NEW DELHI TIMES R.N.I. No 53449/91 DL-SW-01/4124/17-19 (Monday/Tuesday same week) (Published Every Monday) New Delhi Page 16 Rs. 7.00

2 - 8 December 2019 Vol - 29 No. 44 Email : [email protected] Founder : Dr. Govind Narain Srivastava ISSN -2349-1221

T Importance of BRICS Satellite Imagery and in an uncertain world its increasing role The 11th BRICS Summit, 2019, was held According to sciencedirect.com, Satellite in Brasilia, Brazil for the third time on Imagery is the main observational data November 14, signifying the coming of age of source for diagnosis and early forecast of an organization that brings together emerging synoptic development over the ocean, where economies playing a vital role in a globalized convection can produce bad weather with world. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, high impact on the marine activities. Chinese President Xi Jinping, India’s Prime Satellite Imagery is of three types: Minister Narendra Modi, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa... 1) Visible Imagery: This image is based...

By Dr. Ankit Srivastava Page 3 By NDT Bureau Page 2

NATO is ‘brain-dead’ feels Macron

By NDT Special Bureau Page 2

Is Tuna Fish safe Family not walls, Lebanon crisis continue to eat? builds a home to simmer

Yellow fin tuna products sold in the U.S. are being recalled, The comfort and warmth associated with the place that we Lebanon is in a state of unrest as the civil society has through an order by the Food and Drug Administration, call ‘home’ is no less than a heavenly feeling. Yes, despite been protesting throughout the length and breadth of the because they can cause a type of food poisoning... the size of the place where we live... country. The protests were triggered by the worsening... By Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi Page 14 By Dr. Pramila Srivastava Page 13 By NDT Bureau Page 3

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Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES NATO is ‘brain-dead’ feels Macron France was a founding member of NATO but slapping sanctions even on allies. Tariffs on ◆ By NDT Special Bureau traditionally had an ambivalent role taking the European products worth $7.5 billion @NewDelhiTimes no part in its strategic military planning undermine Brussels’ interests. Both have from 1966 to 2009. Macron’s comments similar political values of democracy and [email protected] just a month before NATO’s December 4 freedom but differ greatly on other values. summit in London shocked all. he relations between the US and NATO The United States promotes unilateralism T is fast deteriorating. After decades of and protectionism, and Europe seeks At the July summit in Brussels, Trump had bonhomie, Europe in general and the NATO multilateralism that paves way for differences portrayed NATO as being in crisis. Turkey countries, in particular, appear at logger to remain over global governance issues like defied the NATO allies to launch a military heads with the US over sharing of NATO climate change. The Chinese menace forced incursion into Syria in October. Macron military expenses. the US to shift strategic focus to the Asia- decried NATO’s inability to react to Turkey’s Pacific region. That eroded the NATO’s Ahead of a summit of NATO leaders in London “crazy” offensive and criticised Europe’s strategic salience for America. next week, Macron held discussions with NATO acting like a junior ally in the Middle East. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Paris. Trump’s decision to withdraw troops At a joint press conference, Macron remarked- NATO firmed up the Western alliance and from Syria has grossly eroded American “NATO is an organization of collective its back on the European project,” he said. anchored the Trans-Atlantic ties in post- credibility. Macron rightly doubts whether defense. Against what, against who is it Macron’s caustic comment rubbed European Cold War days. Both could have drifted apart NATO can guarantee the security of the EU defending itself? Who is our common leaders the wrong way and aggravated the otherwise. NATO still guards Europe against members. Macron spoke of the long-term enemy? What are our common topics? This trans-Atlantic rift further. Russia and its eastward expansion squeezed risks of 5G networks and the long-term question deserves clarifications.” latter’s strategic space. New non-traditional challenges a growing and more assertive The veracity of comments and its security threats like terrorism and refugee China presents to NATO. The Quadrilateral Macron also called for resuming dialogue straightforwardness was too overpowering crises necessitate NATO’s reform. While Security Dialogue (the Quad) involving the with Russia. Macron explicitly stated that to elicit are response from the European the EU wants NATO to respond to threat US, Japan, India and Australia is readying neither Russia nor China was the enemy leaders. German Chancellor Angela Merkel perception of bloc members, Washington the Asia-Pacific to face the China threat and of NATO. Rather, NATO’s energy and told a news conference in Berlin alongside wants NATO to respond to American global could evolve into an “Asian NATO”. resources should be directed at countering NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq. violent extremism. that Macron was overreacting and using In August, the United States Studies Centre “rather drastic words”. Stoltenberg reasoned Macron opined earlier that “Europe can at the University of Sydney released a report Earlier, in an interview with British weekly, that NATO had overcome differences in the no longer rely on the United States for claiming, “Chinese counter-intervention The Economist, French President Macron past, e.g. the 1956 Suez Crisis and the 2003 its security.” The divergences extend systems have undermined America’s ability said “What we are currently experiencing Iraq War. Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki to various domains: strategy, economy, to project power in the Indo-Pacific, raising is the brain death of NATO.” He bemoaned described comments as “irresponsible” values, global governance, and geopolitics. the risk that China could use limited force the lack of strategic coordination between while Russia hailed comments as “golden Macron’s criticism reflects his discontent to achieve a fait accompli victory before European allies and the United States and words” and “an exact definition of the current with America. The EU should be a strong, America can respond; and challenging US Turkey, with the NATO’s military, doubting state of NATO”. Criticism notwithstanding, independent strategic geopolitical power to security is guaranteed in the process.” whether the US-led NATO’s security maxim Macron’s honest comments revealed protect the bloc’s interests and acquire global that an attack on one ally is an attack on Europe’s lack of trust for the US and NATO status for the European military sovereignty, Chinese threat is there for all to see. It is real all, which underpinned transatlantic ties and emphasized the strategic need for a he feels. Trump has persistently pursued a and imminent, but sadly, NATO is falling since 1949, still exists. “America is turning strong European Union (EU). policy of nationalism and “Americas First”, apart at this critical juncture! Satellite Imagery and its increasing role information technology access (including ◆ By NDT Bureau smart phones), thereby limiting the control @NewDelhiTimes of what had been only a few central governments. It was recently noted that, [email protected] “data availability, data storage, and current transfer speeds put unprecedented compute A ccording to sciencedirect.com, Satellite power in the hands of the average person”. Imagery is the main observational data Globally, people will be able to collectively source for diagnosis and early forecast of wield the same power as a nation state synoptic development over the ocean, where in terms of information and intelligence convection can produce bad weather with creation. high impact on the marine activities. A session at the quadrennial International Satellite Imagery is of three types: Atomic Energy Association Sanctions 1) : This image is based Visible Imagery Symposium in November 2018, showcased upon principles of reflected sunlight and the important role that high-resolution therefore, these visible satellite images can commercial satellite imagery analysis plays be viewed only during the day; 2) Infrared in monitoring nuclear proliferation. Imagery: These images can be visible during both day and night. Since the satellite Open-source imagery analysis has enhanced relies on temperature to sense clouds and public understanding of nuclear proliferation not sunlight, the infrared image is available in territory where access has previously the whole day; 3) Water Vapour Imagery: Energy Agency (IAEA) views commercial proscribed nuclear activities”. been denied. Moreover, the presentations Water vapor satellite pictures indicate how satellite imagery as “a particularly valuable at the event highlighted the range of new much moisture is present in the upper open source of information”. In 2001, the According to a 2015 report titled, applications for high-resolution imagery atmosphere (approximately from 15,000 ft IAEA established an in-house Satellite “Commercial Satellite Imagery as an that are being developed by governmental to 30,000 ft). Imagery Analysis Unit (SIAU) to provide an Evolving Open-Source Verification organisations and academic institutes. independent capability for “the exploitation Technology” published by the European High-resolution commercial satellite of satellite imagery which involves imagery Commission, commercial satellite imagery However, questions of ethics have also imagery is now playing a leading role in analysis, including correlation/fusion with has already been proven to be a timely, emerged regarding the use of commercial nuclear proliferation. Almost every month other sources (open source, geospatial, and accurate data source to support, supplement, satellite imagery. A section of security now, such imagery is seen revealing the third party). and/or enhance nuclear related ongoing analysts contend that it is morally incorrect ongoing nuclear weapon building programs treaty monitoring and verification activities. to monitor militaries. of nations such as North Korea. Satellite Commercial satellite imagery not only imagery has also strengthened the role supports onsite inspection planning and Such imagery will also continue to be an There is also an apprehension that secret and the efforts of the International Atomic verification of declared activities,” but enabler of independent action, in that it monitoring through satellite images by some Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect suspected perhaps its most important role is that it democratizes the availability and use of the unscrupulous elements can be a threat to sites and activities. The International Atomic also “increases the possibility of detecting medium by anyone in the world with digital fundamental privacy. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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Editorial NEW DELHI TIMES Importance of BRICS in an uncertain world frontline of world development and their central to the sustenance of its agenda. The development and ensure the promotion and ◆ By Dr. Ankit Srivastava influence in regions and the world has not BRICS Bank (New Development Bank, or protection of human rights and fundamental Chief Editor diminished. NDB), operational since 2015, today boasts freedoms for all and build a brighter shared @AnkitNDT a portfolio of 30 projects worth $8 billion. future for the international community,” said BRICS members have different geographical [email protected] summit’s joint declaration. features, size and social governance More cooperative institutions like the th which appear divisive but internet and BRICS credit system, Academic Forum and he 11 BRICS Summit, 2019, was Western media questioned the unity of globalization are shaping the contours of University cooperation programs are either T held in Brasilia, Brazil for the the BRICS over differences between their cooperation. operational or in the pipeline. third time on November 14, signifying the members, such as India’s stance on the coming of age of an organization Undaunted by geopolitics and geopolitical These highly innovative and large scale the Regional Comprehensive Economic that brings together emerging economies goals of the West, BRICS is offering developmental programs in the Global Partnership (RCEP). But differences won’t playing a vital role in a globalized world. space for cooperation and development. South focus on infrastructure and the subsume shared interests. The common Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Chinese In contrast, the US-proposed Indo-Pacific green economy and comply with the 2030 ground that BRICS members share is real President Xi Jinping, India’s Prime Minister Strategy consisting of Japan, Australia and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which can reform or promote the current Narendra Modi, South Africa’s President India for “free and open Indo-Pacific” got agenda. Countries of the Global South international order dominated by the West. Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro attended the Summit. The BRICS partnership on the new industrial revolution is vital to BRICS economic The year 2019 has been a bad year for the cooperation. The business sector should whole world with an ongoing US-China integrate business cooperation with the trade war. Some Western media outlets BRICS partnership, and yield better results have cast doubt on the efficacy of BRICS in such areas as innovation, digital economy cooperation, questioning whether BRICS and green economy to promote the high- cooperation is on the decline. But BRICS’ quality development of BRICS economies. ground-breaking cooperation provides a new hope for all the five members to re-recognize With just over 3 billion people, BRICS the world and themselves on their path of accounts for 40 percent of the global international cooperation. The developing population. Other important indicators— countries need not go through the West to life expectancy, trade balance, GDP per understand the world. BRICS has proven capita and foreign exchange reserve— also that there is a huge world outside the West look positive. which has a far-reaching significance. BRICS countries are blamed for economic dwarfed by the US geopolitical needs and should avail such alternative development- BRICS has become too important to be slowdown, so is most of the world. Which still searching for its mojo. friendly loans. BRICS plays a crucial role ignored. The theme and focus of the 11th country or nation-group has not? The long- that enhances its influence. BRICS Summit, “Economic growth for term factors driving economic growth, BRICS has taken good strides in an innovative future,” is in keeping with the emerging markets and the dynamic development, cooperation, and forming “We remain committed to multilateralism, the times. BRICS show common interests mechanisms of BRICS have remained new ideas. BRICS realised too early that cooperation of sovereign states to maintain among major emerging market economies unchanged. BRICS countries are still on the establishing partnership institutions was peace and security, advance sustainable to leverage its strength. Lebanon crisis continue to simmer dollars also led to a massive strike in the Lebanon also has one of the world’s protests gained momentum witnessing ◆ By NDT Bureau country’s gas station. highest levels of government debt as a a manifold increase of participants. The @NewDelhiTimes share of economic output. The International protests also spread to other regions such as A majority of economists also hold the view Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a fiscal Tripoli, Zouk, Jal el Dib, Saida, Nabatieh, [email protected] that Lebanon is on the brink of financial deficit of 9.8% of GDP this year and 11.5% Sour and Zahle. Across Lebanon, protesters collapse. According to a report in Voice next year. Fiscal Deficit also reached the blocked main roads as part of their peaceful ebanon is in a state of unrest as the civil of America News, many employees are double digits in 2018. protest paralysing the transport sector. As L society has been protesting throughout accepting half-salaries or losing their jobs, a result of the blockade, the financial and the length and breadth of the country. The businesses are failing, and the banks are According to a study by the European banking sector underwent major stagnation protests were triggered by the worsening limiting the amounts of money people can Commission “Can Lebanon Defy Gravity and ultimately led to the resignation of economic situation in the country. Some withdraw or send abroad. Other media Forever” released in June 2019, “the overall Prime Minister Saad Hariri. observers contend that the catalyst for the outlets have reported that in parallel black- balance recorded an estimated deficit of 10.9% of GDP in 2018, a significant Before his resignatinon, Hariri had presented deterioration from the 6% deficit recorded some emergency reform measures such as the year before, and far from the annual one the cuts to salaries of senior officials, the percentage point consolidation commitment. abolition of some state institutions, millions With debt service eating up around half of of dollars to be distributed to families living revenues, and electricity subsidies chipping in poverty and tens of millions of dollars for away another 15%, expenditures are rigid housing loans. Such reform measures were and vulnerable to changes in interest rates rejected in toto by the protestors. and oil prices. However, the protests are not just caused Pensions are costly and unevenly distributed, by economic crisis. According to a study amounting to around 2½% of GDP over the cited by the Amnesty International, the key last decade while covering only 2% of the demand of the protestors are: 1) An end to population, according to the World Bank government corruption; 2) An end to the estimates. The large number of refugees sectarian political system; 3) The recovery has further strained public services and of stolen funds and holding the corrupt infrastructure. Recent UNHCR figures put accountable; and 4) Fair tax and financial the number of Syrian refugees registered procedures. protest was the weakening of Lebanese markets, one dollar is being sold at more in Lebanon at around 950,000 while currency against the US dollar. By October than 1,600 Lebanese pounds, much higher NGOs consider 1.5 million a more realistic Even after the resignation of Hariri, the 2019, there was a shortage of US dollar that than the official rate. Billions of dollars have estimate.” protests have continued. The protestors, it has continued to simmer discontent among been withdrawn from personal accounts seems, have reached a saturation point of the businesses and the common citizens till since demonstrations began, forcing the The protests began on October 17, at discontentment with the old political guard. date. A shortage of US dollars has caused banks to close. Banks are now sharply downtown Beirut’s Riad al-Solh Square. Sweeping political changes are the need several businesses to close and many people limiting the amounts of cash withdrawals Initially, the protestors were outnumbered of the hour but at present, the imbroglio have lost their jobs. The shortage of US and international transfers. by the riot police but as days passed, the persists.

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International NEW DELHI TIMES Australia fire Japan’s Ex-Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone dies at 101 survivors join global ormer Japanese Prime Minister 1980s at the pinnacle of its economic success. to the rank of Lieutenant Commander during F Yasuhiro Nakasone, a giant of his In recent years, he lobbied for revision of the World War II. In his last news conference climate protests country’s post-World War II politics who war-renouncing U.S.-drafted Constitution, a as Prime Minister, he said his political pushed for a more assertive Japan while longtime cause that no postwar leader has ambitions were sparked after the war by “the ustralians affected by recent strengthening military ties with the United achieved to date. conviction I felt as I gazed bewildered at the A devastating wildfires in the country States, has died. He was 101. burned ruins of Tokyo”. have joined young environmentalists kicking From US critic to ally off a global protest demanding governments Nakasone began his political career as a fiery “How can this country be revived into a act against climate change. nationalist denouncing the U.S. occupation happy and flourishing state?” he said. He established his nationalist credentials by The “global day of action” was expected that lasted from 1945 to 1952, but by the 1980s he was a stalwart ally of America campaigning for Parliament riding a white to see rallies in hundreds of cities around bicycle bearing the “rising sun,” or the the world, days before officials gather known for his warm relations with President Ronald Reagan. “Hinomaru” national flag, which Japan’s on November 25, in Madrid for talks on wartime military had used. He won a seat tackling climate change. He boosted defense spending, tried to revise in 1947, becoming the youngest member of Japan’s U.S.-drafted pacifist constitution Further rallies were planned in cities Parliament at age 28. and drew criticism for his unabashed appeals worldwide, including Washington, London, to patriotism. In the 1950s, he was a driving Nakasone became a leading figure in Berlin and Madrid. force behind building nuclear reactors in the Liberal Democratic Party that has Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg, resource-poor Japan, a move that helped dominated postwar politics. During more who is traveling across the Atlantic by propel Japan’s strong economic growth after than a half-century in Parliament, he served sailboat to attend the climate talks next week, World War II but drew renewed scrutiny in as Defense Chief, the top of the powerful sent a message of support to protesters. the aftermath of the meltdowns at a nuclear Ministry of International Trade and Industry, The office of his son, Hirofumi Nakasone, plant in Fukushima swamped by a tsunami and Secretary-General of the ruling Liberal About two dozen environmental activists confirmed that Nakasone died on in 2011. Democratic Party before becoming Prime in the German capital symbolically jumped November 29, at a Tokyo hospital where he Minister. Navy officer to Parliament into the chilly waters of the Spree river in was recently treated. Nakasone assailed the U.S.-drafted postwar front of Parliament to protest a government- The son of a lumber merchant, Nakasone Constitution, demanding revision of the backed package of measures they say As a World War II navy officer, Yasuhiro was born May 27, 1918, the last year of document’s war-renouncing Article 9 and won’t be enough to reduce the country’s Nakasone witnessed the depths of his World War I. He went to Tokyo Imperial urging a military buildup. greenhouse gas emissions. country’s utter defeat and devastation. Four University before entering the Interior Credit : Associated Press (AP) decades later, he presided over Japan in the Ministry and then the navy, where he rose Credit : Voice of America (VOA) Yazidi still hears brothers before IS kills them in Iraq Russia shows its survivor of the mass slaughter of the Kachi said he was living in Kojo when of Kojo’s 1,250 residents survived, he said. A Yazidi minority in Iraq five years ago “terrorist gangs of Daesh took control over Even though five years have passed, “I can told the U.N. Security Council that he still Sinjar and its villages” on August 3, 2014. latest weapon to still remember the remains of my brothers hears his brothers and nephews calling his Tens of thousands of Yazidis fled to the and my nephews. And I can still hear them name before they were killed by Islamic Sinjar mountains, but some 7,000 Yazidi calling my name ... and I can still hear my US inspectors State extremists — and he hears the screams women, children and men were killed wife and my daughters screaming when the of his wife and three daughters when the or captured that day, he said. Kojo was he Russian military says it has shown members of ISIL kidnapped them.” militants kidnapped them. The man, who besieged for 12 days, until August 14, 2014, T its latest hypersonic weapon to the U.S. inspectors. was identified only as Kachi, said he is “still when large numbers of militants entered the Kachi said his youngest daughter, Lara, who suffering from psychological harm” and village, initially taking people to a school, was 3 months old, died in captivity “because “my life is extremely hard”. robbing all their belongings, and then taking of thirst and hunger.” He did not say where all the men — about 400 — to different he was speaking from, or what happened to locations on the outskirts near its orchards his wife and two other daughters. Despite and farms, Kachi said. the rout of Islamic State extremists, Yazidis say they are still unable to return to Sinjar or “Later, they started shooting at us while locate hundreds of their women and children shouting, ‘God is the greatest, Alahu Akbar,’ enslaved by the militant group. while carrying ISIL flags,” he said. Karim Khan, who heads the U.N. When they finished firing, they left for investigative team, told the Security Council another place, he said. Kachi said he was that the courage of survivors who come slightly injured, but alive under a pile of forward underlines the urgency of the team’s bodies. “When I opened my eyes I saw work to help ensure “those who inflicted Photo Credit : AP Photo three of my brothers. They were next to me. their suffering will be held accountable”. They were dead. So were my nephews and But Kachi said in a video briefing that he cousins,” he said. A year after the team’s arrival in Iraq, he believes he survived, “under a pile of dead said there has been significant progress in bodies ... by God’s will, to be a witness to the “I managed to run away for fear of being collecting documentary, digital, testimonial Photo Credit : AP Photo hideous crimes committed by the terrorist killed by ISIL,” Kachi said. “I left the and forensic evidence in three priority areas- group” against the Yazidis. He urged the The Defence Ministry said that it remains of my brothers and their children in Mosul, Sinjar and Camp Speicher in Tikrit. international community not only to ensure demonstrated the Avangard hypersonic glide that mass grave.” Khan said the team’s investigation of attacks that the perpetrators are prosecuted but to vehicle to a team of U.S. inspectors this on Yazidis in Sinjar has identified “over 160 “acknowledge that the crimes committed “After all the men were killed, ISIL week as part of transparency measures under perpetrators,” and work is now focused on against the Yazidi community amount to kidnapped the women, girls and children, the New Start nuclear arms treaty with the building “case files that may be presented to genocide”. around 850 of them, took them to the east U.S. It said the new weapon will be put on appropriate courts”. of Sinjar,” he added. “They separated the combat duty in December. Kachi spoke at a council meeting on elderly women from the rest, around 77 activities of the U.N. investigative team Khan said the team has also assisted the Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled women including my stepmother who promoting accountability for crimes prosecution of two alleged Islamic State the Avangard in 2018 along with other was 90 years old. ISIL killed those elderly committed by the Islamic State extremist members facing war crimes charges in prospective weapons, noting that its ability women or buried them alive in a mass group in Iraq. Diplomats said he used only Finland and has been approached by other to make sharp maneuvers on its way to a grave,” Kachi said. his first name for fear of reprisals. Extremists governments seeking its help. “In a significant target will render missile defense useless. from the Islamic State group, also known Then, he said, they took the rest of the development,” he said, “the government of The military said the Avangard is capable as Daesh and ISIL, rampaged through the women, including his wife and three Iraq has also taken purposeful steps towards of flying 27 times faster than the speed of Sinjar region of northern Iraq in August daughters, and sold them in slave markets in the introduction of legislation allowing for sound. Putin said its creation represented a 2014, destroying villages and religious sites Iraq and Syria. “Today, I speak before you as the prosecution of acts committed by ISIL technological breakthrough comparable to and shooting men and elderly women before I have lost around 75 members of my family as war crimes, crimes against humanity and the 1957 Soviet launch of the first satellite. kidnapping women and children and selling and my brothers’ families who were killed genocide.” them in slave markets. at the hands of ISIL,” Kachi said. Only 19 Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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International NEW DELHI TIMES Cambodia’s leader relieved Trump Vietnamese village holds doesn’t seek regime change funeral for trafficking victims ambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen polish up his image, including the recent C responded positively to a letter from release from detention of members of the he village of Dien Thinh bid farewell who had to suffer such a way of dying in a President Donald Trump that assured him opposition. T to two of its sons, victims of a human place so far from home.” the U.S. does not seek regime change and trafficking tragedy unveiled last month He faces external political pressure that encouraged him to promote democracy when the bodies of 39 Vietnamese were Dien Thinh, like many villages in Vietnam, ballooned after last July’s general election, and improve strained relations between the discovered in a truck in England. have largely been left out of the economic in which his Cambodian People’s Party countries. development that has turned urban centers won all 125 National Assembly seats. The Coffins with the bodies of cousins Nguyen like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi into boom European Union and others charged that the Van Hung and Hoang Van Tiep were election was unfair and unfree because the carried to the village’s Trung Song church sole credible opposition party, the Cambodia for a funeral attended by about 300 people. National Rescue Party, was dissolved in “Nguyen Van Hung and Hoang Van Tiep November 2017 by Cambodia’s Supreme left their hometown to find a better future Court. for themselves and for their families,” Rev. Pham Tri Phuong said. “But the tragedy Photo Credit : AP Photo The EU is now considering whether to end duty-free and quota-free imports from happened that brought grave pain to the A letter from Hun Sen shared online by Cambodia because of concerns about its family and for all of us.” members of his government, accepted poor record in human and labor rights. Trump’s invitation to a meeting of Southeast A cutoff could badly hurt Cambodia’s The 31 men and eight women, aged between Asian leaders in the United States early 15 and 44, are believed to have paid human economy, especially the clothing and Photo Credit : AP Photo next year, as well as an offer for the footwear industry that is the country’s top traffickers to smuggle them to England. countries’ foreign policy teams to hold export sector, employing nearly 800,000 Their bodies were found east of London on towns. Many people in this largely Catholic talks. Washington has long criticized Hun people in about 1,000 garment and shoe October 23, and while no cause of death has village survive on small-scale farming Sen’s government for its poor record on factories. In 2018, the Southeast Asian been officially established, the circumstances of crops such as peanuts and sesame, democracy and human rights. Hun Sen, in country shipped nearly $10 billion worth of suggested asphyxiation. supplemented by seasonal fishing. But there power for 34 years, has accused the U.S. of products to the United States and Europe. are others who have taken the chance and seeking to oust him. Trump’s November 1 Trump’s letter recounted positive elements The investigation is ongoing, and several moved abroad in the hopes of better the lives letter assured Hun Sen that the U.S. does of the U.S.-Cambodian relationship in the people suspected of involvement with of themselves and their families. not seek regime change. The President past, while acknowledging “difficulties” in the case have been arrested in Britain and counselled Hun Sen to “put Cambodia back recent years. “With regards to the bilateral Vietnam. The bodies of 16 of the victims, The family of Tiep, 18 at the time of his on the path of democratic governance”. relations between our two countries, I including Hung and Tiep, arrived in Vietnam death, hosted a wake attended by relatives and neighbors. In the living room, two dozen “I am reassured by your explicit statement concur with you that they have gone through and were sent on to their families. At least sprays of white flowers lay by the sides of whereby you seek genuine engagement to periods of ups and downs,” Hun Sen wrote. four funerals were held on November 28. his coffin. A portrait of Tiep in France was pursue democracy, individual liberty and “However, I am of the view that we should In Dien Thinh, a rural village of about 300 propped on top. the rule of law rather than through regime not become hostage of a few dark chapters households on the coast of north-central change,” Hun Sen wrote. of our own history.” Vietnam, they mourned not just the deaths, but also the circumstances. “How can we He had posted the photo on his Facebook Hun Sen has a reputation as an authoritarian He said contemporary Cambodia owes not be in great pain when seeing their aging page in September with a caption reading: leader and has said he intends to serve until its prosperity in part to “the contribution parents have to bid farewell to their young “Time will take what you have and will give 2028. He has been quick to crack down on of the American people and government children,” Phuong told mourners. “How can it back to you if you try your best.” any opponents, accusing them of seeking a from the peaceful democratization, to the we be not in great pain to see our brothers Credit : Associated Press (AP) “color revolution” that upended regimes in nation building, social governance, and the Eastern and Central Europe and the Middle generous market access.” Islamic State group affiliate claims East. There are some signs he seeks to Credit : Associated Press (AP) Trump spends Thanksgiving in Afghanistan, French crash in Mali n Islamic State group affiliate claimed visits with troops A responsibility for a helicopter collision that killed 13 French soldiers resident Donald Trump paid a surprise “We’re meeting with them,” he said. “And earlier this week in Mali, while France said P Thanksgiving visit to Afghanistan, we’re saying it has to be a cease-fire. And it will reassess its military operation in West where he announced the U.S. and Taliban they don’t want to do a cease-fire, but now and Central Africa after its deadliest toll in have been engaged in ongoing peace talks nearly four decades. and said he believes the Taliban want a cease-fire. Photo Credit : AP Photo The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara troops, saying it is aimed at enhancing statement, with no evidence, came almost Trump arrived at Bagram Air Field France’s own security and providing support three days after the low-flying helicopters shortly after 8:30 p.m. local time on to African countries. November 28, and spent 3½ hours on the collided on a moonless night while pursuing extremists near the border with Niger. An ground during his first trip to the site of The helicopter collision drew global investigation has begun into the cause of the America’s longest war. He served turkey attention to an emerging front for IS-linked crash and the flight data recorders have been and thanked the troops, delivered a speech groups as IS loses strength in its core area in found. and sat down with Afghan President Ashraf Syria and Iraq. Counterterror officials have Ghani before leaving just after midnight. Photo Credit : AP Photo worried about the risk of fighters fleeing that they do want to do a cease-fire, I believe ... French military spokesman Col. Frederic region for Africa’s sprawling Sahel, the arid As per tradition, reporters were under strict and we’ll see what happens.” The trip came Barbry said the military would not comment strip south of the Sahara Desert. instructions to keep the trip a secret to ensure after Trump abruptly broke off peace talks on the claim. Shortly after the crash, Army the President’s safety in the country. About with the Taliban in September, canceling Chief of Staff Gen. Francois Lecointre said Before his death this year, IS leader Abu 12,000 U.S. forces remain in Afghanistan. a secret meeting with Taliban and Afghan the helicopters had been supporting French Bakr al-Baghdadi congratulated “brothers” leaders at the Camp David Presidential forces on the ground pursuing fighters with in Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso for Traveling with Republican Sen. John retreat after a particularly deadly spate of the IS affiliate. pledging allegiance. Barrasso of Wyoming and a small clutch of violence, capped by a bombing in Kabul aides, including his acting Chief of Staff, that killed 12 people, including an American French President Emmanuel Macron told Extremist groups have been using forested Press Secretary and National Security soldier. reporters, “our mission there is important, areas along the poorly defended border Adviser, Trump appeared in good spirits as yet what we are now living in the Sahel areas of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso he was escorted around the base by heavily Trump said that he was proceeding with a leads us to look into all strategic options.” to find refuge while spreading south into armed soldiers, as the smell of burning fuel plan to reduce U.S. troop levels to about He said the government and military will more populated areas. Nearly half a million and garbage wafted through the chilly air. 8,600, telling reporters we’re “bringing work on the issue in the coming weeks. people have fled their homes this year alone Unlike last year’s post-Christmas visit to Iraq down the number of troops substantially”. in once-peaceful Burkina Faso. — his first to an active combat zone — first Macron defended France’s largest overseas lady Melania Trump did not make the trip. Credit : Associated Press (AP) military mission, which involves 4,500 Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 6 2 - 8 December 2019

Delhi/NCR NEW DELHI TIMES DDA to give Travelling to IGI Airport RS Bhatti’s freehold from Western parts of Delhi tenure as AAI will now become easier CVO extended rights to 10 ◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes lakh shops [email protected]

◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes [email protected]

elhi Development Authority (DDA) D has announced that direct freehold and ownership rights will be given to more than ten lakh shopkeepers in Delhi.

◆ By NDT Bureau In order to alleviate the traffic problem, a survey has been conducted to find out @NewDelhiTimes suitable for A-2, C-1, C-2 Pankha Road and he tenure of IPS officer RS Bhatti as T the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of [email protected] traffic signal at bus stand near Janak Cinema. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been extended till January 2020. The extension oad travel from the Western parts of It is therefore requested that the above said civil works related to construction of U-turn was announced through an order of the R Delhi such as Dwarka, Nazafgarh Personnel Ministry. and Uttam Nagar to the Indira Gandhi may please be done on priority basis for the International (IGI) Airport will now be made smooth flow of traffic and safety of general Bhatti, a former CBI officer, was appointed smooth as the Public Works Department public” a letter send to PWD from Delhi as the anti-corruption officer of AAI in 2017. (PWD) and Delhi Traffic Police have Traffic Police said. decided to close four continuous red light He was last posted in the Central Bureau signals on Pankha Road and make it a signal “The traffic jams on this road is mainly due of Investigation (CBI) as the Joint Director free stretch to ease the flow of traffic. to the continuous red light because about in Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency 250-300 vehicles stop on each red-light (MDMA), that is conducting investigation “Pankha Road is A-category carriage way signal because of which creates a chaos,” into the assassination of former Prime which is facing severe traffic congestion. said the traffic police. Minister Rajiv Gandhi. CBSE plans to change the pattern AAP launches mobile number for enabling of Class 10 and Class 12 exam voters to connect Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, with party’s election DDA’s Authority Member Vijender Gupta question paper by 2023 said, “Role of builders is being removed and campaign that property holders can directly contact ◆ By NDT Bureau DDA to freehold their property.” He added ◆ By NDT Bureau that the decision will stop the exploitation @NewDelhiTimes and irregularities by unscrupulous private [email protected] @NewDelhiTimes builders. [email protected] entral Board of Secondary Education “Earlier builder used to do everything C (CBSE) is planning to change the am Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo from lease to every other work, now the pattern of Class 10 and Class 12 exam A Arvind Kejriwal launched a mobile involvement of a builder has ended and question paper by 2023. The aim of such a number. People who want to be a part of people can now come to DDA and make change is to encourage critical thinking in the electoral campaign of the AAP for the their deeds directly and can freehold their the minds of the students. upcoming Delhi Assembly elections can property without any middle person. The join by giving a missed call on the number person basically had no ownership right, It is the need of the hour keeping in mind 9509997997. because builder was there, that has been country’s future, CBSE Secretary Anurag removed,” Gupta said. Tripathi said at the school education summit organised by the Associated Chambers The policy to free hold shops will cover of Commerce and Industry of India commercial roads, business units and shops (ASSOCHAM). present in Mix Land Use. They have already been exempted under the Master Plan 2021, He said, “While this year students of Class but the shopkeepers falling in this category 10 will get 20 per cent objective questions “The flexibility in the system should be did not own their shops. These properties and 10 per cent questions would be based on adapted in the curriculum transaction Launching the mobile number, Mr Kejriwal fall under the definition of apartments as per creative thinking, by 2023 question papers process to keep students’ mindset and what said, “Through this, the people are saying the Delhi Apartments Act 1986. for classes 10 and 12 will be based on they need in mind. With respect to the they can connect with the party and opt to creative, innovative and critical thinking.” common curriculum, whatever subjects are volunteer for us.” According to the policy, shopkeepers or unit being offered, the room is very much there to holders will now be able to get apartment CBSE Director (Training and Skill introduce activity-based curriculum. “Voting again for AAP does not mean you deed in their favour from DDA. “They can Education) Biswajit Saha said that schools are voting just for Kejriwal, you are voting also get their unit/shop free hold from DDA in India need to focus on students’ capability “If we want to really upgrade the system, for 24-hour electricity, you are voting for without much hassle. Till now such unit and not employability, implement adaptive then competency-based education needs to good condition of government schools, you holders were at the mercy of the builder for and project-based learning and follow be implemented in the school systems which are voting for free bus ride for women,” getting their unit freehold,” said a statement children-centric methodology in the requires strong connect with the child,” he Mr. Kejriwal said while addressing by DDA. classroom. said. volunteers of AAP. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

2 - 8 December 2019 7

Delhi/NCR NEW DELHI TIMES Connecting Delhi with Mumbai through a signal-free expressway is UPSC facing on fast track, says Road Transport and Highways Minister problems in getting be the longest axis control expressway and ◆ By NDT Bureau will help agricultural and industrial growth Hindi translation @NewDelhiTimes of these states,” said Mr. Gadkari. of question papers: [email protected] Adding further, he said, “We have been constructing 30 km roads every day. We Centre nion Minister of Road Transport and have completed KMP, KGP and other U Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said national highway projects, like Dwarka ◆ By NDT Bureau that the Central Government’s ambitious expressway, ring road in Delhi and the @NewDelhiTimes project to connect the National Capital with southern peripheral road (SPR) are under Mumbai through a signal-free expressway is development”. [email protected] on fast track. During his address at an event in iting a report, the government at “We have allocated Rs. 1 lakh crore for Gurugram, he said that the task of land C the Centre said that the Union construction of the Delhi-Mumbai high-speed acquisition of the project is almost done Public Service Commission (UPSC) is road corridor, which will connect Haryana, and the construction of the road is likely facing problems in getting precise Hindi Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. It will to begin soon. translation of question papers, especially in technical papers like medical sciences and Delhi government engineering. Lok Sabha passes bill to Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra revives its plan to Singh, in a written reply to Lok Sabha, said, introduce mobile-app “The Committee had, in its report submitted amend SPG Act in the year 2012, which was accepted by based air-conditioned UPSC, underlined certain constraints such as practical/operational difficulties in getting bus service the precise Hindi translation of question papers; especially in technical papers (engineering, medical science etc.); growth of Hindi and other languages in the higher educational system, which are existing as of today”.

As per the rules of the examinations framed and notified by the nodal departments/ ministries of the government of India the Indian Forest Service examination, the combined geo-scientist and the geologist examination, the Indian Economic Service/ were aimed at restoring the original intent ◆ By NDT Bureau Indian Statistical Service examination (a of the Act.” clubbed examination) and the engineering @NewDelhiTimes services examination are conducted by the The amended bill restricts the protection for Commission. [email protected] former Prime Ministers to five years.

imiting the Special Protect Group While speaking on the move of the central Government to L (SPG) cover to only the Prime government of withdrawing the SPG cover Minister and his family residing with him, provided to the Gandhi family members make hallmarking ◆ By NDT Bureau the lower house gave its nod for a bill to and replacing it with Z+ security, Mr. Shah mandatory for gold amend special protect group (SPG) Act. said, “An effort is being made to paint a @NewDelhiTimes picture that the government isn’t concerned Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while jewellery from 2021 [email protected] about security of Gandhi family and that speaking about the Bill, said, “the elite their protection has been withdrawn. Their ◆ By NDT Bureau protection unit was raised for securing only protection has not been withdrawn, but only eviving its plan to roll out a mobile- the Prime Minister and the amendments changed, based on threat assessment.” @NewDelhiTimes R application based air-conditioned bus service, the government in the National [email protected] Capital aims to attract office-goers who n order to ensure quality, Union use their private vehicles for their daily Entire rail network to be electrified Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas commute. I in India: Piyush Goyal Paswan said that the government will make “The scheme is proposed under sub- hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery of diesel locomotives is to be decided based section (3) of Section 67 of the MV Act, and artefacts from January 15, 2021. ◆ By NDT Bureau upon the performance of the converted which empowers the state government to @NewDelhiTimes prototype locomotives,” he further added. The jewellers will be given a year time to clear make schemes for transportation of goods their existing stock for the implementation and passengers and issue licenses for the [email protected] While speaking during Question Hour in the of this decision by the government. The promotion of development and efficiency Rajya Sabha, Mr. Goyal said that the move Department of Consumer affairs will issue in transportation for last mile connectivity, ailways Minister Piyush Goyal said comes, acting in line with Prime Minister a notification for making gold hallmarking rural transport, reducing traffic congestion, that the entire rail network in India Mr. Narendra Modi’s commitment towards mandatory by January 15, 2021. improving urban transport and safety of road R will be electrified. He further said that India environment protection. users, etc,” said an official. “We are making hallmarking for gold is the only country across the world that is jewellery and artefacts mandatory in the experimenting to convert diesel engines into Under the scheme, the private operators country. We will issue a notification on electric. will be running the service similar to app- January 15 next year. One-year period will be based cab aggregators. The users will have provided for implementation. From January to make their bookings only through mobile “Till now six old diesel locomotives have 15, 2021, this will become mandatory,” said applications or a website. been converted into three twin electric Ram Vilas Paswan. locomotives at Diesel Locomotive Works, As per the draft scheme, the buses will be Varanasi which is a production unit of Gold hallmarking is a certification of purity equipped with GPS, CCTV cameras, Wi- Indian Railways,” Mr. Goyal stated. “These of the precious metal. Presently, around Fi, reclining seats, premium upholstery, converted prototype locomotives are under 40 per cent of gold jewellery is being entertainment system and panic buttons. extensive field tests and trials. The number hallmarked.

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Neighbourhood NEW DELHI TIMES Bangladesh sentences 7 militants Pakistan court challenges legality to death in café attack of Army Chief extension special anti-terrorism tribunal in n a historic first, Pakistan’s Supreme ministers. The details of the meeting were A Bangladesh sentenced seven members I Court raised questions about the not made public although local media is of a banned militant group to deat for their legality of extending the term of the army quoting sources saying the government has involvement in an attack on a Dhaka cafe chief, sending shock waves through a prepared comprehensive responses to the that killed more than 20 people, mostly country that has been ruled by the military court’s inquiries. foreigners. for more than half its 72-year existence and in which the military is considered the most Judge Mojibur Rahman found the men from powerful institution. the Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh group guilty of various charges including planning A day earlier, the court suspended the the attack, making bombs and murder. An notification issued by the administration eighth defendant was acquitted. of Prime Minister Imran Khan, allowing current army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa to Rahman announced the decision in front of a serve a second term in his position once his packed courtroom amid heavy security. term expired. Five militants took hostages and opened fire Photo Credit : AP Photo on the Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1, 2016. followed several years of smaller attacks The court demanded to know the law or Bajwa’s three-year term has been mired in Twenty hostages were killed, including 17 targeting scores of individuals deemed by regulation legitimizing such an action. controversy. The opposition has accused the from Japan, Italy and India. extremists to be enemies of Islam, including During the hearing, the Attorney General secularists, writers, religious minorities, representing the government seemed unable military of meddling in the 2018 election in The five militants were killed by foreigners and activists. to satisfy the court. favor of Khan. Many in the media and rights commandoes during a 12-hour standoff. groups complain of a clampdown on free The full verdict was not immediately Two security officials were killed. The Chief Justice, who was heading the speech and activism. The military denies available, but the judge said the men acted three-judge bench hearing on the case, such charges, but the accusations have grown The Islamic State group claimed against the sovereignty of the country and its also chided the Attorney General for the in the last few years. Several Army Chiefs, responsibility for the attack, but the Constitution in executing the plan for such government’s sloppiness in processing the some of them dictators, served multiple government of Prime Minister Sheikh a big attack in which foreigners had been extension, saying huge irregularities existed terms. However, no one ever challenged Hasina rejected it, saying the domestic targeted and killed. in the documentation. them in court. In the last two decades, only one army chief, Raheel Sharif, stepped down group was behind it that the international The defendants, who have maintained their Khan, who has a reputation of being close at the end of his three-year term. group has no presence in the country. innocence, can appeal the verdict. to Bajwa, called an emergency meeting, The attack in the Muslim-majority nation Credit : Associated Press (AP) attended by Bajwa and several of his key Credit : Voice of America (VOA) Buddhist nationalists claim victory in Sri Lankan election Bomb blast n this mountain city that was for state-sponsored disappearances. With the Nevertheless, Buddhist nationalism has been I centuries home to Sri Lanka’s kings day-to-day violence of the civil war in the on the rise, and it was thrust to the forefront and in recent years has been riven by past, Buddhist nationalists in recent years of Sri Lankan politics after Islamic State- kills 15 Afghan religious violence, Buddhist nationalists are have accused the government of paying inspired suicide attacks by local militants rejoicing the election of the country’s newest too much heed to the needs of minorities, killed 269 people at churches and hotels on civilians leader. They hope he ushers in another pointing in part to the previous government, Easter Sunday.

Rajapaksa, often appearing alongside Buddhist monks, would refer to the attacks while campaigning and cast himself as the only person able to restore security. And now that he has won, nationalists like Gnanasara want him to promote Sinhalese culture at the expense of Muslims, such as getting rid of Islamic religious schools.

“Halal, burqa, Islamic banks, Kathi courts, Shariah Universities, those all destroyed social integrity that we do have,” he said in an interview. “Gotabaya can establish one rule, one nation, one country.” roadside bomb in northern Afghanistan Gnanasara described himself as an unofficial A demolished a civilian vehicle, killing Photo Credit : AP Photo adviser to Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda least 15 civilians and injuring two others. Rajapaksa, the war-time President whom golden era for the nation’s ethnic majority. which though led by Sinhalese Buddhists, Gotabaya Rajapaksa recently appointed as An Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman “We built an ideology that the country needs also included ministers who were Hindu and Prime Minister. accused Taliban insurgents of planting the a Sinhala leader who does not bend down Muslim. bomb in troubled Kunduz province. in front of minorities,” said Galagoda Aththe Gotabaya Rajapaksa has praised and Gnanasara, a nationalist leader and monk, About 70% of the 22 million people in this Provincial officials said the victims, defended Gnanasara in the past, but his referring to the Sinhalese ethnic group. island nation off India’s southern coast are including women and children, were on their spokesman, Mohan Samaranayaka, said the “Now that ideology has won.” Buddhists, mainly ethnic Sinhalese. Hindus, way to attend a wedding party in the Imam President had neither “official nor unofficial mainly ethnic Tamils, make up 12.6% of the Sahib district, the scene of heavy fighting advisers as yet”. Gnanasara and other members of his population, while another 9.7% are Muslim between Afghan forces and the Taliban. Bodu Bala Sena, or Army of Buddhist and 7.6% are Christian. Power, campaigned hard for new President At his swearing-in earlier this month, Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The days of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist kings and Rajapaksa said he would be President for all Afghan war that entered its 19th year last their monk advisers ended in the early 1800s Sri Lankans. month. Rajapaksa is a former defense official who with their defeat by the British, who ruled is regarded by fellow Sinhalese Buddhists as until independence in 1948. And though “I am well aware that I am bound to serve The United Nations has documented around a hero for his role in ending Sri Lanka’s 26- Buddhism was given predominance in Sri every Sri Lankan irrespective of race or 2,600 Afghan civilian deaths in the first nine year Civil War with ethnic Tamil rebels. But Lanka’s post-independence constitution, religion,” he said. months of 2019, with 5,600 wounded. minorities fear him because of allegations freedom to practice other religions was also he took part in war atrocities and ordered enshrined. Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Voice of America (VOA) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

2 - 8 December 2019 9

North America NEW DELHI TIMES Face of Guatemala’s anti-corruption fight faces threats rika Lorena Aifán is used to threats a Guatemalan court last month. Anti- by a small group of security guards, some Herrera Castillo, who is a fugitive, is E after more than a decade as a judge corruption activists have expressed concern armed with AK-47 rifles, wherever she goes. accused of selling land at artificially high in Guatemala, but she says the tone has that politicians and Morales’ government She recently received an armored vehicle to prices to the social security system through intensified in recent months, such as the text would seek to criminalize the commission’s travel in. “Judge Erika Aifán is one of the front companies, allegedly scamming the message to her cellphone saying that she and work and move against anti-corruption main faces of the fight against corruption,” government of millions. His son was arrested her family “should be dead.” judges and prosecutors. In late September, said Adriana Beltrán, director for citizen and is being processed in a Guatemalan congress created a committee to review, and security the group Washington Office on prison. Since the “Phoenix” case arrived in The woman who has become one of the most- potentially reverse, work done by the U.N.- Latin America. “She has had, in recent her hands for review, the judge said, attacks visible faces of Guatemala’s fight against backed mission. The committee can file years, the highest-level cases.” against her have increased on social media corruption says she won’t be intimidated. and directly on her phone. The regional rights commission says that There is an “interest in obstructing my work, although the judge receives protection from She also said she discovered that two in attacking my judicial independence,”. The the judicial system, the pressures on Aifán employees of her court had shared fight against corruption in Guatemala was have “their origins precisely in certain people confidential information on the case and left in the hands of prosecutors and judges, in state institutions, without an appreciation others with lawyers. She said the employees like Aifán, after a U.N. anti-corruption ... for implementing more concrete measures also removed pages from the “Phoenix” commission that had helped investigate and to reduce the climate of hostility against her, file, adding that this has created the risk that prosecute hundreds of corrupt politicians, such as publicly reaffirming the legitimacy some of those involved, such as Herrera’s public officials and businesspeople over 12 of her work and demanding respect for her son, could be released. years departed the country in September. Photo Credit : AP Photo integrity at all times.” The commission, known as CICIG, stopped complaints and request personal information While Aifán has handled many high-profile Beltrán at the Washington Office on Latin operations after President Jimmy Morales from people who worked on the commission. cases, her emblematic one — and the one America said the judge is being harassed refused to renew its mandate, but not before many feel is drawing the latest threats — is because of her investigations. it launched legal proceedings against three Aifán speaks softly and uses her words the “Phoenix” case. former presidents, including Gen. Otto sparingly, appearing shy. But her rulings “The intention is to recapture state Pérez Molina, who resigned in 2015. have been blunt, sometimes threatening The investigation, made public in April, institutions and maintain the status quo, in the powerful and sending politicians found that businesspeople and others had order to ensure impunity,” she said. The commission and Guatemalan and businesspeople to prison. Local and conspired to launder about $50 million in prosecutors had tried to lift the immunity international organizations have expressed a huge fraud involving the country’s Social The dozens of files on shelves, tables and the from prosecution that Morales enjoys as concern for her safety, and a few weeks ago Security Institute. floor swamping Aifán’s small office speak of a sitting president to investigate him for the Inter-American Commission on Human the challenges she faces and her conviction possible illicit electoral financing, though Rights requested that additional measures According to the investigators, the to continue at her job. the legislature declined to do so. They be taken to guarantee her safety, saying the mastermind of the operation was had also brought a case against Morales’ current ones are not enough. businessman Gustavo Adolfo Herrera “I’m not leaving the country,” she said. son and brother. He denies wrongdoing, Castillo, with the help of his son Sergio and his son and brother were cleared by Since 2006, the judge has been accompanied Alfredo Herrera Acevedo, among others. Credit : Associated Press (AP) Prominent Mexican women protest Cuba accuses US Nicaraguan of violating Vienna violence via art, breastfeeding Conventions journalist returns omen’s groups protested at cultural public agenda in a more forceful way. She uba’s Foreign Minister accused the W institutions in Mexico’s capital ahead said it also was adapting the monument to C United States of violating the Vienna from self-exile of the International Day for the Elimination independence from Spain to carry a message Convention and the deal re-establishing of Violence Against Women, using painting, that is relevant for modern times. One graffiti diplomatic relations between the two crocheting and breastfeeding to call attention message labels Mexico a “rape state” while countries. to rampant violence and machismo in their another calls it a killer of women. Soon after, the United States announced country. The August protests were dubbed the “glitter a new sanction on Cuba meant to cut off Dozens of women painted on a protective protests” after activists doused the city’s the island’s supply of petroleum from barricade around the Angel of Independence police chief in pink glitter. “It’s unfortunate Venezuela. In two tweets, Foreign Minister monument on the city’s main avenue while that cultural patrimony was damaged, but Bruno Rodríguez said unspecified “illegal Photo Credit : AP Photo others crocheted purple and pink hearts we’re in a very serious situation,” said actions” by the U.S. Embassy in Havana Garcia, who is the mother of a 2-year-old violated both the international codes of rominent journalist Carlos Fernando to string up. The wall was erected after girl. “We’re raising our voice for our rights.” conduct for diplomats and the agreement P Chamorro returned to Nicaragua after feminists used paint to deface the monument to reopen embassies in Washington and nearly a year in self-exile in neighbouring with graffiti in August to decry alleged rapes Havana in 2015. Costa Rica. by police in the capital as well as high rates of murders of women throughout the country. “Illegal actions by #US embassy in #Cuba Chamorro fled Nicaragua in January, a On average, 10 women are killed each are interference in the internal affairs of month after police raided and occupied day in Mexico, making it one of the most the country and are intended to attack our his news outlets’ offices. A son of former dangerous places in the world to be female. constitutional order,” Rodríguez tweeted. President Violeta Chamorro, he arrived at The threat of violence is compounded by “They violate the Vienna Convention, Managua’s airport with his wife and seven impunity for most perpetrators: Less than Photo Credit : AP Photo the agreement for the re-establishment of other exiles, including five journalists. one in 10 murders is solved in Mexico. relations and Cuban and US laws.” Farther down Reforma Avenue, at the Garcia took turns with other young women When he left, Chamorro said he was The U.S. Treasury said it was designating the Museum of Modern Art, women protested to trace their silhouettes on the barricades in protecting his freedom and physical safety Cuban company Corporacion Panamericana the museum’s expulsion last week of a postures of strength: fists raised in the air or and wanted to continue his independent S.A. as a violator of American sanctions woman who was breastfeeding inside the hands positioned firmly on hips like a super journalism. hero. The female figures interlocked arms on Venezuela. Such designations make it building by breastfeeding inside the museum difficult for companies like Panamericana to themselves. Holding daughter Coco at her to show that the women are united in their Chamorro runs the online news site do business even outside the United States breast, protester Fernanda Herranz said fight. Mexico City’s mayor issued a gender Confidencial as well as the television due to third parties’ fears of repercussions she has felt discriminated against while alert this week for the capital, meaning that programs “Tonight” and “This Week.” for dealing with a sanctioned entity. breastfeeding, such as the time a restaurant 20 of Mexico’s 31 federal entities now have declared emergencies over feminicides. The 64-year-old journalist said he plans employee asked her to breastfeed in the The Treasury Department said that after the More peaceful walks by activists and to start legal proceedings to reverse the bathroom rather than at the table. Talia U.S. sanctioned the state-owned oil importer victims’ families have become regular confiscation of his property. He said he Garcia, a member of the Restorers with Cubametales, Cuba moved employees and occurrences in the weeks since the rowdy will continue to produce his journalism in Glitter collective, which seeks to document contracts over to Panamericana, which was protests in August. Nicaragua. the social messages scrawled on the Angel not yet sanctioned. monument, said the graffiti attack in Credit : Associated Press (AP) August put the topic of feminicides on the Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 10 2 - 8 December 2019

Africa NEW DELHI TIMES UN humanitarian 13 French soldiers killed in helicopter collision in Mali wo helicopters collided on a France’s operation in West and Central responsibility. The extremists loot military chief calls for T moonless night and killed 13 French Africa is its largest overseas military mission posts and profit from mining operations soldiers fighting Islamic State group-linked and involves 4,500 personnel. France while finding refuge in forested border urgent int’l help extremists in Mali, France said mourning intervened in Mali in 2013 after extremists areas. Hundreds of thousands of civilians its highest military death toll in nearly four seized control of major towns in the north have fled their homes. to Sudan decades. and implemented a harsh version of Islamic law. They were forced back into the desert, Before his death this year, IS leader Abu he top U.N. humanitarian official The deaths draw new attention to a worrying where they have regrouped and moved south Bakr al-Baghdadi congratulated “brothers” T says Sudan has a historic opportunity front in the global fight against extremism, into more populated areas. in Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso for to overcome years of bloody conflict and one in which France and local countries pledging allegiance. instability, but needs urgent international have pleaded for more support. In a surge of assistance. violence this month, attackers often linked Public outrage in Mali also has been directed to IS have killed scores of troops in West in recent weeks against France, the country’s Mark Lowcock, the U.N. under-secretary Africa’s arid Sahel region and ambushed a former colonizer, over the failure to stop the general and emergency relief coordinator, convoy of employees of a Canadian mining violence that also has led to deadly clashes spoke during his first visit to Sudan since company, leaving at least 38 dead. between wary communities amid suspicions a joint military-civilian government was of supporting the extremists. formed. It replaced former President Omar French President Emmanuel Macron al-Bashir, who was ousted by the military in expressed “deep sadness” after the crash. Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita April amid mass protests. It was France’s highest military toll since sent his “deepest condolences” to France. 1983, when 58 paratroopers were killed in a “The loss is heavy but the people of the Lowcock told The Associated Press he’s truck bombing in Lebanon. Sahel share your mourning,” he said in a “hopeful that further progress can be made statement. on peace” with rebels in the country’s restive The military said the helicopters were flying Photo Credit : AP Photo very low when they collided and crashed Mali’s Liptako region and its Gourma region southern provinces, where fighting has Since 2013, at least 44 French soldiers have in Mali’s Liptako region near Niger while near the Burkina Faso border have become displaced 1.9 million people. died in the mission that has created little supporting French commandos on the strategic crossings for extremist groups as public debate in France. But he warned that Sudan faces stiff ground pursuing a group of extremists. No they are largely unguarded, the International challenges, including economic collapse, one on board survived. Institute for Strategic Studies wrote last malnutrition and disease. French lawmakers observed a minute of month. France built a new base in Gossi in French Defence Minister Florence Parly silence on 26th November. Prime Minister the Gourma region this year, it said. He appealed to the international community said the helicopters were operating “in the Edouard Philippe defended military to “provide more help faster” to support the total darkness, which made the operation operations in the Sahel, saying that “without “Despite increased French presence in new government’s efforts to rebuild. much more complicated.” The helicopters’ the ability to face the enemy ... we cannot this zone, military gains remain limited. flight data recorders have been found and an guarantee, on another hand, the essential Both sides barely ever engage in direct Credit : Associated Press (AP) investigation has begun. work of political stabilization and economic confrontation. Militants use guerrilla tactics, development.” rely heavily on improvised explosive devices South Africa to The French troops were chasing fighters and hide within the civilian population with the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, A new surge in extremist attacks in Mali before and after launching attacks,” it added. affiliated to IS, Army Chief of Staff Gen. has killed well over 100 local troops in the reopen unsolved Francois Lecointre said. past two months, with IS often claiming Credit : Associated Press (AP) sexual offense cases Amnesty: Egypt uses prosecution branch to crush dissent ◆ By NDT Bureau gypt’s government is using a secretive closed circuit,” Baoumi said. “If these cases El-Sissi led the military’s removal of the @NewDelhiTimes E security agency designed to fight were referred to trial, people would be country’s first democratically elected [email protected] terrorism to detain peaceful protesters, acquitted at once,” as the state’s accusations president in 2013 after his one-year rule journalists and critics on trumped-up charges are based on confidential police reports, he proved divisive, sparking nationwide outh Africa’s President says a project without trial, Amnesty International said in a added. protests. The general-turned-president S to reopen unsolved sexual offenses report released on 27 November. has overseen an unprecedented political cases soon will be rolled out across the Egyptian security forces carried out a harsh crackdown, silencing critics and jailing country, and he calls violence against The 60-page report by the London-based crackdown in September to stamp out small thousands. women and children “a great shame on our rights group details how Egypt’s Supreme but rare anti-government protests. The nation.” State Security Prosecution, or SSSP, has SSSP played a critical role in sweeping up “Our goal with this report is to make it become increasingly central to President thousands of people on charges of terrorism, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s sweeping crackdown the report said. The prosecution agency on dissent. “In Egypt today, the Supreme renews people’s detentions for months and State Security Prosecution has stretched years without evidence, denying them access the definition of ‘terrorism’ to encompass to lawyers and a fair chance to appeal, it peaceful protests, social media posts and added. legitimate political activities,” said Philip Luther, the group’s Middle East and North Amnesty said SSSP investigations into Africa director. allegations of torture and enforced disappearance by the police intelligence Photo Credit : AP Photo Concertgoers were accused of terrorism for division amount to a whitewash. The SSSP very clear that when someone is accused waving rainbow-colored flags. A journalist routinely buries evidence of police abuse and of terrorism in Egypt, the international charged with “broadcasting false news” More than 2,700 women were murdered in gives credence to confessions extracted with community cannot take it at face value,” was detained repeatedly for three years. A South Africa last year, and more than 1,000 torture, it said, drawing on court documents Baoumi told The Associated Press. “More human rights lawyer was arrested for joining children. More than 100 rapes are reported and interviews with dozens of witnesses. likely, that person was arrested for peacefully a protest he says he didn’t attend. Several every day. President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke expressing an opinion.” during the launch of 16 days of activism for Christians were imprisoned for “aiding a Under el-Sissi, Egypt has seen a “meteoric terrorist group,” a reference to the outlawed rise” in cases prosecuted by SSSP, according an issue on which he says South Africans In Washington, a senior State Department “have lost our way.” Muslim Brotherhood organization. to Amnesty. The report drew attention to the expansion of the branch’s covert role since official called on Egypt “to ensure journalists “Ridiculous” prosecutions have proliferated, a court declared indefinite administrative can work without threats of imprisonment He says the government is on track in said report author Hussein Baoumi. Citing detention unconstitutional in 2013. There and intimidation.” Assistant Secretary for implementing a six-month emergency these cases and over a hundred others, was no immediate comment from the Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker told action plan that was announced after angry Amnesty International said the SSSP, a government on Amnesty’s report, but reporters that “as part of our long-standing nationwide protests following the rape and secretive agency comprised of just a few authorities have repeatedly denied charges strategic partnership, we continue to raise murder of a university student in Cape Town. hand-picked judges, is abusing its legal of violations or police brutality. Authorities the fundamental importance of respect for powers as a counterterrorism branch to say they are fighting terrorism and have human rights.” The plan includes more specialized care stifle political dissent. “There’s no judicial accused rights groups of working with centers, rape kits and police training. oversight. We’re talking about a completely foreign entities to undermine the state. Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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South America NEW DELHI TIMES Bolivian senator: Evo Morales fell due to betrayals, errors Myriad vo Morales fell from power in Bolivia These events reinforced the argument that protests the priority was no longer Morales’ E due to betrayals by those he trusted Morales was toppled by a coup d’etat, Copa resignation but to “stop the deaths and frustrations draw and mistakes in his own party and because said, though she added in the end “history chaos.” some people “got drunk with power,” the will tell us what it was.” Colombians back president of the country’s Senate, a member Speaking at a meeting with students in of the exiled leader’s political movement, Opposition protests broke out after Mexico City, Morales called for unity in said Morales claimed victory in the election that the face of new elections and welcomed the onto streets international observers invited in by the Bolivian movement “that is emerging from olombians unhappy with President government said was flawed by numerous the bases as resistance to the racist coup.” C Iván Duque’s response to nearly a irregularities. week of boisterous protests are taking to “With the indigenous vote we are going to the streets again demonstrating over issues win the first round like we did on Oct. 20,” Prodded by police and the military, Morales ranging from tax reform to shark hunting he said. resigned on Nov. 10 amid the turmoil and quotas in the biggest display of unrest the went into exile in Mexico, which set off Morales governed for almost 14 years, nation has seen in decades. protests by his own supporters. At least 33 the longest presidential reign in Bolivia’s people died in the 35 days of demonstrations Photo Credit : AP Photo history and dominated all areas of power. by both sides. At age 32, Copa is one of Less than a month since his fall, his presence Monica Eva Copa, a young legislator who Bolivia’s youngest senators. The social is no longer felt in the halls of congress save rose from relative anonymity to the highest worker emerged from obscurity in the for some portraits on its walls. His party post currently held by a member of Morales’ disarray after Morales’ resignation and still sees him as its leader and its members Movement Toward Socialism, said the helped direct passage of a law allowing new believe he will show them how to rebuild the former president and the main actors in the elections to be called, which calmed the party and choose candidates. No one in the leftist party “must answer for what happened protests. Copa lives in the city of El Alto, party sees an obvious candidate to replace in the party.” a Morales bastion that neighbours La Paz. him. Bolivia’s interim president, Jeanine Photo Credit : AP Photo In recent weeks she was not able to return Áñez, formally enacted the law calling “I think the former president was living with The daily protests jolting the South home to sleep or look after her 7-month-old for new elections to replace Morales. The the enemy, but mistakes were also made, and American country are proclaiming an daughter because of meetings that lasted measure doesn’t set a date for the new vote. one of them was that some people got drunk unusually diverse set of complaints, though until dawn. That will be up to a new electoral tribunal with power,” Copa said in an interview with one similar refrain: an opposition to a that hasn’t yet been named. with The Associated Press, without saying “We now have to show our faces, people government that many believe only looks which people she was referring to. She said elected by the people who never thought The law annuls the Oct. 20 election and after the most privileged citizens. “We feel Morales used to meet every Monday with they’d reach the Legislative Assembly,” she bars Morales from participating in the new defenceless to everything,” Lucy Rosales, his military and police commanders, who said. Morales has said he hoped his party’s one. Morales, who was the nation’s first a pensioner walking in downtown Bogota, turned on him amid widespread protests legislators, being the majority, would reject indigenous president, ran in that contest said “We don’t feel like we have a voice over Bolivia’s disputed Oct. 20 president his resignation, allowing him to return to despite Bolivian voters upholding term that represents us. It’s many things that they election. “That the armed forces asked him Bolivia. limits. allowed to accumulate.” to resign is treason, that the police mutinied The new march comes a day after Duque’s But Copa said that amid the unrest and Credit : Associated Press (AP) is treason. This surprised me,” she said. attempt to quell the unrest by holding Peru opposition leader talks with a protest steering group hit a Argentine victims hope priests’ snag when members of the National Strike Fujimori ordered freed Committee refused to be part of talks the president has called with all social sectors, during probe sentences send pope message creating new uncertainty about how long the already costly protests might drag on. “The eru’s Constitutional Tribunal narrowly government has not been able to learn from approved a habeas corpus request P the Chilean and Ecuadorian experiences,” to free opposition leader Keiko Fujimori said Jorge Restrepo, an economics professor, from preliminary detention while she is referring to the recent mass demonstrations investigated for alleged corruption. in both of those countries. “It has made very many mistakes.” Magistrates noted that the 4-3 ruling does not constitute a judgment of Fujimori’s The steering committee presented a 13-point guilt or innocence regarding accusations list of demands that asks Duque to withdraw she accepted money from Odebrecht, the or refrain from tax, labor and pension Brazilian construction giant. reforms. The labor and student unions leaders also want Duque to review free “The Constitutional Tribunal isn’t ruling on trade agreements, eliminate a riot police unit the fundamental issue,” tribunal president accused in the violent death of an 18-year- Ernesto Blume said. “It’s not declaring her old student protester and fully implement absolution nor her guilt.” Photo Credit : AP Photo the nation’s historic peace accord with leftist rebels. he Argentine victims of two priests Argentine Episcopal Conference. Habeas corpus places the burden of proof T sentenced to more than 40 years in The organizers want the conservative on those detaining a person to justify the prison for sexually abusing deaf children The sentences handed down by the three- president to create a separate, independent detention in court. at a Catholic-run school hope Pope Francis judge panel in the city of Mendoza — the negotiation process specifically to takes note of the historic message delivered longest ever imposed on clergy in Argentina discuss their demands. It was an idea The former first daughter was jailed a little in his homeland. — sent “a strong message to the church,” his administration is at least initially over a year ago, capping a remarkable Buenanueva said. unwilling to concede, contending a more downfall for a politician who twice nearly Survivors of the abuse at the Antonio democratic approach would be to involve all won the presidency. Provolo Institute for Deaf and Hearing The Rev. Nicola Corradi, an 83-year-old Colombians. “The president has explained Impaired Children in Lujan de Cuyo, a Italian, was given 42 years and the Rev. that the ideal is to have inclusive spaces, not Prosecutors are investigating accusations municipality in northwestern Argentina, are Horacio Corbacho, a 59-year-old Argentine, exclusive ones,” Vice President Marta Lucía Fujimori laundered money from Odebrecht waiting for Francis’ reaction to this week’s got 45 years. They were arrested in 2016. Ramírez said. to finance her 2011 and 2016 campaigns – The panel also sentenced Armando Gómez, verdict. They say the priests should be made Several protesters said they agreed with allegations she denies. to “resign directly by the Holy Father,” a gardener at the institute, to 18 years in prison. the National Strike Committee’s decision the maximum punishment imposed by the not to participate in Duque’s dialogue – The ruling was met with both applause Roman Catholic Church. It’s expected that Corradi will remain which appears to take a page from French from loyal supporters who have painted President Emmanuel Macron, who opened a “This is a watershed case for society, under house arrest because of his age, “Free Keiko” signs around Lima and anger “Great National Debate” to involve citizens justice, the victims and also for the church,” while Corbacho and Gómez will be held from detractors who want to see her held in drafting reforms after months of angry said Bishop Sergio Buenanueva, head of at a prison in Mendoza. The verdicts can accountable for the alleged crimes. protests in that country. the Pastoral Council for the Protection be appealed. Credit : Associated Press (AP) of Vulnerable Minors and Adults in the Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP) India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 12 2 - 8 December 2019

Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES Catalysing change for gender equality adopted laws and policies to prevent and women must be part of the solution, as must ◆ By Armida Salsiah respond to violence against women. This supporting the transition of women from Alisjahbana is progress on which we must build. The informal to formal work sectors. Digital and ◆ By Phumzile Association of Southeast Asian Nations financial inclusion measures can empower Mlambo-Ngcuka (ASEAN) in 2015 adopted the Convention women to unleash their entrepreneurial reat strides have been taken to empower against Trafficking in Persons, Especially potential and support economic growth, G women and girls in the Asia-Pacific Women and Children, and a Regional Plan jobs and poverty reduction. Action has region since the Fourth World Conference of Action on the Elimination of Violence been taken in all these areas by individual on Women in Beijing adopted an ambitious Against Women in 2018. Free legal services, countries. They can be given scale by global agenda to achieve gender equality hotlines and digital applications to report countries working at the regional level. twenty-five years ago. Gender parity violence, and emergency shelters and has been achieved in primary education. safe spaces for survivors are increasingly Next year will mark the convergence of the Maternal mortality has been halved. Today, common. New partnerships are underway 25 years of implementation of the Beijing the region’s governments are committed challenging stigma and stereotypes, working Platform for Action and the five-year to overcoming the persistent challenges of directly with boys and men. milestone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable discrimination, gender-based violence and Development. Investments and financing for women’s unequal access to resources and However, more investment is needed to gender equality need to be fully committed decision-making. prevent violence, and to ensure all women and resourced to realize these ambitious targets and girls who experienced violence will and commitments. The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference have access to justice and essential services. for the Beijing+25 Review will meet in Our hope is that the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Bangkok this week to explore how more Second, women’s political representation expanded and complemented with targeted, Conference for the Beijing+25 Review will Beijing Declaration commitments can be must be increased in Asia and the Pacific. quality training and mentoring for women help provide the necessary momentum. Now met to improve the lives of women and girls Our region’s representation rates are leaders and removing the barriers of is time to craft priority actions for change and in the region. Asia-Pacific governments behind the global average. Only one in negative norms, stigma and stereotypes accelerate the realization of human rights and have reviewed their progress and identified five parliamentarians are women in Asia- of women in politics and as leaders.Third, opportunities for all women and men, girls three priority areas, areas where action is Pacific. Despite governments committing to economic empowerment remains key. and boys. Let us remain ambitious in our imperative to accelerate progress in the gender parity in decision making 25 years Only half the women in our region are in vision, and steadfast in our determination coming five years. ago in Beijing, the region has seen the share paid work, compared with 80 percent of to achieve gender equality and women of women in parliament grow at just 2.2 men. Ours is the only region in the world empowerment in Asia and the Pacific. First, we must end violence against women, percentage points annually over the past two where women’s labour-force participation Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under- such a severe human rights violation which decades. We must therefore look to where is decreasing in the past 10 years. Two out Secretary-General of the United Nations continues to hinder women’s empowerment. faster progress has been made. of three working women are in the informal and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, and As many as one in two women in the sector, often with no social protection and in region have experienced physical or sexual In several countries, quotas have helped hazardous conditions. Legislative measures Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under- violence from an intimate partner in the last increase the number of women in to deliver equal pay and policies to ensure Secretary-General of the United Nations 12 months. Countries in the region have parliament. These need to be further the recruitment, retention and promotion of and Executive Director of UN Women Portuguese Army acquires VAMTAC Pakistan launches fourth move at high speeds on all types of terrain ◆ By NDT Bureau and in adverse areas where other 4x4s have @NewDelhiTimes serious difficulties. It has demonstrated its effectiveness, versatility and ability to react Azamt FAC(M) [email protected] with full operability where necessary.

he URO VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Its design includes the latest technologies T Movilidad Táctico, “High Mobility in order to equip it with: 1) Permanent Tactical Vehicle”) is a Spanish four-wheel 4-wheel drive with control system; drive military vehicle manufactured by 2) Excellent approach and departure angles; the UROVESA, Spanish heavy vehicle 3) High ground clearance; 4) Independent

This ship is a state of the art, multi mission ◆ By NDT Bureau corvette having a length and breadth of 63 m @NewDelhiTimes and 8.8 m, respectively. The design draught of the ship is 2.46 m and displacement of [email protected] 560 tons. The ship has maximum speed of 30 knots and a range of 1000 Nautical Miles. akistan Navy’s (PN) fourth Azmat- This ship is propelled by 04 Diesel Engines, 04 P class fast attack craft (missile) – long travel suspension on all four wheels; Propulsion Shafts with Fixed Pitch Propellers. manufacturer based in Santiago de or FAC(M) was launched by Karachi 5) 100% differential locks in the transfer The ship carries surface to surface missiles, 25 Compostela, Galicia. Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) on case and in both axles, which mean the full mm gun, CIWS, surface search and tracking November 27, 2019. The launch ceremony radars. It has a stealthier design with state-of- They were in the news recently as power of the engine can be transferred to was attended by Pakistan’s Federal Minister the-art combat system. The third vessel is an announcement came from Spain’s neighbour the wheels that have grip; and 6) Standard for Defence Production Mohtarma Zobaida improved version compared to earlier vessels Portugal that the Portuguese Army’s fording capacity between 750 - 800mm with Jalal. and will carry indigenous weapon system”. Rapid Reaction Brigade was receiving 139 optional deep fording kit up to 1,500mm. VAMTAC ST5 4x4 light armoured tactical After the acquisition, the Portuguese Army According to information provided on the Pakistani Navy officials have earlier stated vehicles. The cost of the fleet is estimated at (Exército Português) has begun the process KSEW website, “Construction of Fast Attack that the Azmat call war ship will not only open approximately EUR60.8 million. inspection, technical compliance check and Craft, FAC(M) No 4, was started on 09 Dec new avenues of design and ship-building but According to the information available track tests of the operational capabilities of 2016 with steel cutting and subsequently also accelerate indigenization of defence on the website of Urovesa, VAMTAC can VAMTAC. keel laying was performed on 30 Mar 2017. production. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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Think - Tanks NEW DELHI TIMES Family not walls, builds a home the comforting space in our lives come in. order, one can’t limit our understanding of of our spirit is present in the comforting ◆ By Dr. Pramila Srivastava Home is not just made of walls and other family by walking along the bloodlines. In vibe of home where no misjudgement takes @PramilaBK non-living amenities, in true sense it is the the modern era, where because of career over. It is the family that makes for the true feeling of oneness, of tracing identical roots, objectives and personal ambitions, one has essence of home and so the place hardly [email protected] of the warmth and love that makes a house to leave the comforting space of the family matters, it is the presence of our loved ones a space to cherish about, that makes it the and interact with people whom we call our that build up the essence of home. “F amily is a life jacket in the stormy sea home we find our solace in. But apart from friends and companions. In our live journey of life.” the feelings and emotions that connect us to we meet many people who immediately or For the purpose of staying, yes, definitely – J.K. Rowling our home, the most important aspect of any in the course of time become our family and a house is needed, but it is the support and home is our family. It might sound cliché, The comfort and warmth associated with but family is definitely the heart of the home. the place that we call ‘home’ is no less than a heavenly feeling. Yes, despite the size of Many argue the heart to be one of the most the place where we live, what matters for essential organs of human body that pumps a house to become a home is the feeling of blood for life to thrive in other organs of oneness, of being there for each other, of our body so that the cycle of life could be fighting for the happiness of one-another, of continued. In other sense, the heart is also standing by each other side when crisis tend associated with human emotions and while to circumvent our lives, of sharing the joys calling the family the heart of the home the in little things and many more. importance of family in our life is escalated several folds. The space dynamics is just A sense of nostalgia has always been one factor while considering to understand attached to the concept of home and no one the complex concept of home. One often has ever escaped the feeling of not being tends to relate the feeling of home to one’s thus in their company and in their proximity warmth of the family that is essential to build nostalgic about their home. place of birth or simply track the trajectory is where we find the comfort of the home. a house into a home. A house is no more than to ancestral property. But all these ways of an empty shell unless the love, compassion In the modernistic era of development, theorising and conceptualising the notion of It is not the four concrete walls of a space that and understanding fill the space. The family people have been running their own selfish home is itself faulty. makes home, but in actuality the four walls values of supporting and being there for one races and, in the meantime, they have the of home are personified as love, warmth, another is what forms the strong foundation tendency to drift apart from the comforting The concept of home is not just limited to acceptance and trust. These are the pillars on of the home. While the modern existence presence of the home. In the life journey, the arena of space, and one must broaden our which the roof of the home stands tall. The has made us cold, it is the family that keeps while running the race to success we often horizon to fully understand the complexity conceptualization of home is also associated us warm and guarded and we in the wake of neglect the true essence of living and that associated with the conceptualization of with the feeling of longingness and where time must cultivate and nurture the same so is when the realization of the importance of home and family. While living in a social we find peace of mind and soul. The solace as to continue the cycle of love and warmth. Regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa inter alia, promote: greater energy trade and identified by the five nations which has welcomed the 5 September, 2018 Tripartite ◆ By International Institute for Non - Aligned Studies thus lower domestic unit costs of electricity over the past decade registered some of the Agreement among the State of Eritrea, the and promote energy access; better connect highest growth rates in Africa. The Horn of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia @iinsNAM small and medium producers to regional African countries have requested the three and the Federal Republic of Somalia to [email protected] development partners for supporting the foster a comprehensive cooperation on hosting of a financing forum to raise private political, economic, social, cultural and on-Aligned Movement has emphasised and concessional financing to supplement security issues, their coordination in the N the importance of regional cooperation their own domestic resources to finance promotion of regional peace and security as among the developing nations as an effective the priorities. The initiative also commits well as the establishment of a Joint High- means to promote security, stability and to meet on a bi-annual basis to take stock Level Committee to coordinate their efforts economic and social development. NAM of progress with implementation and to use in the framework of the Declaration. believes that South-South cooperation effective national and regional coordination is increasingly critical to bolstering the arrangements. The four-point joint declaration affirms to productive capacities of developing “foster comprehensive cooperation that countries and has positive impacts on NAM has appreciated the past initiatives by advances the goals of their peoples; build trade and financial flows, technological Horn of African countries to foster closer close political, economic, social, cultural th capabilities and economic growth. cooperation. At the 18 NAM Summit held and security ties; and work in coordination A recent example of regional cooperation in Baku, NAM commended the historic to promote regional peace and security.” among the developing countries is the signing of the Joint Declaration of Peace and regional initiative launched by five Horn of Friendship on 9 July, 2018 by the President Thus, through facilitating regional Africa countries–Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, of the State of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki, cooperation, the Horn of African countries Kenya and Somalia. The initiative was and the Prime Minister of the Federal are committed to the promotion of regional formalized on 18 October, 2019, on the side- Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy peace and security and build close political, lines of the World Bank Group/IMF Annual Ahmed, and welcomed the commitment economic, social, cultural and security ties. by both parties to resume diplomatic ties Meetings in Washington DC. (in arrangement with and global markets; allow our countries to and open a new chapter of cooperation and The five countries agreed on priority take the next steps on digital transformation; partnership, which will result in benefits for News from Non-Aligned World) projects and programs that will constitute increase intra-regional trade, economic both peoples and for the region. NAM also www.iins.org the initiative which is being developed diversification and creation of regional value by the countries with support from three chains; address resilience to weather shocks Subscription Form developmental partners-the African and mitigate its impact on pastoralists and Name :...... Development Bank, the European Union other vulnerable groups; and help build Address :...... and the World Bank. a stronger human capital base for the jobs Mobile / Phone :...... According to a Communique issued by of tomorrow. These are innovative and Date of Birth :...... Cash/Cheque / Draft / :...... the Finance Ministers and representatives transformative initiatives but taken together, Bank :...... of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and they constitute a package which responds Date :...... Somalia, the regional initiative focusses on to domestic and regional aspirations of the four key priority areas: 1) improving regional people”. One year Five year Subscription Fee Rs. 350 infrastructure connectivity; 2) promoting Rs. 1500 trade and economic integration; 3) building The proposals require a financing of A-2/59 Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi - 110029 India resilience; and 4) strengthening human $15 billion. The effort will culminate Ph. No : +91-11-26102520, Fax : +91- 11- 26196294 capital development. The Communique in a financing forum next year to seek E-mail : [email protected] Web : www.newdelhitimes.com states that “these initiatives are expected to, investors to realize a package of priorities

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 14 2 - 8 December 2019

Technology & Health NEW DELHI TIMES Is Tuna Fish safe to eat? bonito), are commonly implicated in several freezing and thawing cycles. These Currently, tuna are caught in gill nets, which ◆ By Smt. Maneka incidents of histamine poisoning, which leads food-handling practices are common to causes the fish to get bruised and injured Sanjay Gandhi to the term, “scombroid fish poisoning”, to all restaurants that serve tuna. Inadequate when they try to fight their way out. By the describe this illness. However, certain non- refrigeration, dirty grinders, are some of time the nets are hauled, and catch sorted, @ManekaGandhiBJP scombroid fish, mahi-mahi, bluefish, and the problems discovered in restaurants. many hours pass after death and histamines sardines, anchovy, herring when spoiled, are Histamine poisoning from fish is probably build up. Y ellow fin tuna products sold in the U.S. also implicated in histamine poisoning. the principal cause of morbidity from toxic are being recalled, through an order by fish consumption worldwide. Histamine levels should remain below 100 the Food and Drug Administration, because Histamine is a naturally occurring compound ppm, which is possible when tuna is frozen they can cause a type of food poisoning called that helps regulate specific functions of your immediately after catching, but in tropical scombroid fish poisoning. This happens digestive, nervous, and immune systems. countries with poor freezing facilities, levels when people eat fish that’s contaminated If you’ve ever experienced an allergic are known to rise above the acceptable with high levels of histamine, a compound reaction, you’re probably familiar with threshold, even if the fish remains above 4 that causes allergy like symptoms. common symptoms associated with elevated degrees Celsius for five minutes. In India, histamine levels, such as nasal congestion, tuna are sold in the open, with no ice (along The contamination occurs when the fish are with seerfish and mackerel). not properly refrigerated and bacteria break itchy skin, headaches, and sneezing. You may also ingest histamine through your diet down the fish’s flesh, resulting in high levels Tuna is now being pushed by this of histamine. Symptoms of scombroid fish – it occurs in certain foods like cheese, wine, pickles, and smoked meats. government. Till now, most of it was sold poisoning can include a tingling or burning in Kerala and Goa and is not among the sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, Histamine development is more likely to most preferred species in the domestic hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting and The Tuna samples, that have caused this occur in raw, unfrozen fish. Because the market, because it is not traditionally diarrhoea, flushing of the face, headache, recall, had histamine levels above the Food fish might appear and smell normal, the caught. It is being promoted for domestic faintness, sometimes with blurring vision, and Drug Administration regulatory level consumer is unlikely to identify a problem customers through the Ocean Partnerships abdominal cramps, wheezing or other of 50 ppm (levels were between 213 and before eating the fish. Once the bacteria have for Sustainable Fisheries and Biodiversity breathing problems, a tight feeling in the 3245 ppm). In most cases, the tuna used to formed the enzyme histidine decarboxylase, Conservation, a World Bank/GEF-funded throat, or a metallic or peppery taste in the prepare burgers and salads was frozen and histamine production can continue even if project, and The Bay of Bengal Programme mouth. Symptoms of Scombroid poisoning thawed more than once before serving. Tuna the bacteria are killed. The toxins produced Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP- typically begin within 5 to 30 minutes ground for burgers and sandwiches can be are heat stable and, once formed, are not IGO), headquartered in Chennai. after eating the fish, and last a few hours. susceptible to both, temperature fluctuations destroyed by cooking, smoking, or freezing. In some cases, symptoms can persist for a and bacterial contamination. Tuna is served The Indian seas, according to the Central few days. Sometimes antihistamines can raw as sushi , sandwich fillings and salad, Tuna are especially vulnerable to temperature Marine Fisheries Research Institute, have help. In severe cases, a trip to a hospital and cooked as filets, steaks, burgers. Tuna is fluctuations, because their average body nine species of the fish. But the tuna that are emergency room is necessary for care with canned in oil, brine, water, and sauces, and temperature when caught tends to be several brought in are not maintained well. IV fluids, oxygen or other medications and used for sandwiches and salads. Some parts degrees warmer than that of other types of treatments. Histamine poisoning can be of the meat are used as canned pet food. fish. Indian vessels are relatively small, do not life-threatening in persons with conditions Canning retains any histamines that may use on-board refrigeration, and depend on such as asthma and heart disease. Symptoms have been produced by bacteria. Thin pieces of fish, such as the belly meat ice, which limits the amount of fish that can related to histamine poisoning can also be used for ground tuna and salads, are more be properly stored. This is being sought to similar to those of coronary heart disease, Tuna is brought to cities from both local vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. be changed, so that more tuna can be caught. increasing the possibility of an invasive and international waters. It is supposed to Violation of storage and temperature The object is to compete with the US and medical intervention if misdiagnosed. There be refrigerated from the minute it is caught. controls are also more likely with tuna used France. is insufficient knowledge about it in the But most Indian fishermen bring it in the hot for salads and burgers, because pieces are medical community in India. sun to port only a few hours later. From there stored over a longer period than filets and But, is this the time to promote a fish that is it is supposed to go in refrigerated trucks exposed to multiple thawing and refreezing considered dangerous to health? Some kinds of fish contain naturally high and this takes 7-14 days. The fish meat is cycles. The grinding process, used to make levels of the chemical histidine. This put into freezer bags and stored in freezers tuna burgers, can contaminate the fish by To Read Full Article : https://www. chemical is converted to histamine by for 2 to 4 days until served as salads, steaks, either mixing histamine-forming bacteria newdelhitimes.com/is-tuna-fish-safe-to-eat bacteria. Unrefrigerated, or improperly filets or burgers. It is taken out at intervals into previously uncontaminated material or To join the animal welfare movement transported, fish of the families Scombridae to be ground into patties, and restored in the by increasing the temperature of the tuna contact [email protected], and Scomberesocidae (e.g. tuna, mackerel, cooler until cooked and served. This requires through mechanical friction. www.peopleforanimalsindia.org Better weather forecasts coming to the developing world s more extreme weather takes its toll in parts of the world such as Southeast Asia, The United States has a similar high- Carr said he suspects “there’s gonna be gaps, A around the world, computer giant IBM Africa as well as South America,” said Kevin resolution system, “but it’s just for the U.S. or failures, or problems sometimes in getting says it is making a breakthrough in precision Petty, Director of science and forecasting at because it takes so much computer time,” those data in. So, sometimes those forecasts weather forecasting available to everyone. IBM-owned The Weather Company. Carr said. “To do it for the whole globe is a aren’t going to be very accurate.” pretty significant achievement.” The company said the new high-resolution That precision can reveal details of where Users will be able to decide for themselves. forecasts bring a level of precision previously and when extremely heavy rain will fall. That The Weather Company’s Petty said, “We are The system now runs on Weather.com and available only in major industrialized just now getting to the point of having the The Weather Channel smartphone app. countries. It is expected to help emergency level of computational power to do this.” managers better predict where severe storms In the future, IBM hopes to improve will strike, as well as aid airlines planning its forecasts by collecting data from GRAF runs the National Center for flight paths and farmers tending crops. Not atmospheric pressure sensors that are now Atmospheric Research’s state-of-the- to mention commuters deciding whether to standard equipment in smartphones. art open-source weather model on high carry an umbrella. performance supercomputers. Forecasts are These sensors improve the accuracy of GPS. only as good as the observations that go into The new system generates forecasts more They can help fitness trackers calculate how them, Carr said. frequently and with finer details than what’s could be useful in emergency situations, as many flights of stairs the user has climbed, available outside the United States, Europe well as more mundane events. It could help for example. IBM said it is not currently and Japan. farmers decide when to plant, harvest and Finding, filling the gaps using this data but plans to offer users the fertilize, for example. opportunity to opt in. This kind of data Most forecasts have a resolution of 10 to It’s possible to quickly collect observations collection from tech companies has drawn 15 square kilometers and update every six Better forecasts around globe from radar, airplanes and surface scrutiny from privacy advocates. The city to 12 hours. IBM’s Global High-Resolution measurements in the United States, he of Los Angeles is currently suing IBM for Atmospheric Forecasting System (GRAF) “I think it’s a pretty large achievement,” added, but it’s not apparent how IBM gets improperly using location information from goes down to 3 square kilometers and said University of Oklahoma emeritus data from the other 98% of the globe, Weather Channel app users. updates every hour. “That’s providing a meteorology professor Fred Carr, who was especially in areas that currently don’t have level of detail that we’ve not been able to see not involved with the project. extensive weather systems. Credit : Voice of America (VOA) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

2 - 8 December 2019 15

Entertainment & Lifestyle NEW DELHI TIMES 65th Filmfare Awards, 2020 Swift moonwalks past Michael to be hosted by Guwahati Jackson’s record at AMA Awards aylor Swift has moonwalked past memorandum of understanding T Michael Jackson’s record at the 2019 By NDT Bureau ◆ A (MoU) has been signed between American Music Awards, taking home six @NewDelhiTimes Assam Tourism Development Corporation honours including artist of the year and artist (ATDC) and Worldwide Media to host the of the decade. [email protected] 65th Filmfare Awards, 2020 in Guwahati on February 15 next year. The pop star, who walked into the show with 23 AMAs, surpassed the King of Pop’s 24 The MoU is a historic milestone that aims wins at the fan-voted show. She rambled Photo Credit : AP Photo to strengthen the bond between Assam and onstage as she won the final award of the pop/rock artist, favourite adult contemporary the biggest entertainment industry in Asia — night — artist of the year — and repeatedly artist and favourite music video for “You Bollywood. thanked her fans for always showing up — Need to Calm Down”. Other big winners at the AMAs included Khalid and BTS-neither th during both the good and bad times. “The 65 Filmfare Awards, 2020 will capture act attended the show but won three prizes. the essence of ‘Awesome Assam’ and be “This year has been a lot of good, a lot of Billie Eilish picked up two awards-new S viewed by millions in India and across the really complicated, so behalf of my family artist of the year and favourite alternative world, showing Assam as a popular tourist and me, thank you so much for being there artist. She also took the stage-surrounded by destination,” said Vineet Jain (Managing and caring,” said Swift, who now has 29 fire-to perform her song, “All the Good Girls Director, Times Group). AMAs. It was a family affair at the AMAs: Go to Hell”. Swift’s father and teary-eyed mom sang For the first time, the prestigious award along as the singer performed a medley of Lizzo, who was nominated for three honours show will be hosted outside Mumbai, since her hit songs-a performance Swift said in but walked away empty handed, screamed its inception. The move is likely to boost a November 15 social media post was put at the top of her lungs while performing the tourism in Assam, which is also known as in jeopardy by Scott Borchetta and Scooter ballad “Jerome,” one of several songs from the gateway to the North East. Braun, the owners of her master recordings. her album that earned her a leading eight Grammy nominations. Christina Aguilera Pollstar says U2 top touring act over the last decade She didn’t mention the men during her was a vocal powerhouse when she took acceptance speeches at the Microsoft t was a beautiful decade for U2 on the the stage alongside A Great Big World and Theater in Los Angeles, but this did thank I touring front, as the Rock and Roll rock icon Ozzy Osbourne — who has been her new label for allowing her to freely Hall of Famers raked in over $1 billion in recovering from a bad fall that took place express herself as an artist. sales to be named the artist of the decade by earlier this year — was a highlight as he performed with Post Malone and Travis Pollstar. “This album really felt like a new beginning, Scott. and I also really love my record label, The touring trade publication tracks data Universal and Republic. Monte Lipman, Shania Twain closed the night with a on tours globally. It says U2 grossed $1.03 Lucian Grainge, thank you for being so memorable performance. Other nostalgic billion in ticket sales from November 2009 generous to me and allowing me to make performances included Toni Braxton and to November 2019. They were followed by whatever music I want to make,” Swift Green Day. Shawn Mendes and Camila The Rolling Stones, which had just under a Photo Credit : AP Photo said after winning favorite pop/rock album Cabello heated up the stage as they stood billion with $929 million; Ed Sheeran was McCartney, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen for “Lover,” her first album not released on close together while singing “Senorita,” third with $922 million; Taylor Swift was & the E Street Band and Roger Waters. Borchetta’s Big Machine Label Group. “As staring in each other’s eyes as they sang fourth with an estimated $900 million; and VenuesNow, Pollstar’s sister outlet, named a songwriter it’s so thrilling to me that I get from one microphone at times. They even Beyonce was at No. 5 with $857 million. London’s O2 the top grossing venue. to keep doing that.” rubbed noses at the end. Rounding out the top 10 were Bon Jovi, Paul Credit : Associated Press (AP) Swift’s other wins include favourite female Credit : Associated Press (AP) Singer Goo Hara’s death shines light on dark side of K-pop Subhash Chandra he death of South Korean singer and stepping away from her singing career. Goo “Interviews with K-pop Stars,” said female T actress Goo Hara, whose body was made headlines when she took her former stars are bound by rigid societal rules of resigns as found at her home in Seoul this week, has boyfriend, Choi Jong-bum, to court last year. femininity. “Some female idol members again shone a spotlight on pressures that Choi claimed to have been assaulted by her, have gotten ostracized for not smiling in a Chairman of Zee stars, especially females, face in the cutthroat while Goo accused him of threatening to television show and reading a book about K-pop industry and in deeply conservative release a sex video of her. feminism that contradicts male-dominated Entertainment South Korean society. patriarchal South Korean society,” Park told During the dispute, Goo’s Korean agency The Associated Press. Enterprises Ltd Goo’s death at age 28 came less than two didn’t renew her contract. A court sentenced months after the death of Choi Jin-ri, or Choi to 1 ½ years in prison on charges of ◆ By NDT Bureau Sulli, another K-pop star and Goo’s close coercion and assaulting and blackmailing @NewDelhiTimes friend. Experts say both Goo and Choi Goo. The jail term was suspended, keeping faced extensive cyberbullying and sexual him out of prison. Choi appealed and the trial [email protected] harassment from the public and media is still ongoing. K-pop is highly competitive, throughout their careers, which took a toll with dozens of groups debuting each year. ith an immediate effect the media on their mental health. Industry experts have long warned about W baron Subhash Chandra has resigned the dark side of the scandal-ridden industry. from the top post of his flagship company Aspiring artists, as young as their early Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL). Police say they are still investigating Goo’s Photo Credit : AP Photo death and found a “pessimistic note” at her teens, train for years. Only a few debut and home. Once popular mostly in Asia, K-pop even fewer are commercially successful. Expectations of purity and chastity govern The move comes in line with the has spread far beyond South Korea, thanks The likelihood of their success increases if women in South Korea. Goo faced a barrage requirements of Regulation 17 (lB) of SEBI to wildly popular groups such as “BTS” and they sign with a handful of top entertainment of hate comments following media reports Listing Regulations prohibiting Chairperson “Blackpink”. agencies. about the sex video despite her being the of the board from being related to the victim of revenge porn. Managing Director or the Chief Executive Goo debuted in 2008 as part of the five- The industry is known to have strict rules for Officer of the company. member girl group Kara, which shot almost their stars — including dating bans, spartan “The topic of sex is taboo in South Korea immediately to fame and helped pioneer training and diets, and sometimes slave- compared to western countries,” said The resignation comes as his family saw its the K-pop global phenomenon. She later like and unfair contracts. Experts say the Tae-Sung Yeum, attending psychiatrist at stake in ZEE falling to 5 per cent from 41 launched a successful solo career in South industry has additional requirements for its Gwanghwamun Forest Psychiatric Clinic. per cent, a year ago after a series of mistimed Korea and Japan. Sulli began her career female artists, unspoken rules reflective of “There’s a high moral standard required, and expensive infrastructure bets. around the same time as Goo, debuting South Korea’s patriarchal society. especially for female celebrities, because as a member of the girl band f(x) in 2009. South Korea is a patriarchal society.” Having resigned from the post, Chandra will She also had multiple acting roles after Park Hee-A, a K-pop journalist and writer of Credit : Associated Press (AP) continue as a Non-Executive Director.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 16 2 - 8 December 2019

Sports NEW DELHI TIMES 2019 New Leaders Forum in Helsinki shares best practices for mainstreaming gender equality in sports the role of young people at the Forum, with Presidents of many National Olympic ◆ By NDT Bureau the 30 young Game-Changers from across National Association also actively @NewDelhiTimes Europe who took part in the New Leaders participated in the Forum. HRH Prince Programme in 2019 sharing their new ideas Feisal Al Hussein, IOC Executive Board [email protected] and fresh momentum for challenging gender Member, Chair of the Association of norms in sport during numerous panel National Olympic Committees (ANOC) he New Leaders Sport Leadership discussions, presentations and working Gender Equity Committee and mentor to T Programme is a legacy project of session. one of the young Game-Changers, led the Birgitta Kervinen, the 2017 IOC Women session on Safeguarding Athletes from and Sport World Trophy Winner for her Thomas Bach, President of the International Harassment and Abuse. HRH Prince Feisal advocacy work in gender equality in sports, Olympic Committee (IOC) delivered the highlighted how approximately one in five the highlight of which was pushing the inaugural address at the 2019 New Leaders children in Europe are victims of some form European Commission to prioritise gender Forum. Bach pointed out the achievements of of sexual violence and it is estimated that equality as a sports policy. The Forum the IOC on and off the field of play in its aim to in 70 to 85 percent of cases, the abuser is was first held in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2017 achieve gender equality- “When the Olympic somebody the child knows and trusts. He and made the case for gender equality in Games Tokyo 2020 get underway, we will have remarked: “Although sport is inherently leadership, and shared practical ideas for also achieved gender balance at the Olympic good, with many wonderful benefits, there engaging more women and men in the Games, with the highest-ever representation of Lydia Nsekera, Chair of the IOC Women in are elements of sporting culture that may discussion and in practice. female athletes in Olympic history at close to Sport Commission stressed the importance perpetuate or mask harassment and abuse. 49 per cent.” He further noted how the IOC of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) To truly safeguard athlete welfare, we must The 2019 New Leaders Forum took place has also modified the Olympic competition called for stepping up and implementing the ensure that policies and procedures are in Helsinki, Finland from November 18- schedule to balance the visibility of men’s and IOC recommendations on gender equality. implemented effectively across the board. 20. The Forum was organised by the women’s events on the programme. “As for the sports leaders, the path is clear: NOC of Finland, in collaboration with the we have to start at the bottom and work Sports organisations share an enormous International Olympic Committee (IOC) Bach mentioned that about the current historic our way up, not the other way round,” she cultural power to demonstrate leadership in and the European Olympic Committees high of over 45 per cent female members on IOC remarked. Lausanne 2020 President Virginia this important subject area. We must all strive (EOC). Speakers at the Forum shared best Commissions and that since 2013, as a result Daivre highlighted the important role of the to ensure that safe sport environments are practices for mainstreaming gender equality of Olympic Agenda 2020, female participation youth Olympic games in promoting gender universal and are considered a fundamental in sports. Particular emphasis was placed on in the IOC Commissions more than doubled. equality in sport. right of all persons involved”. Nadal, grieving Bautista Agut lead Spain to Davis Cup title afael Nadal gave all he had on the Caja beating Félix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (3), 6-3. R Mágica center court in Madrid. Voted the tournament’s best player, Nadal The top-ranked Spanish star even admitted sealed the title with his 29th straight Davis he risked getting injured by playing eight Cup singles win, igniting the home crowd’s matches — five singles, three doubles — in celebrations. six days at the Davis Cup Finals, the new World Cup of men’s team tennis. Tournament organizer and Barcelona soccer star Gerard Piqué, his wife Shakira — who Nadal won all his matches, leading Spain to performed in the closing ceremony — and its sixth Davis Cup with a victory over first- Spanish King Felipe VI were among those time finalist Canada. celebrating Spain’s triumph.

Spain’s other Davis Cup titles were in 2000, ’04, ’08, ’09 and ’11.

The new Davis Cup Finals is the result of a 25-year partnership between the International Tennis Federation and the Kosmos group co-founded by Piqué.

For the first time, 18 nations played in the same venue in a single week, instead of head-to-head matches that used to take place over four weekends throughout the year. Photo Credit : AP Photo The tournament returns to Madrid next year. But in Nadal’s opinion, the only hero for Spain was grieving teammate Roberto Credit : Associated Press (AP) Bautista Agut. He sent Spain on its way to victory by winning the Contact New Delhi Times first singles match, three For Complaints & Suggestions days after the death of his +91-9999331600 father. & For Advertisements Before Nadal defeated +91-9999337800 Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 7-6 (7) to clinch the A-2/59, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029 title-Spain’s first since also winning at home in Visit us at : twitter@NewDelhiTimes 2011-Bautista Agut had given Spain a 1-0 lead by facebook.com/newdelhitimes Printer and Publisher: Dr. (Mrs.) Pramila Srivastava, on behalf of Dr. Ankur Srivastava, Printed at Sudhir Printers, 151, Desh Bandhu Gupta Market, Karol Bagh, Delhi - 110005, Published at A-2/59 Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi-110029. Ph.: 26102520, 26105846 Fax: 26196294 Email: [email protected], Vol. 29, No. 44 Editor : Dr. Ankit Srivastava www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper