Yemen declares Aden an “infested” city as coronavirus spreads
Yemen declares Aden an “infested” city as coronavirus spreads/node/1673121
Yemen declares Aden an “infested” city as coronavirus spreads
Members of Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) man a checkpoint while workers disinfect vehicles at the entrance of Mualla, a district of the southern province of Aden, amid the COVID-19 pandemic on May 10, 2020. (File/AFP)
Yemen declares Aden an “infested” city as coronavirus spreads
Testing capabilities are inadequate but the WHO has also urged local authorities to transparently report confirmed cases
The Aden-based national coronavirus committee late on Sunday announced 17 new COVID-19 cases
Updated 11 May 2020
AFP
Yemeni authorities declared Aden, an “infested” city on Monday after the number of coronavirus cases there jumped and clashes erupted elsewhere in the south between separatists and government forces.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is a full-blown transmission of the virus in Yemen, with the disease spreading undetected among a population with some of the lowest levels of immunity to disease compared with other states.
Testing capabilities are inadequate but the WHO has also urged local authorities to transparently report confirmed cases.
The Aden-based national coronavirus committee late on Sunday announced 17 new COVID-19 cases, 10 of them in the southern port city, to raise the total count in areas under the Saudi-backed government's control to 51 with eight deaths.
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which controls Sanaa and most large urban centres, has reported two cases, with one death. The Aden-based government has accused Houthi authorities of covering up an outbreak in Sanaa, an accusation they deny.
The committee said Aden had been declared an “infested city” due to the spread of the coronavirus and other diseases already rife in the country after recent flooding. It said movement from Aden to other regions was barred, except for transport of goods.
“The administrative and political situation in Aden is also hampering efforts to combat the coronavirus and this should be remedied so relevant entities can carry out their duties,” the committee said on its Twitter account.
Saudi Arabia strengthens cybersecurity leadership at Black Hat MENA
Updated 1 min 11 sec ago
NADIN HASSAN
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia reinforced its commitment to cybersecurity by hosting the Black Hat Middle East and Africa conference and exhibition this week. The event, held from Nov. 26-28, highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to advance digital security and technological innovation as part of its broader Vision 2030 goals.
Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones in partnership with Tahaluf, Informa Global, and the Events Investment Fund, Black Hat MENA brought together global experts to discuss critical cybersecurity issues and share insights on protecting digital infrastructures, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
One day before the gathering, Mutab Al-Qunai, CEO of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, told SPA that the event aims to foster innovation and collaboration in digital safety
The conference included a series of technical sessions and workshops centered on the role of cybersecurity in safeguarding emerging technologies. The Kingdom’s efforts to cultivate local talent and align with international cybersecurity standards were key themes. Notably, the event featured a drone challenge zone, aimed at engaging Saudi youth in drone technology and the cybersecurity challenges it presents.
Experts such as Nikhil Shrivastava, an Indian security researcher, and Bianca Lewis, founder of Girls Who Hack, contributed to discussions on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and solutions.
Black Hat MENA also featured five national pavilions, with representatives from the US, Canada, India, Egypt, and Pakistan, alongside 43 exhibitors. The event hosted over 300 speakers, 450 exhibitors, and 350 workshops covering a wide array of cybersecurity topics.
The Activity Zone, sponsored by Haboob, presented cybersecurity challenges with prizes totaling more than SR2 million ($532,000). These included tests on smart home security, medical device hacking, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. The Capture the Flag tournament also took place, awarding SR790,000 in prizes, including SR90,000 for Saudi teams.
Faisal Al-Khamisi, chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, emphasized that hosting Black Hat MENA aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to lead in cybersecurity. He said the event demonstrated the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and developing the cybersecurity skills necessary to protect the digital future.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure and cultivate talent position the Kingdom as a growing hub for technological innovation in the region.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed sorrow over the devastating floods in Malaysia, which have displaced over 37,000 people, and highlighted the urgent need for global action to address climate change.
In a message to the Malaysian authorities and people, Sharif expressed solidarity, pledging support for the flood-hit nation.
His statement comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with its own vulnerability to climate change, which has triggered erratic weather patterns, including catastrophic floods, glacial melts, heatwaves and droughts.
Two years ago, floods in Pakistan killed about 1,700 people, caused estimated losses of $35 billion and underscored the country’s exposure to environmental shocks.
“The adverse effects of climate change are engulfing the entire world,” the prime minister said. “The global community must unite to take collective action to mitigate these impacts.”
At the recent COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, Pakistan reiterated its call for increased climate finance and justice-based solutions to support vulnerable nations.
It emphasized that developed countries must provide grants and concessional financing rather than burdening climate-affected nations with debt.
Pakistani authorities could relate with the situation in Malaysia where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament that torrential rains have affected six Malaysian states, with 322 temporary shelters housing those displaced.
Sharif extended condolences to the victims and assured assistance to Malaysia, noting the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
“Pakistan will do whatever it can to help our brothers and sisters in distress in Malaysia,” he said. “In this difficult hour, Pakistan will not leave Malaysia alone.”
Israel wants India’s Adani Group to continue investments after US bribery allegations
Adani Group holds a 70 percent stake in Haifa port in northern Israel and is involved in multiple other projects with firms in the country
US last week accused Adani Group of being part of scheme to pay bribes of $265 million to secure contracts, misleading US investors
Updated 11 min 26 sec ago
Reuters
HYDERABAD, India: Israel wants India’s Adani Group to continue to invest in the country, Israel’s envoy to India said on Thursday, affirming the nation’s support for the ports-to-media conglomerate whose billionaire founder is facing bribery allegations in the United States.
“We wish Adani and all Indian companies continue to invest in Israel,” Ambassador Reuven Azar said in an interview with Reuters, adding that allegations by US authorities were “not something that’s problematic” from Israel’s point of view.
The Adani Group holds a 70% stake in Haifa port in northern Israel and is involved in multiple other projects with firms in the country, including to produce military drones and plans for the manufacture of commercial semiconductors.
US authorities last week accused Gautam Adani, his nephew, and Adani Green’s managing director of being part of a scheme to pay bribes of $265 million to secure Indian power supply contracts and misleading US investors during fund raising efforts there.
Adani Group has denied all the accusations, calling them “baseless.”
Still, shares and bonds of Adani companies were hammered last week and some partners began to review joint projects.
“I am sure Adani Group will resolve its problems,” Azar said on the sidelines of an event in the southern city of Hyderabad.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates Riyadh Metro project
Riyadh Metro network includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations
Metro will be open to public from Dec. 1, operate daily from 6am to midnight
Updated 17 min 58 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurated the Riyadh Metro project on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The project is considered the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh, SPA said.
King Salman watched an introductory film about the project, which is distinguished by its exceptional design and technical specifications.
The Riyadh Metro consists of a network that includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations, including four main stations.
“The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by King Salman and the outcome of his visionary leadership while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.
The Public Transport Project in Riyadh City was launched based on various studies prepared by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.
The studies considered the current and future needs of the public transport sector in the capital and identified the best solutions and options for establishing a sustainable public transport system that is compatible with the city and its characteristics.
The metro will begin to be available for public use from Dec. 1 and will operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
The lines will open over the next two months in stages — with the blue, yellow and purple lines opening on Dec. 1, the red and green lines opening on Dec. 15, and the orange line opening on Jan. 5, 2025.
Following the announcement, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb posted on X: “Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may Allah protect him, the #RiyadhMetro project was inaugurated — reflecting the leadership’s commitment during this prosperous era to enhancing Riyadh’s infrastructure and raising the quality of life in the city.
“This aligns with the goals of #SaudiVision2030, further establishing the city’s position as a tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world.”
Abeer Al-Shehri, a Riyadh-based lawyer, told Arab News that the new metro would cut the time she spent in traffic and the number of postponed appointments.
“As a lawyer, my profession involves fieldwork at courts, the Public Prosecution and police stations. Sometimes I have to attend sessions at the office while also having two important appointments to attend,” she said.
“With the traffic, there’s not enough time for both, so I’m forced to postpone one. Additionally, client meetings at the company’s office often take place around noon, and it’s well known that at that time, it’s impossible to reach the location within an hour without being late.
“This forces me to leave at least an hour earlier. The metro will significantly improve the time wasted in traffic, and as a lawyer, it will allow me to commute back and forth to the office in record time.”
Riyadh resident Faisal Suliman Al-Anzy told Arab News that he was “happy and excited” about Wednesday’s announcement.
He plans to use the metro “for visiting friends, (especially at) the weekend when there are traffic jams everywhere.”
KARACHI: Pakistani elephant Madhubala, recently reunited with her two sisters at the Safari Park in Karachi after 15 years, is socializing and enjoying her new species-appropriate sanctuary, international animal rights organization FOUR PAWS said this week.
Madhubala, Noor Jehan, Malika and Sonia were caught in the wild at a young age and brought to Pakistan together in 2009 but were soon separated, with Noor Jehan and Madhubala moved to the Karachi Zoo and Malika and Sonia to the city’s Safari Park. Noor Jehan died in April 2023 at age 17 following a prolonged illness caused by neglect, leaving Madhubala alone.
On Tuesday, Madhubala, estimated to be 18 years old, was transported from the Karachi Zoo to Safari Park where she reunited with her sisters Malika and Sonia.
“She feels comfortable and I can see that she’s very stable and calm now,” FOUR PAWS vet Dr. Marina Ivanova, who is overseeing the elephant’s care, told Arab News on Wednesday. “Although it’s a new place for her, she, as an elephant, she has this stability, the mental preparedness for change.”
Pakistani elephant Madhubala (right) meets her sister at the Safari Park in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 27, 2024. (Photo by Four Paws/ Hristo Vladev)
Footage shared by FOUR PAWS showed Madhubala entering the joint family enclosure at the Safari Park on Wednesday and watching her sisters drinking water at a nearby pond. Madhubala is then seen taking a tire, the only souvenir she brought from the Karachi Zoo, and placing it in front of her sisters like a gift. Her sisters seem to return the gesture by inviting Madhubala for a welcome drink at their shared pond.
Elephants are highly social animals who form close bonds with other elephants, and when they meet after being separated engage in elaborate greeting ceremonies. New research has found that elephants also call each other by name, using vocalizations that identify a specific elephant as the intended recipient.
“As soon as released from the transport crate, we realized that Madhubala was feeling very comfortable and could already sense the closeness of her two sisters,” Dr. Amir Khalil, a director at FOUR PAWS, said. “None of us expected her to be so eager to stretch out her trunk toward her two sisters.”
Pakistani elephant Madhubala plays in the mud at the Safari Park in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 27, 2024. (Photo by Four Paws/ Hristo Vladev)
Khalil said the sight of the three elephants playing in the pond together after 15 years of separation had moved bystanders to tears. While it remains to be seen how the social hierarchy between the elephants will develop, he said Madhubala could assume the position of the matriarch.
“In the upcoming days, we will thoroughly examine Madhubala and help her get settled into her new home,” Dr. Khalil said.
“The old tire Madhubala used to play with a lot has now started to turn into a relic of the past and is slowly being replaced by the bonding with her fellow family members.”
Pakistani elephant Madhubala (left) is pictured with her sister at the Safari Park in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 27, 2024. (Photo by Four Paws/ Hristo Vladev)
FOUR PAWS said the three elephants’ health was being observed by head veterinarian Dr. Frank Göritz from the Leibnitz Institute of Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) who has been involved in the treatment of the elephants since 2021.
In November 2021, after the provincial Sindh High Court had asked FOUR PAWS to assess the wellbeing of the elephants, all four were found to be in need of better diet and medical treatment. Noor Jehan and Madhubala also needed dental surgery due to infections caused by broken tusks. Following the death of Noor Jehan, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation together with FOUR PAWS decided it was not appropriate for Madhubala to stay in captivity at the zoo.
The relocation process for Madhubala, named after a legendary Indian actress, started early on Tuesday morning with the elephant being sedated under the supervision of Dr. Goritz. She was then moved into a crate which was lifted by crane and put on a truck.
Pakistani elephant Madhubala (center) is pictured with her sisters at the Safari Park in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 27, 2024. (Photo by Four Paws/ Hristo Vladev)
The truck, accompanied by police and an expert team from FOUR PAWS, navigated through Karachi’s bustling streets via Lyari Expressway to arrive at the Safari sanctuary some 20 kilometers away from the zoo.
Ahead of the move, the Karachi Safari Park had upgraded its facilities to meet international standards under the supervision of FOUR PAWS. The 5.2-acre elephant sanctuary area in the park now has water elements for bathing, skincare and thermoregulation. Additionally, enrichments such as hay nets, varying substrates like soil, sand, clay, and sawdust, have been provided for Madhubala to dust bathe. There is also a section to hide novel items to encourage foraging. The area is secured by elephant-proof fencing.
Pakistani elephant Madhubala (right) is pictured at the Safari Park in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 27, 2024. (Photo by Four Paws/ Hristo Vladev)
“If elephants must remain in captivity, they deserve the best conditions possible,” FOUR PAWS CEO and President Josef Pfabigan told Arab New, adding that the new space would “bring joy” to Madhubala.
Unlike Islamabad’s lone elephant, Kaavan, who was relocated to Cambodia in 2020 after widespread international and local outcry about his conditions, Madhubala has companions at Safari Park, he said.
“This is a different story,” Pfabigan said. “She has her sisters here.”
