BUSINESSBUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 History beckons for Qatar in Asian Champions QNB sees Fed rate hikes until 2020 League published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10775 April 1, 2018 Rajab 15, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Chief of Staff visits Rafale squadron QP raises In brief non-Qatari

QATAR | Offi cial Emir condoles with Kuwait’s leader His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim ownership bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent yesterday cables of limit to 49% condolences to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al- O Woqod, QEWC, GIS, Sabah, on the death of Sheikh Sabah MPHC to approve increase al-Mohamed al-Sabah al-Mohamed al-Sabah. in foreign ownership limit

QATAR | Offi cial atar Petroleum has announced Emir sends greetings raising the non-Qatari owner- Qship limit in the energy sector to president of Peru companies and in its subsidiaries listed His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim on the Qatar stock Exchange to 49%, bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness and raising the shareholder ownership the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah HE the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major-General (pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, yesterday visited the Qatari limits in these companies to no more bin Hamad al-Thani sent on Friday Rafale squadron located at the Mont-de-Marsan airbase in France. He met French military off icials to discuss bilateral relations than 2%. Qatar Petroleum president & CEO Saad cables of congratulations to Martin and the means to enhance them. He was accompanied by Qatar’s military attache in France and a number of ranking armed Qatar Petroleum has also asked the Sherida al-Kaabi Vizcarra on the occasion of taking forces off icials. companies concerned to take the nec- the oath as the president of Peru. essary measures and steps to imple- sion to raise the non-Qatari ownership ment this decision. limit in the energy sector companies QATAR | Motoring Hence, Qatar Electricity and Water and in its subsidiaries listed on the Qa- Company, Woqod, Gulf International tar Stock Exchange comes amidst the Fuel prices down Services Company and Mesaieed Pet- growing strength of the national econ- by Dh5 in April rochemical Holding Company will take omy, in which Qatar’s energy industry Fuel prices will come down by Dh5 ‘Gulf crisis hit image of the necessary steps within the coming plays a major role.” a litre for gasoline premium, super weeks to approve the increase in the Al-Kaabi added: “We believe this and diesel in Qatar this month, foreign ownership limit to 49% in ac- decision will give more strength to Qa- April price announced by Qatar cordance with the applicable regula- tar Stock Exchange, and will contribute Petroleum showed yesterday. QP tions and procedures. to its development to be a leading re- said 95-octane super will cost GCC as a stable bloc’ Woqod will increase the sharehold- gional fi nancial centre and an attractive QR1.90 a litre this month compared er ownership limit to 1%, while Gulf fi nancial destination to local and global with QR1.95 in March. Premium International Services and Mesaieed investments.” petrol (91-octane) will be QR1.80 a O 6th Doha Forum for Policies and Strategies opens Petrochemical Holding Company will Industries Qatar has recently in- litre compared with QR1.85. Diesel increase this limit to 2%. creased its foreign ownership limit to would be priced QR1.85 compared QNA by all.” He said the Kuwaiti mediation the Middle East is at a critical stage Qatar Petroleum president & CEO 49% in line with Qatar Petroleum di- with QR1.90 in March. Fuel prices in Doha has received regional and international threatening the coexistence of peoples Saad Sherida al-Kaabi said: “The deci- rectives. Qatar were allowed to fluctuate in support. of countries which have various ethnic response to changes in the global The offi cial said: “This crisis has re- and religious components. He said is- market from May 2016. The monthly he Gulf crisis came as a rude percussions on the strategic, econom- sues that have been burning for years revision in local fuel prices followed shock and it had a big negative ic and social level, in addition to the have turned the Middle East into a ma- the government’s decision on fuel Timpact on the Gulf Co-opera- repercussions on the map of regional jor humanitarian crisis that calls for subsidy reforms in Qatar. tion Council (GCC) countries, a senior and international alliances. This cri- urgent action with the spirit of inter- Palestinians observe day of Qatari offi cial has said. sis has resulted in diff erent levels of national responsibility. He said these EUROPE | Crisis He said the stable image of the Gulf ethics of political and media action. confl icts have to be settled ensuring states for decades has been badly shak- It has reached the social side and in- the return of the displaced people and mourning; UN calls for probe Diplomats pack bags en. “After the GCC emerged as a col- volved peoples in this crisis, breaking refugees to their countries, cities and aft er expulsions lective force that could fi ll the strate- family bonds.” The Gulf crisis tops the villages. DPA homes in present-day Israel. Russian and US diplomats packed gic vacuum in the region following the forum’s agenda this year. In the fi rst session titled “The Im- Tel Aviv Funerals were taking place in Gaza their bags yesterday amid a Arab revolutions and managed to lead The two-day event is organised by plications of the Gulf Crisis and its for those killed in the largest single- diplomatic crisis between Moscow joint Arab action in many fi les, the Gulf the Center for Strategic Studies of the Future Prospects”, speakers pointed day casualty rate in the enclave for a and the West, with post-Cold War crisis has caused great concern for the Armed Forces in collaboration with out that the siege imposed on Qatar he Palestinian Authority de- number of years. In the West Bank, tensions peaking in the wake stability of the Gulf states and the Arab the Arab Center for Research and Pol- and the region’s other crisis will have clared a national day of mourn- shop owners closed in certain areas to of a nerve agent attack on a nation,” Major General Dr Hamad Mo- icy Studies. serious consequences and diffi cult Ting yesterday after at least 16 mark the mourning day. former Russian spy in Britain. The hamed al-Marri, Director of the Center Held under the patronage of HE the economic, political and social di- Palestinians were killed by Israeli Palestinian President Mahmoud Ab- tit-for-tat expulsions came after for Strategic Studies said. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister mensions, which will have signifi cant troops during a mass protest in the bas said Israel has full responsibility for Russia demanded yesterday that In his speech at the opening of of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid negative eff ects that are currently Gaza Strip the previous day. the deaths. Britain further slash its diplomatic the 6th Doha Forum for Policies and bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, the forum unseen. The UN has called for an independ- However, Israeli offi cials accused the presence as a crisis in ties between Strategies yesterday Major General brings together experts, thinkers and They lauded Qatar for opening its ent investigation into the deaths, which Islamist Hamas movement that rules Moscow and the West escalated. al-Marri said realising the serious- decision-makers, as well as represent- doors to the citizens of the countries Israel says occurred when its soldiers Gaza of engaging in deliberate provo- The call came after 23 British ness of the crisis, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh atives of international and non-gov- that have imposed a blockade on it, were responding to rioting. cations. diplomats were kicked out of Russia Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah ernmental organisations from around and for showing no discrimination. More than 1,400 people were in- Israel’s Defence Minister Avigdor earlier this month and is seen as has launched a mediation eff ort. “De- the world to discuss various current They stressed the need to work to jured, including from live ammuni- Lieberman said that soldiers acted Moscow’s retaliation to the mass spite the diffi culties and obstacles en- issues, through sessions addressing achieve complete independence from tion, shelling and tear gas, during with “professionalism and determina- coordinated expulsion of Russian countered during the process, the emir the challenges and events in the Mid- regional alliances and work to estab- mass marches near the Gaza Strip tion just as we expected them to” and diplomatic staff by the UK’s allies. of Kuwait made strenuous eff orts to dle East. lish new alliances with regional forces. border for the rights of Palestinian slammed those demanding an inquiry Page 19 resolve the crisis, an eff ort appreciated Maj Gen al-Marri said stability of Page 4 refugees unable to return to their as “hypocrites.” Page 14 Tawar Mall opens, off ering shoppers a unique experience

By Joey Aguilar munity to visit the mall and support Spar Hypermarket also opened its Staff Reporter their local business owners. fl agship and largest store in Qatar at the He stressed that the event marked mall, off ering a wide array of food and a remarkable moment for him and his non-food items. awar Mall, Qatar’s latest retail family as they opened “what was my Mall-goers, especially families and destination located at Al Duhail father’s dream and vision, and hon- children, will enjoy playing at Bounce, Tarea, offi cially opened on Thurs- oured his expectations”. a free jumping revolution play area for day, off ering a unique shopping experi- “This mall brings a new philosophy all ages. It will be the largest trampoline ence to both residents and visitors. to the country and goes far beyond the park in the Middle East. Dubbed as one of the country’s larg- regular shopping experience,” al-Ku- Tawar Mall is the fi rst shopping des- est malls, Tawar Mall will feature an wari said. tination to off er a smart mobile appli- array of new concepts, a number of Considered as one of the most iconic cation that will guide customers as they fl agship stores and never-before-seen malls in the region, Tawar Mall features park, shop and roam around the mall. It attractions in Qatar. a diverse mix of more than 300 stores will be open from 10am to 10pm from “Tawar Mall will also support the lo- (local and international brands) and a Saturday to Wednesday, and 10am to cal traditions. We made it a priority to collection of luxury retailers unsur- 12am on Thursday and Friday. off er local Qatari businesses the oppor- passed in the region. The mall is also the fi rst-of-its-kind tunity to showcase their off erings at our Tawar Mall hosts a large retail selec- to off er customers with three dining ar- mall to support the local economy,” said tion of fashion, sports, gadgets and de- eas: grand food court, fi ne dining area Tawar Mall chairman Jassim Jabr Tawar partment stores, as well as a huge fam- and a contemporary dining area. al-Kuwari, as he urged the local com- ily entertainment area. Senior Tawar Mall off icials led the opening of the mall recently. PICTURE: Jayaram To Page 28 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, April 1, 2018 QATAR

The West Bay skyline yesterday, shrouded in dust. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Strong winds, poor visibility forecast

trong winds are again Peninsula as well as blowing see a doctor immediately. Dr glasses to prevent dust from expected across the dust due to strong winds, al-Saad advised individuals entering the eyes. In case of Scountry today along causing visibility to drop suff ering from respiratory irritation in the eye, it must with poor visibility in some below 1km in some areas. diseases to use aerosols and be washed with water. places, the Qatar Met de- In view of these condi- bronchodilators immedi- Dr al-Saad said people partment has said. tions, Hamad Medical Cor- ately on noticing symptoms with severe allergies should Windy conditions and poration (HMC) yesterday of asthma, such as persist- start using antihistamines high seas are likely in off - called on all residents to take ent coughing, diffi culty in prescribed by their doctor shore areas, too. precautions against winds breathing, and rush to the during the season. Diff erent parts of Qatar and the “dust mass” to nearest health centre. Meanwhile, today’s de- experienced dusty condi- avoid possible health risks Dr al-Saad also stressed tailed forecast says slight tions yesterday, as forecast such as sinus and respira- the importance of taking to blowing dust is expected by the weather offi ce, as well tory allergies. precautions during sand- in the country today, along as a sharp drop in visibility Senior consultant in storms, such as avoid- with a relatively hot day and in some areas. Emergency Medicine at ing strolling in open areas, scattered clouds. Visibility The conditions improved HMC, Dr Warda al-Saad, keeping windows and doors may drop to 3km or less in later and visibility was a lot said the most vulnerable to closed and covering the nose some places at times. better by the evening, re- respiratory infections were and mouth with a mask or Off shore, dusty and part- ports suggested. infants, children, the eld- wet cloth when going out in ly cloudy conditions have The Met department had erly, asthmatic patients and order to reduce the inhala- been forecast, with the sea recently said northwest- those suff ering from chronic tion of dust particles. level rising to 13ft. erly fresh to strong winds bronchitis, the offi cial Qatar It was also recommended The wind speed may go are expected to aff ect the News Agency reported. to avoid rubbing the eyes up to 30 knots inshore and country from Friday night People suff ering from to prevent infection, espe- 33 knots off shore, the Met until Tuesday (April 3). This heart disease, pregnant cially that eye infl ammation department has said. was to be accompanied by women and people work- is common in the season of The temperature in Doha will a “dust mass” originating ing outdoors are likely to be sandstorms. People were range from 23C to 32C today; from the northern Arabian aff ected by dust and should advised to wear protective yesterday it was 25C to 31C.

Gulf Times 4 Sunday, April 1, 2018 QATAR 6th Doha Forum for Policies and Strategies discusses Gulf crisis

QNA ness and belief that the crisis is Doha a problem within the GCC and does not aff ect the common Gulf future. he Gulf crisis topped the They also revealed that before sessions of 6th Doha the crisis, the siege countries TForum for Policies and created thousands of fi ctitious Strategies which opened here accounts, or “electronic fl ies” yesterday. on social media to use them to The two-day event is organ- tweet and re-tweet to create a ised by the Centre for Strategic false opinion on the platforms of Studies of the Armed Forces social media against Qatar. in collaboration with the Arab In their address on the fu- Centre for Research and Policy ture of the Kuwaiti mediation, Studies. Major General Dr Hamad the speakers said that the con- The forum, held under the pa- Mohamed al-Marri, Director of tinuation of the GCC is an im- tronage of HE the Deputy Prime the Centre for Strategic Studies, portant strategic priority for Minister and Minister of State addressing the opening session. Kuwait as a source of collec- for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid tive security for the Gulf, and bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, brings Since the Gulf Co-operation valued the remarkable activ- together experts, thinkers and Council (GCC) emerged as a col- A panel discussion in progress at the opening session. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam ity of the Kuwaiti mediator and decision-makers, as well as lective force that could fi ll the his shuttle visits to the parties representatives of international strategic vacuum in the region breaking family bonds. Latin America and Asia. On the its importance to Muslims and dimensions, which will have sig- of the crisis to make a conver- organisations and non-govern- after the Arab revolutions and Moving to other issues, al- economic level, there is a retreat people of other faiths in addition nifi cant negative future eff ects gence of views possible. mental organisations to discuss managed to lead the joint Arab Marri said that stability in the from the global trend based on to its political, religious, histori- that are currently unseen. The speakers condemned the various current issues, through action on many issues, “the Middle East is at a critical stage freedom of trade and globalisa- cal and strategic dimensions. The speakers explained that media campaigns against Qatar sessions addressing the chal- signs of the Gulf crisis, which threatening the coexistence of tion. All peace-loving countries, the crises cannot be dealt with in order to raise hatred between lenges and issues in the Middle brought us to what we are now, people of the region’s countries On the military level, there are organisations and fi gures have politically and legally only be- the parties and the use of Cen- East. have emerged, causing great with their various ethnic and re- theoretical theses and new prac- been urged to work to end con- cause they leave untouched the tres of Western Studies in the Saudi Arabia, the United Arab concern for the stability of the ligious components. tical experiences that occurred fl icts in the Middle East, partic- eff ects, stressing that the parties crisis, stressing that the Gulf Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut Gulf states and the Arab nation.” He said that the crises that at the level of the doctrine of ularly the Gulf crisis, he noted, ought to reduce these eff ects, states and their people have no diplomatic and transport ties Referring to the mediation by have been raging for years have armies and fi ghting methods, adding: “Achieving security for valuing the role of Qatar in deal- desire to damage the GCC as its with Qatar on June 5, accusing the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah turned the Middle East into a training and arming, to confront the people of the region and re- ing with this aspect by adopting survival is of interest to all. it of backing terrorism, a charge al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, major humanitarian crisis that the new patterns of wars, and storing the spirit and values of a moderate line. In addition Qa- The second session, entitled which Doha denies. he said that despite the diffi cul- calls for urgent action with the these changes will be refl ected coexistence and respect for oth- tar has opened its doors to all the “New Alignments in the Middle In his speech at the open- ties and obstacles encountered spirit of international respon- on many of the global policies in ers is an urgent requirement for citizens of the countries of the East,” discussed the competition ing session of the forum, Major by him, the emir of Kuwait has sibility to work towards settling the coming period, he said. all. Security is a great value and siege without discrimination. over ports and their impact on General Dr Hamad Mohamed made strenuous eff orts to resolve these confl icts and ensuring the Dr al-Marri added that Al- blessing that deserves the eff ort, The participants also pointed the Middle East crises as well as al-Marri, Director of the Cen- the crisis and eff orts have been return of the displaced and refu- Aqsa Mosque, the second of the co-operation and co-ordination to the importance of the expan- the map of alliances on the Syr- tre for Strategic Studies, said appreciated by all.” He pointed gees to their countries, cities and two holy sites, has been sub- among us for a better future for sion of Qatar in the gas-related ian arena and regional and inter- the Gulf crisis is one of the most out that the Kuwaiti mediation villages. jected to repeated attacks. It has our countries and peoples”, al industries such as iron, alu- national interventions and con- important issues of this forum, has received widespread regional He noted that there are intel- faced attempts to obliterate its Marri stressed. minium and petrochemicals and fl icts of international infl uence describing it as a shock to every- and international support. lectual transformations at the Islamic identity. Al-Marri also In the fi rst session titled “The they stressed the need to work to in the Horn of Africa. one, including politicians, ana- Al-Marri noted that this crisis political, economic and military referred to the fate of Al-Quds Implications of the Gulf Crisis achieve complete independence The third session, entitled lysts or experts, stressing that it has repercussions on the strate- levels, that should not to go un- Al-Sharif after the recent devel- and its Future Prospects”, the from regional alliances and work “Military Challenges in the Mid- has a great negative impact on gic, economic and social level, in noticed by centres of strategic opments (Trump’s decision to speakers pointed out that the to establish new alliances with dle East,” discussed the future the GCC countries. addition to regional and interna- studies, experts and intellectu- transfer Washington’s embassy siege imposed on Qatar and the regional forces. of the regular armies and their He said that the stable image tional alliances. als, adding that “at the political to Jerusalem as the capital of Is- region’s crises will result in seri- The speakers expressed their challenges, terrorist groups and of the Gulf states for decades has This crisis has reached the level there is a rise of right-wing rael). This move will be the focus ous consequences and diffi cult gratitude for increasing the the security threats in the con- been shaken. social side and involved people, political currents in Europe, of this year’s forum because of economic, political and social political and popular aware- text of armed confl icts. Ministry launches fi rst database for students with special needs

QNA achieve the vision and mis- data, testing and modifying services provided to them. Doha sion of the Ministry in the it, and training the staff , co- The offi cial also reviewed implementation of a system ordinators and offi cials from the various advantages of- of integrated educational local schools. fered by this system, nota- he Ministry of Educa- services for all students in She stressed that the bly the registration of new tion and Higher Edu- accordance with QNV 2030. project is aimed primarily at students electronically, the Tcation has established The director of the De- providing a comprehensive management and organisa- the fi rst database for students partment of Special Educa- database of students with tion of the comprehensive with special needs in local tion at the Ministry, Hanadi special needs in general edu- electronic evaluation proc- schools, in line with the gov- Mansour al-Khater, said in cation schools, the individual ess, and the identifi cation of ernment’s directives towards a press statement that the educational plan and facili- students with special needs digital transformation in the work on the database took tate the process of obtaining in the national system of ministries in Qatar, and to two years, reviewing its statistics for their data and student information.

NHRC concludes ‘Education is Right’ campaign

QNA Doha

he National Human Rights Committee T(NHRC) has conclud- ed the “Education Is Right and Duty” campaign with the participation of stu- dents from 20 independent schools. The campaign involved several activities, includ- ing seminars, lectures and educational and awareness events. The campaign aimed at spreading the culture of the rights and duties of the child in general in the fi eld of edu- cation, especially among the students of diff erent schools, their parents and educational staff . In addition, the organis- ing committee of the cam- paign has announced that the deadline for receiving the nominated works for the “Know Your Rights” com- petition will be extended to April 15 to enable school students to participate in the competition. The contest includes the best Arabic essay for high school students, and the best drawing that reflects the campaign’s slogan and mission for primary and junior high school stu- dents.

Gulf Times 6 Sunday, April 1, 2018 QATAR

Sudan off icial praises Qatar

Governor of the Red Sea State in eastern ment last week. It would be completed in 30 Sudan, Ali Ahmed Hamid, has said Sudan-Qatar months. He stressed that a maritime transport economic partnerships have entered the stage line will be inaugurated between Hamad Port of implementation, and praised the great role in Qatar and Sawakin Port and all the Sudanese played by Qatar in promoting economic stability ports on the Red Sea. in his country. Hamid pointed out that all preparations for Breastfeeding vital for Hamid said negotiations for economic partner- receiving Qatari ships will be completed by the ships with Qatar took around a year. He referred beginning of next April. to the construction of the new Sawakin port The Sudanese off icial said that major economic to be a model to strengthen relations between transformations will be made to serve the the two countries. He noted that the new port countries of the region by taking advantage of would be the most modern on the Red Sea the huge developments that will be achieved mother, child: expert coast in terms of operational equipment at an by Qatari investments in transforming the Red estimated cost of more than $4bn. Sea region into a global economic outlet that esearch studies It also strengthens the cause I was not produc- The construction of the first phase costing provides promising opportunities for all ships confirm that wom- bond between mother ing enough breastmilk. I $500mn began with the signing of the agree- transiting the Red Sea. Ren who breast- and child, aids in post- didn’t have a lot of infor- feed their babies for six partum recovery, reduc- mation about breastfeed- months or longer can re- es the risk of postpar- ing at the time and I was duce the risk of develop- tum bleeding, anaemia, afraid he wasn’t receiving ing pre- and post-men- breast and ovarian can- enough milk and nutri- opausal breast cancer, cer, hypertension, Type ents from me, so I imme- ovarian cancer, hyperten- 2 diabetes and oste- diately supplemented my sion, and Type 2 diabetes. oporosis during meno- breastmilk with formula,” Haila Johar, execu- pause. she said. tive director of nursing To encourage more at the Women’s Well- “Evidence shows women consider breast- ness and Research Cen- that breastfeeding feeding, expectant moth- tre (WWRC), said nurses for the fi rst six ers scheduled for an an- play an important role months off ers many tenatal assessment at the in encouraging women health benefi ts for WWRC receive informa- to choose, and continue, both mother and tion from the hospital’s breastfeeding. child” nurses, patient family ed- “Evidence shows that ucators, and clinical mid- breastfeeding for the According to Johar, wife specialists about the first six months offers mothers need to be in- benefits of breastfeeding many health benefits for formed about infant and instruction on the both mother and child. feeding options so they various techniques. If ex- However, it is not always can make a knowledge- tra guidance is required Saad with his baby brother Fahad. easy for women to follow able choice. She says or requested, additional through on this recom- many women will stop coaching and one-on- mendation. The key to breastfeeding earlier than one support are offered at successful breastfeed- planned, often due to the Outpatient Depart- ing is to understand each misinformation and lack ment. woman’s challenges and of education about the “During my second provide easy access to in- benefits of breastfeeding, pregnancy, I received tre- formation and support,” or barriers they feel un- mendous support from said Johar. able to overcome. the hospital. A clinical Breastfeeding pro- Nahrida Nazir Mir midwife specialist was vides all the energy and received lactation sup- accessible by phone and nutrients that an infant port at Hamad Medical in person to answer all needs. It promotes sen- Corporation’s maternity of my questions and she sory and cognitive devel- facilities and success- equipped me with the opment and protects the fully breastfed her second information and tools I infant against a number child despite encoun- needed to breastfeed my of infectious and chron- tering some difficulties baby without difficulty,” ic diseases. Breastfeed- breastfeeding her first. said Mir. “As a result, ing also reduces infant “I had great difficulty my second child, Fahad, mortality from common breastfeeding my first doesn’t suffer from reflux childhood illnesses such child, Saad,” said Mir. and I can sleep without as diarrhoea and pneu- “He was crying a lot so I worrying as I now know monia and helps ensure consulted with my family my baby is getting all the a quicker recovery from members who advised me nutrition he needs from illness. that he was hungry be- my breastmilk.” Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 7 QATAR

QFC and Msheireb officials and staff observe take part in World Planting Day and Earth Hour event. QFC raises environmental awareness on World Planting Day and Earth Hour

he Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) in Qatar and across the world, with “Msheireb Properties is committed has recently observed World QFC participating annually. to providing the community in Qa- TPlanting Day at Msheireb Down- Yousef Fakhroo, chief marketing tar with the most environmentally- town Doha, an initiative that falls under and corporate communications of- sound and prominent initiatives as Busmah, QFC’s employee engagement fi cer, QFC Authority, said: “Both World part of its landmark Downtown Doha programme. Planting Day and World Earth Hour project. With sustainability at the Volunteers from all QFC entities ex- highlight the importance of environ- heart of its foundations, the regener- pressed eagerness to contribute to a mental awareness to the future of Qatar ation of Qatar’s capital will be a step greener, healthier community as they and the entire globe. forward in becoming more environ- planted the fi rst QFC seeds in the or- “These events show the positive mentally conscious with our human ganic gardens of Msheireb, part of impact each person can have locally footprint.” Msheireb Downtown Doha’s residen- by planting a garden and being more The QFC’s corporate social respon- tial area. conscious of energy use. Each of these sibility programme underscores its Upon harvest of the vegetable seeds, individual eff orts, added up, makes for commitment to its ethical, social, and they will be used for the benefi t of the signifi cant positive benefi ts for all of environmental responsibilities. construction workers on the Msheireb us, and QFC is proud to take part.” The CSR’s two main pillars at QFC project, which is the site of QFC’s fu- Noora al-Rumaihi, communica- are youth education and community ture home. tion and public relations manager at development. In addition, QFC observed World Msheireb Properties, said: “We are “Improving the environment that we Earth Hour recently by turning off proud to stand with our partners QFC all live in is a crucial part of sustaina- the lights in QFC Towers 1 and 2 from in not only acknowledging ways to bility of the community and falls under 8:30pm to 9:30pm. create breathable, green gardens in one of our main CSR pillars,” the QFC This traditional practice is observed Msheireb Downtown Doha. said in a statement.

Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 9 QATAR

QGP to host second symposium in April he Qatar Genome Programme Prof Asmaa al-Thani, chairper- Along with representatives from (QGP), a member of Qatar son of the Qatar Genome Programme Qatar’s biomedical research institu- QTA opens offi ce TFoundation, will host its sec- Committee, said: “Qatar Genome tions, delegates will also attend from ond symposium this month under the Programme and our stakeholders are the University of Nottingham, Sarah theme ‘Ethics, Regulations and Best focused on supporting critical ge- Lawrence College in the US, McGill Practices in Genomic Medicine’. nomic research in Qatar. We are on University in Canada, the UK’s Na- The symposium, held in collabo- the path to creating a comprehensive tional Health Service, national ge- ration with the Ministry of Public genomic map of the country’s popu- nomics projects from Singapore, Health and Research Centre for Is- lation, which will in turn help develop Estonia and England, and the Ethics in Russian capital lamic Legislation and Ethics, will take personalised healthcare for the people Advisory Committee for Genomics, place on April 29 and 30 at Qatar Na- of Qatar. England. atar Tourism Authority (QTA) tional Convention Centre. “We are delighted to be hosting ge- Dr Said Ismail, QGP programme has announced that it has The QGP symposium will bring to- nomic experts from around the world manager, said the symposium’s pro- Qopened a representative offi ce gether industry experts, researchers, at this symposium to discuss ethical gramme is designed to allow for in Moscow, Russia, as it continues to policy-makers and academics from and regulatory best practices in ge- greater conversation among the ex- diversify the country’s visitor source Qatar and around the world to discuss nomic medicine. This type of collabo- perts and a thorough review of the markets across the globe. a range of topics relevant to the ge- ration and knowledge sharing is criti- vast amount of genomics research The new offi ce, QTA’s 10th globally, nomics fi eld, including governance of cal to the development of knowledge from around the world. will oversee a wide range of promo- national genomic projects, genomic in the fi eld.” “We welcome everyone in the tional initiatives, including workshops, data ownership and sharing, delivery Scientists from across the world will healthcare community to join us at this sales visits, travel agent destination of genomic data and its integration present their groundbreaking research symposium and be part of the drive to- training through its online Tawash into the national health system, and and fi ndings in the fi eld of genetics and ward a healthier population in Qatar programme. bioethics. genomics at the symposium. and worldwide,” added Dr Ismail. The new QTA offi ce will also estab- lish partnerships with tour operators, organise familiarisation trips, and hold media campaigns and a variety of innovative activities to raise Qatar’s profi le as a tourism destination among Russian tourists. Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, Qa- tar’s ambassador in Russia, attended the opening, saying: “I am delighted to witness this key development, es- pecially during the 2018 Qatar-Russia Year of Culture, which aims to pro- mote mutual understanding, recogni- From left: Rashed al-Qurese, Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and Hassan al-Ibrahim tion and appreciation of our respective led the opening of QTA’s representative off ice in Moscow. cultures.” “As tourism is a means of build- tion offi cer Rashed al-Qurese said: fold (430%) increase in visitor arriv- ing bridges of understanding between Russia is an eminent source of out- als from Russia compared to the same cultures, Qatar’s eff orts would not be bound tourists and they identifi ed it period last year. complete without engaging with the as an important source market for fu- The country’s award-winning na- Russian tourism sector,” he said. ture growth, among both leisure and tional carrier has 28 weekly direct According to QTA acting chairman business visitors. fl ights connecting the capital Doha Hassan al-Ibrahim, the targets set out “Our on-the-ground presence in to either Moscow or St Petersburg in in their fi ve year plan for 2017-2023 Russia will enable us to actively pro- Russia. cannot be achieved without engaging mote Qatar to Russian travellers, and QTA’s offi ce in Russia joins an inter- with a number of important markets, a develop relationships with members national network currently covering key among them is Russia. of the Russian travel trade who will the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, “Russia is a critical source market for sell Qatar as a destination,” he added. Germany, Austria, Switzerland, It- Qatar in our eff orts to diversify source “This is yet another demonstration of aly, Turkey, the US, China, the GCC markets and visitor segments, and that our country’s message Qatar Welcomes markets and South-East Asia is why we continue to facilitate access the World.” QTA offi cials anticipate the opening to Russian visitors,” he noted. Qatar has become an increasingly of an additional offi ce in India soon. “With the opening of our represent- accessible destination for Russian Russian travellers interested in Qa- ative offi ce in Moscow, we are demon- travellers, especially after Qatar waived tar also have easy access to informa- strating our commitment to continue entry visa requirements for Russian tion about the destination’s tourism facilitating this access and spreading citizens. off erings, hospitality options and key awareness about Qatar’s off ering in the Four-fold increase in visitor tourism events online, with its offi cial Russian market,” al-Ibrahim added. arrivals: In January and February of website (www.visitqatar.qa) which is QTA’s chief marketing and promo- 2018, Qatar witnessed more than four- available in Russian. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, April 1, 2018 QATAR WCM-Q celebrates ‘decade of success’ of its Foundation Programme

eill Cornell Medicine versity Student Centre in front in - and improving - the medi- – Qatar (WCM-Q) re- of an audience of faculty, cal landscape of their home Wcently celebrated the students and staff . country. They are acting as role 10th anniversary of its Founda- Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of models for the younger gen- tion Programme, designed to WCM-Q, said the Foundation eration and contributing to the help students achieve success in Programme was launched to dissemination of best medical its medical programme. support Qatari students to suc- practice so adding to Qatar’s The Foundation Programme ceed on the medical programme ever-expanding knowledge was launched by WCM-Q in and realise their full potential. economy.” 2007, specifi cally to develop Dr Sheikh said, “The pro- The Foundation Programme Faculty and alumni of the Foundation Programme. the skills of those from tra- gramme has led to more Qatari curriculum comprises courses ditional educational back- physicians graduating and so in physics, biology, chemistry, have the necessary skills to fi nd Language, noted that the pro- At the anniversary celebra- sawi is one of them. “The Foun- grounds who are academically more Qatari doctors who are math and English but the “true the answer themselves. We want gramme has helped many stu- tion, guests saw a fi lm produced dation Programme helps us un- gifted but may not be ready for working in and making a very lessons that students learn to instil in them a strong work dents achieve their potential and to commemorate the anniversary derstand what would be expected the transition from high school valuable contribution to the are much more fundamental”, ethic and to have them become become doctors. “When we see and heard from two alumni of the of us in the Medical Programme to university. The programme healthcare landscape of the WCM-Q has said in a life-long learners, seeing the ac- from someone’s application that programme - Eman Mosleh and and the standards we need to essentially acts as a bridge be- country. statement. quisition of knowledge as a they have real potential but are Dr Mohamed al-Hajri - who have maintain as students of Cornell,” tween high school and univer- “Through the Foundation Dr Marco Ameduri, associate journey.” not quite ready for the Medical gone on to success in the Medical she said. sity for those wanting to study Programme, we are also creat- dean for Pre-Medical Educa- Dr Rachid Bendriss, assistant Programme, we invite them to Programme. After successfully completing medicine. ing additional human capac- tion at WCM-Q, said: “We want dean for Student Recruitment, consider joining the Foundation There are currently 22 stu- the Foundation Programme, stu- The 10th anniversary celebra- ity within the Qatari healthcare students to become independent Outreach and Foundation Pro- Programme. This method has dents in the 2017/18 Foundation dents are promoted to the WCM- tion of the programme was held system and helping to graduate learners to be curious enough to grammes, and associate pro- helped us fi nd some exceptional- Programme, the vast majority of Q Six-Year Integrated Medical at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- Qatari doctors who are working ask a question, but then to also fessor for English as a Second ly gifted students over the years.” whom are Qatari. Razan al-Mou- Programme. Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 11 QATAR Experts brainstorm over smart water Al Mirqab Residence 2 is coming up at Fox Hills. management ideas Al Mirqab atar Green Building Council iff s in Reducing Residential Wa- (QGBC), a member of Qatar ter Demand in Qatar’; Mahzabeen QFoundation (QF), has con- Manna, Sustainable Development cluded its ‘Smart Urban Water Man- College of Science and Engineer- agement’ seminar, held at Kahramaa ing, HBKU, who delivered a pres- highlights two Awareness Park on March 26. entation on ‘Analysis of the Envi- The seminar served as a key plat- ronmental Impacts of Water Use on form to discuss the growing water the Overall Buildings Life-Cycle’; network in Qatar, pinpoint water and Mohamed Alhaj, PhD student conservation opportunities and in- in Sustainable Energy, College of new projects in troduce innovative ideas to preserve Science and Engineering, HBKU, water, QGBC said in a statement. who presented a paper on the top- Meshal al-Shamari, director, ic of ‘Modelling of Solar-driven QGBC, said, “We are pleased with Multi-eff ect Distillation thermal the success of the Smart Urban desalination System’. Lusail City Water Management seminar. Our Hamoda Youssef, head of com- goal was to share our experiences, munications at QGBC, delivered a facts and studies for smarter water presentation on the topic of ‘Water l Mirqab Real Estate is highlight- management in Doha, and use data- Management Strategies in Green ing two of its new projects in Lusail driven technologies to transform Buildings’. ACity – the Burj Marina and Al Mir- water networks. We achieved our Dr Mackey said, “There’s a strong qab Residence 2. goal by hosting a number of lead- move towards a more sustain- While the 38-fl oor Burj Marina’s launch ing academics who discussed and able Qatar, we can see the eff orts of is anticipated by next month, Al Mirqab shared their research and insights Tarsheed and Qatar Green Build- Residence 2 is scheduled to be delivered for a more sustainable future. ing Council in promoting sustain- Meshal al-Shamari speaking at the seminar. by mid-2018, the company has said in a A number of presentations were ability and the sustainable use of statement. made during the seminar by re- resources.” National Development Strategy.” by renewable energies.” Al Mirqab is involved in real estate de- searchers, including Hamish R Manna noted, “Based on my work, Alhaj added, “In line with Qa- The presentations were fol- velopment, asset management, sales and Mackey, professor, Sustainable De- if we put more refi ned and sustain- tar National Vision 2030, which lowed by a panel discussion where marketing, and property management. velopment College of Science and able policies for water in Qatar, we aims to lead the country towards the audience shared their opinions A commercial building, the Burj Ma- Joe Soueid Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa will be able to conserve water and a sustainable future by adopting and solutions for Smart Urban Wa- rina is a “symbol of elegance” in an ar- University (HBKU), who presented ultimately reduce the environmen- clean energies, we propose that ter Management in Doha and the chitectural design skinned by a futuristic showroom/retail spaces as well as a res- his research on ‘The Role of Tar- tal impact in order to achieve Qatar’s desalination should be powered region. façade treatment designed by Dara En- taurant at the peak, which “makes every gineering & Consultancy, the statement dining experience a serene and memorable notes. “A remarkable feature that makes occasion”. Burj Marina stands out and hailed as one “These are probably the reasons why the of Lusail City’s important landmarks and Burj Marina has reached a milestone by distinction address in the said area,” said achieving around 40% bookings from cor- Joe Soueid, general manager of Al Mirqab porate clients prior to the completion of its Real Estate and chief executive offi cer of Al construction,” the company said. Mirqab Facilities Management. Soueid said they are also glad to an- It off ers a wide range of offi ces and nounce the opening of Al Mirqab Residence 2 – a cityscape-level residential building situated at Fox Hills. “A luxurious resi- dential development with an amazing city view, the unique development spreads over a total built-up area of 56,000sqm. The multifunctional complex consists of four Fujifilm and TechnoBlue off icials launch the X-H1 mirrorless buildings with 471 units, which consist of camera in Qatar. 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and du- plexes, various types of retail spaces, pools, gyms, children’s play areas and other facili- ties,” the statement explains. The project is scheduled to be delivered by Fujifi lm’s X-H1 the middle of 2018 and booking have been initiated with corporate clients to date. Speaking on the prospects of Lusail City, camera launched Soueid said: “Its modern and smart con- cept has positioned it as one of the most ujifi lm Corporation ment of the subject and advanced cities of the region. Backed by a and TechnoBlue have position of the focus with series of policy-driven decisions, Qatar’s Flaunched in Qatar the great precision. real estate sector – particularly in Lusail and X-H1 camera, described as The rear LCD monitor is other commercial locations – is expected to “the highest performance a 3-direction tilt, 3-inch, Burj Marina stage a strong turnaround in 2018-2019.” camera in the X Series range 1.04mn dot electrostatic of mirrorless cameras”. touch-panel LCD which can “The X-H1, with a robust be set to the desired angle. and durable body, incorpo- In addition, the 1.28 inch rates a range of extremely sub-LCD on the top of the useful features that sup- camera, a current feature of port shooting in various the medium format Fujifi lm scenarios demanded by GFX 50S, allows for instant professional photographers confi rmation of shooting and videographers,” Fran- information. cois Kouyoumjian, product The camera uses a large- manager, Electronic Imag- grip design with the new ing Division, Fujifi lm Mid- shape and a leaf-spring dle East, said at the launch switch for the shutter-re- event. lease button to achieve a The X-H1 is the fi rst X stable feel when holding the Series model to include the camera and easy operation of latest 5-axis in-body im- the shutter-release button. age stabilisation, which The X-H1 has the quietest has a maximum of 5.5 stops shutter sound of all cameras as well as a fl icker reduc- in the X Series. A new AF- tion mode which enhances ON button on the back of the quality of indoor sports the camera makes it easier photography. to operate the autofocus The X-H1 uses the APS-C with the thumb, allowing size X-Trans CMOS III sen- the photographer to use the sor (24.30mn pixels, with- index fi nger to operate the out low-pass fi lter) and the shutter-release button. high-speed image process- The X-H1 is the fi rst cam- ing engine X-Processor Pro. era in the X Series to include This proprietary Fujifi lm Eterna, a mode simulating technology was fi rst seen in cinematic fi lm, creating un- the X-Pro2 and then X-T2 derstated colours and rich cameras, receiving many shadow tones, greatly en- awards globally. hancing creative freedom In addition to the dust- during post-processing. resistant, water-resistant The camera’s video image properties, and the ability quality has been improved to operate in temperatures through the new ability to down to -10C, the cam- record a high bit rate of 200 era also uses a 25% thicker Mbps. magnesium alloy compared Two batteries may be to the X-T2. loaded in the vertical power The viewfi nder with a boost grip VPB-XH1, with a magnifi cation ratio of 0.75 third battery in the body of times and the 3.69mn reso- the camera increasing the lution leads the class for maximum number of avail- mirrorless cameras. The able shots in normal mode viewfi nder display is ex- to approximately 900. traordinarily smooth, with “The X-H1 body is priced a display time lag of 0.005 at QR7,199 and coupled seconds and a frame rate of with the grip the price is 100 frames per second, al- QR8,199,” said Techno- lowing the photographer to Blue division manager L instantly confi rm the move- Prabunathan. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, April 1, 2018 QATAR

Emiri Land Forces conclude Fahad Exercise 2018

The Emiri Land Forces have concluded the Fahad Exercise 2018, which was held under the patronage of HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah. The drill lasted nearly two months at the Qallayl Square. The closing ceremony was attended by Major-General Mohamed bin Ali al-Ghanem, Commander of the Emiri Land Forces and a number of senior off icers of the armed forces. One of the most important objectives of the exercise was to train the battalion in the command, control and communications system to achieve the combat readiness of the battalion for reconnaissance operations and to pass information and orders for the various units of the Jassim bin Mohammed Brigade, in addition to conducting joint operations day and night. The exercise also included the use of several mechanisms and modern weapons, including reconnaissance/FNIC/AC/anti-armour, Jaff lin, PZH2000/Hautzer, Rastmeh rockets/Astors 2/and the tank/Leopard + A7/radar reconnaissance and artillery. Lt Col Fahd Ahmad al-Qahtani, Director of Fahad Exercise 2018 said: “This exercise is an integrated one , in which modern systems joined the manoeuvring, reconnaissance and firefighting units of the Emiri Land Forces, which focus on the command and control systems and achieved the desired objectives of the exercise.”

Commercial Bank concludes 13 speakers share Man United soccer school

ommercial Bank, the exclusive fi nancial services partner of CManchester United in Qatar, has successfully concluded the ‘5th inspiring stories Manchester United Soccer School in Qatar’. Two Manchester United Soccer School coaches were fl own in from the UK to provide training to 160 girls and boys aged seven to 16, who trained at Al Arabi Stadium. in TEDxCCQ Commercial Bank customers were awarded places for their children or he fi rst version of TEDxCCQ con- younger siblings at the exclusive fi ve- Commercial Bank off icials with some of the children participating in the soccer ferences, which was supervised by day soccer school by spending on school provided by the bank. Ta group of Community College of their Commercial Bank Manchester Qatar (CCQ) faculty members and stu- United credit cards. AGM, head of Cards and Payments, of their family.” Amit Sah, Commer- dents, was launched yesterday at Katara Under the guidance of Manchester said: “Through our partnership, Com- cial Bank EGM, Consumer Banking, – the Cultural Village. United Soccer School coaches, the mercial Bank is delighted to bring the said: “Commercial Bank is delighted The conference featured 13 speakers kids received an all-round training popular Manchester United Soccer by the popularity of the Manchester who shared their experiences and inspi- experience involving on-pitch tech- School back to Qatar for the fi fth year. United Soccer School with our cus- rational stories with the audience. niques, related to Manchester United “Simply by using the credit card, tomers’ children. “Commercial Bank The Organising Committee chose fi rst team training, advice on how to customers not only benefi t from is always looking for proactive ways ‘Building Bridges’ as the theme of the behave off the pitch, understanding Commercial Bank’s generous rewards of supporting sporting activities in fi rst version of their conference. The tactics, and what it takes to develop a programme but also have the added Qatar to promote a healthy future theme is inspired by the fact that Qatar winning mentality. excitement of winning a priceless ex- Qatari generation as part of the Qatar is building bridges – literally and meta- Roya Khajeh, Commercial Bank perience for themselves or a member National Vision 2030.” phorically – where architects, engineers and urban planners are building far and wide throughout the country in prepara- tion for Qatar National Vision 2030 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Some of the speakers at the conference. On the other hand, communities and HBKU holds Education City’s organisations are working on bridging people with special needs into the soci- the gaps of communication with diff er- ety. For that purpose, Dr AlJefairi pre- ent countries around the globe. Based on sented his experiments on inventing an this fact, the TEDxCCQ organisers be- interactive robotic teacher, which can fi rst doctorate thesis session lieve that the theme will be the “symbol recognise sign language using a camera of the connection between the past and and a specialised programme. the future, nationalism and globalisation Mastoor al-Kaboody, the co-organis- amad Bin Khalifa University’s and many other aspects that could be er, added: “TEDxCCQ is an opportunity (HBKU) College of Science used to build bridges reaching the world”, for me to make a diff erence and help CCQ Hand Engineering (CSE) hosted according to a press statement. be a driving force for engaging ideas, Education City’s fi rst-ever PhD the- The 13 speakers were divided into and a platform for people who are do- sis defence session recently. three groups. The fi rst group included ing remarkable things in the community. The momentous event comes Dr Ibrahim al-Naimi, Jacqueline bird, Hosting TEDxCCQ means bringing the ahead of HBKU’s schedule to graduate Sarah Inkpen, Kerry Suek and Hassan community together to share resources its inaugural cohort of PhD students Abdel-Aziz, who presented their talks in and share stories, and be there for each and underscores the importance of the fi rst session. Dr Mohamed AlJefairi, other.” the university’s role in driving aca- Aqeel Ahmad, Prof Marios Katsioloudes, idea that rapidly became a reality, which In the spirit of ideas worth spread- demic excellence in Qatar. Mufeed Ahmed, Dr Michael King and Ai- required persistence and commitment to ing, TED has created a programme called HBKU’s hosting of its fi rst PhD sha al-Kuwari presented their talks in the our vision. TEDx. “TEDx is a programme of local, defence reinforces the university’s second session. “CCQ was launched with the purpose self-organised events that bring peo- signifi cance as a leading educational The conference reached its end with of creating academically and practi- ple together to share a TED-like expe- hub. Dr Mounir Hamdi, dean of CSE, three inspirational speakers: Rohit Bassi, cally specialised generation in order to rience. This event is called TEDxCCQ, said, “I am truly honoured to see CSE HBKU’s CSE hosted Education City’s first-ever PhD thesis session. Dr Radi Abouelhassan and Ahmed al- fulfi l the rapidly evolving needs of the where x = independently organised TED lead such an important milestone in Maadheed. Dr al-Naimi, president of Qatari labour market. From its fi rst days event. At a TEDxCCQ event, TEDTalks the lifetime of HBKU and Education completing fi nal assignments to- The presentation was attended CCQ, said: “The idea of launching Com- in 2010, CCQ has accomplished lots of video and live speakers will combine to City by graduating our fi rst PhD stu- wards his PhD in Sustainable Envi- by several members of the advising munity College of Qatar was very prom- achievements and today it is the fastest spark deep discussion and connection dents. Our college has a critical role ronment, led the event by defend- committee, including experts and ad- ising, but it needed commitment and growing institution in Qatar off ering a in a small group. The TED Conference in supporting the scientifi c develop- ing his thesis entitled: Novel Hybrid visers, who were tasked with reading resolve to bring it to reality. With its es- number of associate and bachelor degree provides general guidance for the TEDx ment goals of Qatar and the region, Absorbent – Inorganic Membrane the dissertation, making constructive tablishment, the challenge was to make programmes.” programme, but individual TEDx events, and our multidisciplinary academic for Qatar Treatment Applications. suggestions, and sitting in on the de- CCQ an eff ective educational institution Dr AlJefairi talked about assistive including ours, are self-organised,” the programmes are based on three re- He said, “My sense of pride extends fence. in the Qatari society. It started with an technology and how it can help integrate statement explains. search-focused divisions in the fi elds beyond HBKU and Education City Those in attendance included Prof of science, engineering, and technol- to encompass a hope for a better to- Gordon McKay, Dr Hamish MacKey, ogy – all core areas for national ad- morrow in Qatar in general and Qatar dean Mounir Hamdi, Prof Muataz vancement. Foundation in particular. Hussien, Prof Nouar Tabet, and Dr All of our programmes aim to create This milestone clearly shows that Tariq al-Ansari. One member of the a generation of leaders, innovators, we are going in the right track to- committee was required to advise and academics who are promising ward accomplishing the vision of Her from an external standpoint, and this and forward-thinking.” Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser perspective was off ered by Prof Haz- Ahmad K Fard, who is presently for a knowledge-based economy.” im Qiblawey from Qatar University.

Bedaya takes part in Qatar Self-sufficiency Exhibition

The Bedaya Centre for to reach their goals that country to present their between companies that Entrepreneurship and help support the economy ideas and contract them to support the vision of His Career Development of Qatar. The team will benefit from their projects Highness the Emir Sheikh (Bedaya Centre), a also provide information to support Qatari products Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, joint initiative by Qatar regarding bazaars that in the first place and to and also contributes to Development Bank and the centre participates motivate them to continue achieve the Qatar National Silatech, is taking part in the in and the projects and giving and delivering. Vision 2030. first edition of Qatar Self startup businesses that Bedaya Centre general “We work constantly to Suff iciency Exhibition (QSSE Bedaya Centre contributed manager Reem al-Sowaidi support and encourage 2018) from today (April 1) to its success and its said: “I would like to thank entrepreneurs by until April 3 at the Doha achievements to complete the management of facilitating all ways of Convention & Exhibition its objectives. Moreover, QSSE for providing us the communication with large Centre (DECC). During the personal consultations opportunity to participate companies and institutions, event, a team from Bedaya for entrepreneurs will in the first and largest whether for financing Centre will provide an also be off ered to visitors event of its kind in the projects or marketing overview of the services during the exhibitions. region, where all sectors and promoting it. We are provided by the centre such Bedaya’s participation in will have the opportunity therefore working with all as workshops in various the three-day event is in to communicate and meet national institutions and sectors and consultations line with its objectives to under one roof, which helps private initiatives to bring for entrepreneurs who connect entrepreneurs to discuss the opportunities together entrepreneurs are constantly seeking with various entities in the for joint cooperation under one umbrella.” Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 13 QATAR MICE expert cites Qatar’s edge as an attractive Off icials at the honouring ceremony. destination

By Joey Aguilar Customs authority thwarts Staff Reporter

atar’s easy connectivity to various desti- nations globally, hosting of the 2022 FIFA attempts to smuggle drugs QWorld Cup and being perceived as “a cul- turally and historically strong” destination makes the country attractive for Indian MICE (meetings, nspectors from the Gen- incentives, conferences and exhibitions) travel- eral Authority of Customs lers, Indian MICE expert Karishma Hundalani has I(GAC) have foiled a number said. of attempts to smuggle illicit Hundalani, partner and managing director for drugs into the country through tmf dialogue marketing in India, has been invited Hamad International Airport by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) to conduct a (HIA) and Hamad Port. workshop dubbed as Insights for the Indian MICE The authority seized 14kg Market on April 18 at Grand Hyatt Doha. of hashish and 42.5kg of mari- The event forms part of QTA’s regular industry juana at HIA and 12 tonnes of workshops aimed at empowering local business chewing tobacco at Hamad events stakeholders to bid for and execute large- Port, it said in a statement yes- scale MICE events. terday. At the workshop, Hundalani will discuss how to The hashish was found in approach and secure business events from India in two batches of 7kg each, hid- Qatar, according to QTA. Karishma Hundalani den inside secret pockets in the She said, “Based on the research we conducted smugglers’ luggage. The mari- for QTA, some of the positive perceptions include “In addition, if there are group/corporate deals/ juana, on the other hand, was easy connectivity and favourability towards Qa- experiences available for such sports and enter- seized through 10 separate op- tar Airways because of the connectivity to other tainment events, that becomes an added incen- erations at HIA after the Cus- destinations and competitive pricing (related to tive to consider the destination hosting the event,” toms offi cers on duty suspected this is the positive perception of Hamad Interna- Hundalani explained. the conduct of the travellers in tional Airport stated by some as the best in the About the top three features Indian couples are question and decided to con- world).” looking for when planning a destination wedding, duct a thorough search of their The national carrier has direct fl ights connect- she said the features would diff er a bit depending luggage. The contraband was tors with all possible support ing Doha to 13 key cities across India: Ahmedabad, on the destinations. found hidden in their bags, to do their job effi ciently. This Mumbai, Goa, New Delhi, Kochi, Thiruvanan- For the Middle East, Hundalani cited a high-end, wrapped in an almost identical includes conducting advanced thapuram, Kozhikode, Bengaluru, Chennai, Nag- luxurious hotel property (that lends support on all way. training courses and supplying pur, Hyderabad, Amritsar and Kolkata. Indian fronts with the planning), the ability to cater au- All the operations were car- them with the most advanced citizens are among those who can enter Qatar visa- thentic Indian food, or be fl exible to allow for In- ried out successfully in co- technology and devices in the free. dian chefs to work on the events, and the features operation with the relevant fi eld as they constitute the “The 2022 FIFA World Cup has created some of the destination itself – the beach and desert are department at the Ministry of frontline of safeguarding the amount of positive association with the destination usual pull-factors for destinations in the region. Interior and the arrested smug- country against any harmful and a perception that it is world-class,” Hundalani About the general timeline for attracting, secur- glers were referred to the au- materials. noted. ing and hosting an Indian MICE event in Qatar, thorities concerned for neces- Meanwhile, both Ajab Perceived as a destination that is “culturally and Hundalani said annual MICE programmes by cor- sary legal procedures. Mansur al-Qahtani, director of historically strong”, she pointed out that “there porates usually have a good enough lead time of six GAC chairman Ahmed bin HIA Customs, and Abdulhadi must be something to explore in Qatar.” “Raising to eight months. Abdullah al-Jamal honoured al-Sahli, director of Sea Cus- more awareness about those off erings would at- “These are the recurring ones which are usually eight employees from the HIA toms, thanked the inspectors tract more (Indian) travellers.” with the same agency too, so there’s the advantage and Hamad Port Customs for concerned for their eff orts and In hosting of a number of international sports of planning consecutive editions,” she said. “How- their role in foiling the smug- sincerity at work. They also and entertainment events, the Indian MICE expert ever, there are equally as many, if not more, MICE gling bids and their alertness thanked all the co-operating said these “add-on” features of Qatar for attracting programmes from India that have the lead time of while on duty. government departments that Indian MICE are also becoming popular in MICE two to four months, these usually choose short- Al-Jamal noted that the GAC played a key role in foiling the programmes, saying that corporates need to look haul destinations that are easy to get visa for (Qatar provided its staff and inspec- smuggling attempts. Some of the seized items. at ways to enhance value beyond just travel abroad. qualifi es here).” Ministry conducts QC outreach benefi ts more clean-up campaign than 1,300 families in Bosnia

l Shamal Municipality’s Services Aff airs atar Charity (QC) has distrib- Department has removed 25 abandoned uted emergency winter re- Avehicles from diff erent parts within its ju- Qlief and food aid to more than risdiction from March 25 to 27. 1,300 families, with 4,500 people, in Also, the Services Aff airs Department, in co- 12 municipalities and villages of Bos- operation with the General Cleanliness Depart- nia and Herzegovina at a total cost of ment, has cleaned Al Ruwais beach, removing all QR500,000. types of debris from the area. The initiative came within the In February, Al Rayyan Municipality executed framework of the ‘Aff ected by Winter’ 869 applications for eradicating rodents and in- campaign, aiming to alleviate the suf- sects, which included 778 applications for killing fering of needy families, QC said in a insects and 91 for rodents. In addition, 227 regu- statement. lar campaigns were conducted to combat rodents The aid was distributed at a number and insects within the municipality during the of places in the country, including same period. some highland areas. The Ministry of Municipality and Environ- The relief assistance was provided ment (MME)’s Department of Protection and through QC’s offi ce in Bosnia and Wildlife recently issued a violation for unau- Herzegovina at a time of snowfall and thorised excavation and paving a land road west when the temperature dropped sharply of Al Sheehaniya. Necessary legal procedures to below -15C. have been taken against the violators. Removal of debris. Faisal al-Fahida, executive direc- The initiative came within the framework of the ‘Affected by Winter’ campaign, aiming to tor of QC’s Executive Management alleviate the suffering of needy families. of International Operations, said the benefi ciary families in Bosnia and Bosnian people in order to alleviate the Herzegovina received food baskets suff ering of those in need and orphans containing fl our, oil, sugar, macaroni, during the winter, the statement noted. canned meat, salt and rice. Qatar Charity has already distrib- They also got blankets and winter uted winter clothes, blankets and clothes. More than 100 tonnes of wood food baskets to more than 400 or- for heating were distributed to poor phans along with their families in families living in the highlands. Bosnia and Herzegovina within the These areas are hard to reach, par- framework of its ‘Orphan below Zero’ ticularly this time of the year due to campaign. heavy snowfall, leading to the inter- For the second consecutive year, ruption of transport to and from these QC said it has carried out the cam- places, al-Fahida added. paign to provide warmth and due care The aid benefi ciaries expressed their to Syrian orphans in Lebanon and thanks and appreciation to the Qatari Turkey, as well as orphans in Kyr- people for their humanitarian ini- gyzstan, Bosnia, Albania and Kosovo tiatives and continued support of the at a cost of QR3mn. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, April 1, 2018 REGION/ARAB WORLD Erdogan accuses Israel Anger as Gazans of ‘inhumane attack’

AFP the massacre by Israel that happened yesterday Ankara in Gaza from those who criticise the Afrin opera- tion?” Erdogan demanded. bury their dead Turkey on January 20 launched a cross-border urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yes- operation against the Kurdish People’s Protection AFP terday condemned Israel over its “inhumane Units (YPG) in its enclave of Afrin and the city was Gaza City Tattack” in Gaza after a major demonstration captured on March 18. there led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 Ankara has come under heavy criticism from op- Palestinians. ponents and activists over its own operations in azans buried their dead The violence broke out on Friday after tens of northern Syria. yesterday with calls for thousands of people in the Gaza Strip marched near “This is the biggest proof of insincerity of G“revenge” a day after the Israeli border. those who fixate on us but say nothing about Is- a major demonstration led to Over 1,400 people were also wounded, 758 of rael using heavy weapons to attack people who clashes that saw Israeli forc- them by live fi re, with the remainder hurt by rub- are protesting on their own lands,” Erdogan said, es kill 16 Palestinians in the ber bullets and tear gas inhalation, the Gazan health without saying which governments and organi- bloodiest day since a 2014 war. ministry said. sations he meant. Erdogan on Friday spoke with But while anger seethed over “I strongly condemn the Israeli government over US President Donald Trump in a call and the Friday’s events, only several its inhumane attack,” Erdogan said during a speech Turkish leader said he told Trump: “Aren’t you hundred protesters returned to in Istanbul. going to intervene here?”. tents erected at diff erent sites The protesters were demanding hundreds of The Turkish leader, a fervent supporter of the near the Gaza Strip’s border thousands of Palestinian refugees who fl ed or were Palestinians, often criticises Israel’s policies. with Israel to resume demon- expelled during the war surrounding Israel’s crea- The Turkish foreign ministry on Friday accused strations planned to last six tion in 1948 be allowed to return. Israel of using “disproportionate force” against weeks in the blockaded enclave. “Have you heard any noteworthy objections to Palestinians during “peaceful protests”. Gaza’s health ministry said 15 people suff ered wounds that were not life-threatening in low-level clashes along the border yesterday. Iran slams ‘shameful’ killing of protesters Thousands attended funer- als for 14 of those killed — two were buried on Friday — with AFP protesters — whose land they ers — an allusion to Saudi mourners holding Palestinian Tehran have stolen — as they march Arabia’s 32-year-old de facto fl ags and some chanting “re- to escape their cruel and in- ruler Crown Prince Mohamed venge” and fi ring into the air. human apartheid bondage. bin Salman. The armed wing of Hamas, ran’s foreign minister yes- Shameful,” Foreign Minister “Unfortunately, the un- the movement that runs the terday condemned the fatal Mohamed Javad Zarif tweeted. conditional support of Trump Gaza Strip, said fi ve of those Palestinian relatives of Hamdan Abu Amsha, who was killed a day earlier by Israeli forces when clashes Ishooting of 16 Gazan pro- Iran has long been a sup- and his administration and killed were its members who erupted as tens of thousands of Gazans marched near the Israeli border with the enclave to mark Land testers by Israeli troops and porter of Hamas which con- the shameful efforts of some were participating “in popular Day, cry during his funeral in Beit Hanun in the northern of Gaza Strip, yesterday. mocked the fact that it hap- trols the Gaza Strip. ignorant novice leaders to es- events side-by-side with their pened as Israeli Jews prepared Ministry spokesman Bah- tablish disgraceful secret re- people.” May 14 will also mark 70 to mark Passover. ram Ghassemi condemned the lations with this regime have A general strike was being years since the creation of Is- The week-long Passover “savage massacre of a large made the leaders of the Zion- held in both the Gaza Strip and rael, while Palestinians will festival, which began at sun- number of Palestinians by the ist regime more presumptu- the occupied West Bank. mark what they call the Nakba, down on Friday, commemo- armed forces of the Zionist re- ous,” Ghassemi said. Minor clashes broke out be- or “catastrophe,” the following rates the liberation of the gime (Israel)”. Riyadh has made no pub- tween Israeli forces and Pales- day. Jewish people from slavery in He said Israel had felt it lic comment although ear- tinians in Hebron, while a small The Nakba commemorates Egypt as told in the Book of could act with impunity be- lier this month it allowed the protest was held in Nablus, the more than 700,000 Pales- Exodus. cause of the backing of US first commercial Israel-bound both in the West Bank. tinians who either fl ed or were “On the eve of Passover President Donald Trump and flights to cross its airspace, an In addition to the 16 Pales- expelled from their homes in (of all days), Zionist tyrants the covert ties being estab- Air India service between New tinians killed, more than 1,400 the war surrounding Israel’s murder peaceful Palestinian lished by some regional lead- Delhi and Tel Aviv. were also wounded Friday, 758 creation in 1948. of them by live fi re, with the US President Donald Trump remainder hurt by rubber bul- has harshly criticised the Pal- lets and tear gas inhalation, estinians in the past, but the according to the Gazan health Palestinian and Israeli activists from the “Coalition of Women for State Department said only that ministry. Peace” take part in a demonstration yesterday. it was “deeply saddened” by Israel defended its soldiers’ the loss of life and urged steps Saudi forces claim intercepting actions, when troops opened suit, calling in a statement for but “organised activity” by Ha- to lower tensions. fi re on Palestinians who strayed a probe into Israel’s use of live mas, which has fought three Human Rights Watch criti- from the main protest camp ammunition. wars with Israel since 2008. cised Israel’s actions. of missile fi red by Yemen rebels attended by tens of thousands Israeli Defence Minister “If it continues, we shall have “Israeli allegations of vio- and approached the heavily Avigdor Lieberman issued a no choice but to respond inside lence by some protesters do not fortifi ed fence cutting off the scornful rejection of the de- the Gaza Strip against targets change the fact that using lethal AFP such attacks that have drawn widespread con- Gaza Strip. The Israeli military mands. which we understand to be be- force is banned by international Riyadh demnation. says it opened fi re only when “I do not understand the hind these events,” Brigadier law except to meet an imminent The coalition spokesman again hit out at Iran necessary against those throw- chorus of hypocrites who want General Ronen Manelis told threat to life,” the New York- after Saturday’s attack. ing stones and fi rebombs or a commission of inquiry,” he journalists. based group said, calling the audi air defences intercepted a missile fired The UN Security Council this week condemned rolling tyres at soldiers. posted in Hebrew on his Twit- The six-week protest is in number of killed and wounded by Yemeni rebels at the kingdom’s south- “in the strongest possible terms” multiple mis- It said there were attempts to ter account.“They got confused support of Palestinian refugees “shocking.” Sern city of Najran yesterday, the Saudi-led sile attacks launched by the Houthis on Saudi damage the fence and infi ltrate and thought Hamas organised and the timetable holds signifi - Israel had deployed troop coalition fighting the rebels said, adding that one territory, saying they posed a threat to regional Israel, while alleging there was a Woodstock Festival yesterday cance for a range of reasons that reinforcements along the bor- person was wounded. security. also an attempted gun attack and that we should give them have added to tensions. der, including more than 100 “The missile was fired at Najran indiscrimi- In one of the biggest such attacks yet, Saudi against soldiers along the bor- fl owers.” It began on Land Day, when special forces snipers, saying nately and with the aim of hitting residential ar- forces last weekend said they intercepted seven der. No casualties were report- Palestinian president Mah- Palestinians commemorate it would prevent attempts to eas,” coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki missiles fired by rebels toward cities including ed among Israelis. moud Abbas declared yesterday the killing of six unarmed Arab break through the fence. told the official Saudi Press Agency. Riyadh, killing one person. Palestinians accused Is- a day of national mourning and protesters in Israel in 1976, and Protests along the border are “It was successfully intercepted and the debris The coalition intervened in Yemen to push rael of using disproportion- in a speech said he held Israel as Israelis readied to observe the common, often culminating in fell on residential areas, lightly wounding one In- back the Houthis who captured the capital Sanaa ate force, saying its soldiers fully responsible for the deaths. Passover holiday, which started young Palestinian men throw- dian expatriate.” and forced the government into exile. opened fi re on protesters who His spokesman yesterday at sundown on Friday. ing stones at Israeli soldiers Yemen’s Saba news agency, run by the Houthi Tehran has said Saudi accusations are a did not pose a threat, while hu- called on the United States at Protests will continue until who respond with tear gas along rebels, said the missile had been fired at a Sau- smokescreen intended to divert attention from man rights groups questioned the UN Security Council to not the United States opens its new with rubber and live bullets. di National Guard base in Najran, just over the its deadly bombing campaign against rebel-held Israel’s use of live fi re. UN chief provide “cover for Israel to con- Jerusalem embassy around May But the “March of Return” border from Yemen where the Saudi-led coali- areas, including Sanaa. Antonio Guterres called for an tinue its aggression against the 14, a move that has provoked protest that began on Friday is tion intervened on the side of the government in Civilian casualties from coalition air strikes “independent and transpar- Palestinian people.” deep anger among the Palestin- on a larger scale and intended March 2015. have drawn criticism from human rights groups, ent investigation” and Euro- An Israeli military spokes- ians, who see the city’s annexed to involve families with women The coalition said on Thursday it intercept- and in October the United Nations placed the pean Union diplomatic chief man said Friday’s events were eastern sector as the capital of and children camping in tent ed another missile fired by the Houthis at the coalition on a blacklist for killing and maiming Federica Mogherini followed “not a protest demonstration” their future state. cities near the border for weeks. southern city of Jazan — the latest in a series of children. Army vows to eliminate last Fire ravages UN food agency rebels outside Damascus warehouse in Yemen port AFP area was “empty of terrorism” France sending Damascus as the last buses carrying rebels troops to Syria and civilians left it on Saturday would be ‘invasion’ AFP afternoon as part of a deal to Aden yria’s army promised yes- withdraw. Turkey yesterday warned France terday to fi nish off fi ght- More than 41,000 people in against increasing its military Sers in the fi nal opposition total have been bussed out of presence in Syria, saying it would fi red ripped through a warehouse of holdout of devastated Eastern the southern pocket held by the be an “invasion”, as tensions the UN’s World Food Programme yes- Ghouta outside Damascus after Faylaq al-Rahman rebel group between Paris and Ankara re- Aterday in Yemen’s rebel-held Red Sea a penultimate pocket was de- in over a week under the Rus- mained high. Temperatures were port of Hodeida, destroying humanitarian clared “empty” of rebels. sian-supervised agreement, raised after French President aid supplies, authorities said. Russia-backed regime forces according to a tally of state me- Emmanuel Macron on Thursday Hodeida is Yemen’s largest port and a life- have recaptured the vast ma- dia fi gures. met a delegation of the Syrian line for people in the war-battered country jority of the enclave through “It’s a strategic victory Democratic Forces (SDF) made dependent on food imports and, according the combination of a deadly air against terror and a turning up of Kurdish and Arab fighters. to the United Nations, on the verge of famine. and ground assault and evacu- point” in the battle for East- Kurdish off icials said afterwards The Saba news agency of the Houthi rebels ation deals. ern Ghouta, an army offi cer that France was planning to reported a “massive” blaze and said large After a six-week blitz the told state television as soldiers send new troops to Manbij — a quantities of aid was destroyed, without giv- only remaining scrap of rebel- around him celebrated. northern Syrian town held by ing further details. held territory includes the main As of yesterday, regime forc- the Kurdish YPG militia — a claim An offi cial in Hodeida said that four ware- town of Douma, but Moscow- es supported by their Russian Paris denied. “If France takes houses were engulfed in fl ames and estimat- brokered talks over a possible allies had retaken 95% of East- any steps regarding its military ed that 50 tonnes of foodstuff was destroyed. evacuation have stalled as the ern Ghouta, the Syrian Observ- presence in northern Syria, this An offi cial from Yemen’s internationally group controlling it pledges to atory for Human Rights said. would be an illegitimate step recognised government urged UN agencies stay put. The assault on Ghouta has that would go against interna- deployed in the country to investigate the Firefighters try to extinguish a blaze engulfing the warehouse of UN’s World Food Syria’s army vowed it would killed more than 1,600 civil- tional law and in fact, it would blaze. Programme in Hodeida, yesterday. now press on with “fi ghting in ians since February 18 and seen be an invasion,” Turkish Defence Abdel Raguib Fateh, who was quoted by the area of Douma to rid it of tens of thousands more fl ee the Minister Nurettin Canikli said. the state-run Saba news agency, also implic- in the country in March 2015 to push back the triggered the world’s worst humanitarian terrorism”, using the term it fi ghting into regime-held ar- itly accused the Houthis of responsibility, Houthis who captured the capital Sanaa and crisis, as 22.2mn people need aid and 8.4mn usually uses to refer to rebels. eas, the Britain-based monitor saying the “criminals behind this fi re should forced the government into exile. are on the verge of famine. The announcement came says. egy, seizing most of the enclave be punished”. Around 53,000 people have also been Yemen, which depends on food imports, is shortly after state news agency Troops have pursued a then breaking up what was left Nearly 10,000 people have been killed in wounded since then. also struggling with cholera and diphtheria SANA reported another rebel divide-and-conquer strat- of it into three isolated pockets. Yemen since a Saudi-led coalition intervened The United Nations says the confl ict has outbreaks. Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 15 AFRICA

At rhino’s memorial, Sierra Leone votes in Kenyan minister urges life sentences presidential run-off for ivory possession Reuters Kenya had 20,000 rhinos in AFP An economist by training, Kamara, 66, Nanyuki, Kenya the 1970s, falling to 400 in the Freetown was foreign minister until last year when 1990s. he stepped down to pursue the presi- It now has 650, almost all of dency under the APC fl ag, despite lacking he death of the world’s them black rhinos. he handpicked successor of Sierra strong party support. last male northern white “We are going to change our Leone’s outgoing president and a He has promised to deliver improve- Trhinoceros last month led laws so that anyone caught with Tformer coup leader yesterday faced ments in health, education and infra- a Kenyan government offi cial to ivory will be jailed for life,” Balala off in the fi nal round of a delayed run-off structure. declare anyone caught possess- said. presidential election after a campaign “The race is too close to call,” Edmond ing ivory should be sentenced to Kenya introduced tough wild- marked by verbal sparring, sporadic vio- Abu, director of the Native Consortium life in prison. life-protection laws in 2013 in an lence and a last-minute legal battle. and Research Center, told AFP. “Ivory belongs to elephants attempt to stop highly lucrative Challenger Julius Maada Bio of the The key to victory lies with whoever and rhinos,” said Najib Balala, ivory smuggling, mainly to Asia, opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party wins Kono, a diamond-rich district in the Kenya’s tourism minister, during which has led to the slaughter (SLPP) held a narrow lead over the ruling east of the country generally regarded as a a memorial service held yester- of thousands of rare and endan- All Peoples’ Congress (APC) candidate “swing state,” Abu said. day at Ol Pejeta Conservancy for gered animals. Samura Kamara, a close ally of outgoing Andrew Lavalie, director of the Insti- Sudan, the 45-year-old rhino, Those found guilty of ivory President Ernest Bai Koroma, after a fi rst tute for Governance Reform, suggested who died 11 days ago. traffi cking already face a life sen- round where turnout topped 80%. the SLPP could do well in Kono and Free- Wildlife offi cials at Ol Pejeta, tence. AFP reporters said turnout appeared town, pointing to a number of “protest” about 250km north of Nairobi, But the minimum sentence for lower in yesterday’s vote some two hours votes. put down the rhino on March 19 possessing it is just fi ve years. before polls were due to close at 1700 The runoff had been scheduled for last because of rapid deterioration in After a court sentenced a Ken- GMT, although this was not offi cially Tuesday but was delayed so the High his health. yan man to 20 years in jail for confi rmed. Court could hear an APC complaint of Sudan is survived by the last possessing ivory, the top prose- “I am disappointed with the voter Opposition challenger Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party leaves ballot tampering. two females of his species, his cutor sought for the punishment turnout due to many armed military and after casting his vote in Freetown yesterday. The court lifted an injunction on Mon- 27-year-old daughter Najin and to be changed to a life sentenced. police at polling centres,” Bio, a former day, but the National Electoral Commis- 17-year-old granddaughter Fatu. The convicted man’s appeal is army offi cer who led a 1996 coup before opposition feared it could dissuade some subject which Bio says he will prioritise. sion said it needed four extra days for The only hope for preserving still in the courts. handing power to a civilian administra- supporters from turning out. A total of 3.1mn people were registered preparation. their species is through in vitro The slaughter of endangered tion, said as he voted in the capital Free- “I am put off by all these armed men to vote in the fi rst presidential poll since Bio has blasted the government’s fertilisation using their eggs and animals in Africa for profi t con- town. around the polling stations,” 19-year-old a 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak which killed closeness to China, while Kamara is pre- stored semen, according to Ol tinues, but there is ever greater But Bio, 53, said voting appeared fi rst time voter Mohamed Sesay told AFP. 4,000 people. senting himself as a continuity candidate. Pejeta. awareness of the bloody cost of peaceful and added he found the process Others resolved to make their voices Also marring outgoing Koroma’s dec- The campaign has been characterised Thousand of southern white ivory, and more international ac- to be “fair, transparent and credible”. heard. ade-long tenure was a mudslide that by ugly verbal exchanges and sporadic rhinos still roam sub-Saharan tion to stop the trade. He was credited with 43.3% to 42.7% “We are sure there is infrastructure de- struck the capital Freetown last year, kill- violence with Bio accusing the APC of Africa, but decades of rampant In a move with major implica- for Kamara — a margin of just 15,000 velopment but the human development is ing hundreds of people. using police intimidation against his poaching have drastically cut the tions for the illegal wildlife trade votes — after the March 7 fi rst round in zero. That’s what I voted for,” said engi- One of the world’s poorest nations de- party. number of northern whites. from Africa, China banned ivory the West African country where politi- neer Lansana Idrissa Daramy. spite huge metals and diamond deposits, Police have reported a string of attacks Poachers could sell northern sales in December. cal loyalties are often divided along eth- Isatu Jalloh, a trader, added: “I voted Sierra Leone is recovering only gradually on candidates and supporters on both white rhino horns for $50,000 The country is the world’s nic lines and traumatic memories of the for education, because most of our kids from war and disease. sides since the fi rst round after which per kilo, making them more val- largest importer and end user of 1991-2002 civil war run deep. when they fi nish school, it’s diffi cult for Its economy remains in a fragile state Kamara declared that “the safety and se- uable than gold. elephant tusks. The government said the tight secu- them to get jobs. with corruption widespread in the former curity of Sierra Leone is in our hands.” rity was to ensure a peaceful poll but the So I want jobs and I want education,” a British colony.

Four teen girl suicide bombers launch deadly attack in Nigeria

AFP the northeast Borno state capital while trying to scale a low mud one person died in the attack. Last week, when more than Kano of Maiduguri, the epicentre of wall outside a house that start- “They (bombers) detonated 100 schoolgirls were returned to the group’s Islamist insurgency. ing crumbling and detonated her the explosives killing them- Dapchi after being kidnapped by The girls, estimated to be be- explosive belt, killing the boy, selves and one other person...13 the extremist group. our teenage girl suicide tween the ages of 13 and 18, at- Isa said. persons were injured and were Nigerian President Muham- bombers have killed two tacked the Zawuya settlement “One of them exploded near taken to a hospital where they madu Buhari said his govern- Fpeople in multiple attacks on the outskirts of Maiduguri, an open-air mosque, injuring are responding to treatment,” ment was off ering amnesty to in northeast Nigeria, residents killing two people, residents told one person,” he said, adding Maiduguri police said in a state- “repentant” militants. said yesterday, in the latest as- AFP. that another bomber “panicked ment. But senior security offi cials sault since the government an- “We lost two people, a woman from the explosions from her The attack highlighted the cautioned that reaching any nounced it was in ceasefi re talks and a boy, in two of the four sui- colleagues and squeezed the challenge the government faces agreement with the group will Children pose for a photograph next to Najin (right) and her daughter with Boko Haram. cide explosions,” Zawuya resi- trigger in the open, killing only in reaching a ceasefi re agree- be diffi cult, as it is split into Fatou, the last two northern white rhino females, as they graze near The suspected Boko Haram dent Musa Haruna Isa said. herself.” ment with the fractionalised competing factions with diff er- their enclosure at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia National attack took place late Friday in One of the bombers blew up However, police said that just Boko Haram. ent goals. Park, Kenya.

Firewalker! Cape Town fi ghts water crisis, comes back from ‘Day Zero’

By Kristin Palitza, DPA Water in future will come in equal parts from Cape Town rainfall, groundwater abstraction, desalination and treatment plants. Limbert hopes Cape Town’s avoidance of its outh Africa’s tourism metropolis Cape water crisis can be an example for other cities Town has narrowly escaped the moment across the globe where water has become an Sdubbed “Day Zero,” when its taps would equally scarce commodity due to changing cli- run dry after three years of severe drought. matic conditions. The city acknowledged in late 2017 that it Brazil’s metropolis Sao Paulo faced a similar could not wait for rain for its 4.5mn people, so it water crisis in 2015. began the search for more effi cient ways to en- Twenty-two of India’s 32 major cities ex- sure Cape Town’s water supply. perience water cuts each day, according to the Municipal offi cials worked around the clock Times of India. to prevent “a potential catastrophe,” Cape Millions of people in Indonesia suff ered from Town’s water commissioner, Xanthea Limberg, water shortages due to a drought last year. told DPA. The Australian city of Melbourne warns that Initially, the city reduced residential water within ten years its demand could exceed water A participant runs across a 15m long burning pit of coals during the Firewalking, or ‘Thimithi’, festival in Durban yesterday. usage to 87 litres per person per day. supply. In February, the limit was tightened further, And the US state of California’s historic to allow each person 50 litres daily to drink, drought killed more than 100mn trees between shower, clean, cook and fl ush the toilet each 2011 and 2017. day. Cape Town’s drastic water-saving measures The municipality also lowered the water for residents, businesses and the agricultural pressure in many parts of the city and freed up sector were key to overcoming the worst of the Botswana’s Khama steps down as president emergency funds to invest in alternative water crisis, according to Kevin Winter, a climate re- sources including aquifers, desalination and searcher at the University of Cape Town. greywater treatment. “Reducing demand should be the fi rst step Reuters respect of his ministers then he stricts the president to serving Khama’s departure leaves his At the same time, farmers donated millions of for any city struggling with water scarcity,” he Gabrone should be able to make them de- two fi ve-year terms. younger brother and tourism min- litres of drinking water from their private dams. said. liver,” said political analyst Ndu- Khama, son the son of Botswa- ister Tshekedi as the only member By early March — at the end of a hot and dry Since the beginning of the drought in 2015, lamo Anthony Morima. na’s fi rst president, Seretse, also of the family holding a high-pro- summer in Cape Town — the city had secured Cape Town reduced its daily water consump- an Khama, a retired army gen- Masisi, a trained teacher who took over from Festus Mogae an fi le post in the government, and suffi cient drinking water until August, several tion by nearly 60%, according to municipal eral, yesterday stepped down has also worked for the United year before the 2009 election. depending on who Masisi picks as months into the rainy season. fi gures, a drop which experts described as “re- Ias president of Botswana, Nations Children’s Fund as an One of the world’s poorest vice president, it would be the fi rst The “Day Zero” warning has been called off , markable.” handing the diamond-rich coun- education project offi cer for eight countries in the 1970s, Botswana time a Khama is not part of the top at least for 2018. However, cities cannot rely on the goodwill try to his deputy after a decade at years until 2003, was elected law- transformed itself into one of the tier of national leadership. “But residents must realise that we can never of residents to change their water habits, Win- the helm. maker in 2009. fastest-growing economies by Khama, a 65-year old bach- again consume as much water as before. Saving ter said. Mokgweetsi Masisi becomes He served in the president’s of- harnessing around $3bn a year in elor, is known as a straight talker water has to become part of our lives,” Limberg “There have to be fi nancial consequences. only the third leader to take charge fi ce as a minister of public aff airs diamond sales, to become one of having publicly criticised leaders said, admitting that the drought has taught Water has to become more expensive so that of the southern African nation from 2011 until 2014 when Khama the world’s biggest producers, and including US President Donald Cape Town a diffi cult but important lesson. people use it more sparingly,” he said. outside the Khama political dy- named him minister of education, gained middle-income status. Trump for an alleged slur against Up until now, the city solely relied on rainfall Cape Town did the right thing by introducing nasty that has dominated national a post he held until appointed vice But dependence on its wealth African countries and then-presi- to fi ll the dams that supply its water. punitive tariff s to punish wasters in January and politics since independence from president last year. from the diamond industry might dent Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe But when dam levels dropped to less than tightening regulation on urban water use and Britain in 1966. “The business community be catching up with the land- for overstaying his welcome. 23% this year, panic set in followed by the reali- the plumbing industry, Winter said. Masisi, 55, inherits a country sees him as being more business- locked country of just 2mn after Khama was born in Britain after sation that a rain-based water supply strategy is But the most important lesson from Cape that has for decades been heralded friendly so that should work well the collapse in commodity prices his father a married a white Brit- no longer feasible in the age of climate change. Town’s crisis is the importance of acting with as a beacon of African democracy for the economy. He seems to be in 2014 tipped its economy into ish woman Ruth Williams, defy- “What we are doing diff erently now is diver- foresight, he added. and sound economic management more likely to come up with regu- recession three years ago. ing convention and opposition in sifying our water system,” explained Ben Peters, By the time “Day Zero” is on the horizon, it’s but faces a huge task of reducing lation that enables more econom- “He is well versed with current Africa and Britain. His party, Bot- a hydraulic engineer who works for the city. already too late. the country’s dependence on dia- ic activity,” said RMB Botswana challenges that the country is fac- swana Democratic Party (BDP), Over the next three to fi ve years, Cape Town “If other cities can learn one thing from Cape monds. economist Moatlhodi Sebabole. ing and I am sure he is quite ca- is expected to name Masisi as its has pledged to invest $225mn to overhaul its Town, it’s that climate change can come with- “I am not sure about his com- Masisi takes offi ce more than pable of delivering,” said Mothusi presidential candidate for next water supply. out much warning,” Winter said. petency in as far as the economy a year before the election under Sename, a 41-year-old taxi driver year’s election. The plan is to tap into four diff erent water “Don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Start plan- is concerned, but if he has the Botswana’s constitution that re- in Gaborone, referring to Masisi. Masisi will be inaugurated today. sources instead of one. ning now.” Gulf Times 16 Sunday, Arpil 1, 2018 AMERICA

Trump deems April Autopsy of black man shot as ‘Sexual Assault Awareness’ month

AFP by cops fuels more protests Washington

Reuters S President Donald Trump — who has himself been re- Sacramento peatedly accused of sexual misconduct — on Friday des- Uignated April 2018 “National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month” amid a national debate over the issue. bout 200 demonstrators “Sexual assault crimes remain tragically common in our squared off with police in society, and off enders too often evade accountability,” said a Ariot gear overnight in Cali- proclamation from Trump released by the White House. fornia’s capital and more protests “These heinous crimes are committed indiscriminately: in were planned for yesterday after intimate relationships, in public spaces, and in the workplace.” an autopsy on Stephon Clark con- “Too often, however, the victims of assault remain silent. tradicted the police account of the They may fear retribution from their off ender, lack faith in the shooting of the unarmed black justice system, or have diffi culty confronting the pain associ- man by offi cers. ated with the traumatic experience,” it continued. Waving signs and chanting “My administration is committed to raising awareness about Clark’s name in unison, the pro- sexual assault and to empowering victims to identify perpetra- testers gathered at city hall before tors so that they can be held accountable.” marching into the Old Sacramen- At least 20 women have publicly accused Trump of engaging to part of the city, fi lled with bars, in sexual assault or harassment prior to becoming president. restaurants and tourists. The White House has maintained that the women are lying. Protesters, some with mega- Last month, Trump described allegations that he kissed a re- phones and black masks covering ceptionist without her consent as “Another False Accusation” their faces, shouted “Shoot us down, in a post on Twitter, calling instead for coverage of “the story of we shut you down”, along with ex- the women taking money to make up stories about me. One had pletives directed at the police. her home mortgage paid off .” More than 80 police and Cali- Since former fi lm mogul Harvey Weinstein’s dramatic fornia Highway Patrol offi cers in downfall over allegations ranging from harassment to rape, the riot gear blocked protesters from #MeToo campaign has seen a deluge of accusations topple men marching onto a highway. from powerful positions in a number of industries including There were no arrests, the Sac- Hollywood, the media and politics. ramento Bee reported. In February, allegations of domestic abuse led two Trump Clark’s death two weeks ago staff ers to resign. The Republican leader came under fi re for was the most recent in a string of lamenting the “shattered” lives of those accused, saying the fatal shootings of black men by allegations could be false. police that have triggered pro- The 2016 presidential campaign that launched Trump to the tests across the United States and White House saw the unearthing of an infamous Access Holly- fuelled a national debate about wood tape in which the real estate tycoon bragged about grop- bias in the American criminal jus- ing women. Trump dismissed his lewd comments as “locker tice system. Demonstrators gather outside City Hall to protest the police shooting of Stephon Clark, in Sacramento, California, on Friday night. room banter.” Clark, a 22-year-old father of two, was gunned down in the Louisiana officer, who fatally shot black man, sacked Stephon was not a threat to police backyard of his grandparents’ and was slain in another senseless house by police responding to a The off icer who shot dead a black Sterling, 37, was fatally shot in misconduct to the fore — fatal police killing under increasingly report that someone was breaking man in the southern US state of Loui- Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 5, shootings of African-American sus- questionable circumstances.” windows. siana has been fired, the Baton Rouge 2016 in a scuff le with police outside pects in recent years have fuelled The Sacramento Police Depart- Trump supporter Police said the offi cers who police chief told journalists on Friday. a convenience store where he had a nationwide debate over race and ment said it would have no fur- shot at Clark 20 times feared he News of the disciplinary meas- been selling CDs. criminal justice. ther comment on the case until was holding a gun, but that he was ures came days after the state’s The shooting was captured on In explaining the decision not to after the release of the fi ndings of Malloch to testify to later found to have been holding a attorney general said off icers Blane cell phone video. Paul said addi- press charges against the off icers, an offi cial autopsy by the county cellphone. Salamoni and Howie Lake — both tional video footage of the incident Louisiana attorney general Jeff coroner, and a review by state and Police have said he was mov- of whom are white — would not would be released. Landry said Sterling was armed, local prosecutors. Mueller grand jury ing towards offi cers in a menacing face charges in the 2016 shooting Salamoni’s firing comes as anger under the influence of illegal drugs California Attorney General way when they fi red. death of Alton Sterling. swells over another controversial and had resisted arrest eff orts. Xavier Becerra has said state in- The incident was captured on a Salamoni was terminated eff ec- police shooting that saw the death According to the Louisiana vestigators will oversee the in- Reuters body cam video released by police tive immediately and Lake will be of an unarmed black man in Cali- Justice Department report on vestigation and review the police Washington on Wednesday. suspended for three days over his fornia’s capital city of Sacramento. the shooting, a loaded .38 calibre department’s procedures and The latest demonstrations were involvement in the incident, Chief The two cases have once again handgun was found in the right practices. touched off by a new private au- Murphy Paul said. brought concerns over police front pocket of Sterling’s pants. On several occasions since n American academic who supports US President Don- topsy on Clark that showed that Clark was killed, protesters have ald Trump and is a strong advocate of Britain’s exit from none of the eight bullets that hit marched, held demonstrations Athe European Union will testify this month before the him struck him in the front, con- Clark was shot six times in the pathologist who conducted the Clark’s body could have killed him. and twice blocked fans from federal grand jury considering evidence in the investigation tradicting the police version of back, once in the side and once in independent autopsy, said at a Benjamin Crump, an attorney reaching games played by the into possible collusion between Trump’s 2016 election cam- events, a lawyer for the deceased’s the leg, the autopsy found. briefi ng that any one of seven bul- for Clark’s family, said: “This in- Sacramento Kings NBA basketball paign and Russia. family said on Friday. Dr Bennet Omalu, the forensic lets that entered the upper half of dependent autopsy affi rms that team at the Golden 1 Center. Theodore Malloch, the author of a forthcoming pro-Trump book and an ally of Nigel Farage, a former leader of Britain’s UK Independence Party, said in a statement emailed to Reuters by the book’s publisher that he was questioned by FBI agents when he landed at Boston’s Logan International Airport last Tuesday after a fl ight from London and served with a subpoena Gun-friendly Vermont lawmakers pass fi rearms control bill to appear before the grand jury. Malloch “is scheduled to testify in Washington, DC on April 13 under Robert Mueller’s Grand Jury investigation,” Hec- Reuters The bill passed the state a governor with a 93% approval for gun purchases to 21 and ex- the turnaround in Vermont and tor Carosso, a representative of Skyhorse Publishing, said in a Washington House of Representatives last rating from the National Rifle pands background checks for pri- other states has been propelled separate e-mail. week. Association (NRA) gun rights vate gun sales. in part by the groundswell of Malloch’s book, The Plot to Destroy Trump: How the Deep The measure now goes to Re- advocacy group in an otherwise It also bans magazines of more student-led lobbying efforts State Fabricated the Russian Dossier to Subvert the President, ermont lawmakers gave fi - publican Governor Phil Scott, politically liberal state with a than 10 rounds for long guns and and protests calling for firearms is scheduled for publication on May 1. Mueller is investigat- nal legislative approval on who has shifted his stance and reputation as a pro-gun strong- 15 rounds for pistols as well as restrictions. ing possible illegal coordination between Trump and his 2016 VFriday to a bill that raises voiced support for some gun con- hold. rapid-fi re devices known as bump After the Parkland massacre, campaign and Russia. Trump and Russia have denied any col- the legal age for buying fi rearms trols after the arrest in February Vermont, a largely rural New stocks. Florida’s Republican-controlled lusion. and expands background checks, of a Vermont teenager accused England state with a passion Vermont Public Radio reported legislature swiftly passed a bill The FBI and Mueller’s team had no comment on Malloch or becoming the latest state poised of threatening to shoot up a high for hunting, is one of two doz- that the Senate would take up two that raised the age requirement events at the airport in Boston. to tighten gun restrictions after school. en states where efforts to curb more gun-related measures next and set a three-day waiting pe- Malloch said in his email that the FBI presented him with February’s Florida school mas- The incident came two days af- gun violence have gained mo- week. riod for gun purchases and al- a document authorising the agents to seize his cellphone. He sacre. ter a former student killed 17 peo- mentum since the February 14 Both are aimed at removing lowed the arming of some school said he handed it over and later was told the FBI had to send The Democrat-controlled ple at Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting rampage that killed guns from homes in cases of do- personnel. it to Washington for a “full assessment.” He also said the FBI state Senate approved the meas- High School in Parkland, Florida, 17 people at Marjory Stoneman mestic violence or when someone The measure was signed into questioned him for about an hour about his career, government ure, S55, in a 17-13 vote, ac- on February 14. Douglas High School in Park- is at risk of imminent harm from law by another Republican with security clearances, and academic credentials. cording to the online legislative Scott’s support for gun con- land, Florida. fi rearms, it said. strong NRA credentials, Gover- He said the agents then asked him about his role in the record. trols marked a sharp switch for The Vermont bill raises the age Gun control advocates say nor Rick Scott. Trump campaign, which he said was informal and unpaid. Taking an adventurous walk on New York’s wild side

By Laura Bonilla, AFP sistant biology professor at Ford- Mackey explains there is no “When there’s trouble, it’s New York ham University. reason to fear coyotes, which usually people’s fault, not the He studied primates in Borneo are diffi cult to spot because they animals,” says Munshi-South. and elephants in Gabon, but is move quietly at night. “They should be mostly left rom coyotes in the Bronx now an expert on animal life in It is best to keep one’s distance alone.” to red foxes in Queens, rac- the US fi nancial capital, North and not feed them. Simon insists that “the city is Fcoons in Manhattan, owls America’s most populous city. If one approaches, she advises large enough for both, animals in Brooklyn and deer in Staten He estimates that thousands people to “act big.” and people.” Island, wildlife roams the urban of raccoons live in New York — at After the briefi ng, the group Sometimes, he says, people jungle of New York. least 100 of them in Central Park, embarks on a long walk in search call and ask for the animals to be But coexistence is not always together with several thousand of coyotes, or at least their tracks taken “back to nature.” easy between millions of wild deer and 50 nomadic coyotes, and droppings. “But there’s no place to take animals and 8.5mn humans in mostly in the Bronx, though they “Coyotes don’t eat humans. them to. They live here now,” he a city better known for record- sometimes roam elsewhere. People are not part of their daily insists. breaking skyscrapers, neon signs When it comes to marine life, diet,” Mackey, binoculars around If someone gets scared when and a 24-seven pace of life than seals have basked on the rocks of her neck, tells the accompanying they see a coyote and call 911, the for its more than 600 species of Pelham Bay in the Bronx, and the group of children and adults. police are obliged to respond. wild animals. occasional whale has come up for “We have to give people tools They will try to capture it. And if New Yorkers are animal air in the waters around Queens. to better coexist with wildlife. If Some have been killed. friendly, their love of wildlife Each spring, the piping plover you don’t know there are 2,000 A recent city campaign on can be challenged when a coyote — considered in New York and deer in Staten Island and you mass transit featured photos of gobbles up a house pet, a deer several other US states to be an drive fairly quickly you’re very wild animals next to the strapline chows through tomato plants or endangered species — begins ar- likely to hit one of those deer,” ‘New Yorker’ and also urged peo- a raccoon strews garbage across riving to nest in Rockaway Beach. explains Richard Simon, director ple not to hand out food. the street. “Even if you haven’t seen a of the city’s wildlife unit. “There’s no reason to feed a Wildlife has been increasing coyote, the coyote has seen you!” New York set up the unit in late squirrel a hot dog or a pretzel,” A pair of Brant geese take off from the water near Orchard Beach in New York. for about 30 years in New York, park ranger Kayla Mackey, 25, 2016 and has since implemented a says Simon. with its 11,735 hectares of park, tells a group of residents at the program to sterilize about 95% of Feeding can mean that animals can even become aggressive and only had rats here’,” says Munshi- hot and there are a lot of mos- where hunting is prohibited and workshop “living with urban the male Staten Island deer popu- lose their fear of humans. try to steal food from passers-by. South. quitoes it’s actually not that dif- there are few natural predators, coyotes” in a Bronx park on a re- lation — about 1,100 animals ac- It can also lead to biting. “Some people are surprised, “When we’re doing work in the ferent from the way you feel” in says Jason Munshi-South, as- cent, cold sunny Sunday. cording to Simon’s estimate. Some raccoons in Central Park they tell me ‘oh, I thought we parks in the summer and it’s very Borneo, he joked. Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 17 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

China spacelab may fall to Earth later than expected, says ESA

AFP when it comes down and that its pulled the spacecraft down soon- Tiangong-1 — or “Heavenly Offi ce for Outer Space Aff airs as around 100km, according to the noting that nearly 6,000 uncon- Beijing fi ery disintegration will off er a er, it said. Palace” — was placed in orbit in the re-entry nears, foreign min- Chinese space offi ce. trolled re-entries of large objects “splendid” show akin to a meteor The re-entry window remains September 2011 and had been istry spokesman Lu Kang told The intensifying heat and fric- have occurred over the past 60 shower. “highly variable”, the ESA cau- slated for a controlled re-entry, reporters on Friday. Beijing sees tion will cause the main structure years without harming anyone. hina’s defunct spacelab The abandoned craft is expect- tioned. There is similar uncer- but it ceased functioning in its multi-billion-dollar space to burn or blow up, and it should Jonathan McDowell, an as- could hurtle back to Earth ed to make its plunge between to- tainty about where debris from March 2016 and space enthu- programme as a symbol of the disintegrate at an altitude of tronomer at the Harvard-Smith- Clater than previously fore- day afternoon and early Monday the lab could land. siasts have been bracing for its country’s rise. It plans to send a around 80km, it said. sonian Center for Astrophysics, cast, with the European Space morning (GMT), the ESA said in a But there is “no need for peo- fi ery return since. manned mission to the moon in Most fragments will dissipate estimates that Tiangong-1 is the Agency (ESA) saying it may re- blog post announcing its revised ple to worry”, the China Manned The ESA said the lab will make the future. in the air and a small amount of 50th most massive uncontrolled enter the atmosphere as late as forecast. Space Engineering Offi ce (CM- an “uncontrolled re-entry” as China sent another lab, Tian- debris will fall relatively slowly re-entry of an object since 1957, Monday morning (GMT). In its update yesterday, the SEO) said earlier on its WeChat ground teams are no longer able gong-2, into orbit in September before landing across hundreds when the Soviet Union launched The ESA, which is tracking the agency said calmer space weath- social media account. Such fall- to fi re its engines or thrusters for 2016 as a stepping stone to its of square kilometres, most likely Sputnik 1 — the world’s fi rst arti- craft, had earlier given a window er was now expected as a high- ing spacecraft do “not crash into orbital adjustments. goal of having a crewed space in the ocean, which covers more fi cial satellite. of between midday yesterday and speed stream of solar particles the Earth fi ercely like in sci-fi A Chinese spacefl ight engi- station by 2022. than 70% of the Earth’s surface. At an altitude of 60-70km, early today afternoon (GMT). did not cause an increase in the movies, but turn into a splendid neer, however, denied earlier this During the re-entry, atmos- Experts have downplayed any debris will begin to turn into “a Chinese authorities have said the density of the upper atmosphere, (meteor shower) and move across year that it was out of control. pheric drag will rip away solar concerns about the Tiangong-1 series of fi reballs”, which is when roughly eight-tonne Tiangong-1 as previously expected. Such an the beautiful starry sky as they China will step up eff orts to co- arrays, antennas and other exter- causing any damage when it hur- people on the ground will “see a is unlikely to cause any damage increase in density would have race towards the Earth”, it said. ordinate with the United Nations nal components at an altitude of tles back to Earth, with the ESA spectacular show”, he said.

N Korea to take part in 2020, 2022 Olympics

Kim Jong-un is committed to S Korean musicians arrive sending North Korean teams to the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics, IOC chief Thomas Bach said yesterday after a rare meeting with the leader of the nuclear- armed regime in Pyongyang. Bach, the president of the in Pyongyang for concerts International Olympic Com- mittee, also said the IOC will AFP make a proposal for a “potential Seoul joint march” and other shared activities between the North and South Korean teams at the -pop stars led a group of 2020 Games in Japan. South Korean musicians Last month’s Winter Olympics Karriving in Pyongyang in South Korea saw competitors yesterday to take part in the latest from the two countries march to- set of cross-border cultural per- gether at the opening ceremony formances ahead of next month’s and field a joint women’s ice rare inter-Korean summit. hockey team. The Winter Games The 120-member group, in- triggered a fast-moving rap- cluding top girlband Red Velvet, prochement that will see Kim sit fl ew from Seoul’s Gimpo airport down with the South’s President aboard a chartered civilian fl ight Moon Jae-in in late April, with a to Pyongyang via the rarely used US summit with President Don- direct air route between the two ald Trump planned for May. Bach Koreas, as a rapprochement on told reporters after landing in the peninsula gathers pace. Beijing that his talks with Kim on “This performance in Friday had been “very open and Pyongyang will add momentum fruitful”. “They announced (to) us to inter-Korean exchanges and that they will definitely participate co-operation that resumed with in the Olympic Games Tokyo the Pyeongchang Winter Olym- 2020 as well at the Olympic pics” in the South, said Culture Winter Games Beijing 2022” and Minister Do Jong-hwan, who all editions of the Youth Olympic led the group. They were greeted South Korean actress and singer Seohyun speaks to the media before Games, Bach said. “And this com- on arrival at Pyongyang airport Members of K-pop girlband Red Velvet pose for a photo before departing for Pyongyang. departing for Pyongyang from Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. mitment was fully supported by by Do’s counterpart Pak Chun- the supreme leader,” he said. nam as well as Hyon Song-wol, hiatus. The two rivals on Friday comes after a year of heightened taking part include singers and helping South Korean pop cul- shooting schedule, their agency North Korea’s off icial KCNA founder of the North’s popular agreed a date for next month’s tensions over the North’s nuclear bands from a variety of genres, ture gain a following in the so- SM Entertainment said. news agency said Kim thanked all-female Moranbong band, the inter-Korean summit – the third and missile programmes, which ranging from traditional folk cialist state. Seohyun, a 26-year-old star Bach for helping to bring about South’s Yonhap agency reported. ever of its kind following 2000 saw Kim and Trump engage in a songs to trendier K-pop, while Love Maze is often heard play- from K-pop group Girl’s Gen- a “dramatic thawing” of ten- Under the theme title ‘Spring and 2007 meetings – at Panmun- fi ery war of words. some 20 taekwondo performers ing in Pyongyang restaurants, eration, will act as a master sions on the Korean peninsula. is Coming’, the South Korean jom truce village on the heavily- Together with athletes and have also travelled. with its romantic lyrics altered of ceremony for the events in Bach arrived in the country on musicians will perform a concert fortifi ed border on April 27. cheerleaders, the North sent mu- Among those due to perform to adulation of their leader. Pyongyang. She made a surprise Thursday and his visit, which in Pyongyang today before a joint Following the meeting be- sicians led by Hyon Song-wol to are Cho Yong-pil, the infl u- Members of top K-pop girlband appearance alongside a North concluded yesterday, was the show with North Korean artists tween the North’s leader Kim the South to celebrate the Games. ential 68-year-old singer who Red Velvet will also perform in Korean classical music ensem- result of an invitation extended at the capital’s 12,000-seat Ryu- Jong-un and the South’s presi- The shows in the North — the performed a solo concert in Pyongyang, venturing onto stag- ble during their performance in by Pyongyang in January. gyong Jong Ju Yong Gymnasium dent Moon Jae-in, landmark fi rst of which will take place at the Pyongyang in 2005, and Choi es more traditionally occupied Seoul last month. The isolated regime rarely hosts on Tuesday. talks are planned between Kim 1,500-seat East Pyongyang Grand Jin-hee, 61, who took to the stage by North Korea’s own mega girl Many North Korean defectors foreign dignitaries but recent While in Pyongyang, Do said, and US President Donald Trump, Theatre today — will be taped and in the North in 1999, 2002 and group the Moranbong band, who say they have seen South Ko- weeks have seen a flurry of he will meet with North Korean which could come by the end of edited by a South Korean video 2005. are famous for their fast-paced rean TV dramas and heard K-pop diplomacy, with Kim making offi cials to discuss further cul- May. crew to be made into a joint TV Her 1984 mega hit Love Maze patriotic songs. music through blackmarket USB his first foreign trip as leader tural and sports exchanges be- The rapid rapprochement was programme for both countries, was reported to be late North Joy, one of the fi ve members of drives in the North despite an of- to meet Chinese President Xi tween the two Koreas that have kicked off by last month’s Win- Yonhap news agency said. Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s fa- Red Velvet, will miss the trip to fi cial ban on the “decadent capi- Jinping and inviting him to visit restarted after a decade-long ter Olympics in the South and The South Korean musicians vourite song, and is credited with Pyongyang due to her TV drama talist culture”. Pyongyang.

Super typhoon may flood one third of central Tokyo: survey

One third of central Tokyo could high tidal waves on Friday, as risks 3.95mn people in the city, flood- Port break through river levees. Mongolians protest to demand be left under water and nearly of storm damage continue to ing business and entertainment Based on the estimate, the 4mn people aff ected if a super ty- increase globally. districts as well as major railway Tokyo government said it plans phoon strikes the capital causing According to the report, 212 sq km, stations, the local government to update evacuation measures more action against child abuse storm surges, a new study from or one third of the capital’s central said. Tokyo has a population of and review how it sends warning local authorities has warned. The area, could be inundated to a maxi- 13.7mn people. messages to local residents. Big Tokyo metropolitan government mum depth of 10m (33ft) if a super In particular, Tokyo’s eastern storms regularly hit the Japanese Reuters demanding stricter laws re- provoked a public outcry. unveiled its first estimate of the typhoon creates high tidal waves. zone near Arakawa river would archipelago, triggering landslides Ulaanbaatar garding child abuse, better gov- According to the state pros- Japanese capital’s vulnerability A severe event of this type would be flooded for more than a week and floods that have often led to ernment services for survivors ecutors offi ce, there were 298 to damage from typhoon-related be estimated to aff ect as many as if rising tidal waves at Tokyo sizeable casualties. and more public awareness. reported incidents of child rape housands of Mongolians “We will give our policy de- in 2015 and 2016. protested in front of par- mands to the parliament, gov- Experts believe this is a small Tliament in Ulaanbaatar ernment and the president’s of- proportion of actual incidents yesterday to demand more action fi ce on Monday,” said Odontuya of child sexual abuse due to a Raring to go to prevent child abuse, after the Tsolmon, one of the protest or- pervasive cultural stigma over widely-reported rape of a male ganisers. the topic. infant shocked the country. The government has prom- “The fear of being blamed and After the reported rape earlier ised a response. “As soon as we shamed means victims and their this month in Dornogobi prov- get the proposed demands from families keep quiet and don’t re- ince in Mongolia’s southeast, organisers, the cabinet will be port to the police,” Ganbayasga- a group of concerned mothers open to discuss it,” a govern- kh Geleg, a founder of the Gen- created a Facebook group an- ment spokesman told Reuters, der Equality Centre which fi ghts nouncing the protest last week, adding that the prime minis- human traffi cking and sexual and it quickly reached more ter’s advisors were at the dem- violence, told Reuters. than 400,000 members. onstration. Mongolia, a thinly populated “We want to show child Some group members have and mineral-rich country of abusers that we are strong in advocated for the death penalty just 3mn people sandwiched order to protect our children,” for sex off enders, though the between Russia and China, said Davaa Baatar, 41, the fa- protest organisers said they were transitioned to a parliamentary ther of three children who was opposed to capital punishment. democracy in 1990 having pre- attending the protest. The President Khaltmaa Bat- viously been a satellite of the protesters held placards with tulga formed a commission to Soviet Union. messages such as “Stop child reinstate capital punishment But there has been continued abuse”, “No child rape” and for such crimes last year after public frustration about the “Our children, our future”. similar widely-publicised in- economy, corruption and air The protest organisers are cidents of child sexual assaults pollution, among other issues.

Australia ‘disappointed’ at expulsion of diplomats

Australia’s Prime Minister staff expelled from Moscow of a banned Russian nerve Malcolm Turnbull said it was were fulfilling their diplomatic agent on British soil, in the “disappointing although not and consular functions and first chemical weapons attack unexpected” that Russia there was no justification for the in Europe since World War II,” decided to expel two Australian action by Russia. Turnbull said. “The Russian diplomats in retaliation for the “Together with many na- Government must explain how expulsion of two Russian diplo- tions, including our closest a military-grade nerve agent mats from Canberra. In a joint allies, Australia stands with developed by Russia was used statement with Foreign Minister the United Kingdom as we in the UK, endangering the Soldiers of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are seen during a military promotional event in Baoding, Hebei province, China. Julie Bishop, Turnbull said the condemn the outrageous use lives of hundreds of people.” Gulf Times 18 Sunday, April 1, 2018 BRITAIN

Soldier killed by Top NHS paramedics can bomb in Syria is now prescribe medicines named

Legal change means 700 will number of people being taken to allowed to give patients drugs be seen quickest and the rest of visits by advanced paramedics patients in their own home will By Patrick Greenfield be able to carry out some A&E (accident and emergency in the same way that doctors, their time working in local GP and increasing use of clinical mean we are better able to meet Guardian News & Media functions usually done by department) by ambulance and dentists, pharmacists and some surgeries, where they undertake pharmacists and mental health the patient’s needs and it will doctors also those being admitted to senior nurses and therapeutic home visits – a task traditionally therapists are among the practi- mean fewer unnecessary trips to hospital. radiographers already can. performed by the family doctor. cal ways the health service con- the GP or to the hospital. British soldier who was By Denis Campbell People with asthma would be “This is good news for pa- The change is part of NHS tinues to innovate and adapt to “It will also mean our am- killed by an roadside im- Guardian News & Media able to receive doses of steroids tients. It will make it easier for England’s transformation of the changing needs of patients bulances are free to respond to Aprovised explosive device to improve their breathing more them to receive treatment at how care is delivered, with more and the population,” he added. other very sick and injured pa- while fi ghting against the Is- quickly at home than if they had home, eliminate the need to see patients being treated in or near Dr Fenella Wrigley, the medi- tients.” lamic State (IS) in Syria has been undreds of the National to be taken to hospital. a second professional in many their homes to reduce unneces- cal director of the London am- Dr Ron Daniels, chief execu- named as Sergeant Matt Tonroe. Health Service (NHS)’s Similarly, advanced para- cases, and reduce the need for sary stays in hospital, as part of bulance service, said: “Our ad- tive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said The 33-year-old, who was Hmost senior paramedics medics would be able to give transportation into hospital that the NHS Five Year Forward View vanced paramedic practitioners that paramedics prescribing an- embedded with US forces, died will soon be able to give drugs to painkillers on the spot to those isn’t clinically necessary,” said blueprint to help the service (APPs) are all highly-skilled tibiotics could help reduce the alongside an American solider sick patients thanks to a change suff ering chronic back pain and Rachel Power, the chief execu- cope with growing demand. paramedics. annual toll of 44,000 deaths during an operation in Manbij, in the law that NHS chiefs hope antibiotics to older people who tive of the Patients Association. “Increasing the range of “We have 16 urgent care APPs from sepsis, the potentially fatal northern Syria on Thursday. will take the pressure off over- have a urinary tract infection. “Rather, they will be able to start treatments off ered by paramed- who treat less critically ill pa- blood-borne infection. Five others were wounded in crowded hospitals. It will mean that the NHS’s treatment without delay, which ics closer to people’s homes tients who may have complex “Timely identifi cation and the attack. Seven hundred advanced par- most experienced paramedics for some will be critical.” is another signifi cant step in needs but can often be man- treatment of sepsis can mean The Manchester-born para- amedics across the UK will gain will be able to carry out some of In the northeast and London, transforming emergency care as aged at home, and 30 critical the diff erence between life chutist was serving in the 3rd the right to prescribe medica- the functions usually performed some advanced paramedics al- ambulance clinicians increas- care APPs who attend patients and death, so better access to Battalion, Parachute Regiment, tion when an amendment to the by doctors, once they have been ready spend some of their time ingly become part of community with life-threatening conditions healthcare professionals who and had previously fought in Af- human medicines regulations trained how to prescribe. going out with their local am- urgent treatment services,” said – often cardiac arrest or major can make accurate diagnoses ghanistan and the Middle East. (2012) comes into eff ect today. Those who complete their bulance service, some in their Simon Stevens, NHS England’s trauma patients. and prescribe antibiotics where Tonroe’s commanding offi cer The move is expected to training will become “inde- force’s control room helping to chief executive. “Specialist paramedics being appropriate is an important pro- paid tribute to his “bravery and lead to a reduction both in the pendent prescribers” and be decide which patients need to “In the NHS’s 70th year, home able to prescribe medication to vision,” he said. talent as a soldier”, and said this “was matched by his compas- sion as a human being”. He is survived by his mother, Michelle, his brother, Alex, and girlfriend, Olivia. The town was under IS control Friends and family bid farewell to Hawking until 2016 and has recently been the subject of tensions between the North Atlantic Treaty Or- AFP ganisation (Nato) and the Turk- Cambridge ish military over the presence of Kurdish forces. In a statement naming the riends, family and col- soldier, Tonroe’s commanding leagues of Stephen Hawk- offi cer said: “Matt Tonroe was a Fing gathered yesterday to deeply intelligent man and one pay their respects at his private of life’s characters. He was a car- funeral in Cambridge, where the ing and considerate soul, a lov- British science great spent most ing and dutiful son, and a friend of his extraordinary life. to many. Hawking, who died on March “Yet he had a steel core, served 14 at the age of 76, was famously his country with pride and was an atheist but his children Lucy, a fi rst-class soldier, proven in Robert and Tim chose St Mary combat, faced risk willingly and the Great, the church of Cam- was ever ready for more. bridge’s prestigious university, “He thus died as he lived: to say their farewell. daring and fearless in duty. We “Our father’s life and work mourn his loss dearly, are proud meant many things to many to have known him and will people, both religious and non- honour him by continuing this religious. So, the service will be fi ght.” both inclusive and traditional, The defence secretary, refl ecting the breadth and diver- Gavin Williamson, added: “My sity of his life,” they said. thoughts and prayers are with Tributes poured in from The funeral cortege arrives at Great St Marys Church, where Hawking’s funeral was being held, in the family and friends of Ser- around the world upon Hawk- Cambridge. geant Matt Tonroe at this dread- ing’s death, from Queen Eliza- ful time. beth II to the US National Left: Jane Hawking, first wife of “Sergeant Tonroe served his Aeronautics and Space Admin- Stephen Hawking, his son Tim, country with great distinction istration (Nasa), refl ecting his and daughter Lucy, follow and it is clear from the tributes huge impact as a physicist and British scientist Stephen made by his colleagues that he an inspiration, in his refusal to Hawking’s coff in after the was not only exceptionally dedi- give up in the face of his crip- funeral service at the Church of cated and courageous but also a pling motor neurone disease. St Mary the Great, in Cambridge. gifted and intelligent instructor The funeral service – being who was respected by everyone held a short distance from Gon- polar star were to be placed on he served with. ville and Caius College where Hawking’s solid oak coffi n. “Sergeant Tonroe fought Hawking worked for more than The church bell was to toll to protect British values, our 50 years – was only open to 76 times, once for each year of freedoms and to keep us back around 500 guests who knew Hawking’s life, when his coffi n at home safe. His sacrifi ce, un- him. arrives. fl inching commitment and brav- A private reception was to fol- Ahead of the funeral, Gon- ery will never be forgotten.” low at Trinity College. ville and Caius College released A wider audience will at- black and white photographs tend a thanksgiving service at of Hawking taken in 1961 at a Flights resume at Westminster Abbey in London summer school for young astro- on June 15, when Hawking’s re- physicists at a castle in Sussex, Hawking: died on March 14 at the age of 76. London Stansted mains will be buried near the southern England. grave of another legendary sci- They showed him playing Left: This handout photograph released by Gonville & Caius College Flights resumed at London’s entist, Isaac Newton. croquet and in a sailing dinghy, on Friday and taken by fellow student Robert Smith in 1961, shows Stansted airport yesterday after Actor Eddie Redmayne, who two years before he began expe- Hawking (right), with Goeran Akerblad and Brian King, as a a shuttle bus fire forced the played Hawking in the 2014 bio- riencing the fi rst symptoms of 19-year-old student playing croquet at a summer school for young cancellation of flights. graphical drama The Theory of the motor neurone disease that astrophysicists, run annually by the Royal Greenwich Observatory The fire outside the terminal Everything, was to give a read- would later leave him almost at its headquarters at Herstmonceux Castle in Sussex. entrance started at 4.20pm ing from the Bible, followed by a completely paralysed. (1520 GMT) on Friday and was reading by Martin Rees, Britain’s Fellow students contacted by He was confi ned to a wheel- His work focused on bringing worldwide bestseller. The sci- of Oxford, Hawking moved to completely extinguished by 5pm astronomer royal. the college recalled his left-wing chair, almost completely para- together relativity – the nature entist also appeared as himself Cambridge for his doctorate and (1600 GMT). Eulogies were to be delivered views and his mischievous sense lysed and unable to speak except of space and time – and quan- in television shows from The stayed there for the rest of his Departures at Britain’s fourth- by Robert Hawking, the physi- of humour. through his trademark voice tum theory – how the smallest Simpsons to Star Trek: The Next career. busiest airport were scrapped for cist’s eldest child, and Professor Hawking defi ed predictions synthesiser. particles behave - to explain the Generation. Hawking’s family has asked the rest of Friday but all flights Fay Dowker, one of Hawking’s that he would only live for a few But the illness did nothing creation of the Universe and how Born on January 8, 1942, six college porters, many of resumed as normal yesterday. former students. years, although his rare condi- to dull his mind, and Hawking it is governed. Hawking died in his home in whom provided support for The blaze was caused by an An arrangement of white lil- tion – amyotrophic lateral scle- became one of the world’s best- However, he was also a glo- Cambridge. Hawking when he visited for electrical fault in the bus engine. ies, to represent the universe, rosis (ALS) – gradually robbed known scientists, known for his bal star – his 1988 book A Brief After taking his undergradu- dinners and other events, to car- The bus was completely and another of white roses as the him of mobility. brilliance and his wit. History of Time was an unlikely ate degree at the University ry his coffi n. destroyed. Nobody was injured. Foreign Offi ce considers Russian consular access to Yulia Skripal

Announcement regarding Russia’s transport ministry father in Salisbury earlier this ensure the right of the captain to The UK security minister, Ben critical condition in hospital af- On Friday, Russia announced daughter of poisoned spy said that it would demand an of- month. take part in the search. Wallace, said: “It is routine for ter both father and daughter were further sanctions against Britain, comes amid row over search fi cial explanation from the UK In a statement late on Friday, “At this moment, we have no Border Force to search aircraft exposed to the nerve agent Novi- once again escalating the fallout of Russian aircraft by British government for why a Russian the Russian embassy in London other explanation but that the to protect the UK from organ- chok earlier this month. of the Skripal attack (see report authorities Aerofl ot passenger plane was described the search of Aerofl ot incident at Heathrow is in one ised crime and from those who But on Thursday, doctors an- on Page 19). searched by authorities at Hea- fl ights 2582 and 2583 as “another way or another connected with attempt to bring harmful sub- nounced that the 33-year-old’s The foreign ministry spokes- Patrick Greenfield and throw on Friday, and threatened blatant provocation” by UK au- the hostile policy that the UK stances like drugs or fi rearms into condition was improving rapidly, woman, Maria Zakharova, said Shaun Walker “similar actions” against British thorities. government is conducting with the country. prompting Russia’s request for that new measures, which re- Guardian News & Media Airways planes in Russia. It added that it had sent a dip- regard to Russia,” the statement “Once these checks were car- access. quire the staffi ng levels of the The news comes as the FCO lomatic note asking for an expla- continued. ried out, the plane was allowed However, her father, Sergei three British diplomatic missions (Foreign and Commonwealth nation of the incident. Both Aerofl ot and British Air- to carry on with its onward jour- Skripal, 66, remains in a critical in Russia to be reduced to the he Foreign Offi ce has said Offi ce, commonly known as the The embassy said British of- ways (BA) fl y the London-Mos- ney.” condition. same level as Russian missions in it is considering Russia’s Foreign Offi ce) considers Rus- fi cials wanted to search the cow route several times a day. The row comes as the FCO An FCO spokeswoman told the Britain, would eff ectively mean Trequest for consular ac- sia’s request for consular access plane without the Russian crew The Metropolitan police, said the “rights and wishes of Guardian: “We are considering that just over 50 UK embassy cess to Yulia Skripal as a fresh to Yulia Skripal, the daughter of present, but were prevented from which is co-ordinating the in- Yulia” would be taken into ac- requests for consular access in staff would have to leave. row develops over why British Russian double agent Sergei Skri- doing so after an embassy offi cial vestigation into the poisoning of count when considering Russia’s line with our obligations under It was not immediately clear authorities searched a Russian pal, who is no longer in a critical arrived at the airport. Yulia and Sergei Skripal, denied request for access to the daughter international and domestic law, if this meant 50 diplomats or 50 aircraft travelling from Moscow condition after she was poisoned The statement said that “long that it was part of the aircraft of the poisoned spy. including the rights and wishes embassy employees, including to London on Friday. with a nerve agent along with her negotiations were conducted” to search. She spent three weeks in a of Yulia Skripal.” local staff . Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 19 EUROPE

Billionaire held for embezzling $35mn Moscow cuts British Reuters Moscow

ussian authorities have arrested billionaire Zi- Ryavudin Magomedov on charges of embezzling more diplomat numbers than $35mn, in one of the high- est-profi le prosecutions of a Reuters/AFP considering the implications of Russian tycoon in years. Moscow the measures. Magomedov denied the It did not say how many diplo- charges at a pre-trial hearing, Magomedov matic staff in Russia would be af- where a judge ordered that he oscow has told Britain fected, while the British embassy be held in custody until May case does not stand up to scru- that it must cut just over in Moscow says it does not make 30. tiny.” M50 more of its diplomat- staff numbers public. One of Russia’s richest men, He said that he needed treat- ic and technical staff in Russia in Russian foreign ministry the 49-year-old Magomedov ment in the United States for a a worsening stand-off over the spokeswoman Maria Zakharova holds assets in construc- medical problem, and off ered poisoning of a Russian former told Reuters that the demand tion and logistics through his to put up the $35mn bail. spy and his daughter in England, meant Britain would have to sprawling Summa Group. “I’m willing to pull together the Russian foreign ministry said cut “a little over 50” more of its He also has investments in this money, so no one has any yesterday. diplomatic and technical staff in US tech ventures, including the thoughts that I might go on the Separately, Moscow also de- Russia on top of the 23 diplomats Virgin One Hyperloop project. run,” Magomedov said. manded an offi cial explanation who have already gone home. He was detained along with Magomedov is part of a for the search of a Russian pas- “We asked for parity. The Brits his business partner and broth- group of Russian multi-mil- senger plane in London, saying have 50 diplomats more than the er, Magomed Magomedov, and lionaires who, while publicly that it could reserve the right to Russians,” Zakharova said yes- Artur Maksidov, the head of a loyal to the Kremlin, are not in act similarly against British air- terday. company in the Summa group President Vladimir Putin’s in- lines in Russia. Asked if that meant London that was involved in construc- ner circle. Britain said the search was would now have to cut exactly 50 tion of a soccer World Cup Some members of the routine. diplomatic and technical staff , venue in the Russian exclave of group say that they are being More than 100 Russian dip- she said: “A little over 50.” Kaliningrad. squeezed by a tough economy, lomats have been expelled by Russia’s ministry of transport The hearing in Moscow’s Western sanctions on Russia, various countries, including 23 meanwhile demanded Britain Tverskoy District Court was and powerful state-run com- from Britain itself, to punish the explain why the Aerofl ot passen- held to decide whether Ma- panies that are muscling in on Kremlin over the March 4 attack ger plane was searched at Hea- gomedov and his associates nearly all sectors of the econ- on Sergei Skripal and his daugh- throw airport on Friday, in what Russian diplomats expelled by the US after a nerve agent attack on a former spy, leave their embassy in should be detained pending omy. ter Yulia in the historic English the Russian embassy in London Washington, DC in buses, waved off by well-wishers. trial. In past cases when magnates city of Salisbury. called a “blatant provocation”. The judge, Maria Sizintseva, have been prosecuted, some in London says that Moscow was “After the search was over, the lar access terms to Yulia Skripal, Russia ordered the closure A second bus was expected to said that they acted as part of the Russia business commu- responsible for poisoning the British offi cers refused to pro- who is recovering in hospital of another British consulate, leave about two hours later from an organised crime group and nity have said the tycoons were Skripals in the fi rst known use of vide any written document that against all expectations and is no in Saint Petersburg, earlier this the embassy site which has a had tried to put pressure on victims of a plot by the Krem- a military-grade nerve agent on would specify the reasons for longer in critical condition. month in its fi rst retaliatory step. view across to the White House, witnesses. lin or by politically connected European soil since World War II. their actions, their legal founda- Russia’s embassy said that it The poisoning on British terri- the Pentagon and other US gov- She rejected an off er from business rivals – though the Russia fl atly denies that and tion and their outcome,” the em- had contacted Viktoria Skripal, tory has united much of the West ernment buildings. Magomedov to put up a $35mn authorities deny that. has cast the allegations as part bassy said, concluding that the Yulia’s cousin. in taking action against what it The departing families brought bail bond, and ordered that he People familiar with the of an elaborate Western plot to action was “connected with the “Upon receiving confi rmation regards as the hostile policies of with them bags and suitcases, be detained. Russian judicial system say sabotage East-West relations and hostile policy” of the British gov- that Yulia Skripal’s condition is President Vladimir Putin. some of which were loaded onto Citing the arguments against that high-profi le corruption isolate Moscow. ernment towards Russia. getting better and she is able to This includes the United States the bus with help from a small granting bail, the judge said cases are rarely fabricated, but Russia had already retaliated in Britain disagreed. communicate, she said she would under President Donald Trump, forklift vehicle. that Magomedov had access that the law is applied selec- kind by ejecting 23 British diplo- “It is routine for (Britain’s like to go to London and to visit who Putin had hoped would im- Russia’s ambassador to the US, to his own aircraft, and assets tively, and that prosecutions mats. border agency) to search aircraft her cousin,” the embassy said. prove ties. Anatoly Antonov, earlier told re- abroad. can be infl uenced by outside On Friday, the Russian foreign to protect the UK from organ- The BBC, citing sources, re- Yesterday afternoon Russian porters that “all the diplomats The day before he was de- factors. ministry summoned British am- ised crime and from those who ported on Friday that Yulia was diplomats expelled by the US who were declared persona non tained, he had booked a fl ight Ziyavudin Magomedov bassador Laurie Bristow and told attempt to bring harmful sub- “conscious and talking”, a factor began to leave their embassy in grata are fl ying home together from Moscow to Miami, the ranked 63rd last year on the him that London had one month stances like drugs or fi rearms which may infl uence the investi- Washington, waved off by well- with their families”. judge said. Forbes list of the richest busi- to further cut its diplomatic con- into the country,” Security Min- gation of how she and her father wishers. In total, 171 people will leave Invited to speak from a metal nesspeople in Russia with tingent in Russia to the same size ister Ben Wallace said in a written were poisoned. About 50 men, women and the country, state news agency cage in the courtroom, Mago- $1.4bn. as the Russian mission in Britain. statement. “Once these checks Britain must now decide how it children left the hilltop embassy Tass reported Antonov as saying. medov, dressed in a dark-blue In January, he was listed by It also expelled 59 diplomats were carried out, the plane was wants to make the cuts to its Rus- just after 1pm (1700 GMT) in a The Russian government pro- jogging suit, said: “I categori- the US Treasury Department from 23 other countries for back- allowed to carry on with its on- sian diplomatic team and may be blue bus believed to be headed vided two planes for the evacu- cally disagree with the charges as one of 96 “oligarchs” close ing Britain. ward journey.” forced to lay off some Russian towards Dulles International ation. presented ... the prosecution to Putin. A spokeswoman for Britain’s Britain’s Foreign Offi ce also support staff as well as sending Airport. One of them will make a brief Foreign Offi ce called the Russian said on Saturday it was consider- home fully-fl edged diplomats to Music played and a crowd stopover in New York to collect move regrettable, and said it is ing allowing visits under consu- satisfy Moscow’s demand. waved the group goodbye. 14 families, he added. Row over religion in Germany resurfaces French statues given anti-pollution masks DPA right-leaning sister party of Berlin Merkel’s CDU and has often clashed with the chancellor AFP groups including France Nature over migration. Paris Environment and Greenpeace, n ongoing dispute with- Schaeuble appeared to be called for a clean air transport in Germany’s coalition following Merkel’s lead by policy. Aover the role of Islam in distancing himself from CSU ctivists put masks on In February last year, the EU the country re-emerged yes- leader Horst Seehofer and statues in Paris and other ordered fi ve member countries terday, as party offi cials gave Dobrindt, both of whom have AFrench cities yesterday including France and Germany to confl icting messages in inter- repeatedly emphasised that Is- to highlight what they say is tighten controls on smog-caus- views published by German lam is not part of Germany. France’s failure to tackle air pol- ing car pollution or risk being media. Dobrindt said that suggest- lution. sent to the top European court. Just ahead of Easter celebra- ing Islam belonged to Germany The protest coincided with a The commission has said that tions across the country, Wolf- was “a barrier to integration” deadline for France to present a “persistently high” levels of ni- gang Schaeuble, a senior fi gure that “sends a false signal to im- plan rectifying its shortcomings trogen dioxide caused 70,000 in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s migrants”. on air quality to the European premature deaths in Europe in Christian Democratic Union Asked whether the CSU is Commission. 2013, three times the number of (CDU), told the Funke media bracing for a long-term dis- Demonstrators hold banners reading ‘Help, we suff ocate’ during a protest against air pollution at the In a joint statement, environ- deaths by road traffi c accidents group: “We cannot halt the pute with its senior coalition Place de la Concorde in Paris. Face masks have been put on the statues of the fountain in the background. mental and anti-air pollution in the same year. course of history. Everyone has partner on the issue, Dobrindt to deal with the fact that Islam said his party is heading into has become a part of our coun- the debate with a clear stance. Turkmen leader’s son joins ministry try.” “The CSU will not budge on However, Alexander Do- this,” he said. “After all, the The son of Turkmenistan’s leader has been appointed deputy brindt, deputy party chief of majority of the population is of foreign minister, state media reported yesterday, just days after he Kosovo prime minister orders the Christian Social Union the opinion that Islam does not scored a huge victory in a parliamentary election. (CSU), stated in an interview belong to Germany.” Serdar Berdymukhamedov, 36, the son of President Gurbanguly with Focus magazine that “Is- The CSU gives a voice to this Berdymukhamedov, won a whopping 91.4% of the vote to retain his investigation into expulsions lam does not belong to Ger- majority which “wants to pre- seat in last Sunday’s poll. many”. serve our cultural identity for He was appointed deputy foreign minister “by decree of the head of Bavaria’s CSU is the more the future”, said Dobrindt. state”, said the Neutral Turkmenistan government newspaper. Reuters they had helped people accused Kosovo has been under pres- Pristina of connections to the network to sure from Turkey in recent weeks leave Turkey. to take action against schools Ankara blames Gulen and his funded by the Gulen organisa- osovo authorities are in- movement for the coup attempt tion. vestigating the arrest and in 2016. Relatives of the six had stayed Albanians clash with police in road toll row Kextradition of six Turk- Gulen denies involvement. at Pristina airport until the early ish citizens, which activists said Turkish President Recep Tayy- hours of yesterday after rumours represented a violation of human ip Erdogan said yesterday that spread that they might still be in Reuters who inspired them should stop rights, Prime Minister Ramush the six men had been captured by Kosovo. Tirana thinking they will triumph over Haradinaj said yesterday. Turkish intelligence offi cers and They left after the police said the law,” he said. The six Turkish nationals were brought to Turkey. the six had been sent to Turkey Earlier this week when the arrested in Kosovo on Thursday “Our National Intelligence on Thursday. big crowd angered by tolls were imposed, Kosovo at Turkey’s request over alleged Agency (MIT) captured six of “My father was kidnapped,” new charges on the main truckers emblazoned their ve- links to schools fi nanced by the the highest ranking members of said one relative, Mustafa Gu- Aartery linking Albania hicles with banners saying that, Gulen movement, which Ankara (Gulen’s network) in the Balkans nakan, outside the airport. “We to Kosovo pelted police with in eff ect, a new border had been blames for a failed 2016 coup. in the operation it conducted in thought we were safe in Kosovo. stones and set the toll booths on imposed on the road meant to On Friday Haradinaj sacked Kosovo,” said Erdogan, speaking We never thought it would end fi re yesterday, television images unite Albania and the mainly the Kosovo interior minister and to supporters and party members this way.” showed. ethnic Albanian Kosovo. secret service chief for failing to in Istanbul. Florian Bieber, a Balkans ex- Thousands of residents of Kosovo Prime Minister Ram- inform him about the arrests. He added that he was sad- pert at the University of Graz, the northern town of Kukes had ush Haradinaj said that the tolls “Today we have decided to dened by the sacking of the Ko- said that the incident could be converged on the area to de- were “excessive”. start an investigation of all (state) sovo interior minister and secret damaging for Kosovo, which is mand the scrapping of the tolls. Work on the road, which structures that were involved in service chief. seeking to build closer ties with The government said on Protesters damage toll booths during clashes with police at a toll crosses mountainous terrain, arresting and deporting the six Human Rights Watch criti- the European Union. Thursday that lower charges plaza on the Durres-Kukes Highway, linking Albania with Kosovo, is not completely fi nished and Turkish men,” Haradinaj said af- cised the Kosovo authorities over “It certainly will hurt Kosovo, would be set for frequent users. near Kukes. They later set the booths on fire. Rama said those who used it ter an urgent meeting of Kosovo’s the arrests. both for throwing doubt on the “This is theft,” an angry pro- should pay. security council. “In addition to the question- rule of law and political author- tester told reporters. the fees, ranging from €2.50 for Rama said that the violence Opposition Democratic Party Ankara accused the six ar- able arrests, the men were sent to ity and for co-operation with a “This tax damages all the Al- a motorcycle to €22.50 ($27.72) against property and police leader Lulzim Basha said that rested men of being recruiters for a country where they face a seri- regime that is authoritarian and banians in Kukes and Dardania for heavy trucks. would be punished. taxpayers already paid a road a network run by the US-based ous risk of torture,” the watchdog increasingly antagonistic with (Kosovo),” opponents said of Albanian Prime Minister Edi “The violators and those tax. cleric Fethullah Gulen, and said said in a statement. the EU,” Bieber told Reuters. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, April 1, 2018 INDIA

CRIME PEOPLE POLITICS INVESTIGATION DEMAND Mob lynches man Ex-Manipur CM cremated Akhilesh: UP govt has done NIA to probe case of Rename KEM Hospital accused of rape with state honours no development work arms missing from camp after Anandi Joshi: MNS

Enraged over the rape of a girl, a group of people Former Manipur chief minister R K Dorendra Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh yesterday The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) yesterday in Ghaziabad lynched the alleged suspect, police Singh died in Imphal on Friday and was cremated yesterday launched a scathing attack on the said the National Investigation Agency been demanded that Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, India’s said yesterday. The incident took place late Friday yesterday with full state honours. He was 84. Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar asked to probe the case of missing weapons biggest public health institution, be renamed after night in Chaman Vihar area. The police said that The three-time chief minister is survived by his Pradesh, and said it has done no welfare work and ammunition from a camp of the state the country’s first US-trained doctor Anandi Gopal on Friday night, Jitendra asked his neighbour to wife, two sons and two daughters. The Manipur and has only been trying to lie to the people paramilitary force. At least 60 pistols and 58 Joshi. The call came on the 153rd birth anniversary accompany him to an event to off er prayers. The government has announced a three-day state and victimise political opponents. “They have magazines were missing from the camp of 2 of Joshi, who was born in Kalyan town of adjoining neighbour instead sent his eight-year-old girl with mourning. The flag will fly half-mast and there just been selling pipe dreams and inaugurating Manipur Rifles but it was not yet known when Thane district in 1865. Joshi created history by the man as she also wanted to off er prayers. During will be no state function during this period. As projects and schemes that were rolled out by exactly they went missing. Singh said in view of becoming the first Indian woman doctor trained at the return journey, Jitendra took the girl to his home, chief minister in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the Samajwadi Party government,” the former the fact that it concerns the security of the state the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (now allegedly raped her and sent her home alone. After Singh had tried to solve the armed movement chief minister said. He also alleged eff orts and the nation as well, the cabinet decided to called Drexel University College of Medicine), the the girl narrated the incident to her parents, the family and several insurgents had come overground were made to taint his image by launching hand over the case to the NIA. The chief minister world’s second medical school exclusively for women informed their neighbours. They dragged him out of and had been rehabilitated. He was also the several probes into development works done said the missing pistols and magazines are part launched in 1850. Joshi, suff ering from tuberculosis, the house and thrashed him before police came and speaker and minister several times as well as a by his government. However they found no of a batch purchased by the government on completed her MD and returned to India in 1886, but took him to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Rajya Sabha member. irregularities, Yadav added. October 9, 2014. succumbed to her illness a year later, aged 21. Top lawyers accuse govt of interference in judiciary

IANS It is echoed in Justice Chela- the recommendation of the col- New Delhi meswar’s letter, where he said: legium, the people involved had “For some time, our unhappy done something perceived as experience has been that the against the government – be it enior Supreme Court law- government’s accepting our rec- the case of the recommendation yers have echoed Justice ommendations is an exception of senior counsel Gopal Subra- SJ Chelameswar’s concern and sitting on them is the norm. manium as a top court judge or over the government’s inter- ‘Inconvenient’ but able judges or elevation of Justice K M Joseph ference in the appointment of judges to be are being bypassed to the Supreme Court. Muslim women participate in a protest against the triple talaq bill, in Mumbai yesterday. judges. through this route.” Stressing that Justice Chela- They said there is “too much” There are about 230 names meswar’s March 21 letter to Chief interference of the executive in recommended by the top court Justice Misra “again underlines the appointment of “judges with collegium for appointment as what the four judges had implic- independent minds”. judges of various high courts itly said in their January 12 press Terming it a wake-up call, which are pending with the gov- conference”, well-known lawyer Muslim women protest against eminent lawyers urged the top ernment for clearance for nearly Prashant Bhushan said: “The court’s judges to “act decisively” a year-and-a-half. government is severely interfer- in guarding the judiciary from Even in the case of the Su- ing with the judiciary and trying governmental interference and preme Court, two names – Chief to compromise its independ- bill seeking ban on triple talaq uphold its independence “once Justice of Uttrakhand High ence.” and for all”. Court K M Joseph and senior Pointing to the dangers of a Supreme Court Bar Associa- lawyer Indu Malhotra – for ap- compromised judiciary to the IANS It is anti-women, anti-gender She alleged that the bill not the community is satisfi ed with tion president Vikas Singh said pointment as top court judges over-all functioning of democ- Mumbai justice, anti children, will de- only criminalises talaq, but it.” there was “too much interfer- did not fi nd favour with the gov- racy, he said: “A compromised stroy families, push Muslim moves a step towards the Uni- Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi ence by the government”, and ernment. judiciary could be a serious husbands into jail and damage form Civil Code which the said around 200,000 women from senior lawyer Dushyant said the Though the Supreme Court threat to democracy.” housands of Muslim the Muslim society,” AIMPLB Hindu rightwing Rashtriya all over India joined the protest “executive interference in the has a sanctioned strength of 31 Justice Chelameswar’s letter women staged a silent women’s wing president Asma Swayamsevak Sangh seeks to while Salamat Ullah Nadvi said administration of the judiciary judges, at present there are only is a “dire warning about the state Tprotest march at Mum- Zehra. impose. they highlighted the fact that the will sound the death knell for the 27 judges. Another six are go- of Indian judiciary, which is seri- bai’s Azad Maidan yesterday, She added that so far, more “The Indian Constitution has bill, instead of protecting Muslim judiciary”. ing to retire this year, including ously compromised by the exec- demanding the withdrawal of a than 50mn women have joined granted the people the freedom women, would deprive them of Prime Minister Narendra Mo- Chief Justice Dipak Misra who utive”, said Dave, a view shared bill banning triple talaq passed a signature campaign support- to practice their religion but even the rights which they are cur- di’s government is not interested will demit offi ce on October 2. by Bhushan, who lamented that by the Lok Sabha last Decem- ing the AIMPLB’s stand and this government wants to de- rently entitled to and be detrimen- in the “best names” but is defi - Justice R K Agrawal (May 4), “unfortunately, the chief justice ber. submitted it to the Law Com- prive the citizens of their con- tal to their interests. nitely interested in “obstruct- Justice Chelameswar (June 22), is not doing anything to stop this Organised by the All India mission. The bill is awaiting stitutional right,” she added. Various political parties in- ing the names of people with Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel (July interference by the government”. Muslim Personal Law Board’s Rajya Sabha clearance. AIMPLB executive member cluding the All India Majlis- independent minds”, said Vikas 6), Justice Kurian Joseph (No- Independence of judiciary, women’s wing, and described “This bill is an attempt to in- Monisa B Abidi said instead of e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen and Singh, suggesting “if the colle- vember 29) and Justice Madan Dave said, comes not just from as the “fi rst, exclusive Muslim terfere with the personal laws bringing in a law that crimi- Muslim leaders from diff er- gium was to do its job diligently, B Lokur (December 30) will also the judgments but also from the women’s protest rejecting the which we cannot accept. The nalises triple talaq, the gov- ent parties have supported the the government would have less demit offi ce. “control and supervision of the bill and supporting the Shariah protest is also aimed at the ernment should have asked the Muslim women’s demands. chance to interfere”. If the delay by the government entire judiciary by the Supreme laws” the protest elicited huge handful of women who distrib- community to bring in changes “It is very rare that so many Dave urged the judges of the on the appointment of judges Court and its collegium”. response from Muslim women uted sweets after the govern- and internal reforms. thousands of women from dif- top court to “wake up from their continues, the actual working In a criticism of the collegium, across the country. ment passed the bill hurriedly Lawyer Munawwarai Alware ferent sects in the Muslim com- slumber and act decisively to strength of top court judges will Vikas Singh said it should fi ll all Though the march was si- in the Lok Sabha,” she said. said Muslim women “strongly munity have joined together to stop the executive interference come down to 21. the vacancies in one go. lent, the women carried plac- Zehra said the bill is “legally favour Shariah laws” and can- protest against this bill,” said once and for all”. “The issues raised are very, Urging the collegium to try ards loudly proclaiming their defective, puts women in legal- not be cheated with hollow slo- Congress legislator and former The concern of the senior law- very vital for furthering the doc- and identify the best people demands with slogans oppos- social complications, focuses gans. minister Naseem Khan. yers is rooted in the government trine of separation of power, rule available for selection as judges ing the Muslim Women (Pro- on jailing Muslim men without Jamat-e-Islami Hind’s Ar- Later, a delegation of women sitting over the recommendation of law and the independence of and go the extra mile by inviting tection of Rights on Marriage) helping women in any manner” shia Shakeel said the Islam is leaders met Governor C V Rao of the collegium for the appoint- judiciary,” former additional so- and requesting them to become Bill, 2017, and expressing their and has been opposed by legal “a complete way of life, Mus- and submitted a memorandum ment of judges to high courts licitor general and senior counsel judges, he said the problem is support to protect the Shariah. experts, women’s rights groups lims are blessed by Sharaih law to be forwarded to the presi- and the Supreme Court, includ- Bishwajit Bhattacharyya said. that the best of the candidates “Our demand is very clear. and Muslim women across In- which is a complete code in in- dent, prime minister and oth- ing recommendations for their In each of the known cases are not engaged in lobbying and Take back the triple talaq bill. dia. dividual and social matters and ers, Maulana Qasmi said. transfers. where the government stalled self-promotion. Dalai Lama embraces trooper Nigerian actor alleges who escorted him in 1959 racial discrimination IANS or directly in my face but for IANS Federal Culture Minister Ma- is very tough...we hosted many Thiruvananthapuram my role in Sudani from Nigeria, Dharamsala hesh Sharma, MPs Shanta Ku- people in trouble. India always the producers off ered me far mar and Satyavrat Chaturvedi welcomes with open arms and less money than Indian actors were also present in the event with an open heart those in dif- amuel Abiola, the young who are not half as popular, ibetan spiritual leader the along with offi cials of the Cen- fi culty.” Nigerian actor who experienced or accomplished Dalai Lama got emotional tral Tibetan Administration He said: “We don’t want to use Splays the lead role in the as I would normally earn,” Tyesterday as he embraced (CTA), comprising its president the word refugee (for you). This Malayalam fi lm Sudani from writes Abiola. one of the fi ve Assam Rifl es Lobsang Sangay. is your land. At the most, you are Nigeria, says he experienced Abiola has acted in more troopers who escorted him in In 2017, Das was reunited with in exile and Tibet is waiting for racial discrimination and was than a dozen fi lms in several India after his escape from Tibet. the Dalai Lama for the fi rst time you.” not paid what he was prom- major productions in Africa. In 1959, as a young trooper, in 58 years at a festival organised Madhav said India also gave ised. Sudani from Nigeria is di- Naren Chandra Das, now 80, by the Assam government. shelter to Jews and Parsis. The 20-year-old made the rected by Zakariya Mohamed escorted the Dalai Lama, now Das, who joined the force in “India has always played an disclosure on his Facebook and produced by Sameer 82, on his arrival in Arunachal 1957, said he was told to escort aff ectionate and endearing host page as he fl ew out of Kerala to Thahir. Abiola stars alongside Pradesh. The Dalai Lama has the Dalai Lama along with oth- to all those who chose its lands his home country. Soubin Shahir and tells the tale lived in exile ever since fl eeing ers. “We were directed only to as temporary home and spiritual “Actually the truth is that of a Nigerian football player Tibet in March 1959. escort the Dalai Lama and not to abode. Jews came, Parsis came I did experience racial dis- who joins a football club in “I feel blessed once again as speak with him,” said Das. and many others too landed in crimination from producers Malappuram in Kerala. His Holiness touched me and He was then posted at Lun- India seeking refuge. India has in Kerala... I didn’t want to The fi lm was released last bumped his head with my head,” gla near the China border after welcomed them with open arms say anything before because week and is a hit. Das told reporters after he was having completed his training at and with an open heart.” I was trying to be patient, “I only became better en- honoured by the leader at an Tawang in the then North East Linking the bondage the Ti- but now I am ready to speak lightened after meeting with event in Dharamsala to mark the Frontier Agency, now Arunachal betans have from India’s fi rst up. several young actors and dis- 60th anniversary of the Dalai Pradesh, he said. prime minister Jawaharlal Ne- “I’m saying this now be- cussing payment with them. Lama’s arrival in India. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata hru to the incumbent Narendra cause I cannot sit back and I am of the opinion that this Das said he was overwhelmed Party (BJP) leader Ram Madhav, Modi, he said: “Right from Ne- allow it happen to another happened purely because of by the gesture of the Dalaui speaking the event said India had hru to Modi, the successive gov- helpless young black actor. I my skin colour and the as- Lama for inviting him. The event always hosted people in diffi cult ernments in India have followed The Dalai Lama honours member of Assam Rifles Naren Chander believe that I was a victim of sumption that all Africans are marked the onset of a year-long times with an open heart. One China Policy at political Dass during the “ Thank you India-2018” function at Tsugla Khang racial discrimination while in poor and don’t know the value ‘Thank You India’ campaign. “We know the life of a refugee level.” Temple in Dharamshala yesterday. Kerala. It was nothing violent of money.” Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 21 INDIA CBI probing husband of ICICI Bank CEO in loan case

Agencies man Venugopal Dhoot invested said its board had “come to the har and Dhoot declined to com- chairperson of this committee”. Energy Pvt Ltd allegedly gave a confl ict of interest on the part of New Delhi Rs640mn ($9.83mn) in NuPow- conclusion that there is no ques- ment. NuPower Renewables was loan of Rs640mn to Deepak Ko- Chanda Kochhar. er Renewables, a fi rm owned by tion of any quid pro quo/nepo- In 2012, a consortium of more founded in 2008 as a 50-50 joint chhar’s fi rm. Soon after the reports came, Deepak Kochhar, the husband tism/confl ict of interest as is be- than 20 banks and other fi nan- venture between Venugopal After a series of share transfer the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) olice have launched a pre- of ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Ko- ing alleged in various rumours”. cial institutions approved loans Dhoot family and Kochhar and between the two, Dhoot’s Su- imposed a penalty of Rs580m- liminary investigation chhar, after Videocon secured a The CBI launched a prelimi- of Rs400bn ($6.14bn) to Vide- the Advani families - Chanda Ko- preme Energy took over a major- non ICICI Bank for not abiding Pinto the husband of ICICI loan from a consortium of banks, nary inquiry about two months ocon for debt consolidation, and chhar’s brother, Mahesh Advani. ity of the shares of NRPL which by the rules on sale of bonds in Bank’s chief executive, as well including ICICI. ago to assess whether “nepo- an oil and gas capital expendi- At that time Chanda Kochhar he transferred to his associate held-to-maturity category. as offi cials at the lender and at Central Bureau of Investiga- tism” or “criminality” were in- ture programme. was the chief fi nancial offi cer Mahesh Chandra Punglia. Dhoot, in his defence, has said Videocon Group, two sources tion sources said that Chanda volved, the two sources said, de- Of this, ICICI Bank provided and joint managing director at Punglia in turn transferred his that his investment in Supreme said yesterday, to assess whether Kochhar was not under inves- clining to be named. Rs32.5bn rupees after its own ICICI Bank. entire stake in Supreme Energy to Energy was only in thousands of there was any wrongdoing in tigation now. They, however, The investigation was ongo- credit panel approved the loan, In 2009, Dhoot resigned as Deepak Kochhar’s Pinnacle En- rupees and temporary. lending practices. said her husband would soon be ing, one source said. ICICI Bank said in a statement NuPower Renewables direc- ergy for only Rs900,000, just six He has denied that any Vide- Reports in many media out- called for questioning. ICICI Bank did not immedi- earlier this week, adding that it tor and transferred his 25,000 months after the Videocon group ocon group company had funded lets in the past week have alleged ICICI, India’s third-largest ately respond to a request for was “important to note that Ms shares to Deepak Kochhar, and a got the loan from ICICI Bank. NuPower when he was an inves- that Videocon Group chair- lender, has backed its CEO and comment, while Deepak Koch- Chanda Kochhar was not the year later his company Supreme This has raised a question of tor in Supreme. TN demands contempt proceedings against govt

IANS week deadline ended said due to New Delhi divergent views expressed by four governments, including Karnata- ka and Tamil Nadu, on the “fram- he central government ing of the scheme”, it felt if any yesterday urged the Su- scheme was framed by the central Tpreme Court to give it government by itself the states three months’ time for setting up may again approach the court. the Cauvery Management Board Citing the stands of Kerala (CMB) and the Cauvery Water and Karnataka governments that Regulation Committee (CWRC) any scheme proposed under the as directed by the top court. inter-state water disputes act The government said it could should fi rst be shared with them not implement the court order in before its notifi cation, the Cen- Students shout slogans during a protest against Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar in Amritsar yesterday against the decision to hold re-exams view of the May assembly elec- tre said: “To avoid further liti- in economics and mathematics. tions in Karnataka. gation by the states in the con- However, Tamil Nadu govern- stitution and functions of the ment sought contempt proceed- board, it is felt that clarifi cation ings against the government. from the honourable Supreme The top court on February 16 Court is considered necessary.” had asked the central govern- Referring to the announce- ment to set up within six weeks ment of polls by the Election the board and the committee for Commission, it said: “Cauvery is the implementation of the Cau- a very emotive issue in Karnata- Lost trust in the CBSE, very Water Disputes Tribunal ka and in the past, the issue had Award for which the deadline led to serious law and order situ- expired on Friday. ation, leading to avoidable loss The government said the of human lives and property.” constitution of a scheme under The central government also Section 6(A) of the Inter-state wanted to know whether it had River Waters Disputes Act and the fl exibility to modify the say protesting students notifi cation during the assembly composition of the board to a election process would lead to mixture of administrative and IANS “We have lost trust in the er Sachin Pilot questioned “why ment Directorate (ED) said that ed in Langanj, Mahua, Bhaga- massive public outrage, vitiate technical body and not purely a New Delhi CBSE completely and we want nobody in the government has it had seized properties worth wanpur and Hajipur of Bihar, the election process and cause technical body for the eff ective the chairperson to conduct a taken the responsibility for pa- Rs40mn of a former Bihar col- bank balances worth Rs 13.46 serious law and order problems. conduct of the business of the meeting with the students and per leak that rocked the coun- lege principal in connection lakh in three accounts of Bank But Tamil Nadu said the cen- board and considering overall large number of students assure them of absolute guar- try”. with the 2016 Bihar toppers of India, Rs 20.80 lakh in one tral government was deliberately sensitivity of the issues involved. yesterday staged a pro- antee against the paper leak,” he Pilot said the government was scam. bank account with the Canara delaying the implementation of Another clarifi cation it wanted Atest at the Central Board said. playing the blame-game instead “The ED has attached prop- bank, Rs 19.66 lakh in bank ac- the court order and contempt was whether the board framed of Secondary Education (CBSE) “We prepared hard for of taking charge of the leak. erties worth Rs4.53 crore of count maintained with Punjab proceedings should be initiated under 6(A) of the act can have against the leak of question pa- months - now we are back to The Congress has alleged that Bachcha Rai, his wife Sangeeta National Bank of Bachcha Rai. against it. functions diff erent from the ones pers and said that they had “lost square one. The CBSE is at an “exam mafi a” is fl ourishing and his daughter Shalini under Police had earlier fi led a case “Initiate contempt proceedings recommended for Cauvery Man- trust” in the board. fault, they were unable to keep under the central government. the sections of money launder- against Rai, former Bihar School against respondents (the central agement Board by the tribunal. The protesting blocked the the papers safe. We are suff ering In other developments, thou- ing act,” the agency said. Examination Board (BSEB) government) for wilful disobedi- The government said in com- road outside the CBSE offi ce till because of the CBSE’s mistake,” sands of Staff Selection Com- Rai was the principal of Vish- chairman Lalkeshewar Singh ence in carrying out clear man- pliance of the February 6 order police came and forced them to a student told said. mission (SSC) candidates yes- nu Rai College. and others for manipulating date set out in para 403 of the of the court and in spirit of true disperse. The protesters slammed the terday held a demonstration in The agency has attached 16 and managing the results of judgment passed by the honour- federalism, it convened a meet- More than 2mn students were board’s “utter negligence” in New Delhi to protest against the plots worth Rs 1.99 crore locat- students of the college. able court dated 16-02-2018,” the ing of the chief secretaries of the aff ected by leaks of class 12 eco- their conduct of the examina- “SSC paper leak scam”, leading Tamil Nadu contempt plea said. four states and other offi cials nomics and class 10 economics tions. to a scuffl e with police. Google helps police identify sender of alert The central government in its and initiated consultations for papers. The papers were cir- Meanwhile, a Kerala student The SCC candidates gathered affi davit fi led a day after the six- arriving at a consensus. culated on Whatsapp before the yesterday fi led a petition in the at Parliament Street at 11am Delhi police have got a com had alerted Karwal on exam. Supreme Court seeking quash- seeking a probe by the Central response from Google which March 28 regarding the leak of The CBSE said on Thursday ing of the CBSE decision to re- Bureau of Investigation (CBI) helped them identify the man class 10 mathematics paper,” Two Ambedkar statues vandalised the students will now have to conduct the exams. into the alleged paper leak in who sent the mail to alert the off icer added. “Beside resit their exams. Rohan Mathew, a student of the Combined Graduate Level about paper leaks to CBSE chief this, three persons including Two statues of Dalit icon at Siddharthnagar’s Gohaniya “We just need to be assured Choice School in Kochi, said (CGL) Examination held in Feb- Anita Karwal, off icials said. “The a school principal, a CBSE B R Ambedkar have been where the hand of a statue was that the subsequent papers will that the CBSE decision was ar- ruary. man who sent the alert is being employee and one more have vandalised in diff erent parts found broken. Locals staged not be leaked. We have heard bitrary and illegal. As the protesters started questioned to ascertain from also been questioned,” he said, of Uttar Pradesh, police said a demonstration against the from several students that Mathew said a special com- moving towards Parliament, where he got the question adding the police were also yesterday. Of the two incidents, vandalism in Siddharthanagar, question papers of Hindi and mittee should be set up to in- they were stopped by police. papers and who the culprits checking seven teachers’ bank one was in Trivenipuram of demanding the immediate political science (to be held next quire into the “facts and cir- But as they broke the barri- were in this syndicate,” a police accounts to establish if money Jhusi in Allahabad where a arrest of the those responsible. week) have also been leaked and cumstances” leading to the cades, the police applied mild off icer said. “The man using laundering was done in this statue’s head was chopped off Police said that a case has been are circulating on WhatsApp,” re-exam decision. force to disperse them. e-mail ID dev0532@gmail. syndicate. while the other was reported registered in both incidents. Aman, a class 12 student said. In Bengaluru, Congress lead- Also yesterday, the Enforce- W Bengal Governor visits clash-hit areas

IANS castes and communities to live in rest,” Chowdhury asked. MP and BJP leader Babul Supriyo Trinamool also held celebrations Asansol, West Bengal harmony,” Tripathi told reporters. He also claimed that the state stopped from visiting the area. on the occasion on its own this The governor said he has been administration’s lack of alertness A four-member committee year. briefed by senior administrative was responsible for the current formed by BJP president Amit In New Delhi, Congress presi- est Bengal Governor offi cials about how the unrest took situation. Shah is scheduled to visit the dent Rahul Gandhi praised Imam Keshari Nath Tripathi place and the measures taken to One person was allegedly trouble-hit areas today and sub- Rashidi of Asansol and Yashpal Wyesterday visited the keep the situation under control. hacked to death while a police of- mit a report. Saxena from Delhi, as both of strife-torn areas of Raniganj and Meanwhile, a Congress delega- fi cer lost a hand after he was hit by The Home Ministry has also them appealed for peace despite Asansol in West Bardhaman dis- tion led by party’s state president a bomb during the clash between sought a report from the state gov- losing their sons in communal trict and urged people to maintain Adhir Chowdhury was stopped by two groups centring on a Ram ernment on incidents of arson and violence. peace and harmony. police from entering Asansol. Navami procession organised by violence during the processions. He also asserted that his party Tripathi held a meeting with The Congress activists held a Hindu rightwing groups in Rani- However, the Trinamool Con- will not allow the ideology of BJP police offi cers and the local ad- sit-in on the national highway, ganj on Monday. gress government denied knowl- and RSS to win. ministration and took stock of the demanding an answer from the Several others including po- edge of any such directive from the “After losing their sons due to situation in the area that was hit ruling Trinamool Congress and lice were also injured and several central government and blamed hate and communalism, messages by communal tension earlier this the Bharatiya Janata Party on why shops and houses vandalised and the BJP for the unrest. from Yashpal Saxena and Imam week. the clashes took place. set ablaze during the clashes. The BJP, which is trying to Rashidi show that love will always “I had plans to visit Asansol “How can the administration The communal tension spilled pitchfork itself as the main chal- defeat hatred in India,” Gandhi and Raniganj two days earlier, but impose CrPC 144 on a national onto other parts of Asansol forc- lenger to the Trinamool in the tweeted. for certain reasons the visit did highway? We did not enter any lo- ing the administration to impose state, has been using the Ram Na- “The foundation of Congress not materialise. I have come here cality. What is the Bengal govern- prohibitory orders and suspend vami celebrations since last year rests on compassion and mutual with the message of peace. Peace ment so scared of that they have Internet. to appeal to the majority Hindu brotherhood. We will not allow should be paramount. I appeal to stop the peace-loving people Nineteen people were arrested population. the hatred spreading BJP/RSS ide- to all the people belonging to all 2-3km away from the area of un- for fomenting trouble and local Sensing the BJP’s motive, the ology to win,” he said. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, April 1, 2018 LATIN AMERICA Caracas breaks Masked touch! silence over jail riot and fi re that killed 68

Reuters also criticised the United Nations Caracas human rights offi ce for “pre- cipitated and disproportionate” comments about the disaster. enezuela’s government From Geneva, the United Na- broke its silence about tions had called on Venezuelan Va riot and fi re in a police authorities to carry out a speedy station’s cells that killed dozens investigation and provide repa- of prisoners last Wednesday, is- rations to victims’ families. suing a statement on Friday night Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry sending condolences to relatives said those comments betrayed and promising an investigation. “bias” and were part of a “multi “The Bolivarian government pronged attack” against the of the Venezuelan republic... South American nation. sends its profound condolences Prison violence has been an to the relatives and loved ones issue in Venezuela long before of each of the people who died Maduro’s late predecessor Hugo in this unfortunate incident,” the Chavez took offi ce in 1999. statement by the Foreign Minis- Chavez once described the try read. problem as the world’s most The statement did not give any “savage” and promised to clean details on the cause of the disas- it up. ter, which inmates’ relatives and But opposition politicians said a surviving prisoner told Reuters the Valencia disaster was anoth- stemmed from a shootout with er sign of the ruling socialists’ police in an overcrowded and incompetence in a country that lawless jail. is deep in economic crisis and is Venezuela’s opposition says plagued with food shortages, hy- leftist president Nicolas Ma- perinfl ation, and rampant crime. duro’s response to the 68 deaths “While in Venezuela all sorts in Valencia has been woefully in- of human rights violations are suffi cient. going on, Maduro is busy with... Maduro has yet to person- increasing his levels of corrup- ally speak about the incident and tion and showing that he is an has instead been tweeting about incapable leader who has the Easter holidays, a visit by Hol- people going without food and An employee gives the finishing touches to a latex mask of Mexican presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, of the MORENA party, at Rev, a factory in lywood actor Danny Glover, and medicine,” said opposition law- Cuernavaca, Morelos State, Mexico. Mexico will hold general elections on July 1. the upcoming presidential elec- maker Angel Alvarez from Cara- tion. bobo state, where the jail riot oc- In its statement, Venezuela curred. 2 die in Mexico Easter procession shooting

By Uriel Sanchez, Reuters what was reported to police as a subse- deliver vows to curb corruption and vio- Women grabbed hands with children, Acapulco, Mexico quent slew of gunfi re. lence, two of Mexico’s most critical and pushing them through the confused mob. Relatives grieve during the funeral of some of the victims of the No people in the procession were re- intertwined issues that are shaping the A shootout also interrupted a Good prison fire, in Valencia, northern Carabobo state, Venezuela. ported injured. race. Friday procession in the violent northern ozens of Roman Catholic devotees Murder rates in Acapulco and the pop- Meade and leftist Andres Manuel city of Reynosa and left one dead, local dressed as ancient Romans and ular Los Cabos resort further north have Lopez Obrador, who ranks fi rst in polls, media reported. Dbiblical fi gures fl ed a Good Friday soared in recent years as Mexico fi ghts will launch their campaigns today. According to a video aired on tel- procession in panic on Friday in the Mexi- entrenched drug crime. In Acapulco on Friday, a video veri- evision, several dozen religious march- can resort town of Acapulco after gunfi re Mexico registered a record number of fi ed by Reuters shows onlookers who had ers darted to the sidewalk amid shouts of Maduro on Panama’s ‘high rang out over a nearby car robbery. murders last year, staining the reputation just concluded the re-enactment of Je- “Get to the ground!” after the pop-pop of One of the robbers died from a heart at- of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary sus Christ’s crucifi xion darting in terror gunfi re cut into choral singing. tack during a shootout with police while Party (PRI) whose presidential candidate, down a major street, yelling, “Stay calm, A Jesus fi gure wearing white robes risk’ money laundering list an accomplice escaped, said the govern- Jose Antonio Meade, trails third in polls to stay calm!” tinged with fake blood kneeled behind a ment of Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most win the July 1 election. One man crouched behind a large wood- giant crucifi x as more gunfi re rang out, violent states. Campaigns offi cially kicked off on Fri- en crucifi x propped against a parked car, dropping it when a companion yelled for Reuters tial announcement on Tuesday. Minutes after the confrontation, an- day, with the second- and fourth-place while a group of men in fl owing red capes him to “leave the cross!” and take cover Panama City Maduro’s socialist government other man in a home nearby was killed in contenders holding midnight rallies to and Romanesque armor streamed past. off the street. has repeatedly vowed to combat corruption that has plagued Ven- enezuelan President Nico- ezuela and its oil industry for dec- las Maduro along with ades, contributing to its devastat- Vmore than 50 Venezuelan ing economic collapse. nationals are considered “high But critics say the adminis- Brazil ports bribery probe ensnares Temer friends risk” for laundering money and tration, despite making graft- fi nancing terrorism, according to related arrests, is still crippled by an advisory issued by Panama’s fi nancial malfeasance. Reuters in exchange for the extension of Batista Lima, a retired military Police are investigating the president’s name would be economy and fi nance ministry. Panama’s advisory calls on Rio de Janeiro concessions in the port of San- police colonel associated with whether Temer took bribes in cleared. Venezuelan Attorney General fi nancial and non-fi nancial en- tos, Latin America’s busiest. Temer since he was public se- exchange for shaping the de- “We’re sure of one thing: Tarek William Saab and electoral tities in the country to redou- But the scandal could compli- curity chief for Sao Paulo state cree in a way that would benefi t that decree never benefi ted Ro- board president Tibisay Lucena ble eff orts to prevent risk in any olice have arrested two cate Temer’s plans to run in the three decades ago. Rodrimar, which operates some drimar,” he told reporters. were also named in the advisory transaction involving the listed close friends of Brazilian October presidential election. Also arrested were Celso services in Santos. The federal police declined to along with Socialist Party No 2 Di- people and companies. PPresident Michel Temer A Supreme Court judge lifted Greco, owner of the logistics The decree Temer signed last comment on the arrests. osdado Cabello, the elder brother “It’s recommended...that they in an investigation into alleged the secrecy on his bank accounts fi rm Rodrimar SA, and Wag- May extended contracts for In February, the then-head of of late president Hugo Chavez, and adopt policies and procedures of corruption involving a decree last month, bringing the investi- ner Rossi, a former head of the companies operating at the port federal police told Reuters that 16 fi rms in Venezuela. ample due diligence,” says the regulating the country’s ports, gation closer to home. Sao Paulo state docks company from 25 to 35 years with an op- the investigation had found no The economy and fi nance minis- document. their lawyers told Reuters. Police arrested José Yunes, Codesp. Lawyers for Temer’s tion for renewing the concession evidence of corruption. try’s National Commission Against In Caracas, Maduro’s govern- Temer has denied any wrong- a longtime aide to Temer who friends said the arrests were un- for up to 70 years. He later resigned under a bar- Money Laundering released the list ment did not immediately re- doing in the case in which pros- worked in the president’s offi ce warranted because their clients Temer’s minister of politi- rage of criticism for suggesting late on Thursday, following its ini- spond to a request for comment. ecutors suspect bribes were paid until December 2016, and Joao were innocent. cal aff airs, Carlos Marun, said the case could be shelved. Cuba’s enduring guardians of the revolution still at work

By Moises Avila and Carlos Batista, Fernandez remembers perfectly lis- They are playing with the people, and Every committee has a president, a They preside over neighbourhood munity projects like clearing litter or AFP tening to a radio broadcast of Fidel’s they don’t know the tremendous revo- surveillance chief, an organiser and an meetings, scrupulously controlling pruning trees. Cienfuegos, Cuba speech to the nation on the night of lutionary force of the people,” Castro ideologue who keep detailed records on citizens’ participation and interfering They played a crucial role mobilising September 28, 1960. told a large crowd of supporters gath- local members. in candidate nominations. volunteers as Hurricane Irma battered Castro had been in power for a little ered in the capital. Castro opponents called them “chi- This ideological gatekeeper system the island nation last year. he Committees for the Defense over a year, but he had not yet revealed Fernandez, one of the fi rst to join, vatos” — or “informers” — and they — with cousins in Venezuela and Ecua- Noting a “change in context” since of the Revolution were Fidel his socialist bent. was elected to the head of the CDR, kept an eye on anyone whose ideas or dor — survived the economic and social the Cold War ended, Cuban aff airs ana- TCastro’s brainchild nearly 60 “We started to set off fi recrackers, as they are known in Spanish, in his behavior seemed suspect. upheavals that followed the end of the lyst Arturo Lopez-Levy, who lectures at years ago, created to keep watch over and at that moment, Fidel had this neighbourhood of Pueblo Nuevo in an Thousands of cells exist in every Cold War. the University of Texas Rio Grande Val- a shaky regime — now, they are an en- marvellous idea and said: ‘We are going inaugural vote. neighbourhood, in every village in the And step by step, the committees ley, said today “the role of the CDR is during symbol of communism in Cuba. to create an organisation to defend the “I am a founder of the CDR,” the eld- country, with around 8mn members have taken on tasks like catching drug more restrained, less important for new While their role may have changed revolution’,” recalled the retired agri- erly man, now frail and with thinning — more than three-quarters of the is- traffi ckers and combating tax evasion. generations and of fundamental value somewhat, these bodies remain over- cultural worker, 87. hair, said with pride. land’s population. Others work to fi ght crime, with des- to the community.” seers of the revolution at a local level — The new revolutionary regime faced He has been an active member for Their national co-ordinator, Carlos ignated “watchmen” to keep an eye on Fernandez says he hopes, though, and will be charged with ensuring disci- armed attacks, primarily in Havana, four decades. Rafael Miranda, is one of 31 members of late-night grocery stores. that the groups will survive, saying pline when Raul Castro hands over the many of which were instigated or Considered “the eyes and ears of the Cuba’s Council of State, the country’s Members also promote social ben- they are inseparable from Cuban com- presidency to his successor on April 19. backed by Washington. revolution,” the CDR’s logo shows a man executive body. efi ts and coordinate services like vacci- munism. In his modest home in Cienfuegos, “We are going to create a collec- brandishing a shield and a machete, ac- The defence committees are particu- nation campaigns and blood drives, as “The revolution is here to stay. No located 230km from Havana, Orlando tive revolutionary surveillance system. companied by the slogan “on guard.” larly visible during elections. well as organising volunteers for com- one is going to reverse it,” he said. Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 23 PAKISTAN Malala returns to Mingora with Malala is seen with the principal of all-boys Swat Cadet College Guli Bagh, during her hometown visit, some 15km outside of Mingora. Nobel laureate thanks govt, her ‘eyes open’ AFP she met with friends and fam- has been met with widespread tary personnel were killed in an Mingora, Pakistan ily before visiting the all-boys joy and pride. attack, and analysts have warned army for helping her return Swat Cadet College Guli Bagh, a She broke down in tears as that the militants still have a military-run school some 15km she made a televised speech on presence there. alala Yousafzai vis- outside Mingora. Thursday, saying that it was Residents of the area have Internews Malala reiterated her joy of be- dents of Army Public School ited the Swat valley “So much joy seeing my fam- her “dream” to be back, and has praised Malala to AFP in recent Islamabad ing in Pakistan and her mission of for their medical treatment in Myesterday for her fi rst ily home, visiting friends and vowed to Pakistani media that days, crediting her with helping providing education to children. England through the Malala trip back to the once militant- putting my feet on this soil she will return permanently after to generate improvements in ed- “We want to make it possible Fund, the 20-year-old said: “We infested Pakistani region where again,” she tweeted. she has completed her education. ucation – especially for girls – in alala Yousafzai has that every girl in Pakistan re- should help others not only by she was shot in the head by the There she lingered some 45 However, she has also been the deeply conservative region, thanked the govern- ceives a high-level education and money but with our attitude and Taliban more than fi ve years ago. minutes, taking photographs, met with pockets of intense criti- part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mment of Pakistan and she can fulfi l her dreams and be- gestures.” “I left Swat with my eyes before travelling back to Islama- cism. province. the army for making it possible come a part of society,” she said. In response to a question about closed and now I am back with bad. Malala is widely respected Earlier this month an all-girls to visit the country again after When asked if she saw a dif- her role models, Malala said the my eyes open,” she told AFP, re- The entire visit is believed to internationally, but opinion school built with money from the fi ve years. ference in the Pakistan of 2012 nation had just lost one of the ferring to how she was airlifted have lasted just over two hours. is divided in Pakistan, where Malala Fund opened in Shangla “I thank the government and and 2018, Malala said: “Cer- best role models, Asma Jahangir. out in a coma after the attack in Mingora is where Malala’s some conservatives view her as district northeast of Mingora, the army for the role they have tainly there is a diff erence and “When you translate bravery 2012. family was living and where she a Western agent on a mission to where her family lived before played in my return – without things are improving. People in into human body, you can call her “I am extremely delighted. My was attending school on October shame her country. moving to the city. them this would not have been our country are uniting for a bet- Asma Jahangir.” dream has come true. Peace has 9, 2012, when a gunman boarded Malala told AFP in Swat that possible,” the 20-year old said ter Pakistan. People are active, She expressed faith in the Pa- returned to Swat because of the her school bus, asked “Who is The Nobel laureate’s she could see vast changes in the in an interview to Geo TV chan- which is a very good thing.” kistani youth’s ability and pas- invaluable sacrifi ces rendered by Malala?”, and shot her. visit to her hometown of area since 2012 – but added she nelled aired yesterday, her fi rst In the interview, she expressed sion to bring a change. my brothers and sisters,” she said She was treated fi rst at an army Mingora, in which she was has read reports which claim up to a TV channel on her surprise concern over propaganda against “They are lucky to have many at a school outside Mingora, the hospital then airlifted to the Brit- accompanied by her parents to 50% of children are still out of current visit. her and said she avoids watch- role models like you [interviewer district’s main town, where she ish city of Birmingham. and two brothers, lasted just school. She also appreciated the role ing news on television and going Hamid Mir] to follow,” she said. was escorted by the Pakistani Her near-miraculous recovery, over two hours “We will have to work very of former army chief Ashfaq through negative comments on She said that people in Paki- military. and tireless career as an educa- hard to bring them all to school,” Kyani in her treatment after she her social media posts in order to stan’s Federally Administered The brief trip by the 20-year- tion advocate, have since turned There had been much specu- she vowed. was shot in the head by the Tali- remain “focused and positive”. Tribal Areas should be given old Nobel laureate is a highly her into a global symbol for hu- lation within the country over Residents of Swat also wel- ban militants in 2012 in Swat in Malala also mentioned her fel- equal their rights and supported symbolic moment for Pakistan, man rights, and in 2014 she be- whether Malala would go to Swat comed her visit and urged fellow northwest Pakistan. low students Shazia and Kainat the region’s merger with adjacent which regularly touts Swat as came the youngest person ever during her visit. Pakistanis to support her eff orts Malala, who is pursuing a de- who were also injured when the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. a success story in its long bat- to be awarded the Nobel Peace The mountainous region, to promote girls’ education. gree in philosophy, politics and Taliban attacked her in 2012. Malala returned to Pakistan in tle with extremism as it defends Prize, when she was just 17. once a prized tourist destina- “We welcome Malala and the economics at Oxford University, The two completed their 10th a surprise visit in the early hours itself against accusations by the Her family also told AFP of tion famed for its pristine scen- slogan that she has raised – one said that her initial treatment grade in the UK and now are pur- of Thursday. US and others that its northwest their joy in coming home. ery, was overrun by the Pakistani pen, one teacher. We have pinned was in Pakistan by army doctors suing higher education at Edin- She met Prime Minister Sha- remains a safe haven for mili- “I am unable to believe I am Taliban in 2007. our hopes in Malala,” Nazir Khan, and if they had not done her sur- burgh University in Scotland, she hid Khaqan Abbasi and ad- tancy. back in Swat and meeting my The militants imposed a bru- a government servant, told AFP. gery in time, “I would not be here said. dressed a gathering at the Prime The visit – on which she was own people,” her father Ziauddin tal, bloody rule, but the army “People have positive as well today”. A hospital, being built by Minister House. accompanied by her father, Yousafzai said, in comments that drove them out in 2009. as negative views about her,” fel- Malala said she was planning Malala Fund, will enable women “I am very happy and still mother, and two brothers – was was echoed by her mother Toor Recently restrictions on tour- low resident Arshad Ali said. “We a permanent return to Pakistan in her hometown to get treat- can’t believe that this is happen- kept tightly under wraps. Pekai. ists visiting the area were lifted. need to see what she has done after completing her education. ment in their locality instead of ing. In the past fi ve years I had She took pictures of Swat val- The trip comes two days af- However, security has re- until now, she has constructed a “My plan is to return to Paki- travelling outside the village, she always dreamt of stepping foot ley from an army helicopter and ter Malala, currently a student mained fragile, as the assault on model school at Shangla refl ect- stan as this is my country. I have said. in my country,” Malala said as tweeted them saying: “The most at Oxford University in Britain, Malala three years after the mili- ing her sincerity of purpose – to the same right on the country as Responding to a question she slightly broke down speaking beautiful place on earth to me.” made her emotional return to tary operation demonstrated. promote education especially any another Pakistani,” she said. about helping the injured stu- about her return. After fl ying from Islamabad, Pakistan, where her surprise visit In February this year 11 mili- among girls in the country.”

Petrol to cost less, Film fest but other fuels are kicks off in Karachi more expensive Internews Karachi Internews prices of petroleum products Islamabad was required to pass on the impact of fl uctuation in in- he very fi rst edition of the ternational oil prices and the Pakistan International xcept for a substantial rupee against US dollar during TFilm Festival (PIFF) has cut in petrol price, all the March. kicked off in Karachi, organisers Eother petroleum prod- Therefore, on the basis of said here yesterday. ucts in Pakistan are estimated existing tax rates and imported The fi rst day of the event was to become slightly expensive cost of PSO, Ogra calculated held in multiple locations across for a month mainly because of the new ex-depot price of HSD the city and saw a delegation of currency depreciation, accord- at Rs99.10 per litre instead of prominent Indian fi lmmakers ing to offi cial calculations. existing rate of Rs98.45 per li- Karachi and artists discuss several top- However, the government is tre. ics with their Pakistani counter- expected to keep all the prices For petrol, the ex-depot Fashion parts at Ziauddin University. unchanged except for a minor price was worked out at Further, short fi lms, feature cut in petrol price to protect its Rs82.81 per litre instead of ex- Week fi lms and documentaries were revenue stream at the existing isting rate of Rs88.07 per litre. screened at Nueplex Cinema, level, an offi cial said yesterday. Likewise, the Ogra calcu- Above, right: Actress Mahira Khan and models present creations by Iqra University, Goethe Insti- He said that the internation- lated ex-refi nery price of kero- Pakistani designer Umar Sayeed late on Friday, on the final day of the tute, The Second Floor (T2F), al oil prices had slightly come sene at Rs76.59 per litre against ‘Hum Showcase’ Fashion Week in Karachi. and Alliance Francaise. down in March but the impact existing rate of Rs76.46 per li- Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj of of currency depreciation was tre, showing an increase of 13 Above, left: Models present creations by Pakistani designer Sania Haider fame, actor Nandita Das having adverse impact. paisa per litre. Maskatiya late on Friday. and sarangi player Harsh Naray- Based on existing tax rates an joined screenwriter Anjum and import prices reported by The government is Left: A model presents a creation by Pakistani designer Elan late on Rajabali, Asim Raza, and Sajal Pakistan State Oil (PSO), the expected to keep fuel Friday. Aly in a panel discussion about Oil and Gas Regulatory Au- prices unchanged to Indo-Pakistan collaborations, thority (Ogra) on Friday worked protect its revenue stream moderated by Asif Noorani. out a reduction of Rs5.26 per at the existing level They spoke of the political litre in the price of petrol for friction between the two coun- April. Also, it proposed 55 paisa tries, past collaborations and The regulator also recom- per litre increase in the price of how to keep art and cultural ex- mended an increase of 65 paisa LDO to Rs65.85 instead of ex- change alive despite everything. per litre for high speed diesel isting rate of Rs65.30. Senate farewells cost Rs10mn Another session titled In- (HSD), 55 paisa per litre in light The summary has been novation on Screen: Digital Di- diesel oil (LDO) and 13 paisa per forwarded to the petroleum mensions saw Abrar Ali Khan of litre in kerosene. division that would seek its Internews events hosted by the former 2018 by the Protocol Branch of senators had an estimated cost Rockville and Farees Shah from Interestingly, the prices approval from the prime min- Islamabad Senate chairman, former depu- the Senate Secretariat at the of Rs525,000, the same tab as Ifl ix discuss the possibilities and for the next month have been ister through the ministry of ty chairman, and former leader time of writing of the letter. the dinner hosted by former expansion of digital media. worked out on the basis of fi nance. of the opposition, according to However, the parties were Senate deputy chairman Gha- Further, Sanam Saeed, Aami- higher than notifi ed tax rates In an order, the fi nance min- ormer Senate chairman the letter. thrown later on diff erent dates. foor Haideri in the honour of all na Sheikh and Adnan Malik- for HSD on the orders of the istry has ordered calculation of Raza Rabbani, former op- The letter also mentioned The lunch hosted by the the senators on March 7. starrer Cake also premiered as fi nance ministry to enable the prices on the basis of 31% GST Fposition leader in the Sen- that the Protocol Branch had former Senate chairman in the The dinner hosted by former part of the festival and received a government to announce a rel- on high speed diesel and 17% ate Aitzaz Ahsan, and others already submitted revised es- honour of all staff of the Senate opposition leader in Senate Ait- thunderous response from those atively lower rate for political on all the other products. lavishly threw farewell parties timates for 2017-18 and budget Secretariat was the most ex- zaz Ahsan on March 8 in honour present. objectives. This is despite the fact that which ran up bills totalling al- estimates for 2018-19 to the pensive event, with Rs2.85mn of the senators also cost the na- Many Pakistani celebrities As such, if the regulators’ notifi ed-GST rate on high most Rs10mn in just a week. Finance and Accounts Branch spent. tional exchequer Rs525,000. such as Syra Shahroz and Aye- calculations are approved by speed diesel at present was The Senate Secretariat Pro- with the stated amount of funds The lunch was held on March Another lunch in the honour sha Omar graced the red carpet, the prime minister, the price 25.5% at present. tocol Branch, in a letter to the not included. 7, 2018. of the senators on March 12 cost as did Bheja Fry 2 actor Vinay of HSD would go up by 0.7%, In addition, the government Finance and Accounts Branch, There were nine lunches and Meanwhile, the farewell din- Rs225,000. Pathak. kerosene by 0.2%, and LDO by is also charging Rs8 per litre states that the proposed addi- dinners from March 6, 2018 to ner hosted by the former Sen- The last event of the outgo- Umar Riaz’s debut documen- 0.8%. petroleum levy on HSD, Rs10 tional amount of Rs9.8mn may March 13, 2018 at a cost of an ate chairman on March 8 cost ing Senate offi cer bearers, the tary feature Some Lover to Some The price of petrol on the per litre on petrol and Rs6 and be re-appropriated in the En- additional Rs9.841mn, accord- Rs1.9mn, and the launch of Sen- handover ceremony on March Beloved, which took him seven other hand is estimated to fall Rs3 per litre on kerosene and tertainment and Gifts account ing to the details provided in the ate Publications on March 9 had 13, cost Rs175,000. years to complete, was also by 6%. light diesel oil (LDO) respec- for the fi nancial year, Express letter. an estimated cost of Rs1.2mn. The total spending is the screened. In a summary sent to the tively. Tribune newspaper reports. All the lunch and dinner par- A dinner on March 6 hosted equivalent of the average annual The PIFF is the fi rst large- government, the Ogra main- Oil prices are revised on the The expenses were suppos- ties had estimated a cost which by former leader of the house Benazir income support pro- scale fi lm festival since the Kara tained that the adjustment in last day of every month. edly incurred on account of was intimated on February 19, Zafarul Haq in favour of all the gramme payout to 500 families. Film Festival years ago. Gulf Times 24 Sunday, April 1, 2018 PHILIPPINES Cooling off Rapporteur says nation slipping toward ‘fascism’

By Catherine S Valente “It (Duterte government) Manila Times controls the parliament. It fi led an impeachment case against the chief justice of the he Philippines under Supreme Court. It has impris- President Rodrigo Du- oned another woman who is a Tterte is “slipping toward senator. So it’s going against fascism,” the Filipina United the diff erent institutions, gov- Nations special rapporteur for ernment branches that should indigenous peoples claimed, balance the executive,” Cor- saying the government was puz said in a speech during the “shooting messengers” or Human Rights Festival held in critics like her. Milan, Italy on March 25. Writing in an opinion piece Corpuz said there were for the British paper Financial many reported killings in the Times, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz Philippines because of the decried her inclusion in a list strong resistance from indig- of terrorists fi led by the Justice enous peoples like farmers and department before a Manila workers against the increasing court, allegedly in retalia- fascism that’s taking place in tion for her eff orts to protect the government. the rights of indigenous peo- “I would like to appeal to ples from mining interests in the Italians to help in this Mindanao. campaign that we are doing to “In lumping its critics to- stop the fascism that is hap- gether with criminals, the pening in our country and for government seeks to make us you to also speak to your state all guilty by association and, authorities so that they will A toddler cools down in Manila Bay while his mother stands watch on Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter Sunday. thus, the next targets of the also speak out against what’s vigilantes and rogue police of- happening in my country,” she fi cers who have led President said. Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war Corpuz, a leader of the against drugs. Now, he has Kankanaey Igorot people, was started a new war— with new among some 600 individuals targets,” she said in her March that the Department of Justice 29 opinion piece. wanted to declare as “terror- “You can keep shooting the ists.” messenger, but you will run Palace spokesman Harry out of bullets before we run Roque Jr had said that Corpuz’s Bill to ban privatisation out of messengers and, at the inclusion in the government’s end of the day, the message “terrorist” list was based on in- will be heard,” she said. telligence information and not Malacanang yesterday is- part of a “witch hunt.” sued a statement countering “Victoria Tauli-Corpuz was Corpuz’ various statements. also included because of intel- Executive Secretary Salva- ligence information that she is of govt hospitals passed dor Medialdea said Corpuz’s somehow connected with the remarks “show how detached CPP-NPA (Communist Party By Llanesca T Panti ernment actors become increas- vatisation of public health serv- fi ce for three to six years. For the the government should adopt she is with the realities hap- of the Philippines-New Peo- Manila Times ingly involved in the fi nancing ices,” the Committee Report on third off ence, the violator will an integrated and comprehen- pening in the Philippines.” ple’s Army),” Roque said in an and the provision of health care the measure read. be slapped a fi ne of P500,000 sive approach to health devel- “Democracy in the Philip- earlier press briefi ng. services which includes outright “This will also enable indi- to P800,000 and perpetual dis- opment which shall endeavour pines is vibrant and strong. All “I assure everyone including he House of Representa- sale, public-probate partner- gent patients to access qual- qualifi cation from holding any to make essential goods, health the branches of the govern- the international community, tives has approved House ship, corporatisation, contract- ity health care in public hos- public offi ce. and other social services avail- ment are functioning and the that this is not a witch hunt TBill 7437 or the Anti-Pri- ing out of equipment, joint ven- pitals, public health facilities Among the authors of the able to all the people at afford- rule of law thrives,” Medialdea on UN special rapporteurs,” vatisation of Public Hospitals, ture, franchising, management and public health services,” it measure were Makabayan bloc able cost. Likewise, the 1987 said in the statement. he added. Roque then assured Health Facilities and Health control and leasing and user added. A person who will vio- party-list Representatives Car- Charter provides that there “The executive branch re- Corpuz that the Philippines Services Act that bars the changes. late the proposed law will be los Zarate of Bayan Muna; An- should be a “priority for the spects the separation of pow- adheres to the rule of law and Health secretary or any other Likewise, the bill provides fi ned P100,000 to P200,000 tonio Tinio and France Castro of needs of the underprivileged ers and the independence of that she can dispute the “ter- person from initiating, causing that at least 90% of the total bed and suspended for one to two Alliance of Concerned Teachers; sick, elderly, disabled, women, the other co-equal branches rorist” tag. or approving the privatisation capacity of all public hospitals years from public offi ce for the Arlene Brosas and Emerenciana and children.” and doesn’t meddle with their “In any case, we are a civi- of any public hospital, public should be allotted for indigent or fi rst off ence. de Jesus of Gabriela, Ariel Casi- There were eff orts to privatise aff airs,” he added. lised country in the Philip- health facility or public health poor patients. A second off ence would mean lao of Anakpawis and Sarah Ela- the state-run Philippine Ortho- Corpuz was earlier quoted pines; we will accord Miss services. “This will address the lack of a P200,000 to P500,000 fi ne on go of Kabataan. pedic Centre (POC) in 2015. It saying that the Duterte gov- Victoria Tauli-Corpuz the The bill defi nes privatisation access and inequality in health top of temporary disqualifi ca- Article 13, Section 11 of the did not push through because of ernment “has become very right to be heard, inherent as a process in which non-gov- care brought about by the pri- tion from holding any public of- 1987 Constitution states that widespread public protests. authoritarian.” due-process rights,” he said. Poe wants govt to ensure price Duterte’s call to nurture stability of canned goods humility and forgiveness

By Bernadette E Tamayo is set at P310 in Region 1, P285 soap will increase by three to due to the Train Law are said to By Catherine S Valente Manila Times in Region 8 and P265 in the Au- four centavos under the Train be the reasons behind the price Manila Times tonomous Region in Muslim Law. hike petition of the manufac- Mindanao (ARMM). turers,” Poe said. he Senate should look “It is clear that among the “It is clear that among A regular can of sardines, the ddressing millions of into the eff ects of the primary duties of the govern- the primary duties poor man’s food, costs between Christians celebrating Tincrease in the prices ment is to maintain price sta- of the government is to P13 and P14. AEaster Sunday, Presi- of canned goods on minimum bility of basic commodities and maintain price stability The senator said the “infl a- dent Rodrigo Duterte reminded wage earners to help the gov- ensure the protection of Filipi- of basic commodities tion experienced by the bot- Filipinos that Christ’s triumph ernment come up with meas- no consumers from unscrupu- and ensure the protection tom 30% of households surged is a message for us to “nurture ures on how to provide aff ected lous trade practices,” Poe said. of Filipino consumers to 4.80% in January this year, humility and forgiveness in our families with fi nancial aid or She noted that in January, from unscrupulous from 3.60% in December 2017.” hearts.” “non-monetary succour.” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez trade practices” “Rising food prices have dev- Today, Catholic churches na- This has been proposed by had assured the public that astating impacts on the bottom tionwide lift the veil of today and Sen. Grace Poe in her March there will only be minimal price On March 3, canned sardines 30% of Filipino households adorn altars with fl owers once 12 Resolution 679 urging three increase on basic goods and manufacturers asked the De- who spend as much as 70% more to commemorate Easter in Senate committees–trade, commodities once the Tax Re- partment of Trade and Industry of their income on food,” she atonement for the sins of man- economic aff airs and labour– form for Acceleration and In- to allow them to increase the added. kind. to conduct the inquiry to help clusion (Train) Law takes eff ect. price of a can of sardines from “There is a need to act ur- Churches held vigil late yes- ordinary workers with their Lopez said instant noodles, P1 to P2, citing the new law. gently to ensure the welfare of terday, with priests blessing the household expenditures. regular canned sardines, a 25- “Spikes in the prices of im- the 23mn Filipino households sacred fi re and lighting the huge The minimum wage in Metro gram sachet of instant coff ee, a ported raw materials, petro- over the coming months,” Poe paschal candle, representing the Manila is pegged at P512 while it can of meat loaf and detergent leum products and electricity said. conquering of darkness or death. In some churches like the Edsa Shrine in Mandaluyong, the tra- ditional “Salubong” procession Coach gets 480 years followed immediately after the jail term for rape vigil. Banks on alert after cyber attack In his Easter message, Duterte A Regional Trial Court (RTC) here urged Filipinos to refl ect on the sentenced a taekwondo coach a sacrifi ces of Christ. total of 480 years’ imprisonment at Malaysia central bank “I join our brothers and sis- for 12 counts of rape on com- ters in the Christian faith in plaints filed by his three minor celebrating Easter Sunday,” students, Manila Times reported. Reuters requests over the SWIFT bank no specifi c threat, offi cials said. Duterte said. Meted the maximum penalty of Manila messaging network, the latest Bank Negara did not say who “As we remember Christ’s Duterte: call for humility reclusion perpetua or an imprison- in a series of electronic heists was behind the hack or how triumph, may we nurture hu- ment of 40 years for each count at fi nancial institutions around they accessed its SWIFT serv- mility and forgiveness in our “Let us pray for the welfare of the traditional Good Friday was Allan Labayen Arellano, 31, of he Philippine central the world. “We issued a general ers. The central bank, which su- hearts as these will free us and safety of our countrymen Stations of the Cross proces- Bacolod City. In convicting Arel- bank has sounded an alert reminder as soon as we pervises 45 commercial banks from the shackles of hatred and and for lasting peace in our sion, the pontiff said the world lano, Judge Philadelfa Pagapong- Talert to local fi nancial got BNM advisory to be extra in Malaysia, said there was no greed. For it is only by being nation so that we can all work was “devoured by egotism in Agraviador of RTC Branch 43 also institutions following a cyber careful over the long holiday. disruption to other payment selfless that we can truly say together in harmony towards which the young, the sick, the ordered him to indemnify his attack at the Malaysian cen- Although banks already do and settlement systems. we are worthy of God’s love,” real change,” he added. “I wish old are marginalised.” three victims of P225,000 for each tral bank, in which hackers that as SOP (standard operating In February 2016, the he added. everyone a solemn and joyous Amid tight security, around count of rape or a total P2.7mn. sought to steal money using procedure),” Bangko Sentral ng Philippine fi nancial system Duterte then encouraged Fil- Easter Sunday.” 20,000 faithful, many hold- Arellano was accused of rape by fraudulent wire transfers, its Pilipinas Governor Nestor Es- was thrown into the global ipinos to make sacrifices for the Meanwhile, leading Holy ing candles, gathered around his students – aged 10, 11 and 12 – governor said yesterday. penilla said in a phone message. spotlight after $81mn that greater good of the nation. Week rites at the Vatican, Pope Rome’s Colosseum for the reli- in separate incidents in 2008 and Bank Negara Malaysia “Information sharing is part was stolen from Bangladesh “Let us make this occasion Francis said he was “ashamed” gious ritual. 2009 that allegedly happened (BNM) has said no funds were of enhanced defensive protocols central bank was channelled more meaningful by offer- that younger generations The Italian capital has been after taekwando practice in his lost in the incident, which it against cyber-crime,” Espenilla into several accounts at Ma- ing aid to others, especially to would inherit a world “frac- put under tight surveillance house and in their classroom. identifi ed on Tuesday, and in- said.The alert was issued on nila-based Rizal Commercial those in need,” the president tured by divisions and wars.” following a week marked by a volved falsifi ed wire-transfer Wednesday, and there had been Banking Corp (RCBC). said. Speaking in Rome at the end series of anti-terror arrests. Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Hardline group Charity worker Helen gets in Lanka to fl oat political party

Bangladeshi citizenship Agencies on the minority commu- Colombo nity, their religious sites Agencies Khulna, Naogaon, Dhaka and and properties during Dhaka Gopalganj for 57 years. the communal violence She went on retirement in 2004 hardline Sin- in the island’s central and came back to Barisal Oxford hala-Buddhist hills Kandy and Ampara he long wait of British Mission. A group in Sri districts. woman Lucy Helen Franc- In her retired life, she is pro- Lanka, which was al- The communal violence Tes Holt ended yesterday viding English education to dis- legedly involved in at- was triggered by the death as the government honoured her tressed children. tacks during the recent of a Sinhalese man at the with Bangladesh citizenship for Helen also made outstanding communal riots in the hands of a mob. her lifelong humanitarian serv- contributions to Bangladesh’s country, has decided to The government had ices to the people of Bangladesh Liberation War by taking care fl oat a political party. imposed a state of emer- by living in the country for the of the war-wounded civilians at Mahason Balakaya or gency and blocked Fa- last 57 years. Fatema Hospital in Jessore during the Devil Mahasona’s cebook, WhatsApp and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the war. Force, which had alleg- other social media sites handed over the citizenship certif- During the war, she wrote a edly published videos following the riots in icate to 87-year-old Lucy Helen at number of letters to her friends of hate speech, said it which three people were a function at her offi cial residence in Bangladesh to create public has forwarded papers to killed and hundreds of Ganobhaban. opinion during the war as well as the authorities for the properties, including Helen also contributed a lot to a letter to her parent in the United party’s registration, lo- religious places, were Bangladesh’s Liberation War by Kingdom describing the situation cal media reported. damaged. creating public opinions in favour during that time. “Sinhalese have Nearly 300 people, it in 1971. After the war, Helen sent a let- got no political party including a senior leader After the ceremony, PM’s press ter along with some gifts to Be- while every race has of Mahason Balakaya, secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hands over the citizenship certificate to 87-year-old Lucy Helen at a function at gum Fazilatunnesa Mujib in 1973. one. We have decided were arrested during the reporters saying that Helen was her off icial residence Ganobhaban yesterday. On behalf of Bangamata, the then to form a new political riots. given Bangladesh’s citizenship school student Sheikh Rehana also party with Mahason Violence has risen in following her application in this the dream was fulfi lled today af- cipal secretary Nojibur Rahman cember 16, 1930. On completion replied expressing gratitude to Balakaya and several the Buddhist-majority regard. ter meeting Sheikh Hasina, the and secretary of the security serv- of her 12th grade, she fi rst visited Helen at that time. other Sinhala organi- country since 2012, with The prime minister thanked daughter of Bangamata. ices division under the ministry Bangladesh in 1960. During her visit to Barisal on sations,” a spokesman some hardline majority Helen for her charity services. Sheikh Rehana, the youngest of home Farid Uddin Ahmed were In that year, Helen joined Barisal February 8 last, the prime minister for the group said in the groups accusing the mi- In reply, Helen said she had the daughter of Father of the Nation present. Oxford Mission and taught prima- handed over Helen’s passport with north central town of nority community of forc- desire to meet Bangamata Fazi- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Helen, daughter of John Holt ry schoolchildren. Since then, she a 15-year multiple Bangladeshi Anuradhapura. ing people to convert and latunnesa Mujib but could not, Rahman, Prime Minister’s daugh- and Francese Holt, was born in the has been staying in Bangladesh. visa ending her long ordeal for visa Mahason Balakaya was vandalising archaeological and expressed her happiness as ter Saima Wazed Hossain, prin- British town of St Helens on De- Helen had worked in Jessore, renewal every year. accused in arson attacks sites. Nepalese banks For blood donation record allowed to borrow from abroad

IANS where there is no bank branch, fi ve years, Nepal Rastra Bank Kathmandu within this fi scal year. Out of (NRB) said. 753 local units, there are bank The NRB fi rst got a quota branches in only 394 local of investing up to 1.2bn yuan epal’s central bank has units till date. ($190mn) from People’s Bank of paved the way for do- Banks had already made a China as per the memorandum Nmestic commercial commitment to the central bank of understanding (MoU) signed banks to borrow from foreign to establish branches in 243 lo- between the central banks of the banks and fi nancial institu- cal units after the local units two countries in June 2013. tions to address the liquidity were formed. Due to lack of After the signing of the agree- crunch in banking system in bank branches in the local units, ment, the NRB started investing the last few months, a Nepal the reserve fund accounts of the in Chinese securities. Nepal’s Rastra Bank (NRB) offi cial said local units are being operated central bank’s investment, as of yesterday. from the district headquarters. end of December 2017, reached It is for the fi rst time that However, the law states that lo- 5.67bn yuan ($900mn), 4.7 Nepali banks have been allowed cal bodies need to operate the times more than initial quota to borrow from abroad. Other reserve fund account through determined for NRB, the Nepali fi rms can borrow from abroad. commercial banks. central bank said. “A meeting of the board of Despite their commitment, “This is 9.7% of the total in- directors of the central bank commercial banks have not vestment made by NRB abroad endorsed a proposal on al- been expanding bank branches in foreign currencies,” Rajen- lowing domestic commercial citing the lack of security and dra Pandit, assistant spokes- Nepalese people participate in a blood donation campaign to attempt to record in Guinness World Record organised at Tundikhel in banks to borrow from foreign basic infrastructure like con- person of NRB, said. Kathmandu recently. banks and fi nancial institu- crete building and fast internet Nepal’s central bank has tions,” Rajendra Pandit, assist- facility, among others that are invested a total of $8.4bn in ant spokesperson of NRB, told necessary to establish branch- foreign securities market in Xinhua news agency. es at the local level. The central diff erent currencies as of De- Domestic banks could bor- bank today urged the banks to cember 2017. Bangladesh to seek Russian support over Rohingya issue row loans up to 25% of their expand branches to the 243 lo- Nepal’s central bank started Bangladesh Foreign Minister crisis will come up prominently repatriation. says the two ministers will core capital, he said. cal units where they have al- investing in Yuan-based se- AH Mahmood Ali is to leave and Bangladesh will seek Russian The ‘Physical Arrangement’ review the current state of “The banks can borrow loans ready made a commitment by curities to diversify its invest- Dhaka for Moscow today on a support to resolve it, off icials said. stipulates that the repatriation Russia-Bangladesh relations, the for the period from one year mid-May. ments in a bid to minimise risks two-day visit when Rohingya Some 700,000 Rohingya will be completed preferably prospects for promoting political to fi ve years to fi nance only in Similarly, the central regu- and maximise its earnings. issue is expected to come up refugees have taken shelter in within two years from the start of dialogue and ties in trade, the productive sector such as latory and monetary author- “As yield from investments prominently as Dhaka wants to Bangladesh since last August repatriation but no repatriation is economic, cultural and other agriculture, tourism, hydro- ity has named the local units in Chinese securities is rela- seek Moscow’s support to resolve following an army crackdown taken place so far. practical areas, as well as ways to power and outer infrastructure where each bank has to expand tively higher compared to the the protracted crisis. that the United Nations has On March 28, Bangladesh improve the bilateral treaty and projects,” said Pandit. its network in the remaining US dollar and Euro based secu- Minister Ali will hold off icial talks likened to ethnic cleansing. ambassador to Russia S M Saiful legal framework. “Borrowed loans from 116 local bodies based on the rities abroad, we are increasing with his Russian counterpart On January 16, Bangladesh and Hoque met Deputy Foreign With regard to the abroad cannot be used to lend negotiations with the banks. a portion of investment in Chi- Sergey Lavrov tomorrow and Myanmar signed a document on Minister Igor Morgulov and international and regional to the real estate, share market Investment in yuan: Ne- nese securities,” said Pandit. discuss on the key issues of ‘Physical Arrangement’ which will discussed preparations for the agendas, they will focus and imports,” he said. pal’s central bank’s invest- According to the NRB, yield bilateral and global agenda, said facilitate the return of Rohingya working visit which is taking specifically on expanding NRB has also instructed the ment in yuan-based Chinese in yuan is 3.4% while it is news agency UNB quoting an refugees to their homeland place at the invitation of Foreign co-operation in international commercial banks to establish securities had increased by 1.72%, 0.01% in Euro and 6.1% off icial. from Bangladesh but there is Minister Sergey Lavrov. organisations, primarily the UN branches in every local unit nearly fi ve times over the last in Indian currencies. During the meeting, the Rohingya no significant progress over The Russian foreign ministry and its specialised agencies.

42km-long tailback on Bangladesh Suspected conman placed on remand highway A 42km-long tailback was Agencies Donatus is allegedly part of “The gang has a bank ac- such as a conference package, visa created from Narayanganj’s Dhaka an international gang which count in Dinajpur’s Hili,” Gopal approval letter, US embassy ap- Madanpur to Daudkandi’s conned $3,308 (476,000 taka) Chakraborty, additional deputy pointment letter, and air ticket. Gouripur area in Comilla out of Prof Faruque Miah of the commissioner of Sylhet Metro- This money was also refundable, division of Bangladesh Nigerian national accused genetic engineering department politan police detective branch, they said. yesterday morning. of defrauding a Bangla- at Shahjalal University of Sci- said. “They might have more Prof Faruque sent a total of Comilla highway patrol police Adeshi university profes- ence and Technology (SUST), on bank accounts. We are tracking $3,308 to a bank account in two in-charge Abul Kalam Azad sor of thousands of US dollars to the pretext of making arrange- down mobile numbers of the phases via a friend in Belgium. said the gridlock started on attend a bogus conference in the ments to send the academic to a gang.” On March 27, an African na- Thursday night and it has United States has been put on a seminar abroad. On March 1, Prof Faruque got tional met Prof Faruque in Upa- been continuing for the third two-day police remand. “Prof Faruk Miah received an an email saying the US immi- shahar of Sylhet city. The African consecutive day. On Friday, police produced him email invitation in February, to gration service had confi rmed national wanted the professor to The traff ic movement, in the before the court with a seven-day a seminar in the USA,” Paritosh his visa, which would arrive by buy a machine for printing fake connecting roads, has been remand appeal. Ghosh, additional commissioner March 19-21. dollars. When Prof Faruque de- very slow, he added. Donatus Emeka Onyejiuwa of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, told He was then asked to send clined the off er, the Nigerian then He said: “There was a long had been in Bangladesh for three reporters. photocopies of his passport plus left the place. tailback of 22km Saturday months when he was detained by Prof Faruque expressed his $160 in visa fees, $95 for insur- When the professor tried morning till 10am in Comilla.” Detective Branch (DB) police at a interest in attending the semi- ance fees and $1,399 as a de- to contact Donatus for his “There was traff ic congestion hotel on the Dhaka-Sylhet high- nar by return email. The “or- posit which, he was told, would documents, his mobile alongside Meghna river,” the way on Thursday. ganisers” then asked him to be refunded at the airport when number remained switched police off icial said, adding: He was taken to Sylhet for inter- send $500 to book a hotel room he returned home from the off . Only then did the pro- “We are doing our best to rogation and produced before the in the USA. seminar. fessor realise he had been control the situation so that metropolitan magistrate’s court Prof Faruque paid the money The gang then asked him to pay cheated and reported the traff ic movement goes back to on Friday. through a contact in Belgium. $1,800 for a number of other items matter to the police. normal.” Gulf Times 26 Sunday, April 1, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Israeli forces’ lust for blood knows no limit The horrifi c massacre by the Israeli war machine of 16 defenceless Palestinian people who were marking the anniversary of their “Land Day” on Friday deserves to be condemned in the strongest terms. The Palestinian people were peacefully observing the annual commemoration of the deaths of six Arab citizens of Israel killed by Israeli security forces during demonstrations over government land confi scations in northern Israel in 1976. Whatever happened to The main focus of Friday’s demonstration was a demand that Palestinian refugees be allowed the right of return to towns and villages which their families fl ed from, or were driven out of, when Israel was created in 1948. Palestinian health ministry offi cials said Israeli saving for a rainy day? forces used mostly live gunfi re against the protesters, in addition to tank fi re and teargas. The heavy-handed and draconian methods used by By Carmen M Reinhart the Israeli forces to contain peaceful and legitimate Cambridge protests by Palestinian youth clearly demonstrate the bloodthirsty nature of ore than a decade ago, the Zionist forces. I undertook a study, Israel and the together with Graciela Clearly, the Israeli MKaminsky of George countries that authorities wanted Washington University and Carlos to deliver a message Vegh, now the World Bank’s chief support it must be to the Palestinian economist for Latin America and the people by committing Caribbean, examining more than 100 held responsible countries’ fiscal policies for much of this massacre that the postwar era. We concluded that for the murder of they will not tolerate advanced economies’ fiscal policies Palestinians’ struggle tended to be either independent 16 Palestinians for reclaiming their of the business cycle (acyclical) or to lean in the opposite direction land and their stolen rights. (countercyclical). Built-in stabilisers, Friday’s massacre has not only added a new chapter like unemployment insurance, are to Israel’s criminal record but also revealed the inability part of the story, but government of international human rights organisations and outlays also worked to smooth the not spending on itself now. Of course, Budget Act of 2018 are projected to government debt back goes a long economic cycle. democracies have a long history of put the defi cit above $1tn by next year, way, both in terms of my research the International Court of Justice to prosecute the The benefi t of countercyclical over-rewarding current voters at the even as most economists project the agenda and along the timeline of global perpetrators of a long series of Israeli abuses against policies is that government debt expense of future generations, but the unemployment rate to move lower. economic performance. In work with Palestinians. as a share of GDP falls during current scale and scope of fi scal largess Most Federal Reserve offi cials, for Vincent Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff It is worth noting that Qatar was one of the fi rst good times. That provides fi scal is mistimed to both the trend and cycle example, expect the unemployment rate examining a sample of advanced countries to condemn the use of brute force by the space when recessions materialise, of the US economy. Most analysts to be just above 3.5% over the next three economies since the Napoleonic War, without jeopardising long-run debt believe the US is at or near potential years, or almost one percentage point we found that periods of high debt Israelis in the face of peaceful demonstrations. sustainability. output. Fiscal stimulus at such a time is below their assessment of its natural were paired with long periods of weak Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that By contrast, in most emerging- plainly procyclical. rate. economic growth. And in the current this dangerous Israeli military escalation is a fl agrant market economies, fi scal policy was The previous round of fi scal stimulus This forecast of excess demand is an context, any adverse eff ect of debt on violation of international conventions and laws and procyclical: government spending dates to the 2009 American Recovery important part of the Fed’s rationale economic growth will intensify ongoing increased when the economy was and Reinvestment Act, enacted in for raising the policy rate and headwinds. called on the international community and the UN approaching full employment. This response to the Great Recession. The shrinking its balance sheet. The net An ageing US population implies Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities and tendency leaves countries poorly stimulus stretched past the immediate result of fiscal and monetary policy lower participation in market activity. put an end to the Israeli violations. positioned to inject stimulus when bad need, the ultimate price tag rose to moving in opposite directions is that This, together with slower productivity, Israel and the countries that support it must be held times come again. In fact, it sets the $840bn, and the net economic benefi t the Fed will make the government implies that rising entitlement responsible for the murder of 16 Palestinians and the stage for dreaded austerity measures remains debatable. Yet, even with debt created by this legislation spending will take a bigger slice of the that make bad times worse. these fl aws, the legislation addressed more expensive. The scale is not income pie. Indeed, the Congressional injuries caused to over 1,400 people, whose only crime Following its admission to the the palpable cyclical reality of an inconsiderable. The Centre for a Budget Offi ce foresees increases in was to demonstrate against an occupying force. eurozone, Greece convincingly unemployment rate touching 10%. Responsible Federal Budget forecasts spending relative to GDP of about fi ve Israeli loses no opportunity to exploit divisions demonstrated that an advanced This is what to expect in the exercise of that interest costs will be the fastest- percentage points in each of the next among the Palestinians to commit more crimes and economy can be just as procyclical discretionary policy, which is why the growing component of the budget, two decades. seize more of their land. as any emerging market. During a unemployment rate moves inversely eating up 14% by 2028. Some offi cials argue that foreign decade of prosperity, with output with the federal budget defi cit. True, the federal tax code is in dire investors’ appetite for US government Friday’s massacre of should serve as a unifying close to potential most of the time, The Reagan tax cuts of the early need of improvement, and last year’s debt – the rest of the world holds factor for the Palestinian groups in their struggle government spending outpaced 1980s came at a time when the reform, especially the reduction in almost half of all outstanding Treasury against Israeli occupation. The need of the hour is to growth, and government debt unemployment rate was climbing to the corporate tax rate, should boost securities, worth more than $6tn – support the government of national reconciliation, and ballooned (see graphic). Perhaps post-war highs, the economy was in output in the longer term. But such insulates America from economic harm. policymakers presumed that saving recession, and the Federal Reserve a gain is hard to bank on, and there is Capital-account surpluses, mirrored maintain the unity of the Palestinian people. for a rainy day is unnecessary if battling infl ation and keeping interest no plausible way that reform pays for in current-account defi cits, summed As for the international community, there is urgent this time is different and perpetual rates at or near record highs. The gross itself. Rather, the preferable strategy to about $3.3tn from 2010 to 2017, need for it to wake up and act to rectify the historical sunshine is the new normal. public debt at the time, at 31% of GDP, would have been to pair costly tax compared to an $8tn aggregate federal injustice infl icted on the Palestinian people and to end Fast-forward to the United States was small potatoes compared to today’s policy changes with revenue-raising defi cit. the Israeli oppression and tyranny. in 2018. Trillion-dollar defi cits as far ratio of 105%. and expenditure-cutting initiatives. In But those macroeconomic as economists can project are prima The two main pillars of fi scal policy fact, this year’s budget deal goes further outcomes result from policy Israel must understand that the Palestinians are not facie evidence that the arc of fi scal passed since December contravene in the wrong direction, making it likely decisions abroad and the market- alone in their struggle for independence. They have the policy in the US bends in the wrong the fundamental design principle of that the public debt exceeds nominal clearing movements of financial unstinted support of Qatar and other Arab and Islamic direction. An ageing population should countercyclicality. The Tax Cuts and income within ten years. prices. Officials in important nations who have been steadfast in asserting the be husbanding resources for the future, Jobs Act of 2017 and the Bipartisan My concern about excessive emerging-market economies chose to accumulate Treasury securities, Palestinians’ rights which are not negotiable. because US yields, albeit low, were higher than in other advanced economies. A confrontational stance To Advertise on trade, together with greater reliance on government debt, may [email protected] well extract a higher toll to balance flows of goods and services and of Display capital. Moreover, the US will be 44466621 44418811 paying for its current excesses with the promise of future payments, Classified and inefficient stimulus now will 44466609 44418811 not give future generations the productive resources needed to make Subscription good on it. – Project Syndicate [email protected] zCarmen M Reinhart is Professor of the International Financial System at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Government. Gulf Times Sunday, April 1, 2018 27 COMMENT The right way to judge Chinese governance

By Andrew Sheng and Xiao Geng have managed to articulate, let He, who has spent more than 30 years Hong Kong alone implement. By removing the in long-term development planning, presidential term limit, China’s and has a deep understanding of how leadership is improving its chances of market forces can support effi cient ollowing China’s “two success, by opening the way for Xi and resource allocation. Financial reforms sessions” – the annual his vice-president, Wang Qishan, to go are in the hands of People’s Bank of meetings of the national further in realising this vision. China Governor Yi Gang, a US- Flegislature and the top political Xi and Wang are seasoned educated economist, and the chairman advisory body – all Western observers, politicians with extensive experience of the China Banking and Insurance it seems, are discussing the removal of dealing with crises and managing Regulatory Commission, Guo Shuqing, the two-term limit for the president. complex institutional and social an Oxford-trained economist with Xi Jinping, the international media challenges, from the local to the global experience in provincial leadership, insists, is consolidating power, and level. Both have a strong grasp of central banking, and securities may even be laying the groundwork history, as well as the charisma and will regulation. for a Mao Zedong-style personality needed to confront recalcitrant vested Two thousand years ago, the cult. But this reading is fundamentally interests. Their continued leadership is Chinese philosopher Han Fei fl awed. thus invaluable. argued that effective governance The predominant Western view But this does not mean that required three things: the rule of that Xi’s growing authority represents accountability will be lost. On the law, bureaucratic tools, and political a dangerous trend partly refl ects contrary, the National People’s will. Changing laws or honing the anxiety over growing challenges to Congress has approved a major tools of governance is important, but democracy in the United States and overhaul of China’s governance they mean little without sustained across Europe. But it makes little sense structure, creating a new National and determined efforts by political to view Chinese political developments Supervision Commission to check leaders. China’s system has survived through a Western lens, especially at a corruption by all Chinese offi cials, because its leaders have been willing time when the world is shifting from a regardless of their affi liations or status to confront market failures and unipolar to a multipolar system. in the Communist Party of China. administrative deficiencies in a Recent changes in China should The State Council has also been direct and consistent manner. New instead be regarded as part of a broader restructured, with ministries, efforts to boost accountability – process, in which competing systems commissions, and agencies consolidated vital to reinforce legitimacy – will of governance are emerging to cope and streamlined to manage reforms in strengthen the system further. with complex, globally connected a more co-ordinated and effi cient way. China, like the US and Europe, is too challenges, such as disruptive For example, agriculture and rural aff airs big to fail. It thus has a responsibility technologies, geopolitical rivalries, have been combined under one ministry, to develop a system of governance climate change, and demographic Xi Jinping and Wang Qishan are seasoned politicians with extensive experience dealing with crises and managing complex as have all environmental issues. that can deliver structural changes shifts. In short, countries are trying to institutional and social challenges. Likewise, in order to reduce to its economy and society, while fi nd their governance footing. fi nancial-sector risks (including ensuring eff ective accountability. The In a fast-changing world, governance populist forces espousing dangerous term productivity gains and income The current bureaucracy, working excessive leverage and shadow test is whether that system adapts to systems must support rapid decision- policies like trade protectionism – that growth. (Similarly, Western companies within its silos, is already addressing banking), regulation of banking and long-term challenges and contributes making under conditions of radical have risen largely in response to these tend to base their operations on these problems, in order to create a insurance have been consolidated to national and global well-being, uncertainty, while maintaining systems’ failure to manage problems quarterly results, and thus may neglect more equitable society that is also under the new China Banking and not whether it adheres to Western accountability. That – not the Western such as income inequality, political long-term risks and opportunities.) innovative and adaptable. Only Insurance Regulatory Commission. standards. – Project Syndicate expectation of what a governance system polarisation, rising debt, and failing By contrast, when China’s leaders then can China escape the infamous These sweeping institutional reforms should look like – is the standard by infrastructure. formulate and execute policies, they “middle-income trap” before would make China’s governance zAndrew Sheng is Distinguished which we should be assessing political That failure partly refl ects the tend to think in terms of decades. This population ageing begins to take a structure look functionally similar to Fellow at the Asia Global Institute at developments in China. short-termism that tends to dominate is vital to enable an eff ective response higher toll on economic growth. American and European counterparts. the University of Hong Kong and a In fact, Western-style governance in Western democracies, where short to the structural problems – such as More broadly, China’s leaders have Like Xi and Wang, offi cials at these member of the UNEP Advisory Council no longer looks like the gold standard electoral cycles (from about six months corruption, environmental pollution, set a 30-year target for modernising institutions are dedicated, competent, on Sustainable Finance. Xiao Geng, its advocates long proclaimed it to to four years) often compel politicians and inequality – that more than two the country’s economy and governance and experienced reformers. Assisting President of the Hong Kong Institution be. Western democracies are facing to focus on cyclical issues, rather than generations of rapid growth and – a long-term goal that refl ects the Premier Li Keqiang will be the for International Finance, is a professor serious internal threats – most notably, on structural impediments to long- development have brought. kind of vision that few countries Harvard-educated vice premier Liu at the University of Hong Kong.

The perils of public media funding Three-day forecast media revenue. and especially by cash-strapped doubt that proportion has only increased TODAY By Marius Dragomir Maximum Temperature : 320c Budapest Public support is typically delivered independent outlets. But when in the years since. in one of three ways. One method is to funding comes with strings, as More broadly, by favouring docile Minimum Temperature : 230c levy licensing fees on households, a de government money often does, journalism, or by cutting subsidies to MONDAY ungary’s state media facto tax on content. While public media journalistic integrity can suff er. critical media voices, governments Maximum Temperature : 320c corporation, MTVA, budgets have not grown everywhere In many cases, public media are distorting media markets to their Minimum Temperature : 230c operated last year with – between 2011 and 2015, for example, organisations are often little more advantage. In 2012, a cash injection TUESDAY a budget of roughly funding for public media dropped in 40% than government mouthpieces, from Serbian authorities into the Maximum Temperature : 330c H Minimum Temperature : 230c $309mn, most of it coming from the of the European Broadcasting Union’s and authorities regularly meddle in state-controlled news agency, Tanjug, 56 member countries – government editorial aff airs. gave it a massive competitive edge over government’s coff ers. That means Fisherman's forecast that MTVA – which runs television cash remains infl uential. In January 2017, Hungary is a case in point. In the independent news service Beta. In stations, a radio network, and a the Romanian government approved a 2010, not long after the right-wing Hungary, too, independent journalism WARNING populist Fidesz party came to power, is struggling to keep pace with state- Inshore : Strong wind over all ar- news agency – had a daily budget of $360mn budget for state broadcaster eas and poor horizontal $846,000. For a country of just 10mn SRTV, a massive amount in a country of government offi cials fi red a number funded behemoths. One example is visibility at place. people, that is the defi nition of a just 20mn people. Similar infusions of of MTVA journalists who had been Atlatszo, an intrepid investigative spendthrift quango. public money are common elsewhere. critical of Fidesz during the election startup. Funded almost entirely by Offshore : Strong wind and high sea One might assume that MTVA’s Purchases of advertising are campaign. Since then, the authorities donations, Atlatszo’s annual budget is WEATHER fi nancial strength is an exception in a second method of providing have dramatically reshaped media less than half of MTVA’s daily allocation. Inshore : Slight dust to blowing an industry plagued by dwindling government support. State spending legislation, a move that some fear will While public money is reshaping dust and relatively hot daytime with scattered revenue and broken business in this category can be signifi cant. “restrict media pluralism in the long the media business, taxpayers are clouds. models. But among the world’s During the fi rst half of 2013, for term.” not the biggest benefi ciaries in many WIND state-supported media companies, example, Malaysia’s government spent Similar overreach has been reported countries. If even a fraction of the Inshore : Northwesterly 15-24/30 KT MTVA’s bloated budget is the norm. $118.5mn more on ads than the next in Macedonia, where, in 2014, the budgetary windfall received by state Offshrore : Northwesterly 18-28/33 In newsrooms from Serbia to South four advertisers combined. European Commission criticised the media was redirected to independent KT at places at times. Africa, taxpayer-generated funding Finally, states often provide cash government for using advertising news organisations, journalism would Visibility : 4-8 KM/2 KM or less at is growing. Unfortunately, while contributions to struggling media money to cement state control over thrive and the public would be better places at times this windfall might be putting more outlets, especially those off ering news content. There are countless informed. At the moment, however, SEA STATE programming on the air, it is only favourable coverage. In 2014, the other examples of similar interference the biggest winners in the public media Offshore : 7-10 FT,rises to 13 FT at deepening the industry’s woes. government of Montenegro, a in media markets around the world. marketplace are the governments places at times. Generally, governments tend to manipulating a struggling industry. – Governments have played a country with just 622,000 people, Around the region major role in domestic media spent $33.6mn on state aid for media fi nance friendly media outlets, or news Project Syndicate Weather for decades, using regulation of outlets. According to the Centre organisations that are ready to toe the Weather tomorrow Max/min broadcast frequencies and licensing for International Media Assistance, line. According to a 2014 report on the zMarius Dragomir is Director of the today Max/min Sunny 29/16 requirements to shape the market. Yet, the donations included “generous” future of digital journalism, which I co- Center for Media, Data, and Society Baghdad Sunny 28/15 P Cloudy 31/19 in recent years, governments have also support to the “reliably pro- edited for the Open Society Foundations, at Central European University, Kuwait City P Cloudy 31/19 M Sunny 30/23 stepped up their budgetary infl uence. government” newspaper Pobjeda. governments used fi nancial pressure to and managed the research and Manama Cloudy 28/22 Sunny 31/27 Today, government budget allocations Financial contributions will manipulate news organisations in more policy portfolio of the Program on Muscat M Sunny 34/27 M Sunny 23/13 are among the leading sources of always be welcomed by the media, than half of the markets we examined. No Independent Journalism in London. Tehran M Sunny 22/12 Live issues Using antibiotics for sinus infections

By Lisa Rapaport Fleming-Dutra said by e-mail. 10 to 14 days of antibiotics for sinus they were still experiencing symptoms, Reuters Health Common side eff ects of antibiotics infections in adults. said Dr Sharon Meropol, a researcher at can include rash, dizziness, nausea, In the study, no penicillin or Case Western Reserve University School diarrhoea and yeast infections, she said. tetracycline prescriptions were for of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, who Around the world ost people prescribed More serious side eff ects may include fi ve-day courses and only 5% of wasn’t involved in the study. Weather Weather antibiotics for sinus life-threatening allergic reactions and prescriptions were for seven-day One pitfall in this approach is today Max/min tomorrow Max/min infections are on Clostridium diffi cile infection, which courses of penicillins, tetracyclines or that when patients improve slowly, Athens Sunny 23/11 Sunny 22/10 Mtreatment courses of 10 causes diarrhoea that can lead to severe fl uoroquinolones. it’s possible they’re infected with Beirut M Sunny 23/16 Sunny 23/16 days or longer even though infectious colon damage and death. When researchers excluded organisms that are resistant to the Bangkok S T Storms 32/26 M Cloudy 32/26 disease doctors recommend fi ve to Antibiotic resistance occurs azithromycin, an antibiotic that’s not antibiotic they got prescribed, and Berlin Rain&Snow 03/-1 M Cloudy 10/04 seven days for uncomplicated cases, a when bacteria develop the ability recommended for sinus infections, they would recover faster if they Cairo P Cloudy 29/14 M Sunny 31/16 US study suggests. to defeat the drugs designed to they found that 91% of all antibiotic switched to a diff erent antibiotic Cape Town Sunny 27/16 P Cloudy 21/16 Researchers examined data from kill them and can make infections courses prescribed for sinus infections instead of continuing the current one Colombo S T Storms 31/26 I T Storms 31/26 a sample representing an estimated harder to treat. were for 10 days or longer. longer, Meropol said by e-mail. Dhaka Sunny 34/24 P Cloudy 34/23 3.7mn adults treated for sinusitis and When antibiotics are prescribed for The study didn’t examine whether “Older . . . acute bacterial sinusitis Hong Kong P Cloudy 24/21 P Cloudy 24/21 prescribed antibiotics in 2016. Overall, sinus infections, only fi ve to seven days or how the duration of antibiotics guidelines were written with the Istanbul M Sunny 20/10 S Showers 14/08 70% of antibiotics prescribed were for of therapy is needed for uncomplicated prescriptions impacted treatment of belief that if antibiotics were taken Jakarta S T Storms 32/25 T Storms 31/24 10 days or longer, the study found. cases, when patients start to recover sinus infections or the potential for for shorter durations of time, that Karachi Sunny 34/24 P Cloudy 34/22 “Any time antibiotics are used, within a few days of starting treatment side eff ects. the bacteria would not be completely London Cloudy 09/06 Showers 12/10 they can cause side eff ects and lead and if they don’t have signs that the Researchers also focused only eradicated and that would risk Manila P Cloudy 32/24 P Cloudy 32/24 to antibiotic resistance,” said senior infection has spread beyond the sinuses, on acute sinus infections, and by persistent, recurrent and antibiotic Moscow Rain 04/02 Showers 06/02 study author Dr Katherine Fleming- according to the Infectious Diseases excluding some cases where the type resistant infections,” Meropol said. New Delhi Sunny 36/21 Sunny 37/22 Dutra, deputy director of the Offi ce Society of America (IDSA). of infection was unclear, they may “But the recommendations have New York P Cloudy 16/01 Snow 07/03 of Antibiotic Stewardship at the These guidelines are relatively new, have left out some acute cases, the changed on this because subsequent Paris S Showers 11/07 Cloudy 18/09 US Centres for Disease Control and however, and it’s possible some of the study team notes in JAMA Internal studies have shown the opposite Sao Paulo S T Storms 28/21 S T Storms 27/19 Prevention in Atlanta. longer courses of antibiotics prescribed Medicine. is true, that in fact if the patient is Seoul Cloudy 18/12 P Cloudy 21/11 “This is why it is so important to in the study occurred because not all It’s also possible that in some cases, responding to treatment, fi ve to seven Singapore T Storm 31/25 S T Storms 31/26 only use antibiotics when they are doctors have absorbed the new practice doctors prescribed antibiotics for 10 days is safe and is usually enough,” Sydney Sunny 28/19 P Cloudy 31/19 needed and to use the right antibiotic recommendations, Fleming-Dutra said. days or longer and instructed patients Meropol added. “A longer treatment is Tokyo Clear 24/12 Clear 24/13 for the minimum eff ective duration,” Prior to 2012, the IDSA recommended to stop after fi ve to seven days unless not usually needed.” Gulf Times 28 Sunday, April 1, 2018 QATAR Mathaf showcases work by Qatari

artist Hana al-Saadi A Qatari artist’s art piece titled ‘Hmmm’ in 2017. athaf: Arab Museum of The project invites al-Saadi to The installation will evolve “We are proud to dedicate Math- during the 2015-2016 and 2016- Modern Art in Doha has explore experimental processes over the course of its three- af’s Project Space to emerging 2017 season. Her work can be Mdedicated a part of its of research, production, and month lifespan through dialogue artists to develop original works seen in the collections of QM and museum to a new display of work conceptual thinking to develop with the Mathaf teams, the pub- in collaboration with curators, a VCUarts Qatar. Mathaf houses by Qatari artist Hana al-Saadi. a proposal for a public sculpture lic, creative and spatial practi- key part of our strategy in making the largest and most extensive On show until May 13, the in- in Doha, literally giving her the tioners and academics through museums contributing to nurture permanent collection of mod- stallation titled ‘Proposal for a space and time to develop her re- open forum discussions. and support artists throughout ern and contemporary art in the Public Sculpture’ is on view in search around tendencies of self- At the completion of the their careers,” the Mathaf senior region, mainly focusing on the Mathaf’s Project Space, dedicat- expression and social rituals, and project on May 13, al-Saadi will offi cial added. region and its historical and cul- ed to emerging artists and cura- the role of public art in Doha. hold a public talk with Barlow to Al-Saadi holds a BFA in Paint- tural connection from North Af- tors’ experimentations with new Curated by Laura Barlow, cu- discuss the project process and ing and Printmaking from Vir- rica to Asia, and from Turkey and ideas and forms of presentation. rator at Mathaf, the installa- research highlights. “Al-Saadi is ginia Commonwealth University Iran. Mathaf has more than 9,000 Presented by Qatar Museums tion takes the shape of the art- a promising emerging contempo- School of the Arts in Qatar and works in its care, dating from the (QM) under the leadership of its ist’s studio, featuring a library of rary artist, educated and gradu- recently took part in the largest 19th century to the present day. chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Ma- working documents, books, and ated in Qatar. Her art practice exhibition of art from Qatar titled In addition to the public talk, yassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa recorded interviews, a display of is very innovative and bringing Contemporary Art Qatar in Ber- a number of educational events al-Thani, ‘Proposal for a Public working drawings and sculpture discussion about our societies’ lin’s legendary Kraftwerk space. and initiatives will be taking place Sculpture’ is al-Saadi’s fi rst solo maquettes and a meeting point heritage and aspirations,” Mathaf Al-Saadi has also been an art- as part of this installation’s exhi- presentation. for conversations and debate. director Abdellah Karroum said. ist in residence at the Fire Station bitions. Hana al-Saadi’s digital drawing ‘Ballarina.’

The grand finale

Mall of Qatar’s first Spring/Summer Fashion Festival concluded yesterday after wowing audiences over 10 days and treating them to a captivating display of designer apparel. The mall hosted fashion shows on the Oasis Stage every evening as part of the festival, dedicated to women’s, men’s and children’s collections, in addition to a variety of interactive and fashion-focused activities. Pictured are moments from the fashion festival yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma

Tawar Mall opens, off ering shoppers a unique experience

From Page 1

One of the newest concepts Tawar Mall brings to the region is the Rooftop Cafes & Lounges, which off ers customers a relaxing and soothing experience “on the top fl oor right under the sky”. Designed with the highest international standards, the mall features the largest out- door LED set up in the region with a pixel pitch of eight, off ering an ultimate resolu- tion. Visitors will also fi nd the mall’s well- lighted wide corridors, panoramic restau- rant, outdoor musical water fountain, indoor fountain, and a 122-room boutique hotel worth visiting. The dancing musical fountain serves as “an artistic visual treat” to visitors, featuring synchronised water and playback to various themes. Another fi rst in Qatar, the mall hosts an indoor traditional souq on its premises, de- scribed as a “a beautiful fusion of primeval and modern-day Qatari civilisation”. “This modern yet traditional concept en- gages the guest to indulge in its vintage am- biance and makes them feel nostalgic. It will highlight local traditions through a varied range of small shops built to showcase a real souq,” senior mall offi cials said in a state- ment. Some of the brands present include Sports Corner, which launched its first sports interactive store in the Middle East at Tawar Mall, and Caracole, which show- cases a niche collection of furniture. Tawar Mall is located between West Bay (Finan- cial Area) and Al Garrafa, opposite Dahl Al Hamam Park. Cultural performances take centre stage at Tawar Mall’s official opening. PICTURE: Jayaram