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Qatar’s high jump legend Mutaz Barshim sailed to his third Asian Games title in Hangzhou on Wednesday, adding another medal to an impressive collection for the reigning Olympic champion.Based on form and previous performances it looked like South Korea’s Woo Sang-hyeok would be 32-year-old Barshim’s biggest challenger for gold. In the end that’s what transpired in an almost carbon copy of the duel they had in the world championships in Eugene in 2022, which Barshim also won.Barshim took the title with a jump of 2.35m, equalling his Asian Games record he had set in Incheon, South Korea in 2014. Woo cleared 2.33m for silver, while Japan’s Tomohiro Shinno got the bronze with a season’s best leap of 2.29m.From the start Barshim and Woo looked a class above. Several times other athletes either struggled to clear or just made a height before Barshim sauntered in with his familiar rangy stride and cleared the bar by a big margin, triggering audible gasps from the spectators.Woo, who has a much more direct and speedier run-up than Barshim, also looked confident early on. Once Shinno failed on his third attempt at 2.31m it was left to Woo and three time world champion Barshim to fight it out.The volume from the stadium announcers and the crowd was considerable, but Barshim, sporting his customary sunglasses under the floodlights, was the picture of calm. Both he and Woo cleared 2.31m and 2.33m. But then Woo failed at 2.35m, a height Barshim cleared at his first attempt. Woo pushed the bar up to 2.37m and called on his fans and others in the crowd to get behind him, but the bar fell both times, handing victory to the Qatari. Barshim then attempted 2.37m which would have beaten his Games record and season’s best of 2.36m. On his last jump, the bar looked like it might hold for a moment and spectators roared.But immediately after it fell, Barshim smiled and then joined several Qatari teammates who had just won a medal in the 4x400m relay in a huddle and jig.“It feels amazing to be honest,” Barshim told reporters. “It has always been my dream to get three golds at these Games, especially because I could not participate last time because of my injury.”Barshim could not compete in Jakarta in 2018 as he was nursing a serious injury, but against doctor’s advice and while still on crutches he went anyway to support his teammates. “I really wanted to be there so bad, because when I was young in 2006, the previous Asian Games before I compete, I was a volunteer and holding the basket for the high jumpers,” he said.“I really wanted to win that. So winning today my third goal after a bad injury, I think I should be really happy and satisfied. I hope this becomes the motivation for the next season, the Olympics season.”Barshim was arguably the biggest track and field name at the Games. His personal best of 2.43m from 2014 is the second-highest jump of all time, behind Cuban great Javier Sotomayor’s world record mark of 2.45 set in 1993.His long list of medals include silver at both the London 2012 and the Rio 2016 Olympics, then gold in Tokyo in 2021 which he famously shared with his rival Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi.He became the first high jumper in history to win consecutive world championship golds in 2017 and 2019, then added a third in the Covid-19 delayed Eugene championships in 2022.He also won world silver in 2013 and world bronze earlier this year in Budapest. “We are very greedy as athletes, so we always want to do more. And that’s the nature of it. And I love it, but that’s the reality as well. So you need to go and push yourself to the extreme to the limit. I need a good vacation now, and then we’ll see what happens next.”4x400m relay anddressage team bag silverMeanwhile, Qatar’s tally swelled to 13 medals after the 4x400m relay and showjumping team won silver on Wednesday. The relay quartet of Abderrahman Samba, Ashraf Osman, Ismail Abakar and Bassem Hemeida finished the race in 3 minutes 02.05 seconds as Qatar finish behind India (3:1.58 seconds) and ahead of bronze medallist Sri Lanka (3:02.55).Samba and Hemeida had led Qatar to historic 1-2 result in the 400m hurdles on Tuesday, but could not help Qatar to defend its gold they had won in Jakarta in 2018. Abakar ran an impressive third leg but the Indian team – Mohamed Anas, Amoj Jacob, Mohamed Ajmal and Rajesh Ramesh – held on to win the gold.Meanwhile, Qatar’s showjumping team, consisting of Khalifa al-Thani, Faleh al-Ajami, Rashid al-Marri and Mohamed Basem, won silver with Saudi Arabia pocketing the gold. Squash star Abdulla al-Tamimi had to settle for silver after he lost his semi-final match on Wednesday. With four days remaining until the conclusion of the Asian Games, Qatar has won 13 medals, including four gold, six silver and three bronze.

Global air cargo segment registered its first year-on-year growth in 19 months in August, which amid uncertainties provides optimism to an industry, impacted by logistical.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}} **media[84710]**challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.The air cargo industry is a vital component of the global economy, enabling swift and reliable transportation of goods across long distances. It supports various industries, facilitates international trade, and plays a critical role in responding to emergencies and crises.During natural disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies, air cargo is the quickest way to deliver relief supplies, including food, medical supplies, and equipment, to affected areas.During the Covid-19 pandemic, when borders were closed, air cargo literally sustained global population.In the fight against the pandemic, the air cargo segment played a key role by providing the speed, reach, and specialised capabilities needed to ensure that Covid-19 vaccines are rapidly delivered to various parts of the world, including those with challenging logistical conditions.This global distribution is vital for achieving herd immunity and overcoming the pandemic.Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 1.5% compared to August 2022 levels (1.2% for international operations), according to the global body of airlines – International Air Transport Association (IATA).Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), was up 12.2% compared to August 2022 (11.8% for international operations). This was largely related to belly capacity, which rose 30% year-on-year as airlines ramped-up operations to meet peak-northern summer travel season demand.In August, both the manufacturing output Purchasing Managers Index or PMI (49.4) and new export orders PMI (47.0) saw a slight improvement to the previous month.They remained, however, below the critical threshold represented by the 50 mark, indicating a continuing, if slower, annual decline in global manufacturing production and exports.Global cross-border trade contracted for the fourth month in a row in July, decreasing 3.2% year-over-year. This reflects the cooling demand environment and general macroeconomic conditions.Inflation saw a mixed picture in August, with an increase in US consumer prices for the second month in a row, IATA noted. Meanwhile in Europe and Japan, consumer and producer prices fell. In China, which is fighting deflationary pressures, consumer prices rose.“Air cargo demand grew by 1.5% over the previous August. This is the first year-on-year growth in 19 months, so it is certainly welcome news. But it is off a low 2022 base and market signals are mixed. Looking ahead, while many uncertainties remain, we can take some optimism from PMI data moving towards positive territory. This is particularly significant as we head into air cargo’s traditional peak year-end season,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.Undoubtedly, air cargo is one of the fastest modes of transportation. It is particularly important for industries that rely on just-in-time manufacturing and delivery systems, such as automotive and electronics. Perishable goods like fresh produce and pharmaceuticals also benefit from the speed of air transport.Air cargo connects businesses and markets across the world, enabling international trade. It allows companies to access global markets and customers, thereby promoting economic growth.Air cargo reaches regions that are difficult to access by other means of transportation, such as remote islands, mountainous areas, and regions with poor infrastructure. This is vital for supplying goods and providing emergency relief.Freighter is used for high-value goods like electronics, jewellery, and luxury items, as well as for time-sensitive materials like medical supplies and documents. This is due to the secure and swift nature of air transportation.The growth of e-commerce has significantly increased the demand for air cargo. Online retailers and marketplaces often rely on air transport to meet the fast delivery expectations of customers.Air cargo is an integral part of many supply chains, especially for industries where just-in-time inventory management is crucial. It helps in reducing inventory carrying costs and streamlining production schedules.The air cargo industry creates a substantial number of jobs directly in areas such as cargo handling, logistics, and transportation. Additionally, it supports jobs in related industries like manufacturing, retail, and services.Therefore, the efficiency and reliability of the air cargo industry are essential for the smooth functioning of the modern globalised economy.

Carlos Alcaraz said he went “out of my mind” during the second-set collapse that cost him his place at the China Open on Tuesday and handed Italy’s Jannik Sinner a spot in the men’s final against Daniil Medvedev in Beijing.The world number two had chances to take a decisive lead in a breathless first set but it tipped Sinner’s way when he cracked a blistering return off the Spaniard’s second serve to take the all-important tie-break.Alcaraz - the Wimbledon champion and tournament favourite in Novak Djokovic’s absence - then fell apart, gifting Sinner three service games in an error-laden second set to give the world number seven a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 victory.Sinner and Medvedev will go toe-to-toe for the trophy today.“In the second set, I was out of my mind,” said Alcaraz at a post-match news conference.“I was just complaining a lot, (and) it’s really difficult to play your best if you’re complaining or mad at yourself,” the 20-year-old added.“(I’ve been) trying to take my chances. Today, (I didn’t),” he said.Sinner pointed to a key turning point when, serving at 2-1 in the second set, he recovered from 0-40 to open up a healthy lead.“There are a couple of points (that) can change the momentum completely,” the 22-year-old said.“I managed somehow to win these kinds of moments today, which obviously helped me in the following games to stay very calm mentally and play with a lot of confidence,” he said.Earlier, third-ranked Medvedev hailed a “perfect service match” as he eased into the men’s final with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev.The match got off to a close-fought start but Medvedev then notched a crucial break of serve and managed to see out the first set.It was a similar story in the second set, with the Russian breaking for 5-3 and serving out the match with a pair of fierce aces.“I don’t think there was one bad thing I can say about my serve (today),” Medvedev said at a post-match news conference.“I think the fact that the play was faster - the faster the court is, the easier you can hit aces... (and) the easier you feel when stepping into the serve,” the 27-year-old said.Sabalenka, Gauff survive scaresThe top-ranked women’s player Aryna Sabalenka said her performances in “key moments” were crucial to surviving a major scare in the second round, after she defeated unseeded Katie Boulter 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) in Beijing.Sabalenka saved seven break points at 5-5 and then forced the stubborn Briton, ranked 56th in the world, into a rare backhand error to clinch the opening set.The Belarusian notched another must-win break in the second set to again draw level at 5-5 before triumphing in a tie-break by slamming down an unreturned serve.She will battle Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the next round for a place in the quarter-finals.“I think what made the difference was that in the key moments I played a little bit better than her,” Sabalenka said at a post-match news conference. “I think it was all about those last games in each set. She had the opportunity and I’m super glad that I didn’t give her those sets easily.”US Open champion Coco Gauff also had to dig deep to get the better of Croatia’s Petra Martic in a rollercoaster tie that lasted three hours.Martic was serving for the match against Gauff but the world number three fought back to take the game and went on to dominate the ensuing tie-break, winning 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (7/2).“Today was a mental victory. I was happy I was able to get through it,” said Gauff, who will face Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in her next match.World number two Iga Swiatek shook off a rain delay to glide past France’s Varvara Gracheva 6-4, 6-1 and set up a date with fellow Pole Magda Linette.Fourth-ranked Jessica Pegula bounced back from a set down to beat Russia’s Anna Blinkova 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 6-1.The China Open is taking place for the first time since 2019 after Beijing ditched its isolationist zero-Covid policy.

Johannes LEDEL France's Pierre Agostini, Hungarian-Austrian Ferenc Krausz and Franco-Swede Anne L'Huillier won the Nobel prize in physics on Tuesday for research using ultra quick light flashes that enable the study of electrons inside atoms and molecules.Their technique employs pulses measured in attoseconds, a unit so short that there are as many in one second as there have been seconds since the universe's birth over 13 billion years ago, the jury said.The laureates' research has made it possible to examine moves or changes so rapid that they were previously impossible to follow, with potential applications in both electronics and medical diagnostics.The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences likened the process to how the flapping wings of a humming bird turn into a blur for the human eye, but can be slowed and examined using high-speed photography."We can now open the door to the world of electrons. Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons," Eva Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said in a statement.In 1987, L'Huillier "discovered that many different overtones of light arose when she transmitted infrared laser light through a noble gas," the Nobel Committee noted, adding that her exploration of the phenomenon laid "the ground for subsequent breakthroughs".In the early 2000s, Agostini and Krausz worked on how to isolate light pulses that lasted only a few hundred attoseconds.Agostini is a professor at Ohio State University in the United States, while Krausz is a director at the Max Planck Institute in Germany."It was just atomic physics interacting with lasers," Agostini said of his early work, in an interview released by his university. "We were not really aware it would go that far, but a lot of people were interested both in the method and the result."L'Huillier, only the fifth woman to be awarded the Physics Prize since 1901, is a professor at Lund University in Sweden.She told reporters she was in the middle of teaching a class when she received the call from the Academy, making it "difficult" to finish the class, to whom she did not reveal the news."I am very touched ... There are not so many women that get this prize so it's very, very special," she said.Before L'Huillier, Marie Curie (1903), Maria Goeppert Mayer (1963), Donna Strickland (2018) and Andrea Ghez (2020) are the only women to have won the award.Speaking later at a press conference, she encouraged young women interested in science to "go for it" and said it was possible to combine a research career with an "ordinary life, with a family and children."French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the trio."What a source of pride for our nation!" Macron said in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter.L'Huillier and Krausz had been seen as contenders for the honour, having been awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize last year together with Canadian physicist Paul Corkum.However, Krausz said he had not been expecting a call."I was not sure whether I was dreaming or whether it was reality," he told the Nobel Foundation in an interview.The physics award is the second Nobel of the season after the Medicine Prize on Monday, awarded to messenger RNA researchers Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking technology that paved the way for mRNA Covid-19 vaccines.Krausz said he had actually been listening to an interview with Kariko when he received the call, adding he was especially impressed with her determination as she toiled away at her research despite struggling to achieve recognition and secure funding for it."That's what I would like to convey to future generations," Krausz said.The Physics Prize will be followed by the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, with the highly watched Literature and Peace Prizes to be announced on Thursday and Friday.The Economics Prize -- created in 1968 and the only Nobel not included in the 1895 will of Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, which founded the awards -- closes out the 2023 Nobel season on Monday.

Zumra Group recently hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Zeyara with Zumra: Advancing Strongly in Qatar Post-World Cup; Mastering the Art of Economic Resilience’ at the Workinton Qatar.The discussion featured industry experts Saleh al-Raisi, co-founder and CEO of Flare Business Centre; Nayef al-Ibrahim, co-founder and CEO of Ibtechar; Rasha al-Sulaiti, general manager of Innovation Consultancy; Reem al-Suwaidi, founder and owner of Saikl Bike; Ali Khadjavi, CEO of Feedback; and Karim Mergan, general manager of Workinton Qatar.Zumra Group founder Nasser bin Ahmad al-Naama said, “This initiative aligns with the deep history and legacy of my family, who have been pivotal in shaping Qatar’s economic landscape.”He added: “The entrepreneurial acumen, resilience, and foresight of my ancestors are instilled in me. Their significant contributions to Qatar’s economic fabric have inspired and informed my efforts to carry forward and amplify their legacy.“Entrepreneurship is often misunderstood and undervalued. The event’s panel is a testament to the relentless spirit and grit required to navigate and overcome these obstacles.”During the discussion, al-Ibrahim, emphasised that Qatar has proven its resilience during the June 2017 blockade and the Covid-19 pandemic using the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a platform.“Qatar has achieved high security, stability, and development, making it an attractive destination for talent, investment, and global attention,” he emphasised.According to al-Ibrahim, big consultancies “are investing heavily in Qatar, but local businesses are struggling.” He suggests two areas for improvement: regulation at different levels, particularly in real estate, to make Qatar more affordable; and regulations to attract and retain talent.“I think running a business in Qatar shouldn’t be a social status. It should be considered as a professional business. I think most of local businesses are being managed for social status and not as a professional business,” he lamented.Al-Ibrahim noted that Qatar has the potential to become a state of “new technology piloting.” The country can test new ideas and learn tasks locally before expanding globally, he said, adding that Qatar has multiple opportunities to become a medical hub and should build on its current achievements.He stressed that the economic slowdown after major events, such as 2022 FIFA World Cup “is normal.” To maximise value, Qatar needs a bigger strategic plan with different events across the year, he also noted.Al-Ibrahim added that while free zones in Qatar can foster economic growth by attracting international companies, the country “started late compared to Jebel Ali in Dubai.” He also pointed out the challenge of competing with Saudi Arabia, which is luring global companies to relocate their regional headquarters. Al-Ibrahim suggested that “Qatar should find its niche and convince companies to come in.”For her part, al-Sulaiti noted that the 2022 FIFA World Cup has brought about changes that cannot be undone. “We need to learn from these changes and adapt to the new reality,” she stressed.“A healthy economy is indicated by several factors, including promotion of culture and heritage, tourism, public-private partnership, international trade, infrastructure utilisation, and investment opportunities. Although these factors could have been implemented in Qatar, they were not.On the other hand, al-Raisi discussed the importance of a support cycle for startups in Qatar. The first part of this cycle is a healthy birthrate of startups, which has been accelerating since the World Cup, he said.“The success of this support system depends on how well it enables companies to start, sustain, and expand. If this cycle works perfectly, input in the support system and regulation should result in the output of successful ventures,” he said.Al-Raisi also discussed the regulations that support retaining in-country talent in Qatar. These regulations are still yet to be activated, he noted adding that communities like Flare can help sustain the community after a World Cup.Meanwhile, al-Suwaidi emphasised the importance of having an exit strategy before starting a business. “Many entrepreneurs started a business just for the FIFA World Cup without an exit strategy, which is a big risk. Therefore, having an exit strategy is crucial before starting a business,” she said.She also said the government sector has provided a lot of funding for entrepreneurs, adding that there are many incubation centres, as well as people helping startups in Qatar.

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva has backed reforms that could eventually give Beijing more voting power within the fund, warning of "devastation" if the institution remains without adequate financial resources to aid struggling countries.In an interview with the Financial Times, Kristalina Georgieva called for the IMF to better represent changes in the global economy over the past decade, which include the rise of China."There is a need to constantly change to reflect how the world economy is changing," she said, in an implicit reference to the disparity between Chinas 6 % share of voting power in the IMF and its heft in the world economy, which is roughly three times as much.Noting that she was encouraged by "how the fund has been able to mobilize and overcome differences in views so many times since Covid-19 hit," Georgieva said of the changes in voting power: "I am optimistic that we will go there."Traditionally each IMF member country has a so-called quota, based on its position in the world economy, which determines its contributions to the fund as well as its voting weight within the institution and access to emergency financing.China, now the worlds biggest bilateral lender, has been criticized by western creditors for hampering debt relief deals for troubled countries.At present, Chinas quota is less than Japans, despite its larger share of global gross domestic product.The IMFs board of governors conducts quota reviews at least every five years. The last time it agreed changes was in 2010. Since then, Chinas economy has grown considerably.Georgievas call for a longer-term rethink of IMF representation comes amid a US effort to shore up Washington-based multilateral institutions to increase western influence with emerging and developing countries.

Researchers Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman won the Nobel Medicine Prize yesterday for work on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology that paved the way for groundbreaking coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines.The pair, who had been tipped as favourites, “contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times”, the jury said.The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Covid-19 a pandemic in March 2020 and the first mRNA vaccines were approved for use against the illness in December that year.Billions of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna doses have been injected around the world since then.Together with other Covid vaccines, they “have saved millions of lives and prevented severe disease in many more”, the jury said.Kariko, 68, and Weissman, 64, longstanding colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in the United States, have already won a slew of awards for their research.In recognising the duo this year, the Nobel committee broke with its usual practice of honouring decades-old discoveries, aimed at ensuring it has stood the test of time.While the prizewinning research dates back to 2005, the first vaccines to use the mRNA technology came out just three years ago.Unlike traditional vaccines which use weakened virus or a key piece of the virus’ protein, mRNA vaccines provide the genetic molecules that tell cells what proteins to make, which simulates an infection and trains the immune system for when it encounters the real virus.The idea was first demonstrated in 1990 but it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that Weissman, of the US, and Hungarian-born Kariko developed a technique to control a dangerous inflammatory response seen in animals exposed to these molecules, opening the way to develop safe human vaccines.Kariko and Weissman will receive their Nobel diploma, gold medal and $1mn cheque in Stockholm on December 10.“We are not working for any kind of reward,” Kariko, who struggled for years to find grants for her research, said in remarks alongside Weissman at UPenn’s Philadelphia campus, a few hours after she was awoken by the call from Stockholm. “The importance was to have a product which is helpful.”

One championship down, one to go, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen closes in on a third straight drivers’ title. But there are plenty of other fights up and down the field that are just heating up, so here are some of the topics to get excited about heading to Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix at the remodelled Lusail International Circuit this weekend.Sprinting back to QatarThe last time F1 race took place in Qatar came amid the intense title battle of 2021. The track was a hit with the drivers given its high-speed nature, and provided some dramatic moments despite being a relatively late addition to the calendar due to the Covid pandemic.Now with two years to prepare for its full-time return, the Lusail International Circuit has been revamped with a new pit and paddock area to welcome the teams back. And there promises to be even more action, with Qatar being the fourth of six Sprint events this season, ensuring there will be competitive sessions on all three days of the race weekend.It will also be the first Sprint event to take place under floodlights, as the previous host venues – Silverstone, Monza, Brazil, Imola, Austria, Baku and Belgium – have all been daytime races.So qualifying on Friday night will be followed by Sprint Saturday, with the Sprint Shootout taking place in the heat of the day before the shorter race, and then the Grand Prix itself as the sun sets on Sunday evening. With FP1 taking place in daytime temperatures too, this could be the teams’ biggest challenge yet to get their set-ups right for the rest of the weekend.Verstappen on the vergeIt has looked an inevitability since very early in the season, and after repelling the early challenge of teammate Sergio Perez, Verstappen has raced away into the distance in terms of the championship standings, to such an extent that he’s set to wrap matters up with more than five races still remaining. When Verstappen won the title in Japan last year, there were just four rounds to go in Austin, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi, but this time there is the addition of Las Vegas. Plus, he’s actually likely to become champion before the race itself in Qatar...That’s because it’s a Sprint weekend and with a 177-point lead Verstappen needs to just ensure Perez does not outscore him by more than six points on the Saturday to retain his title. That means a sixth-place finish in the Sprint – offering three points with a maximum eight for a win – would be enough regardless of Perez’s resultAcross the entire weekend, Perez would need to take 32 points out of Verstappen’s lead, so he needs both a big result in the Sprint and to win the race itself, but there’s been nothing in Verstappen’s form to suggest that’s likely to happen, with Perez having failed to finish ahead of his team mate in a race situation since Baku in late April.Mercedes versus FerrariThe points between Verstappen and Perez are not the only ones to pay attention to at the moment though. While Red Bull wrapped up their constructors’ championship in Japan, there’s far from any clarity over who will be the runner-up this season as Mercedes and Ferrari fight it out for best of the rest honours.Mercedes have been consistent point-scorers all year but Ferrari have found form since their home race at Monza, scoring a third and fourth there behind only the Red Bulls, and then winning in Singapore courtesy of Carlos Sainz. Charles Leclerc was then fourth ahead of Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka – where Sainz also beat George Russell – and the gap has closed to just 20 points between the teams.The momentum is with Ferrari right now but it was Mercedes who finished the stronger of the pair a year ago, and with all four drivers contributing significantly it’s promising to be a tense fight right to the end of the season.

A study by Qatar University (QU) has found that the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic caused burnout and anxiety among healthcare students.The study by the College of Pharmacy at QU Health, in collaboration with researchers from the College of Health Sciences and the College of Medicine, sheds light on the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health and empathy of health professions students.This research delivers critical insights into the challenges faced by students of healthcare professions during these unprecedented times, emphasising the urgent need for support and intervention.Led by Dr Alla El-Awaisi, director of Clinical Operations and Engagement at QU Health, the study delves into health profession students' experiences, unravelling the hurdles they encountered during the ongoing pandemic.The study revealed a worrying surge in anxiety levels among these students, driven by the uncertain pandemic landscape, fear of contracting the virus, and concerns about their education and future careers.However, the study also highlighted the incredible power of empathy among health profession students.Despite their own challenges, these students demonstrated resilience and an unwavering capacity for empathy which is vital in providing compassionate care even in the face of adversity.“Our study reveals the deep impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of health profession students, emphasising the need to prepare them for the challenges of healthcare delivery in a post-pandemic world,” Dr El-Awaisi commented. “As the future of the healthcare profession, it is crucial to develop tailored awareness and management programmes to address their unique needs, reducing the occurrence and consequences of burnout.”The study raised a red flag on the need to address burnout awareness and implement educational interventions.By revealing the prevalence and impact of burnout among health profession students, it emphasised the necessity of integrating burnout prevention strategies into educational curricula and fostering a culture that prioritises student well-being in these demanding fields.In order to gather data, the researchers devised a comprehensive survey that covered crucial aspects such as burnout, anxiety, empathy, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.This survey was distributed to all health profession students at the QU, including undergraduate and postgraduate students who were studying during the initial year of the pandemic.By utilising reliable tools, the researchers ensured that the survey would yield accurate and meaningful results.Out of the 1,268 students who were eligible to participate, 272 students completed the online survey.The average age of the participants was 21.4 years, and most of them were females (92.6%).The majority of respondents were studying pharmacy (36.4%) or medicine (24.6%).Most students showed significant concern regarding Covid-19.They were very or extremely concerned about the pandemic's duration (69.9%), the number of new cases, their personal safety and security, the risk of getting Covid-19 themselves, and the risk of their loved ones contracting Covid-19.

Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka both breezed into the next round of the China Open with routine victories on Sunday.Alcaraz sealed a place in the men’s quarter-finals with a smooth 6-2, 6-2 victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in Beijing.The world number two overpowered his opponent and seized the first set when Musetti whacked a baseline backhand into the net.The Spaniard then broke serve twice in the second set and saw out a comfortable match with an unreturned serve. He will next face Casper Ruud after the world number nine came back to beat Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9-7). “I feel great, honestly. It was a good performance against a really tough opponent,” Alcaraz said at a post-match press briefing. “(My level) didn’t (go) up and down. I stayed at a high level, high quality, during the whole match,” the 20-year-old said.Earlier, world number one Aryna Sabalenka sailed into the second round of the women’s draw with an imperious 6-1, 6-2 defeat of American Sofia Kenin.The Belarusian pummelled Kenin with a succession of mighty serves and groundstrokes and wrapped up the opening set with an ace after just 23 minutes.The China Open is taking place for the first time since 2019 after Beijing ended its isolationist zero-Covid policies.

The global economy is highly interconnected, and countries that remove restrictions on international travellers benefit in terms of economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and environmental conservation.As growing numbers of countries around the world ease restrictions on travel, tourism is a big beneficiary, UN’s specialised agency – United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) says.A recent report by UNWTO indicates international tourism recovers from the worst crisis in history as visitor arrivals reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July this year.Currently, some 197 countries are without any Covid-19 travel restrictions and they represent 89% of all countries in the world.By the end of July, international tourist arrivals reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels.Some 700mn tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2023, 43% more than in the same months of 2022.Data reveal that July of this year was the busiest month, with 145mn international travellers recorded, about 20% of the seven-month total.All regions of the world enjoyed strong rates of tourism recovery over the first seven months of this year, driven by demand for international travel from several large source markets:As Gulf Times reported recently, the Middle East, GCC countries in particular, reported the best results in January-July this year, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels. The region remains the only one to exceed 2019 levels so far.If the current trend continues, industry experts say 2023 would see a remarkable recovery in tourism and global travel.UNWTO figures point to international tourism remaining well on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by the year-end.Prospects for the last quarter of the year point to continued recovery, according to the latest UNWTO Confidence Index, though at a more moderate pace following the peak travel season of June-August.These results will be driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity, particularly in the Pacific region, where recovery is still subdued.In addition to overall economic growth, the global economy benefits from countries removing restrictions on international travellers in several ways such as boosting tourism and hospitality industry, job creation, cultural exchange and understanding, spurring infrastructure development and encouraging investment.A country that is seen as open and welcoming to international visitors is often perceived as being more open to foreign investment. This, obviously leads to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors.Tourism is undoubtedly a significant contributor to a country’s GDP. When international travellers visit a country, they spend money on various goods and services, which directly contributes to economic growth.Opening borders allows for an influx of international tourists, which benefits the hospitality, tourism, and related industries. This leads to increased spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and various other services.The tourism and hospitality sector is a major employer in many countries. By attracting international travellers, countries create jobs in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tour guiding, and other related sectors.To accommodate the influx of international travellers, countries invariably invest in improving their transportation systems, airports, and other related infrastructure.This not only benefits the tourism sector but also improves overall connectivity and accessibility.

In recent years, the leadership of Uzbekistan, while implementing a fundamentally new proactive foreign policy strategy, has paid special attention to building practical co-operation with international organisations. One of the priority directions in this regard is the development and strengthening of multifaceted co-operation with the UN and its specialised structures.Currently, Tashkent is comprehensively expanding its contacts with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and other UN entities. In this context, particular importance is attached to ensuring security and stability in Central Asia and enhancing its role in the international relations system.Thanks to the revitalisation of Uzbekistan's partnership with the UN, significant progress has been made in fostering a new atmosphere of mutually beneficial cooperation in Central Asia, based on mutual trust and good neighbourliness.As a result, there has been a noticeable consolidation of regional states, which have become more active in advancing joint regional and international initiatives, programs, and projects aimed at promoting sustainable development in Central Asia.For instance, while from 1991 to 2016, about 20 resolutions were adopted in the UN at the initiative of Central Asian states, and from 2016 to the present, 18 resolutions have been adopted.These documents address important issues such as sustainable development, security, peacebuilding, and trust-building in the region, as well as the preservation of water resources, climate change, ecology, and the prevention of radiological threats. Protecting the rights of youth and promoting tolerance have also gained significant attention.Moreover, Uzbekistan has become an active participant in advocating for the interests of Central Asia within the UN framework. For instance, between 2018 and 2022, six UN General Assembly resolutions were adopted at the initiative of our country. These resolutions include "Strengthening Regional International Co-operation for Peace, Stability, and Sustainable Development in the Central Asian Region" (June 2018), "Education and Religious Tolerance" (December 2018), and "Declaration of the Aral Sea Region as a Zone of Environmental Innovations and Technologies" (May 2021).Furthermore, within the framework of the UN Human Rights Council, a resolution on "The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Human Rights of Youth" was adopted in October 2021. In Unesco, the "Khiva Process" was recognised in November 2021, following the international forum "Central Asia at the Crossroads of World Civilizations" held in Khiva from September 14-16, 2021.The Code of Voluntary Commitments of States during a pandemic, developed by Uzbekistan, has been circulated as an official document of the UN General Assembly, contributing to global efforts to combat Covid-19.Additionally, the Tashkent and Bukhara Declarations have also been recognised as official UN documents, calling for international support for multi-confessional and intercultural dialogue and the promotion of multilateral co-operation in the prevention and counteraction of terrorism.Collectively, all the resolutions and documents initiated by Central Asian countries within the UN have undeniably laid a strong foundation for uniting the efforts of regional states and the international community in ensuring the political, economic, social, and environmental security of Central Asia.Several key factors have played a significant role in the successful promotion of Uzbekistan's interaction with the UN:Firstly, intensive diplomacy by the President of Uzbekistan and the intensification of political dialogue within the UN. Starting in 2016, thanks to the political will of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tashkent has actively participated in the activities of the UN General Assembly and its specialised agencies. In particular, the President of Uzbekistan took part in and addressed the 72nd, 75th, and 76th sessions of the UN General Assembly, as well as the High-Level Segment of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.During this period, President Mirziyoyev held three meetings with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (in June and September 2017 and April 2019), which allowed for comprehensive discussions and co-ordination of effective measures to develop mutually beneficial co-operation, primarily in ensuring regional security and sustainable development in Central Asia.On November 10-11, 2017, during an international conference under the auspices of the UN in Samarkand, titled "Central Asia: One Past and a Common Future, Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Mutual Prosperity," Central Asian states emphasised the need for closer and co-ordinated co-operation among Central Asian countries in anticipating new challenges and threats. They also stressed the importance of strengthening the central role of the UN in addressing security challenges in the region.The conference's communique called on all UN entities, other international organisations, and interested partner countries to increase and strengthen their cooperation with the countries of Central Asia on issues related to regional security and sustainable development. This co-operation should align with the priorities, interests, needs, and national programs of Central Asian countries, providing them with the necessary technical, expert, legal, financial, and other assistance.Furthermore, during the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Samarkand in September 2022, a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo took place, resulting in the adoption of a "Roadmap" for further development of practical cooperation.In 2022 and January 2023, Uzbekistan hosted the first Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, Amina J. Mohamed.There are 11 Plans of Practical Measures for the Development of Co-operation between Uzbekistan and the UN and its specialised agencies, adopted and being implemented between 2021 and 2023. These measures undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the resilience of Central Asia to external challenges.Secondly, it promotes a constructive agenda in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and other transnational challenges.Today, Uzbekistan is a party to 14 major international legal instruments and actively participates in global efforts to counter international terrorism.Our country was among the first to support the fight against this threat, including the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS), which has become a comprehensive, collective, and universally recognised legal framework for uniting national and international efforts in countering terrorism.Uzbekistan has become an active participant in the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia, which was adopted in 2011. The implementation of this Strategy has allowed for the strengthening of regional consensus on common principles and approaches to counterterrorism, the establishment of effective mechanisms for cooperation on both a bilateral and multilateral basis, the enhancement of counterterrorism potential, and the strengthening of regional security.The logical continuation of practical activities in this direction was the holding of the International High-Level Conference on "Regional Co-operation of Central Asian Countries within the Framework of the Joint Plan of Action for the Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy," proposed by President Mirziyoyev at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.The organisation of this conference allowed for the identification of new priorities and directions for co-operation, giving a fresh impetus to regional co-operation in countering the threats of extremism and terrorism. The Tashkent Declaration and the updated Joint Plan of Action for the Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia adopted as a result of the forum, will be of paramount importance for the region's sustainable development.At the same time, effective implementation of the tasks set requires the strengthening of mechanisms for continuous monitoring and co-ordination of interaction among Central Asian countries. In this regard, in October 2022, a "Roadmap" was signed between Uzbekistan and the UN Counter-Terrorism Office. As part of this "Roadmap," work has begun on the establishment of a UN Counter-Terrorism Office in the region.Simultaneously, with the growing threat of cyberterrorism and for effective counteraction to the use of digital technologies for terrorist purposes, Uzbekistan has intensified efforts to implement the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre's (UNCCT) Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies in Central Asia, adopted in 2020.In particular, from September 25 -26 of this year, for the first time in Tashkent, a regional seminar on this topic was planned in collaboration with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. During the event, the parties discussed the creation of a virtual network on cyberterrorism in Central Asia.Uzbekistan also actively co-operates with the UN and its specialised agencies in countering transnational threats related to drugs and crime.Specifically, effective co-operation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in implementing practical projects to strengthen national and regional capacity is underway. At the initiative of Tashkent, a regional program for Central Asian countries for 2022-2025 was developed and signed jointly with UNODC in 2021, providing a solid foundation for work in this direction.Uzbekistan also plans to develop a Joint Anti-Drug Action Plan with UNODC covering Central and South Asian countries.One of the important institutions in countering drug-related crimes is the successful operation of the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors (CARICC) in Tashkent. CARICC has significantly increased the level of coordination and cooperation in this area.Continuing efforts in this regard, an agreement reached in 2021 between the President of Uzbekistan and the Executive Director of UNODC resulted in the opening of the UNODC Information Centre in Tashkent in May 2023. Its main tasks include assisting in strengthening the state borders of Central Asian countries bordering Afghanistan and countering the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, firearms, human trafficking, and illegal financial flows.Thirdly, the expansion of cooperation on establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan.Uzbekistan consistently advocates for the peaceful, political, and diplomatic settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. In this regard, Uzbekistan's pragmatic and constructive policy towards Afghanistan has become comprehensive and dynamic since Shavkat Mirziyoyev assumed the presidency of the country. Thus, Tashkent has intensified its efforts to address the Afghan issue and continues to call for the coordination of all countries' efforts to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan within the framework of the UN.It is important to note that in all of the Uzbek president's speeches at the UN, special attention is given to the resolution of the Afghan issue. Concrete initiatives are put forward to assist in achieving stability in this country. These initiatives also demonstrate Tashkent's commitment to preserving the central role of the UN in resolving the Afghan issue and its interest in uniting the efforts of the entire international community to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan.In particular, Mirziyoyev has repeatedly stated at the UN General Assembly that 'issues of peace and stability in Afghanistan should remain at the centre of the UN's attention' and 'the role of the UN in resolving the situation in Afghanistan needs to be strengthened, and its voice should be louder than ever.'Another important contribution of Uzbekistan in this direction was the hosting of the 2018 High-Level International Conference on Afghanistan in Tashkent under the auspices of the UN. This conference marked a new stage in mobilising the efforts of the international community to address the Afghan issue.Similarly, the International High-Level Conference 'Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity, Challenges, and Opportunities,' held jointly with the UN in Tashkent in 2021, reinforced the ongoing efforts of our country.A distinctive feature of Uzbekistan's Afghan policy is that Tashkent views Afghanistan not only in terms of security threats but also as a country capable of acting as a bridge between Central and South Asia and strengthening trade and economic ties between the two regions.Furthermore, Tashkent continues to call on the UN and the international community not to reduce international aid and attention to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a source of permanent threats once again.That is why Uzbekistan is taking active steps to consolidate the efforts of the entire international community in transforming Afghanistan into a peaceful, stable, and prosperous state, free from terrorism, war, and narcotics. In particular, the Uzbek city of Termez, located on the border with Afghanistan, plays an important intermediary role by facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid sent by foreign countries to Afghanistan.The international logistics hub in Termez, known as the 'Cargo Center,' was opened in 2021 at the initiative of President Mirziyoyev under the auspices of the UN currently serves as the main point of dispatch for UN humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. In just two years, it has delivered over 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan from the World Food Programme, Unicef, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.Furthermore, Uzbekistan is interested in developing a unified international approach to the Afghan issue that would bring together the positions of various states in Afghanistan and expedite the country's exit from the complex socio-economic situation.To achieve this goal, President Mirziyoyev has initiated the formation of a high-level International Negotiating Group under the auspices and with the support of the UN. Its implementation will help strengthen international consensus on key issues related to the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan and keep the Afghan issue at the center of global attention.This, in turn, will mobilise resources from the international community for the implementation of infrastructure and socio-economic projects that will create a foundation for long-term and sustainable peace in Afghanistan.Fourth, progressive co-operation with the UN on youth policy.In the context of the growing population in Central Asian countries, where youth make up a significant demographic group — about 30%, Uzbekistan, aware of the increasing demand for socialisation, education, and employment from the youth, actively collaborates with the UN in this direction. Effective youth policy is a crucial condition for ensuring stability and sustainable development in Central Asia.That is why President Mirziyoyev pays special attention to positioning youth not as a risk but as agents of positive change and a source of new opportunities for the sustainable development of Central Asian countries and the region as a whole.In this context, significant work has been done in recent years. In particular, the Samarkand International Forum on Youth Rights was successfully held under the auspices of the UN in August 2020, resulting in the adoption of the Samarkand Resolution 'Youth 2020: Global Solidarity, Sustainable Development, and Human Rights.' The document defines the important role that youth can play in promoting peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, as well as the significance of active, meaningful, and inclusive youth participation in decision-making processes, especially in Central Asian countries.Also, in December 2022, in Samarkand, in collaboration with international partners, including the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its Regional Office, Unicef, UNDP, and others, a Global Forum on "Human Rights Education" was organised. The Samarkand Action Plan for 2023-2025 on the development of human rights education was adopted as a result, outlining tasks, proposals, and recommendations for the international community, national governments, educational and research institutions, and civil society institutions for the effective implementation of human rights education and training. It is important to note that the initiative to hold this forum was put forward by the President of Uzbekistan at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly and the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.A significant achievement can be considered the UN General Assembly resolution on "Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance" initiated by President Mirziyoyev. The document aims to ensure universal access to education, eradicate illiteracy, and promote tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding in the interest of strengthening security and peace.Furthermore, Tashkent actively advocates for the adoption of the UN International Convention on Youth Rights, which should emphasise the need for active youth participation in democratic processes, provide the right to comprehensive support and family protection, the right to social support and care, legal capacity, equality before the law, participation in decision-making at national and international levels, protection from violence and exploitation.Undoubtedly, Uzbekistan's measures to ensure the interests of youth help address challenges and open up opportunities for harnessing the potential of young people, thereby enhancing the stability and security of Central Asia.Fifth, consolidating efforts to address regional climate change issues.Currently, the Central Asian region is increasingly experiencing the consequences of global climate change. Climate change contributes to the exacerbation of water scarcity, land degradation, desertification, and the increasing number of natural disasters, which pose a critical problem for the region and a serious threat to sustainable development.According to the UN, Central Asia is experiencing a faster rate of warming than other parts of the world. While the average global temperature has increased by 1.1C since 1900, the average annual temperature in our region has increased by 1.6C, rising from 13.2C to 14.8C. According to forecasts, by 2050, air temperatures could rise by another 1.5-3C.In this context, as well as recognising the importance of the issue and the need for effective measures to address the mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change, the climate agenda becomes a priority for Uzbekistan. President Mirziyoyev has repeatedly stated that "Uzbekistan attaches serious attention to the issues of combating climate change, protecting the environment, and biodiversity. This is our human duty to present and future generations."Today, it can be confidently affirmed that these words are substantiated by concrete actions. Thanks to Tashkent's efforts, the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region was established in 2018 under the auspices of the UN, which has become a reliable platform for practical assistance from the international community to the population of the region living in an environmentally challenging area. To date, the Fund has attracted $134.5mn in financial resources from donor countries.The UN also supported the establishment of the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea in 2018. The center's tasks include the development of scientific research and practical work, improving the ecosystem and sustainable livelihoods, and the introduction of advanced research and innovation in the salt-affected lands of the dried-up Aral Sea.A significant achievement was the unanimous adoption of a special resolution by the UN General Assembly during its 75th session in 2021, proposed by President Mirziyoyev declared the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovation and technology. About 60 states co-authored the resolution, in which the UN General Assembly expressed support for regional initiatives and measures aimed at improving the environmental, social, economic, and demographic situation in the Aral Sea region.In addition to this, in 2023, the Central Asian University for Environmental Studies and Climate Change was established in Tashkent, which will be engaged in the training, retraining, and advanced training of specialists, scientists, researchers, leaders, and entrepreneurs capable of addressing important environmental, socio-economic, and scientific and technical problems of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.Uzbekistan actively participates permanently in the annual sessions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. During the 27th session held in 2022, the Uzbek delegation advocated for the consolidation of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, the promotion of renewable energy sources, climate adaptation projects, desertification, and land degradation control, the introduction of water-saving technologies, and other climate actions in Central Asia.Another important aspect is that the UN has supported Uzbekistan's intention to host the first "Samarkand International Forum for Solidarity for the Sake of Common Security and Prosperity" in the spring of 2024, dedicated to climate change issues. The forum will also include discussions on opportunities for international cooperation in reducing risks and threats in the Central Asian region and attracting climate financing.Considering the escalating challenges and emerging new threats to the Central Asian region, Uzbekistan, led by President Mirziyoyev will continue to strengthen cooperation with the UN in ensuring regional security and sustainable development in Central Asia. This will also be facilitated by the dynamic pace of regional processes and co-operation and the consolidation of efforts by Central Asian countries to address regional issues.Furthermore, Uzbekistan's participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly will contribute to the formation of a broad and effective agenda for further engaging the potential of global co-operation in strengthening the security and stability of the region.Overall, it can be noted that Uzbekistan's proactive diplomacy within the framework of the UN to promote the interests of Central Asia opens up wide opportunities and prospects for practical interaction with the international community. Uzbekistan's and Central Asia's openness to developing global relationships will transform challenges into opportunities, ultimately contributing to the formation of a new model of regional co-operation in changing circumstances.Murad Uzakov is head of the Center for Regional Studies Institute for Strategic and Inter-regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan