introductory “The success in delaying delta variant to Qatar to move to the next stage and video for the candidate and his the arrival of the delta vari- for 3 or 4 months has open activities more at a time electoral program, audio re- ant to Qatar for three or four made a big difference in when the numbers are con- cording, graphic design, a tel- months has made a big differ- the plan to confront the stantly increasing.” evision interview and a radio ence in the plan to confront pandemic.” Dr Al Maslamani noted interview. 86% self-sufficiency in the pandemic as larger num- the need for those return- The platform also provides bers of the population were — Dr Yousef Al Maslamani ing from travel to adhere to a complete introductory guide vaccinated during this period the precautionary and quar- to the laws and legislations in dates production: MME and thus there is good immu- antine measures, especially Qatar, the Shura Council elec- nity,” Dr Al Maslamani told immunity in society — for the groups to whom home tions law, the electoral districts QNA Qatar TV. example almost 85 percent of quarantine is applied, as it is decree, how to exercise the elec- Doha “The mutated delta vari- the group over 12 received at very important to flatten the toral right, a guide to the condi- ant appeared last February, least one dose of the vaccine. curve and then reduce them tions that must be met, the pro- The Ministry of Municipality but it arrived in Qatar after And this is a large number, during the current and fu- cedures for registration in the and Environment (MME) has four months. This gave us an which contributed to provid- ture period. voters’ lists, everything related confirmed that Qatari farms opportunity to increase vac- ing excellent protection,” he to submitting objections and have achieved 86 percent self- cination rates and enhance added. Continued on page 2  appeals, and the places, dates sufficiency in their production and procedures for submission. of dates. The ministry aims to The media platform comes increase this percentage dur- in implementation of the di- ing the next few years. rectives of Prime Minister Director of the Agricul- Doha Metro to operate this Friday as road and Minister of Interior HE tural Affairs Department at Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin the MME Yousuf Khalid Al Abdulaziz Al Thani to achieve Khulaifi said this on the occa- works close Corniche from August 6 to 10 the principles of justice, equal- sion of the launch of the Dates QNA Metro network covers the ity and equal opportunities by Festival 2021. Doha main destinations around the providing a fair opportunity in He said the MME has put Dates Festival 2021 inaugurated on Monday. Corniche area with stations media coverage for each candi- forward projects under study Qatar Railways Company close to the National Mu- date. It is part of Qatar Media in cooperation with the private Hypermarket. branches. (Qatar Rail) has announced the seum, Souq Waqif, Corniche, Corporation’s efforts in serv- sector to contribute to the high Al Khulaifi stressed that He said this period is con- resumption of Doha Metro ser- Al Bidda, West Bay and Doha ing the community as a whole rates of self-sufficiency from organising this festival comes sidered the date season in vices on next Friday to facilitate Exhibition and Convention by providing all the informa- local production within the within the framework of keen- Qatar, as the sixth local dates the movement of passengers Center (DECC). tion available to introduce can- framework of the ministry’s ness on more cooperation festival concluded two days during the temporary closure of The company also explained didates and their programs to plan that aims to achieve suffi- with commercial establish- ago in Souq Waqif, with the the Corniche Road from August tion of major upgrades of its that ‘Metrolink’ and Metroex- the citizens, affirming its com- ciency of vegetables and fruits ments to market local prod- participation of 85 farms and 6 to August10. network systems. press’ services will continue to mitment to social responsibil- in 2023. ucts in its various forms, in- a sales proceeds of 135 tonnes, The company stated that Qatar Rail emphasised the transporting passengers in the ity, providing an effective and On Monday, the MME, cluding the dates product. which is a respectable number the service will be suspended role of Doha Metro in facilitat- Corniche area, pointing out that practical contribution to the represented by the Agricul- As many as 11 farms are for this season given the pan- the following Friday — following ing transportation to avoid routes of these two services success of the Shura Council tural Affairs Department, in- participating in the festival demic situations. the date of resumption of metro traffic congestion, especially have been temporarily diverted elections, and promoting pop- augurated the Dates Festival offering their products for a services — and its suspension during the period of temporary during the temporary closure ular participation. 2021 in cooperation with Lulu whole week in all of Lulu’s 14 More on page 10  will continue until the comple- road closures, as the Doha period.

Qatar provides over 31,000 doses of Extending probation period of workers Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to Lebanon serves interests of all parties: MADSLA QNA This support is also an QNA the proposals presented. Doha affirmation of the effective Doha Al Maadeed stressed that the decision role of Qatar and its efforts to amend some provisions of Resolution Qatar Fund for Development to combat the spread of this The Ministry Of Administrative Develop- No 8 of 2005 came after an in-depth study has provided financial support, pandemic, which represents ment, Labour and Social Affairs (MADL- of the matter and after listening to the sug- including an aid package, to a common threat facing the SA) has emphasized that the decision gestions of both recruitment agencies and support Lebanon, with the aim whole world, and it is based amending some provisions of Resolution employers, as the amendment was issued of providing 31,250 doses of on the common international No 8 of 2005 regarding regulating the con- to serve the interest of all parties. the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to responsibility. ditions and procedures for licensing the re- He pointed out that the decision, the Lebanese Ministry of Pub- Additionally, this aid cruitment of workers from abroad for the which included obligating the licensee to lic Health. The move is part affirms Qatar’s supportive account of others serves the interest of all guarantee an additional six-month pro- of Qatar’s response to limit stance towards brotherly and concerned parties. bationary period for employees, starting the spread of the coronavirus This support affirms friendly countries, and its as- At a press conference on Monday, head immediately after the end of the three- pandemic. Qatar’s effective role sistance to them to overcome of the recruitment offices department at month preliminary testing period and This aid comes as an ex- in combating the this crisis. MADLSA Ibrahim Al Maadeed said the de- a meeting in the coming period with repre- bringing the total probation period to 9 tension of Qatar’s commitment COVID-19 pandemic It is worth noting that last cision issued on July 8 will be implemented sentatives of licensed recruitment offices in months, ensures stability to the issue of to stand with the friendly and year, Qatar Fund for Develop- after six months from the date of its issu- Qatar to inform them of the details of the recruitment and the labour market. The brotherly countries affected by to confront the effects of the ment sent many urgent aids ance, so that there is plenty of time for the decision and to listen to their suggestions decision will bring benefit for recruit- this pandemic and to secure coronavirus and provide medi- to Lebanon to address the recruitment offices to align their conditions to serve the interest of everyone. He said ment offices, employers and recruiters. appropriate medical supplies cal support to people. pandemic. with the requirements of the decision. the ministry held a similar meeting before He revealed that the ministry will hold the decision was issued and listened to all Continued on page 2  02 Tuesday, August 3, 2021

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FM SENDS MESSAGE TO CRA issues directive to TURKMENISTAN COUNTERPART implement wholesale charges on network services, products for 2021, 2022 and 2023

Tribune News Network Doha

The Communications Regu- latory Authority (CRA) has issued an order to direct Ooredoo Qatar and Voda- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid fone Qatar to implement Meredov has received a written message from Deputy Prime Minister and specific wholesale charges Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, MURAIKHI MEETS EU OFFICIAL Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad for 2021, 2022 and 2023. pertaining to the bilateral relations and the means to enhance them. The mes- Al Muraikhi met with Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European Wholesale charges are the sage was handed over by Ambassador of Qatar to Turkmenistan HE Mubarak bin External Action Service (EEAS), responsible for EU policy on Iran and the Joint Compre- price that telecom service Abdulrahman Al Nasr during his meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Enrique Mora, in Doha on Monday. During the meeting, providers pay to each other of Turkmenistan Myatiyev Berdiniyaz. (QNA) they reviewed relations between Qatar and the European Union. (QNA) to interconnect and access their networks e.g., termina- tion services, interconnec- tion link services, transmis- sion link services and duct CRA President Mohammed Ali Al products. Mannai The CRA issued the order with the aim of maintaining the prices for wholesale ser- Awqaf begins activities of 2021 a competitive, fair and de- vices approved by the CRA veloping telecom sector in are in line with international Qatar. regulatory best practices to Under this order, the ensure the provision of ad- Summer Training Programme telecom service providers vanced and reliable telecom started implementing the set services across Qatar and wholesale charges from June building a competitive and QNA Head of Training and and to inform them of the vi- Management Development policy. 1, 2021. The CRA’s order innovative Qatari telecom Doha Management Development at sion and mission of the min- Department at the ministry, Kubaisi pointed out that will remain in effect until sector that attracts invest- the ministry, Dr Mohammed istry to give them an idea on will continue until August the students were distributed the CRA issues another or- ment. For fixed termination, The Ministry of Endowments Khalifa Al Kubaisi, said the the most prominent services it 26, and comes in fulfilment according to their wishes into der amending the wholesale prices will remain stable for (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs programme aims to encour- provides to members of soci- of the human development four departments in the min- charges. 2021, 2022 and 2023 while has started the activities of the age Qatari youths to continue ety, as well as providing them pillar of the Qatar National istry: the Zakat Fund Depart- The new charges super- mobile termination prices Summer Training Programme their efforts in developing with administrative and prac- Vision in terms of sponsor- ment, the Dawa and Religious sede the previous ones and will decrease by 11 percent, for the year 2021, with the their scientific capabilities and tical skills. ing students, involving them Guidance Department, the are applicable for telecom 12 percent and 13 percent participation of 45 students at acquiring practical skills, for He explained that the in the field of work, qualify- Mosques Department and the service providers’ Reference respectively in the same pe- the secondary and university the benefit, progress and ad- programme, which is super- ing them for the future and General Department of En- Offers approved by the CRA. riod,” said CRA President levels. vancement of their country, vised by the Training and adhering to the Qatarisation dowments. “The CRA was keen that Mohammed Ali Al Mannai. QC organises training course to enhance holy Quran teachers’ skills Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar Charity (QC) organised a training course for the teach- ers and supervisors of the Holy Qur’an learning course under its ‘Noon’ platform. The course was organised under the supervision of the Qatar Charity’s Al Khor Center for Community Development as part of Qatar Charity’s efforts to enhance the capabilities of its Qur’an course’s teachers and supervisors and increase the level of their knowledge. Many supervisors and teachers participated in the on its activities. the training plan of the Pro- lated to its various fields of work The course dealt with many have the skills to use such elec- centre of Qatar Charity, said course via Microsoft Teams He praised the interest in grammes and Community De- to develop the personal and topics, such as teaching meth- tronic technologies so that they that the course comes within to learn the optimal use of the the capability development of velopment department. professional skills of its staff, ods, the art of presenting and can deliver the message effec- the framework of Qatar Char- electronic programmes and the centre’s workers, especially She underlined Qatar Char- so that they can carry out their the modern tools, in addition tively and present the material ity’s efforts aimed at training technologies to teach the Holy the activities implemented re- ity’s interest in developing the duties in a better professional to keeping abreast of develop- attractively. teachers to use the system and Qur’an remotely. motely, as part of the precau- capabilities of its human re- manner. ments and mechanisms that en- He also praised the par- easily communicate with those Faisal Rashid Al Fahida, tionary measures against the sources as it believes that the The course, which was pre- sure the success of the teacher ticipants for their keenness to participating in the Holy Qur’an CEO’s assistant for the Pro- coronavirus pandemic. successful cadre is the one who sented by trainer Dr Alaa Hosni, and supervisor in carrying out learn, appreciating their inter- course. grammes and Community De- Fatima Jumah Al Mohan- has the skills to carry out his job enabled the trainees to apply the duty at the required level. action and discussion during She added that the course velopment sector at Qatar Char- nadi, director of the Programs professionally. technical systems in the remote Dr Hosni thanked Qatar the course. helped the teachers and super- ity, paid an inspection visit to and Community Development Mohannadi also pointed out teaching process and present Charity for launching the ‘Noon’ Maryam Al Abdullah, a par- visors communicate directly the Al Khor Community Devel- Department at Qatar Char- that Qatar Charity will continue materials in an attractive man- platform, indicating that the ticipant in the course and head with the students in a way that opment Center and was briefed ity, said that the course is part to organise training courses re- ner. teacher and supervisor should of a community development achieves the intended goal.

‘Travel policy decisions aim to protect society ‘Ministry works for interest of everyone’ Continued from page 1  account of others obliges office The employer is also obli- ployee, starting immediately af- ed when the employer assaults & ensure safety of all’ owners to follow the amend- ter the end of the three-month the worker and violates any of He stressed that the ministry ments of labour legislation, gated to issue a work con- preliminary testing period, the terms of the contract with mask and social distancing, is working for the interest of regulations and policies in the tract for the worker before bringing the total probation the worker. Continued from page 1  and this is repeated in all everyone, as it takes care of all country from which the labour his arrival in the country period to 9 months, includ- The specialisation of the stages, and in the fourth stage, proposals and observations re- is recruited, and to provide the according to the same ing 15 percent of the total due Ministry Of Administrative De- “Does the fourth stage mean greater numbers of people will ceived, whether from licensed worker before he is recruited conditions that the worker amount, for each month the velopment, Labour and Social the lifting of restrictions com- be allowed in councils, open recruitment offices in the state with a copy of the signed data accepted to work on employee spent in the service Affairs is to study special re- pletely? Dr Maslamani said, places, weddings, restaurants, or employers and everyone in- and conditions of work from of the employer during the ad- quests to recruit workers from “We cannot completely lift the etc., and more freedom for volved in this field. the employer. The employer is til they receive work with the ditional probation period, with abroad, to grant licenses to re- restrictions because scientifi- the restaurants to move, move The Minister of the Admin- also obligated to issue a work employer, or when the office deduction of the value of gov- cruit workers from abroad for cally, if you move from a stage and gather. istrative Development, Labour contract for the worker before receives the worker brought by ernment fees incurred by the others, and to settle disputes with restrictions to the stage With regard to updating and Social Affairs decision his arrival in the country ac- the recruiter according to the office, inany of the following that arise between recruitment of complete conquest, the the travel policy for the six amending some provisions of cording to the same conditions terms and conditions. cases: the employees refusal to agencies and employers in ac- epidemic will return signifi- Asian countries, he said, “We resolution regarding regulating that the worker accepted to The decision included obli- work, the employee quit and cordance with the labor law, cantly.” take such decisions to protect the conditions and procedures work on, in addition, to provid- gating the licensee to guarantee the employee’s illness with a and refer them to the judiciary He said the most impor- society and the safety of the for licensing the recruitment ing private housing and meals an additional six-month pro- chronic disease, and the right if it is not possible to settle them tant thing is to adhere to the country.” of workers from abroad for the for the recruited workers un- bationary period for the em- of the employer shall be forfeit- amicably. Nation Tuesday, August 3, 2021 03

MOFA SECRETARY-GENERAL MEETS OUTGOING KOSOVO AMBASSADOR

LEBANESE PRESIDENT MEETS AMBASSADOR OF QATAR President of the Republic of Lebanon General Michel Aoun met with Ambassa- dor of Qatar to Lebanon HE Mohammed Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, on the occasion of the end of his tenure. During the meeting, the Lebanese The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met on president praised the ambassador’s efforts to strengthen brotherly relations and joint cooperation, and wished him success in his future Monday with Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the State of Qatar HE Amir Bairos Ahmadi, on missions. The Lebanese president granted the ambassador the National Cedar Medal (Rank of Senior Officer), which is the highest honour the occasion of the end of his tenure. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed granted by the Lebanese Republic to non-president personalities, in appreciation of his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations. The am- gratitude to the ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, and bassador, for his part, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Lebanese president for awarding him the National Cedar Medal and wished him success in his new missions. for the good cooperation, wishing the two countries’ relations to develop further in all fields.

Young Indian woman receives PhD from Malaysian embassy, EPR join hands to Qatar University promote sustainability, paper recycling

Tribune News Network Tribune News Network work culture, with the hope that it and Environment. Doha Doha would inspire others to care more Suwaidi said, “We are very for the environment. happy to achieve such a wonder- Harshita Shailesh, a young woman The Embassy of Malaysia in The envoy said the partnership ful partnership in the field of en- from the Indian state of Karnataka, re- Doha participated in the green is also a statement by the embassy vironment and recycling as we cently received her PhD degree from Qatar diplomacy programme with Elite that it wants achieve a clean and are keen that this strategic part- University (QU) upon completion of her Paper Recycling (EPR), an enter- sustainable environment, stress- nership complements our social thesis titled ‘Role of Protein Arginine prise that specialises in recycling ing that the government of Qatar responsibility in Qatar and the Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in WNT/β- of waste paper in eco-friendly has embarked on efforts to protect world. We are working to unify CATENIN proliferative signalling in breast and sustainable manner for the the environment and the embassy efforts and exchange knowledge cancer’. environment. is proud to be a part of the effort. with the embassies under green The study was supervised by Prof Said Sif Ambassador of Malaysia to The small steps taken by the diplomacy project. from the Department of Biological and Envi- Qatar HE Zamshari Shaharan embassy is a testimony of its “This is in line with Qatar Na- ronmental Sciences at QU. and Chairman of Elite Paper commitment towards achieving tional Vision 2030, and there will Harshita also received a gold medal from Recycling Abdallah Al Suwaidi sustainability and clean envi- be many future cooperation be- Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad inked the partnership on envi- ronment. In February 2021, the tween us, especially green initia- bin Suhaim Al Thani, the wife of HH the ronmental sustainability and embassy had participated in tree tives on various levels. We thrive Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for recycling recently as a sign of appreciation of EPR for choosing pressed commitment to sup- planting at the Old Airport Park with our partners to build aware- securing a Distinction grade, at the gradua- commitment towards the initia- it for this partnership. porting the initiative and making under the one million tree project ness and contribute to develop- tion ceremony. tive. The embassy expressed its Ambassador Shaharan ex- recycling a part of the embassy’s of the Ministry of Municipality ing a better quality of life.” Harshita hails from a small town, Karka- la, in Karnataka state. She was an excellent achiever in academia from childhood. She was a gold medallist during her bachelor de- gree, which she received upon securing the highest mark in Biotechnology from Man- Hyatt Oryx Regency Doha partners with Wa’hab galore University, India, which motivated her to continue her studies. She completed her master’s degree in Biochemistry from to distribute essential food items to community the University of Mysore, India. In order to achieve her dream, she joined QU, where she TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK such as rice, flour, lentils, beans, colleagues and associates to vol- completed her PhD. DOHA canned food items, and many unteer and be engaged in com- Harshita’s PhD research focused on un- more. All donations received will munity service, whether virtual derstanding the role of a key epigenetic en- Hyatt Oryx Regency Doha, Qa- be distributed to people affected opportunities like career panels zyme PRMT5 in the proliferation and growth tar’s first Hyatt Regency brand, by Covid-19 and others in need. to inspire youth to join hospital- of aggressive breast cancer cells. has partnered forces with Wa’hab Julien Gonzalvez, Hyatt Re- ity, help the country to beautify a Her systematic study showed that PRMT5 for a collaborative campaign to gency Oryx Doha General Man- park or to maintain beach clean- expression is elevated in aggressive breast donate essential food items to ager commented, “I am very liness,” he added. cancer cells, that epigenetically activates local communities in need in col- pleased to be partnering with Wardah Mamukoya, Found- WNT/β-CATENIN proliferative signalling in laboration with the hotel’s sup- Wa’hab on this worthy cause and er and Managing Director of them. Moreover, her work also revealed that pliers. This campaign aligns with to support their initiative to ex- Wa’hab, commented on the part- inhibition of PRMT5 reduces growth, migra- Hyatt’s Global Month of Service, tend assistance to those who are nership, saying, “We are delight- tion and invasion of breast cancer cells and which allows colleagues to par- in need. At Hyatt, we are living ed to partner with Hyatt Regency induces apoptosis. ticipate in volunteer events that our purpose to care for people Oryx Doha to further strengthen Findings from her study serve as a major help strengthen the value of car- and the community so they can our aim and broaden our horizon foundation for developing a novel therapy ing and sharing in the local com- be their best and I am glad that of helping and supporting those for people suffering from aggressive breast munity, as well as the hotel’s our suppliers share the same in need of food.” With such ini- cancers in Qatar as well as worldwide. Her intentions to support underprivi- feeling to make this campaign tiatives, we hope to collaborate study outcome is published in an interna- leged individuals and families in Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha and Wahab officials during their collaborative ef- come to life. Covid-19 pandemic with other hotels in town, as well tional peer-reviewed journal. the country most affected by the forts to distribute food items to local communities. has affected the entire world im- as food outlets and charities, to As a young researcher, Harshita wants to Covid-19 pandemic. mensely and such positive ini- collect excess food, package it, continue her scientific investigations in the Wa’hab, founded in 2017, is Wa’hab aims to promote social The Hyatt Regency Oryx tiatives can bring smiles on the and deliver it to those in need. field of molecular biology and develop novel an Award-Winning SME that solidarity and protect the envi- Doha spearheaded this initiative, faces of people.” As a result, food is used more personalised therapy that could benefit pa- works to reduce food waste and ronment by connecting surplus with the help of its suppliers, who “As part of Hyatt Global Ser- efficiently, saving the economy tients in Qatar as well as worldwide. support Qatari communities. food to those in need. generously donated food staples vice Month, we encourage our money.” Five DFI-backed films to be screened at 2021 Locarno Film Festival

Tribune News Network hab’s The River (Lebanon, France, Germany, Qatar) has Doha been shortlisted for the festival’s International Competi- tion and nominated for the prestigious Pardo d’oro Award. Five films supported by the Doha FilmI nstitute (DFI) The film shares the story of a man and a woman who were have been selected to screen at the Locarno Film Festival about to leave a restaurant in the heart of the Lebanese from August 4 to 14 2021, in Switzerland. mountains on an autumn day, when they hear the sounds Recipient of the Qatari Film Fund, Doha Film Insti- of warplanes flying at low altitude, giving them a sense tute’s initiative to promote the country’s film industry and of the return of war. They plunge into a journey into the talent, And Then They Burn the Sea, directed by Majid Al depths of nature, with only a fragile relationship keeping Remaihi, set history as the first Qatar short selected for the them together. festival’s in-competition segment. Screening in the festival’s Concorso Cineasti Del Pre- DFI Chief Executive Officer Fatma Hassan Alremaihi sente category dedicated to emerging directors from all said, “The selection of Majid Al Remaihi’s film in-compe- over the world is Whether the Weather is Fine (Philippines, tition at Locarno marks a milestone in the evolution of the France, Singapore, Germany, Indonesia, Qatar) by Carlo country’s film industry and will inspire more young talent A scene from The River Still A scene from And Then They Burn The Sea Francisco Manatad. Recipient of the 2020 Fall Grants, the to pursue cinematic ambitions and make an imprint in the film follows Miguel after he wakes up in the chaos of Ty- global film community through authentic stories that re- realise their storytelling aspirations to develop and sup- Award-nominated director Rithy Panh. phoon Haiyan, which destroyed Tacloban—a coastal city flect our nation’s culture and traditions. port world cinema while fostering cultural diversity.” The Doha Film institute served as an important plat- in the Philippines, in November 2013. Rumours of anoth- “It gives me great pride to see filmmakers from across And Then They Burn the Sea is an ode to Al Remaihi’s form in shaping my film, which is a deeply personal story. er incoming storm are spreading like wildfire and Miguel the region emerge as creative leaders of a new wave of mother, who suffered from gradual and terminal memory From being granted the Qatari Film Fund to the mentor- roams the ravaged city with the two women in his life, his filmmaking, who craft compelling stories with global reso- loss over the course of many years. Bringing together po- ship from film luminaries, DFI extended support across mother Norma and his friend Andrea. nance. Their creative prowess and dedication to the arts is etry, folk history and Al-Remaihi’s personal archives, the my journey. With this film,I wanted to touch on the com- Bassel Ghandour’s The Alleys (Jordan, Egypt, Saudi indicative of the state of Arab cinema today.” film explores themes of mourning and loss. At Locarno, it mon, yet under-explored, reality of being a part of a loved Arabia, Qatar), a Fall Grants 2018 recipient, premieres She added, “Over the last ten years, the DFI has sup- will screen in the Pardi Di Domani category dedicated to one’s struggle with dementia, hoping it will spark a dia- in the Piazza Grande category. The film, set in a claustro- ported powerful stories and moving storytelling across a showcasing short and medium-length films from around logue within the community and beyond. It is an incred- phobic East Amman neighbourhood where life is dictated broad spectrum of issues and perspectives and has evolved the world and has been shortlisted for the Concorso Inter- ible honour to be the first Qatari to take part in the Locar- by gossip and violence, Ali, a hustler who pretends to be into a key initiative for the next generation of filmmakers nazionale competition. no Film Festival. Qatar has rich cinematic talent, and the a white-collar career man, has a secret relationship with from the Arab world and beyond. Developed as part of the Documentary Lab organised selection will help highlight our vibrant cinematic scene,” Lana, a young college student. Their romance is kept hid- “Our financing initiatives echoes our core mission to by DFI, the film was one of the projects nurtured at Qumra said Majid Al Remaihi. den until one day Lana’s mother, Aseel, receives an extor- amplify important voices of our time and help filmmakers 2021 and is produced under the mentorship of Academy Co-financed by the Doha Film Institute, Ghassan Sal- tionist video of the young couple. 04 Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Nation Ministry recalls Porsche Ministry recalls Jeep Panamera 4 Executive, Cherokee 2021 model QF’s Tamuq dean elected Panamera 2018-2021 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ensure that car dealers follow fellow of American Institute doha up on vehicle defects and re- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tions, potentially resulting in pairs. DOHA the vehicle failing to perform. The Ministry of Commerce The ministry said that it of Chemical Engineers The recall campaign is part and Industry, in collaboration will coordinate with the dealer The Ministry of Commerce of the ministry’s ongoing ef- with United Cars Almana (Af- to follow up on the mainte- Tribune News Network He has consulted for ma- and Industry, in collaboration forts to protect consumers and ter Sales), a Jeep vehicle deal- nance and repair works and Doha jor oil and chemical compa- with Porsche Center Doha - Al ensure that car dealers follow er in Qatar, has announced the will communicate with cus- nies in North America, Eu- Boraq Automotive Company, up on vehicle defects and re- recall of the Jeep Cherokee tomers to ensure that the nec- Dr Ioannis G. Economou, as- rope and Middle East. He has a Porsche vehicle dealer in Qa- pairs. 2021 model due to a possible essary repairs are carried out. sociate dean for academic af- supervised 19 master’s stu- tar, has announced the recall The ministry said that it error in the manufacture of the The ministry urged all cus- fairs and professor of chemi- dents, 14 Ph.D students and of Porsche Panamera 4 Execu- will coordinate with the dealer rubber used in the transmis- tomers to report any violations cal engineering at Texas A&M 16 postdoctoral researchers. tive and Panamera 2018-2021 to follow up on the mainte- sion oil coolant hose, which to its Consumer Protection University at Qatar (Tamuq), He has published 215 models because the clamping nance and repair works and could result in oil leakage. and Anti-Commercial Fraud has been elected a fellow of peer-reviewed research pa- nuts of the lower right front will communicate with cus- The recall campaign is part Department, which processes the American Institute of pers in leading journals in trailing arms may not meet tomers to ensure that the nec- of the ministry’s ongoing ef- complaints, inquires and sug- Chemical Engineers (AIChE). chemical engineering, physi- the required quality specifica- essary repairs are carried out. forts to protect consumers and gestions. Fellow is AIChE’s highest cal chemistry and polymer grade of membership and is science and 10 book chapters, achieved only through elec- Ioannis Economou and has given approximately tion by the AIChE Board of 350 presentations in confer- Directors. According to the sor of chemical engineering ences, universities and indus- AIChE, this honour reaffirms at the Petroleum Institute in trial research centres world- CBSE Class XII: DPS-MIS tops Qatar the high esteem with which Abu Dhabi (UAE). wide. colleagues and peers view From 1995 to 2009, he He has served as edi- his distinctive professional worked at the National Cent- tor of Fluid Phase Equilibria in science and commerce streams achievements and accom- er for ScientificR esearch (Elsevier) since 2017 and in plishments. “Demokritos” in Athens, addition to the AIChE, he is Commenting on his elec- Greece. He holds a Diploma very active in the European DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) tion, Economou said, “This from the National Techni- Federation of Chemical Engi- has topped Qatar in both the science and is a great honour for me and cal University of Athens neering. commerce streams in Class XII CBSE recognises almost 30 years of (Greece) and a Ph.D from Tamuq dean Dr César Oc- Board Examination (AISSCE) 2020-2021. scholarship work in academia, The Johns Hopkins Univer- tavio Malavé said, “Election to The school stood out with glittering results in national labs and industry. I sity (USA), both in chemical Fellow status of any profes- Class XII CBSE 2020-21 with 100 per cent have been fortunate to have engineering. sional organisation is one of pass as 195 students scored above 90 per cent worked with top Ph.D, mas- He pursued post-doctoral the highest honours someone and 309 students got distinction. ter’s and undergraduate stu- research in Delft University can receive. Dr Economou is Nihit Agarwal topped the CBSE Class dents as well as post-docs and (The Netherlands) and in Exx- a true engineering leader and XII Board Examination (AISSCE) in DPS- fellow colleagues of high cali- on Research and Engineering a valued member of our com- Modern Indian School with 99 per cent bre all these years in various Company (USA), and held munity, and this recognition aggregate followed by Marilyn Judith Rego Nihit Agarwal Marilyn Judith Rego Harini Balamurugan institutions in Europe, the US visiting faculty/researcher po- reflects his outstanding record securing 98.8 per cent and Harini Balamu- and the Gulf. Being a faculty of sitions in University College of teaching, research and ser- rugan with 98.6 per cent. Texas A&M University at Qa- London (UK), the Technical vice throughout his career. He In the Commerce stream, Faaizah tar during the last decade has University of Denmark and is a role model to our students, topped the CBSE Class XII Board Exami- been the highlight of my career Princeton University (USA). to his colleagues and to our re- nation (AISSCE) in DPS-Modern Indian and helped me tremendously A world-renowned re- searchers, and we are proud of School with 97.6 per cent aggregate followed in regional and international searcher, Economou’s work his accomplishments.” by Pranathi Ramani securing 96.4 per cent, research collaborations.” focuses on the design, devel- AIChE, “the global home Anjali Manoj with 96.4 per cent and Maria As associate dean for aca- opment, validation and ap- of chemical engineers,” is Scaria with 94.8 per cent. demic affairs, Economou is plication of state-of-the art the world’s leading organisa- The management, principal and vice- responsible for the coordina- models to predict the struc- tion for chemical engineering principals have congratulated the students tion and management of all ture and physical properties professionals with more than for their outstanding performance. Mohak Vaswani Ashutosh Srivastava Md Azmain Adib Pahlowan academic issues of the branch of complex chemical systems 60,000 members from more campus. that are of interest to the oil than 110 countries. AIChE has Result highlights: • School result: 100 % • Students passed with distinction: 309 He joined the Tamuq fac- and gas and chemical pro- a breadth of resources and ex- • Number of students appeared: 323 • Number of Centum: 8 • Students who secured A1 in all the sub- ulty in 2013. He previously cessing industries to the pro- pertise in core process indus- • School average: 90% • Number of students appeared and jects: 42 was associate provost for tection of the natural environ- tries or emerging areas, such • Science stream average: 91.37% passed under special educational needs cat- • Students (60.37%) with aggregate of graduate studies and profes- ment and to society at large. as translational medicine. • Commerce stream average: 82.5% egory: 5 90% and above: 195 (TNN) Ideal Indian School students excel in Class XII examination Tribune News Network per cent in the Science stream, fol- hammad Ali who scored 94.4 per Doha lowed by Safwan Abdurahiman cent marks. Kavil with 96.4 per cent. The third Hanan Sulficker emerged top- Ideal Indian School (IIS) recorded toppers in the Science stream are per in the Humanities stream with an outstanding 100 per cent results Darryl Mark Menezes, Nada Sherif 98.2 per cent while Maryam Sana in the CBSE Class XII Board Exami- Dar and Mary Shenula Fernando secured second position with 95.6 nation. with 96.2 per cent. per cent and Sadiya came in third Out of 239 students who regis- In the Commerce stream, Rob- with 95.2 per cent. tered for the examinations, 175 se- in Abraham Varghese secured the School President Dr Hassan cured distinction while 64 students top position with 96.2 per cent fol- Kunhi M P and Principal Syed got first class. lowed by Saad Mohammad Aslam Shoukath Ali have congratulated Bestin John Sabu and Nidah with 95.2 per cent with the third the students and lauded the efforts Fathima Anvar topped with 96.6 position secured by Nadeem Mu- of the staff.

Bestin John Sabu Nidah Fathima Anvar Safwan Abdurahiman Kavil Darryl Mark Menezes Nada Sherif Dar

Mary Shenula Fernando Robin Abraham Varghese Saad Mohammad Aslam Nadeem Muhammad Ali Hanan Sulficker

Maryam Sana Sadiya J. Issac Samuel Tania Elsa Thomas Shadaa Zubair Abdurahiman Abdul Basith Nagoor Meeran

Aron Zachariah Mathews Reel Moneir Hussien Ahmed Elhaj Ameena Abdulmajid Ibji Nanditha Sreekumar Abubakar Rahul Alan Anthony Castelino World Tuesday, August 3, 2021 05

News Taliban on verge of capturing in brief Delta virus’ spread sends coronavirus cases to new record in Iran Tehran: The spread of the coronavirus’ Delta variant set a South Afghan provincial capital record level of new infections in Iran, just two days after the previous record had been set in a country that has been hit dpa hard by the virus. Kabul Data from Monday showed 37,189 new infections in a 24- hour period, more than the 34,951 recorded on Friday, when The capital of Afghanistan’s the last record was set. southern Helmand province is According to the new data, there were 411 deaths in the on the verge of collapse, with period, three times the rate the country was seeing before the Taliban militants having al- Delta variant arrived. Overall, Iran has seen almost 4 million ready captured most of the po- infections and more than 90,000 deaths. Hospitals and nurs- lice districts in the city after a ing staff are being pushed to their limits due to the virus, with days-long offensive. intensive care stations and emergency rooms overflowing in Local officials and resi- multiple cities. The situation prompted Health Minister Said dents of Lashkargah told dpa Namaki to call for a renewed two-week lockdown. (dpa) on Monday that government forces were controlling only two police districts in the city, Terrorists kill 15 soldiers in Niger where important government facilities, such as the governor’s Niamey: At least 15 soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack compound and the police head- on a military convoy in the West African country of Niger, the quarters, are located. Defence Ministry said late on Sunday. The Taliban fighters and the The soldiers were ambushed on Saturday in the Torodi security forces were engaged region, near the border with Burkina Faso, a ministry statement in gunbattles inside the city on read. Seven other troops were wounded and six more were Monday. missing. As Taliban forces advanced, The soldiers’ situation worsened during the efforts to bring the government was trying to their wounded comrades to safety, as troops set off an explo- push them back by carrying sive device buried by the assailants, according to the ministry. out airstrikes and deploying It was unclear which group carried out the attack. A number special forces, in an effort to of armed groups are active in Niger and other countries in the safeguard the provincial capital Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso. Some have pledged and its population of an esti- allegiance to al-Qaeda or the Islamic State. (dpa) mated 200,000. US B-52 warplanes have A policeman holds a rocket-propelled grenade along a road in Herat on Monday. (AFP) also rushed in to support the Madagascar’s food crisis is risking Afghan forces, according to As Taliban forces a resident of Lashkargah who provinces. militants have also seized half of children’s lives, aid group warns residents. advanced, the government wished not to be named told The militant group had a the country’s districts and bor- Defence Ministry spokes- dpa. huge presence in the province der crossings. Johannesburg: Madagascar’s worst drought in 40 years is person Fawad Aman on Mon- was trying to push them Afghanistan is in a state of for years and has tried to over- The United States on Mon- endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in day tweeted that US airstrikes back by carrying out air- uncertainty and it is unclear run Lashkargah several times in day accused the Taliban of mas- the island nation off Africa’s east coast - and children are par- have targeted Taliban positions strikes and deploying spe- what will happen in the country the past. sacring civilians in Spin Boldak ticularly at risk, an aid organization warned on Monday. in Lashkargah. cial forces, in an effort to after the complete withdrawal Helmand is considered one district of Kandahar in revenge One in six children in the afflicted island’s south are suf- A member of Helmand’s safeguard the provincial of Western troops by end of this of the most dangerous provinc- killings. fering from acute malnutrition and on the brink of starvation, provincial council, Abdul Ma- capital and its population month. es in the country, and also one Citing a report by Afghani- according to Save the Children, a figure it said soon threatens jid Akhundzada, told dpa that of an estimated 200,000 If the Taliban militants seize of the world’s largest opium- stan’s Independent Human to rise to one in four children. the crossfire and airstrikes have Lashkargah, it will be the first producing region. Rights Commission (AIHRC), “This is a forgotten and very underfunded crisis, and it’s caused civilian casualties and provincial capital to fall to the It was once the home of the US Embassy in Kabul said hitting children hardest - not only are they missing the nutrients suffering. and “admitting patients in need militants since 2016. At that thousands of US and British the murders could constitute to develop properly, they are missing school due to hunger and “The entire city is closed,” of urgent, lifesaving care.” On time, the militants were able to troops, too. war crimes and the perpetrators the inability of their parents to pay for school fees,” said Save Akhundzada said. “Only baker- Saturday, airstrikes hit a private overrun northern Kunduz for a In addition to Lashkargah, should be held accountable. the Children regional director Yvonne Arunga. “We are seeing ies are open.” The NGO Emer- hospital where Taliban fighters short period. the insurgent group has encir- AIHRC reported on Sat- many hungry, dead-eyed young children, scrounging for a scrap to gency that runs a hospital in were hiding, according to local Helmand is the largest cled the capital of several Af- urday that their findings show eat. How can the world look away?” In a recent report, the UN’s Lashkargah city for the victims officials. Afghan province by area and ghan provinces while pushing that since July 16, 40 people World Food Programme (WFP) classified the situation in southern of war on Sunday said that the “People are trapped inside shares a border with neighbour- to capture the capital of Kanda- had been killed in the district by Madagascar as a “highest alert” hotspot. (dpa) hospital was 90 per cent full their houses like prisoners,” ing Pakistan and six Afghan har and Herat provinces. The the Taliban.

Lockdown in Thai capital extended Haniyeh re-elected leader of Hamas Indonesia says peak by two weeks dpa of latest coronavirus Gaza City dpa Bangkok Ismail Haniyeh has been re- wave has passed elected leader of the Palestin- The coronavirus lockdown ian Islamist organization Ha- Fisherman’s son dpa cent and we need to continue in Thailand’s capital and more mas, officials said on Monday. Jakarta to be vigilant, but this is some- than two dozen other provinc- Hamas, which has ruled Haniyah was born in Gaza’s thing to be grateful about.” es will be extended for another the Gaza Strip since 2007, has Shatti refugee camp in 1963. Indonesia has passed the Indonesia recorded 22,404 two weeks at least, local media been led by the 58-year-old His father was a fisherman. peak of the latest Covid-19 Covid-19 cases over the past reported on Monday, citing a since 2017. Haniyeh has re- He studied Arabic literature in wave and started to see im- 24 hours, taking the total num- government official. cently spent much of his time Gaza and began his political provements, the country’s ber of confirmed infections to Apisamai Srirangson, a in Qatar. activities in an Islamic student health minister said on nearly 3.5 million, according to spokesperson for the Centre The United States, the Eu- group at the university. Monday. the ministry. for Covid-19 Situation Ad- ropean Union and Israel clas- Indonesia imposed a par- Another 1,568 fatalities ministration, was quoted by sify Hamas as a terrorist or- tial lockdown on July 9 amid overnight brought the virus- the Bangkok Post as saying ganization. Hamas and Fatah, Haniyeh record coronavirus infections related death toll to 97,291. the rules will be reassessed Hamas is the second-larg- lost his job as prime minister on Java and Bali islands, where At its peak in mid-July, in mid-August, but that she est Palestinian organization af- but Hamas seized control of more than 50 percent of Indo- the country’s Covid-19 daily expected restrictions to last ter the rival Fatah party of Pal- Gaza. nesia’s 270 million people live. caseload reached an average through the end of the month estinian President Mahmoud File photo of Ismail Haniyeh. (afp) Since then, Abbas has ef- The measure is due to ex- 50,000, dominated by the unless there was an improve- Abbas. Fatah partially ad- fectively only ruled in the West pire on Monday but the gov- highly contagious Delta variant. ment in numbers. ministers the Israeli-occupied His father was a fisherman. was sent into exile in southern Bank, while Hamas is in con- ernment has not announced So far, over 47.6 million Citizens of the so-called West Bank via the Palestinian He studied Arabic literature Lebanon with other Hamas trol in the Gaza Strip. All at- whether it will be extended. Indonesians have been vacci- “dark red zones,” which in- Authority. in Gaza and began his political leaders. tempts at reconciliation have “We can see that we have nated, mostly using the jab de- clude Bangkok, are not al- Haniyeh is considered part activities in an Islamic student After a big Hamas vic- so far failed. passed the peak, especially in veloped by China’s Sinovac, but lowed to travel to other parts of the more pragmatic wing of group at the university. tory in Palestinian legislative Haniyeh was elected to a Java and Bali,” Health Minister only 20.9 million have received of the country. There is also Hamas, while Yehya al-Sinwar, During the first Palestin- elections in 2006, Haniyeh second term as Hamas chief at Budi Gunadi Sadikin said. a second dose. a strict 9 pm to 4 am curfew, the Hamas official in charge of ian uprising, which began in became prime minister of the the weekend, during a meet- “We are seeing improve- Indonesia has set the target while shopping centres, mas- Gaza, in seen as more radical. 1987, Israel sentenced him to Palestinian Authority. ing of the organization’s main ments,” he said, citing declin- of inoculating 208 million peo- sage parlours and restaurants Haniyah was born in Gaza’s three years in prison. In 1992, The following year, after a decision-making body, the po- ing bed occupancy rates in hos- ple by early next year in a bid to are closed. Shatti refugee camp in 1963. after being released, Haniyeh bloody fratricidal war between litburo. pitals. “I know it’s not 100 per achieve herd immunity. Police block Malaysian opposition Pakistan launches anti-polio campaign parties from entering parliament dpa the world where polio is still Islamabad endemic. dpa Syed Saddiq, an opposition Square). The country came very Bangkok lawmaker who was Mahathir’s Police on Sunday ques- Pakistan launched a cam- close to eliminating polio, but sports minister, claimed the tioned leaders of a separate paign on Monday to vaccinate recorded 147 cases, a five-year Malaysian police on Mon- deferral made no sense as “al- anti-government protest held millions of children against high, in 2019, amid vaccine day blocked around 100 oppo- most all MPs and officials have at the square the day before. polio, despite the risks posed boycotts and attacks on health sition lawmakers from march- received two doses of vaccine.” Muhyiddin has faced fierce by climbing coronavirus infec- workers. ing to the country’s parliament Monday’s parliament meeting criticism over the government’s tions. Pakistan started a polio after they staged a rally in Kua- was to be the last of a session response to the pandemic. The campaign will target programme in 1994, but the la Lumpur’s main plaza. convened at short notice after A “total” lockdown, the more than 23 million children work of the health workers The lawmakers were pro- Prime Minister Muhyiddin country’s third, was imposed in under the age of 5. Around was repeatedly hampered by testing a weekend announce- Yassin was asked to resign by May as cases hit around 4,000 179,000 front line workers will violent incidents by extrem- ment that Monday’s parliament the biggest party in his coali- a day. Numbers have quadru- spread out across 50 districts ists. session had been postponed tion. pled since then, hitting over to administer the oral drops, The UN-funded drive to indefinitely after a reported 11 Muhyiddn has held on, al- 15,700 on Monday, according following Covid-19 safety pro- vaccinate children under the coronavirus cases in the build- though opposition leaders on to the Health Minstry. tocols. A child receives polio vaccine drops from a health worker along a age of 5 also faces opposition ing last week. Monday demanded he allow a The economy has been The drive had already street in Karachi on Monday. (AFP) from religious conservatives, Among the protesting no-confidence vote. hard hit, with July industrial started on Friday in 18 dis- who believe the vaccine, ad- members of parliament was “In terms of the numbers output likely the lowest since tricts in north-western prov- “Vaccination campaign official said. ministered in multiple rounds, Mahathir Mohamad, the of MPs, the Muhyiddin gov- the first worldwide lockdowns ince of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, amid a new surge in coronavi- According to official statis- is intended to make Muslim 96-year-old former prime ernment has fallen,” opposi- last year, according to IHS where many Islamic clerics rus cases is aimed at keeping tics, only one case of polio has children sterile. minister who until February tion leader Anwar Ibrahim Markit’s monthly purchasing still oppose vaccination, call- up with immunity of the chil- been reported so far this year. Pakistan is currently facing 2020 was the world’s oldest said, during the rally at Da- managers’ index, a survey of ing it a western conspiracy to dren against the crippling dis- Pakistan and Afghanistan are a fourth wave of the coronavi- head of government. taran Merdeka (Independence local factories. sterilize Muslim children. ease,” a senior Health Ministry among only a few countries in rus pandemic. 06 Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

Bankrupted By Medical COVID-19: Why The Lab Leak Debt MERICAN healthcare is too expen- Theory Is Still Unlikely sive. Exhibit A is a new study of Amer- Aicans’ medical debt published in the Journal of the American Medical Asso- ciation. That debt is twice as large as had The World Health Organisation maintains the coronavirus most likely arose in bats, and then spread previously been estimated — $140 billion to humans via an as-yet unidentified intermediary animal in collections as of June 2020, compared to an earlier estimate of $81 billion. And Jamie Morton been created in a lab. it disproportionately affects the dozen Yet these cleavage sites had been found states like Missouri that have refused to in other coronaviruses - even with the ex- expand Medicaid under the Affordable espite the “lab leak theory” taking act same “PRRAR” insert. Care Act. flight again in the US media, global Despite a referendum that approved scientists still point out there’s lit- The weight of evidence points in Medicaid expansion, and the fact that the tle evidence to suggest the SARS- one direction federal government would have paid 90% CoV-2 virus originated in a Wuhan Scientists aren’t saying the possibility of the cost, Missouri legislators refused Dlaboratory – and a large amount to suggest of a lab leak should be entirely ruled out – to expand Medicaid during their last ses- it came from nature. Otago University vi- on the contrary, many argue that it should sion. By doing so, they turned down a rologist Dr Jemma Geoghegan and Mas- be comprehensively investigated. $10-to-$1 federal match on the cost of ex- sey University infectious disease ecologist But more than a year after the out- panding Medicaid, and likely consigned Professor David Hayman set out three rea- break, the weight of evidence overwhelm- more Missourians to bankruptcy. sons why a lab-made pandemic remains ingly points to a natural source, while One out of six Americans, roughly extremely unlikely. there’s little to suggest the virus came from 18% of the population, had medical debt a lab. being pursued by collectors during June It’s happened before Part of the lab leak theory is predicated 2020. Millions more owe medical debt There’s a strong precedent for corona- on the fact that the Wuhan Institute of Vi- that hasn’t yet been sent to collections, viruses that have become “zoonotic”, or rology has carried out extensive work on either because they are making payments jumped from animals to humans. coronaviruses in bats. or because they paid their medical debts There have been seven that scientists While the institute didn’t shared its with high interest credit cards. are aware of – including SARS-CoV and lab records with a team of WHO investiga- In 2019, when much of that debt was MERS-CoV – and bats are thought to have tors, there’s as yet been no evidence that incurred, Americans spent $3.8 trillion on been involved in most of these. any samples of the virus were kept there health care, an average of $11,582 for eve- “And five of these human coronavi- before it was first reported, nor were there ry man, woman and child in the country. ruses have emerged in the last 20 years,” such as the very large outbreaks in farmed bone differed greatly from those of al- any viruses that could have combined to Add another $427 per person to that fig- Geoghegan said. mink in Europe, which led to substan- ready known coronaviruses. create it. ure. That’s the population average medi- While the source of the SARS-CoV-2 vi- tial mink to mink transmission as well as It turned out to mostly resemble re- Much of the recent coverage has been cal debt in collections during June 2020. rus still hasn’t been pinned down, she said mink-to-human transmission.” lated viruses found in bats and pangolins fueled by a US intelligence report that Many people think of medical debt that wasn’t unusual. Other evidence also shows that this - scaly-skinned mammals that are prized stated several researchers had become sick the same way they think about debt in- “In fact, we don’t know where most of type of coronavirus has existed in bats for delicacies in China. with “symptoms consistent with both Cov- curred by, say, buying a new car: Don’t the viruses that infect us have come from,” decades – and the SARS-CoV-2 genome That led scientists to suspect one of two id-19 and common seasonal illness”. buy what you can’t afford. But if someone she said. sequence happened to be 96 per cent iden- possible scenarios. In one scenario, the vi- A top director at the institute has re- needs a car and can’t afford a Mercedes, “This is why we need to sample more vi- tical to a coronavirus found in horseshoe rus evolved to its current state through nat- jected this inference, reporting that all there’s always a Kia option. There is no ruses in nature and expand our knowledge bats. ural selection in an animal host and then staff have tested negative for Covid-19 an- Kia option for health care. A person who of the diversity of viruses that exist.” jumped to humans. tibodies, and that there’d been no turnover has cancer and needs chemotherapy is Hayman added that, now that scientists There’s no genetic sign of Yet there were no documented cases of of staff in the coronavirus team. administered the same expensive drugs were looking even harder, more cases of human meddling direct bat-human transmission, suggest- “Why would these scientists be work- that doctors would give to Jeff Bezos or infections from newly-detected or “novel” In one of the earliest major studies ing that an intermediate host was likely in- ing on a random secret bat virus and not Bill Gates. coronaviruses were coming to light. into the virus, scientists analysed its ge- volved between bats and humans. have published anything on it previously?” Among the roster of people in medical “One was identified in pneumonia pa- netic template for spike proteins – or ar- In this scenario, both of the distinctive Geoghegan said. bankruptcy, earlier studies have found, tients in Malaysia where people were living matures on the outside of the virus that it features of SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein “Those that do gain-of-function experi- are people who had insurance and those in villages in close contact with domestic used to grab and penetrate the outer walls - the RBD portion that binds to cells and ments work on really well characterised who didn’t. and wild animals.” of human and animal cells. the cleavage site that opens the virus up - viruses, and there would be really close In no other developed country are citi- While the pandemic found the world More specifically, they focused on two would have evolved to their current state genetic relatives of the virus published be- zens at risk of bankruptcy simply because poorly prepared for it, scientists had been important features of the spike protein. before entering humans. fore. they fell ill. As the new study shows, such warning for years that the growing inter- Those were its receptor-binding domain In this case, the current epidemic “But for SARS-CoV-2, there isn’t. Even bankruptcies are frighteningly common action between animals and nature – par- (RBD) - a kind of grappling hook that would probably have emerged rapidly as the closest viruses in bats and pangolins here. It’s time for Congress and state leg- ticularly through habitat destruction – had grips on to host cells - and what’s called soon as humans were infected, as the virus are too divergent to be a starting point.” islatures — including Missouri’s — to act. been raising the risk of a catastrophe like the cleavage site, a molecular can opener would have already evolved the features Hayman added that every expert in the The No Surprises Act is designed to Covid-19. Just like the firstS ars coronavi- that allows the virus to crack open and that made it pathogenic, or able to spread area would have asked themselves, “what protect Americans from unexpected med- rus, the first cases ofS ARS-Cov-2 were as- enter host cells. They found the RBD por- between people. if it was that lab?” ical bills. But Missouri lawmakers still sociated with an animal market – this time tion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins In the other proposed scenario, a non- “We ask ourselves, ‘What would we stand in the way of Medicaid expansion in Wuhan, China. had evolved to effectively target a molecu- pathogenic version of the virus jumped see, what evidence would we need to sup- to help low-income people avoid deeper The World Health Organisation’s re- lar feature on the outside of human cells from an animal host into humans and then port it?’, and even, ‘have we been lied to?’. medical debt. But neither of those acts, by port identified that live animals like ferret- called ACE2 - a receptor involved in regu- evolved to its current state within the hu- We have, most of us, agonised over the themselves, will solve America’s health badgers and rabbits were being traded in lating blood pressure. man population. possibilities. care crisis. these markets. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was so A coronavirus from a pangolin could “But right now the only way that this Research has shown over decades “These animals could provide an inter- effective at binding the human cells, in possibly have been transmitted to a hu- can be true is if there is a massive con- why American health care is so expen- mediate host for the virus to jump to hu- fact, that the scientists concluded it was man, either directly or through an inter- spiracy, because while the lab pathway is sive. It isn’t that we use more care, or that mans,” Geoghegan said. the result of natural selection, and not the mediary host such as civets or ferrets. a potential pathway, nothing published we have access to newer drugs and tech- “It’s exactly the type of place you’d ex- product of genetic engineering that some After that, the other distinct spike pro- or reliably reported by China to date sup- nologies than people in other developed pect a zoonosis event to happen.” theorists have suspected. tein characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 - the ports a lab escape at all, and there is a huge countries. Hayman added that some of the farmed The idea of natural evolution was giv- cleavage site - could have evolved within a amount of data to support this being a The real reason was explained by the species had complex commodity chains. en further credence by data on the virus’ human host, or possibly among a group of natural event. “This discussion would have late Princeton health economist Uwe Re- That meant the farms could well be in backbone - its overall molecular structure. people, before the outbreak kicked off. gone away if it hadn’t have happened in inhardt in a 2003 journal article, “It’s the places where there was a greater diversity If someone were seeking to engineer Geoghegan said the idea that the cleav- China. But unfortunately finding conclu- prices, stupid.” Until Americans focus on of bat viruses than in Wuhan, where the a new coronavirus as a pathogen, they age site was so unusual that it must have sive evidence of either is very unlikely.” those higher prices, the trail of bankrupt- pandemic appeared to have started. would have constructed it from the back- been engineered was “totally false”. cies will continue to grow as more and “And we have seen how SARS-CoV-2 bone of a virus known to cause illness. She said that assumed an amino acid (Jamie Morton is a science re- more Americans are left behind. can be maintained in farmed fur animals, But the scientists found that the back- sequence within the site called PRRAR had porter for NZ Herald) What The Olympics Means To Japan

Robin Kietlinski fication and the displacement of marginal- poned 2020 Olympics will be remembered thereafter it became the first Asian coun- ized populations that accompany virtually for more than just the incredible acts of try to send male athletes to the Olympics ince March 2020, when Japanese all sports mega-events. The superstitious athleticism we see online and on televi- in 1912, and a female athlete in 1928 (a Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and the among Japanese, including former Prime sion (unlike Tokyo’s 1964 Olympics, very Japanese woman won a silver medal in the International Olympic Committee Minister (and one-time Olympian) Aso few spectators can watch the events live). first-ever 800 meter track race for women (IOC) officially agreed to postpone Taro, declared the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Commentators have already dubbed these at the Olympics). the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, to be cursed, with so many public gaffes the “Coronavirus Games.” Japan was the first Asian nation cho- JapanS has experienced a year like none and controversies arising in the planning While the Olympics are always “more sen to host the Olympics in 1940, though other in Olympic history. process. than just games,” Japan’s involvement it ultimately forfeited that right (and the A small but vocal group of activists After the postponement was an- with the Olympic Movement over the past 1940 Games were eventually cancelled (both domestically in Japan and interna- nounced in March 2020, the small group of century and up to the present day has been altogether). In the wake of World War tionally) opposed Tokyo’s hosting of the activists opposing the Olympics dramati- laden with meaning and significance and II, Tokyo again won the right to host the event from the moment the winning bid cally expanded to include a broad coalition can tell us much about the nation’s broad- Summer Games in 1964. Japan was the was announced in 2013, with a wide range of people and institutions voicing concern er concerns and ambitions. first Asian nation to host the Winter Olym- of reasons for their opposition. Many were over the Olympics moving forward when While officials could not have pre- pics in Sapporo in 1972, the first to host concerned over serious environmental, the COVID-19 pandemic remained an is- dicted that Japan would become the first- a second Winter Olympics in Nagano in public health, social, and economic issues sue of global concern. Despite the global among Olympic athletes, Olympic affili- ever host country to have its Olympic 1998, and it launched several more failed that needed to be addressed after the 2011 and domestic outcry, the IOC and the ates, and the general public in Japan has Games postponed, Japan is a nation with bids before becoming the first Asian na- Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear Japanese Organizing Committee did not continued to rise. a long history of “firsts” within the Olym- tion to host its second Summer Olympics plant meltdown, as money and attention cancel the event and a somewhat somber Whether the event will be remembered pic Movement. After the modern Olympic with the winning 2020 bid. were diverted away from cleanup efforts Opening Ceremony took place without as the beacon of harmony and together- Games began in 1896 as an entirely Euro- These pioneering roles and near-con- in northeastern Japan and into Tokyo’s incident on July 23. Sounds of protesters ness that organizers hope for, or as a mis- pean-American, male-only event, in 1909 stant desire to host the event beg the ques- Olympic infrastructure improvements. outside the nearly-empty stadium could guided public health disaster, remains to Japan became the first Asian country to tion: Why has Japan been so fixated on the Others objected to broader forces of gentri- be heard, and the daily COVID-19 count be seen. We do know that Tokyo’s post- have a member serve on the IOC. Shortly Olympic Movement since the event began?

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Tuesday, August 3, 2021 07 Britain summons Iran’s ambassador after deadly attack on tanker

dpa Oman. It was not carrying car- the unlawful attack committed er military action as part of its Tehran has repeatedly de- claim. London go at the time. on MV Mercer Street on July response to the attack. nied any involvement, and did “If there are any adventur- The tanker is operated by 29,” a British Foreign Office “I think that Iran should so again on Monday follow- ous actions against Iran be- The Iranian ambassador to British-based Zodiac Mari- statement read. face up to the consequences ing statements late on Sunday cause of this, we will respond Britain was summoned to time, whose chairperson is “Minister Cleverly reiter- of what they have done, ac- from the governments of Brit- to them summarily and con- the Foreign Office in London Israeli businessperson Eyal ated that Iran must immedi- cept the attribution that the ain and the US that blamed sistently,” the spokesperson on Monday, in response to Ofer. Israeli Prime Minister ately cease actions that risk foreign secretary has made,” Iran. said, according to Iran’s ISNA a drone attack last week on Naftali Bennett said at the international peace and secu- he said. “The insinuations by the news agency. Ships with ties an Israeli-linked commercial weekend that Tehran had “in- rity, and reinforced that ves- “This was clearly an un- British and US foreign minis- to Israelis have been repeat- tanker in which a British na- tended to attack an Israeli tar- sels must be allowed to navi- acceptable and outrageous ters are baseless and a political edly attacked in the Indian tional and a Romanian nation- get.” gate freely in accordance with attack on commercial ship- provocation that we condemn Ocean and the Gulf of Oman al were killed. “The Iranian ambassador international law.” British ping, a UK national died. It is in the strongest terms,” Ira- in recent months. Britain, Romania, the to the UK, Mohsen Baharvand, Prime Minister Boris Johnson Britain’s Prime Minister Boris absolutely vital that Iran and nian Foreign Ministry spokes- Israel and Iran are arch- United States and Israel have was summoned today to the said Iran should “face up to Johnson in London recently. (AFP) every other country respects person Saeed Khatibzadeh enemies, while Israel has now all pointed the finger at Iran Foreign, Commonwealth & the consequences of what they the freedoms of navigation said. established diplomatic rela- for Thursday’s attack by un- Development Office by the have done” and called on the the PA news agency. around the world, and the UK Khatibzadeh said Wash- tions with the Gulf states of manned drones on the Mercer minister for the Middle East, country to “respect freedoms Reporters asked Johnson will continue to insist on that,” ington and London had pre- Bahrain and the United Arab Street tanker as it passed near James Cleverly, in response to of navigation,” according to whether Britain would consid- Johnson said. sented no evidence for their Emirates.

THIRD JAB Hundreds of migrants rescued in central Britain to make decision Mediterranean Sea dpa bour as soon as possible, a Rome spokesperson said, noting that a 3-month-old infant on booster vaccines soon The crews of several pri- was among those who were vate sea rescue organizations rescued. saved hundreds of migrants Berlin-based organiza- dpa to protect as many patients in the central Mediterranean tion Sea-Watch called the London as possible from Covid-19. Sea on Sunday. current situation on the The vaccination is our route In the early morning Mediterranean “extremely A decision on whether the out of this pandemic, and the hours, the Ocean Viking and critical.” Sea-Watch 3 was over-50s will need a third majority of the programme Sea-Watch 3 vessels took on also carrying dozens of peo- Covid-19 jab is to be set out has been delivered in primary board about 400 people in an ple. Six were taken to land by by vaccination experts in the care. hours-long operation, the aid the Italian coastguard due to next few weeks. “General practice has a groups behind the missions their poor health. If the programme is given long track record of deliver- said. On Sunday, the vessel the green light, it is expected ing vaccination campaigns, The crews of the two picked up another 26 people, that all those over the age of and patients, particularly ships had already rescued bringing the total number of 50 or clinically vulnerable our most vulnerable patients, people from distress at sea people on board to around in England will be offered a trust GPs and our teams to earlier this week. 250. From the coasts of Libya booster jab before Christmas. get the job done. The sailing boat Nadir and Tunisia, migrants re- NHS officials have set “Alongside our pharmacy of the German organization peatedly board boats to reach plans in motion to deliver a and other colleagues across RESQSHIP was also involved European Union countries joint coronavirus and flu jab the NHS, general practice will in the latest rescue. via the central Mediterrane- campaign in the autumn, but retain a key role in the pro- According to SOS Medi- an. The crossing is dangerous it is still not known whether gramme. Due to the intense terranee, which operates the and the overcrowded vessels a booster jab will be needed. workforce and workload Ocean Viking, the rescue oc- often get into distress at sea. Experts advising the gov- pressures already facing our curred in international wa- According to figures of ernment - the Joint Com- services, not every practice ters off Tunisia. The migrants the United Nations, 930 mi- mittee on Vaccination and will be able to get involved in were on a multi-deck wooden grants have died in the cen- Immunisation (JCVI) - will the booster campaign, as they boat when the charity vessels tral Mediterranean this year. deliver guidance before the will be focused on other es- came to their aid. The private rescue or- programme is due to com- sential care. After earlier rescue op- ganizations criticize the fact mence on September 6. “We want to see efforts erations over the weekend, that the migrants are repeat- Pharmacies will play a to ensure high numbers of the Ocean Viking alone had edly intercepted by the coast- significant role in the pro- trained non-clinical vaccina- around 555 people on board guards of the countries and gramme for delivering third tors available to work within by Sunday evening. taken back to Libya, for ex- jabs to help top up immunity general practice, supervised The ship is now very full ample, where they are threat- levels as GP surgeries resume by a smaller number of pri- and needs to find a safe har- ened with violence. usual duties as much as pos- mary care clinicians, to help sible. A man walks past a sign advising members of the public of a “Free Covid-19 Testing” site in south London to deliver this in the autumn.” The Telegraph said vac- recently. (AFP) Commenting on the pros- cines minister Nadhim Za- pect of a booster campaign, hawi has briefed MPs on the able to Covid-19 will have the id-19 vaccination programme. Lis Wallace, head of UK ad- plans, which include the aim protection they have from “We’d like to see wide- vocacy at The ONE Campaign News of delivering an average of al- first and second doses main- spread involvement of com- said: “The real battle to beat most 2.5 million third doses a tained ahead of the winter munity pharmacy in deliver- Covid and prevent danger- in brief week and carving out an in- and against new variants - ing the Covid booster jab and ous new variants is now tak- creased role for pharmacies. will be informed by the JC- Key role flu jab together, depending ing place in countries where Europe hits 60 mn coronavirus cases A Department of Health VI’s final advice.” on JCVI recommendations. millions of people are facing since pandemic’s start: WHO spokeswoman said: “The The department said more Pharmacies will play a “Pharmacy has a strong deadly new waves of the virus Government is preparing for details will be announced in significant role in the track record of delivery of with far less protection, so Copenhagen More than 60 million coronavirus infections a booster programme and “due course”, with ministers programme for delivering third vaccination programmes, it’s alarming that the Govern- have been registered in Europe since the start of the pan- JCVI (Joint Committee on understood to be waiting for jabs to help top up immunity with over 2.7 million flu vac- ment is choosing to prioritise demic, compromising about 30 percent of all known cases in Vaccination and Immunisa- further results from the Cov- levels as GP surgeries resume cinations provided last sea- booster shots. the world, World Health Organization (WHO) data showed on tion) have published interim Boost trial to see which vac- usual duties as much as son, and with more than 600 “With falling infection Monday. advice on who to prioritise for cines should be used in the possible sites delivering Covid-19 vac- rates and a successful vaccina- The WHO’s European regional office called for greater a possible third vaccine from autumn programme. cinations currently.” tion programme that means efforts to make faster and more equitable progress in vaccinat- September 2021. Thorrun Govind, chair- Dr Gary Howsam, vice that almost three quarters of ing people against Covid-19, noting the wide disparity between “The booster programme woman of the Royal Pharma- NHS have played a critical chair of the Royal College of British adults are protected, some countries. - which would ensure mil- ceutical Society in England, role in leading the successful GPs, said: “GPs and our teams it’s vital that the government While vaccination rates in Europe are among the highest lions of people most vulner- said: “Pharmacists across the implementation of the Cov- have worked incredibly hard sees the bigger picture. in the world, WHO regional emergency director Dorit Nitzan noted that many people who are in priority groups - such as the elderly and health care workers - have yet to receive jabs. There have been more than 1.2 million deaths linked to Covid-19 in the region. Globally, the number stands at 4.2 mil- Australia’s Queensland extends Power outages in many parts of lion deaths to date, according to WHO tallies. (dpa) lockdown as outbreak spreads Turkey as country battles heat, fires Italian police arrest suspected Mafia dpa On Monday, the New South members in health care sector Sydney Wales government said it had dpa recorded 207 new local cases in Istanbul Rome Italian police have arrested several suspected Mafiosi The Australian state of its latest daily tally. whom they believe are active in the health care sector, officials Queensland on Monday ex- Australia pursued a coro- Of 132 wildfires burning in said on Monday following dawn raids in several provinces. tended a lockdown in its south navirus elimination strategy Turkey, 125 have been brought They arrested 17 people suspected of being members of after recording 13 new locally in 2020 through lockdowns under control, Turkish For- the Calabrian Mafia ‘Ndrangheta. Nine were jailed, according to acquired coronavirus cases. and border closures and was estry and Agriculture Minister a statement by the financial police in Reggio Calabria. South-east Queensland’s largely successful for months, Bekir Pakdemirli said on Mon- The police also seized control of companies with a total lockdown has been extended but is now being challenged by day, according to state news value of around 12 million euros (14.2 million dollars). until Sunday afternoon, state the Delta variant outbreak that agency Anadolu. The suspects are accused of Mafia association, corruption health authorities announced. started in Sydney. However, the blazes that and extortion, among other charges. It was first locked down on Sat- Authorities are trying to get were uncontained remain The raids were carried out in the the provinces of Reggio urday. The new cases are linked the stalled vaccine rollout back sprawling and dangerous. Calabria, Rome and Milan, among others. (dpa) to a cluster - now totalling 31 on track. Some 12 million doses Fuelled by sweltering sum- cases - that began with an infec- have been administered across mer temperatures baking tion in a 17-year-old high school Australia, a country of around much of the Mediterranean re- Large fire on Rhodes contained but no student, news agency AAP re- 25 million people. gion, blazes erupted in Turkey A burnt car is seen in front of a burnt house near the town of end in sight for Greek heatwave ported. New South Wales Premier last week, many of them along Manavgat recently. (AFP) The city of Brisbane and Gladys Berejiklian once again southern coasts beloved by Athens A heatwave in Greece will continue through the week, nearby Gold Coast are among urged Sydneysiders to get vac- Turkish and foreign tourists. grees Celsius. Three firefighting planes - one with temperatures of up to 47 degrees Celsius expected the areas affected, where the cinated on Monday. So far, eight people have There were power outages from Croatia and two from starting on Monday, exacerbating fire conditions in the country, public is only allowed to leave The national immunology been killed by the fires. The in several regions in Turkey due Spain - had been mobilized, which has been battling blazes since May. home for essential work, shop- body ATAGI recently changed provinces of Antalya and Mug- to higher than usual electricity according to the European A large fire on the popular holiday island of Rhodes that ping, health care or caregiving its advice to urge those in Syd- la were particularly hard hit, consumption, the Ministry for Commission. broke out on Sunday amid extreme drought and strong winds or for exercise or getting a Cov- ney to “strongly consider” get- forcing holidaymakers to flee Energy and Natural Resources Turkey said firefighting was contained by early Monday, the fire department said, id-19 test or vaccine. ting an AstraZeneca jab in view popular resorts in Turunc in said, as air-conditioning units planes were also requested although the fire danger remained high. The area borders the state of the rising risk of infection. Marmaris. have been running constantly from Ukraine, Russia, Iran and Hotel facilities on Rhodes have so far not been affected, of New South Wales, which im- Australian Prime Minister Some tourists were brought for several days. The regions Azerbaijan. but three villages in the west of the island’s capital were posed a lockdown in the Sydney Scott Morrison said Monday to safety using boats, Turkish affected included Istanbul, An- Meanwhile Greenpeace ordered to evacuate. The fire caused temporary power outages area several weeks ago in a bid lockdowns should become “a media reported. kara, Izmir, Bursa and Mersin, said the fires were due to cli- across large parts of the island on Sunday evening. to quash a new outbreak. Re- thing of the past” once more On Monday, temperatures according to Anadolu. mate change but also criticized Firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed at first strictions in the state will stay than 80 per cent of the popula- in the fire-devastated Turkish The European Union was Turkey for failing to take pre- daylight to douse the flames, state televisionE RT reported. (dpa) in place until at least August 28. tion have been vaccinated. regions were just under 40 de- sending support to Turkey. ventive measures. LG launches 2021 lineup of OLED, Nanocell TVs page 09

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

34,889.36 10,816.60 52950.63 1,817.60 Dow -46.11 pts QE +80.16 pts sensex +363.79 pts Gold +0.02 % Grounded pilots mob recruiters amid intense competition for jobs page 11 Price percentage Price percentage 25.51 Brent 72.94 -3.28 % WTI 71.27 -3.62 % Silver -0.16 % Mekdam shares surge 45.64% on QSE debut amidst heavy trading Almost 5.6 million Mekdam shares exchanged hands with a trading value of QR45.5 million on the first day of trading on QEVM

Satyendra Pathak hands with a trading value of same manner as those on the same continuous trading pat- Doha QR45.5 million. main market in terms of or- tern as the main market. The Mekdam began the first der types, corporate actions tick sizes for the QEVM eq- Shares of Mekdam Hold- day of trading with an open and settlement and clearing uities are the same as those ing Group (Mekdam), which price of QR8.25 per share arrangements. for the main market. The was listed as the second com- and saw the day-low of QR7.9 The pricing of Mekdam stock quotes of the QEVM are pany on QSE Venture Market per share with a total of shares is exactly the same shown on a separate market (QEVM) on Monday, jumped 888 trades executed during as the pricing mechanism watch at QSE website and 45.64 percent on the first day the day. of the stocks listed on the independent from the main of trading. As usual, price floatation main market. Investors do market screens. Listed with code ‘MKDM’ for QLM was permitted only not need to obtain new in- Welcoming the listing in the QEVM segment, the for the first day of listing. vestor numbers to trade in of ‘Mekdam’ on QEVM, Qa- Mekdam shares were in Price fluctuation on the sec- Mekdam shares since no new tar Stock Exchange CEO high demand as the share ond day and thereafter will be investor numbers (NINs) are Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori price continuously increased permitted by 10 percent up required to be issued for the said, “The Venture Market throughout the trading ses- or down as is the case for all investors who have already provides a listing and trad- sion, reaching its day-high other listed companies. existing numbers. The orders ing venue for SMEs that do at QR8.845 per share before The QEVM is dedicated in the QEVM are executed not fulfil the listing require- closing at QR8.001 per share. to the medium and small size through the brokers licensed ments of the main market. The share price increase public shareholding compa- by QFMA. It provides an alternative of almost 46 percent com- nies as it provides them with There has been no change route to market for the SMEs pared to the reference price many advantages and allows in the timing of the trading that need the access to capi- of QR5.50 represents a re- them to diversify sources of session on the listing day. tal that being listed entails. markable first-day trading funding through access to Brokerage firms were allowed The listing of Mekdam will performance. permanent equity in line with to enter buy and sell orders help to increase the liquid- The share price increase the government efforts to on the company’s shares for ity in the market and pro- was supported by strong li- support the private sector in the pre-open period, as is viding new options for the quidity in the share as almost the country. Top officials of Mekdam Holding Group at bell ringing ceremony on the occasion of Mekdam Holding usual at 9 am. investors.” 5.6 million shares exchanged Mekdam is traded in the Group’s listing on QEVM in Doha on Monday. The QEVM follows the (Continued on Page 11) Economy & Business Tuesday, August 3, 2021 09 Britain eases travel restrictions as industry lobbies for more Agencies would make many people de- Merriman, chairman of the David and Susan Handfield that they booked the flights.” cide to stay home. House of Commons’ Transport were among the first benefi- While the Handfields benefit- Britain opened its borders As of Monday, fully vacci- Committee, told the BBC. “In ciaries of the new travel rules ed from the rules change, other to fully vaccinated travelers nated travelers from destina- my view, we don’t need any Monday, seeing their grand- restrictions still prevent many from the U.S. and the Euro- tions on Britain’s “amber list” more uncertainty, complexity daughter Charlotta for the first people from flying.Travelers pean Union on Monday as are allowed to enter the coun- or anxiety for passengers or time after she and her parents are required to take expensive travel industry leaders urged try without self-isolating for up this beleaguered sector. It just stepped off a flight from Berlin. PCR tests to prove they are vi- the government to further ease to 10 days. The government is needs clarity.” British airlines Charlotta was born in Feb- rus-free and countries includ- restrictions and allow people considering creating an am- and holiday companies are ruary but virus concerns and ing the U.S. still bar foreign to enjoy the benefits of a suc- ber watchlist to warn people hoping for a late summer trav- travel restrictions prevented travelers from crossing their cessful COVID-19 inoculation about destinations that may be el boom after the pandemic her parents from bringing borders. program. downgraded because of rising halted most international trav- her to London until now. Her John Holland-Kaye, The new rules came into infection rates or the emer- el, slashing profits and threat- grandmother greeted her with Heathrow’s chief executive, effect amid reports that Prime gence of new variants. ening thousands of jobs. The a delicate kiss to the forehead said the British government Minister Boris Johnson’s gov- “An amber watchlist will be number of passengers trave- at Heathrow Airport. should allow most travelers to ernment may add a new cat- viewed as a massive red flag, ling through London’s Heath- “We’ve been waiting for use cheaper lateral flow tests egory to Britain’s traffic light which is likely to cause book- row Airport, the U.K.’s busiest this moment for quite a long and work with countries like system of travel restrictions, ings to those countries on that Travellers fully vaccinated against coronavirus from the US and much of airport, fell 75% in the first half time,″ said Susan Handfield, the U.S. to ease remaining a move industry officials say watchlist to collapse,” Huw Europe were able to enter Britain without quarantining starting Monday. of this year. 70. “We only heard a week ago travel restrictions. In July, China factory Carmakers warn chip shortage activity slows, hit by extreme weather putting brakes on the recovery Agencies but the pace has slowed down,” said NBS senior Chinese factory activity statistician Zhao Qinghe. Prices for used cars weakened in July to its low- “In July, some companies up as unfulfilled est level since the start of entered the equipment the pandemic, data showed maintenance period, which demand shifts from Saturday, as manufacturing in addition to the impact of was impacted by slowing extreme weather such as lo- new car market demand, weak exports and calized high temperatures, extreme weather. floods and natural disasters, Agencies The Purchasing Man- (caused) relatively weak- agers’ Index (PMI), a key ened manufacturing growth The automobile industry is gauge of manufacturing ac- compared to last month.” being hit hard by a shortage tivity in the world’s second- Although Zhao did not refer of computer chips that has largest economy, dropped to specific extreme weather slowed production and is set to to 50.4 in July from June’s events, deadly flooding in drag on for months. 50.9, the National Bureau of central Henan province Carmakers and suppliers Statistics said. caused over 70 deaths and have turned in strong results A PMI reading of over 50 billions of yuan worth of that beat expectations for the indicates expansion, while damage this month. Henan first half of the year, but they below that figure suggests is home to key Foxconn warned that a lack of semicon- contraction. plants that manufacture Ap- ductors had crimped produc- The reading appeared ple iPhones. tion. to be leveling out between Overall, export and im- Microchips are essential April and June, and July port indices dropped this for the electronics systems of shows the first marked de- month, after a major port modern cars, and have been in cline, making it the lowest closure in the first three short supply since the end of PMI figure since February weeks of June stifled interna- last year. 2020, analysts said. tional trade at a key point in The situation is to some While the figure was the global shipping network. extent the fault of carmakers, worse than many forecasts, “The most alarming sig- who scaled back orders when it was still above the 50-point nal is the new export order the pandemic hit, so chipmak- Microchips are essential for the electronics systems of modern cars, and have been in short supply since the end of last year. mark that separates growth index, which (at 47.7 per- ers shifted output to consumer from expansion. cent) is at the lowest level electronics, which was seeing that VW had expected earlier “We’ve reached the peak it has so far escaped a halt in China’s fragile economic since July last year,” said a boom in demand as peo- this year. of the crisis,” said Ferdinand production. recovery is threatened by Zhiwei Zhang, chief econo- ple splurged on equipment to “The risk of bottlenecks Dudenhoeffer, head of the However, the French firm a recent resurgence of the mist at Pinpoint Asset Man- work and relax and home. and disruption in the supply Center for Automotive Re- notes it has been buying up Delta variant of the corona- agement in a note. That left carmakers in a of semiconductor components search in Germany. any supplies it can get its virus that is threatening to “Exports have been a tight situation as demand re- has intensified throughout “The situation will improve hands on and expects short- dampen holiday consump- main growth driver this turned, with many slowing or the industry,” the German au- Own fault? as new production capacity be- ages to last until next year. tion over the summer. year. This PMI data release even temporarily halting pro- tomaker said. The situation is to some comes available, but the prob- Automakers have for years “On the whole, China’s makes me even more cau- duction at factories. VW said one way it was extent the fault of carmakers, lem won’t be over by the end of moved to reduce the supplies economy continues to main- tious about growth outlook While automakers and an- coping with the shortage was who scaled back orders when 2021 and could continue until they keep on hand to boost tain expansion momentum, in H2.” alysts were initially confident by favoring high-end vehicles, the pandemic hit, so 2023,” Dudenhoeffer told AFP. their financial performance. the impact would be short- which bring in more money. He forecast the shortage The crisis appears to be lived and limited, they now see US automaker Ford noted chipmakers shifted output to would result in an overall loss provoking manufacturers it as lasting through the rest that the keen demand for ve- consumer electronics, which in production of 5.2 million ve- to reevaluate this practice, of the year and the impact as hicles created by the shortage was seeing a boom in demand hicles this year. dubbed “just in time”. more significant. meant that it could offer fewer as people splurged on Consumers are likely to no- “Suppliers and OEMs Jaguar Land Rover has promotions as well as focus on equipment to work and relax tice longer delays and higher (original equipment manufac- warned the chip shortage its most profitable models. and home. That left prices as dealers have worked turers) are reassessing their could cut its third-quarter out- Ford said its average sale carmakers in a tight situation through their stocks and man- supply chains and are trying to put by half. price rose by 14 percent from as demand returned, with ufacturers offer fewer promo- have more control over their The Volkswagen Group last year as it surprised ana- many slowing or even tions. sourcing, from different chan- said the impact was likely to lysts with a $1.1 billion second- temporarily halting production Prices for used cars have nels and by diversifying where be “more pronounced” in the quarter profit. at factories. also risen as unfulfilled de- possible,” said Nils Poel from third quarter as it lowered its Nissan has been forced mand has shifted from the new the European Association of annual production forecast by to push back the launch of its car market. Automotive Suppliers. roughly 450,000 vehicles. new all-electric crossover, the phe” or “chipaggedon”. Automotive supplier But as automakers over- China’s fragile economic recovery is threatened by a recent That is five percent of last Ariya, due to the shortage of But the worst may already Valeo, which uses chips in its come the chip shortage anoth- resurgence of the Delta variant. year’s production level, or a chips, which some news out- be behind the automakers, ac- driving assistance and auto- er problem awaits, Dudenho- third of the output increase lets have dubbed a “chiptastro- cording to one analyst. matic lighting systems, says effer warned.

EU probes FB’s proposed LG launches 2021 lineup of OLED, Nanocell TVs Tribune News Network purchase of Kustomer Doha Electronics major and global conglomerate LG Agencies demic, by adding ways for Electronics has announced its 2021 range of OLED businesses to interact with and NanoCell televisions. European Union regula- customers. Kustomer pro- The premium OLED TV has finally arrived in Qa- tors are opening an in-depth vides software that help tar and LG has enhanced the model lineup of its flag- investigation of Facebook’s companies manage online ship and affordable range of OLED TVs. Right from plan to buy Kustomer over conversations with custom- hard-core gaming enthusiast to connoisseurs of de- concerns that the deal ers over various channels sign and sports lovers, LG’s new line up has spoilt would stifle competition for by putting them into a sin- consumers for choice. customer relationship man- gle dashboard. LG G1 Gallery design flagship series is already agement software. “Our investigation aims getting accolades from customers because of the The EU Commission to ensure that the transac- OLED Evo panel by LG. OLED Evo is a combination said Monday it’s also in- tion will not harm business- of a new panel and advanced processor, available ex- vestigating the acquisition es or consumers, and that clusively in G1 series. OLED Evo technology is the because of worries that any data that Facebook gets next step in the evolution of LG OLED that delivers Facebook would get more access to does not distort better luminosity for higher brightness and crispy data for personalized ads, competition,” EU Executive images with superb clarity and enhanced details. handing it even more of an Vice President Margrethe Majority of the new lineup will be powered by advantage in the online ad- Vestager, the bloc’s top latest powerful and intelligent α (alpha) 9 Gen 4 AI vertising market. competition watchdog, said processor. This will boost upscaling performance The social network an- in a press statement. and will make content look more sharper along with nounced the deal in No- The U.K. competition optimized visual output which helps the TV make Refresh Rate) helping deliver better performance motes with ergonomic design, very smooth and user vember as it seeks to make watchdog began looking “adjustments in accordance with the amount of the while gaming. Depending on the genre of the same, friendly. Equipped with “point & scroll”, hotkeys for more money from its into the deal last week over light” entering the room. Game optimizer feature adjusts the picture setting popular apps it further elevates your TV viewing ex- WhatsApp and Messenger concerns it would result in LG C1 series is pretty much the jewel in the to deliver best picture settings. To get the real feel of perience. chat services, which have a “substantial lessening” of crown, it has blurred the divide between TV & gam- stadium like experience TVs are equipped with Blue- New 2021 models are on display at LG brand thrived during the pan- competition. ing monitor. With 4K playback at 120 frames per tooth surround, which enables seamless connection shops, all hypermarkets and key retailers across Qa- second, HDMI 2.1 Which supports VRR (Variable with your Bluetooth audio devices. 2021 magic re- tar. 10 Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Economy & Business Ferrari’s earnings Musk rejects report he wished surge back to growth in second quarter to replace Cook as Apple CEO Agencies up from 175 million euros in the same period last year. A new book by Wall Street Journal reporter mentions a purported 2016 conversation between Musk and Cook Luxury sports car maker On the strength of the Ferrari has surged back earnings, Ferrari raised its to second-quarter growth, forecast to 450 million eu- posting a 206-million-euro ros in cash by the end of the ($245 million) profit on year, up from 350 million Monday after seeing its euros. earnings drop precipitously Ferrari has announced in the same period a year a new CEO, Benedetto Vi- ago due to the pandemic gna, an Italian executive, at shutdown. Europe’s largest semicon- Based in the northern ductor chipmaker, who will Italian city of Maranello, start his tenure Sept. 1. The Ferrari said net profit for the company announced a capi- three months ending June tal markets day to outline 30 compared with 9 million euros last year, when the company was forced to shut production for seven weeks. It was also an improvement over the 184-million-euro profit posted in the same Record orders period of 2019, before the pandemic. Interim CEO John Elkann Interim CEO John El- said June marked a record kann said June marked a in orders at the luxury record in orders at the lux- carmaker, noting that ury carmaker, noting that general trends show the general trends show the age age of new Ferrari buyers is of new Ferrari buyers is go- going down while the ing down while the number number of women placing of women placing orders orders doubled. This doubled. speaks to the unique and “This speaks to the enduring power of Ferrari, unique and enduring power of Ferrari,” Elkann told an he added. analyst conference call. Shipments nearly dou- strategy under the new CEO bled in the quarter to 2,685, for June 16, 2022. Tesla chief Elon Musk had slammed Apple over its ongoing legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games. along with net revenues, Elkann said that elec- which surged to 1.03 billion trification of powertrains Agencies tween Musk and Cook. and Musk were given “plenty The American video game euros from 571 billion euros will be Ferrari’s focus for However, Musk said he of opportunities” to comment and software developer was a year earlier. That was also the next decade, noting that Tesla’s billionaire founder did approach Apple’s chief before publication but they removed after it attempted an improvement of 5% over electrification addresses Elon Musk has denied an executive during the “darkest did not. to bypass Apple’s 30 per cent the same period in pre-pan- tightening standards on unconfirmed story that he days” of the development of “This anecdote comes fee by creating its own di- demic 2019. emissions in the industry, demanded to become Ap- Tesla’s Model 3 sedan – cur- from Musk’s own account rect payment system. Apple Ferrari posted first-half “but does not solve the car- ple’s chief executive in a 2016 rently the world’s top-selling ‘Power Play’ of the conversation, accord- called this lawsuit a “market- profits of 412 million euros, bon footprint.” phone call with the iPhone electric car – and was willing Set for release on August 10, ing to people who heard the ing stunt” while Epic termed maker’s head, Tim Cook. to sell the company for one the book on the electric retelling at the time,” he iPhone manufacturer’s “Cook & I have never spo- tenth of the current value. vehicle maker Tesla, Power said. policy an anti-competitive ken or written to each other “There was a point where Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and Musk, who has more than practice. ever,” Musk said on Twitter I requested to meet with Cook 58.8 million followers on “Normally, competitive while reacting to a narrative to talk about Apple buying Te- the Bet of the Century, by The Twitter, also slammed Apple pressure would force Apple QIG posts QR67.6 mn in net profit from a book that will soon be sla. There were no conditions Wall Street Journal reporter while sharing his thoughts on to lower fees, but Apple & published. of acquisition proposed what- Tim Higgins mentions a its ongoing legal battle with Android have a duopoly on Qatari Investors Group (QIG) has posted a net profit of Set for release on August soever. He refused to meet. purported 2016 conversation Fortnite maker Epic Games. phones,” Musk said. “When QR67.632 million for the first six months of 2021 as against 10, the book on the electric Tesla was worth about 6 per between Musk and Cook. “Apple app store fees are a interface familiarity is taken QR38.846 million for the same period last year. This vehicle maker Tesla, Power cent of today’s value,” Musk However, Musk said he did de facto global tax on the In- into account, it’s basically a translates to earnings per share (EPS) of QR0.05 against Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and said. approach Apple’s chief ternet. Epic is right,” he said. monopoly. QR0.03 for the same period last year. Qatari Investors Group the Bet of the Century, by The “Higgins managed to executive during the “darkest In August last year, Epic The effective 30 per cent was established in 2006 and was listed on Qatar Stock Wall Street Journal reporter make his book both false days” of the development of Games sued Apple after it was sales tax Apple charges is hid- Exchange in the same year. (QNA) Tim Higgins mentions a pur- *and* boring,” he added. Tesla’s Model 3 sedan. removed from the company’s den from users or there would ported 2016 conversation be- Higgins said both Apple App Store. be an outcry.”

In support of local farmers Lulu Hypermarket launches ‘Qatar Dates Week’ Festival Tribune News Network to the nation. Doha Inaugurating the festival Yousef Khaled Al Kualifi said that A major retailer of the region, Lulu “the festival is being held by the Hypermarket chain launched the Ministry in coordination with Lulu “Qatar Dates Week” festival on Hypermarket on the occasion of Monday in all its stores to cel- harvesting season of fresh dates”. ebrate the season of local dates in He said that 11 local farms are cooperation with the Ministry of participating in the festival which Municipality and Environment. will continue for a week. “This Yousef Khaled Al Kualifi, Di- annual festival is being held to rector of the Agricultural Affaires promote local dates produce so the Department under the Ministry farmers can get suitable yields for of Municipality and Environment the investments and hard work,” (MME) inaugurated the festival in said Al Khulaifi. the presence of Ahmed Al Yafei, He urged the customers to Head of Extension and Agricultur- utilize the opportunity to buy fresh al Services Department, Mubarak dates at competitive prices which Feraish Mubarak Al-Salem, Mem- will be available at 14 branches ber of Central Municipal Council, of Lulu Hypermarkets during the Shaijan MO, Regional Director and festival. Shanavas PM, Regional Manager Speaking on the event, Lulu from Lulu Hypermarket Qatar, and management stated that: “We are many distinguished Qatari farm quite happy with the cooperation owners and dignitaries from the and support being extended by Ministry of Municipality & Envi- the Ministry of Municipality and ronment and retail/FMCG sectors. Environment, farm owners and Besides, leading participating Qatar Chamber. We greatly appre- suppliers of the festival viz., Al- ciate the exemplary performance Rayyan Agricultural and Qatarat by the local farms and excellent Agricultural Development Com- support given to them by the pany had attended the inaugural Ministry of Agriculture, Munici- ceremony. pality and Environment. Festivals The festival was organized with of this sort will be instrumental in a view to support local farmers by establishing a platform to deepen ensuring better marketing oppor- and broaden our partnership with tunities and value for their agricul- the Qatari farmers. Over the last tural produces. few years Qatar Dates Festival has From time immemorial, palm become more popular, highlight- trees were regarded as an integral ing the huge demand for quality part of Qatari agricultural and Qatari Dates. We congratulate the cultural heritage. It is estimated Ministry for staging this spec- that approximately 1.5 Million date produce of 26,000 tons in a sea- ways. food, non-food products and ag- Lulu Hypermarkets have long- tacular event and for giving the palms of various unique indig- son, which constitutes 86% of the The popular local varieties ricultural produce, and every year standing association with the local customers of Lulu an opportunity enous varieties are cultivated in total market requirements. The namely Khalash, Shishi, Burhi, they have been organizing promo- farmers and remain the focal point for relishing the delicious Qatari bulk large across the country, and advancement made by the agricul- Khenizee and Gurh etc. are made tions like ‘Made in Qatar Festival’, in marketing local agricultural pro- Dates.” 850 full-fledged farms known to tural sector in recent years because available on display at highly sub- ‘Qatari Products our First Choice’, duce for many years. Since last few The festival will continue for exist. of the challenges posed by various sidized rates. ‘Festival of Qatari Premium Prod- years, they have been concentrat- a week, i.e., until Friday (August According to the statistics factors, has made the nation self- Lulu Hypermarket has always ucts’ and ‘Festival of Qatari Farm ing more seriously in this respect 6, 2021) at all Lulu Hypermarket available, it contributes a gross sufficient and self-reliant in many been an ardent promoter of Qatari Products’ etc. as a socio-economic commitment outlets across the region. Tuesday, August 3, 2021 11 Economy & Business Grounded pilots mob recruiters amid intense competition for jobs A number of desperate pilots left out of work by the pandemic for more than a year make a last-ditch effort to save their aviation careers

Agencies London

When UK-based Goose Recruit- ment started its recent campaign to find 30 Boeing 737 cargo pilots for a client in Europe, 400 resumes poured in within 48 hours. Most of the applicants used to fly commercial passenger jets, ac- cording to a Bloomberg report. “Pre-Covid, most airline pilots would look down their noses at fly- ing cargo,” Mark Charman, Goose’s chief executive, said. “Now they’re like: ‘Pick me!’” This clamour for work is be- ing reflected around the world as desperate pilots who have been grounded by the pandemic for more than a year mob recruiters for the few new flying jobs on the market in a last-ditch effort to save their avia- tion careers. Wasinc International, which recruits overseas pilots for Chinese and Japanese airlines, is getting so many emails from out-of-work ap- plicants that it no longer needs to advertise the roles it is trying to fill. Job applications from down-on- their-luck aviators, from Brazil and Mexico to Canada and Europe, have jumped at least 30-fold from pre-vi- rus days, Dave Ross, chief executive at Wasinc, said. Although a rebound in the US domestic air travel offers some hope, the pleas for work reflect an industry hit hard by the crisis. Tem- porary and permanent job losses at the four biggest carriers in the US exceeded 150,000 last year, including pilots and other staff. Global airline capacity is still wal- lowing 31 per cent below normal levels, according to aviation data provider OAG. Boeing said late last year the world will need 763,000 new pilots by 2039, even if COVID-19 tempo- rarily put a brake on traffic growth. A survey in January found that more than half of the world’s commercial pilots were no longer flying for a living. Some are hiring again, trying to play catch-up in markets experiencing a lots leave for good to retire, look for so many hours, he said. quarter as we focus on driving sta- assess the production rate plan as months to June 30. This unit, rebound. American Airlines Group other work or as their flying quali- Ross said many of the pilots bility across our operations and it monitors the market and engag- which delivered 79 aircraft dur- will hire 350 pilots this year and fications expire. That risks leaving on his books looking for work are transforming our business for the es in customer discussions, it said. ing the quarter, secured orders for 1,000 in 2022, 50 per cent more a shortage of skilled operators in approaching the end of their valid- future,” David Calhoun, Boeing’s Boeing, which is dealing with 200 737 aircraft for United Air- than previously planned. the cockpit whenever a firmer re- ity periods. With a bleak outlook, president and chief executive, said. structural defects on its 787 lines and 34 737 aircraft for South- Ryanair is also adding 2,000 covery takes hold. some are opting to leave the indus- “While our commercial market Dreamliner widebodies, said it west Airlines, the company said. pilots over the next three years Airline pilots must typically try altogether. “I don’t think we can environment is improving, we’re plans to cut the 787 production Revenue from defence, space to grab market share from weak- pass two proficiency checks a year avoid the fact that maybe in less closely monitoring COVID-19 case rate temporarily to lower than five and security unit rose 4.4 per cent ened rivals. The low-cost airline and additional qualifications tied than a year, there’s going to be a rates, vaccine distribution and glob- per month and expects to deliver to $6.9bn in the second quarter. needs pilots to fly the new Boe- to specific aircraft types can ex- shortage,” he said. al trade as key indicators for our in- fewer than half of the 787s cur- “While we still have ways to ing 737 Max aircraft it began tak- pire in 12 or 24 months. A survey Meanwhile, Boeing posted its dustry’s stability.” rently in its inventory this year. go before a full rebound, it is en- ing in June. Delta Air Lines plans in January found that more than first quarterly profit in almost two Boeing said it had delivered The company said its operat- couraging to see the commercial to hire more than 1,000 pilots by half of the world’s commercial years as deliveries of its 737 Max more than 130 of its bestselling ing cash flow improved to $500 market improving, enabled by next summer as domestic leisure pilots were no longer flying for model picked up and air travel 737 Max aircraft and airlines have million in the quarter, driven by continued vaccine distribution and travel returns. a living. demand improves in the wake of returned more than 190 previously higher commercial deliveries, increasing travel demand, particu- These bursts of activity are not Wasinc has just four Chinese rapid COVID-19 vaccination cam- grounded planes to service since a higher order receipts and lower larly in domestic markets,” Cal- enough to soak up the current ex- carriers including Sichuan Airlines paigns globally. The US plane mak- safety ban on that jet was lifted in expenditures. houn said in an employee memo. cess of crew, according to Charman. accepting applications from over- er swung to a second-quarter net November 2020. “Cash and investments in mar- “Going forward, we will closely Even his company’s campaign that seas pilots, down from 23 before profit of $567 million, from a loss The 737 programme is current- ketable securities decreased to monitor case rates, vaccine distri- attracted a rush of applicants was the pandemic. Covid travel restric- of $2.4 billion in the same quarter ly producing at a rate of approxi- $21.3bn, compared to $21.9bn at bution, travel protocols and global put on ice due to “changes in our tions make it difficult for foreign pi- last year, Boeing said in a statement mately 16 aircraft per month and the beginning of the quarter, pri- trade as key indicators for recov- client’s business”, he said. lots to enter China for assessments, on Wednesday. Revenue rose 44 will gradually increase production marily driven by operating cash ery,” he said. Aggressive waves of the fast- Ross said. Even if a pilot lands a per cent year-on-year to $17 billion, to 31 aircraft per month in early outflows,” Boeing said. The company’s research and spreading Delta coronavirus vari- job, the generous pre-pandemic beating analysts’ estimates of $16.5 2022, with further gradual in- Sales for Boeing’s commercial development expenditure dropped ant also threaten to push back a compensation packages of about billion complied by Refinitiv. creases to correspond with market aeroplanes unit increased almost by more than 20 percent in the travel recovery, which could bring $24,000 a month have more than “We continued to make im- demand, Boeing said. 268 percent on an annual basis to quarter to $497 million, the com- more trouble to the industry as pi- halved because pilots are not flying portant progress in the second The company will continue to more than $6 billion in the three pany said in the statement.

QSE listing a turning point in Mekdam’s history: Chairman

Continued from page 8 of ‘Mekdam’. private and family-owned Sheikh Mohammad en- companies to identify their “Focusing on awareness couraged other private and needs and offer them suitable campaigns, the QSE exerts family companies to follow solutions and incentives for intense efforts to increase the suit and list on the QSE. listing in the market,” Emadi number of listed companies, QSE Listing Department said. and the listing of Mekdam is Director Abdulaziz Nasser Al Mekdam Holding Group expected to encourage pri- Emadi welcomed the listing was established on March vate and family businesses to of Mekdam and expressed 2018 as a private company transfer into a public share- confidence that many more with limited liabilities and holding companies with the companies will join the authorised and issued capi- aim of listing on the stock ex- QEVM in the coming period tal of QR50 million. It was change,” Mansoori said. and indicated that the com- transferred into a Public Mekdam Chairman panies eligible to join the Shareholding Company by the Sheikh Mohammad bin QEVM should benefit from minster of Commerce and In- Nawaf Al Thani expressed full rules designed to provide dustry resolution no 45 for the satisfaction with the listing of flexibility for mid-size com- year 2021 issued on 30.6.2021 the company on the QEVM panies and their owners. with a capital, 100 percent as the second company join- “The launch of the new fully paid by its founders. ing this market. He lauded market is a result of the stra- The most important ob- the QSE working team for the tegic initiatives and intense jectives of Mekdam are to efforts exerted for ensuring efforts made by the QSE over provide comprehensive inte- the success of this listing and the past years to develop Qa- grated services in the field of Senior officials of Mekdam Holding Group at a ceremony to mark the first day of trading of the company’s share on the Qatar Exchange described it as turning point tar’s capital market through information and communica- Venture Market in Doha on Monday. and milestone in the history continuous consultations with tion technology. Dutch star QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Sifan QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Hassan gets first gold in treble bid page 13

TUESday, AUGUST 3, 2021 Gold, a product of decade-long training and sacrifice: Barshim

Team work This victory is not mine alone, credit goes to the team that was with me, and off course the support of HH The Amir, HE Sheikh Joaan, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Qatar Athletics Federation, my coach, partners, family, friends and all who were with me. Mutaz Essa Barshim

competed at four Olympics in 1984, 1988, and 1992. (L-R) Gold medalist Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi, gold medalist Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, and bronze “My dad’s constant sup- medalist Belarus’ Maksim Nedasekau celebrate on the podium during medal ceremony for the men’s high port and his encouraging Joint gold medalists Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim (R) and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi pose on the podiumn of the jump of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday. (AFP) words before I lift is probably men’s high jump final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday.( AFP) among the reasons why I won Highness the Amir Sheikh Barshim, who fought in- Fares Ibrahim eyeing this medal. Before I enter any Tribune News Network has said his was not an indi- In an exclusive inter- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, juries on his way to Olympic more weightlifting glory competition, I make sure that vidual achievement but was a view to beIN Sports, which is His Excellency Sheikh Joaan, gold, also expressed delight on Meanwhile, Fares Ibrahim, my father is standing by me Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Bar- collective effort of his entire broadcasting the live Olympic President of the Qatar Olym- gold medal for Tamberi, who who claimed Qatar’s first-ever and watching me. I draw my shim, who won the high jump team and Team Qatar. action across all 24 countries pic Committee, the Qatar Ath- is his close friend. Olympic gold on Saturday by strength through him.” gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olym- Barshim won his first in the MENA region exclu- letics Federation, my coach, “He (Tamberi) knows and winning the 96kg category “We were very well pre- pics on Sunday, was hon- Olympic gold after he made sively, Barshim thanked the partners, family, friends and I know that after all we suf- weightlifting event, said he is pared for Olympics; we were oured at the medal ceremony an offer to be declared a joint Qatari leadership for their all all who were with me,” Bar- fered and all we sacrificed be- eyeing more glory. ready for the global record. on Monday. Barshim, now a winner instead of a jump-off out support throughout his shim told beIN Sports. coming Olympic champions is “We worked a lot and ex- There were some obstacles three-time Olympic medallaist along with his friend and rival career. “This golden medal is the not something easy. We have hausted ourselves to win this however and the time was lim- having won silver at London Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy. “I did not achieve the vic- product of 10 years of constant been through a lot, COVID-19, medal,” Fares told beIN Sports ited, we managed to win and 2012 and Rio 2016 Games Both scaled 2.37m in the final tory alone, credit goes to the training and sacrifice. If this is injuries, a lot of setbacks, but before praising his father now we will prepare for the besides besides being twice before failing in their attempts team that was with me, and a dream, I don’t want to wake we are here today sharing this and coach Ibrahim, a former next World Championship,” champion in 2017 and 2019 to clear 2.39m. off course the support of His up,” he added. moment,” he added. weightlifter himself having he added.

Medals Stage set for men’s 400m hurdles as Tally Country G S B T China 29 17 16 62 Samba battles Warholm, other stars USA 22 25 17 64 Japan 17 6 10 33 Tribune News Network Australia 14 4 15 33 Doha ROC 12 21 17 50 Britain 11 12 12 35 While much attention is France 6 10 7 23 focused on the double world champion Karsten Warholm Germany 6 6 11 23 for the men’s 400m hurdles South Korea 6 4 9 19 final of Tokyo 2020 Olympics Netherlands 5 7 6 18 on Tuesday, the Norwegian Italy 4 9 15 28 star would be well aware that New Zealand 4 3 4 11 there is Qatar’s world medal- list Abderrahman Samba lurk- Czech Republic 4 3 1 8 ing around. Canada 3 4 7 14 Samba, a member of the Switzerland 3 4 5 12 sub-47 club in men’s 400m Croatia 3 2 2 7 hurdles, topped the charts Chinese Taipei 2 4 4 10 with 48.38 in the other semi- final group, and will be keen Brazil 2 3 5 10 to prove his credentials in Cuba 2 3 3 8 the battle with Warholm and Hungary 2 2 2 6 his closest rival American Denmark 2 1 2 5 Rai Benjamin who cruised Slovenia 2 1 1 4 through the men’s 400 metres Ecuador 2 1 0 3 hurdles heats on Friday to stay on course for one of the most Greece 2 0 1 3 highly-anticipated rivalries on Kosovo 2 0 0 2 track at the Games. Qatar 2 0 0 2 Warholm shaved off Kevin Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba during the men’s 400m hurdles semi-finals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Georgia 1 4 1 6 Young’s 29-year-old world re- Games at the Olympic stadium in Tokyo on Sunday. (AFP) cleared the hurdles with ef- step approach, a tactic that has Spain 1 3 3 7 cord in the event by eight hun- fortless grace. worked for him and ensured dredths of a second this month Tuesday and it’s going to take in 48.65, Samba was fastest hard despite the pandemic Moses was unbeaten in 122 his blazing finish. During the Romania 1 3 0 4 when he ran in 46.70 in front that to win that’s for sure,” overall with a 48.38 opening troubles and found his rhythm races over nine years, setting a semis, he clipped a hurdle but Sweden 1 3 0 4 of his home fans at the Dia- said American Kenneth Selm- heat victory just ahead of Bra- in July. He broke Sydney 2000 world record of 47.02 in 1983 that didn’t disturb his rhythm. Venezuela 1 3 0 4 mond League meeting in Oslo. on, who qualified in the heats zil’s Alison dos Santos’s 48.42. silver-medallist Hadi Soua’an before Young broke it in the Hopefully, the 25-year- Hong Kong 1 2 0 3 That was probably in re- with 48.61. American Benjamin won his Al Somaily’s 18-year-old Asian final at Barcelona 1992. old Samba will sail and blaze South Africa 1 2 0 3 action to Benjamin’s amazing Warholm won his second heat in 48.60. record on May 31, clocking “The hurdles is like a alongside the 29-year-old Slovakia 1 2 0 3 run at the U.S. Olympic Trials straight world championships “It was nice to get out on 47.48 in Rome. He then bet- dance, and I hope I dance al- Warholm in a contest the Austria 1 1 3 5 a few days earlier when the by keeping Benjamin at bay in the track again. It’s something tered that mark by seven- ways,” Samba told the IAAF. world would eagerly watch. Indonesia 1 1 3 5 24-year-old American went Doha in 2019 and many, in- you’ve been looking forward to hundredths in Stockholm two He is just two-tenths of In Tuesday’s other Olym- Serbia 1 1 3 5 within a whisker of Young’s cluding World Athletics chief for a long time,” he said. weeks later. a second away from Young’s pic for Qatar athletes, Musab Jamaica 1 1 2 4 mark with a time of 46.83. Sebastian Coe, have men- “Been here for two weeks And three weeks after that, 26-year-old world record of Adam and Abdirrahman Has- Belgium 1 1 1 3 Given the presence of tioned their high-voltage ri- already, I’m starting to get he set his outstanding world 46.78. san will compete in the men’s Ethiopia 1 1 1 3 mega rising stars, the thought valry as one of the main track bored so it was very nice to get lead time in Paris. According to Adri- 1500m while Femi Ogunode Norway 1 1 1 3 of the world record being is attractions in Tokyo. around.” Champions perhaps He is even faster than ansprints.com, an athletics’ who ran 100m in 10.17 the Poland 1 1 0 2 threat has been obvious. While Warholm virtu- like to sound casual. the great Ed Moses, the dou- performance centre, Samba semis, will be back in action Tunisia 1 1 0 2 “I think it’ll be broken on ally jogged home in the semis Samba has been training ble Olympic champion, who switches between a 13 and 14- the men’s 200m. Turkey 1 0 4 5 Tuesday, August 3, 2021 13

Hassan gets first gold in treble bid;

Gold medalist Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn poses on the podium for the women’s Kenyan steeplechase streak ends 100m hurdles final at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo DPA on Monday. (AFP) Tokyo

Dutch star Sifan Hassan First athletics stormed to 5,000 metres Olympic gold on Monday gold for night, after a morning fall in the 1,500m, in the first final of Puerto Rico; her extraordinary treble bid at the Tokyo Games. Hassan kicked on the last Tentoglou wins back straight en route to an undisputed victory on a wet in final jump track to complete an “amazing day.” Hassan won an unprec- DPA edented 1,500m and 10,000m Tokyo double at the 2019 worlds and added the 5,000m in Tokyo Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Ca- in an extraordinary schedule. macho-Quinn has become the If she makes the 1,500m fi- country’s first Olympic cham- nal she will run 24.5km at the pion in athletics, claiming gold Games with three 1,500m rac- in the 100m hurdles in Tokyo es, two in the 5,000m and one on Monday. 10,000m within eight days. Less than 24 hours before Elsewhere, Kenya’s ex- taking to the starting line in traordinary winning streak the finals, Camacho-Quinn set in the men’s 3,000m steeple- the Olympic record of 12.26 chase ended with Soufiane el seconds in qualifying, just six Bakkali taking gold for Moroc- hundredth shy of the world co; and American Valarie All- record. man won gold in a rain-inter- She couldn’t better it in rupted women’s discus final. the finals but ran clear by the Two finals were held in sixth hurdle and was sprinting the morning session with Jas- home in 12.37. mine Camacho-Quinn getting American world record a first-ever athletics gold for holder Kendra Harrison won Puerto Rico in the 100m hur- silver with 12.52, while Ja- dles and Greek Miltiadis Ten- maican Megan Tapper took toglou lucked out on count- bronze with a time of 12.55. back for long jump gold. “I was really running for But the headlines went the world record. I hit the hur- to Hassan who in the morn- dle, but everything happens ing had a big scare when she Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan celebrates as she crosses the finish line in first place in the women’s 5000m final at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Monday.(AFP) for a reason. I came through tripped over Kenyan Edinah with the gold,” Camacho Jebitok with 400m left. But tune in a tactical 5,000m final “Before the race here I scared I wasn’t going to do it. terrible when I tripped. I felt victory in 14 minutes 36.79 sec- Quinn said. she picked herself up to win which was decided in the final didn’t even care. I was so tired. “I can’t believe it. I used all terrible afterwards and I never onds. Two-time reigning world Her success was the sec- her 1,500m heat and advance lap, and she said she got her Without coffee I would never be my energy this morning and thought I am going to be Olym- champion Hellen Obiri took sil- ond ever gold for Puerto Rico into Wednesday’s semis. energy back with the help of Olympic champion. I needed all I was kind of tired. I couldn’t pic champion.” Again Hassan ver and Ethiopian season leader following Monica Puig’s sur- There was no such misfor- some coffee. the caffeine,” she said. “I was so believe what happened. It was used her sprint qualities for Gudaf Tsegay earned bronze. prise 2016 tennis gold. “For such a small country it gives little people hope. I am just glad I am the person to do that. I am really happy right,” she said. Greece’s Miltiadis Tento- American Carey secures women’s glou won long jump gold on countback with his final at- tempt, Dutch star Sifan Has- san advanced from the 1,500m floor gold as Biles set for comeback heats despite a fall while 100m bronze medallist Shericka Jackson of Jamaica shockingly DPA along with the tag “Go Jade” with compatriot You Hao tak- crashed out in the 200m heats Tokyo on her Instagram. ing silver on 15.300. after easing up too early. Biles has only participated It is China’s first gold in Tentoglou saved his best Jade Carey took a surprise in all-around qualifying and artistic gymnastics at the To- effort for last, recording 8.41m women’s Olympic floor title the vault in the team event at kyo Games, with Zhu Xueying in his final attempt. Cuban on Monday in the absence of the Tokyo Games, saying she winning the women’s individ- rival Juan Miguel Echevar- 2016 winner Simone Biles, but wanted to protect her mental ual trampoline final. ria also had 8.41 but lost out the US star will finally return health. Liu took bronze in the on countback with Tentoglu’s to action in the balance beam The 24-year-old, who has team competition in Rio but second best jump 8.15m and final. 23 gold medals from world last won a gold at the 2014 Echevarria’s 8.09m. Fellow American Carey, championships and Olympics, world championships on the Echevarria pulled out of his 21, scored 14.366 to seal floor withdrew from all individual rings. final jump with an injury while gold and a first Olympic med- events so far after struggling Bronze went to Greece’s fellow Cuban Maykel Masso al, with Italy’s Vanessa Ferrari to synchronize mind and body Eleftherios Petrounias, the took bronze with 8.21m. taking silver ahead of Japan’s in training. 2016 rings champion. “What an incredible com- Mai Murakami and Russian However, the American, South Korean Shin Jeah petition. What an incredible Angelina Melnikova, who who won four golds at Rio Wan triumphed in the men’s jump, the last jump. I wasn’t shared bronze. 2016, has decided to compete vault final with Russian Denis able to get it right at the start. British twins Jessica and in Tuesday’s balance beam fi- Abliazin having to settle for But in the end I managed to and Jennifer Gadirova were nal. silver for the second straight pull something out to get the sixth and seventh respectively. “We are so excited to con- Games. medal,” the winner said. Carey, who had been last firm that you will see two US He had the same score of American JuVaughn Har- in the final on the vault, told athletes in the balance beam 14.783 as the South Korean, rison finished fifth less than 24 a press conference: “I feel re- final tomorrow - Suni Lee who won on a tiebreak as he hours after finishing 7th in the ally great about tonight. AND Simone Biles!! Can’t wait had the single highest vault high jump. “All my hard work has to watch you both!” USA Gym- USA’s Jade Carey competes in the artistic gymnastics women’s floor exercise final during the Tokyo 2020 score. World champion Tajay paid off and this is all I ever nastics tweeted on Monday. Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on Monday. AFP) Artur Davtyan secured Gayle of Jamaica failed to dreamed of.” Despite her absence, the bronze for Armenia, the coun- make the initial cut, register- Biles posted a photograph US has so far claimed five nastics at Tokyo. produced a near flawless per- men’s rings competition. try’s first ever Olympic gym- ing only one jump at 7.69m. of Carey as a gold medallist medals in the women’s gym- China’s Liu Yang earlier formance to seal gold in the He scored 15.500 points nastics medal. Gayle injured himself during qualifications and participat- ed in the finals with a heavily strapped left knee. Earlier in the session, Has- Belarusian Timanovskaya tells IOC she is safe, gets Polish visa san had a big scare when she tripped over Kenyan Edinah DPA 200 metre heats. fly to Warsaw as early as The Belarusian Olympic tests that were unleashed a Jebitok with 400m left. With Tokyo IOC spokesman Mark Ad- Wednesday. Committee said in a statement year ago after disputed elec- 300m to go, Hassan was 11th ams said she had spent Sun- Poland, as well as the that the runner had been ex- tions, which long-time ruler but a surge of power pushed Belarusian runner Kris- day night in a hotel at Tokyo’s Czech Republic and Slovenia, amined by a doctor and would Alexander Lukashenko says her to the front of the pack, tina Timanovskaya is “safe Haneda airport in a “safe en- had offered to help and she not take part in the 200m he won. crossing the line first in her and secure” after an alleged vironment.” She is now in the has now received a visa from heats because of her “emotion- Belarusian opposition heat in 4 minutes 5.17 seconds. kidnapping attempt, the Inter- hands of authorities and the Poland. al-psychological condition.” leader Svetlana Tikhanovs- The 1,500m semi-finals national Olympic Committee IOC has asked the Belarusian “Poland will do everything Timanovskaya called that kaya, who many in the Euro- are on Wednesday, the final (IOC) said Monday. Olympic Committee for a writ- necessary to help her continue a lie in an Instagram post and pean Union believe won the is Friday, and the 10,000m fi- The country’s opposition ten report on the matter. her sporting career,” deputy told the radio station Eurora- election, has welcomed the nal the next day completes her on Sunday accused Belarusian IOC representatives spoke foreign minister Marcin Przy- dio in an interview: “They just IOC’s help with Timanovs- daunting programme. authorities of trying to kidnap to her directly and she assured dacz wrote on Twitter. told me to pack my things and kaya. In the 200m heats, Jack- the athlete and force her to fly them she felt safe, Adams said. Olympic officials became fly home.” The athletes’ plight is the son failed to make the cut af- home from the Tokyo Olym- On Monday she was pho- aware of her situation af- Tensions between the in- latest international scandal to ter her shocking mistake but pics after the 24-year-old criti- tographed entering Poland’s A viedo grab shows Belarusian ter she turned to Japanese ternational community and hit Belarus after the country compatriots Elaine Thomp- cized Belarusian officials. embassy in Tokyo, with me- sprinter Krystsina Tsimanous- police at the airport, Tokyo Belarus are running high due forced a Ryanair flight to land son-Herah and Shelly-Ann Timanovskaya had been dia reports saying she is seek- kaya talking on social media Olympics spokesman Masa to the ongoing repression of in Minsk in May and arrested Fraser-Pryce breezed into the due to compete in Monday’s ing asylum there and could on Sunday. (AFP) Takaya said. civil society and peaceful pro- an opposition figure. semi-finals. 14 Tuesday, August 3, 2021

India rejoices at women’s hockey team’s super show to make semis

Agencies

India’s women’s hockey team has scripted history by qualifying for the Olympic semi-finals for the first time with a stunning victory over Australia, reports BBC.com. They beat Australia, who had been looking for their first medal since securing a podi- um finish in Sydney in 2000, 1-0 in the quarter-finals. India’s Gurjit Kaur scored the match’s only goal in the second quarter. Many, including politi- cians and celebrities, have tak- Mother (R) of Indian hockey player Gurjit Kaur offers sweets to her en to social media to celebrate mother in-law as they celebrate after India’s women’s quarter-final the win. match of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Miyadi Kalan village, It’s being seen as remark- about 35 kms from Amritsar on Monday. (AFP) able in a country where crick- et often overshadows other O’Farrell who in his tweet formance at the Olympics has sports. Former Indian cricketer called Punia the ‘Great Wall been tepid so far, it has been a Virender Sehwag called it “an of India’ and said ‘she could glorious week for the country’s absolute wow moment”, adding not be beaten. It was a tough hockey players. that he was “filled with pride”. hockey match but your de- It is the first time that both Australia had conceded fence held out until the end’. the men’s and women’s hock- just one goal in the tourna- India were down to 10 ey teams have made it to the ment so far, but the Indian players at least twice in the semis of the same Olympics. players held on to their nerves match due to fouls but they Great Britain missed out and did not allow Australia to still booked their slot for the on a place in the men’s Olym- dominate. semi-final. pic hockey semi-finals as they India showed a great mix Viren Rasquinha, the for- lost 3-1 to India on Sunday. of aggression and strategy Players of India celebrate after defeating Australia 1-0 as Australia’s Renee Taylor squats (R) at the end of their women’s quarter-final match of mer captain of Indian men’s They will now face Belgium in throughout the game. They the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games hockey competition at the Oi Hockey Stadium in Tokyo on Monday. India won 1-0. (AFP) hockey team, said this “might the last four. looked in command and the be the biggest upset in history India are the most success- Savita Punia-led defence side desperately looked for an starred in the match in equal penalty corner was given to to help her defenders. at this stage of the tournament”. ful team in Olympic hockey thwarted Australian attacks equaliser. measure. Her fantastic saves the Australians in the dying Punia was also congratu- “So proud of our ladies,” history, but the last of their skilfully, specially in the last Kaur’s name will show were crucial in keeping the minutes, Punia again came to lated by Australia’s High he wrote on Twitter. eight gold medals came back quarter when Emily Chalker’s on the score-sheet, but Punia Australians at bay. When a the rescue with a crucial dive Commissioner to India Barry While India’s overall per- in 1980. China get gold and the world record in track cycling DPA Izu (Japan)

Bao Shanju and Zhong Tian- shi claimed women’s team sprint Olympic gold by beat- ing the German world cham- pions after a world record in qualifying on Monday at the Tokyo Games. Bao and Zhong won the gold in 31.895 seconds, pip- ping Lea Sophie Friedrich and Emma Hinze by a mere .085 of a second in the Izu Velodrome where a small number of spec- tators was present. The Chinese pair reached Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen celebrates after beating China’s Chen Long to win their men’s singles badminton final the gold medal contest with a match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in Tokyo on Monday. (AFP) world record ride of 31.804. Zhang got her second gold, having also won in 2016, with Axelsen is first non-Asian Gong Jinjie. Former world champions Daria Shmeleva and Anasta- to win men’s badminton siia Voinova got bronze after silver in 2016 for Russia. Supporters wave flags as China’s Zhong Tianshi celebrates after winning gold in the women’s track cycling Earlier, Germany’s women team sprint finals at the Izu Velodrome in Izu, Japan, on Monday.( AFP) gold since 1996 smashed the 4,000 metres team pursuit world record in Rio 2016 Games. and the US team Britain in three golds, with their rider Ed DPA see it fall inside the lines. qualifying while world cham- The British quartet were Tuesday’s heats with the win- Clancy still on the team aiming Tokyo Axelsen, a fluent Mandarin pions Denmark paced the then more than one second ners into the final. for a fourth gold. speaker, broke down in tears men’s race in Olympic record faster before the final kilome- On the men’s side Lasse Italy were second in Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and swapped shirts with Chen time. tre before fading to place sec- Norman Hansen, Niklas 3:45.895 and now face third- became the first non-Asian in an emotional moment be- Franziska Brausse, Lisa ond in 4:09.022. Larsen, Frederik Madsen and placed New Zealand for the to win men’s singles gold in tween the pair. Brennauer, Lisa Klein and Third-placed world cham- Rasmus Pedersen clocked other place in the final. Olympic badminton since Earlier Indonesia’s An- Mieke Kroeger clocked 4 min- pions United States also 3:45.014, less than half a sec- Australia were unlucky 1996 on Monday. thony Sinisuka Ginting beat utes 7.307 seconds, taking stayed under the old record ond outside the world record when the handlebar of one He beat China’s Chen Long Viktor Axelsen holds gold medal Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon 21- almost three seconds off the with 4:10.118 minutes and It- but an Olympic record. of their riders broke and they 21-15, 21-12 after his opponent at the Musashino Forest Sports 11, 21-13 to take bronze in just mark of 4:10.236 set by Brit- aly were fourth. The Danes will meet Brit- didn’t manage a top four finish let the shuttlecock drop only to Plaza in Tokyo on Monday. (AFP) 38 minutes. ain when sealing gold at the Germany now face Italy ain who have won the last in a re-run.

Saunders investigated for protest gesture Cuba’s Lopez becomes first male wrestler with four Games golds

DPA case and would liaise with the DPA now outstrips Russian Alex- Tokyo US Olympic and Paralym- Tokyo ander Karelin, who won gold pic Committee (USOPC) and three times and silver once be- US shot-putter Raven Saunders World Athletics before making Cuban Mijan Lopez Nunez tween 1988 and 2000. is being investigated by the In- a ruling. became the first male wrestler The Cuban also won a sil- ternational Olympic Commit- Adams stressed that the to win four Olympic gold med- ver in the 120kg category at tee (IOC) after a protest gesture new rules on protests were als on Monday. Athens 2004. during a medal ceremony at the media and before the start of supported by a majority of ath- The 38-year-old, who car- It was a good day for Cuba Tokyo Olympics. a competition - thus making letes following opinion polls. ried the Cuban flag at the in the ring with Luis Alberto The silver medallist formed it possible to take a knee, for Saunders, who is politi- opening ceremony for the Orta Sanchez surprising two- a X above her head on Sunday example. However, after the cally active and also caused a third Games in a row, defeated time world champion Kenichi- and said it was a symbol for all start of an event and also at stir with her Hulk mask during Georgian Iakobi Kajaia 5-0 in ro Fumita of Japan to easily people who are oppressed. medal ceremonies and in the the competition in Tokyo, does the 130 kilogram Greco-Ro- win 60kg gold. Political actions by athletes Olympic village, political ac- not have to fear any sanction man final in Tokyo. were long forbidden at Olym- tions remain prohibited. from her federation. He already triumphed Cuba’s Mijain Lopez Nunez cel- pic Games. IOC spokesperson Mark USOPC said that in its view at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 ebrates his gold medal at The IOC tweaked the rules Adams told reporters on Mon- Saunders’ gesture was respect- Games. He has also been the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for Tokyo, allowing athletes to day that the governing body ful to her opponents and did not world champion five times. at the Makuhari Messe in Tokyo express themselves on social was looking into Saunders’ violate demonstration rules. Lopez’s success means he on Monday. (AFP) Sports Tuesday, August 3, 2021 15 FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 tickets go on sale Tribune News Network of being successful. In cases compete in a group stage, fol- Doha where the number of tickets lowed by knockout matches applied for exceeds the avail- for a total of 32 games played The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar able inventory, tickets will be over 19 days. 2021 will be hosted in six strik- allocated by a random selec- As the tournament will ing stadiums and will offer tion draw process. take place at the same time fans the chance to attend more of the year as football’s global than one match per day during ● Stunning Al Bayt showpiece in 2022, fans and the group stage, while getting a Stadium to hold the teams will enjoy mild tem- glimpse of what to expect one opening match between peratures, ranging between year later at the FIFA World hosts Qatar and Bahrain 15°C and 24°C. Similarly, as Cup Qatar 2022™. During the in the FIFA FIFA Arab Cup USA’s defender James Sands holds the Concacaf Gold Cup as players celebrate on the podium after winning the final football match against first FIFA pan-Arab football ● Fans will be able to Qatar 2021™ tickets to go on Mexico at the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday. (AFP) tournament, spectators and attend more than one sale tomorrow 2 World Cup competitors alike will experi- match per day during the next year, the host country’s ence the welcoming hospital- group stage compact nature will offer min- ity of Qatar as 16 teams from imal travel distances between Robinson’s extra-time goal clinches across the Arab world take the ● Visa cardholders have an venues and an exciting match pitch between Tuesday, 30 exclusive ticket presale schedule, allowing fans to pur- November and Saturday, 18 window starting Tuesday chase selected tickets for more seventh Gold Cup crown for US December 2021. than one match per day during DPA al, as both sides blew chances Berlin throughout. Eryk Williamson had the The United States have won first chance of the game, with their seventh Gold Cup title a bouncing volley easily col- after Miles Robinson’s 118th- lected by Mexico goalkeep- minute goal clinched a 1-0 er Alfredo Talavera, while extra-time victory over Mexico down the other end Hector in Sunday’s final in Paradise, Herrera had a header saved Nevada. by Turner. Atlanta United defender US should have taken the Robinson came up with the lead in the 26th minute when decisive goal with a header Sebastian Lletget stole the ball from Kellyn Acosta’s left-flank on the edge of the box and set free-kick, denying Mexico up Paul Arriola but his low ef- their 12th continental crown. fort hit the post. The Gold Cup triumph Turner was crucial in backs up US’s CONCACAF Na- keeping it 0-0 with two key tions League success in June, saves to deny Mexican for- also beating El Tri in extra- ward Rogelio Funes Mori be- time in that final 3-2. fore Edson Alvarez shot mar- Mexico had beaten the US ginally wide. in the 2019 Gold Cup final 1-0 Orbelin Pineda snatched in Chicago, with the two na- at a golden chance in the 50th tions sharing the past 10 titles. minute, pushing his shot wide The victory is a major tri- when unmarked inside the umph for Gregg Berhalter’s box, while Alvarez desperate- side as the US move on from ly blocked Matthew Hoppe’s Qatar’s Almoez Ali (#19) heads the ball as Miles Robinson of the The stunning Al Bayt Sta- All successful, partially the group stage while ensuring missing out on qualification 71st-minute chance. United States defends during their 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup semi- dium, inspired by traditional successful and unsuccessful sufficient travel times between for the 2018 World Cup. Arriola spurned another finals at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. on July 29.(Getty Images/AFP) Arab tents, will host the open- applicants will be duly notified kick-offs. It was also US’s fifth 1-0 chance from a free-kick which ing match between Qatar and of the outcome of their appli- Fan ID All fans will be re- victory throughout the Gold fell kindly to him as Talavera Top-scorer award 2021 Gold Cup with four goals Bahrain, as well as the final. Al cations by mid-September. quired to have an approved Cup, having beaten Qatar and smothered his effort on goal. for Qatar’s Almoez in five games. Thumama Stadium, based on Sales phase 1 will conclude Fan ID application number to Jamaica in the knockouts by In extra-time, Talavera Almoez Ali of Qatar earned Qatar was the guest nation of the design of a form of tradi- with the period from Tues- enter the State of Qatar and the same scoreline. made a good low save to deny the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup this year’s Gold Cup and didn’t tional Arab headwear, and Ras day, 28 September to Tues- the stadiums. All fans will be Robinson was the hero Gyasi Zardes in the 106th min- Top Scorer Award presented disappoint, scoring 12 goals in Abu Aboud Stadium, the first day, 12 October, during which required to collect the physi- with the winner but goalkeep- ute, before Robinson’s header by Qatar Airways after finish- five matches. Ali was a big part FIFA World Cup stadium that tickets will be allocated on a cal Fan ID smart card from the er Matt Turner was exception- which settled the contest. ing as the top scorer in the of that with his quartet of goals. will be fully dismantled and re- first-come, first-served basis. Fan ID Service Centre. purposed after the event, will Finally, the last-minute sales Further details on the ap- be two other brand-new ven- phase will start on Tuesday, plication process will be com- ues that will be showcased and 2 November and run until the municated in due course. tested during the tournament. end of the tournament. The Fan IDs are operated Bottas punished for mass Hungary crash Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City A selection of affordable and controlled by the govern- and Al Janoub stadiums, all tickets will be available, with ment of the State of Qatar. DPA built from scratch in prepara- prices ranging from QAR 25 FIFA is not responsible for the Berlin tion for 2022, complete the for a category 4 ticket (resi- application process, issuance line-up of magnificent FIFA dents only) for the group and/or use of the Fan IDs. The Hungarian Formula One Arab Cup venues. matches to QAR 245 for a cat- Grand Prix had so much dra- Fans wishing to witness egory 1 ticket for the final. COVID-19 measures ma that Esteban Ocon’s maid- the action up close will be Fans will have the oppor- In light of the COVID-19 pan- en victory has been somewhat able to sign up for tickets as tunity to buy individual match demic and as was the case overshadowed. of Tuesday, 3 August. Start- tickets or team-specific ticket for the FIFA Club World Cup Even the Frenchman will ing at 12:00 AST/11:00 CET, series. A full overview of the 2020™ and the FIFA Arab admit his win for Alpine only Visa cardholders will have an sales phases and ticket prices Cup Qatar 2021 qualifiers held came about because Mer- exclusive opportunity to ap- will be available on FIFA.com/ in June 2021, the host country cedes’ Valterri Bottas took out ply for tickets via FIFA.com tickets. will provide the required safe- several contenders at the first during the Visa Presale for the Visa, the Official Payment guards to protect the health corner and damaged Max Ver- FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. Services Partner of FIFA, is and safety of all involved in the stappen’s Red Bull to such a During the first period of the preferred payment method competition. degree that the Dutchman had sales phase 1, from Tuesday, for fan ticket purchases for the Attendees must follow the no hope of winning. 3 August to Tuesday, 17 Au- FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. travel advice from the Qatari Bottas apologized, calling gust at 12:00 AST/11:00 CET, authorities and the guidance the incident “a mess”, but that Visa cardholders will be given Regional talent on display from the Ministry of Public did not stop stewards impos- priority to submit their ticket Twenty-three national teams Health. ing a five-place grid penalty on applications. During this sales were invited to participate, Additional information the Finn for the next Belgian period, it will make no dif- with seven out of 14 advancing on COVID-19 safety meas- Grand Prix on August 29 along Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas collides with Red Bull’s Mexican driver Sergio Perez during the For- ference whether they submit from the round of qualifying ures to access the FIFA Arab with Lance Stroll. mula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring race track in Mogyorod near Budapest on Sunday. (AFP) their applications on the first matches to meet hosts Qatar Cup Qatar 2021 stadiums will Verstappen, who lost the day, the last day or any time and the eight highest-ranked be available on FIFA.com. To barge board on his right-hand his appeal after being disquali- in between, as all applications nations, who qualified directly. date, ticket holders are re- side, sneaked into the points A chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix was one of the fied from second place for not will have the same chance The 16 teams will now quired to be fully vaccinated. but is now second in the stand- standout races of the F1 season. Valtteri Bottas faces a ensuring that a 1 litre sample of ings having also been taken five-place grid penalty when the season resumes in Spa fuel could be taken from his car. out by new leader Lewis Ham- in four weeks with suspected long Covid sufferer If the German loses the ilton’s Mercedes at the British Lewis Hamilton back at the top of the championship. appeal, Hamilton is definitely Grand Prix. bumped up to second in the Quick read “The last two races were change engines again at some every other car in the pits race. totally crap,” the Dutchman point which would trigger a switching to dry rubbers. “We showed that our car Starting well in first Test is really important for us: Rahane exclaimed. grid-place penalty. The British defending has strong race pace. Onwards Nottingham: India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane feels that getting accustomed to the conditions Verstappen also has the Hamilton, who says he be- champion pitted on the next and upwards,” in England will be a key for the visitors during the five-matchT est series. India and England will lock problem that he has used up lieves he is suffering from long lap and was last, before a sec- Aston Martin said in a horns in a five-matchT est series beginning August 4 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The series will mark his three allotted engines for Covid, began on pole and may ond tyre change after 20 laps statement as they announced the start of the second cycle of the World Test Championship. “Conditions are completely different the season. He switched after have won the race if Mercedes put him in front of the strug- they planned to appeal. here. We played against England at home. For us, it was very familiar. Here again, we played a lot of Budapest qualifying when his had not opted to keep him out gling Verstappen as Hamilton Budapest had pretty much cricket but getting used to conditions is the key and being in present matters a lot as a team. For power unit was deemed to be on wet tyres for the restart af- charged up the field. everything. F1, and especially us starting well in Nottingham is really important,” Rahane said. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for carrying damage from the Sil- ter the crash. Whether Hamilton now Hamilton, now need the four- Cricket in India (BCCI) informed that opening batsman Mayank Agarwal has been ruled of the first Test verstone crash. The decision prompted leads Verstappen by six points week break to recharge. against England. “Opening batsman Mayank Agarwal was hit on the helmet while batting during India’s With 12 rounds left and one of the most bizarre sights or nine points in the title race But Spa will have to be an nets session at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Monday,” BCCI said in a statement. (ANI) given the Hungaroring crash, in F1, Hamilton the only man depends on whether Aston incredible race to match the it seems likely he will have to out for the race restart with Martin’s Sebastian Vettel wins chaos of Hungary. 16 Tuesday, August 3, 2021 The Last Word Assistant FM meets Iranian ambassador Sidra Medicine OP Clinic gets top level HIMSS certification

Tribune News Network patient and the clinical teams. director of Information Tech- Doha Using a robust electronic system nology at Sidra Medicine, said: does away with the use of paper “Our system proactively utilises Sidra Medicine has achieved charts which in turn minimises data analytics to improve health the highest level of certification human error and provides better care outcomes and patient en- (Stage-7) by the Healthcare In- quality of care especially related gagement, while protecting a formation and Management to the electronic prescription of patient’s privacy. We have not Systems Society (HIMSS) in medications and the documen- only established strong analyti- its adoption of the Outpatient Dr Khalid Alyafei Dr S Bhaskar tation of patient records.” cal capabilities with our outpa- Electronic Medical Record Sidra Medicine has adopted tient data in its use for care co- Adoption Model (O-EMRAM). adoption and utilisation of its its health information exchange ordination purposes, but also The certification highlights EMR functions. model to ensure patients re- demonstrated that the business Sidra Medicine’s dedication to Dr Khalid Alyafei, chief ferred or transferred from Ham- continuity measures around ensuring safe and top quality medical informatics officerad Medical Corporation or Pri- technology are resilient in de- care for its patients. at Sidra Medicine, said: “Our mary Health Care Corporation livering our quality care without The HIMSS O-EMRAM achievement of the Stage-7 O- have their health information interruption to our services.” model methodology and algo- EMRAM model puts the spot- securely accessible by its clinical The HIMSS O-EMRAM Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Lolwah bint rithms score outpatient clin- light on the optimisation of care teams. This will allow for faster stage-7 certification places the Rashid Al Khater met on Monday with Ambassador of Iran to Qatar HE Hamid Reza Dehghani. During ics around the world based on for our patients, so that their access to a patient’s health sta- outpatient clinic at Sidra Medi- the meeting, bilateral cooperation between the two countries was reviewed. (QNA) their electronic medical record health information is available tus and safer access to care. cine as the first in Qatar and the (EMR) capabilities and the as and when needed by both the Dr S Bhasker, executive third in Middle East region. QA & RwandAir join forces to Qatar Duty Free launches Viale give customers more choices, benefits over their networks di Lusso fashion avenue at HIA Tribune News Network to transform the retail and din- The partnership will leverage QA’s global network, increase access DOHA ing offer at HIA to ensure that we continue to raise the bar in to African destinations and integrate loyalty programme benefits Qatar Duty Free (QDF) on travel retail globally, providing Monday celebrated the launch our passengers with a differen- Tribune News Network of Viale di Lusso, a new premi- tiated, memorable and unique DOHA um fashion avenue at the heart experience. It is an exciting of the Hamad International period for us as we continue to Qatar Airways (QA) pas- Airport (HIA), introducing the grow and expand looking for- sengers will be able to explore world to a unique luxury travel ward to further enhancing our even more of Africa follow- experience featuring an en- retail and dining portfolio in ing its new partnership with hanced retail and dining port- the next few months.” Rwanda’s flag carrier,R wan- folio and a number of global Globetrotting millen- dAir, via their hubs in Doha and regional firsts. nial fashionistas, from iconic and Kigali. The Viale di Lusso official fashion destinations around The extensive interline opening ceremony was offici- the world, joined in revealing agreement will give custom- ated by Qatar Airways Group QDF’s new avenue of luxury. ers access to the networks Customers can pick and choose from over 160 destinations Chief Executive Akbar Al Bak- Dressed in bespoke creations, of both airlines, providing a in the combined networks of both airlines, which are per- er, Hamad International Air- showcasing unique sartorial seamless travel experience and fectly connected via their home hubs of Doha and Kigali port Chief Operating Officer inspirations from Africa, South enhanced customer service in- Engineer Badr Al Meer and Caffe’, world’s first at an air- efforts to offer an unrivalled re- America, the Middle East and cluding in the frequent flyers Qatar Duty Free Vice-President port, add glitz to the Viale di tail and dining experience for Europe, they accompanied programmes. destinations.” on every continent, from Paris Operations Thabet Musleh. Lusso, enticing passengers to our passengers.” guests in attendance of the cer- Customers can pick and Yvonne Makolo, Rwan- to Washington, Delhi to Hong Ambassador of Greece to indulge in culinary delights in Engineer Meer said, “Ham- emony on an exclusive tour of choose from over 160 desti- dAir CEO, said: “We’re really Kong and many more. Qatar HE Eleni Michalopou- a luxurious and relaxed set- ad International Airport is the high-end boutiques of Viale nations in the combined net- excited to be opening up more With more frequencies be- lou, Deputy Ambassador of ting. A Starbucks Reserve cof- proud to launch Viale Di Lusso, Di Lusso, which concluded with works of both airlines, which of the world to our custom- ing added to key hubs, QAatar Italy Filippo Perzolla and Ital- feehouse will provide coffee a unique luxury avenue at the a food tasting at the Emporio are perfectly connected via ers through the new interline offers unrivalled connectiv- ian Embassy First Secretary connoisseurs with unexpected heart of the award-winning air- Armani Ristorante and Caffè. their home hubs of Doha and agreement with Qatar Airways. ity to passengers, making it Carlotta Colli were welcomed creations and discoveries of port terminal, offering a suite of In the last few months, Kigali. “Delivering excellent cus- easy for them to change their as guests of honour. rare, single-origin selections of global brands joining its exist- QDF has undergone a complete This latest cooperation tomer experience is key for us travel dates or destination if Viale Di Lusso houses the unique roasts. ing retail portfolio. As a diverse transformation, unveiling a comes hot on the heels of the and we know that any travel- required. first airport boutique in the Baker said, “At Qatar Air- lifestyle destination of its own, significant investment in trans- airlines’ recent loyalty part- ler flying with QatarA irways QA serves Kigali from Middle East for the renowned ways Group, we know that the HIA continues to curate memo- forming HIA into a premier nerships announcement, giv- or RwandAir, as part of the Doha five times per week via fashion designer Valentino, as excitement and anticipation rable luxury and exclusive retail global destination for interna- ing RwandAir Dream Miles agreement, will continue to re- Entebbe, utilising its sustain- well as prestigious designer la- of international air travel be- experiences for travellers, de- tional air travellers. In Octo- and QA Privilege Club loyalty ceive the same unrivalled level able and fuel-efficient Boeing bels such as Dolce & Gabbana, gins the second travellers step signed around their discerning ber 2020, HIA and QDF were members, access to each oth- of service they’re used to from 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The Fendi, Jimmy Choo and Pucci, through the doors of the airport tastes, convenience and wellbe- voted as ‘Best Airport Voted for er’s destinations with the op- both airlines.” airline’s customers can transit elevating QDF’s existing im- and into an exciting, memora- ing.” by Millennials’ and ‘Best Air- portunity to ‘earn and burn’ RwandAir operates ser- via Kigali to a diverse range of pressive collection of brands. ble and fulfilling journey.T his Musleh said, “Viale Di Lus- port Retail Environment’, re- points across their reciprocal vices throughout Africa and to African destinations including The Emporio Armani Ris- collaboration between QDF so represents another step in spectively, by the Travel Retail route networks. long-haul destinations includ- Bujumbura, Brazzaville and torante and Emporio Armani and HIA proves our continuous the delivery of QDF’s mission Awards 2020. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Air- ing London Heathrow from Libreville. ways Group Chief Executive, its Kigali-based hub. It was QA was recently named said: “This partnership ce- also the firstA frican airline to Airline of the Year 2021 by ments our commitment to giv- be awarded the top Diamond AirlineRatings, also clinch- ing travellers the widest choice status rating for COVID-pre- ing Best Middle East Airline, of destinations, while provid- vention measures - the high- Best Catering, and Best Busi- ing a seamless, high quality est attainable level from APEX ness Class awards and became travel experience, which is the Health Safety, powered by the first global airline in the goal of both Qatar Airways and SimpliFlying. world to achieve the prestig- RwandAir. The airline’s customers will ious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline “Africa is a hugely impor- also be able to connect through Safety Rating by international tant market for us and this Hamad International Airport air transport rating organisa- latest partnership will help (HIA) in Doha, the first airport tion, Skytrax. For full details support the recovery of inter- in the Middle East and Asia to of all the safety measures that national air travel and offer be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star have been implemented on- unrivalled connectivity to and COVID-19 Airport Safety Rat- board and in HIA, please visit from a number of new African ing, to access QA’s destinations qatarairways.com/safety. QRCS delivers educational assistance to schools in Afghanistan

Tribune News Network This phase is estimated to the new seats inside the tents, Doha benefit 955 students and 116 carrying their bags and station- teachers in Firuzkoh. It was ex- ery, full of enthusiasm to pursue Qatar Red Crescent Society ecuted in partnership with the their education. (QRCS) has kicked off the deliv- Afghan Welfare Society, the Abdul-Zahir Faidzadah, ery of educational aid to schools Ministry of Education’s offices Governor of Ghor, thanked Qa- in Ghor Province of Afghanistan in Ghor and Kapisa, the provin- tar, QRCS and the Afghan Wel- as part of the Phase-3 of the cial governments and local com- fare Society. He said QRCS was project to support education in munity leaders. one of the most active interna- remote areas of Afghanistan at a A public ceremony was tional humanitarian providers total cost of $343,521. held to launch the educational in Ghor. He commended the The project involves pro- aid distributions and lay the project’s mechanism of delivery viding 480 double seats and foundation stone of the teacher of aid to the eligible beneficiar- desks, 49 classroom tents, 955 training centre. Earlier, all logis- ies in person, even though the school bags with stationery and tics were arranged to transport Many challenges are yet to Therefore, the project is an tend school in quiet and favour- sectors for the population of the schools were remote and inac- 520 kits of teaching aids for five the materials from Kabul, the be resolved. Only 50 percent essential support to the gov- able conditions, instead of hav- province and elsewhere in the cessible. schools. Besides, a teacher train- country’s capital, to the capital of school-aged children attend ernment efforts to meet the ing to sit in the sun heat or rain. country. Meer Ahmed Husaini, Edu- ing centre was constructed and of Ghor, in coordination with schools, and around three mil- educational needs and create a She wished to find pure drink- Mohamed Ayoub Mayar cation Director in Ghor, stated, furnished in Firuzkoh, the capi- the competent provincial au- lion have no access to education, stimulating schooling environ- ing water at the school, and to Mohamed Wazir, a parent and “This is Phase 2 of educational tal of Ghor. thorities. mostly in remote, mountain- ment, particularly in the remote have a school building one day. member of a parent council, aid for the province. In Phase 1, Moreover, a teacher-train- In Afghanistan, the educa- ous, insecure or unstable areas. and underdeveloped areas of Amanullah Mohamed Ra- saw this project as an elevated four schools were covered. This ing team of six trainers was cre- tion system suffers from poor Hundreds of schools are either the country. Generally, educa- him, a senior teacher, said he tangible example of humani- time, another three are reached ated and 110 teachers in Ghor infrastructure and lack of basic destroyed or closed. There are tion is key to development and and all teachers and students felt tarian and development assis- out to. The intervention not only and Kapisa Provinces received educational resources. Despite insufficient numbers of schools, stability. happy with the new educational tance that addresses the needs secures the basic educational capacity-building training to the significant progress made in teachers and textbooks. Most Asia Mohamed Amir, a provisions, such as the tents, of people. According to him, the needs, but also pays attention to improve their teaching perfor- the last few years, it remains one schools work for multiple shifts 6-grader, said she was so happy seats, and desks. He thanked townspeople were very glad of capacity-building for female and mance and enhance the quality of the world’s weakest education and teacher qualification is of and hoped that QRCS’ aid would Qatar and QRCS and called for all such educational supplies. male teachers, especially in the of education. systems. low standard. enable her and other girls to at- more aid in education and other The girls cheered as they sat on earlier grades.”