The UAE cabinet has amended the Executive Regulation of Federal Law on Tax Procedures.

The amendment extends the tax notification from 10 to 40 working days. The amendment also covers the time limit for issuing the decision of the Federal Tax Authority to reduce or exempt administrative penalties from 20 to 40 working days from the date of receiving the application.

This came as the Cabinet met on Wednesday. Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, it approved several strategies.

The cabinet approved the issuance of a decision regarding the requirements of the Natural Person Insolvency Law. The law aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE by ensuring the ease of doing business and creating favourable conditions for individuals facing financial difficulties.

The first half of April has recorded the lowest number of Covid-19 cases this year and the most number of days with under 2,000 infected people.

The first 14 days of April till Wednesday have seen 28,051 new cases, which is much lower than registered in the same period of January (35,147), February (45,163) and March (34,873).

Also, there are seven days this month with under 2,000 cases – the most so far this year – April 6 (1,988), April 7 (1,883), April 9 (1,875) April 10 (1,931), April 11 (1,810), April 12 (1,928) and April 14 (1,798). The year started with five days of below-2,000 cases, but this was bettered in the fourth month.

Medical experts noted the sudden dip in the new cases is a result of the momentum in the nationwide vaccination campaign and the ongoing screening drive across the country.

"The number of cases in the UAE is steadily falling down because of an effective vaccination programme since December 2020 by the UAE government. The efficient and time-bound policies for PCR testing put forth by the regulatory bodies has helped in the early detection and isolation of positive cases, thus preventing any further spread of the virus. The regular and consistent communication from the health authorities on public safety and awareness is yet another reason that has resulted in decline of cases," said Dr Dilip Kumar, specialist internal medicine, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain.

For the record, overall data of January (95,787), February (87,915) and March (69,920) suggests that the post-Christmas and New Year Eve parties led to a ballooning of cases from 35,000 in mid-January to nearly triple by the end of the month.

With rising cases in the past months, the local and health authorities have deployed an array of stringent measures to get things under control. And now doctors are urging residents not to undo gains made so far over the next few weeks of Ramadan.

"With the advent of Ramadan, the cases might spike if the general public does not adhere to any safety or precautionary measures. It becomes the duty of every citizen and resident to be highly responsible. People must avoid large public gatherings, avoid conducting large Iftar gatherings, sharing of food with friends, family and relatives also must be avoided. Safety guidelines while visiting a mosque for prayers must be followed. Being responsible during Ramadan reflects our obligation towards the safety of the community, most importantly the aged and people with co-morbid conditions," added Dr Kumar.

Doctors have also called on non-Muslims to make healthy use of the daily additional free time on account of revised office hours during Ramadan.

Dr Amaka Kate Uzu, consultant, family medicine, at Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed Bin Zayed City noted: "Non-Muslims who are not fasting should be respectful of the month and be mindful of precautions they should adhere to. Many non-Muslims will be working reduced hours and we encourage them to use the time productively to engage in activities that will boost their health and well-being, while taking precautions. Yoga, cycling, swimming, running are recommended exercises. Avoid large gatherings, maintain social distance, wear masks and practice hand hygiene measures always. By doing this we will all have a safe and healthy holy month, progressing towards the end of the pandemic."

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

The UAE is ready to welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Wednesday, after reviewing preparations for the mega event.

... ... .. .. .. .. pic.twitter.com/oS1EplfKnm

- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 14, 2021

The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region will welcome visitors from around the world from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Taking to Twitter, Sheikh Mohammed said: "We reviewed the preparations of the biggest event. 10 years of building, 230,000 workers, 190 participating countries, and only 170 days for its beginning. We are ready to welcome the world for Expo Dubai 2020."

The UAE Vice-President made the remarks as he chaired a Cabinet meeting at Al Watan Palace.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also approved a new policy to increase the export of the UAE by 50 per cent, as well as a new strategy to attract talents and cadres that will support UAE's journey of development, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added. New amendments on tax procedures were also approved.

hesham@khaleejtimes.com

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended exemptions of tourism and municipality fees for hotel establishments operating within the emirate until June 30, 2021.

The exemption follows directives from Abu Dhabi Executive Council that are part of the economic stimulus package and are part of ongoing efforts to support the sector in overcoming challenges from Covid-19.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, DCT Abu Dhabi introduced a series of initiatives and stimulus packages beginning in March 2020 to support hotel and tourism establishments in the capital.

"This initiative is in line with our vision of sustaining and supporting the tourism sector, especially in the exceptional and urgent circumstances that currently face the sector," said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of the Tourism and Marketing Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi. "This decision supports partners and stakeholders in revitalising the tourism sector and ensuring that it recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing hotel and tourism facilities with the opportunity to develop and improve their experiences and products."

"Close collaborations between the public and private sectors are vital, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand to pave the way towards a brighter future," he added.

9.44 p.m: Shahbaz Ahmed snaps up three wickets

This match has turned and how! It seemed Sunrisers Hyderabad more or less had it in the bag at the strategic time out, being on 115 for two, with 35 needed from 24 balls. But Shahbaz Ahmed has pulled a rabbit out of the bag, quite literally. Sunrisers Hyderabad were within striking distance but Ahmed, who bowls left-arm spin, snaps up three wickets in an over, those of Jonny Bairstow, Manish Pandey and Abdul Samad to leave them floundering. And although Rashid Khan comes up with a cameo at the end, RCB nick this entertaining game by six runs at the Chepauk in Chennai. RCB had managed to put up a total that had seemed below par but they believed in themselves and the Sunrisers Hyderabad wilted under the pressure.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore are up against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 18, the first of the double-headers in Chennai, while Sunrisers Hyderabad meet the Mumbai Indians on April 17.

9.12 p.m: Jamieson prises out Warner after half-century

The Royal Challengers Bangalore finally get a look-in as New Zealand medium pacer Kyle Jamieson prises out opener David Warner. But not before the Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper has worked his way to a half-century (54), his 49th IPL fifty. The Australian is third on the all-time leading run scorers with 5311 runs from 144 matches. Warner and Manish Pandey saw off the challenge from RCB with an 83-run alliance from 69 balls for the second wicket. The Sunrisers Hyderabad are 108 for two in 15 overs, with a run-rate of 7.20, needing 42 from 30 deliveries. Pandey is on a run-a-ball 37 with two boundaries and two sixes, while Jonny Bairstow has made six from seven balls with one boundary.

8.49 p.m: Sunrisers Hyderabad on course

The Sunrisers are on course now after that early loss and are 77-1 at the halfway mark of 10 overs, with a run rate of 7.70. They now require 73 from 60 deliveries. Skipper David Warner has scored 38 from 24 deliveries with five boundaries and a six, while Manish Pandey too has been solid in his 30 from 27 balls with two fours and two sixes. The Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 39 runs from the fifth to the 10th over and 27 from the powerplay till the 10th. They should get this through with the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad and Jason Holder, still to follow. RCB, meanwhile, need a breakthrough soon enough.

8.25 p.m: Sunrisers Hyderabad recover from early blip

The Sunrisers Hyderabad lose an early wicket in their chase of 150 with opener Wriddhiman Saha caught by Glenn Maxwell off Mohammed Sirah for one. But captain David Warner and Manish Pandey help them recover from that early blip to take Sunrisers Hyderabad to 38 for one in five overs. They need 112 runs from 90 deliveries and Sunrisers Hyderabad get 50 in the powerplay. Warner is on 28, while Pandey has made 14.

7.46 p.m: Maxwell scores half-century

The Royal Challengers Bangalore batting line-up have very little answers to the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling attack and splutter to 149-8, after being put into bat. That total is down to Glenn Maxwell, who scores 59 from 41 deliveries with five boundaries and three sixes. The Australian batting all-rounder had made 39 against defending champions Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener. Captain Virat Kohli had made 33 from 29 balls with four boundaries but they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and couldn't find the impetus. Jason Holder picks up three wickets for 30.

Another tidy spell by Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan, who finishes up with 4-0-18-2. The 22-year-old had taken 2-24 against the Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening game, also in Chennai. An interesting statistic about Rashid Khan is that he has bowled 37 balls to AB de Villiers, conceded 38 runs and got him out on three occasions, in the IPL.

The other three bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem and T Natarajan took a wicket each.

7.10 p.m: Kohli and AB de Villiers depart

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost skipper Virat Kohli after a neat cameo up the order. Kohli was looking in good form but West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder, who replaced Afghanistan off-spinner Mohammad Nabi, brings Kohli's knock to an end, as the opener holes out to Vijay Shankar. His 33 has come off 29 deliveries with four boundaries. Kohli and Glenn Maxwell managed to stitch together 44 runs for the third wicket. And it is twin big blows as AB de Villiers falls cheaply for one, to leg spinner Rashid Khan and RCB are 103 for 4 in 15 overs. RCB mustered just 16 runs from the powerplay until the 10th and scored 40 for the loss of two wickets from the 10th until the 15th. Maxwell is still there on a fighting 31.

6.47 p.m: Sunrisers make the inroads

Sunrisers Hyderabad have made the inroads with two wickets, those of opener Devdutt Padikkal and Shahbaz Ahmed, who falls to Shahbaz Nadeem after scoring 14 from 10 with a lone six. It is not up to skipper Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, whom the RCB are hoping to be their X factor in this season, to get RCB up and going towards the second half of their innings. They still have the superman AB de Villiers to follow, along with Washington Sundar and Dan Christian. RCB are 63 for two in 10 overs with Kohli on 24 and Maxwell on nine.

6.29 p.m: RCB recover after Padikkal's wicket

The Royal Challengers Bangalore lose opener Devdutt Padikkal, who returned to the line-up, after making 11 from 13 balls with two boundaries. But the other opener and skipper Virat Kohli and Shahbaz Ahmed have taken RCB to 36 for one in five overs and then 47 for one after the powerplay

Sunrisers Hyderabad hold a slight edge in the 18 matches that they have played, winning 10, while RCB have won seven.

In last year's IPL staged in the UAE, honours were even with RCB winning the first game by 10 runs, while the Sunrisers Hyderabad won the return leg by five wickets. Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged triumphant in the Eliminator by six wickets.

We are into match six of the IPL and this has a south Indian touch to it with the Royal Challengers Bangalore squaring off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai.

Royal CHallengers Bangalore will be looking to keep the momentum going after winning the tournament opener against the Mumbai Indians, while the Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to bounce back after their opening defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Warner has won the toss and has opted to bowl. They have two changes with Jason Holder coming in for Mohammad Nabi, while Shahbaz Nadeem replaces Sandeep Sharma.

RCB have only one change with opener Devdutt Padikkal slotting back in, replacing Rajat Patidar.

Playing XI:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Dan Christian, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), David Warner (C), Manish Pandey, Jonny Bairstow, Vijay Shankar, Jason Holder, Abdul Samad, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Shahbaz Nadeem.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 1,798 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,492 recoveries and 4 deaths.

DON'T MISS:

>> Covid UAE: Ajman shoppers to get free home delivery during Ramadan

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 137.2 million, while deaths have surged to more than 2.95 million, according to the latest update from Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities on Wednesday announced that its Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class X exams have been cancelled due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, local media reports say. Class XII exams have been postponed.

The board exams were to begin on May 4, 2021.

Closer to home, Sharjah on Tuesday announced updated Covid testing procedures for passengers arriving at the Sharjah International Airport.

The new regulation will come into force by next week.

With the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, UAE residents suffering from diabetes begin to think and plan their diets to maintain a stable blood sugar level.

Doctors advise the diabetics to have healthy meals, eat high-fiber foods, consume more fruits, vegetables and salads and reduce intake of sweetened drinks and sugary sweets.

The patients are also encouraged to take plenty of fluids, especially water.

Importantly, doctors strongly advise that when blood sugar level crosses certain levels, people must break their fast, even if it is one minute left to break the fast.

"If the blood sugar level is lower than 70 mg/dL or higher than 300 mg/dL, break the fasting even if it is 1 minute before the sunset call to prayer (Aza)," says Dr. Magdy Allam, specialist endocrinology at Zulekha Hospital, Dubai.

-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

As Covid-19 cases rise at an alarming and unprecedented rate in India, expatriates in the UAE are adopting a wait-and-watch policy ahead of their travels back home.

A few Indian expatriates have cancelled their travel plans altogether due to a growing fear of contracting the new strain of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.

Others have told Khaleej Times that they fear getting stranded as some states and cities in the country have imposed lockdowns and night curfews.

No change in Indian government's regulations yet

However, the Indian government has made no formal change in international travel regulations yet, said travel agents. "The last set of regulations were published on January 8. We've not been intimated of any changes to the current set of regulations," said Afi Ahmed, Managing Director (MD), Smart Travels.

His agency, however, has reported a few passenger cancellations from Dubai to Maharashtra. The state government announced a 15-day state-wide curfew starting Wednesday, April 14.

Ahmed said, "There've been a few outward travel cancellations after Maharashtra announced cancellations. However, the general demand for travel to India from the UAE is pretty low. Fare prices are relatively low; a one-way ticket only costs Dh300." The number of inbound passengers (India to the UAE) continues to remain high, said Ahmed.

The travellers' profiles on the UAE–India route include those on visit visas, business and medical travellers, and few families travelling for emergency purposes.

On Sunday, India reported 150,000 new Covid-19 cases, the highest since the pandemic. Media reports suggest that Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Chattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh account for 70.8 per cent of India's active cases.

'Vaccinated individuals with genuine emergencies ok to travel'

TP Sudheesh, manager of Deira Travel and Tourism, said, "Trains and flights are operating as usual in India. Curfews have been announced in some cities; however, international air travel hasn't been impacted yet."

He said, "There is some travel demand; it is not non-existent. Individuals wishing to travel from the UAE to India have already taken the vaccine. Unlike earlier, the fear factor is not as potent as last year." Sudheesh said the inbound traffic to the UAE is very high. "People consider the UAE as a safer destination with more opportunities.

Raheesh Babu, the general manager of Musafir.com, an internet-based travel agency, said, "The current regulations are pretty stringent as it is. PCR tests have been made mandatory for every incoming passenger, including children."

Expats prefer to 'wait and watch'

Shaneer N Sidiqqui, a Dubai resident, said, "Honestly, it is a wait and watch the situation. All the plans depend on the situation in India. As per the current situation, I won't travel."

Premi Mathew, the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Hair of Hope, said she'd hoped to travel to Kochi to meet with her aged parents. "I planned to visit my parents, but now everything appears uncertain. I waited till they were fully inoculated before I could make the trip. So far, they've only received the first dose of the vaccine." She added, "I did not purchase the tickets, but in all probability, I won't travel. Also, the travel procedures are quite complicated, unlike before where you could book a ticket and hop on a plane." Also, with the current lockdowns in various cities, movement is a challenge for most travellers.

Ann Abraham, a retired schoolteacher and a Sharjah resident, said, "I travelled to Hyderabad recently, and I feel only if there's a genuine need to travel should people take that step. The condition here is terrible. While we're in the UAE, we abide by all rules and regulations. The same person as they land in India, they forget everything about safety."

Zankar Uchat, a tea specialist, said, "I travelled during the December 2020 vacations and was all set to go back in March. However, given the ongoing situation, I cancelled my plans altogether."

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

As the UAE joins the league of nations looking to visit the moon, its lunar rover named Rashid - in honour of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Ruler of Dubai - is scheduled to be launched by the fourth quarter of 2022.

This was revealed during a webinar held by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in association with their project partners, ispace.

Initially, the scheduled year for the launch was set in 2024. But MBRSC engineers reveal the launch date of the Rashid rover has now been preponed.

Dr Hamad Al Marzooqi, Project Manager, Emirates Lunar Mission, MBRSC said, "We had thought of sending the Rashid Rover to the moon's surface before the end of 2024. Initially, that was the deadline. But after extensive discussions with ispace, we decided to have the Rover ready instead for a 2022 mission."

At the current stage, the mission is working on prototypes that will resemble a flight model. "This prototype will be tested during summer to go through different qualification testing and a simulated launch," he said.

Adnan AlRais, Mars 2117 Programme Director, MBRSC said, "We were aiming for 2024 but, in spite of the Covid-19 situation, the development of the mission will not be delayed. In fact, now, instead of spending four years, we will be spending three years in the development of the mission and, hopefully, launch in 2022."

Covid-19 has not affected the mission, he emphasised. "We have experienced teams from both (MBRSC and ispace) that will work out solutions."

The rover that will be launched onboard a Space X Falcon 9 rocket from Florida in the US is an unusually small rover with just four wheels and a weight of 10kg.

Keeping the weight of the equipment under 10kg is a challenge in itself, explained Dr Hamad Al Marzooqi.

"Building small rovers is extremely challenging because having many instruments housed inside such a small rover is difficult," he said. "Aside from the science instruments, a lot of technologies and electronics are integrated inside this small rover and this is why working to house all these technologies is extremely daunting. Our engineers are fighting for each gram inside the rover and also a rover that has to drive for a couple of hundreds of meters on the lunar surface. Then, we have to accommodate a large part of that mass on the mobility system."

The Rashid rover is expected to operate for only one lunar day - equivalent to 14 days on Earth - avoiding the cold of the lunar night.

"We have a 'landing site working group' and we are working with ispace on that. The landing site has been pinpointed to a specific location and the announcement of that will come soon. This is a new landing site that has not been explored by previous lunar missions", adds Al Marzooqi.

India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class X exams have been cancelled due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, local media reports say. Class XII exams have been postponed.

The board exams were to begin on May 4, 2021.

The decision was announced after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met CBSE officials and the Education Minister, amid growing calls to cancel the exams due to Covid safety concerns.

Students of Class 10 will be promoted on the basis of internal assessments, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank told ANI.

Taking to Twitter, the minister said, "Any candidate who is not satisfied with the marks allocated to him/her on this basis will be given an opportunity to sit in an exam as and when the conditions are conducive to hold the exams."

2. The Board Exams for Class Xth to be held from 4th May to June 14th, 2021 are hereby cancelled. The results of Class Xth Board will be prepared on the basis of an objective criterion to be developed by the Board.

- Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) April 14, 2021

The Class 12 exams will be held later. The situation will be "reviewed" on June 1 and "details will be shared subsequently".

A notice of at least 15 days will be given before the start of the examinations, said the minister.

The UAE's Ministry of Education has approved an alternative assessment system for all private schools that follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for the academic year 2020-2021.

The non-exam assessment accredited by the International Baccalaureate was used in November 2020 as a Covid safety measure.

The alternative system uses teacher-predicted grades and internal assessments.

The Ministry of Education had earlier said the assessment methods would be applicable for schools that follow the British and IB curriculums.

The ministry said the step "reflects the confidence in private international schools to prepare or adopt solid evaluation methodologies".

Kuwait's ministerial court ordered the pre-trial detention of former prime minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah in a case over the alleged mishandling of military funds, three Kuwaiti newspapers said on Tuesday.

Al Rai and Al Jarida newspapers said Sheikh Jaber and former defence and interior minister Sheikh Khalid Al Jarrah Al Sabah rejected the charges directed against them.

The court denied a request to release Sheikh Khalid, according to Al Jarida and Al Qabas newspapers.

The newspapers said the court also ordered a ban on publishing information about the case based on a request from the defence team. It set the next hearing for April 27.

A government spokesman was not available for comment on the court order.

A summary of today's developments:

Live map: Global spread of coronavirus

Source: Johns Hopkins University

India's new infections hit record of 184,372

India's new coronavirus infections reached a record of 184,372 in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, as most of the south Asian nation battles a second surge in cases.

#Covid_19: #India's new #coronavirus infections hit record of 184,372 https://t.co/Rav2LAMz18 pic.twitter.com/NtscfKHRmt

- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) April 14, 2021

The nationwide tally of infections is 13.9 million, with the data showing deaths rose by 1,027, for a toll of 172,085.

Global Covid caseload tops 137.2mn

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 137.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.95 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 137,226,735 and 2,956,845, respectively.

The US is the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 31,345,312 and 563,440, respectively, according to the CSSE. India follows in the second place with 13,689,453 cases.

The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are Brazil (13,599,994), France (5,167,265), Russia (4,605,444), the UK (4,390,801), Turkey (3,962,760), Italy (3,793,033), Spain (3,376,548), Germany (3,040,356), Poland (2,599,850), Argentina (2,579,000), Colombia (2,569,314), Mexico (2,281,840) and Iran (2,118,212), the CSSE figures showed.

15-day curfew in Mumbai

India's richest state Maharashtra imposes tougher lockdown measures, involving the closure of non-essential shops, including in regional capital Mumbai.

Maharashtra: Migrant workers in Mumbai were seen returning to their native places.

"Now that curfew has been imposed, what would we do here? What would we eat? We're leaving the city because we don't want to go through the pain we endured during the lockdown," says a labourer. pic.twitter.com/IxraZoNS1j

- ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2021

Patients with sedentary habits more likely to die

Among covid patients, a lack of exercise is linked to more severe symptoms and a higher risk of death, according to a study covering nearly 50,000 people who were infected with the virus.

#Covid patients with sedentary habits more likely to die: Study https://t.co/4xhuagpkef

- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) April 14, 2021

People physically inactive for at least two years before the pandemic were more likely to be hospitalised, to require intensive care, and to die, researchers reported Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

UK trial on switching Covid-19 vaccines

A UK study into using different Covid-19 vaccines in two-dose inoculations is being expanded to include shots made by Moderna and Novavax, researchers said on Wednesday.

The trial, known as the Com-Cov study, was first launched in February to look at whether giving a first dose of one type of Covid-19 shot, and a second dose of another, elicits an immune response that is as good as using two doses of the same vaccine.

France suspends all Brazil flights

France suspends all flights to and from Brazil to curb the spread of a new Covid-19 variant found there.

WHO urges halt to sale of live wild animals

The World Health Organization calls for a halt to the sale of live wild mammals in food markets to prevent the emergence of new diseases.

Ramadan begins for 2nd time in Covid-era

Surging cases in many parts of the world overshadow the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with festivities curtailed by contagion fears.

Pilgrims immunised against Covid-19 circle Islam's holiest site in Saudi Arabia's Mecca city as they perform the year-round umrah pilgrimage on the first day of the fasting month of Ramadan pic.twitter.com/kBzX0y48Oe

- AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 14, 2021

Berlin to impose tougher measures

The German government agrees on controversial changes to a national infections control law, handing Berlin more power to impose tougher measures such as night-time curfews to halt the raging pandemic.

Britain says it has offered vaccine to all over-50s

Britain says it has met its target to offer by April 15 a first vaccine dose to all over-50s, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers.

US Covid cases march higher, hospitalisations up

The United States is the worst-affected country with 562,533 deaths, followed by Brazil with 354,617, Mexico with 209,702, India with 171,058 and Britain with 127,100.

In their Ramadan weather report for 2021 issued on Sunday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said this year it will be hot during Ramadan.

"During most days of Ramadan, the weather is expected to be relatively hot during daytime over internal and coastal areas, milder at night and pleasant at dawn. Over mountainous areas it will be mild to pleasant evening to night," the NCM report stated.

Ramadan 2021: Fasting in UAE to last over 14 hours, says NCM

"According to data for this period, average temperatures range between 33°C and 41°C and the maximum temperatures reach approximately 48° over some internal areas by afternoon, while the mean minimum temperatures range between 21°C to 26°C, and the lowest minimum temperature reaches approximately 7°C recorded in some mountainous or internal areas in the early morning hours," the weather report stated.

NCM said this year's Ramadan is the first transitional period (spring) between summer and winter. The holy month which began on Tuesday will end in the third quarter of May.

The forecasters said fasting hours at the beginning of Ramadan will be approximately 14 and 2 minutes and will gradually increase day by day, reaching approximately 14 hours 44 minutes at the end of the holy month.

Ramadan time table: Iftar, Imsak timings

According to the NCM, during this period, the Siberian high pressure gradually weakens and declines, especially in the second half of it, and the region is affected by the extension of transiting low pressure system, where a low pressure extends from the west or east, when accompanied by a upper air low pressure over some areas with a chance of rain.

The highest rainfall recorded during this period in the past years was 153.6 mm over Rezeen on 17 April 2003. Rainfall this month is expected to be less than the overall average.

"Relative humidity decreases slightly during this period, especially in the last quarter, although fog and mist are likely to form over some areas for a limited time during the morning hours.

Mean maximum relative humidity ranges from 60 percent to 75 percent during the night and early morning. Mean minimum relative humidity ranges from 15 percent to 28 percent during the afternoon and daytime," the NCM said.

"Southeasterly winds are prevailing during night and morning period, becoming fresh northwesterly by afternoon and evening (land breeze and sea breeze) as the winds sometimes become fresh with deep low pressure and convective clouds formation, causing blowing dust and sand at times."

The maximum wind speed recorded during this period in the past was 117 km/h over Jabal Mebrah on May 6, 2010 and the average wind speed is 13 km/h. ismail@khaleejtimes.com

"Oye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint." (Holy Quran, 2-183)

"As it was prescribed" does not mean that the Muslim fast is like the other fasts previously observed; in the number of days, time or manner of the fast or in other incidents. It only means that the principle of self-denial by fasting is not a new one.

This verse should be read with the verses that follow - 2-185 to 188 - so that the physical fast may be fully understood with reference to its spiritual meaning.

The Muslim fast is not meant for self-torture. Although it is stricter than other fasts, it also provides alleviations for special circumstances. If it were merely a temporary abstention from food and drink, it would be salutary to many people who habitually eat and drink in excess.

The instincts for food, drink and sex are strong in the nature of animals, and temporary restraint from all these enables attention to be directed to higher things. This is achieved through prayers, contemplation and acts of charity, not of the showy kind, but by seeking out those really in need.

It was in Hijri year two that fasting during the holy month was made obligatory for Muslims.

"Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you should spend the month fasting, but if any one is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) from days later.

"God intends every facility for you: He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and per chance ye shall be grateful." (Holy Quran, 2:185) We shall look upon Ramadan not as a burden but as a blessing, and shall be duly grateful for the lead given to us in the matter.

Fasting in Islam is primarily a spiritual discipline, the aim of which is attaining nearness to Allah. It awakens in man a new consciousness of a higher life, a life above that which is maintained by eating and drinking - the spiritual life.

- K.M.Z

This is the second time frontline nurse Nazeera Sayed is observing Ramadan amid the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, although she clocked in extra hospital hours while fasting, her spiritual zeal remained palpable as she quickly washed up, donned her apron, and lit the kitchen stove to whip up her family's first Iftar meal this holy month.

"I am making mirchi bhajji (chilli fried in a batter) which I do every year and we really like it. It is a street food from (the Indian state of) Andhra Pradesh, where I hailed from. Apart from that, I am also preparing the Ramadan Special 'Ganji' which is a rich starch soup. It is rich in carbohydrates and is quite nutritious", said the director of nursing at Medeor Hospital, Dubai.

Nazeera, who has been a nurse over the past 26 years, continues to be at the front line of patient care, actively involved with administering Covid-19 jabs, evaluation and monitoring in the community. "I have given thousands of jabs to patients since the vaccine drive started in our hospital in January," she told Khaleej Times.

Administering the shots is not always easy, she said, as she remembered a patient who walked into the hospital trembling in fear.

"He was a 41-year-old patient who was so scared of injections that he was literally shivering. He kept asking me if the shot would hurt or not. When we check the pulse of the patient, we can make out how he was feeling. So, I tried distracting him by starting a conversation. I asked him about his profession, life and family. When I was done, I told him that the vaccine shot has been given," said the veteran nurse.

"He was amazed. At first he didn't believe me. He asked me if I had really given him the shot. Then I showed him the empty syringe. He was so happy that he told me he will leave a Google review about me. But I pray from the bottom of my heart that by the next Ramadan this pandemic is completely wiped out," added Nazeera.

After spending the day running the hospital's nursing department and making patients feel a whole lot better, she brought the same passion and intensity as she embarked on her Iftar mission in the kitchen. Dexterously removing the seeds and pith from the green chillies with a knife, she was clearly determined to serve the best to the family.

Nazeera, who is now dressed in a peacock green salwar kameez, in no time lays the table beautifully, with all the staples of the holy month - dates, nimbu paani (lemon drink), ganji, and the inviting mirchi bhajji.

With the azaan (call to prayer) wafting through her apartment's window, she and her husband have their first morsel of the day - ending their fasts, after a hard day of work.

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Empowering the UAE labour force, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced a new penalty for private sector companies that don't pay salaries to its employees on time.

"MoHRE calls establishments to pay salaries through the Wages Protection System, in light of raising the insurance cost from Dh120 to Dh250 for violating establishments with 30 days insurance coverage," the ministry tweeted on Monday.

Employers have been reminded that employees must be paid only through the wages protection system. And any employer failing to pay their employees on time, will have to shell out more than double the insurance policy of an employee.

The new directive is in line the timely welfare reforms carried out by the ministry. In 2018, the ministry announced a new insurance policy 'Taa-meen'.

Accordingly, upon recruiting a new employee, the employer has the option to either submit Dh3,000 as bank guarantee on behalf of the employee, as per the rules and regulations of the bank guarantee system, or insure them under the new insurance policy, which costs Dh120 for two years.

In case of company's bankruptcy or failure to pay the employees' benefits, the new policy will provide a maximum insurance coverage of Dh20,000 per employee against the following benefits in the workplace: unpaid entitlements, end of service benefits, vacation allowance, overtime allowance, unpaid wages, return air ticket and work injury after it is determined by a court ruling.

On Monday, state-run news agency WAM mentioned that the new insurance policy covers the financial entitlements of the employees of relevant companies for 30 months.

Private sector companies said the legislation will ensure that the rights of the employees are protected, and a world-class talent pool is retained and attracted to the UAE.

"This is a very positive directive as the current conditions evolved by the Covid-19 pandemic have made the labour market worldwide so volatile and the employees are vulnerable to lose their financial rights. By this action, private sector companies will be urged to make the wages payments to their employees on time, in order to curb their recruitment and maintenance costs. In case of non-compliance of this rule, the affected employees will be safeguarded of their rights," said K.K. Thomas, group HR head, Hotpack Global.

Jyoti Bhatia, director, human resources at Conares, said: "It is a good directive enforced on companies that may delay payments of employees. We expect all the wage transaction systems with the banks are supportive to ensure the salaries are paid on time."

Gopinath S., chief strategic officer, Canadian Specialist Hospital Dubai, noted: "This directive is the need of the hour to maintain labour stability, trust and to protect the rights of the employees."

All the companies affirmed paying employees on time and adhering to instructions of the ministry.

Abdul Razak, director HR, Lulu Group, said: "We are proud that over the last four decades of our existence we have never ever delayed it. Even during the current pandemic situation not only did we pay the salary on time every month till date, but we have also not reduced salary by a single dirham."

Fara Siddiqi, group chief human resource officer, Aster DM Healthcare, pointed out: "We welcome the legislation and the positive steps taken by the UAE government, which would ensure that this country continues to attract the best-in-class talent globally."

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@rakpsd)

Amid the recent spike in coronavirus cases in India, and the western state of Maharashtra reporting its highest daily new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray, has announced a 15-day long statewide curfew starting April 14.

Section 144 will be in imposed across Maharashtra from Wednesday, with only essential travel and services allowed to operate.

In his address to the state on television, Thackeray urged people to work from home and strictly observe restrictions.

"Unfortunately I have to announce restrictions. Now is the time for action. The war against coronavirus has begun once again," Thackeray was reported as saying in his address to the state.

Essential services like health care, banks, media, fuel stations, etc will be allowed to operate from 7am to 8pm only.

The number of people will be restricted in political gatherings, weddings and funerals. No one will be allowed to venture out without valid reason.

Malls, film shooting, beaches, cinema halls, auditoriums, amusement parks, gyms and sports complexes will be shut. Hotels and restaurants will only be allowed to supply food via home delivery or takeaways. Massive fines will be imposed for flouting Covid regulations.

Meanwhile, the state government will provide 3 kg of wheat and two kg of rice for the next month to poor and needy person, Thackeray announced.

Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 60,212 Covid cases of – one of the highest single-day spikes in the country.

pic.twitter.com/YSpKAeigfk

- CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 13, 2021