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Saturday, December 23, 2017 Issue No. 7604 Today’s Weather 200 Fils Max Min www.newsofbahrain.com www.facebook.com/nobonline newsofbahrain 38444680 nob_bh 25°C 15°C

Nightclubs, bars shut for floutingJO3639_Smart_Money_App_Launch_DT_Hamper_6.7cmX4cm.indd norms9/26/17 3:39 PM 1

DT News Network regulations, as per ministerial hotels located in Juffair, Seef, Authority CEO Shaikh Khalid regulations in Bahrain in a way [email protected] resolutions recently announced. Manama and other areas. bin Humood Al Khalifa. that harms national interests. Industry, Commerce and The resolutions were It was also mentioned that Similar decisions were taken Manama Tourism Minister Zayid bin published in the Official Gazette Resolutions 208-2022 for the by the minister earlier this year t least 14 nightclubs, bars Rashid Al Zayani issued 14 on Thursday and mentioned that year 2017 taken by Minister by shutting down a number of and lounges have been resolutions on Wednesday, the outlets were closed as per the Al Zayani were because of first-class restaurants, bars and eitherA closed down or suspended stipulating the closure of these recommendations of Bahrain the outlets’ violations of discos in a few four and five- for “repeated” violations of facilities in four and five-star Tourism and Exhibitions the provisions of tourism star hotels in the capital. FM hits out x PM condoles death of Princess Al Anood at Iran for Manama is Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince HKhalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has sent a cable of condolences to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al using Saud on the death of Princess Al Anood bint Meta’ab bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. A similar cable was sent to Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence Prince Shaikh Khalid Mohammed bin Salman bin Palestine Abdulaziz. Muhannad Mansour/DTNN “The biggest harm to the His Excellency President was received by the Saudi but the Islamic Republic is [email protected] Palestinian cause is those who Mahmoud Abbas, who knows monarch on Wednesday temporary. We need to Fresh sanctions benefit from the sufferings that the Islamic Republic to discuss the latest protect our homeland, first Manama of the people of Palestine”, has no appreciation for the developments and reaffirm and foremost, from Iranian on North Korea ran is living on the the minister said on Twitter, continued suffering of the the Saudi supporting stance Theo-Fascist agenda, so we United Ntions sufferings of the Palestinian in a direct reference to Iran, Palestinian people to continue to the Palestinian people and can play our part in solving he United Nations peopleI for decades and is Hezbollah, the Muslims the survival of Hezbollah state. the Arab-Israel dispute, Security Council has voted utilising their cause to ensure Brotherhood and other groups terrorists,” Shaikh Khalid “It’s not helpful to pick a by achieving the two-state unanimouslyT to impose tougher that terrorist organisations, that exploit the Palestinian said. fight with the USA over side solution with East Jerusalem sanctions on North Korea in such as Hezbollah, remain, sufferings to gain support and In a series of tweets on issues while we together fight as the capital of independent response to its ballistic missile said Foreign Affairs Minister legitimacy. Twitter, he referred to the clear and present danger fully sovereign Palestine,” tests. The resolution includes Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al “Openness and clarity are the Palestinian President of the Theo-Fascist Islamic the minister said earlier in measures to reduce the nation’s Khlifa yesterday. required. Our hearts are with Mahmoud Abbas, who republic. Iran is sustained tweets. petrol imports by up to 90%. P 02 P 03 P 05 Al Ashtar, Forgery: Al Mukhtar Manpower Dog attacks added to agent, partner student in UK terror list get jail school campus 2 Saturday, December 23, 2017

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday returned to Bahrain following a visit to Thailand. Prince Khalifa was welcomed at the airport by Royal Family mem- bers, Southern Governor, senior state officials and the Chargé d’Affaires at the Thai Embassy. Earlier, HRH the Premier was seen off at the airport by representative of the Thai King, a representative of the Government of Thailand and a number of Thai government’s officials. Bahrain welcomes UK’s commitment to combat terrorism Manama and unable to operate in the United in the Kingdom, including a A riot policeman runs past fires caused ahrain yesterday welcomed a Kingdom. jailbreak of 10 convicted by petrol bombs thrown (The Middle East decision by the Parliament of the Commending the move, Bahrain said terrorists that led to the Magazine) BUnited Kingdom to designate four the “order reflects the UK government’s death of a police officer groups - two in Bahrain and two in Egypt long-standing commitment to in January 2017. - as terrorist organisations. combatting terrorism and extremist Other attacks, “Bahrain remains deeply concerned ideologies on the global level”. the minister said, about the consistent threat posed by Bahrain further stressed the includes an attack in a individuals linked to these groups seeking importance of continued collaboration bus station in Sitra and an attack to undermine the safety and security of between international partners to on a police vehicle near the village the Kingdom,” a statement released by counter terrorism in all its forms. “Global of Al-Qadeem. the Bahrain News Agency said. security can only be upheld through “More generally, the group has Announcing the decision, the UK common strategic and operational incited violent activity against House, following an amendment to approaches,” it said. the Bahraini Government, the UK Terrorism Act 2000, said the In this regard, Bahrain also urged the as well as the British, groups pose a grave threat to the stability international community to follow the American and Saudi and security of the Kingdom and Saudi United Kingdom’s responsible action in Arabian Governments Arabia. The order proscribes Al-Ashtar the fight against terrorism. on social media,” the UK Brigades, including its aliases Saraya Minister told the House. al-Ashtar, Wa’ad Allah Brigades, Islamic ‘Strong Message’ The Minister Allah Brigades, Imam al-Mahdi Brigades Proscription, according to the UK, sends told the House that and al-Haydariyah Brigades; Al-Mukhtar a strong message to deter fundraising and al-Mukhtar Brigades Brigades, including Saraya al-Mukhtar; recruitment for proscribed organisations. has also terrorised the Hasam, including Harakat Sawa’d Misr Al-Ashtar Brigades and its aliases, Kingdom through and Harakat Hasm; and Liwa al-Thawra. according to the UK Minister of Security, similar acts and The UK House said the action Ben Wallace, lists security forces of continued promotion sends a “strong message that terrorist Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as well as the and glorification of activity is not tolerated wherever it ruling family as targets of attacks. terrorism via social Al Ashtar, happens”. The effect of proscription is He told the UK House that the group media throughout that a listed organisation is outlawed was responsible for several terror attacks 2017. Al Mukhtar brigades added to

A Bahraini forensic police officer inspects the site of a bomb blast in the village of Sitra, south of Manama, on July 28, 2015 (Eaglenews) UK terror list Saturday, December 23, 2017 3 Forgery: Manpower agent, partner get jail Prosecution against the same office, is his accomplice DT News Network Court files defendants for submitting fake in this case,” court files [email protected] official documents through its revealed. showed that online portal “Sijilat”. The files also showed that Manama they together When the company was the defendants had defrauded Bahraini manpower inspected by the police as per a Bahraini woman by issuing agent has been sentenced kept more than the prosecution’s order, a total 28 CRs for fake companies Ato five years in jail for his of 822 passports and 135 ID using her name and password, involvement in forging official 800 passports cards were found. while informing her that documents. belonging to Further investigations they only issued one CR for a The agent was sentenced showed that the labourers construction company and paid by the First High Criminal Asian labourers were recruited through 49 fake her BD300 monthly rent for it. Court on Thursday to five Commercial Registrations (CR)s. After issuing the fake CRs, years imprisonment and Court files showed that they Both defendants were technology. “The defendant has a the suspects sold Residency another verdict of one-year together kept more than 800 prosecuted for submission The case was discovered history of fraud cases in his Permits (RP or visa) for BD1, imprisonment was issued for passports belonging to Asian of fake formal documents when Industry, Commerce criminal record. It has been 500 each. This means that the defendant’s female partner labourers at a manpower to an official authority and and Tourism Ministry lodged proved that his sister-in-law, they at least made BD1, 233, in crime. agency. the misuse of information a complaint to the Public who worked with him in the 000 out of the fraud. Bereaved father seeks justice after son’s death

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JO3639_Smart_Money_App_Launch_DT_Ads_18cmX12.8cm.indd 1 9/26/17 3:38 PM 4 Saturday, December 23, 2017 Saturday, December 23, 2017 5 ISB hand over meeting held Manama n official handover Bahraini sailor Aceremony took place at the Indian School Bahrain (ISB) on Dog attacks student Thursday in which Prince S Food Bank Launch Natarajan assumed office as the Honorary Chairman of the ISB in Bahrain detained Executive Committee for the year 2017-2020. ood is a basic human right. Unfortunately, over one third Saji Antony will be the in school campus Fof food produced globally is lost or wasted, which amounts new Honorary Secretary DT News Network Public Relations and Information Kingdom. to around 1.3 billion tons per year. We need to understand of the Indian School. Binu [email protected] Directorate in the Ministry confirmed MP and Human Rights Committee that in a world of plenty, 805 million people or one in nine, live Mannil Varughese is the in a statement that the boy sustained in the House of Representatives with chronic hunger. Unfortunately, the costs of hunger and in Qatar new EC Member in charge Manama injuries as the dog escaped from the member Jamal Dawood said, despite the malnutrition fall heavily on the most vulnerable, where 60% DT News Network - Bahraini Mustafa Hassan, 30, coastguard team. of Finance. Mohammad student was attacked by a dog car of his female owner, barged into ministry’s confirmation that the incident of the hungry in the world are women while almost 5 million [email protected] and two others - were fishing on Hassan’s family members Khursheed Alam will be the inside the campus of a public the school and attacked him, before the involved a domestic pet, “The increase children under the age of 5 die of malnutrition-related causes Bahraini sailor and two the high seas when their boat ran said the men left Bahrain from continuity member in the new schoolA in Muharraq Governorate last school guard was able to control the of stray dogs’ attacks against minors and every year. 4 in 10 children in poor countries are malnourished Aothers were reportedly out of fuel and drifted into the the coastal village of Al Dair Executive Committee. The week, stirring public debate on stray situation. adults in different parts of the Kingdom which affect their bodies and brains. detained by Qatari authorities regional water of Qatar. in Muharraq Governorate last other elected members of the dogs menace once again. “Based on the responsibility of the is alarming. Animal welfare, that some Irony of the fact is that the world produces enough food to on charges of trespassing into They were reportedly arrested week and they haven’t heard EC are Premalatha N.S, Rajesh The incident reportedly took place ministry and its concern for the safety are taking as a pretext, has become a feed every person on the planet but the inequalities are taking their regional waters. from the northwestern Qatari from them since then. Mukkadekattu N, Jayafar in Hidd and the student was apparently and welfare of the students, it submitted danger to the society.” its toll. Every year, consumers in industrialized countries waste According to reports, the crew waters on Sunday by a Qatari Hassan and the two Asian Maidani, Ajayakrishnan V. bitten in the face, however, it wasn’t a formal complaint to Hidd Police “These attacks have become more almost as much food as the entire net food production of sub- fishermen, according to reports, The Indian School Executive certain if a stray dog was involved in it Station regarding the incident to take dangerous. This is a serious matter and Saharan Africa. The amount of food lost and wasted every year A picture posted by Hassan on his were produced before Qatari Committee (EC) consists or not. legal action against the offender and to could not be ignored,” Dawood said, is equal to more than half of the world’s annual cereals crops. Instagram account Public Prosecution and were of seven elected members, a Education Minister Dr. Majid al guarantee the student’s legal rights,” the while accusing animal welfare activists It is estimated that over 300 tons per day of organic food remanded into judicial custody. Staff Representative, three Nuaimi visited the student at his home directorate mentioned in its statement. of being responsible for the issue and waste is being generated as domestic waste in the country Family members said they Education Ministry Nominees, on Thursday and was reassured about Several MPs commented on the pledging to organise a protest before which constitutes around 11% of the total municipal waste. have approached the authorities a Continuity Member, a his condition. The minister also met incident as an aftermath of the never- Works, Municipalities Affairs and The food waste is being discarded along with other domestic here “to interfere and release Ministry Observer and the the student’s parents and wished good ending stray dogs issue, which is Urban Planning Ministry to demand an waste and is being collected by the local private contractors, Hassan and the two others.” Principal. health and a speedy recovery for the boy. reported in all four governorates of the immediate solution for the case. which is transported and disposed at the Asker municipal The incident came to public Johnson K Devassy, a senior Education Minister Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi with the student landfill site located some 25 km away from the city center in attention when the family Post Graduate Teacher in a quarry area. members of the sailor circulated the ISB English Department, The enormous food waste generation can be witnessed at a message online seeking help was elected for the post of all socio economic levels. It is environmentally and morally from the authorities and public Staff Representative. Other considered offensive that as a society we have become so casual to locate their missing son. portfolios for the new members Shaikh Mohammed attends about the basic raw materials of life. Over the period of years, There is, however, no official will be allocated later, ISB the society and people have become more wasteful due to rise confirmation available on the Chairman Prince S Natarajan in income, living standards and affordability. But affordability developments. said. National Day celebrations does not mean that wastage should increase. During festivals and holidays, people tend to buy more DT News Network than their normal requirements for self-consumption and for Manama taking care of guests. Due to the limited quantity of food to be is Highness Shaikh His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin consumed by people, this additional quantity of cooked food Mohammed bin Salman becomes waste. Abbas rejects H Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended Taking cognizance of the fact that an enormous quantity National Day celebrations the activities of Bahrain’s young people of food is wasted in the country, a non-profit food bank is held by the Halat Al Naim and to celebrate the Kingdom’s achieve- planned and will soon be established in Bahrain to encourage Trump’s Halat Al Sluta Youth Centre social giving, reduce waste and reach out to needy people. The yesterday. ments and to focus on the country’s establishment of the bank is a priority as Labour and Social Upon arrival, His Highness Development Minister HE Mr. Jameel Humaidan met with was received by Ghanim development the representatives of Bahrain Food Bank, which is planned to peace Al Buainain, Minister of be declared. The bank once established will be contacting the Parliamentary Affairs, Salman restaurants and hypermarkets to donate an annual quantity of Bin Isa Bin Hindi, Governor of Undersecretary of Youth and Sports, Chairman of the food products they sell, which will be collected and distributed the Muharraq Governorate and Organisations and Centres Bahrain Olympic Committee, to the needy families across the country. Once established the plan a number of officials. at the Ministry of Youth as well as the support of His charity society would also collect extra food from restaurants His Highness welcomed and Sports Affairs, delivered Highness Shaikh Khalid bin and bakeries, as well as left-overs from big ceremonies and the activities of Bahrain’s a speech during the event, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, distribute them in a hygienic way to the needy people. young people to celebrate in which he extended First Deputy Chairman of the We need to develop better food habits and do food Paris He also hit out at efforts decision on Jerusalem, but rejected on Friday. the Kingdom’s achievements congratulations to the Supreme Council for Youth management while respecting for the Mother Nature. The alestinian president by the US to intimidate he also ruled out recognising The 40-year-old French and to focus on the country’s Kingdom’s leadership on the and Sports and President of the problem of food waste lies in social and cultural solution: PMahmud Abbas said countries ahead of a vote at Palestine as a state unilaterally leader has stepped up his development. occasion of National Day. He Bahrain Athletics Federation, - Buying meat, bread, fruits and vegetables as required by users in yesterday that his people the UN on Thursday which which France has mooted meetings with leaders from the His Highness expressed praised His Highness’ support the Ministry of Youth and actual quantities. would “no longer accept” saw 128 countries condemn previously. Middle East in recent weeks, his pride in witnessing the for the efforts of the Ministry Sports Affairs has reached all of - Making a shopping list first before going to the market will be more any peace plan proposed by Washington’s decision to “The Americans have hosting Israeli President initiatives Bahraini citizens of Youth and Sports Affairs, its annual strategic goals drawn useful to avoid buying items in bargains/promotions. the United States following recognise Jerusalem as the marginalised themselves and Benjamin Netanyahu in Paris have undertaken to celebrate noting its positive impact on up earlier this year. - Buying items with a longer expiry dates for ease in using it during Washington’s decision Israeli capital. I am trying to not do the same less than a fortnight ago. Bahrain’s National Day, which young people’s development. The president of the youth that period. to unilaterally recognise “I hope that the others thing,” Macron told the joint Jordanian King Abdullah II marks the establishment of Shaikh Saqr bin Salman Al centre, Rashid Al Nuaimi, - Daily checking the food items in our fridge/ deep freezer and in Jerusalem as the capital of will learn the lesson and press conference with Abbas. visited on Thursday, the day the modern Bahraini state as a Khalifa praised the Halat Al extended a congratulatory fruit basket regarding items that may get rot/ expired. Utilizing it or Israel. understand that you cannot He added: “The solution before Abbas’ arrival. Muslim Arab country, the 46th Naim and Halat Al Sulta Youth speech on behalf of the Board giving it before it becomes waste. The Trump administration impose solutions by using will be built around two states Macron said he would visit anniversary of the Kingdom’s Centre, which is one of 35 of Directors and the residents - Inculcating good food utilizing and storage habits. has been preparing a plan in money and trying to buy off so inevitably there will be a the Palestinian territories in accession to the United Nations youth centres in the Kingdom. of the Halat Al Naim and - We need to follow our elders in “buying less and eating leftover secret which is expected to countries,” he added. moment in the process when 2018. as a full member, and the 18th The Assistant Undersecretary Halat Al Sluta Youth Centre, food” which is becoming ‘out of fashion’ and ‘out of date’ due to our be presented to the two sides US Ambassador there is recognition. I want “I have committed anniversary of His Majesty the also noted that youth centres in which he expressed his ‘modern day habits’. in 2018. Nikki Haley, noting that to do it at a moment that myself very clearly to doing King’s accession to the throne. have jointly organised almost thanks and appreciation to His “The United States has Washington made “generous will help build peace on the everything” to further the His Highness praised the 90 activities to celebrate Highness Shaikh Mohammed Save your food, save your money and save the environment. proven to be a dishonest contributions” to the United ground.” peace process, Macron said. youth centre’s members and National Day. Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al mediator in the peace process Nations, had warned that Macron has also ruled out Abbas praised Macron’s management for the work they With the support of His Khalifa for his support towards * Head of Waste Disposal Unit, Supreme Council for and we will no longer accept the vote would affect “how launching a fresh French efforts as a mediator. carry out in the Kingdom, and Highness Shaikh Nasser bin National Day events. Environment, Bahrain. (Email: [email protected]) any plan from the United Americans... look at countries peace initiative in the short “We have trust in you. We for their efforts to organise an Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The event also included States,” Abbas said after who disrespect us in the UN.” term, saying he is waiting to respect the efforts made by important event celebrating Personal Representative of His recitals in honour of Bahrain, meeting French President Macron repeated his earlier see what happens with the you and we count heavily on (The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not National Day. Majesty the King for Charity and His Highness received a necessarily reflect the policy or position of this newspaper.) Emmanuel Macron in Paris. condemnations of the US American effort which Abbas your efforts,” he said. (AFP) Dr Shaikh Saqr bin and Youth Affairs, Chairman of number of commemorative Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant the Supreme Council for Youth gifts. Saturday, December 23, 2017 5 Dog attacks student in school campus DT News Network Public Relations and Information Kingdom. [email protected] Directorate in the Ministry confirmed MP and Human Rights Committee in a statement that the boy sustained in the House of Representatives Manama injuries as the dog escaped from the member Jamal Dawood said, despite the student was attacked by a dog car of his female owner, barged into ministry’s confirmation that the incident inside the campus of a public the school and attacked him, before the involved a domestic pet, “The increase schoolA in Muharraq Governorate last school guard was able to control the of stray dogs’ attacks against minors and week, stirring public debate on stray situation. adults in different parts of the Kingdom dogs menace once again. “Based on the responsibility of the is alarming. Animal welfare, that some The incident reportedly took place ministry and its concern for the safety are taking as a pretext, has become a in Hidd and the student was apparently and welfare of the students, it submitted danger to the society.” bitten in the face, however, it wasn’t a formal complaint to Hidd Police “These attacks have become more certain if a stray dog was involved in it Station regarding the incident to take dangerous. This is a serious matter and or not. legal action against the offender and to could not be ignored,” Dawood said, Education Minister Dr. Majid al guarantee the student’s legal rights,” the while accusing animal welfare activists Nuaimi visited the student at his home directorate mentioned in its statement. of being responsible for the issue and on Thursday and was reassured about Several MPs commented on the pledging to organise a protest before his condition. The minister also met incident as an aftermath of the never- Works, Municipalities Affairs and the student’s parents and wished good ending stray dogs issue, which is Urban Planning Ministry to demand an health and a speedy recovery for the boy. reported in all four governorates of the immediate solution for the case. Education Minister Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi with the student Shaikh Mohammed attends National Day celebrations DT News Network Manama is Highness Shaikh His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mohammed bin Salman Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed Hbin Hamad Al Khalifa attended National Day celebrations the activities of Bahrain’s young people held by the Halat Al Naim and Halat Al Sluta Youth Centre to celebrate the Kingdom’s achieve- yesterday. ments and to focus on the country’s Upon arrival, His Highness was received by Ghanim development Al Buainain, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Salman Bin Isa Bin Hindi, Governor of Undersecretary of Youth and Sports, Chairman of the the Muharraq Governorate and Organisations and Centres Bahrain Olympic Committee, a number of officials. at the Ministry of Youth as well as the support of His His Highness welcomed and Sports Affairs, delivered Highness Shaikh Khalid bin the activities of Bahrain’s a speech during the event, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, young people to celebrate in which he extended First Deputy Chairman of the the Kingdom’s achievements congratulations to the Supreme Council for Youth and to focus on the country’s Kingdom’s leadership on the and Sports and President of the development. occasion of National Day. He Bahrain Athletics Federation, His Highness expressed praised His Highness’ support the Ministry of Youth and his pride in witnessing the for the efforts of the Ministry Sports Affairs has reached all of initiatives Bahraini citizens of Youth and Sports Affairs, its annual strategic goals drawn have undertaken to celebrate noting its positive impact on up earlier this year. Bahrain’s National Day, which young people’s development. The president of the youth marks the establishment of Shaikh Saqr bin Salman Al centre, Rashid Al Nuaimi, the modern Bahraini state as a Khalifa praised the Halat Al extended a congratulatory Muslim Arab country, the 46th Naim and Halat Al Sulta Youth speech on behalf of the Board anniversary of the Kingdom’s Centre, which is one of 35 of Directors and the residents accession to the United Nations youth centres in the Kingdom. of the Halat Al Naim and as a full member, and the 18th The Assistant Undersecretary Halat Al Sluta Youth Centre, anniversary of His Majesty the also noted that youth centres in which he expressed his King’s accession to the throne. have jointly organised almost thanks and appreciation to His His Highness praised the 90 activities to celebrate Highness Shaikh Mohammed youth centre’s members and National Day. Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al management for the work they With the support of His Khalifa for his support towards carry out in the Kingdom, and Highness Shaikh Nasser bin National Day events. for their efforts to organise an Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The event also included important event celebrating Personal Representative of His recitals in honour of Bahrain, National Day. Majesty the King for Charity and His Highness received a Dr Shaikh Saqr bin and Youth Affairs, Chairman of number of commemorative Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant the Supreme Council for Youth gifts. 6 Saturday, December 23, 2017 Saturday, December 23, 2017 7 ScientificScientific achievements achievements of 2017 of 2017

NEW TYPE OF PLANETARY OBJECT

Planetary scientists from Harvard and the University of California propose a new type of cosmic object called a synestia Russia – a massive, spinning, doughnut-shaped cloud of superheated rock and molten space debris, formed as planet-sized objects smash into each other Earth probably became a synestia for to host a brief period about 4.5 billion years ago

HARVESTING CLEAN WATER FROM AIR FIRSTFIRST SYNTHESIS OF OF METALLIC METALLIC HYDROGEN HYDROGEN Collaborators at MIT and University of California, Researchers at Harvard create metallic hydrogen Berkeley, create a prototype that pulls water from dry using a diamond anvil cell to squeeze the element to pressures beyond those at the Earthʼs core Syria talks air. The device uses MOF-801* – zirconium fumarate – a porous hygroscopic crystal with an ultrahigh sur- face area†. A man walks through a destroyed street in Aleppo Pressure (Time) MOF-801 pulls moisture into its pores and feeds water Electron squeezes into a collector, powered only by sunlight –ve charge electrons in Sochi out of atoms. Moscow month, a move that the U.N. United Nations in Geneva. Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, main backer of the opposition Turkey. Russia periodically Element acts like a ussia, Turkey and Iran Special envoy for Syria said Russian news reports cited the parties agreed to hold groups and rebels trying to opens a third track through *Metal-organic frameworks metal – becoming agreed yesterday to hold should be assessed based on its Kazakh diplomat Aidarbek the so-called Congress for remove Syrian President Cairo. Egypt has provided a SyriaR peace talks in Russia’s contribution to the mandated Tumanov who said that National Dialogue in Sochi on Bashar Assad from power base to Syrian reformists seen †Surface area of more than 7,000 square metres/gram a superconductor Black Sea resort of Sochi next political process under the during Friday’s meeting in Jan. 29-30. while Russia and Iran have as acceptable to the Damascus Earlier attempts to convene been among his main backers. government. the congress were thwarted by The three countries have “The United Nations Proton Australia to pull jets out of Iraq and Syria disagreements over possible teamed up to help mediate maintains its view that +ve charge ustralian military aircraft from the Middle East, marking and KC-30A refuelling aircraft. participants, primarily the a peace settlement for Syria’s any political initiative by will no longer fly combat the end of Australia’s air strike But Australian support involvement of the Kurds that conflict, now in its seventh international actors should operationsA over Iraq, the operations in Iraq and Syria,” aircraft will continue to operate Turkey has opposed. Russian year, which has claimed the be assessed by its ability to Defence Minister Marise Payne she said. “We can be immensely in the Middle East, as well as its envoy Alexander Lavrentyev lives of 400,000 and caused contribute to and support the announced yesterday. proud of the contribution our military training mission. told the Interfax news agency the worst refugee crisis since mandated political process “The Australian government Hornet crews have made to the “They will continue to that the parties have yet to World War II. under the United Nations WORLD’S OLDEST FOSSILS has determined we will bring fight against Daesh. There’s no support the Iraqi Security agree on the list of participants. The Sochi talks will in Geneva,” the U.N. Special home our six Super Hornet doubt our air strike operations Forces and counter-terrorism Tumanov said that the three open up a fourth track of Envoy for Syria Staffan de strike aircraft have made a difference.” service in their work to ensure countries have also decided talks between parties to the Mistura said in a statement. The Australian military’s Air that Daesh is precluded from to set up a working group complex conflict in Syria. The “The Special Envoy will be Task Group consisted of six taking any further hold,” that will deal with prisoner U.N.’s own Geneva program consulting the Secretary- F/A-18 fighter jets, an E-7A Minister Payne said. (SBS exchanges and agreed on the has been supplemented by General once he has received QUANTUM COMPUTING IN THE CLOUD Wedgetail surveillance plane News) need to clear Syrian territory the “technical” talks in Astana all the information required.” of mines. Turkey has been a brokered by Russia, Iran and (AP)

Australia’s oldest naval mystery solved India, China hold talks on border dispute A Royal Australian Navy vessel, the first Allied submarine lost in World War I, has HMAS AE1, been found after a 103-year search, lying regarded as New Delhi in 1962 and have been trying the Chinese delegation by at a depth of 300m off the Duke of York technological ndia and China yesterday to settle the boundary since the Special Representative Yang Islands in Papua New Guinea marvel in its day discussed ways to prevent 1980s. Jiechi. aI repeat of a recent face-off The two sides agreed Friday “The talks were positive ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS between their armed forces at that pending the final resolution and focused on bringing out a Himalayan plateau where of the boundary issue, it was the full potential of the closer PAPUA NEW GUINEA Chemists at Harvard have created a bionic leaf which uses solar energy to power a cobalt phosphide cata- their borders meet and agreed necessary to maintain peace developmental partnership Rabaul Sep 14, 1914: that resolving their boundary and tranquility in the border between the two countries,” the AE1 lost at sea lyst that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen. Ralstonia eutropha bacteria feed on the hydrogen and with all 35 crew 3D convert CO2 in the air into isopropanol fuel disagreements served the areas, a statement by India’s statement said. rendering of interests of both countries. External Affairs Ministry “They re-emphasized their wreck, modelled Port from data taken from Relations between the two said at the end of daylong commitment to achieve a 20km Indian National Security Moresby Duke underwater drone 40m BIGGEST EVER DINOSAUR IS NAMED Asian giants have often been talks. fair, reasonable and mutually 12 miles of York above sea bed Adviser Ajit Doval, right, poses strained, partly due to an The Indian side was acceptable solution to the India- Rabaul Islands with Chinese State Councillor Sep 14: Accompanied Patagotitan mayorum, the largest dinosaur ever to walk on undemarcated border. They led by National Security China boundary question at an Cairns Cape by HMAS Parramatta, Yang Jiechi fought a monthlong border war Adviser Ajit Doval and early date.” (AP) Gazelle AE1 leaves Blanche Earth, is officiallynamed by researchers at the palaeontology Bay to patrol off Cape museum in Argentina.They discovered the fossilised Blanche Gazelle. Last seen by Bay Parramatta at 3.30pm. bonesof six young adult dinosaurs in a Patagonian QUEENSLAND Presumed sunk after Russia to build nuclear power plant in Sudan AUSTRALIA striking uncharted quarry in 2014 Aug 1914: AE1 and reef Moscow Omar al-Bashir. Bashir has company said in a statement. and the key parameters will be Brisbane sister vessel AE2 A plant-eating creature, it weighed 69 tonnes, averaged 37 deployed to then metres long and was nearly six metres high at the shoulder. ussia has signed an been pushing for closer energy “The development of nuclear defined,” including timing and NEW German protectorate agreement to build a and military ties with Russia. technology will allow Sudan to funding, it said without giving SOUTH of New Guinea WALES It lived about 100 million years ago during the late Cretaceous nuclearR power plant in Sudan, The nuclear power plant deal with its energy security further details. Period Russia’s Rosatom nuclear deal was signed in Khartoum problem,” Rosatom said. The deal comes after Bashir Sydney Canberra AE1 Length: 55m agency announced on Friday, a on Thursday by Rusatom “As part of a feasibility met Putin in the Black Sea coast VICTORIA 400km Beam: 6.86m Human to scale month after a meeting between Overseas, a branch of Rosatom, study for the nuclear power city of Sochi on November 23, 250 miles © GRAPHIC NEWS Melbourne Displacement: 760 tonnes President Vladimir Putin and and Sudan’s electricity plant construction project, the where a cooperation nuclear Note: Map depicts modern names/borders Pictures: NASA, Berkeley Lab, Des Callaghan, Matthew Dodd, IBM Quantum Lab, Jorge Gonzalez his Sudanese counterpart ministry, the Russian nuclear choice of site will be examined energy deal was signed. (AFP) Sources: ABC, RAN Pictures: Australian War Memorial, RAN © GRAPHIC NEWS Saturday, December 23, 2017 7 Russia to host Syria talks

A man walks through a destroyed street in Aleppo (Time) in Sochi Moscow month, a move that the U.N. United Nations in Geneva. Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, main backer of the opposition Turkey. Russia periodically ussia, Turkey and Iran Special envoy for Syria said Russian news reports cited the parties agreed to hold groups and rebels trying to opens a third track through agreed yesterday to hold should be assessed based on its Kazakh diplomat Aidarbek the so-called Congress for remove Syrian President Cairo. Egypt has provided a SyriaR peace talks in Russia’s contribution to the mandated Tumanov who said that National Dialogue in Sochi on Bashar Assad from power base to Syrian reformists seen Black Sea resort of Sochi next political process under the during Friday’s meeting in Jan. 29-30. while Russia and Iran have as acceptable to the Damascus Earlier attempts to convene been among his main backers. government. the congress were thwarted by The three countries have “The United Nations Australia to pull jets out of Iraq and Syria disagreements over possible teamed up to help mediate maintains its view that ustralian military aircraft from the Middle East, marking and KC-30A refuelling aircraft. participants, primarily the a peace settlement for Syria’s any political initiative by will no longer fly combat the end of Australia’s air strike But Australian support involvement of the Kurds that conflict, now in its seventh international actors should operationsA over Iraq, the operations in Iraq and Syria,” aircraft will continue to operate Turkey has opposed. Russian year, which has claimed the be assessed by its ability to Defence Minister Marise Payne she said. “We can be immensely in the Middle East, as well as its envoy Alexander Lavrentyev lives of 400,000 and caused contribute to and support the announced yesterday. proud of the contribution our military training mission. told the Interfax news agency the worst refugee crisis since mandated political process “The Australian government Hornet crews have made to the “They will continue to that the parties have yet to World War II. under the United Nations has determined we will bring fight against Daesh. There’s no support the Iraqi Security agree on the list of participants. The Sochi talks will in Geneva,” the U.N. Special home our six Super Hornet doubt our air strike operations Forces and counter-terrorism Tumanov said that the three open up a fourth track of Envoy for Syria Staffan de strike aircraft have made a difference.” service in their work to ensure countries have also decided talks between parties to the Mistura said in a statement. The Australian military’s Air that Daesh is precluded from to set up a working group complex conflict in Syria. The “The Special Envoy will be Task Group consisted of six taking any further hold,” that will deal with prisoner U.N.’s own Geneva program consulting the Secretary- F/A-18 fighter jets, an E-7A Minister Payne said. (SBS exchanges and agreed on the has been supplemented by General once he has received Wedgetail surveillance plane News) need to clear Syrian territory the “technical” talks in Astana all the information required.” of mines. Turkey has been a brokered by Russia, Iran and (AP)

Australia’s oldest naval mystery solved India, China hold talks on border dispute A Royal Australian Navy vessel, the first Allied submarine lost in World War I, has HMAS AE1, been found after a 103-year search, lying regarded as New Delhi in 1962 and have been trying the Chinese delegation by at a depth of 300m off the Duke of York technological ndia and China yesterday to settle the boundary since the Special Representative Yang Islands in Papua New Guinea marvel in its day discussed ways to prevent 1980s. Jiechi. aI repeat of a recent face-off The two sides agreed Friday “The talks were positive between their armed forces at that pending the final resolution and focused on bringing out a Himalayan plateau where of the boundary issue, it was the full potential of the closer PAPUA NEW GUINEA their borders meet and agreed necessary to maintain peace developmental partnership Rabaul Sep 14, 1914: that resolving their boundary and tranquility in the border between the two countries,” the AE1 lost at sea with all 35 crew 3D disagreements served the areas, a statement by India’s statement said. rendering of interests of both countries. External Affairs Ministry “They re-emphasized their wreck, modelled Port from data taken from Relations between the two said at the end of daylong commitment to achieve a 20km Indian National Security Moresby Duke underwater drone 40m Asian giants have often been talks. fair, reasonable and mutually 12 miles of York above sea bed Adviser Ajit Doval, right, poses strained, partly due to an The Indian side was acceptable solution to the India- Rabaul Islands with Chinese State Councillor Sep 14: Accompanied undemarcated border. They led by National Security China boundary question at an Cairns Cape by HMAS Parramatta, Yang Jiechi fought a monthlong border war Adviser Ajit Doval and early date.” (AP) Gazelle AE1 leaves Blanche Bay to patrol off Cape Blanche Gazelle. Last seen by Bay Parramatta at 3.30pm. QUEENSLAND Presumed sunk after Russia to build nuclear power plant in Sudan AUSTRALIA striking uncharted Aug 1914: AE1 and reef Moscow Omar al-Bashir. Bashir has company said in a statement. and the key parameters will be Brisbane sister vessel AE2 deployed to then ussia has signed an been pushing for closer energy “The development of nuclear defined,” including timing and NEW German protectorate agreement to build a and military ties with Russia. technology will allow Sudan to funding, it said without giving SOUTH of New Guinea WALES nuclearR power plant in Sudan, The nuclear power plant deal with its energy security further details. Russia’s Rosatom nuclear deal was signed in Khartoum problem,” Rosatom said. The deal comes after Bashir Sydney Canberra AE1 Length: 55m agency announced on Friday, a on Thursday by Rusatom “As part of a feasibility met Putin in the Black Sea coast VICTORIA 400km Beam: 6.86m month after a meeting between Overseas, a branch of Rosatom, study for the nuclear power city of Sochi on November 23, 250 miles Melbourne Displacement: 760 tonnes President Vladimir Putin and and Sudan’s electricity plant construction project, the where a cooperation nuclear Note: Map depicts modern names/borders his Sudanese counterpart ministry, the Russian nuclear choice of site will be examined energy deal was signed. (AFP) Sources: ABC, RAN Pictures: Australian War Memorial, RAN © GRAPHIC NEWS 8 Saturday, December 23, 2017

li Abdelaziz sees turmoil since the 2011 with smaller numbers along protection: they care for “Awareness grew among parents consider children as children as a “gift from uprising that toppled the Mediterranean and Red their parents when they people here,” said Hamed. a source of income,” with AGod”, so much so that he former president Hosni Sea coasts. grow older,” said Abdelaziz, Following the currency many children joining the has 10 of his own, even Mubarak. A fall in mortality rates the doorman, unconvinced flotation, the pound lost labour market at an early as Egypt’s government With 96 million in the early 1970s further of the campaign. more than half its value age, he said. struggles to stem a inhabitants -- and 9.4 boosted the population But Hayam Mohamed, a and inflation jumped to 33 Magued Osman, the head “catastrophic” population million expatriates -- growth. mother of three, does not percent in September. of Baseera, a private public boom. the Arab world’s most In Cairo, a megalopolis want more children and “If I give birth to five or opinion research centre, Abdelaziz works in the populous country adds 1.6 of nearly 20 million uses a government family six children, I won’t even be said Egypt’s population capital as a doorman, but million people every year to inhabitants, the population planning centre in Umm able to provide them food,” growth amounts to his children stay in a village its population. density is around 50,000 Khenan village of Giza said Mohamed. “collective suicide”. with their mother in the At the current rate, inhabitants per square province. It is the result of southern province of Minya Egypt’s population will kilometre, or nearly 10 “I don’t want my children Soaring prices “politicians neglecting the where life is cheaper. reach 119 million in 2030, times that of London. to feel deprived,” Mohamed, Abu Bakr el-Gendy, issue since the middle of the Egypt’s overpopulation according to a May report 32, said after receiving her the head of Egypt’s state previous decade”, said Mona is adding pressure on the by the United Nations ’Two are enough’ contraception pills, free of statistics bureau which Abu el-Ghar, an obstetrics economy, already reeling Population Fund. President Abdel Fattah charge, from the centre’s carried out the latest census, and gynaecology professor from the political With 95 percent of al-Sisi has said population doctor, like many others in described the current rate at Cairo University. and security Egypt’s land uninhabitable growth is “a challenge as her village. of population growth as a “The problem needs to be desert, the population is critical as that of terrorism”. “Education is expensive, “catastrophe”. taken more seriously with concentrated around the The government and life has become difficult He said the annual rate constant media campaigns narrow Nile valley launched a new family with the rising prices.” accelerated between 2005 on radio and television and Nile planning campaign this year Fardous Hamed, a and 2014, before stabilising to raise awareness on the Delta, under the slogan “two are doctor at the centre, told in 2016 at around 2.6 importance of family enough”, to try to contain AFP that the number of percent. planning,” said Abu the phenomenon. people seeking its services The rate must be at el-Ghar. “Children has risen with the latest least three times lower These campaigns, she are round of price increases than economic growth for said, need to be sponsored since authorities floated the people’s living standards by the authorities as well as pound in November not to deteriorate, according by the Al-Azhar institution, 2016. to Gendy. Egypt’s top Islamic But “the more poverty authority. increases, the more the Abbas Shuman, deputy reproduction rate to Al-Azhar’s grand imam, increases Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, has because said that “family planning is halal” or allowed in Islam. At the current rate, (AFP) Egypt’s popula- Picture for representative purpose only tion will reach 119 million in 2030, according to a May report by the United Nations Population Fund. Egypt 8 Egypt adds 1.6 million people every year 8 95pc of Egypt’s land in uninhabitable desert fighting 8 Population density is 50,000 per square km in Cairo population boom Saturday, December 23, 2017 BUSINESS 9 Modi urges use of Indian products “There is something else that we take into US experts resign from monitoring China consideration – and I am speaking without irony Washington New Delhi – we rely on our peaceful foreign policy. That’s wo consulting firms hired to help the United States rime Minister Narendra Modi’s office has asked all crucial, since we don’t need countless bases all police ZTE Corp’s compliance with trade sanctions have government departments to prioritise the use of local over the world, we are not resigned,T according to four people Pproducts in state projects, after familiar with the matter. In late domestic companies objected to seeking to play the role of the August, Guidepost Solutions and a global tender by the railways world gendarme – we do not Larkin Trade International parted ministry seeking tonnes of steel rails. need that,” ways with the r in charge of the The steel ministry says the tender oversight regime - Texas lawyer goes against the “Make in India” -Vladimir Putin, James Stanton - after clashing over manufacturing push championed his approach to the job. by Modi. Russian President

Catalan separatists keep majority Pro-independence parties in Catalonia have held their absolute majority in snap regional elections, dealing a blow to the Spanish government which had called the polls in the hope of defusing the secessionist push Ousted separatist Centre-right, president, Carles pro-unionist ‘Lawns & Puigdemont, of Citizens party of JxCAT party, hailed Inés Arrimadas result as victory for was single “Catalan republic” biggest winner

Republican Popular Unity Catalonia Beyond’ Left of Candidacy in Common Catalonia (CUP) (CeC) Citizens (ERC) (Cs) 8 Together for 4 Socialists Catalonia Party of (JxCAT) 32 Catalonia 37 (PSC) gets huge

: 70 UN TS IO IS N 34 T IS A T R S A Majority: : 17

P 68 seats 5 E 7 S response: PARLIAMENT Turnout: 81.94% – OF CATALONIA 3 record for a Catalan Total seats: 135 People’s party regional election of Catalonia (PP) PERCENTAGE VOTE 50% INDEPENDENTIST: 47.28% UNIONIST: 43.7% Omkar JxCAT ERC Cs PSC 21.65% 21.39% 25.37% 13.88%

Source: Generalitat de Catalunya Pictures: Getty Images CUP CeC Others PP © GRAPHIC NEWS 4.45% 7.45% 1.57% 4.24% GCC Catastrophes in 2017 cost $306 billion umbai based Omkar Realtors Total economic losses from natural and man-made disasters in 2017 M& Developers announced are estimated at around $306 billion, 63% higher than last year, obtaining 150 plus EOIs (express of with the U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean countries hit hardest interest) from NRI’s based out of Feb-Jun, United States: $1bn $1.3bn Mar, Australia: Tropical GCC for its forthcoming 1200-plus High number of severe Cyclone Debbie apartments residential project slated thunderstorms. Four-day caused widespread storm in Colorado and flooding in central for end-November 2017 launch. other southern and and southeast This low-ticket sized boutique central states $31.4bn Queensland and inventory, according to the company, cost $2.8bn in northeast New offering is the biggest realty launch economic South Wales losses Total across pan-India, Post-RERA, by a insured Aug-Sep, branded realty player with Dubai- Other: losses, 2017 United States, based NRIs leading the customer Includes $7.3bn $93bn Caribbean: weather $136 billion Three category interest internationally. extremes 4+ hurricanes – The RERA compliant project, in Europe and Harvey, Irma, “Lawns & Beyond”, consists of severe floods and Maria – 1/2/3 bhk units with the ticket size in South East Asia caused destruction from Texas to Florida ranging from Rs. 87 lakh to Rs 1.6 Oct, United States: and across many crore onwards (355 sq.ft -710 sq.ft Wildfires in Northern small island states carpet area). The project located Rahul Maroo & Umesh Jandial California affected residential on the western express highway of and commercial property. $2bn Sep, Mexico: Major earthquakes Fires still raging in Southern in Tehuantepec and Puebla Andheri-Jogeshwari east corridor at buying in India’s primary realty Currently, the brand enjoys a California – full-year losses More than 11,000 people died or comes with a record 30 plus market. Not only does this ticket sizing 200 plus customer base from GCC likely to be higher went missing in disasters in 2017 amenities and an inventory of 1200 compare well with GCC markets; it markets for its boutique and luxury plus apartments as part of Phase 1 holds attractive ROI proposition at the inventory. launch. On completion, it will be current pricing level.” According to Umesh Jandiyal, the largest boutique residential gated The project strategically located heading Omkar’s brand facilitation community in Mumbai. on the Western Express Highway team in Dubai, the marked investment According to Rahul Maroo, Senior enjoying easy access to domestic and interest level from GCC, especially Vice President, Omkar Realtors: “The international airports and is within Dubai investors is indicative of high project with a fair share of inventory walking distance of the upcoming trust quotient and transparency factor under sub-Rs. 1 crore bracket holds metro. It comes with flexible payment prevalent amongst customers for a strong attraction for GCC based plans and minimal down payment leading branded players in Mumbai’s Source: Swiss Re Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS NRI customers and investors looking options. residential market. 10 BUSINESS Saturday, December 23, 2017

Representative picture Bitcoin plunges below $13,000

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES BUY SELL Heads for worst week since 2013 AUSTRALIA 0.2920 0.2896 BANGLADESH 0.00483 0.00458 London/Tokyo website Cryptocompare in that runs one of the biggest market size, soared to almost CANADA 0.3018 0.2985 itcoin plunged below London. exchanges and provides $900 earlier in the week, DENMARK 0.0627 EGYPT 0.0241 0.0218 B$13,000 yesterday after “A lot of traders have digital “wallets” for storing up from around $500 just EURO 0.4501 0.4476 losing around a third of its been waiting for this large bitcoins, said on Wednesday it a week earlier. Ripple, the HONGKONG 0.04970 0.04930 value in just five days, with correction.” would investigate accusations third-biggest, has more than INDIA 0.00582 0.00585 the digital currency on track “With the end of the year of insider trading, following quadrupled in price since INDONESIA 0.00003017 0.00002855 for its worst week since 2013 in sight a lot of investors will a sharp increase in the price Monday. IRAN TUMAN 0.00010964 after a blistering ascent to be taking profits and saying of a bitcoin spin-off hours “A lot of the capital is IRAQI DINAR 0.000300 a peak close to $20,000 on thank you very much and before it announced support flowing from bitcoin into JAPAN 0.00352 0.003450 Sunday. closing their books for the for it. alternative coins,” said JORDAN 0.5362 0.5354 But bitcoin has fallen each holiday period,” he added. Shane Chanel, equities KOREA 0.00039646 day since then, with losses Bitcoin has had a difficult CRYPTO-RIVALS and derivatives adviser at KUWAIT 1.254 1.254 accelerating on Friday. It week. As warnings about the As rival cryptocurrencies slid ASR Wealth Advisers in MALAYSIA 0.0938 0.0936 fell to as low as $12,560 on risks of investing in the volatile along with bitcoin, the total Sydney. NEW ZEALAND 0.2616 0.2616 Bitstamp, marking a fall of and unregulated market have estimated value of the crypto While some say the launch NORWAY 0.0481 almost 20 percent on the day. continued to sound louder - market fell to as low as $480 by CME and its rival Cboe NEPAL 0.00395 0.00365 OMAN 0.98220 0.98340 At 0850 GMT it was trading with Denmark’s central bank billion, according to industry Global Markets of bitcoin PAKISTAN 0.00366 0.00358 down 15 percent on the day governor calling it a “deadly” website Coinmarketcap, futures over the last two weeks PHILIPPINES 0.00758 0.00747 at $13,320 and was heading gamble - there have been more having neared $650 billion has given the digital currency QATAR 0.10386 0.10381 for its worst day in more than worries over the exchanges on just a day earlier. some perceived legitimacy, SAUDI ARABIA 0.10065 0.10071 three months. which cryptocurrencies are But other cryptocurrencies many policymakers remain SINGAPORE 0.2834 0.2814 For the week, it was down bought and sold. had surged earlier in the week, sceptical. SOUTH AFRICA 0.02850 0.02840 around a third - its worst South Korean with many market-watchers Bitcoin is known to go SRI LANKA 0.00283 0.00246 performance since April 2013. cryptocurrency exchange saying investors who felt through wild swings. In SWEDISH 0.0479 “A manic upward swing led Youbit said on Tuesday it is bitcoin’s price had become November, it tumbled almost SWITZERLAND 0.3891 0.3861 by the herd will be followed by shutting down and is filing stretched were moving into 30 percent in four days SYRIA 0.001740 0.0018 a downturn as the emotional for bankruptcy after it was other digital coins, rather from $7,888 to $5,555. In TAIWAN 0.013100 sentiment changes,” said hacked for the second time than cashing out entirely. September, it fell 40 percent THAILAND 0.011730 0.011710 Charles Hayter, founder and this year. Ethereum, the second- from $4,979 to $2,972. TURKEY 0.1024 chief executive of industry Coinbase, a U.S. company biggest cryptocurrency by (Reuters) UNITED KINGDOM 0.5076 0.5047 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102850 0.102870 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37790 0.37800 YUAN 0.056800 0.056800 Number of births in Japan to hit record low in 2017 Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please Tokyo call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh “What’s behind this is for some one percent of the he number of births a continuous decline in population. in Japan this year has the number of women in Japan has a population fallenT to is lowest since the typical childbearing of about 125 million, not records began more than age bracket of 25 to 39,” a including foreigners. a century ago with about health ministry official said. Governments have for 941,000 new babies, the The number of deaths years tried to encourage COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN health ministry said on will likely rise by three families to have more Friday, proof if any were percent from the previous children but the population BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.5738 0.3799 0.3354 needed that it faces an year to 1.34 million, a post- keeps shrinking, and aging. KUWAIT 0.2855 32.0873 0.2877 0.2540 ageing and shrinking World War Two high, People aged 65 or older population. resulting in the largest ever accounted for 27.2 percent OMAN 0.3849 0.3820 0.3878 0.3425 The number of births will natural population decline of the total population, the QATAR 3.6420 3.6143 3.6699 3.2405 be about 4 percent lower of 403,000, the ministry highest ratio on record, UAE 3.6730 3.6451 3.7011 3.2681 than last year and the lowest said. according to data released since the government These figures do not in July, while those aged 14 SAUDI 3.7500 3.7215 3.7787 3.3366 started compiling data in include foreign nationals or younger fell to a record 1899, the ministry said. living in Japan, who account low of 12.7 percent. Representative picture (Reuters) Saturday, Decemberr 23, 2017 11

Coffee and Walnut Cake This Coffee and Walnut hristmas is that time of the year, when Cake is pure joy! The you forget all about diet and restric- aroma of coffee and the tionC and decide to celebrate the festival crunch that comes with by indulging in your favourite food! The walnut makes this cake preparations of the Christmas Cake, which a memorable experi- is a quintessential part of the festival begins ence. Serve it with tea much in advance with the soaking of nuts Plum Cake or coffee or a scoop in alcohol so they are not just softened Plum Cake is almost synonymous with of your favourite ice- but also get a delectable taste. During the Christmas. The festival is incomplete with- cream. festival of Christmas, cakes are made not out this dark, flavourful cake loaded with just for family consumption but to be sent nuts. If you want to get the perfect flavour, across to relatives and friends. Infact, most soak the nuts in rum for 2-3 days before Fairy Cupcakes often people get these cakes made from adding them in the cake. These fairy cup cakes are really pretty and you can nearby bakeries. But instead of buying place them somewhere at the centre of the cakes from bakeries where you have no table and they will add to the decor. You control over the quality of ingredients it is can serve these cakes to kids and trust always a good idea to bake your own cake. us, they are going to go overboard You can modify and adjust ingredients as with joy! per your dietary needs. For example if you can replace white sugar with brown sugar, all-purpose flour with wheat flour and eggs with banana or curd for bidding. If you Fruit Cake want to get the same fluffiness in your cake, What is Christmas and do not want to use eggs, you can go for without the tradi- a bottle of your favourite fizzy drink. Just tional fruit cake. mix it gradually, after you have combined You can always together the wet and the dry ingredients. experiment with There is no stereotype for a Christmas this cake by adding cake. It can be soft, crumbly, with egg, with- and replacing fruits out egg, with frosting or without frosting. A of various kinds. You Christmas Cake is usually a fruit cake that can make it look more uses lots of dry fruits and fresh fruits. It can attractive by adding be an orange, a chocolate a strawberry or a icing on top. plain vanilla cake. There are some typical cakes that are being prepared traditionally in different regions like the Dundee Cake that uses almonds and scotch whiskey, the Christmas Cupcakes Pumpkin Cake German fruit cake Stollen, Buche de Noel Christmas Cupcakes This cake has an of France and the Allahabadi Cake made are traditional unusual softness in India. These cake variations have very Christmas desserts and the best thing much to do with the local cuisine. For that are made much that you can pre- example the Indian Allahabadi cake has a in advance so that pare for kids. The typically Indian taste to it. It is made with there is enough in Classic Christmas Cake rich colour that maida, ghee, marmalade, petha, nuts and the pantry for the The classic Christmas Cake has a comes after baking fennel seeds. This Christmas, if you want to visiting friends and very easy recipe. So this Christmas, gives the Pumpkin bake your own cake, here are some popular relatives. instead of buying cake from out- Cake a lovely look. cake recipes prepared during the festival side, make one at home. You can that will make you a pro in the art of baking. decorate your cake with the top- (TOI) pings of your choice. Easy Plum Cake

Method Ingredients 1. Preheat oven to 180 C / Gas 4. » 150g caster sugar 2. Beat sugar and butter until fluffy with electric mixer. » 115g butter, at room temperature Mix flour and baking powder and sift into creamed » 140g plain flour mixture. Beat in eggs and salt. Mix everything well. » 1 teaspoon baking powder 3. Pour batter into a greased 26cm round springform tin » 2 eggs and smooth out. Top with the plums (cut side up) and » 1 pinch salt sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. » 12 plums, pitted and halved » 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or to taste 4. Bake in preheated oven on lowest shelf for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool to room » 1-2 tablespoons caster sugar, for sprinkling temperature or serve warm. (allrecipes) 12 Saturday, December 23, 2017

Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf has received the outgoing Turkish Ambassador Hatun Demirer. The minister reviewed with the ambassador areas of cooperation between the two countries.

President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, participated in the closing ceremony of the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 held yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland. At the invitation of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the BACA President participated in the event as Interior Ministry Undersecretary Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa honoured some female officers and other staff in the engineering section to mark Bahraini Women’s Day. He said that the minister’s a Special Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism for Development of 2017. directives to support Bahraini women had contributed to improving their productivity and given them better opportunities to progress in their careers.

National Day and the Accession Day were celebrated by the Public Security Officers’ Club. A host of activities as part of the celebrations were held under the patronage of Interior Ministry Undersecretary Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, and attended by officials, officers, club members and their families. Saturday, December 23, 2017 13

Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza received a copy of the new version of the book, “Faces of the Village” by its writer and translator Mahdi Abdullah. The minister stressed that the Bahraini writer enriches the readers of his diverse cul- ture and praised the author’s ef- forts in publish- ing many valu- able works, such as his previous book, “Flavour of Chief of Public Security, Maj-Gen Tariq Al Hassan received Italian Ambassador Domenico Bellato, and reviewed the bilateral the Past”. relations and topics of joint interest.

Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Secretary-General Dr. Mustapha Al-Sayyid received MP Rua Al-Haiki and discussed legislations and laws related to women and children, particularly widows and or- phans. Dr. Al-Sayyid shed light on the history of the charity founda- tion as well as the number of widows and orphans supported by Interior Ministry Undersecretary Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa honoured some female officers and other staff in the engineering section to mark Bahraini Women’s Day. He said that the minister’s His Majesty the King and the other social categories which are also directives to support Bahraini women had contributed to improving their productivity and given them better opportunities to progress in their careers. benefiting from the RCO programmes.

Sixty Emirati youngsters representing the Watani Al-Emarat Ambassadors –”2020 Leaders “ attended a workshop on the moral values National Day and the Accession Day were celebrated by the Public Security Officers’ Club. A host of activities as part of the celebrations were held under the patronage of Interior Ministry Undersecretary Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, and attended by officials, learned from the Japanese experience in upbringing the youth. Bahraini Flight Engineer Yacoub Al-Naajim, who has a deep knowl- officers, club members and their families. edge about people’s experiences, addressed the workshop. 14 Saturday, December 23, 2017

Ellen DeGeneres @TheEllenShow It’s the first day of Winter! Game of Thrones fans were right. Winter really#WinterSolstice was coming.

Los Angeles n online petition has Mumbai, India been launched against ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has AMatt Damon following his hailed Hugh Jackman and said that the controversial comments HollywoodB actor always inspires him with his on sexual misconduct in performances. Hollywood. “My love and thanks to my friend Hugh The online petition demands Jackman for always inspiring us with the producers of the movie his performances. You are ‘The Greatest -- George Clooney, Steven Showman’ in Wolverine’s clothing,” Shah Soderbergh and Susan Ekins -- Rukh tweeted yesterday. to cut the actor’s cameo in the all- Directed by Michael Gracey, “The Greatest female spin-off of the “Ocean’s” Showman” is a period musical drama film, which trilogy which is “supposed to be also features Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca an empowering film for women”, reports Ferguson and Zendaya. aceshowbiz.com. Jackman, who plays the role of P. T. Barnum The petition, which has nearly reached in the film, had earlier praised Shah Rukh at the its goal of 18,000 signatures, reads: “This Sydney premiere of the film. behaviour is beyond enabling - it’s just According to media reports, Jackman said at the gross”. (Referring to the 47-year-old actor’s premiere: “I have done a lot of dancing and singing comments on sexual abuse that were deemed in this film and I had Shah Rukh Khan in mind not appropriate by many). (IANS) while shooting for it. He is my mentor and I need to take more dance lessons from him. (IANS)

ctress Kaley Cuocos fiance Karl Cook says the couple bonded over their love of horses. ACuoco, who got engaged to the equestrian last month, loves going out for horse riding with him, reports suggest. “We met at Thermal in 2016, and the day we met I actually ended up asking her out to dinner. We went to dinner that night and we have been together ever since,” Cook told a magazine. “We met each other because of horses. Horses are a big part of our lives individually, and together it’s amplified because it’s something we share, and we can do it together,” he added. (TOI) Eddie Vedder

December 23, 1964

Known for his work with Pearl Jam as lead singer and rhythm guitarist. He was ranked #7 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s Best Lead Singers of All Time list. Saturday, December 23, 2017 15

he Princess of Themyscira continues to be a symbol of pushing boundaries and breaking Tstereotypes, as actress Gal Gadot is all set to ollywood star Tom Hanks said he would receive the #SeeHer Award at this year’s Critics not screen his film ‘The Post’ for President Choice Awards. According to reports, the TrumpH at the White House if he was ever invited. ‘Wonder Woman’ star will be honoured at Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film follows the upcoming Critics’ Choice Awards with the Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham and made the #SeeHer Award, which recognizes a woman that decision to publish, which held inflammatory pushes boundaries and changes stereotypes in details about the U S’s involvement in Vietnam. entertainment to accurately portray women. Graham risked losing her newspaper and even Gadot will be handed the award by Patty prison time by defying then-president Richard Jenkins, who directed her in ‘Wonder Nixon and publishing the papers. Hanks plays the Woman’. newspaper’s then-editor, Ben Bradlee, who pushed Talking about the decision, Bob publisher Graham to release the documents when Liodice, CEO of the Association of the media was hit with an injunction. (TOI) National Advertisers said, “We’re honoured to recognise Gal this year with the second annual #SeeHer Award. Not only was she able to challenge stereotypes in film and find success by starring in one of the biggest blockbusters this year.” (TOI)

he young hero of Majid Majidi’s ‘’Children of Heaven’’ is played by Mir Farrokh Hashemian, a Tdesolate-looking boy with huge brown eyes and a way of sending tears suddenly rolling down his cheeks. esponding to director Woody Allen’s ‘witch-hunt atmosphere’ Those tears well up with some regularity during this remark, actress Olivia Munn said the system is complicit for film about 9-year-old Ali, his younger sister Zahra Rletting predators back into the mainstream. (Bahareh Seddiqui) and their scheme for sharing Allen, an Oscar-winning director, had voiced his concern a pair of his tattered sneakers. The children want about Hollywood slipping into a ‘witch-hunt’ culture in the to hide the fact that Zahra’s shoes have been lost aftermath of Harvey Weinstein scandal where multiple women because this will be a hardship for their parents. The accused the producer of sexual misconduct. family’s carefully detailed poverty, which reflects “The possibility of an over correction is much less worrisome the filmmaker’s own childhood experience, colours than all of the injustices that led us to this moment. Woody’s everything that happens in this story. gut instinct to fear what this might become would be better Events in the film are seen through the children’s suited to a gut instinct to hold back an urge that could be ingenuous eyes, as is so often and artfully the case wrong,” Munn wrote in an op-ed for popular magazine. (TOI) in Iranian films. (A child’s-eye view is, among other things, helpful in circumventing Government censors.) But in the more honest, less manipulative films that this one resembles -- especially the graceful work of Jafar Panahi (‘’The White Balloon,’’ ‘’The Mirror’’) -- what the young characters observe is liable to be more surprising than it is here. In ‘’Children of Heaven,’’ life is sweet despite countless hardships, and no reality beyond the economic intrudes upon a fairy tale atmosphere. Only through heavy-handed emphasis does the quest for new sneakers take on any greater meaning. In ‘’Children of Heaven,’’ life in Teheran is documented in everyday detail, from the less desirable potatoes available to Ali’s family to the way a woolen garment is carefully unraveled so it can be knitted into something else. (nytimes)

Chris Brown Chris Brown is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he was involved in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. Having signed with Jive Records in 2004, Brown released his self-titled debut studio album the following year. It peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 and was later certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling an overall three million copies worldwide. 16 Saturday, December 23, 2017

HOW TO REACH US “Out & About’, a ready reckoner for the events taking place on the island, is published from Friday to Tuesday. To be included, please and carving stations, a large seafood treating yourself to a perfect Christmas lobby. This marks the beginning of the In addition you can also choose your send the matter to the and prime rib corner to a delectable dinner as you enjoy the great pano- Christmas and New Year celebrations celebration from Al Waha restaurant following email ID spread of heavenly desserts. The grand ramic view of the Juffair skyline. and everyone is invited to witness the for a guaranteed New Year’s gour- : [email protected] occasion elevates with live musical At the end of the day, the essence of ceremonial lighting! Get mesmerized met that that will keep your stom- entertainment, festive activities, and a Christmas is simple - family, love and as this year our team has merged both ach delighted till 2018! To the special special visit from Santa Claus. food. the festive traditions and the unique New Year ala carte menus from Royal Arabic culture presenting the ultimate Thai, China Garden, Sato and Takth RITZ NEW YEAR’S EVE NYE DESI NIGHT EVENT season bliss. From a traditional Arabic Jamsheed. RITZ-CARLTON WINTER CELEBRATION: STUDIO 54 Date: 31st December 2017 gingerbread house to the fusion of the WONDERLAND HOLIDAY Date: Sunday, December 31, 8:00 Venue: OASIS BANQUET HALL festive Arabic village! You can also choose to delight your VILLAGE pm-2:00 am DIVA HOTEL JUFFAIR BAHRAIN The festivities is about giving and loved one to a New Year ’s Eve roman- Date: December 15 &16, 22 & 23, Venue: Al Noor Ballroom, sharing, this season we are collecting tic moment at Fusions, Raosi By Vineet, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm The Ritz-Carlton Welcome the New Year in style at Diva festive wishes for the charity program La Pergola and our all exclusive balcony Venue: Al Khayma (Tent) Hotel Juffair. Tempt your senses while called “Smile of Bahrain”, we hope to at Royal Thai. Countdown to 2018 and celebrate with celebrating the New Year’s Eve with a collect as much wishes for the organiza- Revel in the joys of the holiday season a throwback to the 1970s era of glam- Special Indian Cuisine Dinner Buffet tion and we look forward to your kind- For a more pub style new year’s wel- with a special Christmas village. Enjoy our, fashion and indulgence. Join us as including selected unlimited alcoholic ness to help those children with cancer come, dance your heart out at the a variety of festive offerings including we transform our 9,000 square-foot Al beverages. At Oasis Banquet Hall Diva make their dreams come true. dance floor with our DJ’s famous tracks a sweet and savory Christmas buffet, Noor Ballroom into the famous Studio Hotel. Enjoy with Live Indian DJ with at Sherlock Holmes and Typhoon. holiday movie classics, Ritz-Kids activi- 54 complete with disco lights, party remix. Separate place for a kids games An uplifting slew of flavors to cel- ties and much more. Santa Claus will favors, an indulgent buffet, live enter- & Other activities with a Kids snacks ebrate the spirit of the season have For further information or bookings also be there for a special warm and tainment and performances. Dress is Buffet. been crafted by the culinary team for please call: +973 17 713000 jolly welcome all the way from the black tie or festive party dress. www.thedivahotel.com the Christmas Eve dinner and the North Pole. Christmas day brunch. ULTIMATE SKIN TREATMENT BY FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CHRISTMAS EVE @ BOOMERS MCCM RITZ GOURMET TAKEAWAYS FESTIVITIES Organizer: Pars Hotel On 24th December we are offering 3 Date: January Date: December 1-31, Date: Till December 31, 2017 Date: 24th December 2017 yuletide options for your Christmas Venue: Four Seasons Venue: The Ritz Gourmet Lounge, Venue: Four Seasons Venue: BOOMERS Eve dinner. From the traditions of the Vigilia di Natale in Italy at our La The Ritz-Carlton Turkey To Go: Bring the sophisticat- Experience an exclusive selection of Pergola Italian restaurant, to the pano- ed flavours from the celebrated Four On Christmas Eve enjoy more time innovative face and body treatments ramic view of the Juffair Skyline at The Ritz Gourmet Lounge offers Seasons restaurant home with this with your family and friends. Last min- connected with high technology and Fusions restaurant to the lavish buffet a selection of gourmet desserts and memorable feast, and spend more time ute shoppers take a break and enjoy complemented with cosmetic prod- in Al Waha, all featuring the finest festive hampers filled with heavenly out of the kitchen with your loved ones the night with us. We will be providing ucts penetrating deeply that produces delicacies from sumptuous starters of delights like minced pies, specialty this Thanksgiving. Available for home plenty of holiday cheer plus some great faster and visible results with MCCM. the hamachi sashimi, zucchini carpac- cookies, chocolates and much more. delivery or pick up. holiday surprise performance show by MCCM Portugal holds a long record cio and to the main course of the well- Roasted turkey to-go family din- Roast Turkey: With chestnut stuffing, ‘The POWER OF FOUR BAND’ & and experience in the field of aesthet- loved stuffed turkey roulade that will ners can also be ordered beginning turkey sauce, cranberry chutney, mash holiday disco music with DJ Jessika. ic medicine and medical cosmetics. get the guests in the festive mood. December 2. Orders must be placed at potato, Brussels sprouts and carrots. - It wouldn’t be Christmas without you Combining technology, entrepreneur- least 72 hours in advance. BD 80++ for 8 people. celebrating with us. Come and let’s ship and experience, these 4 exclu- Our Christmas day brunch promis- Honey Baked Spiral Ham: With party! Get fabulous prizes for the best sive ultimate effective skin treatments es to be filled with all the traditional RITZ FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA mashed potato, roasted vegetables and Christmas costumes of the night. focuses on using precise and essential Christmas trimmings and a treat for Date: December 2 - 26, 3:00 pm apple sauce - BD 45++ for 8 to 10 www.parsbahrain.net active principles and ingredients that all ages at The Gulf Convention Center -7:00 pm people. can be tailored for each need of dif- for only BD 32 net. The Christmas day Venue: The Lobby Lounge, Roast Beef: With mashed potato, roast- ferent body and different skin whilst FRIDAY WINTER BRUNCH brunch presents the festive spread of The Ritz-Carlton ed vegetables and rosemary sauce Date: till February 9th giving the right care and attention that our 10 award winning outlets, featuring - Starting from BD 20++ per kg (per kg reflect visible results. Venue: Bahrain bay kitchen exotic festive menus from rock lobster Tea time at The Ritz-Carlton is always serves 4 to 5 people). and the red snapper to start with, and grand and the festive season makes it For orders: +973 17115500 GLOWING US The known lavish culinary offer- followed by a tableau of flavours. more special. Enjoy traditional scones ings, including five unique food sta- and pastries with your favorite tea vari- SUNDAY-LADIES NIGHT tions serving Arabic, Western, Indian, Tickets is a must. ety complemented by a selection of Date: Till 24th December 2017 Japanese and Chinese delicacies and If you’re planning to party at home festive treats – an excellent opportunity Venue: Z lounge club winter inspired dishes using seasonal this Christmas, leave the cooking with to spend picture perfect #RCMemories ingredients to live the season spirit us! Christmas plum puddings, mulled with family and friends. Getting through the work week can including stews, BBQ, roasted chest- wine and turkey are available for order!: be a real struggle. For those who crave nuts, fondue, Raclette and more. Guests RITZ BUBBLY CHRISTMAS a much deserve break and a little end may enjoy special chestnut giveaway Ring in the New Year at The Gulf Hotel AFTERNOON TEA of the week fun. Come Sunday, have after their meal. Shisha is also available Bahrain, as we present to you for the Date: December 2 - 30, 3:00 pm - no fear, ladies night to the rescue. on the restaurant terrace during brunch first time live at The Gulf Convention 6:00 pm Complimentary bubbly for ladies till hours. The offer is available only on Center, Beauty and the Beats! 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CROSSWORD Your star today While you may be comfortable with (Mar 21st - Apr 20th) your environment, you could receive an YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION unmistakable signal that it’s time for change. This could involve a different job, allowing you to make use of skills and talents that have been lying fallow. Don’t let small but necessary tasks make you abandon a new course of action. Sudden financial success could produce upheaval in your lifestyle. Therefore, rethink (Apr 21st - May 21st) your current situation and consider the pursuit of cherished old dreams. Spiritual goals and interests may change. Old friends could be left behind and new friendships begun. It’s important to remember that once you embark on this new path, there’ll be no turning back. You spend much of your life serving others. (May 22nd - Jun 21st) Now you may reevaluate your “duty” toward them. Perhaps someone is taking unfair advantage of your good nature. Perhaps you’re finally experiencing desires that you feel you have to fulfil. Look objectively at your situation without feeling guilt or sorrow.

You always see both sides of a situation (June 22nd - July 23rd) clearly. Today you might judge possible future courses of action in view of the past. Prior values may be put to the test and former opinions revised. You could consider ending a relationship or entering a new one. This may take effort, but it will set the stage for future success. Across Down Someone you’ve known for a long time may 1- Work up lather; 5- Afterbath powder; 9- Teatime treat; 14- 1- For men only; 2- Pearl Harbor’s island; 3- Ah, me!; 4- Firearm; (July 24th - Aug 23rd) disappear from your life. This could leave you Anklebones; 15- Genuine; 16- Paddled; 17- Cries of discovery; 18- 5- Made a basketball booboo; 6- DDE opponent; 7- Glasgow gal; feeling disoriented and unfocused. Your ideas Variety; 20- Composer Mahler; 22- Poker legend Ungar; 23- Hgt.; 24- 8- Fabric; 9- Boozehound; 10- Republic in equatorial Africa; 11- of truth, honour, ethics, and morality might Like Nash’s lama; 26- Listen to; 28- Difficulty in speech articulation; Hurler Hershiser; 12- Hawaiian goose; 13- 1999 Ron Howard film; require some revision in light of recent events. 32- Kiss; 36- Rock’s ___ Speedwagon; 37- Appears; 39- Capital of 19- Regrets; 21- Collections of anecdotes; 25- Rest atop; 27- Early A change of profession might be looming on the horizon. On the positive side, you’re in the Bulgaria; 40- Amo, amas, ___; 42- Lace mat; 44- Invalid; 45- Israel’s hrs.; 28- Hang with cloth; 29- Arabian republic; 30- Flies high; 31- Pal, process of transcending your limitations. Shimon; 47- Marsh of mystery; 49- Part of RSVP; 50- Came after; south of the border; 33- Handy; 34- Eyelashes; 35- Assembly rooms; 52- Abroad; 54- Stumble; 56- Util. bill; 57- Currency exchange fee; 60- 38- Bond servant; 41- Germanic; 43- Submissive; 46- Sun. delivery; (Aug 24th - Sep 23rd) Though communication is one of your strong Suffer; 62- Draw idly; 66- Tubular pasta; 69- New driver, often; 70- 48- Sandwich cookie; 51- Clock face; 53- Put an end to; 55- Rice dish; points, today you might find it hard. You may Shun; 71- Greenspan of the Fed; 72- Coagulate; 73- Roost; 74- Tooth; 57- Put ___ on (limit); 58- Donated; 59- Are you ___ out?; 61- “Damn feel introspective, but open, honest discussion 75- Coop group; Yankees” role; 63- Strike out; 64- Revolutionary Trotsky; 65- Tolkien could be what you need now. Your long-held ideas and values are changing, and you might tree creatures; 67- Old English letter; 68- A Bobbsey twin; require guidance to put your new beliefs to work. A search for truth is in your future, and you’ll want some companions along the way.

R (Sep 24th - Oct 23rd) Stress-related health complaints could BEETLE BAILEY force reevaluation of your current situation, particularly your job. You may take a good look at your skills and consider how they can be put to use in other fields. Communication from distant places may bring new opportunities to pursue old ambitions. Don’t write them off right away. Change is in the wind. Your inner child surfaces today. Memories of (Oct 24th - Nov 22nd) past good times bring out your playful side. You might want to try forms of amusement that you once enjoyed but have long since abandoned. Children provide inspiration and outlet for this energy. Tell them stories about your own childhood or read to them. Indulge your flights of fancy. You can always face reality tomorrow. Renegotiating relationships may cause sorrow (Nov 23rd - Dec 21st) today. You may find that trying to fix one won’t work. Past emotions that have created YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION difficulties may resurface. Releasing them could bring the courage to move on. Bonds with others are like matter and energy. They can be changed, but they can’t be created or destroyed. (Dec 22nd- Jan 20th) Today you might put aside your usual tendency to push ahead without a backward glance. You could reconsider past ideas and see them in an entirely new light. Circumstances may force reevaluation of your current job or lifestyle. Or you could contemplate a move. Contact with a sibling or neighbour may be restored. Today is all about adjustment.

(Jan 21st - Feb 19th) Today is about reevaluation. Dreams or ambitions that you may have abandoned could resurface. You could be forced to confront difficulties in your current situation. You might decide to call in a few favours from people you haven’t heard from in ages. Old debts may need repaying. This is a great time to tie up loose ends, attain closure, and move on. Happy and painful memories of childhood could (Feb 20th - Mar 20th) come to mind today, bringing new understanding of how your early experiences affect your present How to play: situation. Unexpected insights could bring a new Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each perspective on the present and future. You could row across, each column down and each 9-box square realize that a personal or professional course isn’t contains all of the numbers from one to nine. right for you. Don’t let fear overwhelm your need for transition. Saturday, December 23, 2017 19 a #PollToday Elephant calf hitches ride on ‘Robocop’ forest official’s shoulders

Do you think the Catalan crisis can be solved if Spain’s Prime helps police Minister Mariano Rajoy and Catalonia’s ousted leader, Carles Puigdemont, meet for talks? Yes No Cant Say A wildlife official picks up a calf that has been rescued in Hungary from a muddy canal New Delhi Its mother was unable newborn elephant calf to help it and had been had to hitch a ride on damaging vehicles and Athe shoulders on a wildlife chasing away people in a state “Russia must be among the official after it was rescued of distress. leading countries, and in some from a canal. Villagers called in forest areas the absolute leader, when Footage shows the officials for help and they it comes to building a new-gen- heartwarming moment when were able to keep the mother eration army. This is important to ensure our sovereignty.” the elephant is carried to at bay while they helped the safety by the forestry worker. calf get unstuck. The elephant calf was However, the newborn Vladimir Putin part of a herd and was calf, estimated to be no Russian President passing though the forests in more than a few days old, Nellimala in Ooty in southern was understandably reluctant India when it fell into a canal to come along quietly. and got stuck in mud. (MailOnline) The schoolkids laugh as they try to Bomb explodes outside mirror the moves of Robi the robot Greek court, no casualties Hundreds of women found locked Szolnok, Hungary Robi’s programmer Csaba hadn’t seen a talking robot talkative little robot has Erdos, a police educational before, apart from in the in Indian ‘spiritual university’ been enlisted by police instructor, told AFP. “It’s a “Transformers” cartoon. inA Hungary to help bring an new way of communicating “His voice took a while New Delhi Maliwal said. “Once we electric jolt to presentations in and presenting,” he said. to get used to but I loved olice in Delhi have managed to enter we could schools and pensioner clubs. Robi has been operational it, he was very clever,” said discovered a “spiritual only walk four steps to “Hi kids!” said robot in the Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok 10-year-old Milan Markus. Puniversity” in the north-west another metallic gate, and “Robi” to a class of primary county since May, and Erdos, After the talk, the children of the city where inspectors then five steps later another school children in Szolnok, 38, said there are plans to laughed as they all tried to A bomb exploded early say up to 200 women and huge locked gate. 100 kilometres (60 miles) east have similar robots jumping mirror his robot moves. Friday outside one of girls are being held behind a “It was full of hidden cells. of Budapest. into action soon around the Occasionally Robi also Greece’s main courthouses, series of locked doors. The entire structure was built “Some things you need to country. greets reporters at press officials said, but police had Conditions inside the in a maze-like fashion,” she be careful with when using Most weeks Erdos takes conferences, where he gives cleared the area and nobody building were “shocking”, said. the internet...” he continued Robi with him to help at advice on how to avoid was hurt. said Swati Maliwal, the Delhi Women at the compound in a tinny voice. presentations to schoolkids crimes like break-ins. commissioner for women, appeared dazed and drugged About 40 centimetres tall and elderly people on themes He can even answer Humvee suicide attack: who took part in a raid on the and some remonstrated and 20 wide (16 by eight like crime prevention, questions, “as long as they 6 Afghan police killed four-storey facility this week. with police, Maliwal added. inches), and weighing 1.6 digital security and road are pre-programmed,” said “It was like a fortress,” (theguardian) A suicide bomber drove an kilogrammes (3.5 pounds), safety. Erdos. explosives-packed Humvee Robi’s 16-part body stood During a break to recharge Sporting a police logo on into a police compound in on a table, gesturing as he -- after 30 minutes of talking his chest, the friendly Robi Afghanistan Friday, killing at talks. Robi needed more power can also help engender trust least six officers and destroy- Franciscan monks put baby “It grabs the attention -- one boy at the Tiszaparti in the police, Erdos said. ing a building. more if a robot is talking,” school told AFP that he (AFP) Jesus on bed of bullets Raul Castro to step down in April Indian toddler forges Cuban President Raul Castro will step down in April 2018 straight after elections that bond with monkeys same month to choose his successor New Delhi e is still too young to talk, Pakistani child bride A monk holds a statue of the baby Jesus taken but a two-year-old Indian sold to man rescued from a bed of bullet shells Hboy has become a modern-day Mowgli and a subject of local Police in Pakistan rescued a Assisi, Italy year outside the basilica in intrigue after befriending a 10-year-old child bride who ranciscan monks have the Italian hill city of Assisi, gang of langur monkeys. was sold to a 50-year-old put the baby Jesus in a the burial place of the 13th Samarth Bangari’s unusual man by her mother to pay Fcrib made of bullet shells in a century patron saint of peace friendship was discovered off a $2,500 loan yearly “provocation” nativity and the environment. when the youngster was spotted scene designed to draw The monks said the bed alone in his village in southern The 2-year-old Indian boy has become a subject of local For more, catch us attention to those suffering of 445 bullet shells honours India playing with nearly two intrigue after befriending a gang of langur monkeys online at: in the world. the estimated 445 Roman dozen grey langurs. The successors of St. Catholic priests, nuns, monks The infant’s uncle Barama boy would be attacked while were more than comfortable in www.newsofbahrain.com Francis of Assisi, who and religion teachers killed Reddy said it was “strange” his parents worked in a nearby his presence, with the youngster /nobonline invented the nativity scene, for their faith around the for the monkeys to behave like field. happy to share some of his food /newsofbahrain craft a different scene each world since 2000. (Reuters) that, and villagers feared the But it soon became clear they with the visiting troupe. (AFP) 20 Saturday, December 23, 2017 SPORTS

Berlin Voeller. he has got the ball I start to run he 20-year-old Leon Bailey Every 97 minutes, Bailey is because I know no matter where from Bayer Leverkusen involved in a goal, making him I go, he manages to find me. It is hasT scored six and made four the most valuable Bundesliga a lot of fun to have him around,” assists halfway into the new performer next to Bayern said striker Lucas Alario. Bundesliga season, attracting Munich’s Robert Lewandowski It might be a coincidence, when several European top clubs from and Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre- Bailey calls his fellow countryman England and Spain to zoom in the Emerick Aubameyang. and 100-meter Olympic champion Jamaican striker. In comparison to other Usain Bolt a close friend. This Wednesday it was Bailey European top leagues, only At the age of 13, Bailey started who secured the next round Paris St Germain striker Kylian his footballer career in Europe. of the German Cup scoring Mbappe stands above Bailey when In 2015, he signed with Genk the winner against Borussia it comes to the number of direct and became one of the team’s key Moenchengladbach. And he participation in goal situations. members when participating in has become a vital part of the With Bailey’s help, Leverkusen the Euro League. headlines dating through the first even finished the first half of the Nowadays, the Kingston-born rounds of German league actions. league season in fourth as one of Bailey is even thinking about Leverkusen coach Heiko the season’s surprises. which national team to represent Herrlich called him “a weapon” Bailey is not only exceptional after he rejected an offer of the with “brutal qualities”, after the in forwarding game, but also Jamaican association due to travel club paid 13.5 million euro in intensively involved in the defence efforts. Rumours said that Belgium January 2017 to Belgian side of efforts, as former striker Voeller is in his mind, next to Germany. KRC Genk and provided Bailey said “it is unusual that a striker But a national team does not yet with a contract until 2022. like him is far from egoistic but seem to be his top topic. “First of “We are aware Leon is causing always cares about the team’s all, we have to continue our way in interest among other clubs, needs.” Leverkusen and secure our current but we don’t intend to And yet Bailey said that “I have success. But right now it is time to think about a possible to continue to work hard and learn recover and take a vacation and departure,” said from my mistakes to gain further then prepare for the second half of Leverkusen improvement” as he regards the season,” Bailey said. managing himself to be on the right track “It is my fifth winter in Europe director but is still a young professional right now. I think I need some Rudi with challenges ahead. sun,” the striker was quoted before Teammates praise Bailey for his traveling to Jamaica to meet deadly pass. “As soon as I see family, friends and Bolt. (Xinhua)

European top sides eye Leon

Leon Bailey Bailey SPORTS Saturday, December 23, 2017 21 FIA clamps down on F1 suspension tricks London he FIA is attempting to clamp down on FormulaT 1 teams using steering angle to gain an aerodynamic advantage via the use of clever front suspension systems. A technical directive sent by the FIA’s Charlie Whiting last week made it clear the governing body believes that in 2017 some teams designed their suspension and steering systems to lower the front ride height Lauda taunts in cornering, potentially providing an aerodynamic benefit and increasing grip. Whiting acknowledges that a ride height change under steering lock is normal, but he says that HelmutLondon Red Bull swooped to sign Verstappen Marko replied: “Officially, yes.” from now on it cannot ercedes non- up to a long-term contract before the “I have a good relationship to exceed 5mm - and it’s up to executive United States Grand Prix in October, Helmut,” continued Lauda. “We usually the teams to provide proof chairmanM Niki Lauda amid fears Mercedes could try to lure share an airplane. that the systems of their has taunted Red Bull’s him away. “But when he is getting stubborn, and 2018 cars will comply. Helmut Marko for being needlessly Those rumours had been encouraged thinks that something could be taken The matter was discussed rushed into re-signing Max by Verstappen’s father Jos visiting away from him, he immediately signs in detail with team technical Verstappen to a long-term Formula Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff a contract. “He went to Austin with directors at the most recent 1 deal. during the Italian GP weekend, after [Verstappen’s] father and signed.” FIA technical regulations Appearing together in a show which Wolff insisted that conversation Directing his words towards Marko, meeting in London on on Austrian broadcaster Servus had been purely social but admitted Lauda added: “I tell you, if we had talked November 21, where there TV, Lauda said Mercedes “never Verstappen was “on the radar” at before, you would have saved money. were conflicting views talked” to Verstappen about Mercedes. We never talked to him about money.” on how much influence switching teams, and that Red When asked on the TV show what Marko responded: “Let’s put it this suspension should be Max Verstappen (file pic) Bull’s haste to get the Dutchman had transpired, Lauda said: “We never way: No offer. Thanks. Thanks for allowed to have on to commit caused it to pay more offered him a contract.” trying to help us save money. We don’t aerodynamics. (autosport) than it needed to. Red Bull motorsport advisor Marko help you.” (autosport) Ocon asked Wolff for advice Emotions let Vettel London told Autosport. steban Ocon says he asked Mercedes team “Definitely I asked for advice and they Eboss Toto Wolff for advice on dealing with [Mercedes] were there to help me. Force India Formula 1 team-mate Sergio Perez “I had their point of view, I had Force India’s down: Toto Wolff after their on-track clashes in 2017. point of view. London teammate Daniel Ricciardo. The duo came together twice at Spa, with “It’s always helpful to get different point of hile his keen sense of Again this year, the German has Ocon claiming Perez “tried to kill me” and the views, but especially from Mercedes. They are humour is all too obvious failed to keep his emotions in check, Mexican subsequently defending himself. world champions so they know what they are Wwhen out of the car, Sebastian never more so than Azerbaijan, where It came after Perez and Ocon rowed in talking about. Vettel is a fearsome opponent, his needless assault on title rival Lewis Canada, collided in Azerbaijan and clashed “I can’t go into detail [about the never more so than when winning Hamilton was widely and rightly again in Hungary with Force India bosses advice] but it was just a good help. You four consecutive titles, the German condemned. Mercedes boss Toto enforcing team orders after the take it because it’s always good advice.” displaying the same ruthless Wolff, whilst savouring the initial Spa incident. Ocon, who finished eighth in the determination so often witnessed challenge from Vettel and Ferrari this After the race in Belgium, drivers’ standings, said he and Perez had in his mentor, Michael year, believes the German must learn Ocon called Wolff to discuss put the incidents behind them and Schumacher. to control his emotions or risk adding the incidents and growing moved on. But in recent further titles to his tally. tension, particularly as Wolff “It’s important we have years, Vettel has He “appears calm but is very had experienced dealing with respect for each other and often allowed his emotional and passionate under the Lewis Hamilton’s and Nico it’s important for the emotions not only skin”, he told BBC Sport. “This has Rosberg’s difficult relationship team that there is a good get the better of made him win championships in the when they were team- atmosphere and him, but become past. This year, it has let him down. mates at Mercedes. we work all too clear “Lewis by contrast has grown as “It was probably together to observers, a personality and as a driver and the first thing I to develop such as that outside the car and that made him did was to call the car frustrating very strong,” he added. him [Wolff] correctly,” final season Referring to Baku, where Vettel and see how he said. at Red Bull claimed he was reacting after being they dealt with “We are maybe when he was brake tested by Hamilton, Wolff said: Lewis and Nico not going to go on consistently “We immediately looked at the data to back then,” holidays together, out- see whether you could see something Mercedes but we get along shone by like a brake test and we couldn’t see junior Ocon Esteban Ocon well.” (autosport) Sebastian Vettel (file pic) any of that.” (pitpass) 22 Saturday, December 23, 2017 SPORTS Mario Gomez returns to Ronaldo ready Stuttgart London ermany striker Mario Gomez has left Wolfsburg Gto rejoin Stuttgart, the club with whom he made his name. The 32-year-old has signed for ‘Clasico’Madrid told a news conference yesterday. them slip a remarkable 14 points a contract until 2020 at the eal Madrid’s Ronaldo is having his worst behind. Mercedes-Benz Arena, where he Cristiano domestic campaign in nine seasons “We aren’t feeling anxious, it played between 2003 and 2009, RonaldoR is ready to with Real, having scored only four doesn’t matter how many points winning the Bundesliga title in start today’s clash against league goals so far, although he we have dropped this season, 2007. Barcelona, where his side goes into the ‘Clasico’ having now we have to put in a great Gomez told the Stuttgart could either reignite their scored five times in his last four performance against a very good website: “I am very happy to be title defence or effectively be games in all competitions. side,” said Zidane. home again, back where it all knocked out of the running. Real are fourth in the Liga “It doesn’t matter if Barca have started for me.” Ronaldo had been absent standings, 11 points adrift of played well or not this season, Gomez left Stuttgart eight years from training after hurting his leaders Barca, who have played they are top on their own merits ago for Bayern Munich, with calf against Gremio in the Club one game more. and for a reason. We are behind whom he won two Bundesliga World Cup final last Saturday, in A win in Saturday’s lunchtime them and we want to cut that titles and the Champions League which he scored the only goal of kick off at the Santiago Bernabeu gap down. If we play well we can during a four-year spell. Real’s 1-0 win over the Brazilian would offer the champions the cause any team problems.” He then played for Fiorentina side and completed the full 90 chance to cut the gap with Barca Barca coach Ernesto Valverde and on loan at Besiktas before Real Madrid’s Cristiano minutes. to five points if they win their said the enormous gap in points returning to the Bundesliga with Ronaldo during training ses- “He is feeling good and is 100 game in hand against Leganes. between the two sides would have Wolfsburg in summer 2016. His sion (Picture courtesy: Reuters) percent,” coach Zinedine Zidane Defeat, however, would see little bearing on the game. (Reuters) 16 league goals last season helped the Wolves beat the drop as Stuttgart won promotion back to the top flight, but has scored just Messi sends emotional message to Neymar once so far this term. His arrival will strengthen London Suarez at the Nou Camp. sharing the mates [a South American warmly thanking him for the present one of the weakest attacks in the ionel Messi has sent an emotional And Messi recalled moments hot drink] in the morning with Luis and calling the Argentine ‘an idol’ and division, with Stuttgart having festive message to his former the trio shared while they were all [Suarez] in the dressing room and a ‘great friend’. scored just 13 times in 17 league team-mateL Neymar in which he at Barcelona including times they many more things. Messi and Neymar have not met on games this season. They are admits Barcelona are still missing the drunk ‘mate’, a South American hot ‘Like always, I wish you the best the field since the £198m move and without a goal in their last four Brazilian. drink. wherever you are and I’m sure we will Barcelona have avoided PSG in the Bundesliga games. Neymar left Messi and Barcelona ‘Well, Ney... I think we said cross again on or off the pitch very draw for the last 16 of the Champions The move is subject to a to join big-spending Paris Saint- practically everything to each other soon. Take care of yourself.’ League. medical and the fee has not been Germain in August for a world-record when you left,’ Messi said in the Messi then reveals his Christmas Neymar has hit the ground running disclosed, although reports £198million fee. Christmas message to his former team- present to Neymar, which appears to since moving to the Parc des Princes in Germany The Brazilian’s move to Paris broke mate. be a bottle of wine, saying he knows the with 17 goals in all competitions for said it was up the formidable South American ‘The truth is that here we are still Brazilian will like it. Unai Emery’s side, who sit top of Ligue around three front three of Neymar, Messi and Luis missing you. We would like to keep Neymar responded to Messi’s video, 1. (dailymail.co.uk) million euros. (eurosport) Spanish giants to meet in El Clasico Having won the World Club Cup, Real Madrid now face a season- defining contest with Barcelona. Trailing their rivals by 11 points, defeat for Real in the 237th El Clasico could decide the destination of the La Liga title before Christmas

REAL MADRID v BARCELONA Santiago Bernabéu Mario Gomez

HEAD-TO-HEAD (All-time meetings) Real 95 Barcelona 92

D49

RECENT MEETINGS Coach Apr 23 Real 2-3 Barcelona Coach Zinedine Zidane Aug 13 Barcelona 1-3 Real Ernesto Captain Aug 16 Real 2-0 Barcelona Valverde Sergio Ramos Captain Top La Liga 2017/18 LA LIGA STATISTICS (per match) Andrés Iniesta goalscorer 2.00 Goals for 2.63 Top La Liga C. Ronaldo, 0.73 Goals against 0.44 goalscorer M. Asensio, 4 14.7 Shots 12.2 L. Messi, 14 La Liga 2017/18 590 Passes 661 La Liga 2017/18 W9 D4 L2 1.66 Yellow cards 1.75 W13 D3 L0 SPANISH HEAVYWEIGHTS: HONOURS 33 La Liga (right) 24 19 Copa del Rey 29 10 Spanish Super Cup 12 12 Champions League (left) 5 2 UEFA Competitions* 4 3 FIFA World Club Cup 3 Source: La Liga Pictures: Getty Images *UEFA Cup / UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup © GRAPHIC NEWS Lionel Messi with Neymar (file pic) SPORTS Saturday, December 23, 2017 23 I’m living 100 per Al Romaihi on cent for cycling Manama able to ride your bike. fter a year of battling with a “After experiencing what I have this knee injury that refused to go year, I’d like to ride until I’m 41. You Aaway, Bahrain-Merida’s Heinrich miss it and it’s not just racing Haussler has a new perspective with the team, it’s going out the double again on his career. and riding your bike down by The 33-year-old Australian is the river or going for a coffee not yet ready to give up the sport ride.” he’s been doing for so long and Haussler arrived at the says he’s all in for 2018. Bahrain-Merida team I’ve been a pro 13 training camp earlier years and there have this month a little bit been a lot of years where ill - an occupational you’re not so serious hazard when you have and you let things go two small children a little bit. I see things - but it’s a massive differently now and improvement on where I’m absolutely living he was 12 months ago. for the sport 100 per Heinrich Haussler “This time last year I cent,” Haussler said. couldn’t ride a bike,” “I’m not that old he explained. but it has been the Despite his knee worst year of my problems, Haussler life. More mentally had hopes that he Winners celebrate on the podium than anything else. could be back in time It’s not just about for his favourite part of DT News Network not being able to the season, the Classics. Manama race but not being (cyclingnews) oung Bahraini athlete Mayoof Al Romaihi secured another double this season after Ywinning the first and second youth contests held as part of Bahrain National Day Showjumping Joshua provides Championship which took place yesterday. In the first contest, Al Romaihi made no fault en route to his victory, clocking 28.56 seconds, update on Parker fight while Hussain Asghar followed him in second place at a time of 29.26 seconds. Los Angeles boxing. Al Romaihi entered the competition riding two nthony Joshua says his proposed “If it is possible we will make it different horses, and he achieved the last podium place, clash with Joseph Parker will happen but if we can’t, we move on clocking this time 29.43 seconds. Abe another history-making night of and we just need people to slow down Jameela Hassid came fourth, posting a time of 35.16 boxing. a bit because there is fantasy and then seconds. In the second event, Al Romaihi stormed to The two camps are discussing there’s reality. victory with no faults too, completing the contest at March 24 or 31, or April 7, with “The belts are fantasy for 34.83 seconds. Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and them because they have to get Georgia Sims (43.38 seconds) came second, leaving Twickenham the venues under through me to get to them. third place to Mustafa Dadallah (47.70 seconds). consideration. “That’s the pot of gold at the Chris Rodney was fourth, recording a time of 40.06 Joshua , whose IBF, IBO end of the rainbow but it only seconds. and WBA belts will be on the becomes reality when they sit line against the Kiwi WBO down with Eddie Hearn and champion, said: “This fight that put pen to paper on the could potentially happen in contract.” March could become part Hearn added: of boxing history. “It’s not a “It’s another done deal stadium fight, but I’m very another fight that confident will get people it will be talking and next.” another fight Anthony Joshua (mirror. that will co.uk) put eyes on IOC bans 11 Winter Olympic athletes London of the 2016 McLaren report, on 1 leven Russian athletes have been November. banned from the Olympics for life “To date, the number of cases afterE committing doping offences at opened by the [IOC] disciplinary the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. commission [for Sochi 2014] has Silver medal-winning lugers Tatyana reached 46 after additional findings Ivanova and Albert Demchenko are from the re-analyses,” the IOC said. among those to have been disqualified. “All 46 of them have been handled, The others include bobsledders, of which three have been filed. As speed skaters and ice hockey players. some investigations are still ongoing The bans come as a result of the [notably the forensic analysis of the International Olympic Committee’s bottles], it cannot be excluded that (IOC) investigations into the country’s there might be new elements that doping scandal. would justify opening further new Highlight from the showjumping championship The IOC announced the first cases and holding more hearings.” Russian bans, based on the findings (BBC) Al Romaihi on P23 the double again SPORTS 2424 Saturday, December 23, 2017 Rohit flattens Sri Lanka Indore, India with Mahendra Singh Dhoni kipper Rohit Sharma BRIEF SCORE (28). equalled the record for fastest The opener hit five fours and STwenty20 century yesterday India 260 for 5 (Rohit 118, Rahul 89, eight sixes in his 49-ball blitz to set up India’s 88-run series- Thisara 2-49) beat v Sri Lanka 172 before being caught behind off clinching win over Sri Lanka in (Kusal 77, Tharanga 47, Chahal 4-52, Nuwan Pradeep. the second match. Kuldeep 3-52) by 88 runs Sri Lanka responded with Sharma’s 43-ball 118 a 109-run second wicket steered the hosts to 260-5 and attack. partnership between Upul then dismissed Sri Lanka for India’s 260-5 is their highest- Tharanga, who made 47, and 172 in 17.2 overs, taking an ever T20 total, and just three Kusal Perera, who top-scored unassailable 2-0 lead in the short of the record score in with 77, but the ever-increasing three-match series in Indore. the format – Australia’s 263-3 run-rate proved too much for Wrist spinners Yuzvendra against Sri Lanka in Pallekele the chasing side. Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav last year. Spin twins Chahal and Yadav shared seven wickets each as Sharma scored his second once again spelt trouble for the India achieved their 16th series T20 hundred by mercilessly visitors as they combined to win – across all three formats – hitting the Sri Lankan bowlers flatten the opposition batting. at home since November 2015. all over the ground. He got his Both Yadav (3-52) and But it was Sharma’s 100 off first 50 in 23 balls, and second Chahal (4-52) picked three 35 deliveries, matching South in just 12. wickets each in the final over of African David Miller’s century He finally fell to fast bowler their respective spells to make against Bangladesh in October, Dushmantha Chameera, the islanders slip from 155-2 as that stood out. Sharma smashed mistiming a slow bouncer to wickets fell in a heap. 12 fours and 10 sixes after India short third man, and walked off Angelo Mathews, who were put into bat. to a standing ovation. suffered a hamstring injury His explosive 165-run Rahul then took over and while bowling, did not come out opening stand with Lokesh got his second successive half- to bat and has been ruled out for Rahul, who made 89, took the century off 35 balls, and put on the final game in Mumbai on India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates steam out of the Sri Lankan 78 runs for the second wicket Sunday. (AFP)

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