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Ministry sets PM inspects Al Thumama reservoirs project standards for holding Sports The giant water reservoirs project is being implemented in five different locations Day events covering all parts of the country, including QNA Umm Salal, Umm Baraka, Rawdat Rashid, Abu Nakhla and Al Thumama. DOHA:THE Ministry of Culture and Sports called The total cost of the project is QR14.5bn yesterday on all parties that and the first phase of the project will be will participate in the 2018 National Sport Day to follow launched in the first half of this year. the standards and conditions mentioned in the Emiri decision number 80 of 2011 THE PENINSULA horizons of cooperation with when they plan their events for various countries in the world in the day. DOHA: Prime Minister and order to ensure the implemen- The Ministry said that fol- Interior Minister H E Sheikh tation of projects according to the lowing the standards and Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa approved timetable. conditions will guarantee to Al Thani yesterday paid an A presentation was made on achieve the goal of promoting inspection visit to the water the strategic water reservoirs the value of sports for people security mega strategic reservoirs project, its importance in of all ages. The decision called project in Al Thumama. achieving water security of the on avoiding any celebratory During his visit, the Prime state, the stages of the work of the events and focusing on events Minister reviewed the progress project, the achievements made that involve physical activities of the work and the completed on the ground, and the efforts of that enhance the role of stages, and the efforts of Qatar Kahramaa to proceed in the sports in an individual’s daily General Electricity and Water implementation of the project Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani during his routine. Corporation (Kahramaa) to according to the planned visit to the water security mega strategic reservoirs project in Al Thumama, yesterday. Another condition is that implement its projects according schedule under the siege the activities must be suitable to the planned schedule. conditions. provide them with necessary energy. About 200 MW of elec- cells on the reservoir’s tops,” he for the ages and physical con- The Prime Minister inspected The visit reflects Prime Min- power of electricity from solar tricity will be produced from solar added. dition of the participants. one of the largest water reservoirs ister’s keenness to make a close There should also be a good in the world before pumping follow up to the progress of the selection of healthy foods, water. The excavation and set- work and his full support to Kah- and avoidance of providing tling the land of the reservoirs as ramaa’s efforts in various fields, World’s largest water reservoirs fast food. well as the laying of foundations said its President, Eng Essa bin The Ministry said that all and infrastructure necessary have Hilal Al Kuwari. THE PENINSULA storage capacity to about 1,500 million gallons state entities must provide been completed. In addition, the “This will motivate us to exert of water which will cover the country’s needs their plans to the Sports Day construction of the first reservoir, more efforts as well as this shows DOHA: The giant water reservoirs project is until 2026. Qatari firms taking part in the imple- committee by January 11, that which is currently undergoing the importance that the State being implemented in five different locations mentation of the project constitute 55% of the will help the committee study testing and experimentation in gives to water sector which is covering all parts of the country, including Umm leading international companies. Working and approve those plans. . The preparation for water pumping, essential for achieving food Salal, Umm Baraka, Rawdat Rashid, Abu Nakhla hours in the project have exceeded 92 million plans should include an has also been completed. The security,”Al Kuwari stressed. and Al Thumama. man hours without loss time injury. More than estimate of the number of second reservoir will be com- Al Kuwari emphasised the The project includes 15 water reservoirs, 24,000 workers, technicians and engineers are participants. The ministry pleted by the end of January, commitment of the corporation which are the largest in the world with a participating in the implementation of the also advised participants not while the third will be completed to complete the projects in capacity of about 100 million gallons each, along project. to carry out sports for long by the end of February. accordance with the timetable, with the extension of approximately 650km of The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, times during the Sports Day, The Prime Minister under- quality, and standards required large size water pipes linking these reservoirs H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, laid in order to avoid any physical lined the necessity of continuing in line with the directives of the to desalination plants. the foundation stone for the major strategic fatigue or muscle injuries. to diversify resources and find Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin The total cost of the project is QR14.5bn and water reservoirs project in the State of Qatar They also called on the suitable alternatives locally and Hamad Al Thani. the first phase of the project will be launched in 2015. planning parties not to hold internationally through economic “The roofs of reservoirs will in the first half of this year. This will raise the SEE ALSO PAGE 2 the events in one location, in openness and exploring new be covered with solar cells to order to avoid traffic jams.

QTF President Turkish ﬁrm to export $6m lauds support worth medicines to Qatar for Qatar Open THE PENINSULA DOHA: President of the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) DOHA: Turkish pharmaceutical Nasser Ghanim Al Khelaifi firm CinnaGen has signed a $6m said yesterday that Qatar deal with Qatar’s leading drug Turkish ExxonMobil Open continues company Ebn Sina Medical on pharmaceutical to deliver year after another Wednesday. ﬁrm CinnaGen has due to the support of the Ferhat Farsi, Chief Exec- country’s wise leadership. utive Officer, CinnaGen, signed a deal with Al Khelaifi expressed the speaking at a signing ceremony Qatar’s leading thanks and appreciation of in Doha said that his firm aims drug company the organising committee to to raise Qatar’s accessibility to Ebn Sina Medical, the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim biotech medication under the bin Hamad Al Thani for the agreement with Ebn Sina, which dominates continued support to the reported Anadolu news agency. half of all Qatari tournament. Al Khelaifi also “Currently, Turkey’s phar- pharmaceutical thanked the Minister of maceutical exports to Qatar is market. Culture and Sports H E Salah One of the largest cruise ships, MSC Splendida, docked at the Doha Port. about $1.2m. With our $6m deal, bin Ghanem Al Ali and Pres- we will increase our country’s ident of Qatar Olympic Com- drug exports to Qatar five-fold,” rheumatoid arthritis, blood mittee H E Sheikh Joaan bin 3,700 more cruise tourists arrive in Doha Farsi said. disease. Ebn Sina Medical under Hamad Al Thani for their The firm will invest $100m, Al Faisal Holding, dominates half support of the tournament. DOHA: Doha Port yesterday yesterday on its Twitter account. Meanwhile, the company including for research and of all Qatari pharmaceutical President of QTF said that received one of the largest The arrival of MSC Splendida pointed out that Al Ruwias port development, and factory market. The Turkish Ambassador Qatar Open has become one cruise ships, MSC Splendida, is another landmark for cruise – Qatar’s northern gateway to investments in the upcoming Fikret Ozer encouraged Turkish of the most important on the with over 3,700 passengers and tourism Mwani added. trade— is getting busier with period in Turkey, he added. companies to visit Qatar, find international agenda. This was 1,314 crew onboard. On Wednesday, the port increased export and import of Sherif Shehata, General new business opportunities and chosen as the best tournament Doha port has recorded the received around 3,743 tourists vehicles, food products, con- Manager of Ebn Sina, said that build solid and long-lasting in the 250 category ahead of largest number of cruise tourists onboard TUI Mein Schiff-5 sumer cargo and building mate- the company will work on mar- business partnerships. 40 others, reflecting the high arrival per ship till date through calling the port for the fourth rials which fulfill the growing keting and sales of biotechno- “Partnerships will develop status Qatar enjoys on the MSC Splendida, said Qatar Ports time in the ongoing 2017-2018 demands of local and regional logical products in the fields of economies of both countries,” international sporting scene. Management Company (Mwani) cruise season, said the company. markets. multiple sclerosis, anticancer, Ozer added. 02 HOME FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday paid an inspection visit to the water security mega strategic reservoirs project in Al Thumama. PM reviews progress of Water Security Strategic Project

THE PENINSULA Al Thani to the Water Security Strategic accomplish the project within the time- Project which is the backbone and key table and according to the plan under DOHA: Following the visit of Prime strategic pillar of water security in the the siege imposed on the State of Qatar. Minister and Interior Minister H E State of Qatar.” During his visit, Prime Minister and Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa During his visit to the site of the Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, Kahramaa Corporation project in Al Thumama area, the Prime bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also tweeted “We have been honoured Minister and Interior Minister witnessed toured different facilities of the project today morning with the visit of Prime the progress of work and outcomes including one of the largest water res- Minister and Interior Minister H E which have been achieved, and ongoing ervoirs which is under final experiment Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa efforts by Kahramaa Corporation to before filling it with water.

Katara Tech Forum showcases 29 imported QNDF designates consignments pioneering projects in IT world destroyed 28 centres for RAYNALD C RIVERA last month THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA better lifestyle

DOHA: The fifth ‘Katara Tech DOHA: The Ministry of THE PENINSULA Market, Lubaib, Rawdat Al Forum’ hosted by the Cultural Municipality and Environ- Hammam, University, Al Village Foundation-Katara at ment’s agricultural quar- DOHA: Qatar National Devel- Soudan, Karaana, Barwa City Katara Drama Theatre show- antine offices have opment Framework (QNDF) has and Jumailiya will have District cased a number of pioneering inspected 5,721 imported designated a total of 28 centres Centres. projects in the field of infor- consignments, weighing for seven municipalities in a The centres ensure the mation and digital technology. more than 86,798 tonnes, hierarchical order to ensure the implementation of Transport One of the innovative from various types of implementation of Transport Oriented Transit (TOD) concept, projects presented was the imported consignments, Oriented Transit (TOD) concept mixed-use principle and ‘Epilert Wristband’ which was plant products and among many others in a bid to promote thriving, viable, created to reduce an epileptic’s production inputs in support the desired lifestyle for vibrant, sustainable centres that risk of personal injury and December across the the communities. support the desired lifestyle by potential injuries to others due Walid Jalal delivers a lecture on government services in Qatar at different customs points. They include three capital the communities. to loss of control or awareness the ﬁfth Katara Tech Forum held at Katara Drama Theatre. The quarantine offices city centres, three metropolitan The principal determinant of one’s body as well as to destroyed 29 consign- centres, eight town centres and adopted by the centres in order provide a medical care report promote public awareness on the goals targeted by Qatar’s ments weighing more than 14 district centres. to achieve all of the objectives to doctors. Firas Rahim pre- the latest advances in the field 2030 National Vision, said Al 486 tonnes for violating With an aim to serve the is to apply high density devel- sented a review of the project at of information and digital Sulaiti. the agricultural quarantine communities well, the centres opments and mixed-uses the forum. technology. “We hope that our efforts law and for certain will work and operate comple- around transit points and within A mobile phone charger “The fifth Katara Tech will culminate in finding better damages. The agricultural menting each other, from high the designated centres’ which charges using walking Forum sheds light on the fruitful means to make our world cope quarantine is a first line of order to local order, said a report boundaries. movement was presented by cooperation with official insti- with the rapid and unprece- defence for protection posted on the website of the Apart from the MSDP zoning Rabaa Ahmed. The portable tutions, government bodies and dented technological revolution from agricultural infec- Ministry of Municipality and regulation , the Centre Plans and gadget entails approximately different sectors in the country, today, and that this Forum will tions. The preventive pro- Environment. The capital city Zoning Regulations set specific 5,000 steps to charge. with a noble aim to create an offer real opportunities to Qatari cedure aims to protect the centres will be located at West requirements for the introduced Thaqafa Podcast Project, ideal environment for creativity youth as they march towards the country’s agricultural Bay, Doha Downtown and Mixed Use Zones , Special Centre which is a live station that pro- and innovation. Furthermore, future equipped with knowledge wealth from foreign-orig- Airport City in Doha Zones and Facilities Co-Location vides the listener various Arabic the forum provides platform for and hope,” he added. inated pests. Municipality. overlay. audio content ranging from Qatari youth to access the latest An open forum, which saw It also provides that all Metropolitan Centres will be The regulations of Centre poetry to history to stories, was developments, projects and ini- the active participation of the plants, agricultural at Lusail, Al Rayyan North (Edu- Plans and Zoning Regulations presented by Abdelaziz Al Anani tiatives related to the IT field,” audience, was held following the products and any other cation City) and Al Rayyan apply to 16 centres ,comprising and Abdullah Taha. said Katara General Manager Dr. presentations. materials shall be subject South. Al Saad, Al Matar, of siz town centres and 10 dis- The forum also featured a Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti. The event concluded with a to phytosanitary regula- Gharrafa, Umm Qarn, Umm Slal trict centres (will be published seminar on the government By hosting the Forum, ceremony which honoured the tions for its procedures Mohammad, Al Shamal, Al Sha- soon). The remaining 12 centres services in Qatar delivered by Katara intends to attract experts participants for their efforts in and to ensure that other haniya and Dukhan (QP Indus- are either in an advanced stages Walid Jalal and web and a and specialists to present their educating the public on new IT agricultural production trial City) are designated for of construction and implemen- lecture on user experience innovations which will be ben- trends. inputs are in conformity Town Centres. tation or still under-study portals by Nawras Deyaa. eficial in developing various An exhibition of the different with the conditions and Najma, Umm Ghuwailina, subject to strategic decisions, or Held every first Wednesday sectors within the field of infor- projects was also held on the specifications. Rawdat Al Khail, Fereej Kulaib, under the jurisdiction and being of the month, the forum aims to mation technology, in line with sidelines of the forum. Nuaija, The Pearl, Wholesale developed by other entities. Survey on 16 key public health issues continues

THE PENINSULA its largest public health consultations. mental health, food safety, communi- highest standard, establishing more Health Strategy 2017-2022 Consultation Qatar Public Health Strategy 2017- cable diseases and cancer. screening clinics to monitor people’s survey could give a chance to win prizes DOHA: Qatar Public Health Strategy 2022 will address a wide range of 16 key The strategy will set 63 objectives to health and providing more support for for the respondents. The MoPH has 2017-2022 Consultation, a first-of-its- health areas including diabetes, cardio- be reached through four strategic ena- people who wish to lead healthier life- announced prizes for those participating kind survey inviting feedback on public vascular disease, road safety, occupa- blers such as Community Engagement styles in all aspects. In line with it, the in the survey which can be filled by health issues in Qatar continues to collect tional health and tobacco cessation, and Empowerment, Data Driven Intel- Qatar Public Health Strategy will aim to logging in to www.phs.moph.gov.qa. data. Information from the survey will making it a most comprehensive health ligence, Workforce and System Capa- improve the health of Qatar’s residents,” The survey offers a chance to win be used to inform the Qatar Public Health policy. It will aim to create the envi- bility, Leadership, Regulation, and Dr Mohammad bin Hamad Al Thani, prizes such as spa and gym memberships, Strategy 2017-2022 prior to its formal ronment and conditions to improve the Accountability. The launch of the Qatar Director of Public Health at the MoPH MoPH said on its social media pages, launch. health and well-being of the population. Public Health Strategy Consultation in said during the launch of the survey. earlier. With the hashtag #QatarHealth- As a forerunner to the final publi- The new six-year strategy will also focus may 2017 marked the start of an online The Public Health Survey 2017 Survey, the MoPH is encouraging people cation of the Qatar Public Health Strategy on areas such as healthy lifestyle, oral public health survey. includes 16 questions on different aspects to be a part of the activity that will help 2017-2022, the Ministry of Public Health health, maternal and child health, respi- “Increasing public understanding of of health issues and lifestyle habits. shape the national agenda for public (MoPH) is running this survey as one of ratory diseases, environmental health, health, ensuring air quality is of the Participating in the Qatar Public health. FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 HOME / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 03

QU, Ashghal in deal for SC bags award for innovation knowledge transfer in GIS Technology THE PENINSULA CENG faculty will also road engineering, transportation support Ashghal’s and traffic safety, smart trans- QNA DOHA: Qatar University College projects by ensuring portation, and geotechnical of Engineering (QU-CENG) studies. DOHA: The work being yesterday signed a memo- knowledge transfer CENG faculty will also sup- carried out by the randum of understanding (MoU) and progressive port Ashghal’s projects by Supreme Committee for with Public Works Authority development of ensuring knowledge transfer and Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) (Ashghal) to establish collabora- existing projects, progressive development of Geographic Information tion in the field of research, existing projects, while Ashghal Systems (GIS) team has consultancy and knowledge while Ashghal will will offer summer training to been honored at a special transfer. offer summer training CENG students, as well as tech- gathering in Doha. The MoU was signed by QU to CENG students, as nical and technological support QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham (right) receiving a commemorative The department, President Dr Hassan Al Derham well as technical and to CENG at all levels. plaque from Ashghal President Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi. responsible for mapping and Ashghal President Dr Eng Dr Al Derham said: “The MoU the rapid infrastructure Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi technological support highlights QU’s continuous progress across the in the presence of officials from to CENG at all levels. efforts to provide solutions to contribute to driving socio-eco- support in the field of research country, received a special both institutions. It aims to local challenges, in line with nomic development and sustain- and consultancy. As education award for the Application establish collaboration between national priorities towards a ability in the State of Qatar.” comes on top of national prior- of Geospatial Technology QU and Ashghal in the academic, In the terms of the MoU, knowledge-based economy. It Dr Eng Al Muhannadi said: ities and the sustainable devel- at National Level from the research and student training CENG will provide Ashghal with will also serve to facilitate “It is a pleasure to collaborate opment pillars, Ashghal strives Ministry of Municipality and support field, as well as the consultancy and workshops cov- knowledge and technology with Qatar University with the to support researchers and stu- and Environment (MME). exchange of information and ering the areas of project man- transfer and provide consultancy aim of providing students and dents through training and guid- GIS & BIM Senior Man- consultancy. agement, design, maintenance, and research services, which will scholars with the necessary ance in relevant areas.” ager at the SC, Nasser Al Kuwari said: “We are delighted that our work has been recognised by the MME, and look forward to working closely with our ‘Conceptual Architecture’ opens at Katara stakeholders over the next five years and beyond as RAYNALD C RIVERA executed in monochrome. “The which guarantees to give the vis- we continue to deliver THE PENINSULA use of different colours cannot itor a unique artistic amazingly for Qatar. do justice to the meandering and experience.” “We are living in a DOHA: A tower inspired by bending shapes of nature, so I Barakat is a Qatar-based momentous period in snowflakes slowly descending decided to use black and white Syrian artist and architect who Qatars history with and a skyscraper patterned after instead,” explained Barakat. graduated from Damascus Uni- progress and develop- a pollen grain surface are some On the impact of nature on versity in 2008, with a degree in ment happening on an of the amazing pieces on display engineering, he pointed out that Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. almost daily basis, and it at the ‘Conceptual Architecture “everything we see around us Coming from a family of seven is a great privilege to be Inspired by Nature and its stays inside us, directly or indi- architects, the artist said he was part of the team charged Phenomena’ exhibition which rectly,” an interpretation that is mainly influenced by his family with documenting this opened at Katara on Tuesday. reflected in his works. and some of the world’s top journey. When visitors The exhibition features 10 “Katara is keen to provide an designers. come to Qatar they often sculptures, 11 sculptural paint- outstanding platform both for His work is characterised by comment that Google ings and a series of photographs artists and those passionate a style that veers off from the Maps cannot keep up with of architectural designs created about art. This exhibit draws our familiar, relying instead on the the rapid changes, but by artist and architect attention to both the subtle and complexity of natural forms to building on our enhanced Mohammed Muhannad Barakat. direct influences that nature has inspire his designs and access to updated infor- It reveals the endless possibili- on architecture and engi- interpretations. mation — we are proud to ties how nature can be integrated neering,” said Dr. Khalid bin His creations are both aes- say we can.” in the built environment and Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, who inaugu- thetically appealing yet func- The event, which was how artistic interpretation of Officials at the exhibition, which is open to the public at Katara rated the exhibition, tional, and can be adopted across organised to mark World nature can result in outstanding Building 22 until January 14. He added: “Katara is working the areas of engineering, inte- GIS Day, was attended by art pieces that are simple and to provide its audience with var- rior design, architectural or more than 130 Geographic complex at the same time. way, although as human beings, Barakat. ious artistic experiences in order public infrastructure design. Information Systems, IT “Nature is a mixture of we tend to view them from a While the works assume var- to open them up to innovative The exhibition is open to the and engineering exquisite geometrical forms cre- simpler and more straightfor- ious lines and shapes of nature, ways of creativity. I invite the public at Katara Building 22 until professionals. ated by God in a very complex ward perspective,” said majority of them have been public to visit this exhibition, January 14. Clashes in Syria rebel bastion over surrounded regime base

AFP edge of the region was sur- regime raids and shelling in other Eastern Ghouta is one of four rounded by rebels at the start of areas. “de-escalation zones” agreed by BEIRUT: Syrian regime forces the week after an offensive that Seven children and 11 women Russia, as well as regime backer yesterday battled to reach troops involved Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, were among those killed, said the Iran and rebel supporter Turkey, trapped in rebel bastion of an alliance dominated by a head of the war monitor, which to help halt fighting around Syria. Eastern Ghouta, as a monitor said former Al-Qaeda affiliate, the relies on a network of sources The deal excludes Hayat at least 28 civilians were killed in British-based Syrian Observatory inside Syria. Victims were taken Tahrir al-Sham, but other larger Russian and government for Human Rights said. to a hospital in Douma, where an rebel groups in Eastern Ghouta bombardments. Observatory head Rami Abdel AFP correspondent saw rescuers are part of it. State television said “army Rahman said “violent clashes bringing in mostly women and The latest fighting there units had launched an assault to were taking place” close to the children. comes as regime troops backed break the siege” of the Armoured base, the only one in Eastern Medical staff tried to revive a up by Russian airpower battle Vehicle Base where some 250 sol- Ghouta still held by President child who had been pulled from rebels and jihadists on the edge diers are believed to be cut off. Bashar Al Assad’s forces. Ahead the rubble, but without success. of northwestern Idlib province, On the outskirts of Damascus, of the government operation, A young girl among the wounded the only one still fully beyond Eastern Ghouta is one of the last Abdel Rahman said at least 29 received stitches for a serious government control. The govern- remaining opposition strongholds civilians were killed in Eastern injury to her face. ment push near Idlib — also a in Syria and has itself been under Ghouta on Wednesday by Rus- A medical source at the hos- “de-escalation zone” — follows government siege since 2013, sian and regime bombardments. pital told AFP: “Among the two months of sporadic fighting causing severe food and medi- Twenty were killed in Russian air wounded were two women in that the United Nations says has cine shortages for up to 400,000 strikes in the town of Misraba, their 20s. One of them lost both displaced more than 60,000 A man stands on rubble of damaged buildings after an air strike residents. The regime base on the while the remainder died in eyes and the other lost one eye.” people. on the Eastern Ghouta town of Mesraba, Syria, yesterday. Iranian army commander offers Somalia fires top ministers to help police suppress unrest REUTERS Foreign Affairs Abdi Sabriye and Mohamed Abdi Minister, Interior Hayir, in the foreign affairs, inte- REUTERS (United States),” Major General Abdolrahim MOGADISHU: Somalian Prime rior and commerce posts Mousavi was quoted in official media as saying. Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has Minister and the respectively. TEHRAN: Iran’s army chief declared yesterday Iran’s vastness as well as restrictions on inde- sacked his ministers for foreign Commerce and Labour There had been a “a dire that police had already quelled anti-government pendent media make it hard to determine the affairs, the interior and Minister had been need” to appoint new ministers unrest that has killed 21 people but that his troops breadth and depth of the unrest. commerce, replacing them with to those posts, the statement were ready to intervene if needed, as Tehran Semi-official labour news agency ILNA said newcomers, the government relieved of their duties. said, adding the new cabinet staged more pro-government rallies. the government lifted restrictions on Instagram, said yesterday, as it battles an members would help the gov- The protests, which seem spontaneous and one of the social media tools used to mobilise pro- insurgency. ernment tackle its heavy work- without a unifying leader, erupted a week ago in testers. But access to a more widely used mes- Khaire, a former oil and gas Yusuf Garaad Omar, Interior load. Last year, the defence min- Iran’s second city of Mashhad over economic hard- saging app, Telegram, remained blocked, sug- executive, was appointed to the Minister Abdi Farah Said Juha ister and the head of military ships - mostly high youth unemployment, costly gesting authorities remained uneasy about protest post by President Mohamed and the Commerce and Labour were sacked and replaced. living standards and alleged corruption. threats. Abdullahi Mohamed last Feb- Minister Khadra Ahmed Duale The head of national secu- “Although this blind sedition was so small that In the latest protests, which generally occur ruary. His government has been had been relieved of their duties, rity and the police commander a portion of the police force was able to nip it in after nightfall, social media video showed dem- criticised for failing to stem the information ministry said in were sacked after the country’s the bud ... you can rest assured that your com- onstrators in Khorramabad in southwestern Iran attacks by Al Shabaab a statement. deadliest truck bomb attack rades in the Islamic Republic’s army would be on Wednesday evening throwing stones at riot militants. They were replaced with killed 512 people in October. ready to confront the dupes of the Great Satan police, who were retreating. Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Ise Awad, Mohamed Both posts have yet to be filled. 04 ISLAM FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 Ideal society and the Quranic way of life MANSOOR ALAM The Quran states: here are verses in the Holy Quran “Have you ever con- that present a contrast between Thuman effort and Allah-provided sidered the seed resources in a clear, direct, succinct, and which you cast upon interesting way. Sustenance is the joint product of Allah-created resources and the soil? – You throw human effort. When these two combine the seed in the then we have an output that sustains human life. Allah gives natural resources ground. Neverthe- and humans provide the effort. The Quran states: “Have you ever consid- less, after that, do ered the seed which you cast upon the you grow the seed or soil? – You throw the seed in the ground. Nevertheless, after that, do you grow We do” (56:63) “Is it the seed or We do” (56:63) “Is it you who you who caused it to caused it to grow - or are We the cause of its growth?” (56:64) grow — or are We the Allah is asking us here: from the seed cause of its growth?” you throw to the ground, do you produce the shoot or do We (i.e., Our law (56:64) does)? Allah gives us a simple and clear example, which no one can deny. What part of the contribution is yours? You tilled the ground, prepared the soil, will happen? Have you pondered on all applied fertiliser and sowed the seed. these things? Our winds – yes, humans Up until this point, this is your effort. did not produce the winds either! – Now tell us, after this, who produces the come and take these clouds from here shoot from the seed? Who turns it into to there where pure and fresh water is a plant? Do you do it or do We? needed. Moreover, We store extra water Remember, this happens according to in the form of snow which melts for your Our law. If it were not for Our law then use in summer. When the snow melts it would not be possible for anything to the ground and rivers are replenished grow from the seed. It is also possible with fresh water. Now, be honest and only as much as is necessary for sur- Our drinking water depends on rainfall – that the seed grows into a plant and then tell us: To whom do all these systems of vival – no more than that and never for burns and is destroyed (56:65-66). waterworks with perfect delivery mech- hoarding. This is what the Quran said drinking water fit for human consumption is In this case, instead of producing anisms belong? 1400 years ago: “Everything in/on earth derived from the oceans’ waters. This global 700 grains from every seed, even your Consider the firewood which that supports life is called “Mata‘a” by original seeds will be destroyed. Tell us, humans burn and derive so many ben- the Quran. This represents a great system of waterworks, Allah has created for if Our law does not aid your efforts then efits (56:71). Is the fire created by reality. The root of “Mata‘a” means: humans: from fountains, from wells and canals what is possible based on your efforts humans? Yes, humans take advantage “things of utility, things that support the alone (56:68)? Then, the Quran further of this fire in different ways but who put basic needs of life; things that are only that humans dig, these are all fine, but the questions: The water upon which your the ability of fire inside the wood? Have for utility and not for hoarding.” It most water itself, who created it? Humans put effort life depends, do you produce it from the you pondered on that fact – where the certainly does not mean “property”. The rain or does Our law produce it (56:69)? secret flames came from inside the Quran always uses it as “utility value”. into creating different water systems but they Think about it! green branches of trees (56:72)? Putting How much one can eat and how much Our drinking water depends on rain- the fire deep inside the veins of dry one can use things to support one’s life did not produce the water itself? Allah pro- fall – drinking water fit for human con- branches—is it of human creation or of – these are limited. Human needs are duced it. Farming depends upon water. There sumption is derived from the oceans’ Our law’s? This, you must not forget and limited but human greed is unlimited. waters. This global system of water- always keep in front of you (56:73). This Since capitalism is based on greed, it will be no farming if there is no water. works, Allah has created for humans: was a joint enterprise between humans leads to a vicious mentality of unending from fountains, from wells and canals and Allah. Humans provided the effort greed of multiplying and counting that humans dig, these are all fine, but and Allah provided the resources. Only wealth. This greed for hoarding more the water itself, who created it? Humans then the output was produced. There- and more for its own sake drives in palatial homes in gated communities anywhere at their pleasure to meet the put effort into creating different water fore, according to honest and ethical humans mad and does not let them rest and those living in debilitated worn-out basic needs of life. From the political systems but they did not produce the business practice we must divide the in peace. The Quran says that this con- huts in shanty towns can they ever point of view, this means establishment water itself? Allah produced it. Farming result of this common business. You take tinues until they reach their graves: “You become one brotherhood? The truth is of a single sovereign one-world gov- depends upon water. There will be no your share according to your expended are obsessed by greed for more and (according to Iqbal): ernment. From humanity’s point of farming if there is no water. effort, however, the basic investment more until you go down to your graves. Though humanity has grown old, the view, this means establishment of the Allah asks humans: Do you ever was Ours. All this We have described to What makes you oblivious to the real devils are still young!Gunnar Myrdal, a highest form of human equity and dig- ponder on Our comprehensive system you to explain what is at stake here. Give goal of humankind? The obsession, ava- Swedish Nobel Laureate economist, in nity. As long as the condition of the of waterworks – from the oceans’ water Us Our due share. Then only you will be rice and rivalry to amass wealth.” his book “Beyond the Welfare State” world is such that half of the world is – which humans cannot drink even one considered an honest and fair busi- (102:1-2) called for a universal welfare system that rich and the rest of the half poor, uni- sip – how the Sun’s rays lift pure vapor- nessperson. You ask Me: Sir, Thou are Capitalism creates classes based on breaks down all national barriers. versal human brotherhood cannot be ised water leaving behind all the chem- not in front of us; nor Thou eat or drink; wealth. If this remains then how can He suggests that the only way to attained. icals and salts in the oceans. This water so to whom do we give Thine share? humanity ever become one brother- establish such a system would be to According to the shining hadith of is then carried in the form of clouds that Give to the needy: (Mataa-‘al-lilmu- hood? People living under capitalism in establish a world government in which the Prophet (PBUH) – “In any town, if a travel great distances. If all that water qween) (56:74). Give it to the hungry. It just one country cannot become one there are no national boundaries or class single person sleeps hungry then Allah in the clouds were to drop again into the will reach Us. brotherhood, let alone becoming uni- distinctions between people; where pulls His hands of protection from that oceans in the form of rain and it does (Mataa‘a are the things that a versal brotherhood of humankind under human beings are free to live anywhere town.” not reach where it is needed, then what traveler takes with him on a trip, but capitalism. Think about it – those living they want; and are free to move www.islamicity.org Islamic approach to the environment The Prophet (PBUH) GAR SMITH bring forth the green blade biochemistry at the University care about animal rights.” instructed the faithful from which we bring forth the of Punjab, notes that “Islam dis- In the centuries following he word ‘Earth’ (ard) thick-clustered grain; and from courages luxurious and lavish Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) that any Muslim who appears no less than 485 the date-palm, from the pollen living.” Muslims see the exist- passing, Islamic scholars intro- plants a crop that feeds Ttimes in the holy book of The Prophet thereof, spring pendant ence of luxury as “an expres- duced the idea of hima — a pro- another person, animal Quran. Shariah, the word for (PBUH) said: bunches, and gardens of grapes, sion of social injustice, as few tected zone. Many Islamic Islamic Law, literally means and the olive and the can afford luxurious items at countries now set aside certain or bird, will receive a “source of water.” “When doomsday pomegranate.” the expense of the deprived wild areas that cannot be reward in paradise. One familiar story from the comes, if someone “The earth is our first masses.” developed or cultivated. These Cutting down trees is life of the Prophet Muhammad has a palm shoot mother,” says Imam Alhilaly. In an article posted on have become modern wildlife seen as an abomination. (peace be upon him) recounts in his hands, he “Therefore it has certain rights www.Islamicwell.com, F Kamal reserves. how, during a journey, one of over us. One of these rights is notes that the two fundamental “Much of the foundations the Prophet’s (PBUH) compan- should plant it.” making it come alive with green sources of Muslim faith — the of modern science are built on “Human life is sacred in the sight of Islam. ions removed a baby pigeon vegetation and other plant life. Quran and the Hadith (the par- Muslim scientific roots,” Kamal No one is permitted to take the life of from a nest. The Prophet “The Prophet (PBUH) said ables and examples from the states. But Islamic science, another person except as life-for-life. Sui- (PBUH) gently returned the bird the pleasure of Allah.” that he who is kind and mer- life of the Prophet -PBUH) — Kamal noted, was not “a cold cide is a crime in Islam.” to its nest. “For charity shown Imam Alhilaly infers from ciful towards animals, Allah will teach that kindness to animals pursuit devoid of any ethical Under Islam, El Ashi states, “it is to each creature with a wet this passage that Islam also for- be kind and merciful towards is an “article of faith for Mus- considerations. It was not a incumbent on every Muslim to con- heart, there is a reward,” the bids “factory outpours to go to him.... We must deal with ani- lims.” The Prophet (PBUH) confrontation against nature tribute his/her share in improving Prophet declared. waterways or to the ocean, as mals with utmost beneficence advised people never to curse but a search for Allah’s signs, greenery. Muslims should be active in In the words of Allah, this would pollute the water and compassion and strive to beasts of burden and com- limitless bounty and mercy. growing more trees for the benefit of “There is not an animal in the and threaten marine life. ensure the preservation of the manded his followers to treat “One of the most destruc- all people.” Even during battle, Mus- earth, nor a creature flying on “Air is the property of Allah different species,” Imam Alhi- these animals with gentleness tive causes of pollution is con- lims are required to avoid cutting trees two wings, but they are nations the Exalted,” the imam states. laly instructs. “It is forbidden in and kindness. sumer waste,” Kamal writes, that are useful to people. like you.” (6:38) “Hence, contaminating the air Islam to kill a animal for mere The Hadith tells of a woman citing the Quran (17:27): “Lo! the The Prophet (PBUH) instructed the Islamic cleric Mufty Imam with smoke is an encroachment play. Islam has forbidden who “was tortured and was put squanderers were ever brothers faithful that any Muslim who plants a Tajuddin H Alhilaly, argues that on nature and a threat to the wastage of animals and plants in Hell because of a cat which of the devils and the devil was crop that feeds another person, animal all living things “are partners life of mankind and all other in peacetime and in wartime.” she had kept locked till it died ever an ingrate to his Lord.” or bird, will receive a reward in para- to man in existence and they living things.” Tradition has it that if someone of hunger.” In another tale, a Devout Muslims, Kamal says, dise. Cutting down trees is seen as an deserve their own respect.” The Quran does, however, kills a bird for amusement, the prostitute’s sins are washed “do not disorder their world... abomination. Islam forbids the wastage endorse the transformation of bird will demand justice from away because she gave in search of self-gratification, How important is the planting of of water “and the usage wilderness into agriculture and that man on judgment day. drinking water to a thirsty dog. greed, waste and ingratitude to trees? In the words of the Prophet thereof without benefit.... The cattle pastures. The Quran pro- In an essay on the “Signifi- Kamal observes with some their Lord.” (PBUH): “When doomsday comes, if preservation of water for the claims that it is Allah who cance of Environment in Islam” pride that these stories were In his article “Islam and the someone has a palm shoot in his hands, drinking of mankind, animal “sends down water from the in the April 1998 issue of the recorded “1,400 years ago — Environment,” Arafat El Ashi, he should plant it.” life, bird life and vegetation is sky, and therewith we bring Islamic Voice, Akhtar Mah- long before it became fashion- Director of the Muslim World a form of worship which gains forth buds of every kind. We mood, a professor of able or ‘politically correct’ to League in Canada, observes that www.earthisland.org FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 ASIA 05

Govt probes Mumbai tension report on eases as police breach of database foil meetings REUTERS IANS Police abruptly NEW DELHI: India began investigating a report that MUMBAI: After Wednesday’s axed permission to access to its database of the violence-hit ‘Maharashtra Shut- a day-long student identity details of more than 1 down’, police abruptly axed convention in which billion citizens was being sold permission to a day-long Gujarat legislator for just $8 on social media, in student convention in which what could be one of the giant Gujarat legislator Jignesh Jignesh Mewani and programme’s biggest security Mewani and JNU student leader JNU student leader breaches. Umar Khalid were to take part. Umar Khalid were to The Tribune newspaper Simultaneously, Pune take part. said it had been able to buy Police registered a FIR against login credentials to the Aad- the two leaders for allegedly haar database, allowing it to making inflammatory speeches day-long event was planned acquire information such as at a meeting in Shaniwarwada long ago in which both Mewani, Football factory in Jalandhar the names, telephone num- in Pune on December 31. Khalid and others were listed bers and home addresses of Mumbai Police swooped on speakers. A man packing footballs at a factory in Jalandhar. The footballs, which are made for export and the millions of people. the Bhaidas Hall, in the posh Maharashtra legislator Indian market, are made by small contractors in Jalandhar, with factory owners distributing the The paper said it bought western suburb of Vile Parle Kapil Patil said around 800 stu- raw materials to labourers in low-income slum areas of the city who stitch them together at home. access for as little as Rs500 yesterday, and stopped the dents and delegates including ($7.89) from someone on a Left-leaning Chhatra Bharati’s many girls were dumped into WhatsApp social media group. All India Students Summit police vans and taken to var- The “case appears to be an which was scheduled to be ious police stations where they instance of misuse,” said the addressed by Khalid and were detained for several Unique Identification Mewani. hours. Authority of India (UIDAI), Considered the Dalit face of “The police are acting at the Instant divorce deadlock which runs the biometric Gujarat politics and convenor behest of the BJP-Shiv Sena identity card scheme, the of Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar government to crush the voice world’s largest. Manch, Mewani was elected to of the students who raise continues amid bedlam in RS The agency said it had ini- the state Assembly last month uncomfortable questions. This tiated a police complaint as an Independent. is a fascist government,” Patil IANS priority and decided to go ahead the House adjourned on against the people responsible The police broke up the told the media. with a bill on GST, opposition Wednesday, a division was to be for selling the access, but did planned convention, citing pro- Demanding the release of NEW DELHI: The deadlock on members created an uproar, taken and so the Rajya Sabha not identify them. hibitory orders imposed in the detained students, scores of the triple talaq bill in the Rajya forcing him to adjourn the House should pick up the thread from Crucial data, “including Mumbai after Wednesday’s students squatted outside the Sabha continued yesterday with for the day. where it was left. biometric information, is fully state-wide shutdown which left Juhu police station raising anti- the opposition insisting on its It now remains to be seen After some discussion, the safe and secure,” the agency a 16-year old student dead in government slogans. reference to a Select Committee whether the government lists the two sides agreed to conduct a said in a statement. The data- Nanded. In Pune, the police late on for detailed scrutiny and the Muslim Women (Protection of short-duration discussion on the base incorporates fingerprints Opposing the police move, Wednesday booked Mewani government rejecting the Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, economy and take up the matter and iris scans, besides basic Chhatra Bharati members and Khalid for ‘inciting pas- demand. which seeks to criminalise regarding triple talaq bill after information details. staged noisy protests, raised sions’ between communities With no agreement, the gov- instant divorce by uttering talaq that. After Finance Minister Arun “Mere display of demo- anti-government slogans and following a complaint by a ernment placed the bill in the thrice, for consideration today — Jaitley’s reply to the discussion, graphic information can’t be attempted to squat outside the Pune-based student, Akshay G. bottom of priority in the list of the last day of the winter session. the opposition returned to its misused without biometrics,” venue. Many were seen running Bikkad. business, which the opposition Earlier, the opposition wanted demand for a vote on the two it added, ruling out financial on to the main road outside. Bikkad said that at a strongly objected to and the Chair to put the motions motions. Jaitley, who is also fraud, saying access to bank Defying the police, some meeting held on December 31, demanded that its motions for moved by Congress leader Anand Leader of the House, raised ques- accounts required further attempted to enter the audito- Mewani and Khalid made alleg- referring the bill to a Select Com- Sharma and Trinamool Congress tions over the validity of the two authentication that involved rium but were evicted by the edly inflammatory speeches mittee be taken up immediately. member Sukhendu Shekar Roy motions saying the statutory fingerprint and iris scans. police. Many were bundled into that could create misunder- As Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien for reference of the legislation to requirement of 24 hours advance But the breach is the latest a police van and detained. standing between communities, pleaded helplessness on the a proposed Select Committee be notice was not given and that the in a programme facing Chhatra Bharati Vice Pres- and included excerpts from the ground that the listing of busi- put to vote immediately. proposed committee was not increasing scrutiny over pri- ident Sagar Bhalerao said the objectionable speeches. ness was the government’s They contended that before representative in character. vacy concerns.

Pilots grounded after ﬁght Jadhav says not tortured; in ‘mid-air’ govt dubs video ‘propaganda’ AFP IANS spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at them as soon as they stepped MUMBAI: An Indian airline accused Pakistan of “simply con- out of the meeting.” said it had grounded two NEW DELHI: Pakistan yesterday tinuing its practice of putting out Pakistani authorities pilots over allegations they released a video in which alleged coerced statements on video. arranged the meeting between had a fight and both briefly Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav “It is time for them to realise Jadhav and his family through a stormed out of the cockpit claimed he was not tortured in that such propagandistic exer- glass panel but did not allow a during a New Year’s Day custody and accused an Indian cises simply carry no private discussion. Indian Deputy flight from London to diplomat of “yelling” at his credibility. High Commissioner J.P. Singh Mumbai. mother and wife after they met “The absurdity of a captive was not seated with the family. Jet Airways is investi- him last month. under duress certifying his own Jadhav says in the video that gating claims that a male pilot India dismissed the recorded welfare while mouthing allega- he “saw fear” in the eyes of his slapped his female colleague statement as a “propagandistic tions of his captors clearly merits mother and wife when they met during a heated argument exercise” with no credibility. no comment.” him — for the first time after his while the plane was in the air Sentenced to death by a Kumar added: “Pakistan is controversial arrest. “I saw fear... with 324 passengers on Pakistani military court on best advised to fulfil its interna- why should there be fear? What board. Reports in several charges of espionage and ter- tional obligations, whether it per- all has happened has happened,” newspapers, quoting rorism in April 2017, Jadhav, 47, tains to consular relations or Jadhav said, adding his family unnamed sources, said the says in the short video clip that UNSC resolutions 1267 and 1373 was “threatened”. mid-air altercation led the he had “not been subjected to on terrorism and to desist from “I am a Commissioned female pilot to leave the Visitors to Taj Mahal to be restricted any sort of torture in Pakistan”. continuing violations of human officer in the Indian Navy — my cockpit in tears and she had A general view of the Taj Mahal in Agra. India is to restrict the He also thanked the Pakistan rights of an Indian national.” Commission is not over,” he said. to be persuaded to go back in number of daily visitors to the Taj Mahal in an effort to preserve government for letting him meet The death row convict is On December 26, India by cabin crew. the iconic 17th-century monument to love, its biggest tourist his mother Avantika and wife heard saying in the video denounced Pakistan for its han- draw. Millions of tourists visit the Taj Mahal every year and their Chetankul in Islamabad on released by the Pakistan Foreign dling of the family’s visit, saying It is very cold in numbers are increasing steadily. December 25. “This gesture was Office: “The Indian person or the two women were harassed a positive one... I feel happy.” diplomat accompanying my and prevented from talking to jail, says Lalu External Affairs Ministry mother and wife started yelling Jadhav freely.

IANS

RANCHI: Special CBI judge Shivapal Singh put off the Happy you stand vindicated: Manmohan tells Raja sentencing of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad, who claimed he had done no IANS that he “understood the compulsions” that and I would prove this. (December 26) a decade ago, he had wrong and that he found it prevented the then Prime Minister from “I also understand the compulsions written to the Prime Minister on the sub- “very cold” in prison. NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister “openly supporting him”. that prevented you from openly sup- ject of issuance of new UAS licenses and According to a lawyer who Manmohan Singh has said he was happy A special court on December 21 porting me. Today, I stand vindicated. allocation of 2G spectrum. was present in the courtroom, that former Telecom Minister A. Raja acquitted Raja and Kanimozhi of the DMK “I hope you will acknowledge that I “Neither of us could have imagined Lalu Yadav told the judge: “Sir, stood vindicated in the 2G case. as well as businessmen and executives remained loyal and faithful to you — the twists and turns in our political and jail me thanda bahut lagta hai. “Many thanks for your letter... I am accused of bribery in the 2008 allocation unlike some senior cabinet colleagues — personal lives over the next ten years. A (It is very cold in the prison.) I very happy that you stand vindicated in of 2G telecom spectrum, a “scam” that and ensured that you did not suffer per- few powerful individuals launched a am not allowed to meet the 2G case. You and your family have allegedly contributed to the Congress-led sonal embarrassment in the trial propaganda machine, magnified a thou- people.” The judge responded: suffered greatly in this process but all your UPA’s defeat in the 2014 parliamentary proceedings.” sand times by a complicit and pliable “That’s why you are called to friends are greatly relieved that truth has elections. “Now that the truth about 2G is out in media, and were able to mislead even Par- the court so that you can meet prevailed,” Manmohan Singh said in a Raja, in his letter to Manmohan Singh, the open, perhaps you too could come for- liament and the apex judiciary. people. If you feel cold, then reply, dated January 2, to Raja’s December said: “You will recall that I assured you ward in my support, which you could not “It cost you the UPA government, and play harmonia or tabla to beat 26 letter. several times that I had done nothing earlier,” Raja said. it took seven years of my life, including the cold.” In his letter, Raja, of the DMK, had said wrong but rather acted in national interest He noted that it was on this very day fifteen months in jail,” he wrote. 06 ASIA FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 Pakistan shrugs off impending US aid cuts

REUTERS “Aid cuts will not total came from the Coalition economic damage would Support Fund (CSF), a U S weaken the country, proving ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is shrug- hurt us. That’s not Defence Department programme counterproductive in Washing- US places Pakistan in watch list ging off proposed US aid cuts but the leverage they to reimburse allies for the costs ton’s battle against Islamist mil- frets that Washington could take have, because it of supporting counter-terrorist itant groups in South Asia. for religious freedom violations more drastic measures to deter is something they and counter-insurgency opera- “I can’t imagine how the U S REUTERS what it sees as the South Asian tions. Pakistan was the largest financially or militarily hurts us nation’s support for Taliban mili- have reduced recipient of such funds. and their own war effort doesn’t WASHINGTON: The US State Department has placed Pakistan on tants causing chaos in neigh- drastically over the The remaining $450m was a get hurt,” said Ismail, adding that a special watch list for “severe violations of religious freedom,” it bouring Afghanistan. years,” Miftah Ismail, mix of military assistance and it was impossible to find a solu- said yesterday. The State Department also said it had re-designated Washington plans to immi- Pakistan’s de facto funds for international non-gov- tion to the Afghan conflict “without 10 other nations as “countries of particular concern” under the nently slash “security assistance” ernment bodies (NGOs) and Pakistan being part of it”. International Religious Freedom Act for having engaged in or toler- to Pakistan, US congressional ﬁnance minister, said. other development programmes, Last year, U S officials said ated egregious violations of religious freedom. aides said on Wednesday, Pakistan’s finance ministry says. the options being discussed to The re-designated countries were China, Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, although the type, scale and watched warily as Washington Analysts say there are limits push Pakistan to change its North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and length of the cuts was unclear. A has in recent years pivoted to how much the US can fracture behaviour included targeted Uzbekistan. They were re-designated on December 22. day earlier, the White House said towards its arch-foe India. relations, since Pakistan cannot sanctions of officials with ties to “The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, sta- it would suspend about $255m Over the past decade, US be isolated or completely side- militant groups waging an insur- bility, and prosperity,” the department said in a statement. “These in already delayed military threats to cut aid have been part lined, because of its proximity to, gency in Afghanistan. designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious assistance. and parcel of its frustrating rela- and influence in, Afghanistan. The U S officials have also freedom in these countries.” Tense ties between the tionship with Pakistan, a nation “There is really no way for- suggested the Pentagon may uneasy allies nosedived on Jan- also seen as vital to the peace ward for the United States in ramp up drone strikes, driving uary 1 when President Donald process in Afghanistan. Afghanistan without Pakistan Pakistani media to speculate if Afghanistan through Pakistan’s foil to Indian influence in Trump lashed out on Twitter “Aid cuts will not hurt us,” playing some kind of coopera- such air attacks would be wid- territory. Afghanistan, and analysts say its against Islamabad’s “lies and Miftah Ismail, Pakistan’s de facto tive and collaborative role,” said ened beyond areas bordering Pakistan remains committed to military and security services deceit” despite $33bn in aid and finance minister, said. “That’s not Huma Yusuf, a Wilson Center Afghanistan. friendly relations with the United maintained ties long after the the White House warned of “spe- the leverage they have, because Global Fellow. Islamabad could “review its States, its powerful army chief, Taliban regime was toppled in cific actions” to pressurise it is something they have reduced Islamabad worries that the cooperation if it is not appreci- Qamar Javed Bajwa, told Capital TV 2001. Pakistan. drastically over the years.” United States, seeking to exert ated”, its United Nations repre- on Wednesday, but warned Wash- Today the Afghan Taliban A staunch US Cold War ally Pakistan received about $1bn greater pressure on its ally, could in sentative, Maleeha Lodhi, told ington against “coercion”, and and the Haqqani network mili- and key player in the US-backed in US assistance in 2016, down future train its crosshairs on Paki- media this week, which many vowed not to “compromise on our tants are effectively an arm of invasion of Afghanistan after the from a peak of about 3.5bn in 2011, stan’s fragile economy and impose interpreted as a reference to the self-respect”. Pakistan’s foreign policy, U S September 11, 2001 attacks on Pakistani and US officials say. some sort of financial sanctions. vital transport route ferrying Pakistan supported the officials say. Pakistan staunchly the United States, Pakistan has About $550m of the 2016 Pakistani officials warn supplies to U S troops in Afghan Taliban in the 1990s as a denies using proxies.

Education, Dozens of casualties as health cases explosion rocks Kabul to get court preference REUTERS confirmed the explosion had been caused by a suicide attack KABUL: A suicide bomber in and Kabul police spokesman INTERNEWS the Afghan capital caused Basir Mujahid said at least five dozens of casualties yesterday police had been killed. ISLAMABAD: The Supreme after blowing himself up close An official at the ministry of Court (SC) of Pakistan to a group of security personnel public said 15 wounded had yesterday observed that the who were carrying out an oper- been brought into city apex court would give pref- ation against illegal drugs and hospitals. erence to adjudicating upon alcohol dealing, officials said. Police officers at the scene cases related to health and Wahid Majroh, a said the bomber had been education sectors during the spokesman for the ministry of wearing police or army uniform current year 2018. public health, said 11 dead and and had approached a group of A three-member bench of 25 wounded had been brought security personnel near where the apex court, headed by to city hospitals after the blast the controls on illegal drugs and Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian in an area of the city not far alcohol had been carried out, Saqib Nisar, heard the suo from the U S Embassy and but there was no official moto case of millions of other foreign missions. confirmation. rupees corruption in the As security forces arrived, “Kabul police forces were Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) a Reuters reporter saw four there to prevent a possible pro- Boosting ties Mines Department. police vehicles carrying dead test when a suicide bomber The court summoned yes- Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono (centre, left) meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid or wounded security personnel approached them and deto- terday Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the scene. nated his suicide vest,” Mujahid Khaqan Abbasi (centre, right) in Islamabad yesterday. chief secretary and Environ- A security official at the scene said. ment and Mining secretary. The chief justice noted that the court’s orders were not implemented in letter and spirit, but now everyone, whether he Islamabad’s new anti-riot unit ready to face mobs was an executive or not, would have to follow their orders. The chief justice observed INTERNEWS terming it a step towards profes- protesters numbering around to set up a specialised anti-riot act as backup. These active pla- that they took notice then eve- sional and modern policing. The 2,500 — to move in and disperse unit (ARU) in the capital. While toons will be dedicated to tack- ryone became active, adding ISLAMABAD: After a handful of unit consisting of 586 personnel the so-far peaceful protesters. a case for recruiting 2,000 per- ling riots and will be stationed at till what time they would make protesters laid bare the gaps in displayed various formations to However, as officers got sonnel for the dedicated ARU has the police headquarters. The promises and the people would the capacity of the Islamabad tackle both, peaceful gatherings close to the container of the been forwarded to the Finance ‘reserves’ will consist of per- remind them about their own Police to handle rioters, the and violent mobs. As the protest TLYR, they were ambushed by Ministry, the capital’s police have sonnel working in different commitments. newly-established anti-riot unit led by the Tehreek Labbaik Ya around 1,000 armed men, in the meantime spared 586 per- wings of the police force and will He said that in 2018, the (ARU) demonstrated their skills Rasool Allah (TLYR) entered its forcing the police to beat a hasty sonnel from various wings to set be called upon as and when the Supreme Court would give at a mock mob-handling exer- third week, the patience of the retreat. By the time the dust set- up the unit. need arises. Each platoon would preference to health and edu- cise at police lines headquarters government ran out and on tled, at least five people were IGP Islamabad Sultan Azam comprise 20 officers, explained cation cases. The chief justice yesterday. November 25 it ordered the dead and dozens were injured. Temuri said ARU will consist of Temuri, meaning that as many said there were many com- Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal police — which had been keeping In view of that ‘embarrassment’, 26 active platoons while a fur- as 4,000 officers will be in plaints regarding lease in the witnessed the demonstration, a watchful cordon around the the authorities had announced ther 200 passive platoons will reserves. KP Mining Department. Taiwan demands immediate halt to new China ﬂight routes AFP aviation as a cover for improper The M503 can now be used intentions regarding Taiwan pol- for south-to-north flights too, it TAIPEI: Taiwan yesterday itics and even military affairs,” announced, adding the four new demanded China immediately Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council routes are only for civilian close new flight routes launched said in a statement. flights and that China will main- close to the island, calling it a Critics say that the main tain technical communications “reckless” and politically moti- route in the dispute, M503, runs with Taiwan. vated move. too close to the island’s Taiwan’s defence ministry The Civil Aviation Adminis- airspace. said Thursday that the military tration of China (CAAC) China’s first attempt to open will intercept, warn and repel if announced yesterday that it is the route in 2015 sparked pro- necessary any planes that cross opening four routes to help ease tests that prompted Beijing to into Taiwanese airspace and congestion in its airspace over the move it closer to the mainland threaten the island’s security. Taiwan Strait, which separates and use it only for north-to- China and Taiwan split after the island from mainland China. south flights. a civil war in 1949 and the island But Taipei said Beijing had not “The rapid growth of flights has been self-ruled since. But Hunt for IS militants consulted it over the move which in western Taiwan Strait air- Beijing still claims the island as Afghan commando forces patrol during ongoing US-Afghan military operation against IS militants “ignores flight safety and disre- space in recent years has caused part of its territory to be brought in Achin district of Nangarhar province. spects Taiwan”. “We believe... this increasingly serious delays,” back into its fold — by force if is purposefully using civil CAAC said Thursday. necessary. FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 ASIA 07 Myanmar leader calls for statute reforms REUTERS it an effective veto over consti- “As we build the tutional change and control of YANGON: Myanmar’s civilian Democratic Federal security affairs. president called in an Independ- Republic, in accordance Myanmar began emerging ence Day speech yesterday for with the results of the from 49 years of military rule in reform of a military-drafted 2011. Suu Kyi’s party swept a constitution and for justice for political dialogues, 2015 election and formed a gov- all recognised minorities under we all need to work ernment but concern is growing a federal system, but made no collectively for that the reform programme is mention of the treatment of its creating a suitable stalling or even sliding back. Rohingya Muslim people. This has been compounded Amending the charter to constitution,” President by attacks on press freedom, remove a dominant political role for Htin Kyaw said in his including the detention of sev- the military has been one of the speech marking the eral journalists over the past most contentious issues facing year. On December 12, the Myanmar as it emerges from nearly 70th anniversary authorities arrested two Reuters half a century of strict army rule. of Myanmar’s reporters who had covered the The debate over constitutional independence. army crackdown that has led to A woman reacts with ﬂour over her face while playing a game with cake-making ingredients as part reform, however, has been muted the mass flight of Rohingya res- of local festivities marking Myanmar’s 70th Independence Day in Yangon yesterday. since the assassination in January idents of Rakhine State across the last year of a lawyer advising gov- on what he meant by suitable or border into Bangladesh. categorises as indigenous ethnic cleansing saying its security traditionally seen itself as the ernment leader Aung San Suu spell out why he was suggesting Htin Kyaw called for respect groups. The Rohingya, who have forces have mounted legitimate only institution preventing the Kyi’s ruling party on the issue. the 2008 constitution drawn up for human rights but he did not traditionally lived in Rakhine, clearance operations. country’s disintegration and has “As we build the Democratic by the military was unsuitable. refer to the crisis over the exodus have been denied inclusion as Htin Kyaw called for an end favoured a unitary state. Federal Republic, in accordance The constitution bars Suu Kyi of 655,000 Rohingya people, nor authorities regard them as illegal to conflict with insurgents from Amending the constitution with the results of the political dia- from becoming president to the international condemna- immigrants who have crossed various ethnic minorities who would not be easy. Changes logues, we all need to work col- because it rules out candidates tion it has generated. over from Bangladesh. have been battling for autonomy require a 76 percent majority lectively for creating a suitable with a foreign spouse or child. “We are working for the The Rohingya crisis erupted for decades. vote in a parliament dominated constitution,” President Htin Kyaw Suu Kyi’s late husband was emergence of a democratic state in late August after Rohingya Clashes have flared in recent by military members and their said in his speech marking the British as are her two sons. based on the principles of insurgent attacks on security weeks between the army and allies. 70th anniversary of Myanmar’s It also reserves for the mili- freedom for all ethnic national posts in Rakhine triggered a guerrillas in Kachin and Shan The killing of lawyer and independence from Britain. tary one quarter of the seats in races, justice, equality and right fierce military response that the states in the north. Myanmar’s constitutional expert Ko Ni last Htin Kyaw’s post is largely parliament and several major of self-determination,” he said. United Nations denounced as minorities have long demanded year has not been fully explained ceremonial but he is a close ally cabinet posts, including defence, “National race” is a term used ethnic cleansing. self-determination under a fed- even though the gunman was of Suu Kyi. He did not elaborate interior and border affairs, giving by Myanmar referring to what it Myanmar denies ethnic eral system. The army has caught at the scene. Japan faces greatest danger since WWII: Abe China puts Tibetan

REUTERS and largest nuclear test in Sep- Abe said Japan would take United Nations, Nikki Haley, said activist on trial tember, and then in November, new steps to strengthen its this week the United States was TOKYO: The security situation said it had successfully tested a defence posture but he did not hearing reports that North Korea AFP Liang said the short docu- facing Japan is the most perilous new intercontinental ballistic go to specifics. might be preparing to fire mentary was “the most impor- since the Second World War missile that could reach all of the The government approved another missile, and she warned BEIJING: A Tibetan who has tant evidence” used by the because of North Korea’s “unac- US mainland. a record military budget last it not to. waged a campaign to preserve prosecution. ceptable” provocations, Prime “It is not an exaggeration to month, with defence outlays due “It is absolutely unaccept- his region’s ancestral language In the video, Wangchuk Minister Shinzo Abe said say that the security environ- to rise for a sixth year, increasing able that North Korea is tram- was put on trial in China for complained of a “systematic yesterday and he vowed to ment surrounding Japan is at its by 1.3 percent to 5.19 trillion yen pling the strong desire of Japan inciting separatism yesterday slaughter of our culture”. bolster defences to protect the severest since World War Two. ($46 billion), with the biggest and the rest of the international in a case Amnesty International “In politics, it’s said that if Japanese people. I will protect the people’s lives item 137 billion yen in rein- community for peaceful resolu- denounced as “ludicrously one nation wants to eliminate Tension in the region has and peaceful living in any situ- forcing defences against North tions and continuing with its unjust”. another nation, first they need been rising, particularly since ation,” Abe told a New Year news Korean ballistic missiles. provocative behaviour,” Abe Tashi Wangchuk was fea- to eliminate their spoken and North Korea conducted its sixth conference. The US ambassador to the said. tured in a New York Times doc- written language,” he said. umentary that followed him on In the Times’ stories Wang- a trip to Beijing, where he chuk notably says he wants to use attempted to get Chinese state Chinese law to build his case, and 8 die trying to media and courts to address praised President Xi Jinping. what he describes as dimin- Beijing says it “peacefully lib- open mortar ishing use of the Tibetan erated” Tibet in 1951 and insists language. it has brought development to a in Philippines Wangchuk was put on trial previously backward region. AP at the Intermediate People’s But many Tibetans accuse Court in Yushu, his hometown the Chinese government of ZAMBOANGA: Eight people in a Tibetan area of north- exploiting the region’s natural were killed in the southern western China’s Qinghai resources and encouraging an Philippines when a rusty province. influx of China’s majority Han mortar round they thought The charge can carry a sen- ethnic group that critics say is was an iron canister with gold tence of up to five years, but diluting the native culture and inside exploded as they tried Wangchuk’s lawyer Liang Xiaojun Buddhist faith. to pry it open with a hammer, said prosecutors were expected to China’s constitution pro- police said yesterday. seek even more jail time. tects free speech but critics Police Senior Superin- Wangchuk pleaded not say in reality there is little tendent Raul Tacaca said by tel- guilty, and the trial did not room for voicing any opinions ephone that five other people come to a verdict on Thursday. that challenge government were wounded by the powerful But nearly every case that policies, and rights groups blast late on Wednesday in a far- goes to trial in China — especially have accused Xi’s government flung mountain village of Sirawai on sensitive state-security issues of an escalating crackdown on town in Zamboanga del Norte — ends with a guilty verdict. “He expression. province. The explosion hap- doesn’t believe he’s incited sep- Amnesty International said pened inside a bunkhouse for aratism. He only wants to it was “appalling” that Wang- workers of a plywood strengthen Tibetan language chuk could face jail time. company. education,” Liang said. “These are blatantly One of the workers found Wangchuk has been trumped up charges and he the mortar round in a river bank Struggling through snow detained in Yushu since January should be immediately and and brought it to the bunkhouse, 2016, not long after the New York unconditionally released,” A woman walks with a cane amid snow in Hefei, Anhui province, China, yesterday. where other workers and their Times published its story and Amnesty’s East Asia Research relatives stayed, and started to documentary video about his Director Roseann Rife said in a try to open it with a hammer, activism, according to the Times. statement. Tacaca said. “They pounded on it, thinking there may be gold inside,” Tacaca said. Scientists to map quake-prone Asian region Six of the victims died in the bunkhouse, which was destroyed by the blast, and REUTERS more than 100 seismometers More than 30 researchers maintained or constructed build- equipment and instruments to a two others died while being that detect tremors in Bangla- from at least six countries will ings, researchers said. base outside Bangladesh’s cap- brought to a hospital, he said. KUALA LUMPUR: An interna- desh and western Myanmar, create a detailed image of the Steckler cited the Rana Plaza ital, Dhaka, later this month. Some villagers believed tional team of scientists is set to along the so-called IndoBurma onshore subduction zone, which disaster in Bangladesh, which Work will then be carried out in the mortar round may have begin a four-year project this subduction zone. is also home to the world’s killed more than 1,100 factory the northeast of Bangladesh. been a relic of World War II, month that will map, image and A team in India will also largest delta system. It spans an workers in 2013, as an example Teams in both India and but Tacaca said it appeared monitor an earthquake-prone begin work in the part of the area of about 700km and is an of the potential risks that an Myanmar are due to begin work to have been a leftover of area that encompasses some of zone that extends into the north- extension of the zone that caused earthquake would pose. in March. clashes between government the most remote and densely eastern part of that country. the tsunami of 2004 in the Indian “A year and a half ago we In addition to planting seis- forces and Muslim rebels in populated parts of Asia. “This particular area has Ocean, which killed more than published a paper saying that mometers, researchers will con- more recent years. The $7m project is partly led never been (mapped) before in 200,000 people. there was the potential for a duct various studies, and collect Zamboanga del Norte is by Michael Steckler, a professor anything close to this scale,” Any future earthquake in the large earthquake in this area,” and study rock samples across one of several coastal areas at Columbia University’s Steckler said yesterday. “We research and surrounding areas he added. the three countries, with the aim that were battered by a trop- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observ- know so little about what the could impact 140 million people Following preliminary work of better understanding and ical storm last month that left atory. It will involve three teams geometry of the fault is under — many of whom are among the carried out late last year, Steckler minimizing the risks that any more than 160 people dead planting sophisticated global there that it is very hard to make world’s poorest — and cause the and his team will move a ship- future mega-earthquake would and scores other missing. positioning system stations, and accurate assessments.” collapse of thousands badly ment of more than 1 tonne of have for the area. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Wise policy decision arren Buffett, the famous American 2018 is the year for protecting the planet investor and the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway business empire, once said: “Someone is sitting in a shade today Wbecause someone planted a tree long ago”. From an (36 degrees Fahrenheit.) investor’s point of view, irrespective of whether an Transparency is essential to individual or state investor, the above quote is determine whether that 2-degree insightful. This is not only true in investing in target is realistic. Practically speaking, something or some particular place, but also in terms the UN needs to figure out how One of the goals of the of attracting investments into a business or a countries will report their progress Paris Agreement is that particular place, say a country, too. The most toward their emission-cutting goals. It JOHN LIGHT every country eventually important factor of any investment is the right time will also need to figure out how to will be able to report and the right place. REUTERS determine whether those reports are Qatari authorities, under the wise leadership of accurate. information with the the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, are This will mean digging into topics same degree of accuracy. well aware of this theory. The Cabinet’s decision on HIS will be a big year for the that, during past rounds of Initially, however, that Wednesday to approve a draft law on attracting foreign Paris climate agreement. The negotiations, have proven to be won’t be the case. So capital and investments is a wise move in the right broad outlines of the deal were complex and technically intricate. direction. Tfigured out in 2015, but the When it comes to reporting, “the negotiators this year will The draft law allows non-Qataris to invest in the specific rules governing what it requires Paris Agreement itself essentially have to write rules that fields of banks and insurance companies upon approval countries to do will have to be written points to a common approach for require strong, accurate from the Cabinet while prohibiting them from investing by the end of 2018. countries but also acknowledges a reports, but that leave in commercial agencies and buying real estate. The In spite of Donald Trump’s decision need for flexibility for the countries draft law also says non-Qataris can invest in any other to withdraw the United States from the that need it,” says David Waskow, developing countries fields in accordance to a decision from the Cabinet in accord, the deal appears surprisingly head of the DC-based World some wiggle room. this regard. strong. In the final months of 2017, Resources Institute’s International The Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Nicaragua and Syria, the last two Climate Initiative. Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, while commenting on the holdouts of the more than 190 nations That “common approach” is key, years. Measuring these emissions will draft law, said that the law and something that US diplomats likely involve greater use of regulating foreign representing both Republican and technology, especially satellites that investment came in line with Democratic administrations have can measure carbon dioxide and the directive of the Emir to pushed for years. If the UN has other climate change-causing attract 100 percent foreign different standards for different pollutants from space. capital in all commercial and Over the course of 2018, countries — for instance, if it holds A further complicating factor is the The Cabinet’s economic sectors. negotiators from around the India and China to lower transparency rule-writing role of the United States The draft law allows standards than the European Union — and China, the two countries that decision to world will be working through several incentives on imports the UN Framework Convention then the agreement will be weakened head the Paris Agreement’s approve a draft of capital goods, tax at a time when it needs to get much committee on transparency and law on attracting exemptions, repatriation of on Climate Change, the treaty stronger. which are also the world’s top two foreign capital and investments, to mention a that undergirds the Paris The flip side of those common carbon emitters. Washington has few, which will definitely Agreement, to do something reporting standards is flexibility. By historically championed stronger investments is a attract huge foreign allowing for some variation in the transparency, but whether State move in the right investments into the country. similar. At the top of their to-do information that countries report, the Department diplomats will remain as direction. Foreign investments list are rules for what the UN UN acknowledges that not every invested in the issue given the nation’s contribute many things calls “transparency” — that is, country will be able to measure their current one-foot-out-the-door status is such as expanding new job rules for measuring countries’ greenhouse gas emissions with the unclear. opportunities, introduction same degree of accuracy. China, meanwhile, has at times of advanced technologies, emissions, and for measuring A national government, Waskow balked at efforts to assess its role in import of new management, communication and their progress toward reducing explains, needs “to know basic data climate change. In the past, the country marketing methodologies which will lead to gaining that pollution. about not only power plants but has shared its own internal statistics on higher skills and experience. industrial facilities, what’s happening emissions but has refused to answer Allowing foreign investments in Qatar will increase with transportation systems and questions about how those statistics research and development, which is already a very that met in Paris, signed on. The United vehicles, what kind of fuels are being were calculated. vibrant sector. It will also lead to an increase in national States, meanwhile, will not be able to used, what’s happening in the China’s data on coal use, a major income. withdraw from the agreement until agriculture sector, what’s happening contributor to its greenhouse gas While allowing up to 100 percent foreign November 4, 2020 — four years to the with land use, et cetera. emissions, has not always been reliable investments, the draft law also gives due importance day after the agreement went into effect It requires government capacity and, at times, the country has to the protection of domestic investors, protection of and, coincidentally, one day after the not only at the national level but at the dramatically revised past reports. But environment, compliance to rule of law, security and next US presidential election. sub-national level — the city and state Chinese President Xi Jinping is trying to public health. Now it’s time to figure out the fine and provincial level — to be able to position his country as a global leader Every policy decisions by the Qatari government print. The process that must wrap up know what power plants and on climate change, a mantle the United reflect the farsightedness and concern for the country before the end of 2018 is comparable to industrial facilities are in operation States dropped when President Obama and its people, which is what the citizens are looking the period after Congress passes any and at what level they’re producing left office. Whether that means forward to. Qatar’s path to development is clear and legislation, when regulatory agencies and emitting.” advocating for stronger transparency smooth, so that the country can reach its goal without need to figure out what a given law will Not every county has that capacity. rules remains to be seen. any hiccups. mean in practice. The specifics of how the UN deals with Ultimately, if the UN ends 2018 with Over the course of 2018, negotiators the range of data available is one of strong rules on transparency, countries from around the world will be working the things that must be figured out in will have greater faith in the Paris through the UN Framework Convention 2018. Agreement. They’ll know, with greater on Climate Change, the treaty that One of the goals of the Paris certainty, that what they’re doing is QUOTE OF THE DAY undergirds the Paris Agreement, to do Agreement is that every country making a difference. something similar. eventually will be able to report Looking beyond 2018, countries will At the top of their to-do list are rules information with the same degree of begin offering up stronger and stronger Taxation is an for what the UN calls “transparency” — accuracy. Initially, however, that emissions-cutting pledges. Once the important component that is, rules for measuring countries’ won’t be the case. So negotiators this rules are written, those undertakings of competition. We emissions, and for measuring their year will have to write rules that are “the other critical task,” says would not like to see progress toward reducing that pollution. require strong, accurate reports, but Waskow. “Those together will put the When each country signed on to the that leave developing countries some Paris Agreement fully into motion and any regulation in the agreement, it offered a goal, or a wiggle room. make it a living, breathing thing with EU, which would bind “national determined contribution,” Negotiators will also have to real consequence.” Hungary’s hands in stating how much it planned to reduce figure out how the UN will measure The transparency rules will not just its greenhouse gas emissions. emissions outside national borders, determine whether the world avoids a terms of tax policy, be Over time, countries are expected including those from airplanes and dangerous level of climate change — it corporate tax, or any to improve on those pledges. The boats in international waters. Planes they will determine whether countries other tax. Paris Agreement’s objective is that and boats together account for about have faith in the UN’s delicate effort to these goals will gradually add up to a four percent of global emissions, by protect the planet. Viktor Orban large enough reduction in global some estimates, and both air travel emissions that global warming can be and maritime cargo shipping are The writer is a journalist based in Hungarian Prime Minister contained within 2 degrees Celsius expected to increase in coming New York. FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 OPINION 09 A far-right revival in Central Europe

ITTELEUROPA, an nationalistic face. limit the rights of refugees and turmoil among the European government has already started area stretching from On December 15, two possibly Muslims living in and Israeli elites. Today, the showing what “nationalism in the North and Baltic months after the parliamentary Austria. very same public and media action” looks like. They are Mseas to some of the elections, Austria’s far-right On January 3, during a spheres are instead somewhat proposing to grant Austrian Adriatic, represented a European Freedom Party (FPO) reached a meeting with his Polish accepting of FPO’s right-wing citizenship to the German- “multi-ethnic dream” in the 19th five-year deal with the larger, counterpart, Mateusz extremism. speaking Italians residing in the ANDREA MAMMONE and early 20th century. It conservative People’s Party Morawiecki, Hungary’s Prime This comes alongside a tacit bordering regions of South AL JAZEERA comprised multicultural cities (OVP) and officially became part Minister Viktor Orban said approval of anti-Muslim and Tyrol. This proposal, a clear such as Trieste, Bratislava and of the country’s new coalition “democracy has been restored anti-immigration sentiments. example of ethnicity-based Prague, and was home to a government. in Austria because the Austrians This approval is rooted in the politics masked behind dynamic intellectual milieu that Following the formation of who reject immigration elected irrational idea that immigration moderate faces and expressions, regularly produced pioneers the government, Austria’s new a government that also does not and globalisation represent a is generating tension between such as Sigmund Freud and Italo conservative chancellor want immigration.” But what’s challenge to national/European Italy and Austria. Kurz Following the Svevo. Vienna was the natural Sebastian Kurz swiftly made it happening in Austria is not an traditions as well as to the suggested that they are simply formation of the capital of this dynamic, cultural clear that he has no plans of isolated example. identity of European citizens. respecting the will of the people landscape. backing away from the right- In a sense, the whole of Today, the main worry in from South Tyrol. He claimed government, Yet it all collapsed under the wing, anti-immigrant agenda Mitteleuropa is going back to a many EU spheres is not Austria’s that everything will be done in Austria’s new ashes of the First World War, that brought him electoral pre-1945 climate of nationalism vocal rejection of refugee quotas conjunction with the Italian conservative and the subsequent disasters victory. and xenophobia. Anti- or its defence of the Christian government, and paradoxically chancellor Sebastian that followed the rise of Late last month, the Austrian establishment parties, connotations of the old argued that their proposal is authoritarian and fascist chancellor urged the EU to demagogic mainstream continent. Instead, they are made to forge “cooperation Kurz swiftly made regimes in the region. The consider establishing “safe nationalists and anti-immigrant worried about whether the new among the European states”. it clear that he has process of borderless European areas” in refugees’ countries of far-right wingers already Austrian prime minister and his The unfortunate truth is no plans of backing integration that started at the origin to halt immigration to monopolise politics in Central cabinet will maintain a pro-EU that this was simply one of the away from the right- end of the Cold War had briefly Europe, and said Brussels European countries such as the stance. About 30 years after the electoral promises of the FPO, revitalised this geographical should not only organise this Czech Republic and Poland. fall of the Berlin Wall, and in an a party aiming to protect wing, anti-immigrant area, but recent political venture but also “back it North of the Austrian border, an era characterised by fears of German minorities in all agenda that brought developments show Central militarily”. Kurz is expected to electoral breakthrough of the migrations, all this touches, in territories once belonging to him electoral victory. Europe is once again projecting implement several other strict Alternative for Germany (AfD) fact, the inner soul of Western the Austro-Hungarian Empire. a less reassuring and narrowly measures in the coming days to shows that not even the democracies: Are the years of In the 21st century, this is a strongest eurozone economy is multiculturalism gone? And, bizarre and outdated attempt immune to the substantial above all, are fascism and to return to ethno-imperial resurgence of right-leaning authoritarianism returning? In a nationalism. If the EU, lobbying xenophobia in Central Europe. fast-moving world, shaped by groups and European liberals This is coupled with a number the changing faces of politics, aim to defend a supranational of xenophobic and anti-Semitic the impact of fake news, and union and preserve the gatherings across the region — rising inequalities, these are richness of multicultural such as the white-only reasonable, but, at times, not societies, they should make demonstration that took place well-posed questions. member states accountable for in Warsaw featuring 60,000 It does not make a lot of not respecting some of the EU’s nationalists, which was sense to talk about a return to core values. described by Poland’s foreign the 1930s, nor suggest that the Legal provisions are already minister as a “great patriotic FPO or AfD will one day available, and EU treaties are celebration”. establish a fascist dictatorship. prohibiting discrimination and The formation of a right- But this new, hardline, right- supporting “a society in which wing coalition government in wing Austria may strengthen the pluralism ... tolerance ... Austria was especially revealing existing Central European solidarity and equality ... of the current state of politics opposition to some EU policies. prevail.” Before any cultural and public opinion in the This will erode the European revolution and long-term Western world. Years ago, Commission’s attempts to stop investments in education or when the FPO entered into a the anti-liberal turn of Hungary wealth redistribution, this would coalition government in Austria and Poland even further. be a first, practical starting point for the first time, it created Indeed, the Austrian for a democratic struggle.

THE JAPAN NEWS The United States and China have taken a lead in AI development with their OW can cutting-edge capital strength and rich human technologies, which continue resources. Japan also needs to create an D-RING ROAD to evolve, be used to improve environment in which it will not miss out AI technology for people’s lives? Wisdom must in the competition. POST BOX: 3488 H automatically translating DOHA - QATAR be exercised for technological innovation to help society survive with a falling Deal with side effects foreign languages has [email protected] population. It is a source of concern that many already been used by With the declining birthrate and people argue the sophistication of AI and tourist facilities, local EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE aging of society progressing, Japan’s robots could not only eliminate the labor TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 productive population is expected to be shortage but also result in increasing governments and other FAX: +974 4455 7758 69 million in 2030, down by 7.5 million unemployment in the future. entities. Banks have also over 15 years. A labor shortage has According to a joint survey by Japan taken advantage of AI to MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505 become more serious year by year, and Britain, half of current jobs are propose their products. anticipated to be replaced by AI and It is assumed that more DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR robots in the next 10 to 20 years. TEL: 4455 7769 AI technology for automatically and more cash registers at translating foreign languages has already supermarkets and reception LOCAL NEWS SECTION been used by tourist facilities, local work at hotels, among other TEL: 4455 7743 Ingenuity needed governments and other entities. Banks have also taken advantage of AI to functions, will become BUSINESS NEWS SECTION propose their products. unmanned in the next TEL: 4462 7535 to shape future It is assumed that more and more several years. cash registers at supermarkets and SPORT NEWS SECTION reception work at hotels, among other TEL: 4455 7745 of society with AI functions, will become unmanned in the ONLINE SECTION next several years. their knowledge at universities, TEL: 4462 7501 “Investment in humans” will be vital. vocational schools and other places — [email protected] technology Shifting human resources to new growth instead of leaving such work to areas is urged. To deal with the situation companies — is also a challenge. PUBLIC RELATIONS flexibly, it is crucial for companies to Experts have various views about TEL: 4455 7613 making business management enhance efforts such as training their whether AI can equal human thinking in [email protected] circumstances tougher. employees. the near future. Japan’s labor productivity per hour is However, there has been a trend of Efforts in government, industrial and ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 among the lowest of major countries. companies spending less on employee academic spheres are urged to fully FAX: 4455 7870 Furthermore, if the population training since the 1990s. Establishing a analyse, at least, the side effects of [email protected] continues to shrink, the nation cannot system in which members of society technological innovation such as avoid a further decline in its international can acquire new skills and brush up unemployment and consider CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT competitiveness. TEL: 4455 7857 Artificial intelligence (AI), robots [email protected] and the internet of things (IoT), which connects all sorts of things through the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Japan’s labour internet, are all technologies that have TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 come under the spotlight as keys to FAX: 44557819 productivity per [email protected] overcoming such challenges. hour is among These cutting-edge technologies the lowest of help make up for companies’ major countries. manpower shortages. Increased profits All thoughts and views expressed in these Furthermore, if due to improved work efficiency could lead to pay increases and raise hopes columns are those of the the population for boosting consumer spending. writers, not of the continues to It is essential for the government to newspaper. shrink, the nation facilitate AI taking root in society, such as by developing a new legal All correspondence cannot avoid a framework and easing regulations. further decline in For example, laws to deal with regarding Views and its international accidents and damage involving self- Opinion pages should be competitiveness. driving vehicles and other AI-equipped send to editor-in-chief products remain to be seen. office or mailed to the [email protected] 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 May apologises as surgeries cancelled

REUTERS A ﬂu outbreak, colder May’s Conservative party. weather and high Opposition parties regularly LONDON: Britain’s Prime levels of respiratory accuse the government of failing Minister Theresa May apologised illnesses have put to adequately fund the health yesterday to tens of thousands service. of patients whose operations hospitals in England “Ministers refused to provide were cancelled to free up staff under strain with the funding top NHS officials said and beds to deal with emergency many operating at or was necessary and now patients patients. are paying the price,” said Vince Earlier this week, officials near full capacity. Cable, leader of the Liberal at the National Health Service Democrats. (NHS) in England recom- strain with many operating at Founded in 1948 by the mended that hospitals cancel or near full capacity. opposition Labour Party, the all non-urgent appointments The issue is potentially dam- NHS is a source of huge pride for and operations until next aging for May, already weakened many Britons who are able to month. after losing a parliamentary access free care from cradle to May, during a visit to a hos- majority in last year’s election grave. pital outside London, said she and struggling to pacify her But tight budgets, an ageing recognised it is frustrating for deeply divided party as she nav- population and increasingly patients who had their opera- igates the final year of Brexit complex medical needs have left Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May (right) speaks to patient Sandra Dunn as she visits Frimley Park tions postponed. negotiations. many hospitals struggling during Hospital near Camberley yesterday. “I know it is difficult, I know The NHS, which delivers the winter in recent years. it is frustrating, I know it is dis- free care for all and accounts The pressure continues to week compared with the week The average bed occupancy One London-based doctor appointing for people and I apol- for a third of government grow, according to new data on before. for the Christmas week was 91.7 wrote that conditions were so ogise,” she told Sky News. spending on public services, is Thursday. Department of Health guide- percent. Doctors say that any- bad that he was practising “bat- A flu outbreak, colder typically one of the most impor- The number of patients stuck lines say ambulance crews thing above 85 percent is unsafe. tlefield medicine”, while another weather and high levels of tant issues for voters during in ambulances for at least an should be able to hand patients The conditions have led apologized for the “3rd world respiratory illnesses have put elections and one which is often hour almost doubled to more over to hospital staff within 15 some doctors taking to Twitter conditions” caused by hospitals in England under regarded as a weakness for 4,700 cases during the Christmas minutes of arrival at hospital. to vent their frustrations. overcrowding.

Call for clearing beggars before Time is running out to stop Brexit folly: Blair

British royal REUTERS significant geopolitical move since new relationship proposed with Blair has repeatedly called strength, thus damaging our World War Two, though they cast Europe is better than the existing for reversing Brexit, echoing national interest by their contin- wedding LONDON: Former British prime vastly different futures for the $2.5 one,” Blair, 64, said. other critics such as French Pres- uing efforts to undermine democ- REUTERS minister Tony Blair told voters trillion UK economy and the Leaving the European Union ident Emmanuel Macron and bil- racy,” said Richard Tice, who yesterday that time was running world’s biggest trading bloc. was once far-fetched: just over lionaire investor George Soros, helped found one of the two Leave LONDON: Beggars need to be out to reverse Brexit, a folly that Blair, Labour prime minister 15 years ago, British leaders such who have suggested that Britain campaign groups. “History will not cleared by police from the he said would torpedo Britain’s from 1997 to 2007, said Britain as Blair were arguing about could still change its mind. forgive them,” Tice said. streets of Windsor before the remaining clout and be regretted would be poorer and weaker, and when to join the euro, and talk So far, opinion polls show Blair implored his Labour wedding of Prince Harry to for generations to come. he warned that May had solved of an EU exit was the reserve of little sign of a change of heart Party, which is now led by vet- girlfriend Meghan Markle More than a year and a half none of the problems over Northern sceptics on the fringes of both among voters on Brexit and it is eran leftist Jeremy Corbyn, to because their “detritus” is since the 2016 Brexit vote, the Ireland’s post-Brexit status. major parties. unclear how it could be stopped join the fight to stop Brexit. presenting the picturesque United Kingdom remains deeply “We are making an error the But the turmoil of the euro if both major political parties “Make Brexit the Tory Brexit. English town in a poor light, divided over the planned EU exit contemporary world cannot zone crisis, fears in Britain about support the divorce. Make them own it 100 percent,” the local council leader has that Prime Minister Theresa May understand and the generations immigration and a series of mis- Supporters of Brexit accused Blair said. “If Labour continues said. says will take place on March 29, of the future will not forgive,” calculations by former prime Blair of undermining both Brit- to go along with Brexit and Harry and his fiancee are 2019. Blair said in an article published minister David Cameron ain’s negotiations with the EU insists on leaving the Single to tie the knot at Windsor Both opponents and sup- on his website yesterday. prompted the United Kingdom and the will of the people. Market, the handmaiden of Castle in May. porters of Brexit agree that the “2018 will be the last chance to vote 52 to 48 percent for Brexit “Blair and his elitist gang are Brexit will have been the timidity Simon Dudley, the leader divorce is Britain’s most to secure a say on whether the in a June 2016 referendum. damaging our negotiating of Labour.” of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council, wrote on Twitter there had been an “epidemic of rough sleeping and German parties agree vagrancy” in the town and said he wanted police “to focus on dealing with this before the #RoyalWedding”. on news blackouts “This is creating a concerning and hostile atmos- REUTERS consensus-builder is on the line phere for our residents and in this second bid to form a coa- the seven million tourists who BERLIN: German Chancellor lition government after weeks come to Windsor each year,” Angela Merkel’s conservatives of sniping between its would- he wrote in a letter to the and the centre-left Social be partners. local Police and Crime Com- Democrats (SPD) have agreed The exploratory talks are missioner Anthony to impose a news blackout due to start on Sunday and Stansfield. during exploratory talks next could lead to official coalition “It is becoming increas- week on forming another negotiations in a few weeks. ingly concerning to see the ‘grand coalition’, Der Spiegel To keep its rank and file on quantities of bags and detritus magazine said yesterday. board, the SPD leadership has that those begging are accu- A tie-up between Merkel’s said it will let its members vote mulating and leaving on our bloc, comprising her Christian on Jan. 21 on going ahead with pavements, at times unat- Democrats (CDU) and their detailed coalition talks after the tended, thus presenting a Bavarian CSU sister party, and the first phase has been completed. security risk.” SPD is her best chance of securing Merkel’s arch-conservative His remarks drew criti- a fourth term after efforts to form CSU allies meanwhile warned cism from local homeless a coalition with two smaller par- the SPD not to make too many organisations and even Prime Volunteer rescue bid ties failed last year. demands in coalition talks but Minister Theresa May. The breakdown of those were keen to show their core “I don’t agree with the A rescue team searches with a dog on the banks of the Breda River for a volunteer ﬁreﬁghter who talks in November was widely voters that there would be no comments that the leader of has been reported missing after having fallen into the water during Storm Eleanor in Detrier near blamed on politicians leaking compromise on sensitive issues the council has made,” she Pontcharra, Rhone-Alpes region, south-eastern France, yesterday. information from meetings, like immigration. told BBC TV. eroding trust between prospec- “We want this coalition,” CSU tive partners. leader Seehofer told a news con- Merkel, CSU leader Horst See- ference ahead of a parliamen- hofer and SPD leader Martin tary caucus meeting. “The project Schulz have agreed that negotia- can succeed if the potential Spain’s former king to make a public comeback tors should not be allowed to give partner doesn’t overbid.” interviews or appear in television Seehofer added the CSU’s AFP dictatorship, Juan Carlos will Spain’s economic crisis as his democratic elections after Fran- talk shows during the exploratory proposals to tighten immigra- appear at a military ceremony lavish lifestyle drew anger. cisco Franco’s dictatorship. talks, Der Spiegel reported. tion and asylum laws were not MADRID: Spain’s former king Saturday in Madrid alongside Adding fuel to fire, his Jose Apezarena, Felipe VI’s Both sides agreed that no meant to upset the SPD. “It’s not Juan Carlos I, who turns 80 today, Felipe, who replaced him in June youngest daughter Princess Cris- biographer, says the explanation advance word of a possible out- aimed against anybody. It’s makes a public comeback with his 2014 after a tearful abdication fol- tina and her husband Inaki given at the time was that he come should be leaked during rather about stating our posi- son Felipe VI at the weekend after lowing several royal scandals. Urdangarin were embroiled in didn’t show up “so as not to out- the talks to shore up trust tions clearly,” Seehofer said. complaining bitterly of being left “Father and son haven’t been a corruption and tax fraud inves- shine his son.” among the negotiators, the “This project (of another on the sidelines. seen together at an institutional tigation, with the latter since But “people close to him con- magazine added. grand coalition) can succeed if The show of unity comes at event for seven months,” says found guilty of siphoning off mil- veyed his unease, he was angry at Germany’s largest parties our potential coalition partner a trying time for Spain after its Ana Romero, author of a book lions to fund a lavish lifestyle. having been excluded.” But that on Wednesday expressed opti- doesn’t take it too far,” he said. wealthy Catalan region on the latter years of Juan Car- Cristina was acquitted. When he “really hurt” the man who reigned mism about the chances of Merkel is under increasing attempted to break away, and los’s reign. took the throne, Felipe VI, 49, took 38 years because “it was thanks forming a government after pressure to reach a deal with where 47 percent of voters want Widely lauded for his nego- his distances in a bid to restore the to him that there was an exem- several hours of talks. the SPD, which also lost ground to live in an independent, mon- tiating skills, political acumen image of the monarchy. plary transition from a dictator- The parties talked of in the September election, but archy-free republic. and role in defusing an In June, Juan Carlos was ship to a full democracy,” adds growing confidence - good the two sides have bickered Credited for leading Spain to attempted coup in 1981, Juan markedly absent from an event Jaime Penafiel, a royal affairs news for Merkel, whose repu- over a range of issues, notably democracy after decades of Carlos fell from grace during marking 40 years since the first journalist. tation as Europe’s consummate immigration and taxation. FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 AMERICAS 11

A man tries to get his car unstuck in near whiteout conditions as a storm passes in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. RIGHT: Cars are stuck in a snow drift during a storm in Ocean City, Maryland. Blizzard hammers US Northeast, snarls travel REUTERS More than 3,300 US arrival in the Northeast The Massachusetts Bay measurable snow since 1989. weekend when temperatures yesterday. Transportation Authority Federal government offices are forecast to drop sharply. “We BOSTON/NEW YORK: High airline ﬂights were At New York’s three major invested extensively in equip- delayed opening for two hours can handle snow,” New York winds and heavy snow barreled cancelled ahead of airports and Boston’s Logan ment to remove snow and keep yesterday, while state officials Governor Andrew Cuomo said into the US Northeast yesterday, the storm’s arrival International, as many as three tracks from freezing after exten- in Connecticut, New Jersey and at a news conference. “It’s snow shutting schools and govern- out of four flights were called sive disruptions during the Massachusetts ordered nones- plus the wind which is going to ment offices, leaving tens of in the Northeast off, according to tracking winter of 2015, when Boston got sential workers to stay home. In cause the trouble today. The thousands without power and yesterday. service FlightAware.com. New about 9 feet of snow. But Gillard Maine, Governor Paul LePage wind is going to be high all snarling travel as New York’s JFK York’s John F Kennedy Interna- said her commute typically goes ordered state offices closed for through the day.” Airport halted flights due to tional Airport temporarily “not that well” in inclement the day. Schools were ordered closed whiteout conditions. halted all flights due to whiteout weather. The snowstorm brought a in New York, many parts of New Thousands of flights were forecast for Boston and coastal conditions, it said on its Twitter “My plan is to leave at 4, break in extremely cold weather Jersey, Boston and elsewhere cancelled, snow plows and salt areas in northern New feed. right after my meeting, and, that has gripped much of the throughout the region. The trucks were omnipresent on England. Passenger train operator hopefully, it will be OK,” she region since Christmas, frozen bombogenesis phenomenon roads and highways, and com- The storm is the product of Amtrak was running reduced said, adding that her backup part of Niagara Falls, played occurs when a storm’s baro- muters who braved the storm to a rapid plunge in barometric service in the Northeast, while plan was to “walk home, prob- havoc with public works and metric pressure drops 24 milli- head in to their jobs hoped they pressure that some weather fore- mass-transit systems in major ably. It’s not that cold, it’ll just impeded firefighting in places bars in 24 hours. As a result, the would be able to make it home casters are referring to as bom- metropolitan areas, including be snow.” where temperatures barely accumulation of snow and safely as the storm intensified bogenesis or a “bomb cyclone,” New York and Boston, remained In the Southeast, historic broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit winds intensifies, which can later in the day. which brings fast, heavy snow- open. cities saw their heaviest snow- (-6.7 Celsius). cause property damage and Blizzard warnings were in fall and high winds. “I have a big meeting today, fall in nearly 30 years on Some 65,000 homes and power outages. place along the coast from North The wintry weather has been so I had to go in. If I didn’t, I Wednesday, according to businesses in the Northeast were Part of US 13 at the Chesa- Carolina to Maine, with the blamed for at least 13 deaths probably would have stayed AccuWeather.com senior without power, though that peake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Vir- National Weather Service fore- over the past few days, including home,” Ann Gillard, 24, said as meteorologist Alan Reppert. number was expected to rise as ginia was closed due to high casting winds as high as 70 miles three fatalities in North Carolina she waited for a subway in Cam- Charleston, South Carolina, the storm intensifies across the winds early yesterday, while per hour (113km per hour) that traffic accidents and three in bridge, Massachusetts, to take received 5.3 inches (13.46cm) region. state transportation departments may bring down tree limbs and Texas due to cold. More than her into the downtown Boston of accumulation, within an That raised fears that people throughout the region reported knock out power. More than a 3,300 US airline flights were office where she works as a inch of its record, while Talla- would be left without power and dozens of delays due to deteri- foot (30cm) of snow was cancelled ahead of the storm’s consultant. hassee, Florida saw its first heat on Friday and during the orating road conditions.

NSA contractor NEWS BYTES pleads guilty in leak case US Justice Department ends Obama-era marijuana policy AFP WASHINGTON: The US Justice Department on Thursday rescinded a WASHINGTON: A former policy begun under Democratic former President Barack Obama that contractor for the US National had eased enforcement of federal marijuana laws, saying it would be Security Agency’s elite up to federal prosecutors across the country to prioritize any such hacking group has agreed to drug cases. The Obama administration’s guidelines had “created a plead guilty to removing clas- safe harbor for the marijuana industry to operate in these states and sified documents in a case ... there is a belief that that is inconsistent with what the federal law that highlighted a series of says,” a Justice Department official told reporters, referring to states disastrous leaks of top-secret that have legalized the drug. NSA materials. Harold Martin, who report- edly worked for an NSA unit Trump says chances good for passing focused on hacking into target computer systems around the US immigration reform world, will plead guilty to one WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said yesterday that he of 20 counts against him with was working with lawmakers to create an immigration system that Protest against lay-offs the aim of concluding a will serve American workers and improve security, adding he thinks 15-month-old case couched in Congress has a good shot at passing an immigration reform bill. People march towards Ministry of Modernization during a protest against lay-offs in Buenos Aires, deep secrecy, according to Speaking at the start of immigration talks with Republican lawmak- Argentina, yesterday. court documents. ers, Trump said he thought the bill would address the problem of The indictment filed on undocumented people who came to the United States as children. February 8, 2017 accused But he also said it must include a border wall as well as measures to Martin of hoarding an esti- end chain migration and the current visa lottery program. “Hopefully, mated 50 terabytes of NSA everything is going to work out very well,” Trump said. Trump threatens Bannon with legal action data and documents in his home and car over a 20-year REUTERS Trump cut ties with Bannon on possible claims including libel, period. The material report- Quake shakes San Francisco Wednesday, saying his former according to a legal notice Harder edly included sensitive dig- WASHINGTON: US President adviser had “lost his mind” in a provided to Reuters yesterday. ital tools for hacking foreign SAN FRANCISCO: A light earthquake shook California’s San Francisco Donald Trump has threatened blistering statement issued after In the book, Bannon was governments’ computers. Bay Area early yesterday, waking many, but there were no immedi- his former chief strategist Steve comments attributed to Bannon quoted as describing a June 2016 His arrest in late 2016 fol- ate reports of damage. The US Geological Survey said the shallow Bannon with legal action over in the book were made public. meeting with a group of Rus- lowed the NSA’s discovery that quake was of magnitude 4.5 and occurred at 2:39am (5:39 EST). “defamatory” statements in a Lawyers for the president sians at Trump Tower in New a batch of its hacking tools had Its epicenter was in Berkeley, across the bay from San Francisco. A new book about a meeting sent a cease-and-desist letter to York as “treasonous” and fallen into the hands of a still- spokesman for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Serv- Trump’s son and son-in-law Bannon on Wednesday asking “unpatriotic”. The meeting, held mysterious group called the ices said there were no reports of harm to the region. A Berkeley Fire held with Russians during the him not to disclose any confi- after the Russians promised Shadow Brokers, which offered Department dispatcher said more than a dozen people had called, 2016 US presidential campaign. dential information. They said damaging information on Dem- them for sale online and also mostly complaining about windows shaking. He also said there were Charles Harder, Trump’s in the letter, seen by Reuters, ocratic presidential candidate released some for free. Martin no reports of any damage or injuries. personal lawyer, said yesterday that Bannon had breached an Hillary Clinton, was attended by has not been accused of that he also will seek to block agreement by communicating Donald Trump Jr., Trump’s son- responsibility for any NSA Tuesday’s scheduled publication with Wolff about Trump, his in-law Jared Kushner and Paul leaks. In December, Nghia Over 8,000 tremors in Chile of the book, “Fire and Fury: family and the campaign and Manafort, who was Trump’s Hoang Pho, 67, a 10-year vet- SANTIAGO: Chile recorded more than 8,000 tremors in 2017, accord- Inside the Trump White House” made “disparaging statements campaign manager at the time. eran of the NSA’s Tailored ing to scientists at the University of Chile, though none reached the by author Michael Wolff, which and in some cases outright Yesterday, the White House Access Operations hacking magnitude of an earthquake. The university’s National Seismologi- offers a lacerating portrait of an defamatory statements” about also said no personal devices, unit, was charged with and cal Center said the number of tremors had reached 8,094 last year, accidental presidency and a dys- Trump and his family. including cellphones, would be agreed to plead guilty to one a 26 percent increase over 2016. Of those, 352 were perceptible, functional White House. Trump’s lawyers told Wolff allowed in the West Wing begin- count of removing and while 7,742 were less than a magnitude of around 3, the center said Harder said that “legal action and book publisher Henry Holt ning next week for security retaining top-secret docu- in a statement. is imminent” regarding Bannon. and Company they were pursuing purposes. ments from the agency. 12 CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018

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CONCEPTIS SUDOKU

08:00 News 13:05 How Do They Do 09:15 Treehouse 13:00 Bunk'd 08:30 Rebel Architecture It? Masters 16:20 Stuck In The 09:00 Al Jazeera World 13:55 Deadliest 10:10 Bad Dog Middle 10:00 News Catch 12:00 Swamp Brothers 16:45 Star vs The 10:30 Inside Story 14:40 Yukon Men 13:50 Whale Wars Forces Of Evil 11:00 News 15:30 Strip The City 14:45 Bad Dog 17:00 Tangled: The 11:30 The Stream 16:15 Bushcraft Build- 15:40 Wildest Series 12:00 News Off Indochina 17:25 K.C. Undercover 12:30 101 East 17:05 Ed Stafford: Left 16:35 Untamed & Uncut 19:10 Disney Mickey 13:00 NEWSHOUR For Dead 17:30 Treehouse Mouse 14:00 News 17:50 Finding Escobar's Masters 19:15 Liv And Maddie 14:30 Inside Story Millions 18:25 Keeping Up With 19:40 Miraculous Tales 15:00 Face To Face 18:40 Treasure Quest: The Kruger Of Ladybug & Cat 16:00 NEWSHOUR Snake Island 19:20 Dr. Jeff: Mountain Noir 17:00 News 19:25 Yukon Men Vet 20:05 Descendants 17:30 The Stream 21:00 Diesel 20:15 Bad Dog Wicked World 18:00 Newsgrid Brothers 21:10 Swamp 20:10 Miraculous Tales Yesterday's answer 19:00 News 21:50 Supertruckers Brothers Of Ladybug & Cat 19:30 Artscape - The New 23:30 Gold Rush 22:05 Keeping Up With Noir Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number- African Photography 00:15 Treasure Quest: The Kruger 20:35 Disney The placing puzzle based on a 9×9 grid. The object is to 20:00 News Snake Island 23:00 Dr. Jeff: Mountain Lodge place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so 20:30 Inside Story 01:05 Cooper's Treasure: Vet 21:00 Alex & Co. that each row, each column and each 3×3 box 21:00 NEWSHOUR The Hunt For A 23:55 Wildest 21:50 Lolirock contains the same number only once. 22:00 News Secret Fortune Indochina 22:40 Evermoor 22:30 Super 30 01:50 Yukon Men 00:50 Untamed & Chronicles 23:00 The War In June Uncut CROSSWORD BABY BLUES

NOVO — Pearl SHOWING AT lnsidious: The Last Key (2D/Horror) 10:00am, 12:10, 2:20, 2:30, 4:30, 6:40, 7:15, 8:50, VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER 11:00, 11:40pm & 12:00midnight Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 11:00, 11:30am, 12:00noon, 1:30, 4:00, 4:20, 4:45, 6:30, 8:50, 9:00, 9:30 & 11:30pm Tadeo 2(Animation) 3D 10:00am, 1:20 & 4:40pm 2D 11:40am, 3:00, 6:20, 8:00&9:40pm Ferdinand (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 12:10, 2:20 & 4:30pm Pitch Perfect (2D/Comedy) 6:40, 8:50 & 11:00pm The Humanity Bureau (2D/Action) 10:30am, 2:40 & 6:50pm Bleeding Steel (2D/Action) 12:30, 4:40, 8:50 & 11:00pm Loving Vincent (2D/Crime) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Disaster Artist (2D/Comedy) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight Molly’s Game (2D/Drama) 10:00am, 12:45, 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm Alaa Wadaakh (2D/Arabic) 2:00, 6:50 & 11:15pm The Greatest Showman (2D/Drama) 11:00am, 4:15, 9:30 & 11:45pm Star Wars: The Last Jedi 2 (2D IMAX/Action) 1:15 & 6:30pm

Yesterday's answer MALL Chupan Chupai (2D/Comedy) 2:30pm Disaster Artist (2D/Drama) 5:00pm Tadeo Jones 2 (Animation) 2:30 & 4:00pm The Humanity Bureau (2D/Action) 7:15pm Tiger Zinda Hai (2D/Hindi) 5:00 & 11:30pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 5:30 & 7:30pm Masterpiece (2D/Malayalam) 2:15, 8:00 & 11:00pm Molly’s Game (2D/Drama) 9:00pm Insidious: The Last Key (2D/Horror) 9:30 & 11:30pm

LANDMARK Loving Vincent (2D/Animation) 2:30pm Masterpiece (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 8:30 & 11:15pm Tadeo Jones 2 (Animation) 3:00 & 4:30pm Tiger Zinda Hai (2D/Hindi) 5:30 & 8:15pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 4:00 & 6:00pm Aana Alaralodalaral (2D/Malayalam) 6:00pm The Humanity Bureau (2D/Action) 8:00pm Insidious: The Last Key (2D/Horror) 11:00pm Disaster Artist (2D/Drama) 9:45pm Molly’s Game (2D/Drama) 11:30pm

ROYAL PLAZA Aana Alaralodalaral (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm Tadeo Jones 2(Animation)2:30 & 4:15pm Loving Vincent (2D/Animation) 2:45pm Masterpiece (2D/Malayalam) 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 6:30pm Disaster Artist (2D/Drama) 4:30pm Tiger Zinda Hai (2D/Hindi) 8:30 & 11:00pm Molly’s Game (2D/Drama) 5:00pm The Humanity Bureau (2D/Action) 7:30pm Insidious: The Last Key (2D/Horror) 9:15 & 11:15pm

ALL IN THE MIND ASIAN TOWN ARTHUR, BAMBI, BARNEY RUBBLE, BETTY BOOP, Velaikkaran (Tamil) 12:30pm Vimanam (Malayalam) 3:30pm Masterpiece (Malayalam) 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 6:30, 7:30, 9:30, 10:30pm, 12:30 BUGS BUNNY, CHARLIE & 01:30am Tiger Zinda Hai (2D/Hindi) 12:30pm BROWN, DAFFY DUCK, Aana Alaralodalaral (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, 10:30pm & 01:00am DONALD DUCK, DUMBO, EEYORE, ELMER FUDD, AL KHOR FELIX THE CAT, FRED FLINTSTONE, GARFIELD, Masterpiece (Malayalam) 12:00noon, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00pm & 12:00midnight GOOFY, MICKEY MOUSE, Molly’s Game 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:00pm Insidious 1:45, 6:45 & 11:45pm MIGHTY MOUSE, MR Tiger Zinda Hai (2D/Hindi) 12:30, 6:00 & 11:00pm Jumanji 3:30 & 9:00pm MAGOO, PLUTO, POPEYE, PORKY PIG, ROAD RUNNER, ROXY SCOOBY-DOO, SNOOPY, Tadeo Jones 2 (Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm SYLVESTER, THE SIMPSONS, Disaster Artist (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:45, 3:00, 5:15 & 7:30pm TIGGER, TOM AND JERRY, Insidious: The Last Key 10:30am, 5:45, 8:00, 10:15pm & 12:30am TOP CAT, TWEETY, WINNIE Masterpiece10:30am, 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 9:45 & 10:30pm THE POOH. Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (Animation) 12:45, 3:15, 8:30 & 11:00pm FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 HOME 15 16 MORNING BREAK FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04.59am SHOROOK 06.20 am

ZUHR 11.39 am MAGHRIB 05.00 pm ASR 02.38 pm ISHA 06.30 pm WEATHER TODAY

15oC 24oC Minimum Maximum

Hazy to misty at places at first becomes mild weather daytime with slight dust, cold by night. Falcon festival qualifying round Views from the qualifying round for the ﬁrst 10 competitors of the ﬁnal of Al-Da’u free Ghannas competition at the ninth Qatar International Falcons and

HIGH TIDE 07:30 – 19:00 LOW TIDE 14:45 – 00:00 Hunting Festival, which runs until January 27, at Sabkat Marmi in Sealine, yesterday. COURTESY: Qatar Meteorology Department Tennis stars visit ExxonMobil Qatar stand to meet fans

THE PENINSULA ,and Guido Pella have already visited stand in the Public Village during tour- is appealing to visitors of all ages. the stand and made some fans very nament days. In line with the Qatar National DOHA: The Qatar ExxonMobil Open happy by signing autographs and In partnership with the Qatar Vision 2030, ExxonMobil is com- promises to be an amazing time for taking pictures with them after waiting Tennis Federation, ExxonMobil Qatar mitted to supporting the State of tennis lovers who flock to Doha from patiently in long lines to meet their has been the title sponsor of the Qatar Qatar’s sustainable development all over the world. It is also a great favourite stars. ExxonMobil Open for 26 years. Since goals. By partnering with local organ- place for fans of all ages to meet their Many more of this year’s star- the start of their collaboration, the Exx- izations, the company invests in edu- favourite tennis players at the Exxon- studded list of players are expected to onMobil Qatar stand has been one of cation and professional workforce Mobil Qatar stand in the tournament’s drop by the stand and meet their fans the highlights of the tournament and development programs that promote Public Village. throughout the week. Fans can a much sought-after spot at its Public a highly skilled, motivated and pro- Dominic Thiem, Pablo Carreno increase their chances of seeing the Village. Each year, the stand is care- ductive workforce that can build a Busta, Tomas Berdych, Malek Jaziri players by regularly passing by the fully and creatively designed so that it bright future for Qatar.

Housing the homeless: Party or not? Litmus test for Golden Cardboard tents sprout in Brussels Globes amid Hollywood scandal REUTERS later in January will feature all Hoffman and Tambor have REUTERS female presenters. The mood denied any wrongdoing. C K LOS ANGELES: The red carpet ahead of the Oscars on March 4 admitted past misconduct and LONDON: When a homeless friend told Xavier is rolling out and the statuettes ranges from nervousness to his movie and TV projects have Van der Stappen that rough sleepers cherish large are about to be handed over. But eagerness to take a stand. been dropped. “I always saw this cardboard boxes because they offer not only with the cloud of sexual harass- “Everyone I have been talking awards season as a perfect little shelter but also a place to hide from the shame ment hanging over Hollywood’s to is relishing the opportunity to bubble where everything is of living on the street, he decided to act. annual round of self-congratu- make this kind of visibility and magical and beautiful because Using cardboard donated by a local factory, lations, the Golden Globe cere- attention more meaningful than it’s movies. I think what we’re Van der Stappen worked with designers to pro- mony on Sunday marks the first simply about the glorification of realizing now is that it has its duce 20 portable cardboard tents, which home- test of how the industry will a single profession,” actress own issues that it has to work less people are using on the streets of the Belgian handle live on the world’s stage Michelle Williams, who is Golden on,” Emily Gordon, screenwriter capital during the cold winter. a scandal that has rocked show Globe nominated for “All the for movie “The Big Sick”, said. “There are homeless people everywhere. business. Money in the World”, said. On Sunday, all eyes will be on When I saw them, it made me remember refugee “This is an issue that is More than 30 men have Golden Globes host Seth Meyers camps in Africa,” said Van der Stappen, the man center stage in Hollywood and accused Kevin Spacey of sexual and how he navigates the show. behind the ORIG-AMI project. “It is a shame that is playing out at the award misconduct and more than 70 “He’s got an impossible job. He in the 21st century there are still people living in shows,” said Tom O’Neil, women have made allegations can’t ignore the hot button issue streets in a very rich country like Belgium.” founder of awards website against film producer Harvey in Hollywood. He’s expected to The region around Belgium’s capital city had GoldDerby.com. Celebrities and Weinstein. Dustin Hoffman, lead a jokathon but it’s not a more than 4,000 homeless people last March, “The prisoners have a bed and food. The people filmmakers who were once comedian Louis C K and Jeffrey laughing matter,” said O’Neil. according to La Strada, a public body which tracks in the street are free, but they are still in the major players during awards Tambor are among dozens of Hollywood is also at odds the numbers of homeless. street.” Feedback from users of the origami-style season have been shunned, other celebrities, politicians and with itself. Matt Damon was Canvas tents are banned on the streets of tents will inform an improved design and rollout written out of shows or snubbed businessmen who have been slammed in December for sug- Brussels, as camping is forbidden in the city, and of 100 more shelters over the rest of the winter, in nominations. accused of sexual impropriety. gesting that allegations of rape cartons are usually disposed of by city cleaning he said. Women are planning to Reuters is unable to inde- and inappropriate touching services. Van der Stappen said the tents were Van der Stappen paid for the first 20 tents wear black on the Golden Globes pendently verify any of the accu- should not be conflated. Talk needed as many hostels were full and strict rules himself. He thinks they could be hired out at red carpet to signal support of sations. Weinstein has denied show host James Corden was stopped some people using them. summer festivals to fund the provision of more sexual harassment victims; a having any non-consensual sex criticized for joking about Wein- The factory that donated the cardboard rec- shelters next winter. He is keen to stress, how- major talent agency has can- with anyone, Spacey apologised stein at a Beverly Hills event in ommended Van der Stappen use a local prison ever, that he sees the cardboard tents as a tem- celed its annual Golden Globes to one of his accusers but was October, and Rose McGowan service to make the tents. The irony of the situa- porary solution to homelessness. “I’m not the party to instead fund legal erased from “All the Money in the accused Meryl Streep of tion appealed to him. person who is trying to solve it. I just try to find a defense for victims; and the World” and written out of his TV remaining silent about Wein- “For me, it was kind of a symbol,” he said. solution for today, not for tomorrow,” he said. Screen Actors Guild Awards series “House of Cards”. stein’s alleged behaviour. BUSINESS Friday 5 January 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19

UK ﬁrms more QSE FTSE100 DOW BRENT Hiring by US upbeat about 8,630.67 7,695.88 25,069.55 $61.93 private sector this year +22.36 PTS +24.77 PTS +146.87 PTS +0.30 ﬁrms surges 0.26% 0.32% 0.59% Dow & Brent before going to press

Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate QAR/INR : 17.30 QAR/PHP : 13.60 QAR/LKR : 41.92 QAR/BDT : 22.65 EUR/QAR : 4.54 GBP/QAR : 5.09 CAD/QAR : 3.00 AUD/QAR : 2.97 CHF/QAR : 3.86 SGD/QAR : 2.84 KWD/QAR : 12.30 OMR/QAR : 9.62 MAIN BRANCH LULU HYPER MARKET SANAYYA (STREET 17) AL KHOR PH: 44441448 PH: 44650768 PH: 44510088 PH: 44213444 MATAR QADEEM MANSOURA - AL MEERA ABU HAMOUR BIN OMRAN - ALMEERA PH: 44655559 PH: 44357552 PH: 44621271 PH: 44162002 alzamanexchange www.alzamanexchange.com 44441448 Stocks break records; oil at highest since 2015

REUTERS measured increases in US euro sentiment in the market the highest level since March. interest rates. right now “ said Commerzbank “Oil appears to be traded at LONDON: Market bulls resumed They showed policymakers currency strategist Esther a premium compared to eco- their charge yesterday as strong expect US President Donald Reichelt in Frankfurt. nomic fundamentals because of data from the world’s biggest West Texas Trump’s tax overhaul will to Yields on French bonds held concerns over development in economies sent stock index Intermediate (WTI) boost consumer spending but are at 0.80 percent as neighbouring Iran “ said Motofumi Okoshi records tumbling and oil prices crude futures rose still uncertain about the wider Germany’s 10-year rates inched senior economist at Nomura to their highest since mid-2015. as high as $62.17 per impact the stimulus would have up to 0.45 percent. Securities. In an apparent acceleration on things like inflation. But Spain’s yields saw their At the moment though for- of last year’s global equity boom barrel their highest Fed funds rate futures moved biggest drop in almost two ward contracts are trading MSCI’s world index and London’s level since mid- to price a 75 percent chance of a months as it easily sold 4.6 bil- cheaper than expected spot FTSE both set records in Europe 2015 before easing rate hike by March compared lion euros of bonds. prices a condition known as and the Dow Jones was expected back. International with around 60 percent at the The bigger focus though was “backwardation” suggesting to break the 25,000 barrier when end of last year. on commodity prices which investors expect any supply Wall Street reopens. benchmark Brent rose But markets are still not fully often have a big influence on shortages to be temporary. Tokyo’s Nikkei, Asia’s biggest to a 2 1/2-year high of pricing in the three rate increases global inflation. “If conditions in Iran dete- market, had earlier shot to its $68.19 a barrel. indicator for euro zone - rose to many Fed officials expect this Oil prices were touching riorate further I expect forward highest since 1991 with a 3.3 per- 58.1 in December from 57.5 in year. levels not seen since before com- contracts will begin to be cent surge. November and up slightly from The dollar climbed off a modity markets slumped in 2014 bought as well “ Okoshi said. Asia-Pacific excluding Japan The data published yesterday a flash estimate of 58.0. three-month low after the min- and 2015 boosted by tensions in Political concerns were also scaled a decade-high peak as a reinforced expectations that solid “A stellar end to 2017 for the utes but was backsliding before key producer Iran and ongoing supporting safe-haven gold fifth day of gains in China helped world growth will boost demand euro zone rounded off the best US markets re-opened. Opec-led output cuts. which fetched $1,310 per ounce emerging market stocks to a 6 for goods including oil and lift year for over a decade contin- The dollar was at 112.64 yen US West Texas Intermediate after hitting a 3 1/2-month high 1/2-year high as well. corporate earnings. uing to confound widely held and the euro up 0.4 percent at (WTI) crude futures rose as high of $1,321.5 on Wednesday. “It is a continuation of the China’s services sector fears that rising political uncer- $1.2063. If the single currency as $62.17 per barrel their highest Still investors expect finan- goldilocks story “ said Michael activity hit its highest level in tainty would curb economic gets above September’s peak of level since mid-2015 before cial markets to stay stable Metcalfe State Street Global Mar- more than three years manufac- growth “ said Chris Williamson $1.2092 it would return to easing back. overall. kets’ head of macro strategy. turing data from Japan came in (pictured) chief business econ- ground last trod in early 2015. International benchmark The Cboe Volatility index “The main theme last year strong and euro zone surveys omist at IHS Markit. Analysts are now wondering Brent rose to a 2 1/2-year high of which measures implied price was strong growth and accom- showed the bloc enjoying its Another factor behind the whether the strength of the euro $68.19 a barrel. volatility of US modative (monetary) policy and strongest run in nearly seven upbeat mood was that minutes zone economy could even At the same time inflation stocks in the next one the data we have had so far sug- years. of the Federal Reserve’s mid- encourage the European Central expectations indicated by the gap month closed at 9.15 on gest that the growth is expected IHS Markit’s Final Composite December meeting released on Bank to start raising its still-neg- between 10-year US inflation- Wednesday just short of its to accelerate and without Purchasing Managers’ Index - Wednesday did little to change ative interest rates. linked bonds and conventional record closing low of 9.14 inflation.” considered a good overall growth that view that it will stick to ”We see some very positive bonds was above 2 percent at touched on November 3.

Cryptocurrency fund BlockTower QSE index closes to raise $140m at 8,630.67 points BLOOMBERG THE PENINSULA volume. Real estate sector BOSTON: BlockTower accounted for 28.61 percent. Capital, a digital currency DOHA: Qatar Stock Exchange’s Industries sector accounted for hedge fund launched in (QSE) benchmark index gained 20.29 percent and telecoms August, raised $140m and 104.67 points, 1.23 percent, last sector accounted for 5.92 hired a former vice president week when the bourse closed percent. at Goldman Sachs Group Inc, yesterday at 8,630.67 points. Banking and financial serv- expanding its team to eight Trading value during last ices sector led traded number people, according to people week decreased by 31.28 per- of transactions last week with familiar with the matter. cent to reach QR866.12m com- 29.72 percent of the total The money manager, pared to QR1.26bn. number of transactions. Indus- which is based in Stamford, Trading volume decreased tries sector accounted for 22.42 Connecticut, has raised capital by 39.02 percent to reach 37.80 percent. Real estate sector from family offices and other million shares, as against 61.99 accounted for 18.19 percent and institutions such as venture million shares, while the consumer goods and services capital firms, the people said. number of transactions rose by sector accounted for 11.27 per- Union Square Ventures 6.85 percent, to reach 15,610 cent, reports QNA. LLC and Andreessen Horowitz transactions as compared to Out of the 45 listed compa- Britain’s Greg Clark in Germany separately said they are inves- 14,609 transactions. nies 35 ended last week higher, tors and declined further com- Market cap rose by 1.07 while eight fell and two Britain’s Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark, gives a statement at ment. BlockTower declined to percent to reach QR477.77bn as remained unchanged. a Christian Social Union (CSU) party meeting at ‘Kloster Seeon’ in Seeon, Germany, yesterday. comment through a spokes- compared to QR472.71bn at the Masraf Al Rayan led trading woman. The company recently end of previous week. vaWhen compared on daily informed investors that its flag- Banking and financial serv- basis, the QSE index gained ship fund closed to new cap- ices sector led traded value last 22.36 points, or 0.26 percent. ital as of Jan. 1, according to an week with 38.05 percent of the The volume of shares email viewed by Bloomberg total trading value. Real estate traded increased to 8.70 mil- Home in UK at ‘unbelievable’ discount News. sector accounted for 18.58 per- lion from 8.60 million on BlockTower also hired cent. Industries sector Wednesday and the value of BLOOMBERG the banks of the River Thames wants to offload the property Michael Bucella, who joined accounted for 17.21 percent and shares increased to QR236.61m is offering the two-bedroom before it’s completed, according Goldman in 2008 and most consumer goods and services from QR198.80m on LONDON: “Unbelievable reduc- home on the 20th floor for to Christian Barr, new homes recently worked in multi-asset sector accounted for 12.17 per- Wednesday. tion,” says the broker’s email. £1.8m ($2.44m), more than 22 manager at MyLondonHome, sales for Canada, as head of cent. Banking and financial From the 45 companies, An investor who agreed to percent less than they agreed who’s brokering the sale. Stamp strategic partnerships and services sector led traded shares of 40 saw trading yes- purchase an apartment at the to pay for it in 2013. duty is payable after a proper- business development, volume last week with 31.17 terday. Of these, 22 companies ritzy One Blackfriars project on The seller, who’s from Asia, ty’s construction is finished. according to the people. percent of the total traded gained and 18 closed lower. 18 BUSINESS FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 UK ﬁrms more upbeat about this year

REUTERS company IHS Markit said. The conducted from December 5 to grew at its weakest pace since survey also suggested growth in December 19, so included June 2015, up by an annualised LONDON: Britain’s economy Britain’s economy in December responses both before and after 8.5 percent. That was down from appears to have picked up some lagged that of the eurozone by The economy largely Prime Minister Theresa May 9.3 percent in the three months speed in late 2017 and businesses some margin. gained agreement from the EU to October. grew more upbeat about 2018, a The economy largely with- withstood the to move Brexit talks on to dis- The BoE has played down closely watched survey showed stood the immediate shock of the immediate shock cuss transitional arrangements any suggestion of a debt bubble, yesterday, little more than a year referendum decision in 2016 to of the referendum and a longer-term trade deal. though it has acknowledged before the country is due to exit leave the EU. But it felt more of However, British retailers - who pockets of risk and required the European Union. an impact in 2017 due to higher decision in 2016 to are not included in the PMI - banks to set aside more money Separate data showed con- inflation - caused by the post- leave the EU. But it have reported mixed fortunes against the risk of bad loans. sumers reined in their borrowing referendum fall in the pound that felt more of an impact over the Christmas period. Business lending showed the - welcome news for the Bank of hurt consumers - and uncer- in 2017 due to higher Major clothing chain Next weakest growth since May 2016, England, which has leaned on tainty among businesses about said on Wednesday that colder- an echo of the caution shown in banks to reduce risky lending. what Brexit means for them. inﬂation. than-usual weather had given the PMI survey. The monthly IHS Markit/CIPS yesterday, the Bank of England an extra boost to demand, but Net mortgage approvals for surveys of businesses signalled said consumers increased their CIPS survey put the economy on department store operator house purchase were at the Britain’s economy probably grew borrowing by the smallest course for growth of around 1.8 have expanded by at least 2.5 Debenhams issued a profit higher end of economist fore- 0.4 to 0.5 percent in the fourth amount since mid-2015 in the percent for 2017 as a whole - bet- percent last year.” warning. casts at 65,139 in November quarter, slightly faster than offi- three months to November. ter than most forecasters The IHS Markit/CIPS services Some consumers have relied compared with 64,887 in Octo- cial growth data for the previous This reinforced official data expected. Purchasing Managers’ Index on borrowing to keep up their ber, after a run of three monthly quarter. last month which showed house- “(But) the uncertainty from (PMI) rose to 54.2 in December, spending, something many econ- declines. Earlier yesterday, But there were signs that hold spending rose in the third Brexit prevented the UK from its second-highest reading since omists say looks likely to slow as mortgage lender Nationwide said Brexit is weighing on businesses’ quarter at the slowest pace since fully enjoying the tailwind from April, beating forecasts in a Reu- wage growth remains weak. house prices overall last year investment plans, a “health 2012. Kallum Pickering (pic- the synchronised global ters poll that it would remain at The Bank of England said grew at their slowest pace since warning” for the sustainability tured), an economist at upswing,” he said. “Without November’s 53.8. unsecured consumer lending in 2012, and fell in London for the of Britain’s economy, data Berenberg, said the IHS Markit/ Brexit, the UK economy would The PMI survey was the three months to November first time since 2009.

US auto sales fall for Idea Cellular to raise $1bn ﬁrst time since 2009 as founders AFP boost holding NEW YORK: Automakers reported the first annual decline BLOOMBERG in US sales since the end of the financial crisis, a dip offset by MUMBAI: Billionaire Kumar continued strength in sales of Mangalam Birla’s (pictured) trucks and other large vehicles. Idea Cellular Ltd plans to raise The three leaders in the US more than $1bn to strengthen market—General Motors, Ford its war chest as competition in and Toyota—all reported mod- the world’s second-largest est declines in 2017 compared telecom market intensifies. with the sales records set in The company, which is 2016. vehicles and trucks had helped poised to merge with Voda- The results put an end to US lift the average retail price for fone Group Plc’s India unit to auto industry’s eight-year all vehicles to a record $35,400 form the nation’s biggest wire- streak of increases, as the in the final month of the year. less carrier, will raise 32.5bn national total slipped 1.5 per- Ford’s sales fell 1.1 percent rupees ($513m) by selling cent to 17.23 million, according to 2.6 million compared to shares to its founders, accord- to Autodata. 2016, but it reported a surprise ing to exchange filings. It has Tokyo Stock Exchange’s first day of trading The winning streak “was increase in December, fueled named a panel to consider the result of pent-up demand in part by the continued suc- raising an additional 35bn Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso (right) stands next to a woman ringing a bell during the ceremony after the recession that’s finally cess of the F-Series pickups and rupees of capital through var- which kicks off the ﬁrst day of trading in 2018 at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. just running out,” said Tim other large vehicles. ious routes, including an Fleming, an analyst at Kelley The average price of best- institutional placement, Idea Blue Book. selling F-Series came in at said. Automakers had been brac- $47,800, a new record, mark- Idea will issue up to 326.6 ing for the sales gains to come ing an “unbelievable year” for million shares at 99.50 rupees to an end for the last couple of the model, Ford Vice President a piece to founder entities Birla Gold steadies with rates rises in focus years, but that was averted in Mark LaNeve (pictured) said. TMT Holdings, Elaine Invest- 2016 in part by heavy incentives Toyota, saw US sales drop ments, Oriana Investments REUTERS so at current prices it looks bolstered expectations for more implemented late in the year to 0.6 percent to 2.4 million, but and Surya Kiran Investments expensive,” said James Butterfill, US interest rate hikes. The US unload excess inventory. the company highlighted on a preferential basis, it said LONDON: Gold steadied around head of research at ETF Securi- currency was also given a boost Despite the decline, ana- strength in its popular Camry in the filing. The transaction is a 3-1/2 month high yesterday as ties. He added, however: “Gold on Wednesday by strong man- lysts note that sales above 17 sedan, the RAV4 crossover and expected to be completed by prospects for further US rate is being used very much as an ufacturing and construction data. million is still very strong. SUVs. early February and will take hikes put a brake on a recent insurance policy against geopol- Gold is highly sensitive to rising And the US auto industry Fiat Chrysler did not release the founders’ stake in Idea to rally, while palladium touched itics and uncertain monetary US interest rates as they increase continues to enjoy strong year-end figures, but its as much as 47.2 percent from its highest ever levels on tight policy, that’s why we think its the opportunity cost of holding demand for larger vehicles, December sales fell 11 percent 42.4 percent, it said. supplies. likely to continue to range trade non-yielding bullion, while including SUVs, pickup trucks to 171,946, a bit below the level The dollar hit a 3-1/2 month between $1,200-1,300 over the boosting the dollar, in which it is and “crossover” models. projected by Edmunds, but low versus the euro amid opti- next six months.” Spot gold was priced. “People are looking to Larger vehicles are grab- above the forecast by Kelley mism about the eurozone flat at $1,313.01 an ounce at 1258 lock in some gains after a pretty bing even more market share Blue Book. Sales were hit by economy. Gold, which tends to GMT, while US gold futures strong rally over the past weeks,” from sedans, which Kelley esti- lower sales to car rental move counter to the greenback, dropped 0.3 percent to $1,314.30 said ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes. mated made up just 36 percent companies. was unable to capitalise on the an ounce. “Geopolitical issues have cer- of the US market last year, Honda’s US sales rose 0.2 dollar weakness given its recent Spot gold marked its highest tainly been a huge power point down from 50 percent in 2012. percent for the year to 1.6 mil- gains. since September 15 at $1,321.33 of gold’s rally into the year-end GM’s annual sales fell 1.3 lion. Nissan’s 2017 sales also “(Gold) is beginning to look on Wednesday, but eased as the ... It is going to be a US dollar type percent to three million vehi- came in at 1.6 million, a 1.9 per- over-valued. Our fair value for dollar recovered after minutes story going forward with mar- cles last year, but the biggest US cent increase from the prior gold assuming a (US) rate hike in from the Federal Reserve’s kets taking a neutral view,” he automaker said continued year. March and June is around $1,230 December policy meeting said. strength in larger crossover

UK to continue farm subsidies Malaysia says unlikely to meet 2020 budget goal for ﬁve years after Brexit REUTERS Prime Minister Najib Razak on schools, hospitals and rural has been able to lower Malaysia’s infrastructure. AFP Scheme funds for “a number of KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is fiscal deficit every year since tak- Post the 2018 budget years” beyond a two-year tran- unlikely to meet earlier targets ing power in 2009 and that has announcement, ratings agency LONDON: The British govern- sition intended to ease Britain’s it set for a balanced budget by been significant for maintaining Moody’s said it does not expect ment said yesterday it will withdrawal. 2020 and will need another two Malaysia’s investment-grade sov- Malaysia to achieve the balanced match European Union subsi- Britain will leave the CAP to three years to reach the goal, ereign credit ratings. However, budget target by 2020. Rising dies for farmers for around five when it leaves the EU in March the country’s second finance some analysts are concerned the spending in the run up to the elec- years after Brexit until it puts in 2019, but is seeking a transition minister said yesterday. increase in government spending tions and lack of revenue reforms place a new system focusing period in which the relationship The shift in the budget target will hinder the pace of deficit slowed the pace of deficit reduc- more on environmental protec- with Brussels will continue on follows comments by ratings reduction going forward. tion, it said. Fitch, however, said tion. similar terms. agencies late last year that the Najib, under pressure to shore in October Malaysia’s 2020 tar- British farmers receive Gove said the CAP was “fun- Southeast Asian economy might up his government’s popularity, get would “require a step-up in around £3bn (¤3.37bn, $4.06bn) damentally flawed”, adding: struggle to meet its objectives in adding the government will have in October unveiled a budget consolidation efforts in 2019 and a year from the bloc’s Common “Paying landowners for the the stated timeframe due to a run to spend in order to stimulate the aimed at winning votes in a 2020, but is not unattainable.” Agricultural Policy, of which amount of agricultural land they up in spending. “I don’t think by economy. national election that must be held Najib faces his toughest elec- around three-quarters is deliv- have is unjust, inefficient, and 2020 (the government) can “We will try to extend it to by August. He announced a tion yet as he looks to counter bad ered through direct payments, drives perverse outcomes.” achieve a balanced budget 2022-23,” he said. spending increase of 7.5 percent publicity from a corruption scan- according to the National Farm- During the extended transi- because if you do that, basically Johari reiterated projections for 2018 from last year, and said dal involving state-owned fund ers Union (NFU). Environment tion period, the government you will squeeze economic stated previously that the fiscal the government plans to cut per- 1Malaysia Development Berhad Secretary Michael Gove said the proposes to reduce the funds development,” second finance deficit will be reduced to 2.8 personal income tax for (1MDB) and a growing challenge government would match these given to the largest minister Johari Abdul Ghani cent of gross domestic product this lower-income citizens, pay more from Mahathir Mohamad, his so-called Basic Payment landowners. (pictured) said at a conference, year from 3 percent in 2017. to pensioners and spend billions former mentor turned rival. FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 BUSINESS 19

Wealthfront Hiring by US Inc raises private sector $75m BLOOMBERG

NEW YORK: Wealthfront Inc, firms surges one of the largest independent digital wealth management startups, just closed a $75m round of funding to help develop new products for its growing client base. Total private The company has employment roared amassed just over $9bn in back from the slower assets under management but still-strong since launching in late 2011. While it took 13 months for November figures the firm to get its first $100m with an increase of in assets under management, 250,000, including it added $100m yesterday 222,000 in the alone, Chief Executive Officer Andy Rachleff said in an inter- services sector. Mogherini visits Cuba view. The new round should sector employed 28,000 more be “more than enough” to see The European Union’s foreign policy head, Federica Mogherini (right) and Cuban Foreign Trade and AFP workers last month, which was them through to becoming Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca smile as they shakes hands during a meeting in Havana as part a big drop from the prior month, profitable, he said. of her official visit to Cuba. WASHINGTON: Hiring by but fairly strong for the final With a client base that private US firms surged in month of the year, especially skews younger than most December far more than with 16,000 added in online-based advisers—more expected, with nearly all of the construction. than three-fourths of cus- gain concentrated in the serv- But manufacturing employ- VW to build autonomous tomers are under the age of ices sector, payroll firm ADP ment slowed to just 9,000 after 45 -- the firm has made a reported yesterday. four solid months, although the large push into financial plan- The service sector has long November gain, initially reported cars with Silicon Valley firm ning since its last funding been a bulwark of the economy, as the strongest on record, was round in 2014. It’s also been but hiring by providers saw the revised down by 10,000 to a focusing on investment man- biggest increase in 18 months, more routine 30,000. AFP The difficulty for auto new- agement and banking serv- which more than offset the “We’ve seen yet another comers going it alone has been ices, and Rachleff says slower hiring by goods-pro- month where the labor market FRANKFURT AM MAIN: The highlighted by Tesla, which has Wealthfront plans to “even ducing companies. has shown no signs of slowing,” world’s largest carmaker fallen far short of flamboyant more aggressively expand Total private employment said Ahu Yildirmaz (pictured), Volkswagen said yesterday it billionaire founder Elon Musk’s into those services than we roared back from the slower but vice president and co-head of the would work with Silicon Valley production targets for its cov- have in the past.” still-strong November figures ADP Research Institute. firm Aurora to create self- eted mass-market Model 3 elec- The expansion as well as with an increase of 250,000, Mark Zandi, chief economist driving cars, hoping to deploy tric car. the young customer base was including 222,000 in the serv- of Moody’s Analytics, said the fleets of autonomous taxis to city “Our priority at Aurora is a key selling point to bringing ices sector, according to the continued hiring trend points to streets by 2021. making self-driving vehicles a on Tiger Global Management report that is closely watched for potential concerns about how “With Aurora, VW gains reality... we know we’ll get there as an investor in the latest hints of what is to come in the long the economy can sustain the access to an experienced and sooner if we enter a partner- funding round. key government jobs report due pace. globally leading development ship,” chief executive and “Wealthfront’s exclusively out Friday. “The tight labor market will team in software and hardware In 2018, VW plans to outfit Google veteran Chris Urmson software-based model gives The ADP total far surpassed get even tighter, raising the for driverless vehicles,” the scores of cars with the self- (pictured) said. the company a superior the 190,000 consensus estimate specter that it will overheat,” he Wolfsburg-based group said in driving system as a test fleet, the The Volkswagen deal also approach to capture the by economists, and could signal said in a statement. a statement. paper added. offers Aurora an income stream, younger, fast-growing market a strong December payrolls That could become a concern Founded by former auton- Like other firms in the Handelsblatt reported, first from of investors,” said Lee Fixel, a report. if rising wages translate to higher omous driving chiefs from autonomous driving field, licensing fees paid by VW and partner at Tiger Global. “We’re Especially strong areas were inflation, which in turn could Google, Tesla and Uber, Aurora Aurora—labelled “America’s later with a share of the revenue excited to support continued professional and business serv- cause the Federal Reserve to makes technology that has hottest self-driving startup” by from the hoped-for fleets of growth of the business and ices, with 72,000 more accelerate increases in the key already been tested in SUVs Silicon Valley bible Wired mag- autonomous taxis—slated for help Wealthfront become to employees, and education and lending rate. But wages gains from VW subsidiary Audi with azine—has sought out an estab- testing in Silicon Valley and the the millennial generation health services, which added have been slow so far. “good results,” German business lished carmaker to make its northern German city of Ham- what Charles Schwab is to 50,000. The goods-producing daily Handelsblatt reported. high-tech visions a reality. burg in the coming years. baby boomers.”

More Zurich tax cheats come Spain leads fall in most bond yields clean as data sharing looms REUTERS “The story I hear is that there around 109 bps, its tightest in is money to be allocated into the almost a week. REUTERS cases so far, however, so they LONDON: Spain’s government bond market at the start of the The gains in Spain’s bond expect the sum to rise. Under the bond yields were set for their year, so that’s what we’re seeing.” markets spilled over to its periph- ZURICH: Switzerland’s largest Organisation for Economic Coop- biggest daily fall in almost two Ireland raised ¤4bn on eral peers, with Portugal’s 10-year and wealthiest canton saw a eration and Development’s new months yesterday, after the Wednesday with a syndicated bond yield down 6 bps at 1.94 per- three-fold rise in the number Automatic Exchange of Informa- country successfully navigated 10-year bond that covered around cent. In Germany, the bloc’s of tax cheats turning themselves tion programme, more than 100 its first debt sale of the year. a quarter of its 2018 issuance benchmark bond issuer, 10-year in during 2017, Zurich officials countries are beginning to Most eurozone bond yields target just three days into the year. bond yields were steady at 0.45 said yesterday, as an interna- exchange financial information turned lower after Spain sold It received over ¤14bn worth of percent and holding within sight tional accord to share informa- amid a global clampdown on tax ¤4.6bn worth of medium and orders, lead bankers for the deal of recent two-month highs. tion on offshore wealth takes evasion. long-term debt, towards the top said. Bond yields across the single Analysts said trading volumes effect. The agreement aims to end of the targeted range. currency bloc were flat to 6 bps had been slightly lower on The finance department said ensure offshore accounts are France, also holding its first debt issuance in the single-cur- lower yesterday, having traded 1-2 Wednesday as sweeping new 6,150 Zurich taxpayers came known to authorities in the debt sale of the year, sold just over rency bloc and analysts said there basis points higher in early trade. financial rules, known as the Mar- clean on previously undisclosed country where the account ¤8bn of long-dated debt although had been some cheapening of The periphery led the falls, kets in Financial Instruments assets in 2017, tripling the pre- holder owes tax. Switzerland, the that was at the bottom of a range bond prices ahead of the sales. with Spain’s 10-year bond yield Directive II, came into force. vious record set in 2016 and world’s biggest centre for man- targeted by the country’s debt “If you look at the Spanish down 5 bps at 1.55 percent and set But they added that the strong helping to disclose 1.3bn Swiss aging offshore wealth, will get the agency. auction it did quite well,” said for its biggest one-day fall since Irish sale had cheered investors, francs ($1.33bn) in hidden wealth first information from other January is traditionally one of Martin van Vliet (pictured), senior early November. That pushed the providing an incentive to push so far. The authorities have been countries this year, starting with the busiest months of the year for rates strategist at ING. gap over German Bund yields to yields down. able to handle only about half the data collected in 2017. Tropical island paradise with a cautious eye to growth

AFP one island—it rarely features on archipelago since 1997. “Our China’s arrival has raised He uses organic produce in Europeans though the cost of any radar for investors. country wanted to join this group concerns among environmen- his kitchen, most of which he living is low. SAO TOME: It’s a nation that In 2002, Sao Tome’s then of countries that is benefiting talists, particularly opposed to gathers and grows in the garden A return air fare from Lisbon boasts warm azure seas and president Fradique de Menezes from Chinese funding,” Finance illegal and intensive shark of his farm. costs at least ¤850 (more than dream beaches, a landscape announced a deal with the Minister Americo De Oliveira fishing. “We live in a country with an $1,000) and connecting flights ranging from volcanic rocks to United States to create the deep- Ramos told AFP after the pact But paradise is unspoilt in interesting biodiversity and are sparse, via Gabon, Ghana or tropical rainforest, and stable water port his country lacks and with Beijing. rural areas that are home to where we can grow crops Portugal. democratic rule—yet many to build a US military base. Economic sectors such as almost 600 recorded species of without chemicals and with tra- While officials plan growth, people have never heard of it. Washington never confirmed health, oil or China’s primary plant, not to mention those that ditional techniques,” Silva says, including expansion of the inter- Tourists to Sao Tome and the plan, despite stakes in the interest here—fisheries—are ear- remain undiscovered and advocating “smart tourism”, a far national airport, the toll of devel- Principe, a scattering of islands booming oil industry of the marked for development, unidentified. cry from mass arrivals. opment on the environment is off the coast of western equato- region. according to the finance The government is keen to Among the obstacles to an issue. rial Africa that once served the Today—like many other minister. encourage tourism to provide growth in tourism, entrepreneurs A veteran figure in the slave and sugar trades of Portu- African nations—the country has China is also pursuing the jobs and income—two-thirds of cite the sky-high cost of lending. tourism sector said he had guese colonial rulers, are rare. turned to China to help its devel- deepwater port proposal that the population live below the Manuel Nazare, the owner of observed a worrying degrada- And though this paradise has opment, especially went into abeyance as the Pen- poverty line—but without the Praia Inhame hotel in Porto tion of the sea floor over the past been dubbed “the islands in the infrastructure. tagon waged the Iraq War. harming the islands’ natural Alegre, told AFP in 2016: “I two decades. middle of the world”—because In December 2016, Sao Tome In June, Sao Tome signed an beauty. borrow money from the local “The big question is whether of their proximity to the zero renewed diplomatic ties with agreement to let Chinese Renowned local chef Joao bank at very high rates, 24 the public will benefit from point on GPS, with the prime Beijing to the detriment of its trawlers ply the country’s waters Carlos Silva—also a celebrity in percent.”mAnother hindrance is development, and whether meridian just six degrees to the rival Taiwan, which had coop- alongside those of Japan and the Portugal—is pounding the drum the price of a trip, which makes nature in Sao Tome will be pre- west and the equator crossing erated with the African European Union. for low-volume ecotourism. visiting Sao Tome a luxury for served,” he said. 20 BUSINESS FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018

QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE

QE INDICES SUMMARY QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON WORLD STOCK INDICES EXCHANGE RATE

QE Index 8,630.67 0.26 % 04-01-2018 Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low Currency Buying Selling QE Total Return Index 14,473.13 0.26 % Index 8,630.67 All Ordinaries 6185.4 10.1 0.16 6186.4 6141.4 US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Change 22.36 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,502.33 0.99 % UK QR 4.904 QR 4.9729 % 0.26 Cac 40 Index/D 5381.56 50.28 0.94 5347.63 5258.66 QE All Share Index 2,474.04 0.07 % Euro QR 4.3632 QR 4.4242 YTD% 1.26 Dj Indu Average 24922.68 98.67 0.4 24941.92 24741.7 CA$ QR 2.8829 QR 2.9398 QE All Share Banks & Volume 8,705,550 Hang Seng Inde/D 30736.48 175.53 0.57 30724.32 30028.29 Swiss Fr QR 3.7113 QR 3.7637 Financial Services 2,706.28 0.38 % Value (QAR) 236,613,705.06 Yen QR 0.03207 QR 0.03269 Trades 3,983 Iseq Overall/D 7103.08 31.85 0.45 7089.51 7021.69 QE All Share Industrials 2,652.48 0.86 % Aus$ QR 2.8339 QR 2.8892 Up 22 | Down 18 | Unchanged 0 Kse 100 Inx/D 41908.71 364.44 0.88 41819.75 40169.62 QE All Share Transportation 1,823.88 2.21 % Ind Re QR 0.0569 QR 0.058 03-01-2018 QE All Share Real Estate 1,899.48 1.44 % S&P 500 Index/D 2713.06 17.250.639882 2695.89 2682.36 Index 8,608.31 Pak Re QR 0.0325 QR 0.0333 QE All Share Insurance 3,515.33 2.04 % Change 11.95 Peso QR 0.0725 QR 0.074 QE All Share Telecoms 1,112.33 0.16 % % 0.14 SL Re QR 0.0235 QR 0.0240 GOLD AND SILVER QE All Share Consumer YTD% 1.00 Taka QR 0.0437 QR 0.0445 Volume 8,609,834 Nep Re QR 0.0356 QR 0.0363 Goods & Services 5,042.44 0.60 % GOLD QR154.2037 per gramme Value (QAR) 198,802,266.24 SA Rand QR 0.2937 QR 0.2996 Trades 3,739 SILVER QR2.0131 per gramme

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

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7488 Brit Am Tobacc/D 4926 -10.5 582227 Apollo Tyre-A/D 270.8 0.95 95057 E I H-B/D 151.75 2 19170 Jamnaauto-B/D 80.95 0.1 336519 Neuland Lab-B/D 869.55 -5.5 5188 Bt Group/D 270.75 -1.65 2450186 Asahi I Glass-/D 364.7 -1.55 2262 E.I.D Parry-A/D 379.9 -2.3 30408 Jbf Indu-B/D 229.65 0.6 17355 Nrb Bearings-B/D 170 5 36803 Centrica/D 141.5 1.8 3869513 Ashok Leyland-/D 127 2.5 1191113 Eicher Motor-A/D 28574.7 -219.9 2073 Jct Ltd-X/D 5.05 0.01 2159717 O N G C-A/D 199.35 5.65 1048166 Gkn/D 323.1 4.8 1656745 Bajaj Hold-A/D 2831 1.9 51038 Electrosteel-B/D 42.1 0.05 649536 Jenson&Nich.-T/D 7.41 -0.39 32150 Oil Country-B/D 62.3 -1.9 111044 Hsbc Holdings/D 762.2 -1.2 3954078 Ballarpur In-B/D 18.5 -0.4 1365238 Emco-B/D 22.3 0.5 146279 Jindal Drill-B/D 179.65 4.95 37452 Onward Tech-B/D 133.25 -1.2 8821 Kingfisher/D 343.7 1.5 1584515 Banaras Bead-T/D 93.45 -4.9 10812 Escorts-A/D 787.75 15.3 264417 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 150.8 2.25 346279 Orchid Pharm-T/D 21.25 1 688181 Land Secs./D 981.4 -13.5 526998 Bata India-A/D 768 -4.6 60816 Eveready Indu-/D 442 3.4 50231 Jmc Projects-B/D 638.9 9.35 4212 Orient Hotel-B/D 42.7 1.1 68896 Legal & Genera/D 271.4 2 2549847 Bayer Crop-A/D 4615 110.9 9290 F D C-B/D 243 -1.65 12303 Kabra Extr-B/D 135.55 7.75 94456 Orient.Carb.-B/D 1443.1 89.85 49413 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 67.95 0.48 30286221 Beml Ltd-A/D 1531.6 8.1 47150 Federal Bank-A/D 108.65 0.85 481233 Kajaria Cer-A/D 743.6 7.45 40524 Orient.Carb.-B/D 1443.1 89.85 49413 Marks & Sp./D 312.9 -7.6 3944100 Bhansali Eng-B/D 207.15 9.85 700125 Ferro Alloys-X/D 15.45 0.7 166468 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 402.15 6.55 17996 Patspin India-/D 31.05 -0.1 8371 Next/D 4757 2 373543 Bharat Bijle-B/D 1411.95 34.65 12262 Finolex-A/D 657.15 1.05 2823 Kalpat Power-B/D 486.05 4.7 8111 Punjab Chem.-X/D 471 -3 1594 Pearson/D 737.2 1 401768 Bharat Ele-A/D 180 -1.05 306548 Forbes-B/D 4655.55 -105.1 13909 Kalyani Stel-B/D 405.7 7.65 44591 Radico Khait-A/D 307.75 10.45 421516 Prudential/D 1892.5 7.5 794367 Bharatgears-B/D 209 1.5 6912 Gail-A/D 495.9 4.85 71779 Kanoria Chem-B/D 101.8 4.85 123186 Rallis India-A/D 273.55 3.85 101413 Rank Group/D 243.5 0 20232 Bhartiya Int-B/D 512.5 0.15 278 Gammon India-T/D 7.63 -0.15 150827 Kg Denim-X/D 77 3.4 56552 Rallis India-A/D 273.55 3.85 101413 Rentokil Initi/D 305.9 0 881067 Bhel-A/D 100.75 2.5 1615267 Garden P -B/D 45.8 0.3 72972 Kilburnengg-X/D 108.1 3.55 34668 Reliance Indus/D 621.2 -19.4 219628 Rolls Royce Pl/D 857.8 6.6 693450 Bom.Burmah-X/D 1608.3 -22.65 17347 Godfrey Phil-A/D 988 3.15 6887 Kinetic Eng-Xt/D 82.45 3.9 6843 Ruchi Soya-B/D 19.1 -0.55 816451 Rsa Insrance G/D 619 3.6 489501 Bombay Dyeing-/D 278.5 -0.95 570149 Goodricke-X/D 444.95 -2.25 16439 Kopran-B/D 72.5 0.9 111031 Saur.Cem-X/D 89.45 1.6 156390 Sainsbury(J)/D 243.7 0.2 1563695 Camph.& All-X/D 1240 2.55 1365 Goodyear I -B/D 1189.3 79.3 104431 Lakshmi Elec-X/D 821 1.8 3953 Savita Oil-B/D 1600 -35.7 1493 Schroders/D 3525 4 43253 Canfin Homes-A/D 468.75 -7.9 102300 Hcl Infosys-A/D 59.35 -0.3 783037 Lakshmi Mach-A/D 5944.5 140.6 1090 Sterling Tool-/D 425 -4.45 1631 Severn Trent/D 2121 -5 203860 Caprihans-X/D 120 1.1 7342 Him.Fut.Comm-A/D 33.9 0.5 6120360 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 47.9 3.95 19628 Tanfac Indu-Xt/D 142.8 6.8 11494 Smith&Nephew/D 1257.5 -7.5 625419 Castrol India-/D 191.35 0 106574 Hind Motors-B/D 9.35 -0.27 220760 Lloyd Metal-X/D 19.15 0.6 233586 Tanfac Indu-Xt/D 142.8 6.8 11494 Smiths Group/D 1514.5 14.5 362826 Century Enka-B/D 341.75 5.85 10702 Hind Org Chem-/D 34.2 -1.15 153937 Lumax Ind-B/D 2128.15 30 3381 Thirumalai-B/D 2281.55 155.7 89475 Standrd Chart /D 791.8 14.3 2267348 Century Text-A/D 1435.55 27.8 43250 Hind Unilever-/D 1352.05 1.95 40634 Lupin-A/D 877.5 -0.2 195093 Til Ltd.-B/D 651.45 33.25 11786 Tate & Lyle/D 685.4 0.8 231832 Chambal Fert-A/D 160.55 0.45 90356 Hind.Petrol-A/D 419.15 7.9 185452 Lyka Labs-B/D 69.45 5.6 403407 Tinplate-B/D 276.45 16.85 652813 Tesco/D 210.1 0.5 3991168 Chola Invest-A/D 1305.6 0.95 9729 Hindalco-A/D 279.8 3.4 689898 Mafatlal Ind-X/D 326 20.05 12131 Ucal Fuel-B/D 299.3 5.6 48880 Unilever/D 4057.5 -1 561764 Chowgule St-Xt/D 16 0.75 9980 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1705.5 4.6 21299 Mah.Seamless-B/D 530 -2.55 48431 Ucal Fuel-B/D 299.3 5.6 48880 United Util Gr/D 802.6 -2.6 509294 Cimmco-T/D 129.5 4 6528 I F C I-A/D 29.2 0 2491397 Mangalam Cem-B/D 404.95 14.3 17422 Ultramarine-X/D 382 13.35 33113 Vodafone Group/D 233.4 -0.05 8233592 Cipla-A/D 613.1 6.05 95599 Idbi-A/D 64.4 4.95 2418278 Maral Overs-B/D 54.1 -1.15 24617 Unitech P -B/D 9.53 -1.05 18154721 Whitbread/D 4007 33 191961 City Union Bk-/D 177.45 -0.7 10437 India Cement-A/D 190.2 3.3 457244 Mastek-B/D 381.7 4.35 41828 Univcable-B/D 183.25 4.65 27631 FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 21 I’m glad that I ended up being the winner of 2.30am 11.30am the match. I feel like I’m CRICKET CRICKET having a nice little tour of Maria Sharapova says Australia Vs England South Africa vs India after advancing to the semi- 5th Ashes Test - Day-2 1st Test - Day 1 China. finals of Shenzhen Open. In Sydney Cape Town Svitolina in Injured Murray, Nishikori semis after Konta’s out of Australian Open injury REUTERS AFP BRISBANE: Elina Svitolina MELBOURNE: Former world reached the Brisbane Inter- number one Andy Murray and national semi-finals after Japan’s Kei Nishikori pulled out Johanna Konta retired with a of the Australian Open yesterday hip injury during the third set as a host of top names battle to of their quarter-final be fit for the year’s first Grand yesterday. Slam. Ukraine’s Svitolina was Murray, 30, had failed to leading 1-6, 7-6 (6), 3-2 when recover from a hip injury sus- Konta quit, raising doubts tained last year and has not about the Briton’s participa- played since losing in the Wim- tion in the Australian Open bledon quarter-finals last July, which starts on January 15. while Nishikori has been on the World number nine sidelines since August due to a Konta easily claimed the first torn tendon in his right wrist. set but from then on she lost “Sadly I won’t be playing in momentum. She called for an Melbourne this year, as I am not injury timeout to treat her yet ready to compete,” the three- right hip ahead of the decider time Grand Slam champion but was unable to continue Murray said in a statement. despite holding serve for two “I’ll be flying home shortly to games. assess all the options but I appre- “I don’t feel too comfort- ciate all the messages of support able saying really too much and I hope to be back playing because, actually, I don’t soon.” know yet until tomorrow Murray, who earlier with- morning,” Konta said. “Hope- drew from the Brisbane Inter- fully it’s nothing more than a national, did fly from Queens- low-grade strain and more land to Melbourne, but only to muscle spasm more than catch a connecting flight back to anything.” Europe, the national broadcaster Japan’s Kei Nishikori (left) and former world number one Andy Murray will not be seen in action at this month’s Australia Open. Third seed Svitolina next ABC reported. plays Karolina Pliskova after Australian Open tournament The loss of the Scot, who may warm-up events in Melbourne champion Serena Williams, who accepted a wildcard to play in the Czech defending cham- director Craig Tiley said he now opt for surgery on his hip, before deciding whether to has not played competitively since Sydney. pion ended the run of 2012 respected what was a “very hard came with injury clouds hanging embark on a tilt at a record sev- giving birth four months ago. US Open champion Sloane winner Kaia Kanepi 3-6, 7-5 decision for Andy.” over a who’s who of stars before enth Aussie title. And British number one Stephens pulled out of Brisbane 6-2. the Open begins on January 15 “Novak is travelling to Aus- Johanna Konta, a semi-finalist before the tournament to rest a World number one Rafael tralia where he will take part in in Melbourne two years ago, troublesome knee but is entered BRISBANE RESULTS Nadal and six-time Australian two exhibition tournaments,” retired from her Brisbane for Sydney. Open champion Novak Djokovic said a statement on 12-time quarter-final yesterday with a And upcoming French star Men’s Second Round remain huge doubts having yet Grand Slam winner’s website right hip injury and was not sure Caroline Garcia, who enjoyed a Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Jared Donaldson (USA) Sadly I won’t be to play a competitive match this early Thursday. “After the two if she would defend her Sydney breakthrough season in 2017 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 year. events, the decision will be made International title next week. rising to eight in the world, Ryan Harrison (USA) bt Yannick Hanfmann playing in Melbourne Nadal, the reigning French about his participation.” “Hips take a massive retired in tears with back pain (GER) 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 this year, as I am not Open and US Open champion, World number eight Jack beating,” Konta said. from the same event on Sunday. Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Chung Hyeon (KOR) 7-6 pulled out of Brisbane at the Sock joined the growing injury “Obviously, our game is Asian number one Nishikori yet ready to compete. (7/3), 5-7, 6-4 I’ll be ﬂying home weekend with a knee injury but list when he injured his hip at the becoming more and more phys- said his rehab had been “going said he still intends to play at Hopman Cup in Perth on ical and the demands of the tour well but I am just not ready 100 Women’s Quarter-finals shortly to assess Melbourne Park. Tuesday. as well, week-in and week-out, percent to come back yet in best Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Alize Cornet all the options but Former world number one Former champion Stan is becoming more demanding.” of five set matches”. (FRA) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 I appreciate all the Novak Djokovic has not played Wawrinka and Canada’s Milos Earlier in the week Wim- The 28-year-old made the Elina Svitolina (UKR X3) bt Johanna Konta (GBR messages of support since a right elbow issue forced Raonic are also returning from bledon champion and world fourth round of the Australian X5) 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 3-2 ret him to quit Wimbledon in the injuries but intend to play in number two Garbine Muguruza Open last year, losing in five sets Anastasija Sevastova (LAT X7) bt Aleksandra and I hope to be back quarter-finals. He cancelled Melbourne. was forced to retire at Brisbane to eventual champion Roger Krunic (SRB) 6-2, 6-4 playing soon, says scheduled appearances in Abu On the women’s side of the with severe leg cramps, though Federer, who at the age of 36 Karolina Pliskova (CZE X2) bt Kaia Kanepi (EST) Andy Murray Dhabi and Doha but intends to draw there are question marks the Spaniard two-time Grand appears to be one of the few top test the injury next week at two over the fitness of defending Slam winner on Thursday names to be fully fit. 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 Rain washes out No wildcard entire day’s play Sharapova cruises into semis for Tomic at Maria Sharapova REUTERS moments of the contest to in Auckland reacts during her Aussie Open get past her spirited rival. match yesterday. SHENZHEN: Former Sharapova’s only title REUTERS world number one Maria in 2017 came at the REUTERS Sharapova cruised past Tianjin Open, after she AUCKLAND: Persistent rain washed Kazakhstan’s Zarina came back from a MELBOURNE: Bernard out an entire day’s play at the Auck- Diyas and into the semi- 15-month doping ban, and Tomic is set to sit out the land Classic yesterday with more finals of the Shenzhen the world number 59 is Australian Open after Tennis showers predicted to affect today’s Open in China yesterday. aiming for a title-winning Australia (TA) decided not to packed schedule. Sharapova, who won start to the year in her first award him a wildcard to the Czech Republic’s third seed Bar- 6-3, 6-3, struck 24 win- visit to Shenzhen. main draw, the organisers bora Strycova will square off against ners and five aces to stay “I feel like I’m having a said yesterday. Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei in the first on course for a title clash nice little tour of China. It’s TA boss and Australian quarter-final clash on Friday while with top-ranked Simona my fourth Chinese city in a Open tournament director Julia Goerges plays Polona Hercog in Halep after the Romanian few months,” Sharapova Craig Tiley also confirmed the the revised schedule. dismissed Aryna added. 25-year-old Queenslander Top seed Caroline Wozniacki Sabalenka 6-2, 6-2. “It’s obviously been a had rejected a chance to com- meets American wild card entry Sofia “I’m glad that I ended great welcome here. It pete in next week’s qualifying Kenin While fourth seed Agnieszka up being the winner of the took many years for me to event at Melbourne Park. Radwasnka faces American Sachia match,” Sharapova said in play this event but I’m “We made the offer, Vickery in the other quarter-final a courtside interview. really glad that I did.” (Davis Cup captain) Lleyton matches. The semi-final matches “I didn’t play my best Sharapova plays Kat- (Hewitt) did, we said ‘We’d have been scheduled for the evening tennis and there’s cer- erina Siniakova next after just like you to play the Aus- but if rain affects today’s schedule, tainly a lot of things to the defending champion tralian Open wildcard play- the organisers could schedule the improve on in the next. beat fellow Czech Kristyna off and if you just make your- semi-finals and final tomorrow. The great thing is that I’m Pliskova 6-2 6-2. self available, you give “We’ve done it before,” tourna- through and have another Earlier, fourth seed yourself a good chance to get ment director Karl Budge was quoted chance to play tomorrow.” Irina-Camelia Begu had in’,” Tiley told the Herald Sun. as saying by the New Zealand Herald The five-times Grand to work hard to overcome “Now to get into the Aus- (www.nzherald.co.nz). Slam champion com- Timea Babos 7-5 7-5 to set tralian Open, he’s not going “There’s been times where three mitted 22 unforced errors up a semi-final meeting to be getting a wildcard. He’d matches have been played on a day in the match but stepped with her compatriot have to go into qualifying, so as well. We’ve just got to hope the up her game at decisive Halep. that’s a decision for him,” he tennis gods start being kind to us.” added. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018

Thomas England captain Joe Root pulls Celtics rout a ball away from Australia’s and Spieth attack on the ﬁrst day. Cavs as idle to start as Thomas gets favourites ovation AFP AFP WASHINGTON: Terry Rozier LOS ANGELES: Reigning scored 20 points off the British Open champion Boston bench to lead six Jordan Spieth and fellow 2017 double-figure scorers on major winners Justin Thomas Wednesday and the Celtics and Brooks Koepka are routed visiting Cleveland among contenders in the US 102-88 in an NBA Eastern PGA Tournament of Champi- Conference showdown. ons opening in Hawaii. Jayson Tatum and reserve Defending event cham- Marcus Smart each scored 15 pion and 2017 PGA points, Jaylen Brown added Championship winner Tho- 14 points and Kyrie Irving and mas, US Open champion Al Horford each contributed Koepka, Spieth and long-hit- 11 and nine rebounds as the ting Dustin Johnson lead a set East-leading Celtics improved of US stars into the 34-player to 31-10. field at Kapalua for the first “That shows what type of US event of 2018. team we are,” Rozier said of “The unknowns are very the Celtics’ scoring depth. exciting right now,” Spieth “From day one we’ve always said. had that next man up men- Spieth cited a new group tality and we’ve kept it going.” of rising stars, a solid group LeBron James led Cleve- of veterans and even the lat- Australia hit back with land with 19 points and added est comeback of 14-time seven rebounds and six assists major winner Tiger Woods in but the Cavaliers (25-13) had his excitement for the new a season-low point total. year. “Their defence was very “With the amount of late wickets in Sydney good. They were very in tune depth and talent at a younger to what we wanted to do exe- age mixed with the guys in cution-wise offensively,” their 30s that are playing... REUTERS SCOREBOARD run-out from the close field but James said. “They had a good some other phenomenal England first innings his throw just missed the mark defensive plan and they exe- players that you would call SYDNEY: Australia stunned A. Cook lbw b Hazlewood...... 39 and Malan again survived. cuted very well.” maybe in prime and then the England with two late wickets, Root makes 83 before M. Stoneman c Paine b Cummins...... 24 They were chances that Aus- Cavaliers big man Kevin major question, which is including that of Joe Root for 83, J. Vince c Paine b Cummins...... 25 tralia would have rued had the Love injured his right ankle. what’s it going to be like with to leave the tourists wobbling on late exit as Cook falls J. Root c M. Marsh b Starc...... 83 day not ended as well for them He had only two points on Tiger coming back, within the 233 for five at the end of a the just short of 12,000 D. Malan not out...... 55 as it had started. 1-of-11 shooting. next six months, it’s a pretty rain-disrupted opening day of J. Bairstow c Paine b Hazlewood...... 5 Stoneman and Vince had Cleveland’s Isaiah Tho- Test runs on the Extras (lb1, w1)...... 2 special time to be a part of the fifth and final Test yesterday. both got starts under brighten- mas sat out a night after opening day. Total (5 wickets; 81.4 overs)...... 233 professional golf,” Spieth said. A day that started with Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Stoneman), 2-88 (Vince), ing skies but they again betrayed making his season debut, Global challengers incessant light rain washing out 3-95 (Cook), 4-228 (Root), 5-233 (Bairstow) their batting frailties to depart missing more than two include Japan’s Hideki Mat- the first session had looked like To bat: M. Ali, T. Curran, S. Broad, M. Crane, J. An- for 24 and 25 respectively, both months with a hip injury after suyama, Spain’s Jon Rahm, ending with a packed Sydney unbeaten on 55. Despite the derson. caught behind off Pat being traded from the Celtics Australians Marc Leishman Cricket Ground bathed in sum- Ashes already having been relin- Bowling: Starc 16-4-63-1, Hazlewood 17.4-2-47- Cummins. in the deal that sent Irving to

and Cameron Smith, Swe- mer sunshine and England’s quished after the loss of the first 2, Cummins 17-4-44-2 (1w), Lyon 26-4-61-0, M. Cook made 244 not out in Boston. Marsh 5-0-17-0 den’s Jonas Blixt and South Barmy Army of fans in full tri- three Tests in the series, the the drawn Melbourne Test last “I don’t know who we are Korean Kim Si Woo. umphant voice. tourists had been determined to week and looked to be creeping and who we can be until we The field boasts an aver- Root and Dawid Malan had build on their performance in the called for a single off Nathan assiduously towards another big get it back consistently,” age age of 29.7 years, the combined for a 133-run partner- drawn fourth Test and secure a Lyon only for Malan, who was tally when Hazlewood James said. youngest since at least 1970. ship to help the tourists to 228 consolation victory. on 28, to stand his ground and intervened. “We haven’t played well Thomas won last year’s for three when Australia took the Mark Stoneman, James then set off very late. With the former England as of late so we are trying to Tournament of Champions new ball with less than half an Vince and Alastair Cook Marsh fielded the ball but captain on 39 and just five runs figure that out as well. We will and the following week’s hour of play remaining. departed relatively cheaply fired it to the striker’s end and from becoming the sixth bats- be fine, though.” Sony Open in Hawaii plus Mitchell Starc, back after before tea but Australia’s bowl- Tim Paine’s throw to Lyon man to score 12,000 Test runs, Thomas exchanged hugs his first major title on the missing the fourth Test with a ers were unable to drive home caused the spinner to spill the the big paceman fired down a and smiles with his former way to collecting the US PGA bruised heel, induced Root into a their advantage until the dra- ball allowing Malan to make his fullish delivery that rapped the team-mates and when he was Tour FedEx Cup playoff flick to square leg where Mitchell matic climax. ground. 33-year-old on the front pad. shown on the scoreboard vid- crown. Marsh took a superb catch before Both Root and Malan scored Malan had eked his tally to A loud shout for lbw was eoscreen, Boston fans The Plantation Course at Josh Hazlewood removed night- slowly - the captain had six 34 when he got an edge off to a turned down by umpire Joel Wil- responded with a standing Kapalua played as the easi- watchman Jonny Bairstow with boundaries in his half century Lyon delivery that eluded both son but Smith reviewed ovation. est course on the US tour last the last ball of the day. and his partner five - and there Paine and captain Steve Smith immediately with the TV tracking “This is genuine love from season. Malan, who survived a few were chances to dismiss the lat- at first slip. removing any doubt about the ball both sides,” Thomas said. “It’s just a great way of, scares to notch up his fifth Test ter in particular. Root had just Cameron Bancroft almost pitching outside leg and forcing “The fans are everything here. not easing into the year, but half century, reached stumps reached the 50 mark when he conjured up a sensational the decision to be reversed. Boston is definitely in my get the year going, because of heart and will always be some how relaxing it is,” Thomas type of home for me.” said. “The course is great. Perera sacked The Celtics avenged a There are obviously some 102-99 opening-night loss at great places to eat. And who De Villiers hungry for big Cleveland in which Gordon doesn’t like being in Hawaii?” as Sri Lanka’s Hayward suffered a broken Spieth, who shook off left ankle in his Boston debut. memories of a final-round ODI captain Test runs, says SA captain DeMar DeRozan scored 2016 Masters meltdown to 35 points to power the claim his third major crown Toronto Raptors (26-10) to a last year at Royal Birkdale, AFP REUTERS high-quality player like 124-115 victory at Chicago says he has turned a corner him, if you get the mental while Greek standout Gian- mentally entering the new COLOMBO: Sri Lanka yester- CAPE TOWN: South Africa side of things right, he can AB de Villiers nis Antetokounmpo had 31 year. day ousted Thisara Perera as are backing AB de Villiers be a good asset.” points and 10 rebounds in “Starting 2018 I’m kind of one-day captain and said it to show his class and score De Villiers scored a Milwaukee’s 122-101 home ready for anything,” Spieth would announce a replace- heavily as he continues his quick-fire half century -- romp over Indiana. said. ment next week. return to the Test arena, his 40th in Test cricket Meanwhile, Stephen Curry “I’m ready for failure, for Perera took on the job in captain Faf du Plessis said -- on his Test return in the scored 32 points, including the success, and everything in late November, succeeding ahead of their three-Test brief Boxing Day Test game-winning 3-pointer with between.” Upul Tharanga, who was series aga against Zimbabwe in Port 3.4 seconds remaining, and Spieth has two wins and sacked after a series of losses Former world No.1 Elizabeth last week, but reigning champion Golden two runner-up efforts in his against various teams. batsman De Villiers took this will be a much State improved to an NBA-best past eight events and three Sri Lanka Cricket said it almost two years out of tougher examination. 30-8 with a 125-122 triumph top-three finishes in his past would name a successor after first-class cricket to con- “I don’t know when the at Dallas. three Maui starts. And he’s consulting new coach Chan- centrate on the shorter next Test series against Kevin Durant and Klay engaged to long-time girl- dika Hathurusingha, who has formats and spend more India is, but it’s probably Thompson each added 25 friend Annie Verret. pledged to get tough with the time with his young fam- the last time a lot of us points for the Warriors. “I’m just in a fantastic under-performing national ily. But the 33-year-old is play against India and Durant had 11 rebounds while place compared to where I team. now back for South Africa there’s no better way than Draymond Green contributed was last year,” Spieth said. “During the discussion, as they begin a busy home playing a series in South 18 points and 10 rebounds. the chairman of selectors schedule with the opening Africa,” Du Plessis said of informed me that they are Test against India at New- South Africa’s experienced NBA RESULTS considering appointing either lands tomorrow. line-up. Philadelphia 112 San Antonio 106 Angelo Mathews or Dinesh “What’s important “We were disap- Washington 121 New York 103 Chandimal to fill the role,” the with AB is that he is fresh pointed the last time we Houston 116 Orlando 98 Sri Lanka Cricket quoted its and hungry to score big went there and we’ve got a Miami 111 Detroit 104 President Thilanga Sumath- runs. He has had a good score to settle, so we’re Brooklyn 98 Minnesota 97 ipala as saying, in a break,” said Du Plessis excited for this series.” Boston 102 Cleveland 88 statement. yesterday. South Africa lost three Toronto 124 Chicago 115 Sri Lanka, who tour Bang- “He feels mentally of their four Tests in India Milwaukee 122 Indiana 101 ladesh later this month, are strong and he wants to put in late 2016 in the last Golden State 125 Dallas 122 under pressure after a series in big performances, so I meeting between the two Denver 134 Phoenix 111

of defeats, most recently to think that’s half the battle nations that top the ICC’s

Jordan Spieth New Orleans 108 Utah 98 India where they suffered already. When you have a Test rankings. O’City 133 LA Lakers 96 whitewash in ODI series. FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 23

Bayern Munich stars train at Aspire FC Bayern Munich players train during their Winter Training Camp at Aspire Zone yesterday. The 25-member squad team will train at Aspire Zone’s 1 and 2 pitches, preparing for the second half of the season until Sunday, January 7. Pictures: Baher Amin/The Peninsula

City top football PSG conﬁdent of prevailing ﬁnance in Real Madrid showdown rankings AFP AFP PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery (pictured) is confident his side can get Wenger LONDON: Premier League the better of Real Madrid as he looked ahead leaders Manchester City have to next month’s heavyweight Champions fumes at more financial muscle than any League showdown in an interview with AFP. other club in world football, And Emery dismissed suggestions that according to a study that sees defeat to the reigning champions would ‘farcical English clubs dominate the top constitute a failure for a club that invested 10. huge sums in Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and The Soccerex Football Dani Alves in the hope of winning the decision’ Finance 100, which ranks the Champions League. AFP world’s top teams based on “It is a chance for us to show that we both their playing and fixed are at the same level as them, that we can LONDON: Arsene Wenger assets, money in the bank, beat the best teams,” the Spaniard said as launched a scathing attack on owner potential investment his team prepares to return to action fol- referee Anthony Taylor after and debt, was published on lowing the French winter break. Arsenal suffered fresh penalty Wednesday. PSG play their first game of 2018 on pain in their dramatic 2-2 According to the study, Sunday away to Rennes when they begin draw with Chelsea on Arsenal have £766m ($1bn) their defence of the French Cup. Wednesday. worth of fixed assets -- follow- Their January schedule will be taken up The extent of PSG’s It seems certain that Wenger has been charged ing their move from Highbury by domestic action, but a nine-point lead spending under their Qatari PSG will trim their wage by the Football Association to the Emirates Stadium - more over Monaco and Lyon at the top of Ligue owners has not made them- bill during this month’s for his furious protests fol- than any other club in world 1 means they will perhaps already be start- selves popular with Europe’s transfer window in order lowing a penalty given for football, while only Manches- ing to think about the first leg of their last-16 traditional elite. It is a chance for us to balance the books. The handball by Arsenal’s Calum ter United have more money tie in Madrid on February 14. Emery, the former to show that we are likes of Lucas Moura, Chambers in Sunday’s draw in the bank (£307m) than Arse- “I always think positive,” said Emery. Sevilla coach, said: “When I at the same level as Javier Pastore and former at West Bromwich Albion. nal’s £300m. “We will prepare well to come into the tie was in Spain, there were them, that we can Newcastle striker Hatem But the Arsenal boss was The annual report by event strong and compete with Real. I think we two clubs with huge finan- Ben Arfa look likely to in angry mood again follow- organiser Soccerex suggests can win.” cial power, Real Madrid and beat the best teams: move on. ing Taylor’s decision to award that Arsenal have the mone- PSG are driven by the memory of what Barcelona. Real bought the Paris Saint-Germain However Emery a second half spot-kick for tary muscle to “invest happened at the same stage of the compe- best players in the world, coach Unai Emery insisted that Argentina Hector Bellerin’s foul on Eden significantly” in the transfer tition last season, when they lost 6-1 away (Luis) Figo, (Zinedine) midfielder Pastore had Hazard. market. to Barcelona to go out having won 4-0 at Zidane, Ronaldo. not asked for a move Hazard scored the pen- Liverpool are 16th on the home in the first leg in the French capital. “In Spain, nobody ever amid talk that he could alty to cancel out Jack list, while 2016 Premier League “We can learn a lot of things from that talked about where the money they spent return to Italy. Wilshere’s opener and, after champions Leicester are 20th. tie,” Emery said. “I think after that tie, and was coming from. And for Spanish football He added: “Certain players who play Marcos Alonso put Chelsea in French giants PSG are third. after the extra step PSG have taken, we will it was very good. less can maybe be protagonists in another front, Arsenal needed a last- Real Madrid are sixth with their see teams, UEFA, referees have more “I am at PSG, in Paris which is one of team because they are good players and gasp Bellerin equaliser to La Liga rivals Barcelona only respect for us, and I think we are now bet- the most visited cities in the world, with they don’t have the chance to play here, like escape with a point. 13th. ter prepared.” great culture. Lucas Moura or Hatem Ben Arfa.” “It was a remarkable game. Once again we got a very bad decision against us,” Wenger said. “We have to account in Bellerin earns Arsenal 2-2 draw in Chelsea derby our preparation for that’s what we have to face. AP “You see good football. Unfortunately you see as well LONDON: Hector Bellerin came to Arsenal’s bad decisions. It gets me frus- rescue in stoppage time to clinch a 2-2 draw trated and upset. against Chelsea after conceding a penalty earlier “You look at matters that in the Premier League game on Wednesday. influence the game. If it’s a All four goals came in the final half hour of penalty against us tonight it’s an absorbing, open encounter at the Emirates at least two for us. Stadium where defending champion Chelsea “It’s all opinions. But only managed to reduce Manchester City’s lead when your opinions go the to 14 points. same way, what is repeated Arsenal’s title hopes faded early in the first is not coincidence.” half of the season and it is now in a tough fight Wenger also confirmed just to return to the four Champions League he would contest the FA places, as it sits six points adrift. charge, saying: “100 per cent. It would have been even worse had Bellerin You can listen to every inter- not redeemed himself. view and I stick to everything The right back’s challenge on Eden Hazard I said without any problem. had allowed the Chelsea winger to cancel out “I am 35 years in football Jack Wilshere’s opener in the 67th minute. and I know what I said.” After Marcos Alonso fired Chelsea in front Chelsea manager Antonio in the 84th, the wing back wasn’t as precise back Conte admitted he was frus- on defensive duties in the second minute of stop- trated the champions were page time. forced to settle for a draw A headed clearance went straight to Bel- after creating so many lerin, who leveled with a half-volley. chances. Chelsea was still pursuing the winner in the “I think it is a pity because third minute of stoppage time and defender Dav- when you have so many ide Zappacosta struck the crossbar. chances to score you must Had striker Alvaro Morata not missed so win the game,” he said. many chances this could have been a third con- “Instead we are talking secutive win for Chelsea. Chelsea is becoming about a draw against a good reliant on Alonso for goals, with the left-sided team, but in this game we Arsenal’s Spanish defender Hector Bellerin (right) shoots to score past Chelsea’s Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defender the team’s second-highest scorer deserved to win as we cre- during their English Premier League football match in London on Wednesday. behind Morata. ated a lot of chances. SPORT Friday 5 January 2018

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Injured Murray, De Villiers hungry for PSG confident ofof Nishikori out of big Test runs, says prevailing in Realeal AAustralian Open SA captain Madrid showdownown Thiem into semis; Pella ends Basic’s dream run ARMSTRONG VAS earlier rounds could not Dominic Thiem of Austria hits a return during his really close. He had some THE PENINSULA produce the same brand of quarter-final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece. breakpoints. He had break tennis which came handy up. But then I come back. DOHA: Top seed Dominic for him in earlier matches. So it was a really tough Thiem of Austria along with Rublev dominated play match and it was really emerging Russian star with some attacking tennis close,” he added. Andrey Rublev advanced hitting 35 winners on the “In the end I was little into the semi-finals of the way. bit more lucky. Qatar ExxonMobil Open The match, a rematch “Maybe a little bit bet- registering hard fought of the Next Generation ATP ter in crucial stages of the wins in Doha yesterday. Finals 2017 in Rome, saw match and then I win the World No.5 Thiem took the Russian extend his match,” he said. one hour forty minutes to winning his streak over Meanwhile, World No. overcame the challenge of Coric. 64, Pella ended the dream Greek qualifier Stefanos Rublev, who defeated run of Bosnian qualifier Monfils aims Tsitsipas. Coric in the semi-finals of Mirza Basic, dropping just Thiem, the only seed the year-ending Italian five games to advance to to bounce left in the competition, event, broke Coric’s serve the last four stage. experienced a few hiccups in the eleventh game of the Basic, who made it the before overcoming the final set, which turned out main round of 32 through back to the top Greek teenager 7-5, 6-4. to be a turning point of the the qualifying and who Tsitsipas, 19, the encounter. continued his impressive ARMSTRONG VAS youngest quarter-finalist in “It was a great match with wins over players THE PENINSULA Doha for more than a dec- for me. I was playing really ranked much higher to ade was highly impressive well today and I hope I can him finally found his DOHA: Frenchman Gael Monfils returning back in beating number five seed play even better tomor- match in Pella. to tennis action after a break wants to get back to Richard Gasquet in the sec- row. But we’ll see.” The World No. 128, playing near perfect tennis. ond round but Thiem put Rublev said he went who upset tournament’s A three-time Doha finalist and who was handed all his experience to good into the match with an eighth seed Feliciano a wildcard Monfils reached the quarter-finals of use to end the impressive attacking game plan which Lopez to reach the quar- the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Wednesday. run of his opponent. worked for him. ter finals, found the The former World No.6 , who has slipped to 36 “It was my best game “I knew since the Argentinean too tough for rank, is playing for the first time since the US Open today for sure so far. And I beginning of the match That was the key. I was And in the end, I won,” his asking. after suffering an injury during the Grand Slam event. will try to play the same that I have to try to dictate trying to do this since the said the Russian right The Argentinian easily “I feel happy to be back on the tour. I feel happy tomorrow. I know the the point. I had to try to beginning and I think it hander. saw off, 26-year-old Basic to have those two matches under my belt. Still, you opponents. I know Gojowc- attack. I had to try to lead. was working quite well. “Both of us was really, 6-2, 6-3. know, I can play better. I can play better. I can, I zyk, I know Monfils. I know think, play better. I think it’s just matter of time and both of them. So it’s going confidence. I try to give my best every day during to be nothing new. Both of QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN the practice, on the courts. And then I really look- them are really good playing forward the match where I will feel much ers. Going to be fun. Doesn’t Singles - Quarter-finals better,” said Monfils. matter against who,” Thiem Guido Pella (ARG) bt (Q) Mirza Basic (BIH) 6-2, 6-3 In Qatar, he defeated Jan-Lennard Struff by said. 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in just 80 minutes to reach his first Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Borna Coric (CRO) 6-3, 7-5 The other quarter-final quarter-final since Eastbourne in June. Dominic Thiem (AUT) bt (Q) Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 7-5, 6-4 between Rublev and Borna “Hopefully, soon I get back my seeded rank- Coric, a clash between two ing. It’s a matter I believe. I’m working hard, try to generation next players, Today: get back to the top of the game again,” said saw Rublev come on top. 1st Semi-final Monfils. The 20-year-old eased 10:00 AM The 31-year-old, who featured in three finals past the 21-year-old Guido Pella (ARG) vs Andrey Rublev (RUS) but is yet to win a title in Qatar said he enjoys play- Croatian Coric in straight Followed by ing at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash sets to set up a clash with Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs Gael Monfils (FRA) or Peter Gojowczyk (GER) Complex. World No. 64 Guido Pella “I really enjoy it to be play here. It’s good court of Argentina for a place in condition, but I should say it’s changed a lot since the final. the last time. I was not expecting that. But always, The World No.39 from you know, you are welcomed here and it gives you Moscow won 6-3, 7-5 in a a good feeling. So that for sure helps,” he said. match which lasted 90 Guido Pella “I had a long time off, a long time without see- minutes on the centre court of Argentina ing competition. So I need to be on the court more of the Khalifa International celebrates his victory to enjoy. I missed the competition, all the spirit. So Tennis and Squash over Bosnian I’m more than happy to be back. And wins just help Complex. Mirza Basic. to have more matches and build a better confi- Coric, who defeated Pictures: Salim Matramkot/ dence,” said Monfils. second seed Pablo Carreno The Peninsula Busta of Spain in the

Qatar, Serbia Olympic bodies sign MoU Al Gharafa honour ex-coach Fernandez

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Al Gharafa Sports Club honoured their former coach Jean Fernandez, who took over The Cheetahs at the start of the QNB Stars League (QSL) season and was replaced by Turk Bulent Uygun recently. Club President Sheikh Jassim bin Thamer Al Thani presented a memento to the Frenchman in rec- ognition of his efforts with the team. The most notable among them was the QSL Cup triumph last month when they defeated Al Rayyan in the final to end a long title drought. Al Gharafa SC President Sheikh Jassim bin Thamer Al Thani presenting Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Vice-President Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani (right) presenting Sheikh Jassim thanked Fernan- a memento to former coach Jean Fernandez. a memento to Olympic Committee of Serbia (OKS) President Bozidar Maljkovic after the dez for his contributions to the club, signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the OKS delegation’s visit specially the grooming of young- Fernandez reciprocated by say- my relationship with the club and to Qatar at the QOC headquarters yesterday. Picture: Abdul Basit/The Peninsula sters, and wished him all success in ing, “It was a pleasure working at will follow them whether I’m in his future endeavours. Al Gharafa. I’ll certainly continue Qatar or not.”